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.
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The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold a brief, special meeting in the High School Community Room on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 8:00 AM. The sole purpose of this meeting is to approve a bid award. At this time, no other district business is anticipated.
The agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).
The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.
The County of Clinton remains steadfast in its support of fostering economic development for the residents of the entire County. That is why the Clinton County Legislature, in conjunction with the State University of New York (SUNY) appointed the North Country Chamber of Commerce CEO/President, Garry Douglas, to convene the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) Task Force. The goal of this task force was to ensure the vitality and longevity of the IAM in the Clinton Community College (CCC) relocation proposal. After just a few meetings, the Task Force put forth a set of recommendations that they believe will safeguard the origin of the IAM mission.
“The IAM Task Force was comprised of community stakeholders who set out to preserve and enhance the IAM,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry. “The Task Force recommends that Clinton County negotiate a long-term lease with Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington BOCES/CVES. BOCES/CVES would utilize the space and provide the programming and workforce training the institute has always been designed for. The Clinton County Legislature welcomes this recommendation and looks forward to working with BOCES/CVES to fine-tune the details to deploy an action plan to get students in the classrooms as quickly as feasible. Overall, the Legislature remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the IAM, and we thank the Task Force for its efforts in finding a resolution.”
“Champlain Valley Educational Services is committed to supporting the growing educational needs of our region,” said CVES District Superintendent Dr. Mark Davey. “Through this new partnership, we look forward to building on our successful track record of CV-TEC offering students excellent opportunities, resources, and training and providing North Country employers with new and talented candidates who strengthen our region’s workforce. We look forward to finalizing this agreement with the County and moving forward with the Task Force’s recommendation. ”
The IAM Task Force was convened in February 2024, shortly after the announcement of the CCC relocation proposal. It comprised elected officials, state and county officials, and business community leaders. The North Country Chamber of Commerce submitted its final recommendations to the Clinton County Legislature, indicating that the task force has now completed its mission.
“This is a completely positive outcome for all concerned, including Clinton Community College, CVES and especially our region’s manufacturers and all who can benefit from the training made possible by the IAM,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber. “CVES’ CV-TEC division has the experience and commitment to take the IAM to a top level of training activity that will support and attract quality jobs and help many of our residents enhance their skills and careers. The timing is perfect as CVES finalizes plans for its new facilities at the Clinton County Business Innovation Gateway (CBIG), allowing coordination of the two sites. We thank all of the Task Force members for helping to identify the right path forward quickly, and we thank Clinton County, CVES, and Clinton Community College for their positive teamwork. Onward and upward!”
The Clinton County Legislature has reviewed the recommendation and will work with BOCES/CVES to finalize a lease agreement that allows them to continue the IAM’s workforce development training mission.
During the Peru Town Market at 1 PM on July 28th, artist Greg Badger and town councilman Mel Irwin will install the final three paintings to complete the Visual Legacy Project at Heyworth Mason Park in Peru, NY.
The collection of works titled “Windows to the Past” consists of thirty-two paintings on the windows and doors of the historic Mason Lumber Mill. The paintings are based on photos of Peru pre-1950, the oldest being from the mid-1800s. The subjects consist of important places and buildings from Peru’s history. Most are no longer standing, as the town has been renovated over the years, along with two major fires.
The three-story building presents some challenges when installing large paintings. Mel has employed his farming ingenuity for the first and second floors, using only a ladder, pulleys, and a bracing system to guide the panels in place. The use of a lift to reach and install the paintings on the third floor will be a fun spectacle and appropriate for completing the project.
All paintings are sponsored by businesses, private individuals and families.
Gather your crew, pack your sunscreen, and head over to Plattsburgh City Beach to witness the wildest rides and the fiercest competition on the water. Watch in awe as jet skiers soar across Lake Champlain, defying gravity and pushing their limits.
The City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau are thrilled to host this world-class, action-packed event.
What to Expect
From jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers to intense head-to-head races, this event is packed with thrills for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned water warrior or someone who loves an adrenaline rush, East Coast Watercross is your ticket to an unforgettable experience.
