Click here for the Sun Community News story 

A few events have already happened, but there are many more to come

Click here for the Mountain Lake PBS story 

By John T Ryan 

Peru – Supervisor Brandy McDonald began the meeting on Monday, August 8, 2022, by asking for a moment of silence for Peru Town Justice Larry Cabana, who passed away on Saturday, August 6. Cabana was first elected as town justice in 2014. Later in the meeting, Town Attorney Matt Favro stated that his father, attorney Gary Favro, was Larry Cabana’s close friend. He said Justice Cabana, a rough and tumble former NYS Conservation Officer, transitioned into being a judge. He often sought Gary Favro’s legal knowledge. Favro said Judge Cabana cared deeply about Peru and loved this town. (36.58 minutes to the 38.35-minute mark of the video). 

Longtime Peru Youth Director John Flynn is retiring effective August 17, 2022. The board accepted Flynn’s resignation letter without comment. The board will advertise the position and consult with the Youth Commission as soon as possible. Flynn served the town for twenty-five years.

Peru’s rich history was a primary meeting topic. Most people know Robin Caudell as a longtime Press-Republican staff writer; however, she’s also a founding member of North Country Underground Railroad and Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum. Caudell addressed the board regarding the former Stephen Keese Smith/Richard Stafford farm being offered for sale. A historical marker in front of the Union Road farmhouse describes one of its barns as part of the Underground Railroad. She read sections of Peru’s Comprehensive Plan which emphasizes preserving historic places. and outlined what she sees as the property’s potential, including being a living museum and a centerpiece of local history. (See 3.20 to 13.20-minute mark of the video) Counselor Kregg Bruno thanked Caudell for her presentation, saying he learned a lot. Editor’s Note – The Peru Gazette will do a story if Caudell’s vision moves forward.

Councilman Rick Barber reported the  Heyworth-Mason Park bell tower is ready to be installed. A bell that once sounded at lunchtime for workers at the Heyworth Starch Mill and Mason Lumber Company will be placed at the tower’s peak. Rick Barber, a descendant of the Heyworth and Mason families, conceived the idea, gave the bell to the town, and led the project. Editor’s Note – Town Parks Department personnel erected the tower and bell on Tuesday, August 10. The Peru Gazette is planning a future story on the bell’s history. 

Another councilman wants people to know Peru’s history and beautify Heyworth Mason Park. Councilman Melvin Irwin initiated an effort to place “Old Peru” paintings in the boarded-up windows of the park’s stone building, a former starch factory. The town is not funding the project. Irwin is seeking families or individuals to sponsor the paintings, which will cost about $200 each. Anyone interested should call Irwin at 518-578-5782. 

Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation issued a satisfactory rating for Peru’s wastewater control plant following its recent inspection. Tetrault has copies of the report if anyone would like to review it. 

Elm Street resident Charles Poirier asked if he would have to pay to connect to the street’s new sewer line. Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said residents on the south side of Elm Street would not have to connect to the new line. The existing line that travels behind those homes will not be disconnected. Residents can continue using it. If and when they decide to connect to the new line, they will be responsible for the cost. Residents on the north side of the street will not have to bear the cost because the main sewer line is on the north side. The town will connect them at no charge. Lateral pipes will pass under the highway to serve residents on the south side of the street.  They will be capped until residents decide they want to connect. 

Newly appointed Town Historian Helen Nerska will hold office hours on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to Noon. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell described how the storm drainage, primarily from Peru Central School, impacts Elm Street homes. There’s also a school drainage issue at the end of School Street. Councilman Rick Barber noted the school’s vast blacktopped areas. The runoff has got to go somewhere. The school does not have a legal obligation to consult with the Peru Planning board when undertaking a construction project.

Courtney Tetrault said his staff would install a shade structure at the Heyworth Mason Dog Park. Peru applied for and received a $4,000 Clinton County Tobacco Settlement Fund Grant to fund the project.  

In agenda actions, the board: 

Approved payment #2 to Luck Brothers for $3,852.42 related to the Telegraph Road culvert replacement project. 

Approved payment #6 of $103,290.84 to P & H Senesac, Inc. for work on the wastewater treatment plant’s lagoon decommissioning project. That project is complete. 

Approved advertising for bids for a highway department salt brine applicator. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell hopes to reduce road-salt use using the latest technology. 

Approved standardization of the wastewater treatment plant’s equipment and services. Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said standardization would improve parts acquisition and stocking. 

Approved hiring a seasonal worker in the Water-Sewer-Parks Department. 

Editor’s correction: Justice Larry Cabana was elected in 2014, not 2010, as originally stated.  The Heyworth Mason Park bell sounded for workers at the Heyworth lumber and starch mills, not the A. Mason Mill.

Click here for the NCPR story

Click here for Syracuse.com story 

The Dr. Karl R. and Ruth Kramer NEZ Retired Educators of New York Education Scholarship for 2022 has been awarded to Mallorie Douglas.  She graduated from Ausable Valley High School and will be attending SUNY Plattsburgh.  In high school, Mallorie took advantage of the high school classes which would also award college credit.   She achieved high honor roll throughout high school.

