Online prescreening prepares customers for DMV visit. “Non-driver IDs are extremely helpful forms of identification for all kinds of people in New York State who do not drive, and now we are making it even easier to get one,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder.

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10 August 2023 The NY State Police is investigating a Trooper-involved shooting on Donnerville Road in the town of Russell, St. Lawrence County.

At approximately 12:50 p.m., State Police and members from the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office were searching a wooded area along Donnerville Road when a State Trooper and his K9 partner were fired upon.

The Trooper was not injured during the incident. The State Police K9 was struck by the suspect’s gunfire and transported to a veterinary hospital for treatment.

The suspect was shot by a State Trooper and pronounced deceased at the scene.

More details will be released as they become available.

The 33rd annual Run For Jon will be held Saturday, August 26th, at 5 PM at Forrence Orchards on Mannix Road in Peru. The Run attracts hundreds of walkers, kids, fun runners, and runners every year, plus their friends and family who attend as spectators. There are numerous door prizes for participants donated by our generous donors.

Sanctioned by USA Track & Field, some of the best runners in the Northeast participate. Over the years, the race has attracted state and national champions and a few Olympians.

The Run for Jon’s mission is to raise funds to help North Country families with children in medical crisis. It raises over $4,000 yearly for this vital purpose. It has become a much anticipated annual community event.

For additional information, visit the Run for Jon website (www.runforjon.org) or call Matt Medeiros at 518-524-1269.

2016 Peru Gazette Run for Jon file photos

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Tammy Miele, former Assistant Clerk for the Village of Horseheads, for allegedly stealing nearly $4,000 from the Village. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police.

“Ms. Miele allegedly used her position to defraud the Village of Horseheads for her personal gain and altered Village records to cover her theft. My office’s investigation and our partnership with District Attorney Wetmore and the State Police have ensured that she will now be held accountable for her actions,” DiNapoli said. “I extend my thanks to District Attorney Wetmore and the State Police for helping my office combat public corruption through their continued partnership.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “This arrest should serve as a reminder that those who choose to abuse their positions will be brought to justice. The arrest of this individual sends a strong message that we will not tolerate dishonest actions by those who use their position at the expense of the public. I thank the Comptroller’s Office and the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to investigating those who prey on the unsuspecting public for their own gain.”

Miele, 49, was charged with grand larceny and corrupting the government, both felonies.

She served as an assistant clerk for the Village from 2017 to 2022. During that time, she accepted cash payments for the Village, including accepting payments from multiple residents who wished to pay their water bills.

The joint investigation and forensic analysis revealed that Miele accepted residents’ cash payments but never deposited the cash into the Village’s bank account. Instead, she allegedly altered the Village’s accounting system to delete any balances owed by the taxpayer and pocketed the money. She is charged with stealing $3,548 from September of 2017 through September of 2022 through this scheme.

The forensic analysis also determined that Miele paid her personal New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) bill with Village funds, resulting in the Village paying over $450 of her bill.

Miele’s employment with the Village was terminated in September 2022.

Miele was arraigned before Judge Christopher Pelchar in the Village of Elmira Heights Court and is scheduled to appear again on September 6, 2023.

The 8-week program provides benefits for cancer survivors and those on maintenance treatment

PLATTSBURGH, NY (08/09/2023) – A free Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) class offered to cancer survivors and those on maintenance treatment begins Tuesday, August 29 at 5 p.m. at the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH).

MBSR program is led by Charlotte Gosrich, RD, JD, MBSR instructor. MBSR is the most scientifically researched training program for mindfulness. Studies show it can decrease psychological and physical suffering and increase resilience and peace of mind. Started in the 1970s at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, MBSR is now offered in over 700 medical centers and universities worldwide.

“The impact of cancer on a person’s physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being can be overwhelming. This program can help survivors become fully aware and present in a non-judgmental manner, accepting things as they are, as a way toward healing,” explained Gosrich. A registered dietitian, Gosrich is part of the FitzPatrick Cancer Center team and provides nutritional counseling to those undergoing treatment for cancer.

Classes will include different types of formal and informal meditation, mindful movement, small group discussion and instruction on home practice. There will also be an “all day” class where participants can practice in silence with guidance for an extended period of time.

The MBSR series is underwritten by CVPH’s Center for Occupational Health and Wellness. For more information and to register, please contact Gosrich at cgosrich@cvph.org.

Tom Murphy is the Director of Sweethearts & Heroes

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. –– The 2023-2024 school year is near, so 30 administrators from the North Country of New York returned to the classroom for two days last week, eager to start their new year as leaders filled with HOPE (Hold On, Possibilities Exist).

On Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, Sweethearts & Heroes held a North Country Training For Administrators at Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) in Plattsburgh. Sweethearts & Heroes is a student empowerment and empathy activation team that aims to prevent bullying and suicide, focusing on the basic components of social-emotional learning (SEL).

