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More About The Peru Gazette

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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How the mask mandate in Burlington will be enforced

Source: How the mask mandate in Burlington will be enforced

For many North Country families, child care during the pandemic is worse than ever | NCPR News

Source: For many North Country families, child care during the pandemic is worse than ever | NCPR News

Moriah football shows love to community before state championship

Source: Moriah football shows love to community before state championship

64 additional COVID-19 positives reported

Since our 12/1 update, 64 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported.
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. 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 114,661 total doses of COVID-19 Vaccine were given in Clinton County as of 11/14. As of 11/14, 68% of all Clinton County residents had at least one dose of the vaccine and 65% 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 416 people were tested in Clinton County on 11/29. As of 11/29, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 7.8%. *No data updates from NYS as of 9:30 am.
– 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 11/29, 122 individuals hospitalized (23 ICU) in the North Country Region. *No data updates from NYS as of 9:30 am.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

Health Dept. Nov. COVID-19 Recap. 24% K-12 students, faculty & staff, 67% not vaccinated

Burlington City Council re-instates mask mandate

Source: Burlington City Council re-instates mask mandate

Minimum wage hike creeps closer in Upstate New York – syracuse.com

Source: Minimum wage hike creeps closer in Upstate New York – syracuse.com

Saving the Crown Point Light | Sun Community News CROWN POINT | Who doesn’t love the lure of a romantic lighthouse? 

A loveable and loving teddy bear of a man

By John T. Ryan
As noted in the previous story, Peru’s farmers are dedicating their 2021 Tractor Parade to Orville Keyes, who passed away on Saturday, November 27th. Keyes was a Town of Peru Highway Department employee for 22 plus years. Prior to that, he worked for Everett Orchards.
Parade organizer Melvin Irwin recalled, “Orville and I became friends while he was working for Everett Orchards. As a kid, he handled hay for Edgar Guay and Orville Bonville. There are many stories there! He was a big lovable teddy bear with ties to every farm in Peru!”
Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald smiles when he thinks about Orville Keyes. McDonald commented, “He was just fun to be around. He always made the job fun and put a smile on your face. Just a really good guy.”
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell stated, “Orville was about as entertaining of a guy you could ever meet. He always liked to play jokes and pick on the new guys. Yet, somehow when I called him to plow or sand any time, day or night, he was there minutes after hanging up. May he rest in peace, and may the Good Lord get his family through this difficult time.”
Fellow Highway Department employee Wayne Wells commented, “Orville was a big-hearted bear. He loved to joke around and tell hunting stories. He liked other towns just as much as he did our own town. He liked to talk to the other drivers about jokes or funny stories or even try the scare tactic. He jumped like he had 220 volts when someone snuck up on him. He would say, ‘Ya got one coming’ and laugh about it. He would get even too. It’s all in good spirits. I think of Orville as a big teddy bear. So sad. He will be missed for sure.”
Orville’s daughter Katie Babbie described why people liked and respected her father so much. “What was there not to love about Dad. He was kind, caring, thoughtful, always had a smile, had a great sense of humor, and loved to make people laugh. He was a joker who enjoyed picking on those he cared about and loved. He was a man full of knowledge and wisdom. He was a friend who would be there for you no matter what he was doing.”
The Tractor Parade will be held on December 11th at 7 p.m.

Mark your calendars for the December 11 Tractor Parade

The Second Annual Peru Farmers Tractor Parade at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th. The parade has a new route this year. It will proceed north on Jarvis Rd., right on Route 22B, down Main St., right over the bridge, bear right at Liberty’s on the Union Rd, left up Cross street, left on Route 22, continue by Stewart’s, to Maiden Lane, then to Winding Brook and finish at Route 22B.
The farmers are dedicating the 2021 parade to Orville Keyes, who passed away on Saturday, November 27th. Keyes was a Town of Peru Highway Department employee for 22 plus years. Prior to that, he worked for Everett Orchards.
The tractor parade thrilled hundreds of people last year. Adults and children lined the parade route. Over 2,300 people viewed the Peru Gazette’s 2020 video. The Gazette plans to video the parade again this year.
Video – 2020 parade

