The Peru Gazette

Source: Burlington businesses decry situation downtown, say employees feel unsafe – VTDigger

Source: ‘These are students in crisis’: Vermont educators grapple with a spike in student misbehavior – VTDigger

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) is reminding small business owners to take advantage of the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. He helped secure this program in the 2021-22 state budget to assist small businesses that were financially impacted by the pandemic. Jones also wants residents to be aware of the newly expanded eligibility requirements for the program to encourage more businesses to apply.

“Small businesses took a huge hit due to this pandemic and are still fighting tooth and nail to forge a path forward,” Jones said. “This grant program helps alleviate some of the burdens facing our hardworking business owners in the wake of this crisis, from helping to maintain their payroll to covering utility costs. Plus, thanks to Gov. Hochul’s updates to the program, more community members can now apply and benefit from this much-needed relief. Mom-and-pop shops are the backbone of the North Country’s economy, and I’ll do everything I can to help them recover and thrive.”

The $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program supports small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations that experienced a COVID-related financial hardship. The program specifically targets businesses that have insufficient access to resources. This includes micro-businesses, socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, minority- and women-owned businesses and small businesses that did not receive adequate federal COVID-19 funding.[1]

The program offers flexible grants of $5,000 to $50,000, with an average of $15,879. Grant funds can be used to cover business costs incurred throughout the pandemic, such as payroll, rent, mortgage, property and school taxes, insurance, utilities and pandemic-related expenses to protect workers and customers. As of Sept. 2021, the program has awarded $190 million to 11,995 small businesses across the state.[2]

“PLATTSBURGH — Tri-county health departments reported 115 new COVID cases from Tuesday to Thursday. According to the state’s most recent figures, up-to-date as of Wednesday, the seven-county North Country region had the highest positivity rate of any region in the state, with a daily rate and seven-day rolling average of 6%.”

Source: Local health departments report 115 new COVID cases | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: White House: Vaccinated foreign visitors can start entering US on Nov. 8

Source: Vermonters turned to telemedicine during the pandemic. Now some providers — and teenaged patients — prefer it | Vermont Public Radio

Our area makes the New York Times. Source: Border With Canada to Open, Businesses ‘Could Not Be Happier’ – The New York Times

Source: Police seek help identifying purse thief | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | New York State Police are now asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who allegedly stole someone’s purse at a local store in early October.

Source: Early voting in Clinton County starts Oct. 23 | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | While traditional local polls will be open Tuesday, Nov. 2, early voting in Clinton County starts Oct. 23.

Source: Samuel F. Vilas Home starts expansion project | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | The Samuel F. Vilas Home, a historic adult home located on the corner of Cornelia and Beekman Streets is readying for its expansion project to begin this month.

“PLATTSBURGH | The Healing Grace: Center for Hope and Healing officially opened the doors of their first location Sept. 25-now providing on-site hope and healing for those struggling with infant and pregnancy loss. The Healing Grace Center is now open at 62 Brinkerhoff Street Suite 104.”

Source: Healing Grace opens first location for healing and support | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | The Healing Grace: Center for Hope and Healing officially opened the doors of their first location Sept. 25-now providing on-site hope and healing for those strug

Jim Douglass

Melvin Irwin

Democrat Jim Douglass and Republican Melvin Irwin are seeking reelection to the Peru Town Board on Tuesday, November 2nd. Since no other names appear on the ballot, both men should be reelected.

Seeking to learn more about why they serve our community, the challenges they face and their priorities for the future the Peru Gazette posed six questions to each candidate.

Jim Douglass 

1.  How long have you served on the town board? I had first ran and won a seat on the Peru town Council in the 2009 November election. I actually started filling that position in 2010. I have filled that position continuously without interruption from that date. 

2.  Why are you seeking reelection to the office?I am seeking reelection because I enjoy filling the position and supporting the Town of Peru team members. With that thought in mind I wish to continue my service on the town council because of all the future projects that we have in work for the Town of Peru. One large major project specifically is the “Water and Sewer Project”

3. What are your most significant accomplishments as a board member? One of my accomplishments I am most proud of is my ability to work in harmony with the Town Council and all of its other town working departments. With that being done we can focus on all of the priorities of the residents in the Town of Peru.

4. What have been your biggest frustrations as a board member, if any? With regard to frustrations of working on the Town of Peru council, I can honestly say they are very minor in nature.

5. What are the most significant issues facing Peru and how do you plan to confront them? The most significant issue for the Town of Peru is to have a sufficient tax base that I am always working to increase by means of increased  development of property

6. Do Peru residents express their ideas and opinions to you? If so, what issues concern them the most? How have you responded to their concerns? I am always approachable and available to new ideas, opinions, and comments from Peru residents. Most issues that I hear from Peru residents are general in nature. I always respond back to them to the best of my ability as quickly as possible.

