The Peru Gazette

Clinton County, September 24, 2024. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is reporting one case of West Nile virus, the first case reported this season. 

The individual, who is over the age of 50 and resides in the Town of Chazy, began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus on September 1 and was subsequently hospitalized. They are now recovering. 

“Though mosquitoes usually are considered a nuisance or a pest, they occasionally can transmit viruses to people and animals,” explained Nichole Louis, Director of Health Care Services at CCHD. “In Clinton County, the mosquito-borne illnesses we can encounter are Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, Triple E) and West Nile virus (WNV).” 

EEE and WNV are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Along with this case of WNV, Clinton County has previously reported one EEE case identified in a horse. No human cases of EEE have been identified in Clinton County. 

Most people infected with EEE or WNV develop mild symptoms or do not develop any signs or symptoms. If illness develops, symptoms usually occur 3-15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. Symptoms of EEE and WNV can be similar, but EEE is a much more serious illness in people who develop severe disease and much more likely to result in death. People with mild cases of mosquito-borne illness may develop fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash or swollen glands (lymph nodes). People with severe cases of EEE or WNV usually have a sudden onset of headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, altered mental status, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or coma. 

Individuals under 15, over 50, and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems are at most risk for severe infection. Clinton County residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially during mosquito season, which extends through November. 

Take the following steps to protect yourself:  Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, October 14, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. All blood collected is utilized in our trl-county region.

The drive is being coordinated by St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273.

CVPH collected 21 units of 24 attempts at the August 19 Peru Blood Drive. Let’s see if we can surpass that total!

Homemade Ground Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup and Spices
** Note: Shallow depth of field

Meatloaf

Potatoes

Vegetable 

Dessert

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

All are invited and welcome!

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

$1M remodel officially unveiled with fanfare Sept. 16 will also benefit local food shelves

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing of September 9 and Regular Meeting of September 9, 2024. 

5. Community Input. 

6. DISCUSSION:  Highway Culvert Project Presentation by Engineering Ventures.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Casella Long Term Residuals Management Contract.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Transfer of Storm Drain Reserve Money for Culverts.

9. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

10. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: September 2024 Bills.

12. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

13. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

14. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Peru Central School District will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, from approximately 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a public information session regarding an upcoming October capital project vote.

All residents of the District are welcome to attend.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing on the district’s website.

Sept. 18, 2024 Press-Republican story: “Big changes are coming for many Medicare beneficiaries, and in some cases, people will need or want to enroll in a new plan,” Louise Norris, a health policy analyst for medicareresources.org, said.

“So, it’s more important than ever to pause before tossing out what you think is junk mail. A deluge of Medicare-related mail is on its way, and it won’t all be marketing promotions from insurers. Pay close attention to mail from Medicare and your current plan provider.”

Click here for a story on the changes. 

Sept. 18 Press-Republican story 

On Sept. 12 at 8:15 a.m., New York State Police (NYSP) notified Ray Brook Dispatch that they had found a vehicle at the Cold Brook Public Use Area belonging to a 29-year-old subject from Wisconsin who had been reported missing by his family on Sept. 9. They had not heard from the subject since Aug. 31. He failed to report to Columbia University after enrolling for the fall semester. Over the next four days, 34 Forest Rangers joined Environmental Conservation Police Officers, recruits from the Forest Ranger Academy, NYSP, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Clinton County Office of Emergency Services, multiple fire departments, Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK), Adirondack Mountain Rescue, Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue, Community Search and Rescue (COMM SAR), New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and Clinton County Technical Rescue in the search. Drone crews covered 89 acres. NYSP and Rangers conducted two aviation flights. Search crews covered 240 miles of linear searches via ATV and foot and 466 acres by foot. The search included hiking trails and the areas with the best views where an accidental fall is most likely. On Sept. 15 at 1 p.m., crews located the subject deceased in a thick, swampy area and turned him over to the Clinton County Coroner.

Arrangements for Michael M. LaPierre will be announced in the coming days

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Now faces up to 25 years to life for murdering Lisa Dashnaw-Tyrell

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Here is the Sept. 9, 5:45 p.m. public hearing on Local Law #1 authorizing the town to exceed the tax cap. Three or four residents, including John Roberts and Jonathan Whitmarsh, asked probing questions, and the hearing lasted about 24 minutes.

