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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.

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.

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Retail cannabis approved in a number of Vermont communities

“Among those approving the change were larger communities of Barre, Essex and Rutland. Smaller towns like Bolton, Grand Isle and Milton also gave a green light to retail sales.”

Source: Retail cannabis approved in a number of Vermont communities

Dozens from northern New York participate in ‘People’s Convoy’

Source: Dozens from northern New York participate in ‘People’s Convoy’

Sen. Stec advocates against planned energy cost hikes | Sun Community News ALBANY

County aims to bring Philadelphia flights to Plattsburgh airport | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: County aims to bring Philadelphia flights to Plattsburgh airport | Local News | pressrepublican.com

The power of ice – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: The power of ice – – The Adirondack Almanack

Official Peru Grand Union Ribbon-Cutting Held Today

L-R April Wright of the Peru JCEO, Asst. State Manager Dennis Bigness, Store Manager Jeff Cross

L-R Kathy Pickering – Produce Manager, Beau Oshiro – Vice President/General Manager, Lillian Brown – Assistant Produce Manager, Jess Brunell – Deli Manager, Kyle Leclair – Meat Manager, Jeff Cross – Store Manager, Rob Matthews – Area Manager, Bob Palmer – CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers, Dennis Bigness – Assistant Store Manager

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The official Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony took place today at Peru’s Grand Union. “The Grand Union stores are back and better than ever. We have taken an iconic brand that everyone loved and leveraged our best-in-class retail strategies to take this legendary brand to the next level,” stated Bob Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of C&S Wholesale Grocers. GU Markets LLC, an affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers will operate the store.

Peru Store Manager Jeff Cross said shoppers will gradually find a greater selection of fresh and grocery items, including locally produced goods. There will also be a renewed effort to support the local community. Demonstrating that support, Cross presented a $1,000 donation to Peru JCEO Outreach Worker April Wright to benefit the Peru Food Shelf. Cross said, “The JCEO does great work in our community. We have a long history of working with you. I’m happy to present this check to you!” 

Last November C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to purchase twelve Tops Markets stores that have become available due to the Tops Markets merger with Price Chopper/Market 32. C&S is converting the twelve stores to Grand Union supermarkets.

Approved Minutes of Peru Town Board’s February 14, 2022 Meeting

Click here to review

Approved Minutes of Peru Town Board’s February 7, 2022 Special Meeting to approve truck purchase

Click here to review 

Approved minutes of Peru Town Board’s January 28, 2022 Special Meeting to approve truck purchase

Click here to review 

Approved minutes of Peru Town Board’s January 24, 2022 Meeting

Click here to review 

Recent Northern New York Forest Ranger Actions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In 2021, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 426 search and rescue missions, extinguished wildfires, participated in prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate hundreds of acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in thousands of tickets or arrests. Some of these incidents featured each week result in injuries, property damage, or even death, and starting this year, the “DEC Statewide Forest Ranger Highlights” is transitioning to a new title, “Forest Rangers – Week In Review.”

Town of Grafton
Rensselaer County
Public Outreach:
On Feb. 18, Forest Ranger Jackson led a three-hour Map and Compass training session at the Capital District Sportsman Center in the town of Grafton. Nineteen people attended to learn how to read a topographical map, determine distances, plot points on a map, set an azimuth, and properly navigate using an azimuth with a compass. Students also learned how to be better prepared in the backcountry. Forest Rangers utilize these skills in search and rescue missions, wildland firefighting, and while navigating the backcountry on patrol.

people sit at tables in large, wood-paneled room during training
Ranger Jackson leads map and compass training

Town of Lake George
Warren County
ATV Incident:
On Feb. 22 at 12:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance for a subject stranded on the ice in the Mother Bunch Islands area of Lake George. The 52-year-old from Florida was on an ATV and struck a heave in the ice, trapping the ATV. Rangers Kabrehl, Perryman, and Quinn, and Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) LaPoint responded on an airboat. With 50-degree temperatures and rain, the ice was not safe for a snowmobile or ATV. Rangers brought the subject to safety and worked with ECO LaPoint to attempt to remove the ATV. The ATV was stuck too deep in the ice, so the responders attached ice buoys and a floating marker so they could return later when conditions were better to retrieve the machine.

