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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.

Recent Comments

Stefanik being floated as possible Trump VP

The first Republican presidential primaries are nearly a year away and the candidate field is unsettled

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Posted: March 18th, 2023 under Congressional News, Northern NY News, Political News.
Comments: none

Ford recall for front brake hose issue impacts 1.2 million vehicles

According to the NHTSA recall notice, 2013-2018 Ford Fusion models and 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ models may have front brake hoses that could rupture and leak brake fluid.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Posted: March 18th, 2023 under Business News, National News.
Comments: none

New York firm plans to turn former Southern Vermont College into luxury resort

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Posted: March 18th, 2023 under Business News, National News, Regional NY-VT News.
Comments: none

Our region’s high school sports teams enjoy jubilant sendoffs

Communities come together to express their pride and excitement

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Posted: March 17th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Education News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none

ADK Medical Center receives national recognition

AMC deemed tops in managing risk, providing quality care with better outcomes, patient satisfaction, and at lower cost

Click here for the Sun Community News story

Posted: March 17th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Heathcare News, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments: none

This weird winter is rough on New York apple trees, but this expert says don’t panic

Click here for the NCPR story 

Posted: March 17th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Agricultural News, Business News, Environmental News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none

Barrie Finnegan, Director of The North Country Honor Flight, named Irish Person of the Year

L-R Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Garry Douglas, Assemblyman Billy Jones, Barrie Finnegan, MC Matt Boire, State Senator Dan Stec

Plattsburgh – (3/17/2023) | The North Country Chamber of Commerce has hosted the St. Patrick’s Day breakfast for over 60 years. We were thrilled to host our breakfast to a sold-out crowd this morning at the West Side Ballroom, with more than 380 attendees. The event played off a “Tonight Show” format. With Matt Boire, CDC Real Estate, at the helm and channeling his best talk show host character, he commanded the room for more than an hour of merriment and malarky. 

This special event honors the Irish person of the Year, a tradition based on dedication to volunteerism, whether in business, community, civic activities, or a combination of any of these. This Year we honored Barrie Finnegan, Director of the North Country Honor Flight.

Barrie Finnegan has been an incredible nonprofit leader in our community for ten years. He is the Executive Director of the North Country Honor Flight. This organization honors those men and women who left their homes and families to fight a foreign enemy on foreign soil and gave so much in service to us all. The priority for the North Country Honor Flight is to give World War II, Korean War, terminally ill, and Vietnam Veterans the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C., to visit their National Memorials at no charge to them.

Barrie’s name is synonymous with the North Country Honor Flight. He has spent countless volunteer hours reviewing applications, booking flights, fundraising, and coordinating a proper take-off ceremony for each honor flight. Tasks have not gone unnoticed by those of the North Country.

Janet Duprey, a longtime supporter and volunteer with the Honor Flight and last Year’s Irish person of the Year, states, “Working side by side with Barrie is a total pleasure. We always discuss issues to ensure we make the best decisions for our Veterans. Barrie puts in more hours, travels more to collect fundraising money, and meets with organizations or veterans on request than anyone I know. It’s a privilege to call him a great friend, and North Country Honor Flight is fortunate to have Executive Director Barrie Finnegan. And we are delighted to both be Irish!!”

Beyond his Honor Flight Service, Finnegan is a lifelong North Country Resident who grew up in Keeseville and graduated from Suny Cortland. His day job as a New York Life Insurance agent keeps him busy too. He is married to his wife, Lisa. He has three children, Christopher, Ben, and Elizabeth, and one granddaughter, Mae, who he adores.

“The Honorary Irishman of the Year Award has become one of the most singular honors in the North Country each year,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “The list of past honorees is a litany of people who have left a lasting impact on our area, from leading officials to extraordinary volunteers. Barrie Finnegan is a perfect addition to this list, providing inspiring leadership with the North Country Honor Flights, demonstrating real appreciation for our region’s veterans, and, in a very real way, continuing this area’s long and special relationship with our armed services. Congratulations and profound thanks to this eminent and deserving citizen. Onward and upward!” 

To learn more about his work and the work of countless volunteers, you can visit northcountryhonorflight.org or follow them on Facebook @NYnorthcountryhonorflight.