Event Details
Dates: August 3-4, 2024
Location: Plattsburgh City Beach, 4 Beach Road, Plattsburgh
Time: 9:30am-6pm each day
Delicious Eats
While you soak in all the action, enjoy a delicious lunch from The Dog Father Food Cart, serving up tasty bites each day of the event.
Plan Your Visit
Regular beach parking rates and rules apply – FIND THEM HERE.
Don’t miss out on the excitement—join East Coast Watercross for a weekend of sun, surf, sensational stunts, and delicious food! Learn more at goadirondack.com/watercross.
Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton Community College has added a new banner to its collection, commemorating the men’s basketball team’s impressive achievement in the NJCAA Division III Region 3 Final Four 2024.
Head Coach Neil Epstein and Assistant Coach Stan Kissel proudly posed with the new banner, symbolizing the team’s hard work, dedication, and success throughout the season.
“We are so proud of our men’s basketball team and their fantastic performance this season,” said Head Coach Neil Epstein. “This banner symbolizes all the hard work and teamwork that went into this achievement.”
Assistant Coach Stan Kissel added, “Our players have shown amazing growth and determination, and this banner celebrates their efforts. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our team!”
Clinton Community College congratulates the entire team, coaching staff, and supporters who have made this achievement possible. The college community eagerly anticipates celebrating more milestones in the seasons to come.
About Clinton Community College:
Clinton Community College is a member of the State University of New York system and home of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. It offers 24 associate degree programs, eight certificates, transfer pathways, and advisement options, multiple micro-credentials, and many flexible learning options, including online and evening courses. As part of the SUNY system, Clinton credits transfer seamlessly. For more information, visit us online at www.clinton.edu.
All are free of charge except Valcour Island Transportation.
August 4 – Sunday on the Island. Visit the Bluff Point Lighthouse and explore the trails on Valcour Island. Transportation to the Island begins at 9:20. $30 per person. Call 518-561-0340 to reserve your spot.
August 10 – 9:30 am. Walking tour of Riverside Cemetery. Visit the graves of Plattsburgh pioneers and notables with narrations by Anne Bailey, Helen Nerska, Kit Booth and Jackie Madison. Call 518-561-0340 for information.
August 11 – 1 – 3 pm. Visit the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island. Three floors of exhibits. Your own transportation is required.
August 16 –12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburg. The Catholic Summer School of America with Robin Labarge. Hear the story and see photos of the school, which dominated the landscape of Cliff Haven from 1893 to 1950 and attracted thousands of summer visitors to the Plattsburgh area.
August 18 – 1 – 3 pm. Visit the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island. Three floors of exhibits. Your own transportation is required.
August 20 – 6:45 pm, Lake Forest Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Part 1. Inspired by CCHA photo albums of early area trains and the recently acquired collection of rail enthusiast Lawrence Duffina, Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development, which opened up Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. This is the 1st of a multi-part series which will span the period from 1833 to present and include photographs, newspaper articles, and information from our large collection of railroad books recently added to our research library.
August 22 – 6:30, Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. The Catholic Summer School of America with Robin Labarge. Hear the story and see photos of the school which dominated the landscape of Cliff Haven from 1893 to 1950 and attracted thousands of summer visitors to the Plattsburgh area.
August 25 –1 – 3 pm. Visit the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island. Three floors of exhibits. Your own transportation is required.
August 26 – 1:00 to 2:30 pm, Kent-Delord House Museum, Women’s Equality Day celebrated in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of the North Country, the Clinton County Historical Association, the Kent-Delord House Museum, the Plattsburgh Business and Professional Women, and the Saranac Chapter NSDAR. Learn more about the New York Equal Rights Amendment (NY ERA), a ballot proposal to amend the New York State Constitution. Adding to existing protections against discrimination based on race and religion, this amendment to the New York State Constitution would explicitly protect discrimination based on a person’s ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex—including their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in addition to pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote for or against this Amendment on November 5th.
September 1 – 1-3 pm. The last day this summer was to visit the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island. Three floors of exhibits. Your own transportation is required.
