The Peru Gazette

Source: U.S. History Regents exam canceled statewide due to Buffalo shooting – syracuse.com

Source: Interest rates on new federal student loans going up for 2022-23 – syracuse.com

Source: How much more are you spending at the grocery store? See price hikes for 10 common items – syracuse.com

Source: Tuesday updates: Mass shooting at Texas elementary school in Uvalde

Source: Massive tire fire reported at Clinton Co. Landfill | Sun Community News MORRISONVILLE | Thick smoke could be seen for miles after a massive tire fire was reported at the Clinton County Landfill Tuesday morning.

Source: Capital project continues at NCCS | Sun Community News CHAMPLAIN | While initially construction was planned in three phases, delays in the arrival of needed supplies have caused the phases to be adjusted.

From the office of State Sentry Dan Stec  

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today joined Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C,I-Horicon) and officials from the New York State Corrections Officers Police Benevolent Association at a press conference to announce legislation that would repeal the HALT Act (Senate bill S9378/Assembly bill number pending).

HALT ends the use of special housing units in correctional facilities. Last year saw a record amount of attacks on corrections officers and since HALT’s implementation on April 1, assaults on officers has risen by 25 percent. Repealing HALT would provide corrections officers with a crucial resource in the effort to keep themselves and corrections staff safe from violent and disruptive incarcerates.

“There was a record amount of attacks on corrections officers last year. With HALT in place, this year is poised to be even worse,” said Senator Stec. “HALT and its implementation have been disastrous for the safety of COs and civilian staff at facilities and this increase in attacks has combined with a decrease in new recruits to create a crisis at correctional facilities. We must repeal HALT and ensure officers have all the resources and support they need to protect themselves and make correctional facilities safer.”

“We have to remember that the people who require solitary confinement are not the people who have committed minor misdemeanors – these are incredibly dangerous and violent individuals, and their confinement is for the safety of the staff and other inmates. These prisoners will no doubt take advantage of the lack of consequences for violent actions against correction officers and other inmates – in fact, it’s already happening. Albany politicians must listen and learn from the stakeholders – the correction officers, who are the ones on the ground working in correctional facilities every day,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

“One of the most basic and fundamental tasks our State is responsible for is the safety of its citizens and this includes those working in our correctional facilities. Unfortunately, despite working in an already dangerous setting, the HALT Act has put our brave Correctional Officers in an increasingly violent environment that daily violates their health and safety,” stated Assemblyman Simpson. “We cannot in good faith expect these men and women to carry out an inherently difficult task and then strip them of the tools they need to fulfill their job. HALT has made our correction facilities more dangerous and undermines the work of our COs. We must restore some semblance of order and repeal HALT. How many more men and women need to be harmed before the legislature will act?”

“The data tells you everything you need to know about the impact the HALT Act has had on our correctional facilities. Prior to its implementation, the monthly average of assaults hovered around 190 for the past three years. In the month that’s followed HALT being fully implemented, the number of attacks skyrocketed to 260 and it continues to climb. Conditions inside our prisons are worsening by the day and HALT needs to be repealed immediately,” said NYSCOPBA President Michael Powers.

Video of the entire press conference can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqZTrcAAHak  

Video of Stec’s remarks can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3yfzq-_f_k 

“At least 14 students and a teacher were killed in a mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said on Tuesday. Abbott said that the shooter, an 18-year-old male, was dead.”

Source: Live updates: 14 students, 1 teacher killed in Texas elementary school shooting, governor says

Source: Pfizer says 3 COVID shots protect children under 5. Here’s what to know about the vaccine.

New York Hunters Took More than 211,000 Deer

Total Harvest Decreased Due to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, Deer Management Permit Declines

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced hunters in New York harvested an estimated 211,269 deer during the 2021-22 hunting seasons. The season’s harvest was down 17 percent last year and data points to a few factors for a cause, including the resurgence of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in certain regions of the State and fewer Deer Management Permits allocated. Bright spots included a 36-percent jump in youth deer harvests and a late-season deer harvest increase, particularly among young hunters.

