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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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Woman dies in UTV crash in North Country; husband charged with manslaughter

Her husband, Steven Dow, 36, of Potsdam, was charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Central NY hotel management sent long-term residents scrambling to make room for migrant contracts

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Flying high over the North Country

By John T Ryan 

Peru – It’s hard not to love drone photos. They’ve given us a whole new perspective on the world. David Duprey of Peru, is the owner of Duprey’s Drone Zone. The aerial views of Peru, the City of Plattsburgh, the Cumberland Head ferry landing, and the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum he’s posted on Facebook have been awe-inspiring.  

After 20+ years working for a local manufacturer and facing medical issues, Duprey devotes his energy to developing a drone photography business. He commented, “I bought my first drone about two years ago to play with. I’ve always been fascinated with technology.” Thankfully Drone #1 wasn’t expensive because it’s at the bottom of Lake Champlain. Duprey explained, “I was flying over the lake when heavy winds came up. The battery ran out, and down it came.” 

Drone #2 is much more sophisticated. For example, it automatically returns to the operator if it senses a problem, such as a low battery. It has a 360-degree obstacle avoidance system and won’t fly in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted airspace. As a commercial operator, Duprey has to be FAA certified, requiring him to pass a 90-minute, 130-question examination. Maintaining air safety is always his top priority.

Duprey has been low-key in advertising his business. He said, “I’ve only used word of mouth, Facebook and YouTube. My customers have included realtors, a wedding, land surveys, and people worried about such things as beaver dams on their property.

One job involved photographing the Town of Peru’s watershed adjacent to the Reservoir Rd. Duprey’s sophisticated software stitched together about 800 aerial photos. Peru Water Department Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said, “The images gave us an overview of the watershed tributaries and areas where we need to be concerned with runoff. On a previous occasion, we used a drone to inspect the top of our water tower for storm damage. Drones can be a big help to us.” 

If Dave Duprey ever purchases Drone #3, it might be a thermal drone he could use to find missing pets or downed animals. He commented, “It’d be my dream to help the community do that type of search and rescue or inspection with a thermal drone. But, for now, we’re happy doing what we’re doing, and some of the views we get are spectacular!”

Anyone desiring more information can contact David Duprey at 518-593-4809 or email dupreysdronezone@gmail.com or search for his Facebook or YouTube page.  Click here to view David’s video of St. Augutine’s Church and Cemetery in Peru. 

See David’s May 20th video at the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum. 

Click here to view a real estate compilation. 

Duprey photos of St. Augustine’s Church and Cemetery

St. Augustine’s Church and Cemetery

Two Saratoga County sheriff’s deputies shot, wounded in Clifton Park; Executing search warrant, sheriff says

Click here for The Daily Gazette story 

Clinton Co. Family Court Judge race underway, Republicans announce candidate

“The Republican Committee was the first to announce their official endorsement of a candidate, with Hilary Rogers, who is currently serving as the Chief Assistant Public Defender at the Clinton County Public Defender’s office, being their pick.”

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Clinton County Sheriff’s Department facing multiple sexual harassment lawsuits

Another former corrections officer filed a lawsuit on Friday against the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, detailing allegations of sexual harassment and assault

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Historical Association postpones Redford Glass presentation

Good morning – We regret to advise that our May 23rd Program, Redford Glass Uncovered, to be held at the Orchard at Meadowbrook has been postponed, and a new date will be available soon. We apologize for any inconvenience this will cause.

Our May program continues with our Walking Tour of the Oval, 10:30 am, 98 Ohio Avenue on May 27th.

 

STEC ANNOUNCES LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT SUNY DORMS FROM BEING USED TO HOUSE MIGRANTS


From the office of State Senator Dan Stec

State Senator today joined Joined Senate Republican colleagues at press conference to unveil slate of bills addressing migrant crisisSenator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today joined several of his Senate Republican colleagues at a press conference addressing the migrant crisis in New York State. Stec announced he’s sponsoring new legislation, Senate bill S.7390, which would prohibit the use of SUNY dorms to house migrants. Additionally, Stec and his colleagues announced several other pieces of legislation addressing local and statewide concerns over Governor Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ plans to move migrants out of the city and into communities across the state. 

 “When Democrats rushed to declare New York a sanctuary city, they ignored the financial costs and consequences of their actions,” said Stec. “They did so despite several warnings from many, including from the members of this conference. 

