The Peru Gazette

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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

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“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.”

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

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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.

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 »

All proceeds to support the mission’s clinic in Nicaragua

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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.

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1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2023.

5. Community Input.

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Advertise for Stumpage and Chips Bid for the Town’s 469 Brand Hollow Rd. Property.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Amendment to Employee Handbook Regarding Nepotism.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Declaring the Water/Sewer Department’s 2005 Haulmark Enclosed Trailer as Surplus Equipment and Bid Date for Sale.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Declaring the Water/Sewer Department’s 2000 New Holland Backhoe as Surplus Equipment and Bid Date for Sale.

10. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Review of Town Court Proposals for Heating and Air Conditioning. 

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Accept Proposal for the Town Court Building for Heating and Air Conditioning.  

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Possible New Hire for MEO at the Highway Dept.

13. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

14. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay May 2023 Bills.

16. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Compiled and read at the departure ceremony by former NYS Assemblywoman Janet Duprey 

Lee Terry Ackley          

U.S. Air Force           1963-1988             Vietnam   

As a married electronics draftsman, a non-aviation military career in the Air Force seemed like a good choice.  

Completing boot camp, Lee decided to pursue a medical path.  Trained as an X-ray Technician, he served both the military and a private hospital sector until 1973 when he was accepted into the Physician Assistant program.   

For his 25 years of service to our Country, Lee received many medals and awards; Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and several others.

Kenneth Ackley               `           Veteran Guardian for his Dad

U.S. Air Force                1985-2007                                 Desert Storm    

As long as Ken remembers, he wanted to join the Air Force. Initially refused entry due to asthma, on acceptance, Ken began a 22-year Air Force career.

Ken’s duty assignments included: aircraft maintenance; F-16 crew chief; C-141 flight engineering; POW/water/jungle training; crash recovery; support missions to Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.  

In the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Ken’s son Schuyler is currently serving in Afghanistan.  

Nicholas Carter

U.S. Army   1975-1994 Vietnam

Nick’s WW11 veteran father advised Nick at basic training keep your head down, don’t tell the drill sergeant your name.  Nick’s first day the drill sergeant hollered “Carter, I know who you are, and YOU will need to perform.”  A Rouses Point drill sergeant wasn’t going easy on a Saranac boy.

Nick’s duty assignment was helicopter maintenance.  Nick served on an UN-1HC helicopter supporting operations against communist aggression.  Flying more than 25 aerial missions, Nick received the Presidential Air Medal.

Two weeks after Nick left Vietnam, a friend David, a door gunner lost his life.  Nick will pay respects today at the Vietnam Wall, Panel 2W, Line 137.

Donald Dayton     

U.S. Air Force     1960-1985           Vietnam

Don and his siblings had a difficult childhood at home.  Don’s escape was enlisting in the Air Force. Don’s duty assignments were aircraft maintenance and crash recovery. 

 In Guam he had to eat an iguana, and he wants everyone to know that it tastes nothing like chicken! 

Don spent his last 10 years at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, retiring as an aircraft maintenance superintendent with 25 years of service to our Country.

While in the Air Force, Don met the woman of his life and proposed after they spent 10 days together.  Losing her to cancer was devasting but she travels in his heart on today’s flight. 

 Penny Day                      Veteran Guardian for her Dad

U.S. Army               1986-1993                    Desert Storm

Penny was inspired to join the military by her family. A childhood illness made it a challenge to be accepted; with persistence she joined the Army, completing boot camp at Fort Jackson.    

Penny’s duty assignments were food service specialist in San Antonio, and hospital food specialist at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Deployed to Saudi Arabia Penny  served during Desert Storm.  Penny has a very proud Dad flying with her today.  

Albert John Ettling

U.S. Air Force 1966-1971 Vietnam

A college graduate, John’s draft status was reclassified as he joined the Air Force. John trained for 3 years to learn B-52 aircraft navigation, bomb and survival training. 

John flew over 100 bombing flights from the Delta to the DMZ; each flight contained 125 bombs. John would pull the pins pre-flight; when the bombs were released, the entire plane vibrated. Three planes flew together at 29-33 thousand feet. They gave over control flying over canopy clouds of smoke with little guidance for buildings and bridges. John flew missions out of Guam, Okinawa, and Thailand.

Donald Favreau

U.S. Army                   1966-1969                 Vietnam

Enlisting in the Army, Don was assigned to Fort Knox and Fort Gordon where he would receive training in Military Justice, Code of Conduct, non-judicial punishment, Geneva convention, survival escape and evasion.

 Initially ordered to Vietnam, Don was assigned to the 55^th MP Company in Korea due to the unrest along the demilitarized zone.  Don’s duty assignment was a patrol supervisor. Working with a Korean National Police Officer bridged the language gap. 

 Back home, at Fort Lee, Don assumed duties of Traffic Accident Division, reporting directly to the Provost Marshal. 

Steven Fretwell

U.S. Air Force 1970-1990 Vietnam

Steve continued in his World War11 father’s military footsteps.  He enlisted in the Air Force claiming they had the best food of all branches. 

Steve was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and then on to Denver for Tech School.   Steve’s duty assignment was Material Storage and Distribution. He named it “Box Kicker”.  With Steve’s sense of humor, no one wants him creating MOS titles!  

Throughout his 20-year career, Steve traveled the globs spending time in Okinawa, Thailand, Guam, Japan, Iceland, Holland, and many Air Force Bases                

Gary “Randy” Kambhampati        Veteran Guardian for Steven Fretwell

U.S. Army                             2000-2023                     Iraq 

Since the Revolutionary War, men and women in Randy’s family have served every branch.  Enlisting in the Army, Randy completed basic training at Fort Jackson; on to Redstone for a 17-year duty assignment of ammunition and explosives. 

