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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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North Country Honor Flight flies this Saturday

Photo – When you realize the Water Canon salute is because you’re on the plane.

The send-off ceremony is a great family experience

On Saturday, May 18, North Country Honor Flight will take us to the skies again, bringing 30 veterans on an all-expense paid trip of a lifetime to visit their memorials, which were built in their honor. We will have Veterans from Vietnam, Desert Storm, Korea, and one WWII Veteran. Dusty Smith is taking this trip just one month before his 101st birthday. Flight leaders Laurie and Mike Parsons have done an exceptional job getting these Veterans and Guardians ready for their flight.

“Thunder in the Burgh” will return and leave the mall around 6:15 a.m. The Veterans and their escorts will arrive at Veterans Park for a send-off ceremony at 7 a.m.

After the ceremony, there will be a motorcade from the Oval to the airport; the salute by all the local fire departments and emergency squads will be on New York Ave. Unfortunately, there is limited viewing of the aircraft take-off at 9:30.

The two chartered aircraft will return at 8:15 p.m. Saturday evening. Please join us for all parts of the Honor Flight day. All events are free and open to the public. Bikers are also encouraged to attend. Lloyd Provost sets up all rides and has set his sights on 250 bikes to escort the Honor Flight buses to the airport.

North Country Honor Flight is a volunteer-driven organization that relies solely on public donations to honor our Veterans. Every donation, no matter the size, is crucial to our operations. You can make a difference by donating to NCHF PO Box 2644 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 or on our website at Northcountryhonorflight.org. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Recore family for their generous donation in memory of WWII Veteran Herb Recore, a true hero who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and received his Purple Heart in the battle of Saint Lo.

Amtrak to temporarily suspend service on Adirondack Route as Canadian National begins track work

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Former Utica mayor pleads quilty to stealing thousands from scholarship money

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Gov. Hochul’s review of Office of Cannabis Management finds inefficiencies, inexperience, mismanagement; agency head to step down

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Pulled Pork
Vegetable
Bread
Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972

All are invited and welcome!

 

Pork is served over rice, not on a bun as originally depicted. 

Agenda – Peru Town Board Regular Meeting, May 13, 2024 @ 6 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call 
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept Reports from all Departments (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports, JCEO);
  1. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of April 22, 2024.
  1. Community Input. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  4-H Member Request for Allowing a Small Free Food Pantry @ Heyworth Mason Park. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Update on Highway Dept. Surplus Equipment Sales
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance of Cyber Crime/Security Insurance Coverage Quote. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Endorsement of LCT Revitalization of Snug Harbor Marina.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance of Shared Services Agreement with the Town of Ausable for Wastewater Services.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Call for a Public Hearing on May 29th   for the Water Treatment Plant WIIA Grant.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance/Allow Filing of the WIIA Funding Application by Barton & Loguidice.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance of Washington Street Phase II Water/Sewer Main Infrastructure.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Change to Handbook Regarding Sick Time/Dr’s Documentation.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance of Service Quote to Change Out Carbon Filters at Water Treatment Plant.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance of AES Agreement for Lead Service Inventory.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Acceptance of Quotes for the Porta-Potty Rental for Parks.
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Use of Community Property Applications. (PAL Football & Adir. Reg. Theater. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Accepting New Customers Out of Sewer District.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay April/May 2024 Bills.
  1. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.
  1. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 
  1. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Town Hall and Town Count staff receive vital medical training

L-R EMT Sarah Mitchell, Court Clerk Holly Stone, Receptionist Judy Akey, Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass, Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup, Town Justice Scott Thurber, Back Row Town Justive Jim Kirby

Sarah Mitchell

Thanks to Town Justice Scott Thurber for this good news!

Peru, NY On Friday, April 10, Sarah Mitchell trained staff from the Town Hall and the Court on CPR/AED, First Aid, and Naloxone “Narcan” administration. It was excellent training, which we hope we never have to apply.  However,  if a medical condition should occur, staff at either site now have the training and tools necessary to assist town residents in a medical emergency until professional medical staff arrive.

Assemblyman Jones honors nine Women of Distinction including Peru’s Jackie Douglass

Assemblyman Jones presents the NYS Assembly Proclamation to Jackie Douglass

All the award winners

Jackie’s biggest supporters – Her husband Jim, son Connor, and his fiancee Valeria Badilla Aguilar

By John T Ryan

May 10, 2024,  Plattsburgh – Last evening at Clinton Community College’s Stafford Theater, Assemblyman Bill Jones presented his 2024 Women of Distinction Awards to nine recipients chosen from hundreds of nominations from all over the North Country.

Assemblyman Jones presented his Humanitarian Award to Jackie Douglass of Peru. Jackie is the consummate volunteer at places like the Peru Community Church, the Peru Central School, and countless other activities that improve people’s lives. Jackie told the large gathering that she feels blessed when people ask her to be with them as they encounter life’s most challenging moments. 

