The Peru Gazette

Eastern Clinton-Western Clinton-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-
Orleans-Essex-Lamoille-Caledonia-Washington-Western Addison-
Orange-Western Rutland-Eastern Franklin-Eastern Chittenden-
Eastern Addison-Eastern Rutland-Western Windsor-Eastern Windsor-
Including the cities of Champlain, Plattsburgh, Dannemora,
Ellenburg, Lake Placid, Newcomb, Port Henry, Ticonderoga, Derby,
Newport, Island Pond, Lunenburg, Johnson, Stowe, Hardwick, St.
Johnsbury, Montpelier, Waitsfield, Middlebury, Vergennes,
Bradford, Randolph, Fair Haven, Rutland, Enosburg Falls,
Richford, Richmond, Underhill, Bristol, Ripton, East Wallingford,
Killington, Bethel, Ludlow, Springfield, and White River Junction
242 AM EDT Thu Jul 13 2023

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON
THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
  possible.

* WHERE...Essex and Clinton counties in New York. Portions of
  Vermont, including the following counties, Caledonia, Eastern
  Addison, Eastern Chittenden, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Rutland,
  Eastern Windsor, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Washington,
  Western Addison, Western Rutland and Western Windsor.

* WHEN...From 2 PM EDT this afternoon through late tonight.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
  creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - Additional rainfall is expected this afternoon and evening as
    a line of strong thunderstorms moves through. Rivers and
    streams are already running high and any additional rainfall
    will go straight to run-off in areas that have recently
    flooded. Additional forecast rainfall amounts for this
    afternoon and evening are 1 to 1.5 inches, locally up to 2
    inches in the heaviest storms.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain vigilant, monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible
Flash Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should
be prepared to take action should flooding develop.  Have a plan in
place now if your area is flooded.  Make sure that you have a
reliable source to get flood alerts from.

&&

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

A photo from the scene shows a home on Pleasant Street on fire, with smoke pouring out of the structure.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Architectural Drawing

Architectural Drawing

Davey Drive is adjacent to and behind the Bear Swamp Road Dunkin’ Restaurant 

By John T Ryan 

Peru – July 12, 2023 – If the construction schedule goes as planned, in January 2024,  there will be eight new apartments at Davey Drive Commons. The developer and general contractor, Nate Wilson, opened eight units in early 2020. He’s had no problem renting them, so he’s building eight more. 

There are differences. Unlike the units next door, the new apartments do not have garages; however, they are larger bedrooms. Two-story apartments will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Single-story units will offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Wilson commented, “I’m very proud of the first eight units. These will have a different color but a similar appearance. They’ll have top finishing touches, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and bronze lighting fixtures.” 

Four years ago, when the Peru Gazette interviewed Wilson, he cited several of Peru’s remarkable qualities: “I think many people are looking for Peru’s conveniences and small-town life. They’ll be very close to restaurants, the post office and the walking trail.” Wilson hasn’t changed his mind. He stated, ” Peru offers so much, but people supporting local establishments is essential.” 

As a developer, Wilson stated, “By and large, Peru is relatively friendly to develop in. The school district is well-favored. That’s very important.” 

As stated in our 2020 story, Peru is also home to insurance agencies, a credit union, a bank,  a supermarket, a drug store, farmer’s markets, orchards, an accounting firm, hardware stores, a liquor store, a laundromat, a car wash, gas stations, churches, beauty shops, dentists, a medical practice, a new Stewart’s and more. Peru offers its residents city amenities but in a small town.

Several bodies of water reached new highs, while others came close to matching records set during Tropical Storm Irene. By Tuesday night, most were receding.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Click here for the VT story 

Money was Taken from her Deceased Mother-in-Law’s Bank Account

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Ryan K. Buchanan and Inspector General for the Social Security Administration Gail S. Ennis today announced that Sandra Smith, a resident of Georgia, has pleaded guilty to the federal crime of theft of government funds and must pay back $459,050 in New York state pension and Social Security payments that were issued to her deceased mother-in-law.

“Exploiting the death of a family member for personal profit is a heinous crime,” DiNapoli said. “The defendant took advantage of our state pension fund and the Social Security Administration, but due to our joint investigation, her crimes were discovered. She now faces the consequences of her actions. My thanks to U.S. Attorney Buchanan and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General for their partnership in ensuring justice was served and restitution was made in this case.”

Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government funds. Under her plea agreement, she will pay $264,699 in restitution to the state pension system and $194,351 to the SSA.

The defendant’s late mother-in-law, Minnie Smith, was an employee of the New York State Insurance Fund for 20 years until retiring in 2005. To be closer to family, she moved from Brooklyn to Georgia afterward and passed away there on Sept. 14, 2006.

As her mother-in-law’s caretaker, Sandra Smith had access to her bank account, which she kept open after her death to enable the theft of continued payments from the New York state pension system and Social Security. The Comptroller’s Division of Investigations and the SSA-OIG discovered and investigated the thefts.

Smith, 49, pleaded before Judge Eleanor Ross of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

The Town of Peru Highway Department will be paving Burnt Hill Road from Norrisville Road  to town line, on Wednesday, July 12^th from 6:30 am til 2 pm. 

Local traffic, school buses & emergency vehicles will be able to access the road.

