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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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AGENDA Planning Board WEDNESDAY, November 10, 2021 @ 6:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL of October 13, 2021 minutes.
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing via Zoom meeting application (Covid-19)
  6. APPLICATIONS:
  1. 5-Lot Major Subdivision at Tax Map Parcel 270.-1-5-.1 with SEQRA

P2021-033

Joyce and Tom Rafferty

5 Lot Major Subdivision

Korn Drive

Peru, NY 12972

  1. Merge at Tax Map Parcels 255.-7-4 through 255.-7-27 with 255.-7-28

P2021-034

Karen and David Babbie

Merge

30 Alexander Rd

Schuyler Falls, NY 12985

  1. Special Use Permit at Tax Map Parcel 280.-1-14

P2021-035

Verizon Wireless

Cell Tower Antenna Replacement

9 Cross St

Peru, NY 12972

  1. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:

Moffat Solar Farm- Preliminary Site Plan Review

Wright Subdivision map correction

  1. CEO REPORT:
  2. ADJOURNMENT

 

Democrats run strong in Cl.Co. Legislature races | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Democrats run strong in Cl.Co. Legislature races | News | pressrepublican.com

Hochul admin. eyeing more prison closures | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Hochul admin. eyeing more prison closures | News | pressrepublican.com

Chamber music lovers will enjoy being in Saranac on Sunday, November 14th

The Horszowski Trio (Hor-SHOV-ski) is widely acknowledged as a vital force in the international chamber music world, giving performances that are “lithe, persuasive” (The New York Times),“eloquent and enthralling” (The Boston Globe), and described as “the most compelling American group to come on the scene” (The New Yorker). Since their debut in New York City in 2011, they have toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, the Far East, and India, performing the extensive body of traditional piano trio repertory and introducing audiences to new music that they have commissioned and premiered.

 

DEC Forest Rangers make rescues and arrests

Town of Lewis – Essex County
Wilderness Rescue:
On Oct. 27 at 11:15 a.m., Essex County 911 contacted DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting a 66-year-old hiker from Elizabethtown had suffered a non-weight bearing knee injury on the Mount Fay summit. Due to the hiker’s location, NYSP Aviation was requested and Forest Ranger Lt. Burns and Forest Ranger Praczkajlo were picked up to perform a hoist rescue. At 12:40 p.m., Lt. Burns was inserted to the hiker’s location, evaluated his injuries, and packaged the subject for extraction off the summit. The injured hiker was turned over to Lake Placid EMS and transported to a local hospital.

Forest Rangers strapping injured hiker to gurney for transport
Hiker rescued from Mount Fay

hiker being air-lifted out of woods as Forest Ranger guides the line
Hiker rescued from Mount Fay

Town of Guilford
Chenango County
Underage Party:
On Oct. 29, Forest Rangers Burkholder, Oldroyd, and Lt. Jackson responded to underaged subjects holding a party on South Hill State Forest. Rangers encountered several teenagers with a large bonfire and alcoholic beverages. Rangers made the teenagers clean the site by removing two truckloads of waste pallets and some trash. Before the party was dispersed, tickets were issued for violations of underage possession of alcohol, depositing trash on State land, and operating motor vehicles off-road.

Town of North Elba – Essex County
Wilderness Rescue:
On Oct. 30 at 6:17 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting two members of his party overdue from hiking Mount Marcy. The pair was last seen at the summit at approximately 2:30 p.m., with only their cell phones for a light source. Forest Ranger Evans responded to the trailhead to meet with the reporting party. At 7:06 p.m., Ranger Evans located the 24- and 26-year-old hikers from Ithaca, gave them headlamps, and escorted the pair back to the parking area where they were reunited with their hiking group at 7:48 p.m.

Town of Waverly – Franklin County
Joint Enforcement Operation:
On Oct. 30, Forest Rangers Balerno and Praczkajlo, along with Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) Cranker, conducted a joint enforcement operation on the Santa Clara Easement in the town of Waverly. Rangers previously located illegal deer hunting activity, including ground blinds baited with corn, apples, and mineral blocks. To avoid detection, Rangers were dropped off by ECO Cranker at approximately 5 p.m., and proceeded on foot for a mile to the baited stands. After checking the first stand, Ranger Balerno found and detained a subject and his radio, while Ranger Praczkajlo proceeded to check the second stand, which was also occupied. Both subjects were brought out to ECO Cranker who drove in to meet them. Six tickets were issued by ECO Cranker, including hunting deer over bait, establishing a salt lick, and failure to carry a hunting license.

Town of North Hudson – Essex County
Stranded Kayaker:
On Oct. 31, DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a report of a stranded kayak in the north branch of the Boquet River. Forest Ranger Lt. LaPierre, Forest Ranger Evans, and Assistant Forest Ranger Raudonis responded to the location and found the kayak trapped between a rock and a log just upstream from the confluence of the north and south branches of the river. Rangers swept the river shoreline, downstream and upstream, and checked all put-ins and take-outs to find the kayaker. Other whitewater kayakers in the area volunteered to help remove the pinned kayak. The owner of the kayak later contacted Dispatch to report himself as the missing kayaker after he was rescued from the river by a fellow kayaker with a throw bag after not being able to handle the water levels and intensity of the rapids after the rain.

