‘Grandparent Scam’ again detected in the North Country | Sun Community News
Posted: December 25th, 2021 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News.
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URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Burlington VT
343 AM EST Fri Dec 24 2021
Northern St. Lawrence-Northern Franklin-Eastern Clinton-
Southeastern St. Lawrence-Southern Franklin-Western Clinton-
Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Southwestern St. Lawrence-Grand Isle-
Western Franklin-Orleans-Essex-Western Chittenden-Lamoille-
Caledonia-Washington-Western Addison-Orange-Western Rutland-
Windsor-Eastern Franklin-Eastern Chittenden-Eastern Addison-
Eastern Rutland-
Including the cities of Massena, Malone, Plattsburgh, Star Lake,
Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Dannemora, Lake Placid, Port Henry,
Ticonderoga, Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Gouverneur, Alburgh,
South Hero, St. Albans, Newport, Island Pond, Burlington,
Johnson, Stowe, St. Johnsbury, Montpelier, Middlebury, Vergennes,
Bradford, Randolph, Rutland, Springfield, White River Junction,
Enosburg Falls, Richford, Underhill, Bristol, Ripton,
East Wallingford, and Killington
343 AM EST Fri Dec 24 2021
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM EST SUNDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch.
* WHERE…All of Vermont and northern New York.
* WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 8 AM EST Sunday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Light snow develops early tonight and
quickly transitions to a mix of snow and/or freezing rain
beginning around midnight for the southern St Lawrence Valley
spreading north and east into central and southern Vermont by
Saturday morning. Freezing rain will change over to plain rain
for portions of the southern St Lawrence Valley and Champlain
Valley during the daytime on Saturday. Precipitation will remain
primarily all snow for the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
Freezing rain and rain will transition slowly to snow late
Saturday night becoming all snow by Sunday morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
Please allow extra time if travel is necessary.
For more information from the National Weather Service visit
http://weather.gov/btv/winter
Posted: December 24th, 2021 under Northern NY News, Regional NY-VT News, Weather News/History.
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DEC to Hold ‘First Day’ Hikes in the Adirondacks
New York State and Partners to Lead Hikes on Jan. 1, 2022, to Celebrate the New YearThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced six “first day” hikes planned for Jan. 1, 2022, in DEC’s Region 5, which includes the Central and Eastern Adirondacks. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this month (link leaves DEC website), DEC encourages New Yorkers to connect with nature and enjoy safe, responsible recreation by getting outdoors on the first day of the New Year with DEC Region 5 staff and partners. The walks and hikes are family-friendly and range from 1.5 to five miles round trip. “First Day Hikes are a fun, healthy way to welcome 2022,” said Joe Zalewski, DEC Region 5 Director. “Our regional staff are excited to lead a hike and to work with our partners at Paul Smith’s College, SUNY College of Environment Science and Forestry (ESF), Champlain Area Trails, and the Adirondack Mountain Club to provide exceptional outdoor experiences for this year’s First Day hikers.” Hikers should come prepared for the elements with warm layered clothing, water, snacks, sunglasses, hats, gloves, and insulated, waterproof footwear. Depending on conditions, snowshoes and other traction devices may also be necessary. Participants should contact their trip leader or host for more information on required and recommended gear. Some hikes will be guided, while others invite users to enjoy a self-guided experience on a designated trail. Each participant will receive a pair of Adventure NY-branded gloves and a New York State Parks bandana. Hikes may be canceled if snowfall or other weather events create hazardous travel or outdoor recreation conditions. Registered participants will be notified if a hike is canceled. DEC Guided Hike Up Prospect MountainJan. 1, 2022, 9 a.m. Details: Hike 1.5-miles and climb 1,630 feet to the summit of Prospect Mountain to enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view. Parking at the trailhead is limited. If parking along Smith Street is full, find parking along nearby roads and walk to the trailhead. Dogs must be leashed. Please note that the pedestrian bridge over the Northway is metal grating and may be rough on dogs’ feet. The trail typically has snow and ice at steep angles. Hikers must bring appropriate footwear and traction devices such as microspikes or snowshoes with crampons. Wear and bring warm winter clothing and layers as well as water and food. Cameras are recommended. Prospect Mountain: Trailhead on Smith Street, Village of Lake George (43.4254°N, 73.7197°W) Registration Required: Registration is limited to 20 participants. For more information and to register, contact Ben Thomas at benjamin.thomas@dec.ny.gov (reference ‘First Day Hike’ in the subject line) or call (518) 623-1268. Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) Guided Hike on Heron Marsh TrailJan. 