The Peru Gazette

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Peru Drama Club will present the musical Bright Star March 10th – 12th, 2022.  Bright Star features music and lyrics by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell and is presented by exclusive arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Source: 8-year-old Central NY boy killed in snowmobile accident – syracuse.com

“The Chicks will perform at the St. Joe’s Amp in Syracuse on June 29. Special guest Patty Griffin will open the show at 7:30 p.m.”

Source: St. Joe’s Amp adds 10th concert to 2022 lineup in Syracuse – syracuse.com

Source: Here are the places in New York where you still have to wear a mask – syracuse.com

Longtime Peru teacher, town justice, community leader passes away Source: Obituary of Carl W. Zerrahn | Hamilton Funeral Home serving Mooers,…

Source: It’s been a wild winter for the Lake Champlain ferries. Here’s why | NCPR News

Plattsburgh, February 28, 2022. Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to end the state mask requirement in schools beginning March 2, 2022. Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) leadership, community partners, and school superintendents met Monday to determine the best course of action for Clinton County. 

As of last update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified Clinton County as having a ‘High COVID-19 Community Level”. “To determine the community level, the CDC looks at a combination of three metrics,” explained Debra Tackett, Interim Director of Public Health at CCHD. “New COVID-19 admissions (per 100,000 population in the past 7 days), the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and the total new COVID-19 cases (per 100,000 population in the past 7 days).” 

That means the CDC continues to recommend residents in Clinton County wear a mask indoors in public, including school environments; stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; and seek testing if they have symptoms. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) 

“The result from today’s collaborative planning session was that though masks are strongly recommended by CCHD, they will no longer be required in school settings,” stated Ms. Tackett. “Masks have been one of the most important tools in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and we support students, faculty, and staff who choose to continue wearing them but they are not our only tool at this time.” 

As a reminder, current guidance from New York State indicates that people who test positive for COVID-19 (whether using a lab-processed or an at-home test) must isolate for at least 5 complete days. After leaving their isolation, they must continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. This means those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are returning to a school setting prior to day 10 must wear a mask. 

CCHD encourages parents to get their students vaccinated. Vaccination provides the best protection against COVID-19. “The higher the vaccination rate in the school, the lower the risk of an outbreak,” added Ms. Tackett. “This means not only keeping the kids healthy and in school, but allowing them to do so without the requirement of mask wearing.” 

“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, circumstances and guidance can change based on many different factors. This could mean we have to revisit this guidance in the future,” noted Ms. Tackett. “For example, if we see outbreaks in certain schools or classrooms, mask requirements may need to be in place for a period of time to slow the spread of that particular outbreak.” 

Source: New York orders Russia sanctions, welcomes Ukraine refugees

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones  

            Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that nominations for his 2022 Women of Distinction Awards are underway. The Women of Distinction Awards are held annually and honor local women who have had significant positive impacts on their community and those around them. Awards will be given for various categories, such as health care, business, volunteer work, education and military service. The deadline for nominations is March 31, and the awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at Stafford Center Theatre.

“March is Women’s History Month, and one of the best ways we can celebrate it is by honoring inspirational and influential women here in our own backyard,” Assemblyman Jones said. “The North Country is home to a great deal of brave, hardworking women who make their communities a better place for those who live there, and I’m happy to have this opportunity to show them the recognition they deserve.”

Residents who wish to nominate a woman for the awards can fill out a nomination form online at https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Billy-Jones/story/100952. Nominees must live in the 115^th Assembly District, which includes all of Clinton and Franklin counties and a portion of St. Lawrence County.

Last year’s Women of Distinction awards winners were: Tammy Reynolds, in the Health Care category; Amy Kretser, for the Nonprofit Leadership category; Michele Friedman, for the Education category; Diana Wardell, for the Volunteerism category; Constance Willie, for the Trailblazer category; Mary Theresa Pearl, for the Military category; and Joelle Lamica, for the Community/Civic Affairs category.

Source: New CDC guidance: Masks still recommended in these 11 New York counties – syracuse.com

Source: NY’s school mask mandate lifted, effective March 2

Source: Bolton uses woodchips to keep nitrates out of the lake – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: One person killed, seven injured in 30 car pileup on Interstate 89 | Local 22/44 News

Source: How much snow? Town-by-town totals from around Vermont, New York

Story centers on Peru, NY Source: Remembering the secret history of the Underground Railroad in the North Country | NCPR News