The 2021 estimated deer take included 110,839 antlered bucks and 100,430 antlerless deer. Read more »

            The State Assembly yesterday passed a bill (A8445a/S7504a) sponsored by Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) to rename the bridges located on Interstate 87 over the Saranac River after Trooper Brian S. Falb. Trooper Falb died of cancer due do injuries acquired during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Jones introduced the bill last year after the Town of Plattsburgh passed a resolution in support of renaming these bridges in honor of Trooper Falb’s memory.

            Trooper Brian S. Falb moved to the North Country when he was in college and decided to start his career and raise his family in the region when he was stationed at Troop B after graduating from the Police Academy in 1998. He tirelessly served the North Country community for 18 years until his death in March 2017 from cancer stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“The North Country lost a true hero with the passing of Trooper Falb and it was my honor to ensure that his memory lasts forever by adding his name to the bridges over the Saranac River,” Jones said. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice during our country’s time of need and I am proud to join the community in showing our gratitude and appreciation for his service by renaming these bridges in his honor.”

            “Trooper Falb was a dedicated public servant and member of the Town of Plattsburgh community and it was important to all of us that the Town honor his legacy,” said Michael Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor. “I want to thank the assemblyman for all his advocacy to  make sure that Trooper Falb’s service during 9/11 is never forgotten.”

            The bill is currently on the debate list in the State Senate.

Click here to view North Country Public Radio’s story on Trooper Farb 

Source: Adult Survivors Act passes NYS Assembly, ready for Gov. Hochul’s pen | NCPR News

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, May 26^th at 9:00 AM in the High School Community Room.  It is anticipated that the Board will almost immediately convene in Executive Session to conduct employment interviews for an Associate Principal vacancy.  At this time, no other District business is anticipated for this meeting.

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

The meeting is open to the public and all current District, County, State and Federal COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols will be followed.  The public may only view the open/public sessions of the meeting.  Executive Session is not available for viewing/attendance.

“As part of the investment, the state’s Office of Children and Family Services will expand the eligibility levels for families in August 2022 to up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or $83,250 for a family of four.”

Source: Thousands of families to be eligible for child care subsidies, Hochul says – syracuse.com

Source: Supreme Court to rule soon on Upstate NY case that could make it easier to carry guns across US – syracuse.com

Eric and Heidi Duquette’s “Orchard House” here in Peru was very beautiful about 6:45 this morning.

(Schenectady, N.Y.) – Price Chopper/Market 32 is issuing a voluntary manufacturer recall on Country Fresh 4.1-ounce Market 32 Apples, Cheese and Pretzels with Peanut Butter Tray, with UPC 41735 04810 and expiration dates of 5/14/21 – 6/4/22. The manufacturer is recalling this product due to possible salmonella contamination in the peanut butter ingredient, which is manufactured by Jif.

Customers who purchased the affected products can return it to their local Price Chopper/Market 32 store for a full refund. For more information, visit jif.com, call 800-828-9980 or contact Price Chopper/Market 32 at 800-666-7667 or via email at consumerresponse@pricechopper.com.

Many of the customers who purchased this item have already been contacted through Price Chopper/Market 32’s Broadnet recall notification program, which uses purchase data and consumer phone numbers on file in connection with the company’s AdvantEdge (loyalty) card to alert those households that may have purchased the products in question.

Source: City parks celebrated with new summer event series | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Sunny days are back and what better way to enjoy them than gathering in a city park for an evening of local food, drinks, live music, and fun for everyone?

Source: N.Y. launches prison redevelopment commission | Sun Community News ALBANY | Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of the Prison Redevelopment Commission focused on reimagining closed prisons for redevelopment.

Source: Michael Fish sentenced to 111 months for hacking, child porn

Source: Adirondack rangers conduct overnight rescue of injured hiker on Giant Mt. | NCPR News

Click here to view minutes as posted on the town’s website.