Posted: March 17th, 2023 under Business News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Veterans' News.
Comments: none

Plattsburgh Common Council passes cost estimate for Margaret Street Reconstruction Project

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Posted: March 17th, 2023 under City News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments: none

Ausable Valley Central investigating social media threat

Through their investigation, they learned the threat made on social media was not credible.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Posted: March 17th, 2023 under Education News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none

Who was St. Patrick?


c. 389–461

Feast Day—March 17

The patron saint of Ireland, Patrick was born in Roman Britain. He describes his life and ministry, including his work to convert the Irish people, in his short autobiography and testimony, Confessions. Kidnapped at age 16 by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland, his time spent in captivity transformed him spiritually. He was a lonely shepherd for six years before escaping and returning home.

After returning home, his dream of converting the Irish from pagan belief propelled him to priestly studies in Gaul (now France). In about 432, Pope Celestine I consecrated him as a bishop and sent him to Ireland. For nearly 30 years, he preached tirelessly, made countless converts, founded monasteries, and established the primatial see at Armagh in modern-day Northern Ireland. Toward the end of his life, he made a 40-day retreat on Croagh Patrick mountain in present-day County Mayo. That gave rise to the pilgrimages that are made on the mountain to this day. Stories that Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity and drove snakes from the island are unconfirmed legend.

Posted: March 17th, 2023 under Community Events, National News, Religious News.
Comments: none

Nova Bus nets another major contract

Internationally recognized technology will now help Washington Metro achieve green goals

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Business News, Environmental News, National News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none

Budget Workshop #2 for Peru Board of Education

The Peru Central School Board of Education will gather Thursday, March 23rd at 6 PM in the High School Community Room for their second 23-24 budget workshop. At this workshop, the School Board is expected to:
· Review the budget timeline
· Receive a preliminary base budget overview
· Define and discuss potential funding sources for budget proposals
· Further discuss general fund proposals
The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols will be followed.
The agenda will be available on the District’s website.

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Education News, Peru News, Peru School News.
Comments: none

Town Board Special Meeting on Thursday, March 23

 

The Town of Peru Town Board has scheduled a Special Meeting Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 5:15 PM at the Peru Town Hall.  The purpose of the meeting will be Executive Session to interview candidates for the Recreation Director position.

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Peru News, Town Board News.
Comments: none

DEC Announces 2023 DEC Camping Reservation Changes

New Features Include Same-Day Reservations, Among Others

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced changes to reservations at DEC campgrounds for the upcoming season, including new same-day reservations to help add flexibility and ease to last-minute bookings.

“DEC is excited to make some changes and updates to this year’s reservation window for DEC campgrounds,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “While many campers book weeks or months in advance, there continues to be a high demand for last-minute bookings. Adding same-day reservations will allow our customers to check availability and book a reservation on their way to a campground. An additional 17 hours to book a camping stay will ensure sites are available before arriving and prevent anyone from arriving to a full campground.”

The change will afford last-minute campers the security of a reserved campsite at any of DEC’s 52 campgrounds and aligns the Forest Preserve-based campgrounds with the reservation window currently employed by the facilities operated by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. All New York State campgrounds will now accept reservations as late as the same day.

Reservations will be required, and patrons can now book a camping reservation as late as 5 p.m. on the desired day of arrival. The public can also book a one-night stay for the 2023 season at any DEC campground beginning April 7, 2023. This will mean that gaps between reservations will be able to be filled earlier than in the past.

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC’s website or call DEC’s Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of DEC’s camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the ReserveAmerica website (leaves DEC website).

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Northern NY News, Recreation opportunities, State Government News, Statewide News.
Comments: none

State Senator Dan Stec’s take on the NYS Senate’s budget

STEC: SENATE BUDGET CONTAINS MANY IMPROVEMENTS BUT CONTINUES TOO MANY OF STATE’S BAD HABITS

From the office of State Senator Dan Stec 

            Senator Dan Stec (R, C-Queensbury) today issued the following statement concerning the one-house budget resolution passed by Senate Democrats:

            “I was pleased to see several items I advocated for included in the Senate’s one-house budget resolution. This includes relief for local governments with the restoration of $625 million in eFMAP funding for local governments. Our region’s environment received needed attention with $10 million to manage and reduce visitor impacts on the public Forest Preserve in the Adirondacks and Catskills, $4 million for the Survey for Climate Change and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems and $500,000 to continue to preserve Camp Santanoni. Our schools receive support through increased school aid and a $21.4 million allocation for Teacher Centers. And they finally acted on corrections to the state’s ill-conceived concealed carry laws that I proposed, which will protect the Second Amendment in the Adirondack Park.

