The Peru Gazette

PostStar.com reports

PostStar.com reports (An excellent story with news not published locally)

The Times Union reports

The Times Union reports

How do the Clinton County’s largest school districts rank by student population as of October 2010?

Peru Central School 2,079

Beekmantown Central School 1,930

Plattsburgh City Schools 1,824

Saranac Central School 1,567

Northeastern Clinton Central 1,383

By John T. Ryan

A few days ago A. Paul Scott announced that he will retire as Peru Central School Superintendent in June. Peru School Board President Roderick Driscoll spoke about Scott in a Press Republican interview saying, “He’s done a fantastic job…Some superintendents are all vision, and some are all details, and he has both…He will be a tough act to follow.” This reporter conducted an interview covering a wide-range of topics with Mr. Scott including the challenges he’ll face in the next six months and some of the changes he’d like made in how New York State regulates its educational institutions.

Scott said the school board, administration and staff will be focusing on three major issues in the coming months: formulating a 2011-2012 budget; responding to new state regulations relating to the annual evaluation of teachers and principals; and preparing for an impending primary school construction project. Scott said Peru Central has always placed student achievement, student conduct and student safety as its top priorities. The economy and the state’s financial crisis have elevated multi-year planning, management of resources and simply maintaining existing programs and services to the #2 priority.

Fifty-one percent of this year’s Peru Central $43 million income is derived from New York State aid, thirty-four percent from local taxes, twelve percent from fund balances and three percent from fees and miscellaneous revenues. New York State’s financial crisis will undoubtedly impact local schools. Scott said that the school board has routinely built a margin into its budgets to cover unforeseen contingencies. He said, “I believe those margins will be narrowing. It’s going to be complex. We will strive to control costs and keep any increases at a minimum.” Budgeting may also be complicated by the fact that Peru’s teachers are currently working without a contract and negotiations are ongoing.

Implementation of the new state mandated teacher and principal evaluation requirements will consume Scott’s time. Scott, known for a collegial management style, said, “Many people on campus are going to be part of that conversation.” The $12.6 million dollar construction project at the primary school was approved by voter referendum in March 2008. The project includes infrastructure improvements to such things as floors and ceilings, window systems, doors, lighting systems and safety features. Scott will be working on project design and development details this winter and spring. Construction will take place over the next two summers.

Peru Central’s enrollment is holding relatively steady. There are 2,079 students enrolled this year compared to just over 2,100 last year. Scott calculates that enrollment will decline a little more next year before leveling off in 2012. He is hopeful that the proposed Laurentian Aerospace development on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base will bring more families into the district. Peru Central School is the largest school district in Clinton County with almost almost 2,100 students, a staff of 200 teachers, 140 support personnel, plus administrators and part-time personnel.

Asked what would help him most in his job Scott immediately pointed to a reduction in New York State mandates. He said, “We need a rollback in some of the requirements that drive annual cost increases.” Even though the state has had a budget crisis for several years, the mandates keep coming and they usually don’t have state funding. Scott said, “Stop making more legislative mandates for school districts. Don’t do any more harm.”

Scott gave specific examples of state mandates that should be altered or eliminated:

• Unfunded Special Education mandates that are above and beyond federal mandates.
• New York State requires the Peru Central staff to collect data for over 150 annual reports. Scott said, “There could be a more efficient way to collect the data rather than collect it each year.”
• Some mandates begin with no prior warning mid-way in a school year. Scott said, “If a mandate must be enacted, start it in the next school year, not immediately.”
• Enable regional collective bargaining. Currently every local school district devotes a tremendous amount of time to collective bargaining.
• Reform the Wicks law which mandates that school districts must have at least four contractors for capital projects. Districts can’t hire one general contractor who then hires his or her own sub contractors. Scott says, “This law was originally intended for New York City and New York City is no longer subject to it. It adds considerably to costs.”
• Conduct audits detailing the cost of state mandates. The state audits public schools annually. The audits should include the cost of mandates.
• Give school districts the same reserve fund budget flexibility as that enjoyed by towns and municipalities. Scott believes that schools could be administered much more effectively if school boards were not so restricted on how they can allocate reserve fund monies.

While A. Paul Scott is retiring from the Peru Central School system he says his family has told him they don’t want to see him relax at home for too long. Undoubtedly his abilities and his accomplishments at Peru Central School will lead to more challenges and leadership positions for this experienced and respected leader.