Thank you for this opportunity and your support.

Jim Douglass

Melvin Irwin 

1.  How long have you served on the town board? I have been on the town board for 4 years, this will be my second term.

2.  Why are you seeking reelection to the office? We have several unfinished projects in town and several new ideas in the works that I would like to see through.

3. What are your most significant accomplishments as a board member? The current infrastructure projects to enable our town to handle any future growth. I am especially excited to see our undiscovered Heyworth Mason Park develop into our cultural town center!

4. What have been your biggest frustrations as a board member, if any? Probably my biggest frustration as in business is dealing with personnel issues and trying to find solutions. The other would be dealing with red tape cleaning up rundown properties in our town.

5. What are the most significant issues facing Peru and how do you plan to confront them? Certainly the biggest issue is trying to find financial assistance to offset the massive infrastructure costs that we face. I believe the other issue is finding ways to attract young people here because they truly are the lifeblood of any community.

6. Do Peru residents express their ideas and opinions to you? If so, what issues concern them the most? How have you responded to their concerns? Thankfully a lot of people share ideas and plenty of complaints and truly the solution is, get involved in your town, nearly every board is looking for volunteers !!

Source: Mount Mansfield still hasn’t seen a hard freeze this season, a new record

WHAT:  4th Sunday VFW Breakfast

From the North Country Chamber of Commerce

Plattsburgh – 10/14/2021– Empire State Development and I Love NY recently released their 2020 Economic Impact Study showing the effect tourism had on New York State, the Adirondack region and Clinton County during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are the key findings for New York State, The Adirondack Region and Clinton County.

New York State Tourism

• Visitor spending was $33.9 billion in 2020, Despite the decline in visitor spending, this means that almost $93 million was still spent EVERY DAY by visitors in NYS. (Down 70% over 2019)
• NYS Visitors Spending Losses was $39.7 billion, however the losses in 2020 is similar in size to New York’s share of the $2 trillion stimulus package passed by Congress in 2020.
• The industry generated $5.9 billion in State and local sales tax, saving each NYS household roughly $801 in taxes

Adirondack Region Tourism
Comprised of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Lewis and Warren Counties, the Adirondack Region also saw decent and sustainable numbers:

• $1,310,300,000 in traveler spending (down less than 10% over 2019)
• $75,550,000 collected to state taxes (down less than 7% over 2019)
• $100,033,000 contributed to local taxes (down less than 1% over 2019)

Adirondack Coast & Clinton County Tourism
Along with the state tourism spending breakdowns, the study also shows how the counties in the Adirondacks are stacking up. Clinton County Tourism obviously took a hit in 2020, but was much smaller than what the state took on as a whole.

• $100,800,000 in traveler spending (Down 28% over 2019)
• $6,229,000 collected in state taxes (Down 24% over 2019)
• $8,800,000 contributed in local taxes (Down 5% over 2019)

Kristy Kennedy, VP, Marketing at the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and North Country Chamber of Commerce, as well as The Tourism Promotion Agency for Clinton County via I Love NY, states, “These numbers while down from 2019, which was a banner year for tourism, are still higher than the state numbers and shows that our switch in marketing messaging and reaching into more urban markets helped us fare well in a tumultuous year. Looking forward to new growth in 2022.”

Governor Scott, “They went back up for whatever reason. I don’t know, I wish I had the answer,” he said at his weekly press conference in Montpelier. “I think we all wish we had the answer.”

Source: Vermont reports 327 new Covid cases, bringing 7-day average to record high – VTDigger

“In what should come as no surprise, Bills fans responded by opening their checkbooks and buying the hoodies. Around 2,500 hoodies were sold within 24 hours. By the end of the sale, over 4,600 hoodies were sold with $100,000 being raised for the high school.”

Source: Bills Mafia raise $100,000 for Josh Allen’s Firebaugh High School – syracuse.com

Source: Engineering a river in New York with nature to protect against the impacts of climate change | Here & Now

Jim Kirby

Scott Thurber

Peru –  November 2, Election Day 2021, is only about 20 days away. Peru voters will find only one contested position on this year’s ballot – Peru Town Justice. Incumbent Democrat James Kirby is being challenged by Republican Scott Thurber for a four-year term of office beginning January 1, 2022. 

The Peru Gazette posed questions to each candidate. 

How long have I lived in Peru? Educational Background and Profession?

Jim Kirby responded: I have lived in Peru, NY all my life.  I graduated from Peru Central School and completed the Diesel Mechanic Vocational Training Program at CV-Tech in Plattsburgh. I currently own and operate Kirby Builder and Millworks, a general contractor business which deals with all phases of construction.  I have served as the Peru Town Justice since 2010.