The most recent weather events have brought a great deal of suffering for many of our North Country neighbors. In a community like the North Country, when events like this occur, we all know someone who has been directly affected, and we want to do what we can to help them through their difficult time.

Please know that the Mission of Hope family has everyone affected, directly or through family and friends, in our thoughts and prayers. We also stand ready to help anyone needing medical supplies, equipment, or clothing. Anything we have, we are happy to share with those in need.

If you need assistance, our warehouse will be open tomorrow from 9-11 AM, or you can call Jimmy Dumont at 518-651-6009 or Rob Bashaw at 518-335-8346.

God Bless
Deacon James

Route 9 bridge view heading south

Jabez Allen Road View

Historic Bridge Carrying State Route 9 Will Be Raised to Reduce Potential of Flooding and Ice Jams Impacting the Bridge

Read more »

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Ongoing demonstrations of antique chain saws, shingle mill, saw mill, and a planer and buzz saw run by hit and miss engines.   Watch our blacksmith at work.  See flax being spun into linen.  Try your hand using a wash board or vintage wringer washer.  Visit the garden shed, raised beds and hops display.  KIDS:  milk Apple Blossom, ride Thomas the Train & the stagecoach, visit the animals, lift hay to the hayloft and grind some corn in the granary.  Check out our new movie theater and kiosks.  Bring a bagged lunch and enjoy our picnic area.  Beverages and snacks are available in the Museum Store.

Peru Gazette 4/5/22 photo

Peru Gazette 4/5/22 photo

Peru – July 10, 2023. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup watched as the 5 School Street house fell today. Guynup issued code violations over several years and brought the issue to Peru Town Court. Finally, the Town Board took the many required legal steps to demolish the building. Because the building was in disrepair and unsafe to enter, state regulations require that asbestos is assumed to be present. The contractor hauled the debris to the region’s hazardous waste landfill in Frankin County. The town will include the demolition cost in property owner Dale Bradley’s tax bill.

July 10, 2023 – The Little Ausable River at Heyworth/Mason Park and the Ausable River at Ausable Chasm are typically low this time of year. While they’re not high today compared to many area rivers, they’re still relatively high.

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

July 10, 9:30 a.m. Update: I just spoke with DOT. A DOT news release is in the works. Release date and time unknown.

Based on the signs posted in and around Keeseville, Route 9 will indefinitely close at the Carpenter’s Flat Bridge on Monday, July 9. 

The Peru Town Board Regular Meeting of July 10 is canceled. The next meeting is Monday, July 24, at 6 p.m.

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – July 6, 2023) Strand Center for the Arts is hosting Jumpin’ in July, an event sponsored by NYSEG, on Saturday, July 15, 11 am–5 pm on the front lawn of the arts center. Community members are invited to come and support local artisan vendors and enjoy live musical performances.

“This year, Jumpin’ in July will be tied in with our July Artisan Market for a fantastic one-day event sponsored by NYSEG. This is sure to be fun for everyone of all ages. The goal is to not only fill our lawn but to fill downtown and support downtown businesses.” — Jerrod Olsen, Director of Operations, Strand Center for the Arts

Enjoy live performances by Sabo & Chris, ANDRIANA & the BANANAS, The Apollos, and GELLIE.

Participating artisan vendors include Anxiously Handmade, Designs by Renée, BForkeyArtStudio, Broken Horn Relics, Marilyn Kretser, Red Mills Handmade Crochet & Macramé, and more!

“Music is just so important to me and I am so grateful to work in an establishment that encourages the arts and allows me to be myself and to be part of a music event where I can share my art and appreciate other artists.” —

Angelika “GELLIE” Morris, Performer and Front Desk Team Member, Strand Center for the Arts

About Some of Our Participants

The Apollos are an indie rock band based in Burlington, VT, sent from the stars to fulfill the rock and roll prophecy.

GELLIE is an indie singer, songwriter, and beatmaker from Queens, NY. Her music is a blend of Neo Soul, Hip Hop and RnB. GELLIE ties together the old-school sounds of Erykah Badu and Sade with new school beat making to create an artistic experience that yearns to be listened to.

Sabo & Chris is a duo spawned by Lucid all the way from Plattsburgh, NY: guitar, bass, drums, and only two people. Don’t ask if it’s any good. Come and find out!

ANDRIANA & the BANANAS are based out of Burlington, Vermont . . . “Armed with an expressive alto,” Andriana Chobot . . . brings an eclectic mix of pop-heart-rock with a touch of jazz that immerses the listener into an original soundscape. Whether it’s just her solo, delivering a soft drummed, electronic piano-centered performance, or equipped with her Banana band of local talent, she delivers renditions ranging in upbeat originals, hot covers, and cool, ethereal ballads.

The Peru School Board of Education will hold its reorganizational and regular monthly meetings on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 7:00 PM.  The meetings will be held in the High School Community Room.  The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Anticipated Topics Include:

• A Public Hearing on the Districtwide Emergency Response Plan (DERP)/Safety Plan
• Approval of BOCES Services
• Officer Elections
• Appointment of Personnel
• Board Meeting Dates for 23-24
• Mileage Rate
• Substitute Rates
• Donation Acceptance

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

1^st public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

2^nd 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, June 11^th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

The agendas will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

A recording of the meeting will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org at a later time.