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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.

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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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AGENDA PERU TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING JUNE 13, 2022 @ 6:00 PM

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO; and Banking Reports).
  1. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Public Hearing of May 23, 2022 and Town Board Regular Meeting of May 23, 2022.
  1. Community Input.
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of P & H Senesac, Inc. Payment App #1 for Lagoon Decommissioning Project.
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of P & H Senesac, Inc. Payment App #2 for Lagoon Decommissioning Project.
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Rifenburg’s Payment App #13 REV-1 for Sewer Lines Upgrade Project.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Charges for Use of Parks. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Sewer/Lagoon/Elm St. Project Update. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills. 
  1. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session. (If needed) 
  1. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. (If needed) 

MOTION:     Adjourn

DEC Announces Opening of 2022 Black Bass Season

New Annual Season Start Date is June 15

Top Quality Bass Fishing Opportunities Available Throughout the State

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that the open (harvest) season for largemouth and smallmouth bass, collectively known as black bass, begins Wednesday, June 15, and runs through Nov. 30. The June 15 opener is now the standard opening date for these species, replacing the third Saturday in June. For most of the state, a catch-and-release season exists from Dec. 1 through June 14. Special fishing regulations exist for some waters as outlined in the current fishing regulations guide and should be closely reviewed before heading out to fish.

“Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are New York’s most popular freshwater sportfish,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage all to head out and experience the tremendous bass fishing we have here in New York, and while you’re at it, take a youngster along with you to make some great memories.”

New York has a number of waters that consistently rank as some of the best bass angling destinations in the country. In 2021, New York boasted a remarkable six locations in Bassmaster Magazine’s top 25 bass lakes in the Northeast. This included the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands) (#1), Lake Erie (#3), Lake Champlain (#4), Cayuga Lake (#11), Oneida Lake (#18), and Chautauqua Lake (#25).

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are widely distributed across the state with plentiful great bass fishing locations in addition to New York’s “big six.” For more information, visit DEC’s Places to Fish and Warmwater Fishing webpages.

New revelations and 3 other takeaways from the first Jan. 6 committee hearing | NCPR News

Source: New revelations and 3 other takeaways from the first Jan. 6 committee hearing | NCPR News

BREAKING: Potsdam police cleared in Nick Hillary civil rights case | NCPR News

Source: BREAKING: Potsdam police cleared in Nick Hillary civil rights case | NCPR News

Assemblyman Jones welcomes North Country children to take his annual Summer Reading Challenge

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) is inviting North Country children to take part in his annual Summer Reading Challenge, which is held in partnership with New York State Libraries. This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities,” celebrating all things aquatic and ocean-related for kids to learn about and explore as they read.

“Summer is the best time to get together with friends and family and enjoy the beautiful weather, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to find your next great adventure inside a book,” said Jones. “Reading helps keep our kids’ minds active during the summer months and it can also expand our worlds, allowing us to dive deeper into a world of imagination and introduce us to characters that inspire. My Summer Reading Challenge is the perfect motivation to pick up that book you have been eyeing and give it a go, and I hope North Country parents will encourage their children to participate.”

The challenge asks children to read a book for a minimum of 15 minutes a day, for at least 40 days during July and August. Children can read independently or with a family member and must mark days completed on the provided calendar. Once they have completed their 40 days or more, they can send the calendar to Jones’s office and receive a certificate in the mail. As North Country libraries continue to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic, this challenge provides a great opportunity for children to return to these valuable community hubs, noted Jones.

If a child has not received a copy of Jones’ 2022 Summer Reading Challenge calendar and bookmarks from their school, these materials can be printed out by visiting his website, nyassembly.gov/mem/Billy-Jones, and clicking on the banner for the challenge.

As reckless gunfire increases in Burlington, leaders search for a cause and a solution – VTDigger

Source: As reckless gunfire increases in Burlington, leaders search for a cause and a solution – VTDigger

Addressing Burlington gun violence, mayor calls on City Council to support police

Source: Addressing Burlington gun violence, mayor calls on City Council to support police

NEW YORK ONE OF ONLY SEVEN STATES TO OWE MONEY TO FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND

State Owes $8.1 Billion, Second to Only California

Despite recent significant payments to the federal Unemployment Trust Fund (UTF), New York is one of only seven states or territories with unemployment insurance (UI) funds that are in debt to the federal government, and the $8.1 billion owed in the outstanding loan balance is second only to California, according to a new analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

As DiNapoli detailed in a September 2021 report, the devastating job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a record number of UI claims, necessitating continued borrowing from the federal government beginning in May 2020. If New York’s outstanding balance is not fully repaid by November 10, 2022, interest costs will mount, as will the federal portion of employers’ 2022 tax bills.

