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More About The Peru Gazette

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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Town Board approves 2024 salaries appointments, liaisons and much more

January 8, 2024, Organization Meeting – The Peru Town Board approved 2024 salaries, appointments, department liaisons, meeting dates and times, contracts, a mileage reimbursement rate, depository, newspaper and procurement policy.

Salaries for Elected Officials:

Town Supervisor – $34,029 

Town Board Member – $9,639 

Town Clerk/Tax Collector/registrar – $32,609.19 

Town Justice – $23,584.93

Higway Superintendent – $73,043.25

Appointments Positions Read more »

Officials discuss impact of CCC relocation on campus buildings

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

President John Kowal Presents Vision to Strengthen the Future of Clinton Community College

Peru Gazette file photo

Peru Gazette File Photo

January 10, 2024- Plattsburgh, NY –Clinton Community College President John Kowal today announced to the campus community a path to future financial stability and enrollment growth for the college. After a rigorous review of campus finances, enrollment, and accreditation requirements, CCC leadership has decided to work toward a physical relocation and shared services partnership with SUNY Plattsburgh while fully maintaining CCC’s unique and separate identity.

As a plan for a relocation and shared services partnership is developed in the coming months, ample opportunity for community input will be a key piece in creating a final plan that preserves CCC’s course offerings, identity, and faculty. The relocation is expected to generate significant savings, by reducing costs associated with building operation and maintenance, and via some shared services. These savings will be reinvested in CCC’s academic programs and student services.

This plan will not include program cuts, re-alignment, or any merger. Clinton Community College will remain independent, and maintain its established mission, governance, funding, and structure. As work proceeds, there is no immediate impact to students, faculty, and staff.

“Clinton Community College is much more than just a place with buildings, because its defining core are it’s academic programs, its mission and its purpose. We are committed to ensuring that every step we take is thoughtful, inclusive, and strengthens our institution for future generations,” said President Kowal. “By working closely with our faculty and staff, students, alumni, community members, and our key partners at the county and state level, we will develop a sustainable strategy that enriches the educational experience we offer. Together, we will navigate these changes with a spirit of unity and a focus on securing a vibrant future for our college.”

Clinton Community College Chair of the Board of Trustees David N. Favro said, “President Kowal is setting the stage for our campus to not only survive, but to grow in its importance for the people of our county. CCC has propelled our students to good paying jobs and further education—many to SUNY Plattsburgh— and we will be well positioned to do even more. These coming months are critical, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves along with the community to set a positive direction for the college. This initiative is a strategic move to enhance our mission and provide our students with additional academic and social experiences, enriching their journey at CCC.”

Enrollment went from a high of 2,249 students in 2012 to a low of 994 in 2022-23. While enrollment increased 2.1% to 1,015 for Fall 2023, first-year full-time student enrollment went down by 7.1%. In addition, a significant portion of the current enrollment consists of high school students taking advanced courses, rather than full-time matriculated CCC students.

By working toward a relocation and shared services partnership, the intent is to build on areas where CCC and SUNY Plattsburgh already have strong collaboration, strengthening the draw for students. For example, the institutions already have cross-registration for academic programs like environmental science , and housing on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus is available for CCC nursing students.

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “Clinton Community College has SUNY’s full support. President Kowal and his leadership team have taken a thoughtful approach to build on the strong academic programs CCC provides, while setting a strategy to achieve financial sustainability for the years to come. Attracting students and ensuring their success on their journey to a degree are paramount in all decisions the campus will make.”

SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi said, “Clinton Community College has a proud history and a wealth of local graduates and offers two-year degrees and other programming that are vital to our shared North Country community. We have long been a partner in assisting the community college, with dual admissions and a dual degree program our most recent collaborations. We look forward to learning more about their specific needs and working with them, the SUNY system and Clinton County officials on ways we can assist.”

The campus has developed a webpage to address frequently asked questions, which it will update as details are finalized. President Kowal’s message to the campus community and the FAQs may be found at this link here: https://www.clinton.edu/about/Strategic_Planning_for_CCC_Future.aspx.

About Clinton Community College:

Clinton Community College is a member of the State University of New York system and home of the new Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. Clinton offers 24 associate degree programs, eight certificates, transfer pathways and advisement options, multiple microcredentials, 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.

See NY school districts ranked from 1 to 633 based on latest English language arts Regents exams

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Clinton Community College plans to relocate to SUNY Plattsburgh

No subscription needed to read North Country Public Radio stories 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Ausable Chasm is beautiful as usual

Given the snow and rain followed by temperatures in the low forties, you might wonder what’s happening at Ausable Chasm today.
Thank you, Kristina Heffernan, for the two beautiful photos!

Clinton Community College relocating campus to SUNY Plattsburgh by 2025

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

The highest wind gusts will be in the northern Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, western slopes of the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom

National Weather Service issuance about 4 PM, January 9, 2023 

Damaging winds will cause widespread power outages and may blow down trees across the region tonight. The highest wind gusts will be in the northern Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, western slopes of the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom #vtwx #nywx

 

 

Ron Ewing, 38-year Sheriff’s Dept. veteran passes away

A message from Sheriff David Favro:

“We are mourning the loss of Ronald Ewing. Ron was a 38-year veteran of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and spent nearly 3 decades of his service enforcing the safety, rules, and regulations on Lake Champlain. That was his pride and joy and he earned himself the playful nickname of “Lake Lord.” Even after his retirement, Ron enforced the rules from the docks of his camp and in Port Kent. Ron was a family man and was proud of his wife and his son. We will miss the good times with Ron. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”

Peru School Seeks Board Candidates

The Peru Central School District is seeking candidates to fill one (1) at-large seat on the Board of Education due to the upcoming expiration of Ms. Bonnie Berry’s term.