Kayak stuck in the rocks along rushing water
Kayak trapped on the Boquet River

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

Research in Northern New York Will Determine the Value of Public Libraries in Terms of Social Wellbeing

POTSDAM, NY (November 1, 2021) — Building on a growing body of research that studies the impact of cultural organizations on social wellbeing, The Northern New York Library Network in Potsdam, NY will conduct a three-year national research project, Libraries in Community Systems, to create a clearer understanding of the unique role public libraries play within community systems, and how this role can be maximized for improved social wellbeing outcomes.

Economic valuations of public libraries have historically focused on the exchange between the library and the local market economy—impact on local economic activity, cost savings to patrons through resource sharing, and so on—often ignoring non-monetized social goods. This research will take an approach that allows for the valuation of non-market services and social return.

Wellbeing is a composite of many elements—physical and mental health, economic security, school effectiveness, cultural engagement, political voice, etc.—that amounts to people having what economist Amartya Sen describes as “the freedom to lead lives they have reason to value.” Read more »

VFW serving chicken and biscuits on Nov. 11

WHAT:  CHICKEN & BISCUITS DINNER – Only $10
WHERE:  Peru Memorial VFW
                    710 Pleasant St, Rt 22B
                    Peru, NY 12972
WHEN:  November 11th    4 – 7 p.m.
Additional info:
    EAT-IN OR TAKE OUT.
    Just Jammin Music will be playing from 5 – 8 p.m.

57 additional COVID-19 positives and one additional death over the past two days

Since our 11/1 update, 57 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported. CCHD has received notification of an additional COVID-19 related death of a Clinton County resident. This death bring the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Clinton County to forty-three.
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– A full list of Clinton County COVID-19 testing providers can be found at www.clintonhealth.org/covid19.
– CCHD offers free COVID-19 vaccine clinics every Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. To register call 518-565-4848. To schedule a Pfizer or Moderna booster, visit www.clintonhealth.org/covid19vaccine.
– Local Vaccination data: https://public.tableau.com/…/viz/Covid-Draft/Dashboard. According to the North Country COVID Vaccine Dashboard 109,911 total doses of COVID-19 Vaccine were given in Clinton County as of 10/31. As of 10/31, 67% of all Clinton County residents had at least one dose of the vaccine and 64% of residents had completed their vaccine series. 77% of residents 18 years and older have received at least one dose.
– NYS Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. According to NYSDOH 298 people were tested in Clinton County on 11/1. As of 11/1, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 4.0%.
– NYS School Report Card (providing school and college data): https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov
– North Country Region hospitalization data: https://forward.ny.gov/daily-hospitalization-summary-region. As of 11/1, 80 individuals hospitalized (18 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

Town Justice election still too close to call

By John T. Ryan
Peru – When the polls closed last night only fourteen votes separated incumbent Town Justice James Kirby (495) and challenger Scott Thurber (509). When the Clinton County Board of Elections included Early Votes only two votes separated them. Thurber leads 529 to 527. 140 absentee ballots were issued. 71 were returned as of Tuesday. They will be counted on Tuesday, November 9th at 9 a.m. at the Clinton County Board of Elections. They must be date stamped no later than Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
Town Justice was Peru’s only contested position. The following incumbents were re-elected to four-year terms of office.
Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald 787 votes
Superintendent of Highways Michael Farrell 971 votes
Town Counselman Melvin Irwin 716 votes
Town Counselman James Douglass 562 votes
Town Clerk/Tax Collector Dianne Miller 983 votes
See below for details from the Clinton County Board of Elections website
Town Supervisor (Vote for 1)
Town of Peru: reported: 4 of 4 100.00%
Ballots: 1,076
Brandy McDonald (DEM) 787 98.75%
Write-in 10 1.25%
Total 797 100.00%
Superintendent of Highways (Vote for 1)
Town of Peru: reported: 4 of 4 100.00%
Ballots: 1,076
Mike Farrell (DEM, REP) 971 99.69%
DEM 434 44.56%
REP 537 55.13%
Write-in 3 0.31%
Total 974 100.00%
Town Councilperson (Vote for 2)
Town of Peru: reported: 4 of 4 100.00%
Ballots: 1,076
Jim Douglass (DEM) 562 43.84%
Melvin Irwin (REP) 716 55.85%
Write-in 4 0.31%
Total 1,282 100.00%
Town Justice (Vote for 1)
Town of Peru: reported: 4 of 4 100.00%
Ballots: 1,076
James Kirby (DEM) 527 49.91%
Scott Thurber (REP) 529 50.09%
Write-in 0 0.00%
Total 1,056 100.00%
Town Clerk/ Tax Collector (Vote for 1)
Town of Peru: reported: 4 of 4 100.00%
Ballots: 1,076
Dianne Miller (DEM, REP) 983 99.39%
DEM 437 44.19%
REP 546 55.21%
Write-in 6 0.61%
Total 989 100.00
Incumbent Town
Correction made Nov. 8, 2021. Town Clerk’s Dianne Miller name was mistakenly typed, Dianne Irwin. 