Sweethearts & Heroes worked with thousands of students and hundreds of educators throughout the Clinton-Essex-Warren Washington BOCES during 2022-2023 school year.  On July 19 and 20, more than 30 district educators attended a Sweethearts & Heroes training at CVES.

Sweethearts & Heroes offers a profound, engaging signature presentation that calls for HOPE, Empathy and Action; Circle, which is built on the ancient ritual of communicating in a circle to build empathy; and BRAVES Buddies, which trains older students in bully drills that they, in turn, teach to students in lower grades.

Last week’s two-day workshops, which supported the district’s existing SEL curriculum, focused on Sweethearts & Heroes’ 13 tenets of Affective Leadership, using Sweethearts & Heroes’ first novel, 13 Pillows For Affective Educators, as the foundation. Administrators learned strategies to support their educators, students and school community.

Sweethearts & Heroes teammates Tom Murphy (Director), Heather Gottlob (Affective Educator) and Pat Fish (Circle/BRAVES Leader) led the seminars at CVES, which was an important partner. The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) provided grants and scholarships that allowed administrators to attend for free.

“We wanted these administrators to take the 13 pillows, or lessons, from our novel and apply them to their staff during this coming school year,” Murphy said. “We understand that our teachers need as much support as our students, and we worked with these administrators so that they could be more engaged in creating educators that are student-focused. It’s hard for teachers to remain student-focused when there are school culture and climate challenges. However, when you have an administrator that focuses on their teachers’ and staff’s needs and health, the culture change is incredible.” Read more »

● Navigate the Maze of Life ○ 9/23/23

○ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

○ Rulf’s Orchard, Peru, NY

Literacy New York, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing adult literacy across the state, is proud to announce its upcoming “Stop Reading Challenge” events. These engaging and thought-provoking events will take place in various locations throughout New York State, aiming to raise awareness about the critical issue of adult literacy. 

The “Stop Reading Challenge” events are part of Literacy New York’s ongoing efforts to address the adult literacy crisis in the state. According to recent reports, approximately one in five adults in New York struggle with basic literacy skills, limiting their access to education, job opportunities, and overall quality of life. Through these events, Literacy New York aims to shed light on the importance of literacy and the transformative impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities. 

“Adult literacy is not just a personal challenge; it’s a societal challenge. Low literacy rates affect not only individuals’ lives but also our economy and community well-being,” said Kathy Houghton, the Executive Director of Literacy New York. “The ‘Stop Reading Challenge’ events are an opportunity for us to come together as a community, raise awareness, and take action to support those who struggle with literacy.” 

The “Stop Reading Challenge” in-person events will feature interactive activities, and challenges, as well as connections to local adult literacy programs and local literacy data. Attendees will also have the chance to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways they can contribute to the cause of adult literacy in their local communities. If there is not an in-person event in your area, you can still participate in our virtual challenge—visit stopreadingchallenge.org! 

“We encourage everyone, from concerned citizens to business leaders, to join us at these events and online, and become advocates for adult literacy. Together, we can create a more literate and empowered New York,” added Kathy Houghton. 

For more information about the “Stop Reading Challenge” events and Literacy New York’s initiatives, please visit literacynewyork.org. 

About Literacy New York: Literacy New York is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to advancing literacy for adults and families in New York State. Through its network of local literacy programs, dedicated volunteers, and community partnerships, Literacy New York provides essential literacy services to individuals seeking to improve their reading, writing, and communication skills. 

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Homeowners in Clinton, Essex and Hamilton counties can qualify

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Plattsburgh, Keene and Saranac Lake libraries among the projects announced

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The Town Of Peru Town Board has scheduled a Special Meeting Monday, August 14, 2023, at 8 AM at the Peru Town Hall. The purpose of the meeting will be to approve a resolution for Cook Road Culvert.

The Regular Town Meeting is to be held on September 18, 2023, at 6 PM. The Regular Meeting scheduled for September 11, 2023, will be canceled.

“It’s super important to get the girls out here and get them playing,” said Peru High School girls’ basketball coach Brittany Marshall

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(Schenectady, N.Y.) – Price Chopper/Market 32 is issuing a voluntary recall on a variety of store-made “corner to corner” pizzas, manufactured on July 2, 2023. The products are being recalled because the manufacturer of the pizza dough, Deiorio’s, has advised that foreign materials – fragments of a conveyer belt used in the manufacturing process — may be found in the dough. There are no known harmful side effects from the products but customers who purchased them can return them to their local Price Chopper/Market 32 store for a full refund. The full listing of UPCs impacted by the recall is attached.

