The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The U.S. Census Bureau recently released the 2020 census data.  The North Country data reflects the nationwide rural population declines.

Peru’s 2020 population increased by 6.2% since 2000; however, between 2010 and 2020, its population declined by 3.3%, from 7,000 to 6,772. Between 2000 and 2010, Peru enjoyed one of the state’s highest growth rates at 9.9%.

The Town of Plattsburgh’s 2020 population of 11,886 is a 5.3% increase since 2000; however, its population increased by only +0.3% since 2010.

The City of Plattsburgh’s 2020 population of 19,841 is a 5.2% increase since 2000; however, it declined by 0.8% over the past ten years.

The Town of Altona’s 2020 population of 2,666 declined by 15.6% since 2000 and 7.7% since 2010. Altona is also home to a corrections facility.

The Town of Ausable’s 2020 population declined by 5.5% from 2000  to 3,183; however, it grew by 0.1% between 2010 and 2020.

The Town of Beekmantown’s 2020 population of 5,508 is a 3.7% increase compared to 2000 and a 0.7% decline compared to 2010.   

The Town of Champlain’s 2020 population of 5,745 is a 0.7% decline compared to 2000 and a 0.2% decline compared to 2010.

The Town of Clinton’s 2020 population of 652 is an 11.1% decline compared to 2000 and a 10.8% decline compared to 2010.

The Town of Dannemora’s 2020 population of 4,037 is 21.6% less than 2000 when it stood at 5,150. Between 2010 and 2020, it fell by 17.6%. The reduced number of inmates at the Clinton Correctional Facility probably accounts for most of that change.

The Town of Ellenburg’s 2020 population of 1,842 is 2.2% higher than in 2000 and 5.6% higher than in 2010.

The Town of Mooers’ 2020 population of 3,467 is 1.8% less than 2000 and 3.6% less than in 2010.

The Town of Saranac’s 2020 population of 3,852 is 5.2% less than 2000 and 3.9% less than 2010.

The Town of Schuyler Falls’ 2020 population of 4,843 is 5.5% less than 2000 and 6.6% less than 2010.

New York State’s 2020 population of 20,201,249 is a 6.5% increase compared to 2000 and 4.2% compared to 2010.

Clinton County’s 2020 population is about the same as in 2000; however, over the past ten years, the county’s population declined by 2.8%, from 82,131 to 79,843. Neighboring Essex County’s 2020 population of 37,381 decreased by 3.8% since 2000 and 5.1% since 2010. Franklin County’s 2020 population of 47,555 decreased by 7% since 2000 and 7.9% since 2010.  Reduced inmate counts at NYS correctional facilities may account for some of the changes. Jefferson County’s 2020 population of 116,721 is 4.5% higher than 2000, but only by 0.4% since 2010. Ft. Drum is undoubtedly a significant factor in its numbers. St. Lawrence County’s 2020 population of 108,505 decreased by 3.1% since 2000 and 3.1% since 2010. Warren County experienced a 3.8% population increase since 2000; however, its population only increased by 30 individuals since 2010.

The Gazette used April 1st, 2000, 2010, and 2020 census totals.

“Ernst is president of a private investment firm based in New York City.  He owns Elk Lake Lodge in North Hudson with his wife, Margot Ernst.  According to the Adirondack Explorer, Gov. Kathy Hochul approached Ernst recently at a dinner party and asked if he would be willing to take on the position.”

Source: Hochul appoints John Ernst chair of Adirondack Park Agency | NCPR News

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“Samaritan Medical Center’s affiliation with Roswell will give North Country patients access to the leading cancer research, education, and prevention services, overseen by experts at Roswell Park.”

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“The cost of natural gas is more than double from a year ago. That could produce heating bills up to 50% higher comapred to last year, according to the federal Energy Information Adminsitration.”

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Source: White House details plan to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 against Covid-19 – MarketWatch

Click here to review minutes posted on the Town of Peru Website.