“But there was even more in this budget that I was discouraged by. First, Senate Democrats propose providing $1.7 billion in health care funding for illegal immigrants. At a time when legal, law-abiding residents are struggling with their own health care costs and everyday cost of living, this is an absolute insult and this money should be used to help those individuals and families first.

“This plan also falls short on the Medicaid reimbursement rate for nursing homes. It’s an improvement upon the governor’s proposal, but it is still far below what is needed for our facilities to survive and continue to provide quality care for our seniors.

“Public safety would be further eroded. The continued problems caused by the unsafe HALT Act and the state’s bail reform laws continue to be ignored. This budget also includes Clean Slate, which would seal the records of convicted felons who return to their communities.

“If that wasn’t enough, the Senate budget comes in at $236 billion and increases spending at an alarming rate, far beyond the already excessive budget proposed by Governor Hochul earlier this year. At this rate, the state would be spending 1.5 times that of California, per capita.  For these reasons, I voted no on the Senate budget, and over the next few weeks I’ll continue to advocate for common sense policies and solutions for our final budget.”

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
Comments: none

NY Assembly 2023-24 Budget Includes $34 Billion in School Aid

Spending Plan Fully Funds Foundation Aid Includes $280 Million to Make School Lunches Free for all Students

From the office of NYS Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie 

Speaker Carl Heastie and Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto today announced the Assembly’s State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023-24 Budget would provide $34.3 billion in funding to General Support for Public Schools (GSPS), an increase of $3 billion or 9.7 percent, over the 2022-23 school year (SY).

“The Assembly Majority has always been a tireless advocate for our public schools and our students,” said Speaker Heastie. “Our budget reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality public education, regardless of where they live.”

“As an educator for more than three decades, I understand that an investment in the education of our students is an investment in the future of our state,” said Assemblymember Benedetto. “This budget prioritizes the needs of our public schools and our students to ensure that they are on the road to success.”

“Libraries are an essential resource in the communities they serve across the state,” said Libraries and Education Technology Chair Carrie Woerner. “The Assembly remains committed to ensuring that they are funded appropriately so that they can continue to provide the services and programs New Yorkers have come to rely on.”

The Assembly’s proposed spending plan includes $2.6 billion to fully fund Foundation Aid for the first time since the formula was created in 2007. In addition, the Assembly’s plan provides the State Education Department (SED) with $1 million for a Foundation Aid and prekindergarten funding formula study so that SED can recommend updates and changes to both formulas.

The budget also includes an additional $75 million for the Statewide Universal Full Day Prekindergarten grant program for a total of $200 million in new funding for prekindergarten programs in SFY 2023-24.

The proposal also includes $280 million in funding to make school meals free for all students in the state, as well as $2 million to expand the Specialized High School Test Preparation program to sixth grade in New York City.

Community schools provide support to both children and parents with services such as before and after school, summer learning programs, mental health programs and dental programs. The Assembly’s spending plan would increase funding for Community Schools Regional Technical Assistance centers by $800,000 for a total of $2 million to help support existing community schools and to help new schools become community schools.

The Assembly’s budget would also eliminate the governor’s proposals to remove the regional charter cap in New York City and to reissue the authorization of “zombie” charters.

The plan also includes a $2 million restoration and a $10 million increase of funding for Private Schools for the Blind and Deaf (4201 schools), for a total of $117.9 million.

Also included in the plan is an increase of $6.5 million in funding for Adult Literacy Education for a total of $14.3 million, which is an increase of $5 million over SFY 2022-23.