1, 2022, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Details: Join VIC Director Scott van Laer and start the New Year with a spin around Heron Marsh (a 2.65-mile loop). You may catch glimpses of otters at play, birds checking back for the stash of seeds they carefully left behind last summer, or tracks from other critters who have been out and about. This event is free and snowshoes are required. Call in advance if you need to rent a pair of snowshoes. Paul Smith VIC: 8023 NY-30, Paul Smiths, NY 12970. Registration Required: Registration is limited to 20 participants. Visit Paul Smith’s website to register (leaves DEC website). Champlain Area Trails – Self-Guided Hike Up Cheney MountainJan. 1, 2022, 10 a.m. Details: Begin at the trailhead on Pelfershire Rd, approximately 1.6 miles west of Rt 22/9N. Walk across the field and enter the woods for a .75-mile uphill hike to the Cheney Mountain summit with three scenic overlooks. Enjoy interesting “perched” wetlands on the summit. Contact: For more information, contact Emily Segada at Emily@champlainareatrails.com. Champlain Area Trails – Self-Guided Hike on Little Ausable TrailJan. 1, 2022, 10 a.m. Details: The Little Ausable River Trail, a 3.6-mile round-trip recreational path, begins at Heyworth/Mason Park in Peru and leads to the entrance of Sullivan Park. Enjoy this flat gravel and paved trail along Little Ausable River. Near Peru are interpretive signs about human and natural history in the area. Contact: For more information, contact Emily Segada at Emily@champlainareatrails.com. SUNY ESF Guided Hike Up Goodnow MountainJan. 1, 2022, 9:30 a.m. Details: Enjoy a first day hike or snowshoe on the four-mile round trip trail up Goodnow Mountain. The Goodnow Mountain trail ascends approximately 900 feet over two miles and features gorgeous views into the High Peaks from a 60ft Fire Tower on the summit. The hike will take approximately 3.5 hours. Please note that the fire tower cab is closed and off-limits, but visitors can still enjoy views from the fire tower stairs. Please arrive at the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Coffee and pastries will be available before driving to the trailhead. Masks are required indoors at all times. SUNY ESF’s AIC: 6312 State Route 28N, Newcomb, NY 12852 Registration Required: To register, email aic@esf.edu. For more information, contact Charlotte Demers at 518-582-2000 or cdemers@esd.edu. Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club Guided Hike up Thomas MountainJan. 1, 2022, 10 a.m. Details: Help kick off the Adirondack Mountain Club’s 100th Anniversary! This will be an easy- to moderate-paced hike covering three miles round trip. Beginners are welcome. If the conditions call for it, please wear snowshoes. If you are interested in participating but don’t have snowshoes, please inquire with the trip leader as she has access to extra snowshoes. The hike will begin from the Valley Woods Road Trailhead in Bolton. Registration Required: Group size limited to 13 participants. For more information and to register, contact Megan at megan@adk.org. This year, DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are offering more than 75 First Day Hikes at parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, trails, and public lands across New York. For a list of DEC and partner guided hikes, visit DEC’s First Day Hikes webpage. For more information and a complete list of hikes, view the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation press release. |
Posted: December 24th, 2021 under Adirondack Region News, Recreation opportunities, State Government News.
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NYS Health Care Workers Can Return Sooner After Coronavirus: Hochul
Posted: December 24th, 2021 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Whiteface Mountain Is the Perfect Place to Celebrate the Upcoming Winter Olympics | Travel + Leisure
Source: Whiteface Mountain Is the Perfect Place to Celebrate the Upcoming Winter Olympics | Travel + Leisure
Posted: December 24th, 2021 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Northern NY News, Sports News, State Government News.
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Prison visitors now need vaccination proof or negative COVID-19 test | Sun Community News DANNEMORA |
Posted: December 24th, 2021 under Heathcare News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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Merry Christmas to all Peru Gazette readers
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Peru News.
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New legislation makes fake vaccination cards a crime | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Heathcare News, Law Enforcement News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
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What’s still accessible in and around Montreal despite new sanitary measures (Updated Dec 21st) – Mountain Lake PBS
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Arts and Entertainment, Northern NY News.
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Holiday Match Update: Over $1.7 million Going to Local Charities So Far
December 23, 2021—The Stewart’s Holiday Match Program is showing the true spirit of the holidays with giving; customer donations have reached over $871,000 through Wednesday, December 22nd. That’s over $1.7 million with the Stewart’s match so far, and there’s just 3 days left to collect!
These donations stay local and support local nonprofits. Funding reaches libraries, arts programming and many school programs just to name a few.