Fire erupted in this forklift loader causing the fire
Sunday, July 21, 2024, Beekmantown – Several area fire departments battled a blaze today at Adirondack Farms, 52 Pardy Road farm. Reported at 11:30 a.m., the fire broke out in the farm’s manure separation building when a bucket-forklift loader caught fire, and the blaze quickly spread to the rafters. At 3 p.m., when the Peru Gazette arrived, firefighters were still attempting to extinguish flames at the roof’s peak. At about 3:20 p.m., they descended the ladder after extinguishing the fire.
In October 2020, a fire destroyed two barns and killed 400 cows at this farm (the former Bubbins Farm) just off Moffitt Road. Jon Rulfs said, “This fire was insignificant compared to that fire. No one was injured, and operations will not be interrupted.” Along with manure, the building housed electrical and water-handling equipment. Rulfs said, “We’ll deal with that tomorrow.”
The West Chazy, South Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh District 3, and Beekmantown Departments fought the blaze.
July 20, 2024—Keeseville’s Stone Mill was a beautiful setting for today’s Plen Art Show and Sale. Thirty-three artists traveled from near and far to create artwork in the beautiful Keeseville area. Students from the nearby Meadowmount School of Music performed as people viewed the artwork.
Peru, NY – July 19, 2024—If all goes as planned, eight electric vehicle Superchargers will operate 24 hours daily at Stewart’s Main St Shop sometime this fall. The Zoning Board of Appeals approved Tesla Corp.’s setback variance application on July 17, 2024. Tesla has partnered with Stewart’s at several shops, and several more installations are planned. The chargers in Peru will accommodate both Tesla and non-Tesla electric vehicles. Charging times should range between fifteen and thirty minutes.
There will be 1,600 feet of new paved surface. Downcast, shielded lights on 16-foot-high poles will illuminate the charging area. Tesla will landscape and plant two trees behind the chargers to minimize impact on adjacent property owners. If Stewart’s -Tesla relationship ceases for any reason, Tesla representative Scott Austin said Tesla would remove the chargers and light poles, and the Zoning Board of Appeals also set a condition whereby the property owner appears before the Planning Board to discuss any remaining issues.
Thursday morning at Ausable Point, the Peru Gazette encountered two artists participating in the July 19 and 20 Keeseville Community Arts Festival. Catherine LaPointe-Vollmer from Potsdam and Patrick McPhee from Binghamton. They are just two of dozens of talented artists whose works will be on display and for sale.
The 2024 schedule of events for the Community Arts Festival has plenty to offer
Friday, July 19th
Morning Children’s Programming at the Keeseville Free Library
Plein Air Show & Sale Opening Reception at the Old Stone Mill – Sponsored by AdkAction ($10 at the door) 5 pm to 8 pm
Live Music in Riverside Park – Sponsored by the Keeseville Business Association, 7 pm to 9 pm
Live Music at Ausable Brewing Company – 765 Mace Chasm Rd 6 pm to 8 pm
Saturday, July 20th
Color Walk/Run (5k and 1 Mile Fun Run) – Sponsored by Dynamix Fitness & Wellness. Registration 8 am at Dynamix Fitness & Wellness Studio, 1701 Front Street. The run begins at 9 am at the walking bridge. $10 Registration fee.
Plein Air Show & Sale, Brunch with the Artists at the Stone Mill 126 Ausable Street, Keeseville – Sponsored by AdkAction. The show opens from 10 am to 4 pm; Brunch is available from 10 am to 1 pm, Performance by Meadowmount School of Music from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Arts in the Park & Free Kids Arts Activities – Location: Lawn outside the Old Stone Mill and at the Ausable Valley Grange 10 am to 3 pm
Outdoor Painting for Kids at the Keeseville Community Garden10 am to 12 pm
Anderson Falls Heritage Society Scavenger Hunt for Kids – 96 Clinton St – 1 pm to 3 pm
Live Music at Ausable Brewing Company – 765 Mace Chasm Rd — 1 pm to 3 pm
For more information, visit the Keeseville Community Arts Festival Facebook page.