“New York’s unemployment insurance debt has remained stubbornly high despite steady employment gains and state tax rates that have already increased to maximum permissible levels,” DiNapoli said. “Absent any significant federal or state action, repaying the loan and replenishing the unemployment fund will require federal tax increases that may be burdensome to small businesses and could hinder the state’s economic recovery.”

DiNapoli’s analysis, includes:

  • A month-by-month look at the UFT loan balance;
  • The state’s increased UI tax collections; and
  • Responses by other states.

Analysis

Economic and Policy Insights

Arrest made in Plattsburgh homicide

Source: Arrest made in Plattsburgh homicide

COLORS OF FREEDOM TOUR A NORTH COUNTRY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

AUSABLE CHASM, NY ‐‐ A first‐ever North Country Juneteenth celebration of the region’s role in the fight against slavery will highlight Underground Railroad work in the area, as well as prominent anti‐slavery Quakers and abolitionist John Brown.

Juneteenth is now a national and state holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The “Colors of Freedom” tour will be a unique way for families and visitors alike to experience the struggles that took place in this area.

The June 19 “Colors of Freedom” tour will feature seven different stops with re‐enactors, docents, and celebrations of the freedom spirit in Clinton and Essex counties. Sponsored by the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, John Brown Lives!, the Adirondack History Museum and the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, this event involves existing museums, exhibits at historic locations, and original re‐enactments. Plus June 18 screening of “Searching for Timbuctoo” documentary and Q&A with Director at Lake Placid Center for the Arts. $5 Read more »

Stefanik, Hudson, Miller Introduce Bill to Promote Gun Safety

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Richard Hudson (R-NC), and Carol Miller (R-WV) today introduced the Firearm Proficiency and Training Act to incentivize gun training and safety.

“As Democrats rush to push their radical gun control agenda, I am proud to lead the charge in introducing legislation to promote gun training and safety,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This bill will empower gun owners by incentivizing them to purchase gun safety and storage equipment as well as training and safety courses. Congress should enable all Americans to safely exercise their Second Amendment rights, rather than infringe upon the Constitutional rights of law-abiding American citizens.”

“Instead of mandated gun control that threatens the rights of responsible gun owners and law-abiding citizens, we have solutions that prevent school shootings, improve mental health, and save lives. I’m proud to join Rep. Stefanik and my colleagues in leading the Firearm Proficiency and Training Act that will encourage improved gun safety standards and responsible gun ownership through concealed carry classes. Like my STOP II Act, this common sense bill empowers Americans to make a real difference while respecting our Second Amendment,” said Congressman Richard Hudson.

“I am pleased to join Chairwoman Stefanik and Congressman Hudson on this legislation to promote firearm safety, training, and storage,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Every American has the right to bear arms, and every gun owner should know how to use and store their firearm. Training classes and safe storage practices are important ways to educate gun owners and protect our communities. As legislators, we will continue to advocate for proper firearm usage while defending our constituents’ Second Amendment rights.”

“This is common-sense firearm safety legislation that every Member of Congress can support. We can all agree that firearms that are not in use should be safely stored in a manner that best serves the owner’s needs while ensuring firearms remain inaccessible to those who should not possess them, including unsupervised children, prohibited individuals, and those who might be suffering a mental health crisis. This legislation encourages and incentives gun owners to make responsible firearm storage decisions. NSSF is extremely grateful to Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership on true firearm safety legislation that respects Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

“The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is proud to support the Firearm Training and Proficiency Act and we thank Representative Stefanik for her leadership in promoting firearm safety and training for all law-abiding gun owners. This legislation will spur more Americans to learn how to safely and effectively use their firearms to protect themselves and their families. At the USCCA we believe firearm education should be a top priority and is the number one tool for helping people avoid danger and save lives,” said USCCA President and Founder Tim Schmidt.

Specifically, the Firearm Proficiency and Training Act will create a tax deduction for individuals who take certified firearm training and concealed carry courses, as well as for purchases of gun safety and storage equipment.

Read full bill text here.

Read more »

Stefanik, Colleagues Introduce School Safety and Mental Health Legislation

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik joined her colleagues, led by Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), in introducing the STOP II, Secure Every School and Protect our Nation’s Children Act.