Each week, a different Holiday Match recipient is highlighted, this week, we are featuring Things of My Very Own. This non-profit organization provides crisis intervention services to children impacted by extensive abuse or neglect. The organization also helps children at risk of a child protective services intervention due to lack of necessities. Things of My Very Own has helped children in 11 counties across New York’s Capital Region and surrounding areas.
The Stewart’s Holiday Match Program has no administrative fees and donates 100% of donations received to charities in their market areas. Stewart’s Shops matches each donation penny for penny and dollar for dollar and has been doing so for the past 35 years, raising over $32 million for local charities.
While many other fundraising efforts spend 30% or more on overhead expenses, Stewart’s has no administrative fees and covers all the expenses. This means 100% goes to local nonprofits!
Holiday Match funds are collected from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day in each of the 354 shops. Local children’s organizations are encouraged to apply for funding here. The deadline for submission is January 31, 2022. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. A listing of all the local organizations that received funds last season is available online.
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Business News, Community Events.
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Merry Christmas from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
Saratoga, New York – “There is no better place to celebrate the Christmas season than the North Country. This is a time to gather with friends and family to reflect on our many blessings. It is also a time to look beyond ourselves and take the time to volunteer to serve our communities.
“This holiday season, my thoughts are with the brave men and women who serve our country to keep us safe, especially those who may be spending their Christmas away from their families. I am thankful for our 10th Mountain Division soldiers, our veterans across the North Country, and our military families. Thank you for your sacrifice.
“Merry Christmas to our healthcare workers and first responders who keep our communities healthy and safe. You so often answer the call to help day or night, and I know your selfless work does not stop just for the holidays.
“This has been an especially challenging year, but it has been my honor to serve you in Congress, working to bring the concerns of the North Country to the highest levels.
“From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Congressional News.
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1 additional death and 94 lab-confirmed COVID-19 positives reported
Since our 12/22 update, 94 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 brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Clinton County to fifty-seven.
Note: Our next case update will be posted Monday, December 27, 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. Visit www.clintonhealth.org/covid19vaccine to schedule a first, second, third, or booster. Check back frequently, as additional appointment and dates may be added.
– CDC COVID Tracker: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view
– Local Vaccination data: https://public.tableau.com/…/viz/Covid-Draft/Dashboard. According to the North Country COVID Vaccine Dashboard 122,961 total doses of COVID-19 Vaccine were given in Clinton County as of 12/12. As of 12/12, 70% of all Clinton County residents had at least one dose of the vaccine and 66% of residents had completed their vaccine series. 78% 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 360 people were tested in Clinton County on 12/21. As of 12/21, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 9.4%.
– Vaccination information: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or http://www.clintonhealth.org/covid19vaccine/
– NYS School Report Card (providing school and college data): https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov
– NYS DOCCS data: https://doccs.ny.gov/doccs-covid-19-report
– North Country Region hospitalization data: https://forward.ny.gov/daily-hospitalization-summary-region. As of 12/21, 87 individuals hospitalized (23 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under County Government News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Obituary details man’s death from COVID-19, resistance to vaccine
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Heathcare News, Upstate New York.
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Kim Potter Convicted Daunte Wright Shooting | National Review
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Law Enforcement News.
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Peru Dollar General plans to reopen the week of December 26th.
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Business News, Code Enforcement, Peru News.
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Omicron will cause more infections but lower hospital rates, analysis shows | NCPR News
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Heathcare News.
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Knight Automotive to change ownership | News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Business News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Baby, it’s pink outside: Family decorates tree for breast cancer awareness | News | pressrepublican.com
Story features Jim and Jackie Douglass Source: Baby, it’s pink outside: Family decorates tree for breast cancer awareness | News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Community Events, Heathcare News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments.
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Officials want more, and timely COVID testing | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com
Posted: December 23rd, 2021 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Stefanik Introduces Legislation to Protect Veterans from Fraud
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Posted: December 22nd, 2021 under Congressional News, Political News, Veterans' News.
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Cumberland Head Lighthouse: Worthy of an admiral’s visit | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH |
Posted: December 22nd, 2021 under Lake Champlain News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Injured firefighter support measure signed into law | Sun Community News QUEENSBURY |
Posted: December 22nd, 2021 under Fire Department News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
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Dealing with grief at the holidays | NCPR News
Posted: December 22nd, 2021 under General News, Heathcare News.
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Stewart’s Shops installing EV chargers in Keene
Brian Mann Tweet & Photo “So cool to see @StewartsShops in Keene getting ready to serve EV drivers.”