One additional COVID-19 death brings Clinton County’s death total to 50

Since our 11/30 update, 41 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 fifty.
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. 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 114,661 total doses of COVID-19 Vaccine were given in Clinton County as of 11/14. As of 11/14, 68% of all Clinton County residents had at least one dose of the vaccine and 65% 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 416 people were tested in Clinton County on 11/29. As of 11/29, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 7.8%.
– 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 11/29, 122 individuals hospitalized (23 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

Important Message from CVPH President & CEO John R. Brumsted, MD

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the providers and staff of the UVM Health Network have worked together and adapted quickly as new challenges have arisen, so we can meet the most critical needs of our patients and keep your communities as safe as possible. I want to let you know that, this week, we are taking new steps in response to an increased number of patients needing acute inpatient care and COVID-19-related care throughout our region:

  • In accordance with calls from Vermont state leaders for more intensive-care beds, we are standing up additional Intensive Care Unit and COVID-19 bed capacity at UVM Medical Center and Central Vermont Medical Center.
  • At UVM Medical Center, we’re limiting surgical procedures to those with the most urgent clinical need through the end of the year. Priority will be given to patients requiring surgery for cancer, trauma, and other time-sensitive conditions that threaten life or limb.
  • In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued an executive order allowing the state to limit non-essential/elective surgeries at facilities where staffed bed capacity is below 10%. This order takes effect Friday, and our affiliates in Elizabethtown, Malone and Plattsburgh are awaiting further guidance from the state as we evaluate potential impact to services there.

These are difficult decisions to make and to hear. We are working hard to mitigate the impact on our patients to the greatest extent possible; that includes asking insurance companies to hold harmless patients who had planned elective surgeries for the end of the calendar year because their deductible had been met. But these temporary measures we are taking are necessary to maintain access to emergency and acute care for all of our communities in Vermont and Northern New York, and to be ready if conditions change further. In addition to the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we continue to see unprecedented demand for hospital services, limited bed capacity and staffing challenges. Also, the impact of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 is unclear at this point. We are not alone: Hospitals across the country are dealing with these same issues, and having to take similar measures. Even as we have worked hard to improve access to outpatient and inpatient care, the actions we are taking unfortunately may have a negative impact on some aspects of patient access. But the reality of the current situation requires tough decisions and the repurposing of space and staff.

This may feel similar to the steps our health system took early in the pandemic, but it’s important to remember that this is not the same situation. We know a lot more about COVID-19, in terms of testing, treatment and slowing the spread. Widespread vaccination also has blunted the impact of this illness. These continue to be difficult and intensely challenging times, but we have the knowledge and the resources to respond swiftly and effectively as a health system.

I deeply appreciate your ongoing partnership, support and understanding, and I want to stress that all of us are in this together. The measures that we know are effective – following public health guidance on masking and gathering; getting tested as necessary; and getting your vaccinations and booster shots – are vital in our ongoing fight against COVID-19. Please help our health care providers by doing your part, and by encouraging your communities to do the same.

Thank you, and I will keep you updated.

John R. Brumsted, MD
President and CEO

Keeseville credit union robbed | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Keeseville credit union robbed | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Lions Lions say “Thank-You” for great support

Matt Medeiros and Trot Co-Chair Ed Eisele

The Peru Lions Club held its 44th annual John Adams Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day. Over 400 people signed up for the race. What helped make this event a major success came from contributions not only from Lions and gracious sponsors but community members as well. The Lions wish to thank the Peru PTO,  Peru Fire Department, Peru Knights of Columbus, Tops Friendly Markets, Clinton County Sheriffs Department and NY State Troopers.