Ranger stands next to nearly-submerged ATV on the ice
ATV stuck in ice

Three people attempting to pull ATV from ice with ropes
Rangers and ECO work to remove ATV from ice

Town of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Wildland Rescue:
On Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance after getting a 911 call from a skier who reported suffering a leg injury at the Griffin Brook Slide on Snowy Mountain, approximately one mile into the woods. Forest Ranger Scott responded to the scene with the Indian Lake Fire Department. The 36-year-old from Hamilton had hit a frozen branch under the fresh powder and broke his femur. Ranger Scott took a snowmobile up the unmarked trail and snowshoed the rest of the way, reaching the skier by 8:42 p.m. In addition to the broken femur, the skier was suffering from mild hypothermia and the onset of frostbite. Ranger Scott stabilized the injury and warmed the subject using heat packs and sleeping bags, and worked with the Indian Lake Fire Department to package the skier in an insulated vapor barrier and sled. Once they reached the road, the subject was turned over to Indian Lake EMS for transport to Glens Falls Hospital. Resources were clear at 10:54 p.m.

Rangers help skiier on stretcher in the dark
Rangers rescue skier with broken femur

Town of Hope
Hamilton County
Flood Response:
On Feb. 24 at 10:55 a.m., Forest Rangers Scott and Lomnitzer returned to River Road in the town of Hope to help evacuate residents stranded due to flooding. Similar to last week, an ice jam blocking the Sacandaga River broke, causing an increase in water downstream and flooding multiple homes. Using a boat, Rangers Scott and Lomnitzer rescued four individuals and one dog. In addition, the Hamilton County Department of Emergency Services conducted welfare checks in the area.

Rangers and residents on a raft during flooding response rescue
Rangers Scott and Lomnitzer rescue residents in the town of Hope

Forest Ranger pulling a sled with a person on it
Ranger Lomnitzer helps rescue residents in the town of Hope

Town of Brighton
Franklin County
Training:
On Feb. 24 and 25, Forest Rangers from Region 5 participated in Wilderness First Responder training offered by Wilderness Medical Associates at the Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center. Rangers focused on assessing and treating hypothermia, something encountered often during the winter months in the backcountry.

Forest Rangers assist each other in the snow during training
Ranger Balerno assessing a “patient” with an injured leg

Town of Brighton
Franklin County
Snowmobile Enforcement:
On Feb. 25, Forest Rangers from Region 5 patrolled Franklin County snowmobile trails. The Rangers interacted with approximately 70 snowmobiles; one was ticketed. Rangers utilized radar to ensure riders were within the speed limits for the trails. Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter activities in the North Country and Forest Rangers prioritize educating the public to help ensure compliance with important public safety requirements.

Forest Rangers patrolling snowmobiles at night
Rangers using radar to check the speed of an approaching snowmobile

Town of Greig
Lewis County
Snowmobile Accident:
On Feb. 26 at 12:55 p.m., Forest Ranger Evans heard a radio call for a snowmobile accident near Catspaw Lake. Ranger Evans was patrolling in the area of Burdicks Crossing about 10 minutes away and responded to the accident. The 41-year-old from Whitesboro was thrown off his snowmobile and hit a tree, suffering head trauma, neck pain, and chest pain. The snowmobiler was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Lewis County Emergency Management and the Glenfield Fire Department helped backboard the subject and package him on a rescue toboggan. He was transported to Lyons Falls Ambulance, which brought him to Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital for treatment. Ranger Evans, BECI Investigator Maneeley, and the Lewis County Sheriff collected information about the incident from the scene. Resources were clear at 4:45 p.m.

Snowmobile after accident, off the snowy trail
Snowmobile accident in town of Greig

Town of Brighton
Franklin County
Training:
On Feb.26, Forest Rangers joined Paul Smiths Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department, Bloomingdale Fire Department, Lake Placid Fire Department, and Saranac Rescue Squad to practice responses to snowmobile accidents. Each training exercise was run like an actual incident that would require additional resources. Rangers often utilize snowmobiles with a tow-behind rescue system, while fire departments use tracked vehicles to transport more people. Training sessions are crucial to prepare multiple agencies that work together to safely and effectively rescue those involved in an accident. Read more »

NYS Comptroller reports Saranac Town Board did not audit as required; Town Clerk pleads guilty to falsifying business records and more 

“The Board did not: Annually audit or obtain an audit of the Clerk’s records and reports. Based upon our audit findings and subsequent investigation, the Clerk was arrested on April 29, 2021 and charged with falsifying business records in the first degree, corrupting the government in the fourth degree and official misconduct. On December 14, 2021, the Clerk pleaded guilty to Attempted Falsifying Business Records in the second degree.”

Source: Town of Saranac – Town Clerk Operations (2019M-33) | Office of the New York State Comptroller

Town of Saranac – Town Clerk Operations (2019M-33) | Office of the New York State Comptroller

“The Board did not: Annually audit or obtain an audit of the Clerk’s records and reports. Based upon our audit findings and subsequent investigation, the Clerk was arrested on April 29, 2021 and charged with falsifying business records in the first degree, corrupting the government in the fourth degree and official misconduct. On December 14, 2021, the Clerk pleaded guilty to Attempted Falsifying Business Records in the second degree.”