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Source: Au Sable Forks to vote on new firehouse Oct. 26 | Sun Community News AU SABLE FORKS | Voters in the Au Sable Forks Fire District will go to the polls on Tuesday, Oct. 26, to decide whether to build a new $5.9 million firehouse to replace old and cramped sp

Source: CVAC volleyball: Nighthawks escape Hornets’ hive in five-set thriller | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | The first set was a good indication the Oct. 18 CVAC varsity volleyball match between Peru and Plattsburgh High was going to be a good one.

Democrat Peru Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald is on the ballot for reelection this year. He should be re-elected on November 2nd because no one is opposing him for office. The Peru Gazette posed a few questions to Brandy seeking to inform voters about McDonald’s experience and the issues he sees facing Peru.

Brandy McDonald 

1.      How long have you served on the town board and as town supervisor?

–         I have served on the town board for 10 years, and for the past 4 years as Town Supervisor.

2.      Why are you seeking re-election of this office?

–        I am seeking re-election as Town Supervisor, as I truly enjoy serving my community and aiding in its progress and stability.

3.      How have you been able to balance your professional life with your elected town supervisor position? Do you have regular office hours and if so what are they? 

–        As I previously stated, I am still available 24 hours to this position, and even posted my cell phone number several times for my direct contact information to all Peru residence.

4.      What are your most significant accomplishments as town supervisor?

–        I worked with the town board on collaborative efforts of our implementing the necessary infrastructure upgrades, moving the location of the summer concerts to Heyworth Park, and approving the new monthly Peru Town Market Place.  I am most proud of the accomplishment and maintenance of working productively and effectively with all Town of Peru Board Members and employees.

5.      What have been your biggest frustrations or disappointments as town supervisor?

–        The biggest difficulty as town supervisor is the continual efforts and issues of dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.   I try to make the best decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of the town employees and its residents.  However, this pandemic causes issues that cannot be addressed in a yes or no answer, which is very difficult to navigate at times.

6.      What are the most significant issues facing Peru and how do you plan to confront them?

–        One significant issue is the major sewer project and the issues of backorder for material.  As with any issues, I will work with my fellow town board members to implement the best plans within our control in confronting this issue or any other town issues.

7.      Do Peru residents express their ideas and opinions to you? If so, what major issues concern them the most? How have you responded to their concerns?

–        As with any elected position, residents do and should express their opinions and ideas to me, and I welcome them, which is why I continually advertise my direct contact cell phone number for their convenience.  I embrace my community and want to help any resident whenever possible.

Thank you,

Brandy McDonald, Peru Town Supervisor – cell: 518-593-3078

Source: Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Famer, Former Assistant Women’s Ice Hockey Coach Danielle Blanchard Named Head Coach at UMass Boston – Plattsburgh State Athletics

Manal El Daouk, MD, Wendy McKinnon, genetics counselor to speak 

PLATTSBURGH, NY (10/19/2021) – Genetics, Breast Cancer and You, a webinar planned for Wednesday, October 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. will be presented by Manal El Daouk, MD, FACOG, of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Family Medicine Center and Wendy McKinnon, MS, CGC, Certified Genetic Counselor, University of Vermont Medical Center, Familial Cancer Program.

The webinar will focus on the role genetic testing can play in assessing the risk of breast cancer as well as the criteria for its use. Dr. El Daouk will also offer an overview of the options available to women who are determined to be at a high risk for the disease. There will be ample time for questions and answers.

In addition to her busy gynecological practice, Dr. El Daouk serves on CVPH’s Commission on Cancer (CoC) committee, which is dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients. McKinnon works with individuals and families offering genetic counseling and testing to those concerned about inherited cancer risk.

Registration, required for this free program, can be completed in the HealthSource section of the University of Vermont Health Network website, https://www.uvmhealth.org/health-wellness/healthsource-classes.

Genetics, Breast Cancer and You is part of the University of Vermont Health Network’s HealthSource program offering free educational programs, classes and workshops in support of the community’s health and wellbeing.

For more information, call CVPH Communications and Engagement Strategies Department at (518) 562-7320.

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