Seven years ago, New York became the first state in the nation to fund the My Brother’s Keeper initiative. The initiative focuses on family and community engagement, professional development, the expansion and development of exemplary school practices and models, and addresses issues related to restorative justice and racial disparities in education. The SFY 2023-24 Assembly Budget includes $18 million in ongoing funding for the My Brother’s Keeper Programs for a total of $144 million in funding since the program’s creation.

The Assembly’s proposed spending plan also makes critical investments in New York’s libraries. The budget would increase funding for libraries to the statutory level of $104.6 million, which is an increase of $5 million over SFY 2022-23. An additional $40 million is also included for library capital for a total of $54 million.

The Assembly also proposes to provide $1 million in funding to revive the Summer School for the Arts program and to increase funding from the Love Your Library account from $150,000 to $175,000 to ensure that every library system receives a minimum of at least $6,000 for summer reading programs.

-30-

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Education News, Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
Comments: none

State police investigate school bus crash in Peru, NY

20 students were on board a school bus when it was struck at an intersection on state route 22

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Law Enforcement News, Peru News, Peru School News.
Comments: none

DiNapoli: Former Town of Marion Court Clerk Charged With Pocketing Court Fines and Fees

March 16, 2023

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Wayne County District Attorney Michael Calarco, and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Eileen Steurrys, the former part-time court clerk for the Town of Marion, for the alleged theft of $59,293 in court fines, fees and surcharges.

“The defendant went to great lengths in her attempt to cover up her alleged theft of public funds. Now, because of my office’s investigation and our partnership with state and local law enforcement, she faces the consequences of her actions,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to District Attorney Calarco and the State Police for helping my office fight public corruption.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “I commend the diligent work of our State Police members, along with our partners at the State Comptroller’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, for their hard work in putting an end to this deceitful plan. 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. The State Police remains ready to assist in investigating and apprehending those individuals willing to engage in fraudulent acts.”

Michael D. Calarco, Wayne County District Attorney said, “I wish to thank and commend Mr. DiNapoli and the NYSP for their hard work and cooperation. This is a clear example of agencies from State and Local government working together to serve and protect the public.”

The former court clerk’s crimes were uncovered during an audit of the Town of Marion Court Fund, which found court fees were not always being deposited. A resulting investigation in collaboration with Wayne County District Attorney Calarco and the State Police determined that, from 2016 to 2021, the defendant allegedly stole over $50,000, then altered court records and created phony receipts in an effort to conceal her crimes.

She admitted to the thefts when questioned by DiNapoli’s investigators and stated that she had altered and deleted court records when she learned of the impending audit before abruptly retiring as a part-time court clerk.

Steurrys, 67, was charged Wednesday with grand larceny in the second degree, corrupting the government in the second degree, tampering with public records in the first degree and official misconduct. She was arraigned in Wayne County’s Court Arraignment Procedure before Judge Marsha Williams. She is due back in court on March 22nd.

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Law Enforcement News, State Government News, Upstate New York.
Comments: none

Some seniors to start paying less for certain prescription drugs

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Heathcare News, National News, Political News.
Comments: none

New York State Police investigate vandalism at Plattsburgh Parks and Rec building

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Lake Champlain News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none

New York lowers bar for student proficiency in math, English

Click here for the Times-Union story 

Posted: March 16th, 2023 under Education News, Northern NY News, Peru School News, State Government News.
Comments: none

Lithium-ion battery recycling event coming to Plattsburgh and Lake Placid

Rotary Clubs of Plattsburgh and Lake Placid will sponsor a recycling event May 13

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Posted: March 15th, 2023 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, Environmental News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none

Thousands make their way to the North Country to seek asylum in Canada

Click here for the NCPR story 

Posted: March 15th, 2023 under Border News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments: none

Assemblyman Billy Jones: Assembly Budget includes critical funding for the North Country

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

The New York State Assembly recently released the One-House Budget proposal. Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) secured funding for numerous North Country programs and pushed to include essential education funding and funding for economic development and road infrastructure. Jones also advocated rejecting the governor’s proposed measures, including the proposal to shift Medicaid costs to the counties.