Burlington School Board approves existing site for new high school

Source: Burlington School Board approves existing site for new high school

Police: Suspect in Crown Point home invasion dead, resident injured

Source: Police: Suspect in Crown Point home invasion dead, resident injured

Hochul extends paid family leave to include caring for a sick sibling | NCPR News

Source: Hochul extends paid family leave to include caring for a sick sibling | NCPR News

CDC Approves Pfizer Vaccine For Children Ages 5 To 11

Source: CDC Approves Pfizer Vaccine For Children Ages 5 To 11

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, November 3, 2021

 
Spaghetti
Salad
Bread
Dessert
 
Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., in Peru.
 
Everyone is welcome at our table!

Maiden Lane Closure on Wednesday

The Town of Peru will be closing Maiden Lane from Woodland Drive to Winding Brook, tomorrow, Wednesday, November 3rd   from 7:30 am till 5:30 pm for paving.

There will be NO through traffic including Emergency vehicles during that time period.

A big housing development has been proposed for Jay, NY | NCPR News

“Nov 01, 2021 — A Florida-based developer has applied for a permit from the Adirondack Park Agency to build a large-scale housing development in the town of Jay.”

Source: A big housing development has been proposed for a small Adirondack town | NCPR News

Experience a flight cancellation or delay? Know your rights

Source: Experience a flight cancellation or delay? Know your rights

Shot fired in University Mall parking area but no one was injured – VTDigger

Source: Shot fired in University Mall parking area but no one was injured – VTDigger

Groundbreaking for new housing units in downtown Burlington

Source: Groundbreaking for new housing units in downtown Burlington

Cast Your Ballot Today – Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Peru – At 9 a.m. there was a steady stream of voters at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. No waiting, but a steady stream.

The Press-Republican reported today that Clinton County’s Early Voter turnout was higher than four years ago, the last federal-state off-year election.  Its editorial is titled “Voting – A Duty and an Honor.”  The polls are open until 9 p.m. 

COVID-19 global death toll surpasses 5 million

Source: COVID-19 global death toll surpasses 5 million

Regular School Board Monthly Meeting November 9th

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room.  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.  

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

Anticipated topics include:

  • PACE Program
  • Strategic Plan
  • 20-21 Audit Report
  • Personnel Appointments

At this time, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned for this meeting 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 in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, November 9th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org at a later time.

Part 1 of 2: Adirondacks front and center for a new Lyme vaccine | Sun Community News TICONDEROGA | 

72 additional COVID-19 positives over the three-day weekend

Since our 10/29 update, 72 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported.
Note: Our next case update will be posted on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– A full list of Clinton County COVID-19 testing providers can be found at www.clintonhealth.org/covid19.
– CCHD offers free COVID-19 vaccine clinics every Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. To register call 518-565-4848. To schedule a Pfizer or Moderna booster, visit www.clintonhealth.org/covid19vaccine.
– Local Vaccination data: https://public.tableau.com/…/viz/Covid-Draft/Dashboard. According to the North Country COVID Vaccine Dashboard 106,471 total doses of COVID-19 Vaccine were given in Clinton County as of 10/17. As of 10/17, 67% of all Clinton County residents had at least one dose of the vaccine and 64% of residents had completed their vaccine series. 76% of residents 18 years and older have received at least one dose.
– NYS Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. According to NYSDOH 676 people were tested in Clinton County on 10/30. As of 10/30, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 4.0%.
– NYS School Report Card (providing school and college data): https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov
– North Country Region hospitalization data: https://forward.ny.gov/daily-hospitalization-summary-region. As of 10/30, 68 individuals hospitalized (15 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

SUNY Plattsburgh President Enyedi releases dash cam footage of student’s Oct. 21st arrest

Message from President Enyedi


Dear Campus Community,

 
Over the past several days, I have had the opportunity to meet with student leaders, the faculty senate executive committee, those who attended the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center restorative circle in the H.U.B., and those who attended last evening’s PABJ meeting in Yokum Hall to discuss the traffic stop incident last week. These conversations have been constructive and are an important part of our steps forward as a campus.
 
In all of these sessions, faculty, students and staff have asked for access to the full UP dashcam video and report. Both are part of the law enforcement record and are being shared by the University Police at the following links: 
  • University Police Report: https://www.plattsburgh.edu/_documents/plattslife/10282021-police-report.pdf
  • Be aware that the video and report go into detail and may be distressing. Those in need of support are encouraged to call the university Counseling Center at 518-564-2376 or the Clinton County Mental Health Department at 518-565-4060 for counseling and other local resources.
 
There is still more to do, and we will be sharing additional information with you in the coming days. 

Alexander Enyedi, 
President