The announcement that the board plans to appoint Craig Randall as interim town supervisor wasn’t the only news at the Peru Town Board’s Thursday, July 11 meeting.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported bad and good news about the closed Telegraph Road bridge. NYS formally emailed him that the project did not qualify for a Bridge NY grant. Since grant funding isn’t pending, Farrell hopes construction can begin about March 2025 rather than in 2026 and be completed by September 2025. He emphasized that his hope depends on approvals by NYS DEC and the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers. Farrell said he filed construction permit applications with the two agencies on Monday, July 9.
Two years from now, the town will have to replace an even larger bridge on Westcott Road. Farrell notified town engineers Engineering Ventures to begin planning that $1 million+ project. Farrell doesn’t expect Bridge NY funding.
Bruce Drive resident Karyn Langlais presented photos of badly deteriorated road shoulders and pavement issues on Bruce Drive and Telegraph Road. She asked Michael Farrell how he determines his road paving schedule. Farrell said he evaluates road conditions and his available funds. This year, he plans to complete paving John Boswell Road, Davern Road between Union Road and Route 22, and, if there’s money, Rock Road and Alexander Road. He’s already paved Knob Hill Road and Locust Drive. Farrell said he plans to pave Telegraph Road after the bridge is reopened.
A four-way stop should be erected at Sullivan Road and Fuller Road intersection in the next 30 days. Telegraph Road’s partial closure has increased traffic on Fuller Road.
The town will be buying something other than a 2025 Freightliner plow truck. Over the past 18 months, parts shortages have upped the delivery date to sometime in 2025. NYS mandated that beginning January 1, 2025, Mike Farrell expects the state will be rescending the electric mandate, but not until sometime in 2025. Users have discovered that cold weather severely impacts electric snow plow hydraulics, making their use unfeasible. The seller can deliver a 2025 Western Star 47X truck by December 2024; therefore, the board authorized its purchase at $351,946, $13,000 more than the Freightliner would have cost.
Longtime planning board member Mark Robinson asked to step down, but he will continue serving as an alternate member. Jerry McGovern will move from alternate to regular member.
The box culvert structure recently installed on Cook Road cost the town $129,000. The board authorized the transfer of $176,319 to that account to pay that bill and other costs. Installation of the box culvert by Ed Garrow & Sons cost the town $142,936.
The Peru Gazette thanks Bill Baggs for starting and stopping the video camera for this meeting.
July 17, 2024—Rick Curry beat the heat and humidity early this morning. At 6:50 AM, he was up a ladder painting the Lakeshore Pediatric Dental building on Main Street. Rick’s company, A-Blake Enterprises, is renovating the building.
July 17, 2024 – Bonnie Mahnk didn’t let today’s high humidity deter her from her painting task. At 6:45 AM, she had already painted the front porch and was beginning to paint the mailbox post. WAY TO GO BONNIE!
Who’s ready for less humidity? We’ve got one more muggy day with dew points close to 70°F, and then a cold front will bring drier and much more comfortable conditions for the end of the week.
Peru – July 16, 2024 – A few weeks ago, Brandy McDonald announced that he was moving to Plattsburgh and would, therefore, be stepping down as Peru Town Supervisor. At the town board’s Thursday, July 11 meeting, Councilman Melvin Irwin announced that the board has agreed to appoint Craig Randall as interim town supervisor from August 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025. A vote to approve his appointment will be on the July 29 meeting agenda.
Craig Randall and his wife, Cheryl “Woodward” Breen Randall, a Peru native, moved here from Lake Placid in 2021. Randall brings forty-four years of banking and twelve years of government leadership experience to our community. In 2007, he retired as NBT Regional Vice-President of Commercial Lending, specializing in small business loans. In March 2009, Lake Placid voters elected him a village mayor, where he served three successful four-year terms until term limits sidelined him in April 2021. Since moving to Peru, he’s joined the Peru Lions Club and the Keeseville Elks Lodge.