“There is still a long road ahead of us before the final State Budget,” said Jones, “but I am proud to have secured critical funding for the North Country in the One House Budget and to also push for funding for education, infrastructure, economic development, and agriculture that will benefit local residents as well. This includes my proposal to establish capital funding for volunteer fire departments, restoring my Shovel Ready program for economic development, and important funding for the Adirondacks to address overuse and create a High Peaks Information Center. I am also relieved that my colleagues and I rejected shifting Medicaid costs to the counties and lifting the Charter School cap.”

Critical funding for the North Country includes:

  • $10 million for volunteer fire departments capital fund
  • $200 million for the Shovel Ready Grant program
  • $300,000 for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program
  • $75,000 for the New York Maple Producers Association
  • $10 million to address overuse in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks
  • $100,000 for a High Peaks Information Center
  • $4 million for the Survey for Climate Change and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems
  • $250,000 for Paul Smith’s Visitor Information Center
  • $250 million for PAVE NY funding
  • $1 million for the Tourism Matching Grants program

Posted: March 15th, 2023 under Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
Comments: none

Communication with the public addressed and culvert replacement to be costly

By John T. Ryan 

Communication failures and costly culvert replacements were primary topics at the Monday, March 13, 2023, Peru Town Board Meeting. 

Moore Drive resident Robert Annis told the board that on March 1, he called the town highway garage twice to report that a highway department snowplow had knocked down his and his neighbor’s mailbox. The highway department person answering the phone said he would look into it but did not take Annis’ name or address. When Annis called back five minutes later, another person said something about it being a New York State issue. Highway Department Superintendent Mike Farrell apologized and said he didn’t get the message. After stating that the town does not replace downed mailboxes on its right of way, Farrell emphasized that plow operators try their best to avoid hitting them. Farrell believes snow pushed by the plows and deteriorating mailbox posts are the primary reasons for the damage. 

Addressing Supervisor Brandy McDonald, Annis said he emailed McDonald on March 1 and called him on March 2 using the email address and phone number listed on the town’s website. McDonald said he didn’t receive the email or the phone call and stressed that he always returns phone calls. He said that the email may have gone into his Junk Mail. Annis said he wasn’t concerned with a $30 mailbox; he just wanted someone to take ownership of the issue. Board members Melvin Irwin and Kregg Bruno also apologized, saying the communication problem shouldn’t have happened, and welcomed phone calls to them. McDonald said, “If something like this happens again, stop by the town hall and report it. There’s always someone here.” Annis departed, appearing to be satisfied with the board’s response. (After the meeting, McDonald sent the Peru Gazette a photo of Annis’s email residing in his Junk Mail folder.) 

Later in the meeting, Brandy McDonald recommended that people erecting mailboxes refer to U.S. Postal Service specifications. In addition, he urged people to position mailboxes 45 inches above the road surface rather than the Postal Service’s 41-inch minimum. Town snowplow blades are under 45 inches in height.

Replacing deteriorating road culverts has been and will be a long-term town expense. The town will soon undertake culvert replacement projects on Cook Road and culvert-bridge projects on Telegraph Road and Wescott Road. Road project. Because fish are in the small streams flowing through the culvert, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requires expensive concrete box culverts. The small Cook Road box culvert is estimated to cost about $150,000. Add engineering and construction, and it’s a costly project that serves only one home. The Telegraph Road and Wescott Road culverts will cost much more because they’re much larger and a bridge above them must be replaced. Farrell said he and the board would have to sit down and discuss how to finance the projects. Responding to a question Supervisor McDonald said he addressed the culvert issue with Assemblyman Billy Jones. Note – The Peru Gazette is planning a future story on this issue.
On March 23 at 5:25 p.m., the board will hold a Special Meeting to interview the four people who applied for the open recreation director’s position.

Only two companies submitted bids on demolishing the derelict School Street residence. Matt Favro said the board might be able to proceed with two quotes. However, the board took no action. 

The town hall’s air conditioning system needs replacement. In addition, seeking to conserve energy, the board plans to install a dropped ceiling in the town hall’s primary meeting room. The board will be advertising for bids for both projects, with the bid opening on April 10 at 10 a.m. 

Correction – March 16 at 10:09 AM. Sullivan Road was corrected to read Telegraph Road and Wescott Road was included. 

Posted: March 15th, 2023 under Highway Dept. News, Peru News, Town Board News.
Comments: none

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