Mallorie was influenced to study in the field of education by her mother, a current teacher.  For the past two years Mallorie has been employed at a grocery store to support herself and save for her college costs.  She has participated in sports and community service, which is especially meaningful to her.

In January 2023, Mallorie will receive $500 to assist her in paying the costs of college.

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Admission is $10 per person and includes rides, animal shows, face painting, exhibits, parking and more

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

The Will Patton Ensemble famously serves up “an astoundingly rich musical stew flavored with jazz, choro, folk, and other influences…. a unique blend of musicality, passion and respect sets this band apart as a special experience.” So says Mandolin Magazine, and here is the recipe:

Combine a jazz/choro mandolinist with a symphony violinist who plays bluegrass and hot swing; add a string bass player who came of age working the Chicago blues clubs with the likes of Howlin’ Wolf and Buddy Guy; a lifelong guitarist equally at home with flatpicking fiddle tunes and fiery Gypsy jazz solos; and spice it up with a first-call jazz/Brazilian percussionist. Stir in a little rock ‘n’ roll attitude and season for twenty years in small clubs and large concert halls and you get some idea of the music of the Will Patton Ensemble.

Led by renowned jazz mandolinist Will Patton, Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com report 

A Peru Gazette story will follow.

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the state shut down in efforts to stop the spread which led to an unprecedented number of unemployment insurance claims. New York paid $1.2 billion towards the Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF) in May but still owes $7.6 billion to the federal government, second only to California and is one of six states that still owes money to this fund. Almost a year ago, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli warned the state as to what will happen if this debt remains unpaid by November 10, 2022 but New York has yet to take action and instead the Department of Labor issued letters to businesses about a new Interest Assessment Surcharge (IAS).

In early July, Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) and 21 other assembly members wrote a letter to the Governor in support of the state allocating extra revenue to pay off the debt to the UTF. Today Jones joined Garry Douglas, CEO and President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, Robin Pierce, executive director of the West Side Ballroom, and Shannon Wilkins, business manager of Rulfs Orchard and owner of Livingood’s Restaurant and Brewery at the West Side Ballroom to call on the state to pay off the debt to the federal government before it’s too late. Read more »

Click here for CNBC News 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for NCPR story 

On www.Vote411.org

Vote 411, the League’s electronic voter guide, is now LIVE! Candidate information is available for all candidates running in the Congressional and New York State Senate primary races on August 23. The information includes biographical details and responses to questions posed by the League, as well as links to candidates’ social media and campaign websites.

All of this can be accessed online at www.vote411.org in an easy-to-use electronic format.  New Yorkers can enter their address to compare candidate information and print a customized sample ballot. Candidates who have not yet submitted their information are listed with “Candidate Has Not Responded;” their responses will be posted as soon as the candidates provide the information.

Voters can visit www.vote411.org before going to vote early or on Election Day on August 23. More information on where and when you can vote early in Clinton and Essex County is available at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or on the County Board of Elections website. Early voting for the August primary will take place from August 13 to August 21 across the state.

The League will be launching a voter guide on Vote411 for the General Election on November 8.  

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

The increase would boost the starting salary for Environmental Conservation Police Officers from $66,140 to $81,140, and for Forest Rangers from $63,034 to $78,034, effective July 21, 2022. Sign up for law enforcement civil service exam by August 10

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Civil Service today announced a $15,000 Geographic Pay Differential was approved for Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers located in the lower Hudson Valley and downstate areas. The measure will help the agency address recruitment and retention challenges for law enforcement in lower Hudson Valley and downstate regions.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “ECOs, Investigators, and Forest Rangers are on the front lines of our comprehensive efforts to protect the environment and public safety and we must continue to attract the best and brightest to our ranks. We commend Governor Hochul and the Department of Civil Service for supporting this Geographic Pay Differential for our law enforcement staff deployed to Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson Valley, which is an important part of our efforts to recruit and retain expert Forest Rangers and ECOs.”

Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy R. Hogues said, “DEC’s ECOs and Forest Rangers patrol and protect New York’s bountiful natural resources, and this pay increase will help DEC retain these talented and dedicated employees in the downstate regions. This marks the latest measure the Department of Civil Service is taking to ensure our compensation is competitive to attract the next generation of talent to public service careers. There is still time to apply to take the entry-level law enforcement exam, and I encourage all New Yorkers who may be interested in a career in law enforcement to sign up now.”

The increase would boost the starting salary for Environmental Conservation Police Officers from $66,140 to $81,140, and for Forest Rangers from $63,034 to $78,034, effective July 21, 2022. The raise will help address a disparity in compensation between the State and competing employers in lower-Hudson and downstate areas.

Individuals who are contemplating a career with the DEC can apply for New York State’s entry-level law enforcement civil service exam by August 10, 2022. People interested in being considered for entry-level law enforcement positions within state government must first meet the minimum qualifications for the title or titles of interest and register for the civil service exam by submitting all the required information (leaves DEC website) on the Department of Civil Service website. The exam, a multiple-choice test, will be offered during the fall.

To learn more about working for the State of New York and how to take the next step in pursuing a rewarding career in public service, please visit the Department of Civil Service website (leaves DEC website) and follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn (leaves DEC website).