A cancer survivor, Jackie’s an active member of the Boobie Sisters, a cancer support group. Those ladies and many family and friends brought Jackie the loudest cheers of the evening.

Assemblyman Jones closed the evening, saying, “I noted that the one thing these nine wonderful women have in common is being very humble. They didn’t praise themselves tonight; they praised all the people who made their success possible.”

Assemblyman Billy Jones will share the stories and achievements of all nine recipients on Facebook over the coming days. They include:

  • Carey Goyette — Education Award
  • Louise McNally — Community and Civic Affairs Award
  • Richelle Gregory — Healthcare Award
  • Carol Arnold — Volunteerism Award
  • Kelly Gonyo — Business Award
  • Jackie Douglass — Humanitarian Award
  • Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay — North Country Neighbor Award
  • Pauline Stone — Service to Hometown Heroes Award
  • Vivian Young Joo — Law Enforcement Award

Regular Monthly School Board Meeting May 2024

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.
The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.
Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:
First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 14th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.
Anticipated topics include:
· Public Hearing on the May 21st Annual Budget Vote & School Board Election
· Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct
· Personnel Appointments
· Refuse & Recycling Bid Award
· Shared & Professional Services Agreements
· Capital Project Proposals
The complete agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

NY Thruway worker struck by tractor trailer dies; 2nd worker seriously injured

Click here to view the Syracuse.com story 

Peru faces a multi-million dollar price tag to replace its deteriorating culverts

Telegraph Rd. south of the Sullivan Rd. intersection

Temporary repairs on Cook Rd.

2019 Patent Rd.

Closed Telegraph Rd. Culvert

Telegraph Rd. culvert sink-hole

By John T Ryan 

Peru –  $5 million+ is a lot of money in a small town; however, that’s the approximate amount Peru incurred or will soon incur for its culvert replacement projects (not including any long-term borrowing costs). Town officials hoped that Peru would qualify for grants under the Bridge NY program; however, it doesn’t appear that will happen. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald commented, “Like always, we are checking with Assemblyman Billy Jones to see if there is any chance of getting any funding from the State. We’re looking into anything possible for funding.” McDonald said the town would look at long-term borrowing if that effort fails. 

Highway Department Superintendent Michael Farrell recalls former Highway Department Superintendent Elmer Duprey telling him the culvert failures would happen under his watch. Duprey headed the department when the historic 1996 and 1998 floods washed out several culverts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Peru a disaster area and funded the replacement culverts. Elmer Duprey recalls, “I wanted to use concrete box culverts, not galvanized pipe, but FEMA said ‘no.’ They insisted that we use what had been in place before the flooding. I knew galvanized pipe had changed over the years. It doesn’t hold up like it once did.” 

Environmental stream quality and fish habitat laws and regulations laws have also changed. Today, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) typically mandate that towns use box culverts.* While box culverts are guaranteed to last up to 100 years, they are costly. The town will pay $129,000 for the relatively small box culvert installed on Cook Rd. Culvert replacement projects also have design, engineering, and contracting costs. 

Recent and pending Peru projects: 

  • 2019 Patent Rd. $264,000 
  • 2022 Telegraph Rd. – Sullivan Road Intersection – Estimated $2 million 
  • 2024 (Pending) Telegraph Rd. – Estimated $1,500,000 
  • 2024 (Ongoing) Cook Rd. – $340,000
  • (Pending) Wescott Rd in Peasleeville, a larger culvert than the pending culvert on Telegraph Rd. 

*Thank you to the NYS DEC for the following information regarding culverts and streams. 

Stream crossing applications are individually reviewed against the standards in the applicable statutes and regulations such as Environmental Conservation Law section 15-0501 Protection of Streams, 6NYCRR Part 608 Use and Protection of Waters, Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification, and the Community Risk and Resiliency Act. DEC’s stream crossing guidelines are outlined here: Stream Crossings – NYSDEC. Characteristics such as stream width and slope at the specific stream/crossing dictate the required structures. 

The statewide General Permit for stream activities also contains information on the types of culvert projects we recommend: General Permit For Stream Activities, GP-0-20-002 – NYSDEC. DEC’s Protection of Waters webpage provides additional information: Protection of Waters Program – NYSDEC.

3 arrested after drug bust in town of Plattsburgh, police say

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Assemblyman Billy Jones Announces 2024 Women of Distinction Awardees

            Assemblyman Billy Jones recently announced his 2024 Women of Distinction Awardees. There will be a ceremony on Thursday May 9 at 6pm at the Stafford Theater at Clinton Community College to celebrate these distinguished recipients.

            “Every year I am truly impressed by the hundreds of nominations you all submit, making it difficult to pick the final awardees. There are some amazing women in the North Country, and it is an honor to recognize them at the Women of Distinction ceremony every year.”