This legislation builds on the STOP School Violence Act signed into law in 2018 to fund $1 billion for School Resource Officers, $1 billion for mental health guidance counselors, and $5 billion for hardening schools, active shooter training, and training for law enforcement, school officials, and students to intervene before a student reaches a breaking point. The $7 billion legislation is paid for with already approved, yet unused COVID-19 funds.

“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing real solutions to improve school safety and student mental health,” Stefanik said. “This legislation will help prevent school violence by equipping schools with better security and training to keep campuses safe and provide mental health resources to avoid tragedy. These fundamental improvements will prevent school violence before tragedy strikes. I will continue to engage with local law enforcement departments, teachers, and school superintendents on more possible solutions to ensure safe environments for our students.”

In addition to $7 billion to fund School Resource Officers and mental health guidance counselors, STOP II, Secure Every School and Protect our Nation’s Children Act closes loopholes in school security by allowing schools to apply under the STOP School Violence Act for grants to complete risk assessments and identify gaps in mental health services for students. It also codifies a clearinghouse at the Department of Homeland Security to assess, identify, and share best practices related to school safety.

To improve emergency preparedness, STOP II requires federal agencies to continuously update, develop, and provide training materials on bullying and cyberbullying, emergency planning, mental health, and targeted violence to help schools prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from a range of school safety threats, hazards, and emergency situations.

Read more »

Regular School Board Monthly Meeting June 2022

The Peru School Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting in the High School Community Room on Tuesday, June 14th at 6:00 PM.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  

Anticipated topics include:

  1. Recognition of Recent Retirees and Outgoing Board Member
  2. Approval of Various MOAs
  3. Personnel Appointments
  4. Donations
  5. Technology User Agreement

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

At this time, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

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

2nd 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 14th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

The agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).  The Board meeting will also be recorded and available on the website at a later date.

 

Stefanik Announces Over $1.9 Million for Head Start in Clinton and Franklin Counties

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik today announced the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Counties will receive $1,968,376 through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start.

“Nearly two million in taxpayer dollars will be returned to New York’s 21st District in the form of this grant,” Stefanik said. “These funds will invest in our youngest students in Clinton and Franklin Counties, and I look forward to witnessing how this grant will help Head Start continue its mission of ensuring school readiness to equip the next generation.”

The Head Start program provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services to promote school readiness for low-income children.

City homicide: Following the investigation | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | 

Garth Brooks sets new on-sale date for Buffalo concert tickets: ‘This is going to be some stupid fun’ – syracuse.com

Source: Garth Brooks sets new on-sale date for Buffalo concert tickets: ‘This is going to be some stupid fun’ – syracuse.com

Nick Hillary testifies in his trial against the Potsdam police | NCPR News

Source: Nick Hillary testifies in his trial against the Potsdam police | NCPR News

‘Dismal session’ for Adirondack Park legislation after amendments fail

Source: ‘Dismal session’ for Adirondack Park legislation after amendments fail

ACLU of Vermont launches database to track “problem” police officers

Source: ACLU of Vermont launches database to track “problem” police officers

North Country lawmakers vote against raising age for semi-automatic guns | NCPR News

Source: North Country lawmakers vote against raising age for semi-automatic guns | NCPR News

Assembly redistricting map faces another day in court

Source: Assembly redistricting map faces another day in court

Police ask for public’s help with Plattsburgh death investigation | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | 

Source: Police ask for public’s help with Plattsburgh death investigation | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Authorities are asking for the public’s help for additional clues in the suspicious overnight death of a local mother.

Monkeypox identified in Sullivan County, first case in Upstate NY – syracuse.com

Source: Monkeypox identified in Sullivan County, first case in Upstate NY – syracuse.com

Potsdam police chief defends Nick Hillary’s detention in civil right suit | NCPR News

Source: Potsdam police chief defends Nick Hillary’s detention in civil right suit | NCPR News

“Hidden in Plain Sight: Seneca Perry & Son” canceled

Keeseville – The Anderson Falls Heritage Society regrets to announce that the presentation, “Hidden in Plain Sight: Seneca Perry & Son”, scheduled for Wednesday, June 15, has been canceled.  We hope to reschedule this presentation for later this summer.
 
     Our next regularly scheduled presentation will be: “Rich in History: A Champlain Valley Reader”, presented by Richard Frost, on Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m., at the Keeseville Fire Department.