PostStar.com reports

The adirondack almanac reports

WESTPORT, NY — The Marketing Your Product for Profit online marketing training course has been moved from Moriah to Westport. Pre-registration interviews are now underway for the training that starts January 13 in Canton, Malone, Watertown and now Westport. The interviews help instructors customize the training to fit participants’ needs and interests.

Classes will be held every Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Westport, at BOCES in Malone and Watertown, and at SUNY Canton.

The course fee to learn how to market and sell products online is $65.

Course advisors provide ongoing support for up to three years after the course ends.

Northern New York artists, maple producers, market gardeners, craft artisans, small-business owners and entrepreneurs have already graduated from the marketing course offered by the Northern Adirondack Trading Cooperative in partnership with the PathStone Enterprise Center, the St. Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension, SUNY Canton and BOCES.

For more information on the course in Westport, contact Anita Deming at 962-4810; for the Malone site: Bernadette Logozar at 518-483-7403; for the Canton site: Ruby Sprowls, 315-386-4000, 877-228-7810; for the Watertown site: Corey Hayes: 315-788-8450. #

PostStar.com reports

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports

A news release of the office of Congressman Bill Owens

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, families will soon be free from the constant worry that they will not be able to get health care when they need it the most.  But repealing the law would strip Americans of this new freedom and take us back to the days when big insurance companies had the power to decide what care residents of New York could receive—allowing them to once again deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions, cancel coverage when people get sick, and place limits on the amount of care people can get, even if they need it.  What’s more, without the law, insurance companies could overcharge for insurance just to boost their profits, or use fine print to deny medical treatments that are covered under people’s policies.
In addition, repealing the law would add at least a trillion dollars to the deficit, which American cannot afford, nor do we want to pass that debt to our children and grandchildren. Read more »

The Post Standard reports

The Times Union reports

The Press Republican reports

The Press Republican reports

Mary Lou Zakerakis

The Press Republican reports

Sports Editor Bob Goetz honors Mau Lou with beautiful words at the end of his column.

Roger and Becky Garrow

By John T. Ryan

December 31, 2010 was a day of mixed emotions for people as they gathered at Becky’s Restaurant for a last meal and to wish the restaurant’s owner Becky Garrow well. (Click here for photos) They’re sad because they’re losing a favorite Peru eating and gathering spot. On the other hand they’re happy that Becky Garrow will be able to relax and take it a little easier. Becky says, “It’s been a good run. After 21 years it’s time for a change. I’m tired and a little burned out. I need a little less stress and my husband Roger and I would like to travel in a couple years.” The building at 2972 Main Street will not be idle long. Becky plans to open a consignment shop which she’s going to call “The Thrifty Peddler.” She’ll be renting space to people selling both new and used items and she hopes to open by the end of February.

Becky Garrow has been associated with restaurants and the center of our community for some 35 years. Before opening her own business she worked with her mom and dad John and Leatrice Blaise at the J&L DIner across the street where the Colours Beauty Shop is currently located. Becky said the best part of the business has been making new friends. Longtime customer and friend Donna LaMar said, “It’s more like family here. I love the friendliness.” Donna also loves Becky’s sausage gravy. Other customers raved about her hash, blueberry pancakes and spaghetti. Mike Bunn concurred with Donna LaMar saying, “I’ve met a lot of people here whom I’ve become friends with.” Harold Ormsby who was enjoying Eddie Caron’s singing and guitar playing said, “ I’ve been coming here for many years. I’d just say to Becky, ‘Just feed me something.’ I knew I would enjoy it.” Bob Shumway, who lives in Keeseville said, “I have outstanding memories of this place. I had five-way bypass and have to have special food. Becky prepares the food just the way I need it.”

Becky’s Restaurant was filled with laughter today and Becky Garrow was clearly enjoying herself. She closed our interview saying, “I just want to thank the community for their support!”  Becky’s Restaurant is going to be missed by many people in Peru and nearby communities.

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Council conducted business this holiday morning opening bids and conducting a thirty-two minute meeting. Only one bid was received in connection with the Town’s “Records Management Project.” The Board voted to accept a $17,851 bid from Alden Stevens of Rochester, NY. Stevens has years of experience in records management. The project will be paid for by a $24,961 NYS Records Management grant. The $7,000 above the bid amount will pay for shelving, boxes and any other needed materials.