“New York City received $1 billion in aid in the state budget to manage this self-inflicted crisis. Despite that, they still can’t handle this issue and now Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul are trying to pass costs and responsibilities onto upstate communities and SUNY campuses,” he continued. “They didn’t ask to become havens for migrants or to be inserted into the mayor and governor’s mismanagement of this issue. If New York City, home to millions and recipient of extra funding, can’t handle the influx of migrants, there’s no way SUNY campuses and upstate New York are equipped for it.  

“The infrastructure and financial resources to handle this issue simply aren’t there, especially just after the state pocketed hundreds of millions from counties in eFMAP funding in the budget that just passed three weeks ago,” Stec said. “Passing this crisis onto our taxpayers and our communities is unacceptable, which is why I’m sponsoring a bill to prohibit the use of SUNY dorms to house migrants and ensure campuses remain used for academic purposes.   Read more »

North Country Mission of Hope Color Run returns June 17

All proceeds to support the mission’s clinic in Nicaragua

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

CVPH nurse honored for helping to save colleague who had a heart attack

Click here for the NBC5 story

Paul Smith’s College is not closing, but its acquisition is in limbo

Click here for the NCPR story 

Stop by the Evans Fairy Garden and enjoy

Many know Don Evans as a retired Peru Central Drivers Education teacher. But, his Quaker Springs neighbors know him as a friendly, talented man who spends the winter months crafting fairy garden surprises. For the past few weeks, Don and his wife Shirley have planted flowers and put his fascinating structures in place for children and adults to enjoy. They invite parents and kids to stop by 7 Oakdale Dr. in Peru to get down low and examine the hand-crafted land of fairyland.

NYC to send first bus of migrants to Onondaga County, town official says

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

AGENDA – Peru TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, MAY 22 @ 6 PM

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call 
  1. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2023.
  1. Community Input.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Advertise for Stumpage and Chips Bid for the Town’s 469 Brand Hollow Rd. Property.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Amendment to Employee Handbook Regarding Nepotism.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Declaring the Water/Sewer Department’s 2005 Haulmark Enclosed Trailer as Surplus Equipment and Bid Date for Sale.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Declaring the Water/Sewer Department’s 2000 New Holland Backhoe as Surplus Equipment and Bid Date for Sale.
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Review of Town Court Proposals for Heating and Air Conditioning. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept Proposal for the Town Court Building for Heating and Air Conditioning.  
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Possible New Hire for MEO at the Highway Dept.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay May 2023 Bills.
  1. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Duprey Drone Zone visits the Babbie Museum

 

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Coleslaw
Fruit Cup
Dessert
Served take-out only, 4:40 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Ausgustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972
All are welcome at our table

SUNY Plattsburgh celebrates 2023 graduates

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

North Country’s first recreational cannabis dispensary is open for business

Elevate ADK is operating a delivery-only service until it moves into its new storefront.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Babbie Museum Opening Weekend continues on Sunday

Peru – May 20, 2023 – Several people enjoyed a visit to the Babbie Museum’s today, including the Blanchard family from Saranac Lake. Plows tilled the museum’s fields while another early 1900s belt-driven machine removed ears from corn stalks. Volunteers operated Children’s rides and Peru Town Historian Helen Nerska has a Peru historical display. Lincoln Sunderland, who wrote at least three history books on Peru, was telling his entertaining stories and answering questions. Curdie Gardner conducted a dream catcher class.
The museum is open from 10 to 4 Sunday. Make plans to attend.

Housing meets climate: Officials laud new microgrid community in South Burlington

The forthcoming housing development will feature 155 new all-electric dwellings — a mix of single-family, multi-family and permanently affordable homes — some of which are slated to be ready for move-in later this year.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

How a flower farm flourished in the harsh climate of the North Country

Click here for the NCPR story 

Hochul details minimum wage increases included in the budget

In response to inflation, minimum wage to increase to $16 by 2026

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

 

Michigans for lunch Sunday sounds like a great idea

Legendary Syracuse running back, Hall of Famer Jim Brown has died at 87

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Gov. Hochul considers potentially using SUNY campuses to house asylum seekers

Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest confirmed to NBC5 that members of Hochul’s administration were in the city on Wednesday touring residential halls at SUNY Plattsburgh to potentially house migrants.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story