Scott Thurber responded: I’ve lived in Peru NY for approximately 19 years. I attended Peru school up until my middle school years and returned to Peru approximately seven years ago. I have a criminal justice degree and hold several NYS certifications from NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services.   

I’m a retired law enforcement officer and currently own and operate an outfitting business here in Peru. My business is Irish Raider Outfitters LLC and we provide fishing charters on Lake Champlain, guided fishing and hunting outings within the Adirondack Park to area residents and guests from across the USA and Canada.

How have you been involved in the Peru Community?

Jim Kirby responded: I have served as the Peru Town Justice for the past 12 years. The judge’s duties do not begin and end on the designated court day. I am on call 24/7, 365 days a year to support state and local law enforcement as an arraignment judge. As a life-long resident of Peru, I have always been a helping hand to friends and neighbors. In 2015, when the town purchased the old Peru Federal Credit Union building, I acquired a $16,000 JCAP grant through OCA to pay for remodeling cost and volunteered my services, at no cost to town tax payers. 

Scott Thurber responded: I’m currently an elected Peru School Board member. I’ve held this position since July of 2018. I was also a board member for the Champlain Valley Educational Services school board up until September of this year. Through both of these positions I’ve put in numerous hours to ensure Peru students’ curriculum is the quality of education we expect, that the superintendent is following the schools vision, and that we have a timely budget which meets the expectations of our residents.

Why are you seeking the Town Justice Office or seeking reelection for the Town Justice?

Jim Kirby responded: I am running for reelection to continue serving my community as the Peru Town Justice and do my part in keeping Peru a safe place for families to live. 

Scott Thurber responded: I’m seeking the Town Justice position because I firmly believe the residents of Peru should have a choice on November 2nd.  Our Town Court needs a fresh perspective and transparency moving forward. My experience in the criminal justice system as both a law enforcement officer and educator gives me the knowledge and the appropriate background to hold this position. Owning my own business also gives me the flexibility to put the time needed into the position which makes me a strong candidate on election day.

What qualifies you to be town justice and why should anyone vote for you?

Jim Kirby responded: I have served in this position for the past 12 years. I have gone above and beyond to serve the Town of Peru and put every effort into continuing my training and judicial education. I am a member of the Clinton County Magistrates Association and the New York State Magistrates Association. I was selected by OCA as a RTA (Raise The Age) judge for the State of New York. In the midst of COVID, I was handpicked as a VAP (Virtual Arraignment Part) Judge, which elevated me to Supreme Court judge status. I would appreciate your vote November 2^nd so that I can continue to serve the community as Town Judge.

Scott Thurber responded: I have over twenty five years experience and education within the NYS Criminal Justice system. Ranging from a police officer/supervisor, NYS internal affairs investigator and as a Criminal Justice teacher.  This background more than qualifies me for this position. People should vote for me if they’re looking for integrity, honesty, fairness. I am someone who will listen and work tirelessly for all residents. I will be available all hours of the day or night to answer questions or concerns residents may have. If for some reason I don’t have an answer for a particular question, I’ll get the correct information and promptly respond.

How do you balance being an independent judge and an elected official?

Jim Kirby responded: Though I am an elected official, the minute I was sworn in, politics have no place in the courtroom. 

Scott Thurber responded: New York State has strict guidelines which apply to what independent judges can or can’t do. I will follow those guidelines to ensure there’s transparency and that all parties are treated equally and heard. I believe, as an elected official, one needs to be an actively elected community member, which should include attending Town board meetings on a regular basis to provide reports and work on yearly budgets that apply to the court as a team. Having open communication, working together as a team, no matter what side of any position you are on, is essential to ensure the town of Peru continues to thrive.

How will you work to ensure equality for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom?

Jim Kirby responded: I have, and always will, treat everyone who has entered my courtroom with the respect and dignity that every human deserves regardless of their background.  

Scott Thurber responded: I strongly believe everyone should be heard without fear of retribution and all people should be treated equally and fairly no matter what their social, economic, ethnicity, political or religious beliefs may be.  If elected as Town Justice, any party that comes before the bench will be treated in a fair, equitable, and consistent manner.  Anything less than that will not be tolerated in my courtroom and dealt with accordingly.

Editor’s Correction: When posting the first time the Peru Gazette erred in posting Scott Thurber’s response to the question: How do you balance being an independent judge and an elected official? His response to the previous question was repeated. It has been corrected.

Source: DiNapoli Releases Dashboard Tracking Federal Covid Funding and State Relief Programs | Office of the New York State Comptroller

Source: The Retirements of Sharon Meyer and Tom Messner Forecast the End of an Era in Vermont Media | Media | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Source: Since Sept. 1, COVID-19 killed 18 Albany County residents. 14 were unvaccinated