The three-year term of the seat runs from July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027.

The Petition for Nomination of Candidate form is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except for school holidays, or via the web at https://www.perucsd.org/district/board-of-education/.  Petitions must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, and shall state the names and residences of the candidate and petition signers.    The candidate’s phone number shall also be stated.

The qualifications that must be met to run for the school board are:

  • A U.S. citizen
  • At least 18 years old
  • A qualified voter in the District
  • Able to read and write
  • A resident of the District continuously for one year before the election
  • Cannot be employed by the Board
  • Cannot live in the same household with a family member who is also a member of the Board

Petitions must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 22, 2024.

The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

 

Clinton County Historical Association Announces Winter Programs

January 19, 12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. A virtual tour and history of the Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel with Kate Chilton and Helen Nerska. See photos and hear the stories of the creation of this memorial to veterans who trained in Plattsburgh and who died in the Great War.

January 25, 6:30 pm, CCHA, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Perry’s Mills Frog Farm with Rouses Point-Champlain Historical Society President Bob St. John.  Stories and photos of the once thriving business of supplying millions of frog legs to hungry diners and university biology departments across the United States.  Please call 518-561-0340 to reserve a seat.

February 16, 12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. Portraits and Painters of the Early Champlain Valley (1800-1865), slides from a 1975 SUNY Plattsburgh exhibit with reflections on the history of the painters and their subjects. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos of old paintings they might have and share the history of their painting.

February 17, 10 am to 3 pm.  CCHA, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Winter Fun at the Museum with guided tours for children and adults. Discover the museum with scavenger hunts and prizes for all.

All events are free and open to the public.

Please call or email Helen Nerska at 518-561-0340 for more information or to confirm seating for the January 25th presentation.

Why Monday night is a great time to see live music in Saranac Lake

Listen to this man sing! 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Schluter Systems donates big to Plattsburgh YMCA

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Fire fighters battle River Rd. and Macey Lane blazes Saturday night

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Spectrum hikes prices for 2nd time in 6 months. Here’s how to avoid some of the increases

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Most Adirondack lakes will likely become unsuitable for trout

“Climate change is causing the bottom of most Adirondack lakes to become unlivable for trout, salmon and whitefish during the summer,..”

Click here for the Cornell.edu story 

 

Snow, Wind, Rain! What’s next?

National Weather Service graphic

Significent storm system pending

National Weather Service Burlington
@NWSBurlington
·
A significant storm system will impact the North Country Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. The biggest impact will be widespread wind gusts in the 45 to 60 mph range with scattered to numerous power outages possible. Stay tuned for more information. #vtwx #nywx

Everyone is invited for great food and community

Peru – Pancakes, French Toast, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Real Maple Syrup and more! Community Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, January 14, served by the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus in the St. Augustine’s Parish Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 11; children under 5 are Free. Take-outs are $10.

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Burlington VT 358 AM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

Northern Franklin-Southeastern St. Lawrence-Southern Franklin-
Western Clinton-Lamoille-Eastern Franklin-Eastern Chittenden-
Eastern Addison-Eastern Rutland-
Including the cities of Fort Covington, Malone, South Colton, 
Star Lake, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Dannemora, Ellenburg, 
Johnson, Stowe, Enosburg Falls, Richford, Richmond, Underhill, 
Bristol, Ripton, East Wallingford, and Killington
358 AM EST Mon Jan 8 2024

...HIGH WIND WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Southeast winds 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
  possible. Localized wind gusts in excess of 65 mph will be
  possible for immediate downslope locations along the western
  slopes of the Green Mountains.

* WHERE...The western slopes of the Green and Adirondack
  Mountains.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power 
  lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be 
  difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A period of heavy wet snowfall is expected
  Tuesday afternoon and evening. This snow may cling to trees and
  power lines and increase the likelihood of power outages.

New York State Police identify victim of fatal bus crash on Adirondack Northway

Another passenger, who was airlifted to Albany Medical Center is still in critical condition, according to police

CLICK HERE FOR THE MYNBC5 STORY 

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Beef Stew
Fruit
Bread
Dessert
Served take-out only, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972
All are welcome. We truly look forward to seeing everyone.

Keene-grown business picks up momentum nationwide

Small Town Cultures to see big time growth with national chain pickups

Click here for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise story 

Livingoods posts new business hours

Our updated hours until further notice are:
Monday and Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday through Friday – 4 pm to 8 pm
Saturday – 12 pm to 8 pm
Sunday – 10 am to 8 pm (brunch buffet 10 am to 2 pm, regular menu available 12 pm to 8 pm)

Fire destroys River Rd. home

Peru Gazette photo at 11:24 am. January 7, 2024

Peru Gazette photo at 11:24 am. January 7, 2024

Peru Gazette photo at 11:24 am. January 7, 2024

January 7, 2024 – Last night fire consumed the Randy Laforest home at 572 River Rd. His sister Trudi told the Gazette that Mr. Laforest was not home at the time of the fire. His large dog was outside. His daughter-in-law Kelsey has started a gofundme page to assist him. Click here for the gofundme page 

Note – Peru Gazette corrected its spelling error. It is Randy, not Randi Laforest. 

Also corrected to read 572 River Rd. Originally read 872.