As Lake Placid’s mayor, Randall developed a $20 million budget. He oversaw all aspects of village operations, including accounting, finance, code enforcement, the fire department, highway department, municipal electric department, water and sewer department, and village court. Two of his most memorable accomplishments were working to bring the International Children’s Games to Lake Placid in 2019 and the World University Games to Lake Placid in 2023.
Peru town board members are enthusiastic about working with Randall. Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass told the Gazette, “Craig was a successful mayor. It will be good to get an outsider’s perspective. He’s got the time to be in the office every day. We have a lot of projects going on. Let him come forward and see what he can do for us. I think he will be good for the town.” Douglass said the board talked to one other well-qualified person, but it came down to how much time they could devote to the position. There are no mandated hours for the town supervisor position; however, the board wants a person in the town hall to supervise finances and interact with personnel and the public.
Counselor Melvin Irwin stated, “I like his financial experience, especially since we’re likely to spend about $30 million on water and sewer projects over the next couple of years.” Kregg Bruno commented, “I was impressed not only with his political background but also with the fact that he worked in banking. He’s very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience with grants. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”
Eric Duquette also cited Randall’s mayoral experience: “He’s dealt with multiple unions and a water department. He knows the avenues for grants that might help us. He’s familiar with people in Albany. His banking experience should be helpful in budgeting. We want someone to sit in that seat three or four hours daily to keep a handle on and steer the ship. People I’ve spoken with say he’s a true gentleman, very business-oriented, and ready to reach across the table and to make sure everyone’s happy.”
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold a brief, special meeting in the High School Community Room on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 8:00 AM. The sole purpose of this meeting is to approve a bid award. At this time, no other district business is anticipated.
The County of Clinton remains steadfast in its support of fostering economic development for the residents of the entire County. That is why the Clinton County Legislature, in conjunction with the State University of New York (SUNY) appointed the North Country Chamber of Commerce CEO/President, Garry Douglas, to convene the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) Task Force. The goal of this task force was to ensure the vitality and longevity of the IAM in the Clinton Community College (CCC) relocation proposal. After just a few meetings, the Task Force put forth a set of recommendations that they believe will safeguard the origin of the IAM mission.
During the Peru Town Market at 1 PM on July 28th, artist Greg Badger and town councilman Mel Irwin will install the final three paintings to complete the Visual Legacy Project at Heyworth Mason Park in Peru, NY.
Gather your crew, pack your sunscreen, and head over to Plattsburgh City Beach to witness the wildest rides and the fiercest competition on the water. Watch in awe as jet skiers soar across Lake Champlain, defying gravity and pushing their limits.
Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton Community College has added a new banner to its collection, commemorating the men’s basketball team’s impressive achievement in the NJCAA Division III Region 3 Final Four 2024.
All are free of charge except Valcour Island Transportation. 
Sunday, July 21, 2024, Beekmantown – Several area fire departments battled a blaze today at Adirondack Farms, 52 Pardy Road farm. Reported at 11:30 a.m., the fire broke out in the farm’s manure separation building when a bucket-forklift loader caught fire, and the blaze quickly spread to the rafters. At 3 p.m., when the Peru Gazette arrived, firefighters were still attempting to extinguish flames at the roof’s peak. At about 3:20 p.m., they descended the ladder after extinguishing the fire.
July 20, 2024—Keeseville’s Stone Mill was a beautiful setting for today’s Plen Art Show and Sale. Thirty-three artists traveled from near and far to create artwork in the beautiful Keeseville area. Students from the nearby Meadowmount School of Music performed as people viewed the artwork. 
Thursday morning at Ausable Point, the Peru Gazette encountered two artists participating in the July 19 and 20 Keeseville Community Arts Festival. Catherine LaPointe-Vollmer from Potsdam and Patrick McPhee from Binghamton. They are just two of dozens of talented artists whose works will be on display and for sale.
July 17, 2024—Rick Curry beat the heat and humidity early this morning. At 6:50 AM, he was up a ladder painting the Lakeshore Pediatric Dental building on Main Street. Rick’s company, A-Blake Enterprises, is renovating the building.