Hearing Minutes Added 1/19/25 – Minutes 2024-09-09-PH

By John T Ryan

Because of my busy personal schedule, I will not be reporting the details of this meeting. After a public hearing, the board passed Local Law #1, permitting the 2025 town budget to exceed the state-imposed tax cap. Passing a law at this point is a town requirement. Supervisor Craig Randall emphasized that the board doesn’t plan to exceed the cap; however, it will only decide once it formulates the 2025 budget.

Budget workshops are open to the public. Here are the times and dates.

Wednesday, September 18, 5:30 PM – Highway Budget Workshop

Wednesday, September 25, 5:30 PM – Water/Sewer?Valcour Workshop

Wednesday, October 2, 5:30 PM – Salaries/General Workshop

Thursday, October 3, 5:30 PM – Special Meeting to Present Tentative Budget

Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 PM – Budget review Workshop (Downstairs)

Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 PM – Budget Review Workshop (If Needed)

Wednesday, November 4, 5:30 PM Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget

Tuesday, November 14, 5:30 PM, Special Meeting to adopt Final Budget

The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) will host “It’s Called Rhetoric,” a public speaking workshop on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m.

This workshop is designed to help attendees become more critical listeners and effective speakers. It is free and open to all experience levels; teens are welcome alongside adults. Learn more and register for this event at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/event/its-called-rhetoric.

“To get our vote, today’s politicians give speeches almost every day,” says Jerry McGovern. “How can we judge the truth of what they say? In this workshop, we’ll explore the principles of rhetoric which give us the tools to analyze these speeches and find the truth.”

Jerry McGovern was an instructor in the SUNY Plattsburgh Communications Department for more than 30 years. He taught Public Speaking, Argumentation/Critical Thinking and Small Group Communication. He also writes reviews of books relevant to Adirondack audiences for the “Read in the Blue Line” column for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words together for 25 years through provocative events and meaningful programs. For more information about ACW, visit adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Clinton County experienced moderate growth in visitor spending in 2023, reaching $193 million, according to the latest Adirondacks Tourism Economic Impact Report. This growth is attributed to targeted marketing efforts in Canada and the county’s increasing reputation as a premier destination for professional bass fishing tournaments.

The report, released by Tourism Economics, highlights that Clinton County’s tourism success is largely driven by strategic cross-border outreach, including a substantial digital streaming campaign aimed at Canadian markets in Quebec and Ontario. With Canada as one of the county’s largest tourist segments, these initiatives have effectively increased visitor volume and spending, particularly in the lodging and food & beverage sectors, contributing $70.5 million and $53.7 million, respectively, to the local economy.

Clinton County’s reputation as a host for professional bass fishing tournaments has also played a pivotal role in boosting tourism. These events, attracting competitors and spectators from across the country, have contributed to local businesses, particularly in hospitality, dining, and retail.

Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing for the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, a division of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, credited the growth to the county’s strategic marketing push and its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.

“This report shows the strength of Clinton County’s tourism sector, with the impressive numbers reflecting the effectiveness of our marketing and group-driven strategies,” said Kennedy. “Seeing nearly $200 million in visitor spending and strong contributions across lodging, dining, and recreation truly showcases our appeal as a destination. These numbers highlight the hard work of our entire tourism industry and reinforce that we’re on the right path for continued growth.”

Key Highlights from 2023 Clinton County Tourism Report:

• Visitor Spending: Reached $193 million in 2023
• Local Tax Collection: $12.3 million
• State Tax Collection: $10.2 million
• Lodging Sector: Contributed $70.5 million to the county’s economy
• Food & Beverage Sector: Generated $53.7 million in spending
• Seasonal Second Homes: Added $23.3 million, highlighting the economic impact of part-time residents
• Tourism Jobs: Supported 2,096 jobs in 2023

“Our Adirondack Coast team continues to do extraordinary work promoting our area,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “From attracting our Canadian neighbors in large numbers once again to effective marketing to the south and from attracting and conducting eight highly successful fishing tournaments to the success of our eclipse-related efforts last spring, we are punching above our weight in drawing visitors and spending. They have mastered social media, made us the experts in Quebec outreach, and developed important niches such as biking. With our Clinton County partners’ strong support and collaboration, we can all be proud of their success, with great plans already in place for 2025. Onward and upward!”

Clinton County’s tourism success in 2023 is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between local businesses, regional partners, government entities, and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.

The full report can be found here.