 Randy was deployed to Iraq serving in the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th waves; returning to ARedstone with the 13^th 108 Battalion.  At the end of May, Randy retires after 23 years of service to our country; proud of his son Ish stationed at Quantico.

Doyle Frost

U.S. Air Force; U.S.  Navy               1963-1969             Vietnam

U.S. Army Reserves                         1975-2005

Doyle was born into a United Kingdom family of military service.  His World War11 father was a radio operator on a B-24; his mother served as a Wren in the Royal British Navy.

On the USS Intrepid, Doyle’s Commanding Officer asked why he corresponded with a British Royal Navy Admiral; explanation ‘he’s my grandfather’.  

After training at Lackland and Griffith Air Force Bases, Doyle joined the 380^th Electrical Maintenance Squad, Plattsburgh Air Force Base loading guns and rockets for pilots. 

In the Army Reserves Doyle served in Desert Storm.

Robert ‘Rory’ Boire                           Veteran Guardian for Doyle Frost

U.S. Marine Corps                  1979-1983                               Cold War

 Air Force; Vermont Air National Guard 1984-2003  

Rory, an Infantry Rifleman, with specialist training prepared for responsibility to capture, destroy, and deter enemy forces; assist in reconnaissance; mobilize troops with weapons supporting ground combat forces.

Leaving the Marines, Rory enlisted in the Air Force, joining the Vermont Air National Guard.  

In 2003 Rory was one of thirteen Green Mountain Boys, Security Forces Delta Squadron, sent on a 100-day deployment to Qatar. 

Gary Giles

U.S. Army                             1969-1971                   Vietnam

Gary was drafted, sent to Fort Dix for boot camp and AIT with infantry training teaching him first aid and how to get from Point A to Point B.    

Arriving at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam Gary was told to watch out for two-step snakes, if bitten he’d die before taking two-steps.  

With 10 months left in his commitment, Gary was sent to Fort Riley for tank operations.  With 5-weeks left, he shipped out to Germany. 

 Like many of his fellow soldiers, Gary prefers not to speak of his experiences in Vietnam.  The memories remain raw, and the wounds run deep.  

Robert Johnson 

U.S. Air Force                         1974-1994                            Vietnam

Bob’s Dad World War 11 POW in Germany, told his son: “don’t let the Army draft you”; “Never volunteer.”  Bob enlisted in the Air Force as a KC-135 Boom Operator; he volunteered for every flight he could.

Serving 20 years, Bob’s duty assignment was in-flight refueling; rising from aircrew to instructor, and standardization flight examiner. 

Bob was stationed at North Carolina, Kansas and Plattsburgh Air Force Bases; also, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iceland.  

During the Gulf War, Bob recalls bunking down at a fire department, 12 hours on, 12 hours off, as debris and shrapnel rained down. 

John McVicar

U.S. Army                             1950-1953                               Korean

John was influenced by John Wayne’s strength of character in movies. John forged his signature to enlist; was caught; sent home returned at age 17.   

Training at Fort Dix, John credits his tough drill sergeant for providing the skills to survive in combat.  

John was ready to go to Korea; but 4 times his orders were cancelled.  Sent to Germany; he wanted Korea.  John wrote a letter to President Truman and his request was honored. John was injured twice and sent to a hospital in Japan.  

John recalls hot, cold and lots of hits.  For his service to our country, John received a Purple Heart; Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars; and several other commendations.

Gary Miller

U.S. Army 1971-1973 Vietnam

A recruiter went to Willsboro; Gary and 3 friends enlisted.  The four trained at Fort Dix but would only cross paths once in Germany.

Gary received AIT training in recovery and evacuation and time on the firing range before going to Germany.  

Gary spent 86 days in the field, one shower with water heated in a steel pot; they were expected to shave every day.

In a large mess hall Gary met a guy from Altona.  They became lifetime friends.  Gary and Richard Wray will travel together on today’s Honor Flight. 

Francis Patnode

U.S. Air Force                 1971-1975                         Vietnam

With a number 13, there was no doubt Fran would be drafted; he enlisted in the Air Force. 

A college graduate Fran’s draft status was reclassified. Not wanting to go to flight school, he didn’t go as an officer.  Fran attended tech school at Lackland Air Force Base, going on to Griffith and Plattsburgh Air Force Bases.

 Fran met and married his wife of 48 years in Plattsburgh.  A former Master Sergeant Supervisor called from Italy offering him a position.   Recently married Fran wisely declined the offer. 

Fran’s duty assignment was Personnel Specialist; he prepared his own promotion and discharge.

James Varno    

U.S. Marine Corps               1968-1970                   Vietnam

While on base in Hawaii, Jim received orders to Vietnam.  With his cousin, he headed to California for jungle training.  His cousin broke his arm rescinding his orders.  He wanted to break Jim’s arm, but Jim wasn’t having that.

Jim’s duty assignments were Combat Engineer and Carpenter. Jim went to Vietnam as a mine sweeper. 

 Reassigned as a truck driver did not reduce the worry of road mines.  On a dirt road he ran into John Duquette from Morrisonville, who was on tank patrol.

 Even in tough times, it’s a small world! 

Richard Wray

U.S. Army                                1971-1974                         Vietnam

Army Reserves

Completing basic training at Fort Dix, Richard went to Fort Riley for AIT training as a field lineman.  He quickly realized being 35-feet in the air on a pole was not for him.  After TDY at Fort Benning, Richard returned to Fort Riley for radio repair school while spending much of his time on guard duty and KP. 

At Fort Riley, Richard met up with Gary Miller.  It’s been highly rumored they had very interesting adventures so lots of stories may be told as these friends travel on today’s Honor Flight.  

Serving 23 years in the Army Reserves, Richard activated for Desert Storm and went to Korea and Germany.