Source: Town of Saranac – Town Clerk Operations (2019M-33) | Office of the New York State Comptroller

ADK Purchased Cascade Ski Center . . . Now What? – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: ADK Purchased Cascade Ski Center . . . Now What? – – The Adirondack Almanack

Peru Town Board Meeting of February 28, 2022. Peru Gazette story will follow

Agenda

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Roll Call
  4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Special Meeting of January 28, 2022, Special Meeting of February 7, 2022 and Town Board Regular Meeting of February 14, 2022.
  5. Community Input.
  6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of the Public Environmental Benefit Contract with Northway Solar, LLC.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of the Decommissioning Plan with Northway Solar, LLC
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Emergency Purchase of Brentwood Industries WWTP Tank #1 – Polychem™ Chain and Flight Sludge Collection System.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Amendment to Tedford Consulting Contract for the Sewer Upgrade Project.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Reappointment of Mark Lukens to the Planning Board.
  1. DISCUSSION: Elm St. Project Schedule. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Youth Commission By-Laws. 
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Heyworth Mason Park Bell Tower Design. 
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: Heyworth Mason Park Stage Cover 
  1. DISCUSSION: Sewer Project Update. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills. 

MOTION:     Adjourn

2022 State of the Union Address | The White House

Source: 2022 State of the Union Address | The White House

Stefanik Response to Biden’s State of the Union in Crisis

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following message in response to President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address:
“The state of our union is in crisis because of President Joe Biden. Tonight’s speech will not rewrite the abysmal failure of the past year under one-party Democrat rule in Washington. Unfortunately, rather than focusing on unleashing American energy independence, supporting our Constitutional liberties, or reining in his reckless tax and spending agenda, President Biden doubled down on his failed, Far-Left policies that will only worsen the economic, energy, border, and national security crises for families across America and in Upstate New York and the North Country.
“At home, New York families are facing historic inflation and paying more for goods and groceries due to Biden’s out-of-control spending. They are also paying the price for Biden’s anti-energy agenda as families face skyrocketing home heating costs and the most expensive gasoline since Joe Biden was Vice President. Our families are witnessing President Biden’s hypocrisy as he opens our southern border to illegal immigrants but has delayed and restricted travel across our Northern Border at the expense of our district’s families and small businesses.
“Tonight, President Biden outrageously gave himself a pat on the back for shutting down the coronavirus. Make no mistake, Joe Biden and Democrat officials across America were the leaders of implementing unconstitutional mandates and lockdowns, shutting down businesses and schools, and masking our kids. The American people will not let Joe Biden rewrite history.
“With the world in crisis, my thoughts are with our brave 10th Mountain Division men and women who have deployed to our allied countries in Europe outside of Ukraine as a result of President Biden’s weakness on the world stage. Tonight, I was disappointed that President Biden failed to effectively counter Russian aggression in Ukraine. We stand strongly as fellow Americans with the Ukrainian people as they face the atrocities of authoritarian war criminal Vladimir Putin. And we must do more.
“My focus in Congress will continue to be fighting back against the radical Far-Left policies of one-party Democrat rule that are failing New Yorkers and America. I will always stand up for Upstate New York and the North Country’s small businesses, veterans, seniors, farmers, parents, and hardworking families to ensure they have a seat at the table at the highest level.”

Syracuse University ends mask requirement for vaccinated fans at Carrier Dome events – syracuse.com

Source: Syracuse University ends mask requirement for vaccinated fans at Carrier Dome events – syracuse.com

Plattsburgh returns to square one in search for new police chief | NCPR News

Source: Plattsburgh returns to square one in search for new police chief | NCPR News

1 additional COVID-19 related death reported today, only 14 additional lab-confirmed cases

Adirondack flower farmer raises money for Ukraine, donates tulips locally | NCPR News

Source: Adirondack flower farmer raises money for Ukraine, donates tulips locally | NCPR News

Adirondack salt panel takes on weighty task  – Adirondack Explorer

Source: Adirondack salt panel takes on weighty task  – Adirondack Explorer

AuSable Valley school officials say ‘no credible threat’ found after hold ordered

Source: AuSable Valley school officials say ‘no credible threat’ found after hold ordered

Do I have to wear a mask? CDC map shows COVID-19 risk levels

Source: Do I have to wear a mask? CDC map shows COVID-19 risk levels

Hudson Valley named one of the world’s greatest places by TIME magazine – newyorkupstate.com

Source: Hudson Valley named one of the world’s greatest places by TIME magazine – newyorkupstate.com