Also, we had wonderful support from Ann Sunderland, Paul Adams, Larry Ewald Jr., Kathy Flynn, Les Bradford, Ruth and Dave LeClair. We also wish to thank Adirondack Coast Events for their expertise in conducting the race.

Tom Brown

Ed Eisele,

Co-chairmen

Peru Lions Club

Turkey Trot Committee.

Washington Co. school ordered to drop its “Indians” mascot and logo for good | NCPR News

Source: Washington Co. school ordered to drop its “Indians” mascot and logo for good | NCPR News

Margaret Sullivan: What happens to society — and our democracy — when community and regional journalism dries up – The Washington Post

Source: Margaret Sullivan: What happens to society — and our democracy — when community and regional journalism dries up – The Washington Post

Hikers demonstrate what not to do when winter hiking | Sun Community News KEENE | Safety tips could have saved face – and toes.

Source: Hikers demonstrate what not to do when winter hiking | Sun Community News KEENE | Safety tips could have saved face – and toes.

Tops supports March of Dimes with fundraiser campaign | Sun Community News WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. | Campaign raises nearly $20 K for March of Dimes.

Source: Tops supports March of Dimes with fundraiser campaign | Sun Community News WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. | Campaign raises nearly $20 K for March of Dimes.

All Are Welcome at our Table

New antiviral drugs are coming for COVID. Here’s what you need to know | NCPR News

Source: New antiviral drugs are coming for COVID. Here’s what you need to know | NCPR News

Vt. Hospitals Treating Record Number of COVID Patients | Off Message

Source: Hospitals Treating Record Number of COVID Patients | Off Message

Tree Lighting on December 10th at 7 p.m.

Peru’s Christmas Tree Lighting at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo has been rescheduled from Friday, December 3rd to Friday, December 10th at 7 p.m. The change was necessary given the number of town employees who tested COVID positive. Hopefully, everyone will be healthy and back in action on December 10th.

State Police are investigating a bank robbery in Keeseville.

30 November 2021

The New York State Police are investigating a bank robbery at the Mountain Valley Federal Credit Union in Keeseville.

The robbery happened around 10:40 am at the location at 1716 Front Street.

A suspect is in custody and there is no danger to the public at this time.

Clinton County reports 1 additional COVID-19 related death and 49 additonal positives

Since our 11/29 update, 49 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-nine.
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. 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 114,661 total doses of COVID-19 Vaccine were given in Clinton County as of 11/14. As of 11/14, 68% of all Clinton County residents had at least one dose of the vaccine and 65% 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 497 people were tested in Clinton County on 11/28. As of 11/28, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 7.5%.
– 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 11/28, 113 individuals hospitalized (20 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

 CCHD to Work with Local Schools on COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for Students 5-11 

Plattsburgh, November 30, 2021. Over the next few months, the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) will travel to area schools to offer COVID-19 vaccination clinics to area students ages 5-11. 

“We have been working with our local districts since we learned of the approval for this age group,” stated John Kanoza, Director of Public Health in Clinton County. “We have been able to secure supplies and finalize schedules with our local districts.” 

Districts with vaccination clinics currently scheduled include Chazy, Northern Adirondack, Saranac, and Peru. Other districts will be added as schedules are finalized. Each participating district will be communicating with their school community directly on the dates and times of their clinics, as well as how parents can register their students. A parent or guardian must be present when their child receives their vaccine. 

“Our school partners have been very eager to get these clinics scheduled to serve their families,” explained Mr. Kanoza. “CCHD will work with each district and their medical officers directly on their plans.” 

“This school year alone, we have seen upwards of 500 COVID-19 cases among K-12 students, faculty and staff. Getting these kids vaccinated will help to protect them, the community, and reduce the disruptions in learning due to exposures within the schools,” added Mr. Kanoza. 

Other local providers have already begun vaccinating residents ages 5 to 11. Parents can reach out to their pediatric provider or local pharmacy for information on other vaccination opportunities.