Many of the customers who purchased these items have already been contacted through Price Chopper/Market 32’s Broadnet recall notification program, which uses purchase data and consumer phone numbers on file in connection with the company’s AdvantEdge (loyalty) card to alert those households that may have purchased the products in question.

For more information, please contact Price Chopper/Market 32 at 800.666.7667 or via email at consumerresponse@pricechopper.com.

By John T. Ryan

August 9, 2023 Peru – At 7 a.m. yesterday, Rove Cafe and Kitchen at 3065 Main St. was officially open for business. Since taking ownership on July 19, Tony Axelsson and Chrystal Kelly have been painting. Decorating and putting their personal touch on the former Green Acres Restaurant at 3065 Main St. 

The opening was a lightly advertised “soft’ opening; nevertheless, several people enjoyed breakfast, including Patti Hamilton, Louise Baines, Kenny, and Vicki Defayette. Patti commented, “I think they’ve done a wonderful job. This restaurant is just what Peru needed.” Louise added, “They have an extensive menu and the servings are more than generous.” Vicki and Kenny concurred and said they loved the restaurant’s homey atmosphere.

Tony Axelsson and Chrystal Kelly bring our community many years of restaurant experience. Tony is a native of Iceland; his father was a master chef. In 1987 the family moved to Carmel, California, where his father opened a restaurant. Tony said, “I started flipping pancakes at 13, and I’ve pretty much been doing that ever since.” In 2018, the couple opened their restaurant in Paradise, California, when the tragic wildfire destroyed the community leaving it virtually deserted. They reopened in nearby Chico, California, and then Covid hit.

Chrystal commented, “We always wanted to get out of California. We wanted a country setting and quiet life. We couldn’t afford to buy a home there and thought our six kids probably wouldn’t be able to either. We’ve always wanted to come east, to live in a country, quiet setting. We’d never been east before, but we sold everything and moved.”

The couple found that quiet, peaceful setting here in Peru. Tony commented, “We’re extremely happy with our decision. We want to bring something great to the Peru community. Our kids will be going to school here.” Chrystal added, “The kids loved the school when they saw it. Our neighbors have been so welcoming. John Kelly, who owns the property across the street from us, helped us clean up the property and raise the banner outside the restaurant.”

Tony loves to talk about the Rove Cafe’s menu. “Everything will be fresh, made from scratch. It will be like going home to grandma’s, sitting down, and having breakfast.” Chrystal added, “It’s a little bit elevated in the way we plate and prepare the food. Tony puts his special touch on everything.”

It’s almost impossible to stop Tony from talking about his eggs Benedict. He said, “We had thirteen types of eggs Benedict in California. We do not have that many here, but I plan on having crab, lobster, smoked salmon, Irish, corned beef hash, and we’ll be running specials.

The Rove Cafe and Kitchen is open Tuesday – Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on holidays when they fall on a Monday. They’ve learned people love a freshly cooked, made-from-scratch holiday meal.”

DMV offers tips and warnings against buying flood-ravaged used vehicles

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This year’s theme is “Country Hoedown”

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Fried Potatoes and Sausage Skillet
Carrots
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 at our table.

A canoe trip to a camping destination within Lake Champlain

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

“The property offers a vista of Mount Marcy, Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden and other popular mountains. The Olympic ski jumps and Whiteface Mountain are visible from it.” 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

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The Clinton County Community Services Board is awarding over $400,000 in Opioid Settlement Funding to address prevention programs and recovery programs in our community. These funds originate through state aid/regional funding allocation from the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and direct funding to the County from the NYS Office of the Attorney General. Funding is available for multiple years and will require an annual proposal to be submitted each year as funding will vary yearly. Funds are available to any community-based organization. OASAS licensure or certification is not required to access funding.

The Community Services Board will be accepting proposals for two separate target areas, prevention and recovery. We are asking providers interested in applying for prevention funding to present creative and innovative proposals that address prevention and early intervention of opioid misuse for the population from birth through pre-teen. Proposals should include family education, social media education, social media monitoring, home-based services, and community interventions. For providers interested in funding for those in recovery from Opioid Misuse Disorder and any co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health condition, proposals should encourage prosocial educational activities, life skill development and workforce engagement.

Agencies and organizations can apply for funding through Clinton County and the Local Governmental Unit/Community Services. All requests are to be submitted to Clinton County Community Services Board. Additional requirements and application information will be made available through the Clinton County Site. A committee of Clinton County stakeholders will evaluate and approve funding requests. Proposals need to be submitted by August 31st. If you want to learn more about this opportunity, contact Richelle Gregory, Director of Community Services at 518-565-4060 or Richelle.gregory@clintoncountyny.gov.

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. 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, August 8^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• District Code of Conduct
• Photography Agreement
• Personnel appointments
• Strategic Planning
• NYSSBA Voting Delegate
• The complete agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).