This year’s recipients are:

  • Carey Goyette — Education Award
  • Louise McNally — Community and Civic Affairs Award
  • Richelle Gregory — Healthcare Award
  • Carol Arnold — Volunteerism Award
  • Kelly Gonyo — Business Award
  • Jackie Douglass — Humanitarian Award
  • Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay — North Country Neighbor Award
  • Pauline Stone — Service to Hometown Heroes Award
  • Vivian Young Joo — Law Enforcement Award

‘We’ve drained our savings’: New York cannabis farmers struggling to stay afloat

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

From acid rain to global warming: Adirondack research faces funding crunch

Excellent, extremely well-written story 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Champlain Centre under new management

Pacific Retail Capital Partners brings fresh perspective to area shopping center

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Participants, organizers gear up for 2nd year of Lake City Running Festival

The festival was established last year following the conclusion of the Plattsburgh Half-Marathon in 2019

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Event by Peru K-5 PTO, Paint Parties with Jessie 

PTO invites you to a Paint Party with artist Jessie Furnia on Saturday, May 11th, from 1-3 pm. This event is open to the public; all ages are welcome to paint with us! Please register to reserve your spot using the SignUp link, children must be registered as well. The cost is $30/painter. Cash, checks payable to Peru K-5 PTO, and credit cards will be accepted at the door. Proceeds to benefit the Peru K-5 PTO. The location is at the Primary Cafeteria in the Primary Building at the School. Parking will be at the Primary Parking Lot off Route 22B.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic in Peru on May 16

Peru, NY, May 6, 2024: The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is hosting a free Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets. New York State law requires pets to have their first rabies vaccination by four months of age, but pets may be vaccinated as early as three months of age.
The event will be held on May 16, 2024, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm at the Peru Volunteer Fire Department building located at 753 Bear Swamp Road, Peru, NY. Interested residents should bring their pets on a leash or in a secure carrier. Pets that have received a previous rabies vaccination are eligible for a three-year certificate. Please bring your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination records (previous certificate). Otherwise, a one-year certificate will be provided.
CCHD asks those planning to attend the clinic to Pre-register for the event at www.clintonhealth.org/rabiesclinics. Residents can call CCHD at 518-565-4870 for assistance with the registration process. There is a limit of 3 animals per household. Remain in your car until your appointment time. Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting all mammals, including humans and pets. Rabies is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating your pets. As a precaution, never pick up wildlife, including stray animals, and wear thick protective gloves when handling these animals. If you are bitten (teeth breaking the skin) by an animal, including domestic animals, seek medical attention and notify the CCHD.
“This is a great opportunity to save your pet’s life and prevent the spread of rabies”, states Amanda Masten, Senior Sanitarian for CCHD’s Division of Environmental Health & Safety. “This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.” Donations are accepted and appreciated.
CCHD has scheduled five additional Rabies Vaccination Clinics at the following locations: 7/18/24—Dannemora Fire Department 8/8/24—Beekmantown Highway Garage 9/24/24—Rouses Point Volunteer Fire Department 10/8/24—Ellenburg Depot Fire Department 12/3/24—City of Plattsburgh Public Works.
For more information, including future clinic dates, visit www.clintonhealth.org/rabiesclinics or follow our social media pages. For more information on the rabies virus, visit the Center for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.

Babbie Museum opens May 18-19 with special programs

Peru, NY, May 7, 6:30 a.m. roadside scenes

Huge cache of ghost guns, parts and high-capacity magazines found in Cicero home; man charged

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Rove Cafe changes business hours and adds dinner hours

May 7, 2024 – A message from Crystal and Toni
We’ve been contemplating adding dinners at Rove Cafè for quite some time. With recent events in our lives giving us a huge reminder to take care of our family and health as well as our business and livelihood, we are updating our hours. We will now be open for Breakfast & Lunch Wednesday through Sunday from 7 am-2 pm and for Dinner Fridays & Saturdays 5 pm-9 pm,’
I think this is a great compromise offering us time to decompress and be with our kids, and offers you, our neighbors, community, and friends a great blend of all the culinary treats Toni and I have to share.
We absolutely love the cafe, and love being a part of such an amazing community here in the Morth Country.
For all those asking, we are OK. Toni had some cardiac issues that landed him in the Emergency room for a few hours, and we left with them unresolved. With the medication given, that issue has since been resolved, and we will be following up to see what the cause of it was/is. We have some thoughts, as suggested by the doctors, and are adjusting our lives and hours with our health and well-being in mind. We seem to have forgotten through it all to take care of ourselves as well.
We are so, so excited for dinners at Rove!! 🤗🥳😊
XO
Chrystal & Toni

Spring has arrived, especially at Sweet Treat

Photo – Bridget Molloy with her children Ella and Winnie and friend Aya. And canine friend Stewie.

Peru, NY, May 5, 2024—It wasn’t difficult to predict that this evening’s beautiful weather would attract Sweet Treat lovers. Vehicles filled the Sweet Treat’s parking lot, and customers lined up to enjoy their favorite treats.

Bernie Sanders is running for reelection to the U.S. Senate T

The 82-year-old progressive firebrand from Vermont announced Monday that he is seeking a fourth term this year.

Click here for the Vtdigger story