In other actions the Board:

• Approved the following budget fund transfers: $8,360.31 from General to Highway Department machinery parts; $3,406.92 between Highway Department accounts; $3,328.48 from General to Water and Sewer.
• Approved the designation “Arbors Way” for a private right of way off Davey Drive. The designation was requested by Roy Bedard in connection with the eight apartments he is constructing behind McDonald’s and is for 911 purposes only.
• Discussed the revisions they have made in the Employee Benefits Handbook. The Board added sections related to drug and alcohol abuse, sexual harassment and violence in the workplace. Employees must certify they have received and read the handbook.
• Passed a resolution requiring pay period time-sheets from all hourly and salaried town employees including elected and appointed officials. The Board is following New York State recommendations for financial accountability.
• Agreed that a proper resolution has been passed whereby the Town Clerk will be authorized to accept online credit card and direct deposit payment for property taxes. The payee will pay any related charges. The Town will not incur any costs.
• Approved a resolution to pay $9,596. 32 in routine bills.

The meeting adjourned at 8:32 a.m.

Attending church as a family is the focal point of the Christmas Season for many Peru families. Both St. Augustine’s Church and the Peru Community Church extend a welcome to everyone through their wonderful services and their Christmas decorations. Many people work long and hard to prepare their church to celebrate the birth of Christ. Click here for a few photos of both St. Augustine’s and the Peru Community Church. The photos were taken by John Ryan and Richard Brogowski.

AGENDA

TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING

DECEMBER 31, 2010 @ 8:00 AM

1.                  Call Meeting To Order

2.                  Pledge of Allegiance

3.                  Roll Call

4.                  MOTION:      Approval of minutes for the December 27, 2010 Public Hearing and the December 27, 2010 Regular Meeting.

5.                  Community Input and Questions.     

6.                  DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Fund Transfers

7.                  DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Arbors Way Approval

8.                  DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Records Management Bid Award

9.                  DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Approval of  2011Employee Benefits Statement

10.              DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Employee Use of Timesheets.

11.              DISCUSSION:  Other Business

12.              DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

By John T. Ryan

The 2010 elections took place almost three months ago, but the final vote tallies for Clinton County towns just became available. Town of Peru voters favored Democrats in five of the nine races.  Senators Kristen Gillibrand and Charles Schumer and Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo carried Peru by wide margins while Representative Bill Owens achieved a narrow victory over Matt Doheny. Incumbant Assemblywoman Janet Duprey had no trouble carrying her hometown.  Voters overwhelmingly favored term limits for county legislators.  Here are the 2010 results for all the major candidates and the term limits question.

U. S. Senate (6 years)

Charles Schumer: 953 Democrat, 112 Independence, 64 Working Familes. Total – 1137

Jay Townsend: 733 Republican, 129 Conservative. Total – 862

U. S. Senate (2 years)

Kristen Gillibrand: 918 Democrat, 713 Independence, 72 Working Families. Total 1695

J. J. DioGuardi: 738 Republican, 127 Conservative Taxpayers. Total 865

U. S. Representative

Bill Owens: 920 Democrat, 84 Working Families. Total 1004

Matt Doheny: 909 Republican, 66 Independence. Total 975

Douglas Hoffman: 77 Conservative

Governor/Lt. Governor

A. Cuomo/R. Duffy: 1053 Democrat, 103 Independence, 57 Working Families. Total 1213

C. Paladino/G. Edwards: 651 Republican, 119 Conservative. Total 770

NYS Attorney General

E. Schneiderman: 722 Democrat, 63 Independence, 57 Working Families: Total 842

D. Donovan: 928 Republican, 148 Conservative. Total 1076

NYS Comptroller

T. DiNapoli: 738 Democrat, 65 Working Families. Total 803

H. Wilson: 936 Republican, 82 Independence, 122 Conservative. Total 1140

NYS Senate

Elizabeth Little (Unopposed): 1079 Republican, 221 Independence, 127 Conservative. Total 1427

NYS Assembly

Ruddy Johnson: 351 Democrat

Janet Duprey: 1084 Republican, 74 Independence. Total 1158

Douglas Kimmel: 434 Conservative

Clinton County Sheriff

D. Favro: 1247 Democrat, 112 Working Families. Total 1359

T. Guynup: 684 Republican

Term Limits (Yes means oppose Clinton County Legislator Term Limits. No means approve of Legislator Term Limits.)

Yes 448

No 1548

The Press Republican reports

Click here to view Comptroller’s News Release and the entire audit

North Country Public Radio reports

The N Y Port reports