The Peru Gazette followed up Brian’s tweet and photo emailing Stewart’s Shops asking about their current and future EV charger plans. Erica Komoroske, Director of Public Affairs, was kind enoungh to respond. “We plan to have more than 82 EV charging stations at 16 shops by the end of 2022.”
“The fast charger is powerful enough to get a driver nearly 400 miles of “fuel” in only 20 minutes. You’ll have just enough time to stop into a Stewart’s Shop, enjoy a snack, coffee or one of our food-to-go options and then be back on your way.”
“Our partnership with EVolve New York and NYPA will give us four more charging stations by the end of 2021 with chargers in Moreau, Clifton Park, Latham and Keene, New York opening in 2021. These strategic locations will help reduce range anxiety for EV drivers and give them convenient access to charge up!”
“We plan to have more than 82 EV charging stations at 16 shops by the end of 2022. This includes our Tesla Super Chargers. We currently have four Tesla Super Chargers up and running in Ballston Spa, Chestertown, Greenport Clinton Corners, and East Rutland with plans to expand the program with one more in 2022.”
As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, the need for EV chargers grows as well. Also, we are in negotiations with ChargePoint to expand our EV footprint in the North Country in 2022.”
“We are committed to growing our EV charging network in strategic locations across New York and Vermont.”
Happy Holidays!
Erica Komoroske
Director of Public Affairs
Posted: December 22nd, 2021 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Environmental News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Assemblyman Jones joins local pharmacists to urge Governor to sign the Pharmacy Rescue Package
From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones
During the 2021 legislative session, the New York State Legislature passed three bills called the Pharmacy Rescue Package (A1396/S3762, A5457/S3566, and A7598/S6603) to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). All three bills have overwhelming support from state legislators, with A1396/S3762 passing the Assembly unanimously and A7598/S6603 passing both houses unanimously.
For decades, PBMs have been the invisible hand behind prescription drug prices and programs, deciding how much to bill the health insurance companies per prescription and how much they will reimburse the pharmacy for dispensing the medications. Since PBMs are not regulated, this has caused PBMs to pocket the difference in what the health insurance companies pay and how much PBMs pay pharmacists- called spread pricing. This often causes pharmacists to dispense these medications at a lost and is negatively impacting small independent pharmacists who face closure because they cannot afford these low costs.
Additionally, PBMs are costing the state millions of dollars every year due to Medicaid coverage. Currently, Medicaid prescriptions are either covered through a Fee-For-Service program or managed care organizations. Managed care organizations work directly with PBMs and has cost the state $605 million from 2016-2019 according to a 2020 report from the Office of the New York State Comptroller because PBMs do not consider federal rebate programs when recommending prescription drugs. A7598/S6603 would require PBMs to follow the same rules as Fee-For-Service so that PBMs have to consider federal rebate programs in their recommendations as well.
“Like many small rural communities, the North Country depends on small independent pharmacists because of the level of trust they are able to build with their local neighborhood pharmacists. PBMs not only jeopardize this relationship by dictating which prescriptions health insurance companies will cover, but also threaten the very existence of these small independent pharmacies because they cannot afford the reimbursement prices set by PBMs. It is unacceptable that the state continues to lose millions of dollars every year due to these practices and I am proud to co-sponsor A7598 and A1396 that will finally regulate PBMs because these bills will preserve patient choice, save the taxpayers money, and help small independent pharmacies continue their important work in our communities. It’s time that the Governor signs these bills and provide this important lifeline to our local pharmacists.”
“Prescription drug middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers have raked in billions of dollars in record profits off this pandemic by doing what they always do: keeping drug prices high, reducing patient choice, ripping off taxpayers and putting neighborhood pharmacies out of business,” said Steve Moore, past president of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (PSSNY) and owner of Condo Pharmacy in Plattsburgh. “At a time when few agree on much, Democrats, Republicans, healthcare providers, patients, taxpayers and lawmakers all are urging Governor Hochul protect New Yorkers by signing the Pharmacy Rescue Package.”
“The pandemic has underscored how critical independent pharmacies are to keeping our communities in Clinton County and across the state healthy, and pharmacy benefit managers are putting the lives of our patients in danger every day they remain unregulated” said Dan Bosley, pharmacist and owner of Keeseville Pharmacy in Keeseville and Cornerstone Drug & Gift in Rouses Point. “We are pleading with Governor Hochul to put the health of our fellow New Yorkers over the profits of Fortune 15 corporations and sign the full Pharmacy Rescue Package.”
All three bills have been delivered to the Governor and she has until the end of the year to sign them. Otherwise, the bills return to the State Legislature where they must be voted on again.
Posted: December 22nd, 2021 under Business News, Heathcare News, Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
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