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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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Enjoy the Palm Sunday Brunch at the PCC Fellowship Center

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, April 9, 2025 

Chicken & Biscuits 

Salad 

Fruit 

Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972 

All are invited and welcome!

CCHA awarded $5k grant by Saranac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

L-R Katherine Duesbery and Geri Favreau

Early in 2025, the Clinton County Historical Association received a $5,000 grant from the Saranac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to promote studying our country’s history. The internship is intended to provide a student with training and education within the organization. CCHA uses the internship to make hundreds of historical documents and photographs of local interest available on the CCHA website, which are only currently available on paper. The intern’s project will result in a searchable collection that researchers and the public can look forward to accessing online. At the end of the grant period, the intern will formally present all aspects of the project to DAR members. The check was presented to Geri Favreau, CCHA President, by Katherine Duesberg, 1st Vice Regent of the Saranac Chapter, NSDAR. SUNY Plattsburgh Junior Lillian LaValley accepted the internship.

PERU CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT – NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the ANNUAL MEETING of the inhabitants of the Peru Central School District, Peru, New York, qualified to vote at school meetings in the district will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the High School Community Room, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the transaction of such business as is authorized by Education Law.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that the ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING of the qualified voters of the Peru Central School District, Peru, New York, will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7 p.m., in the High School Community Room.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that the ANNUAL MEETING shall include the following three (3) propositions:

Budget Proposition No. 1

Shall the Board of Education of Peru Central School District be authorized to expend a sum not to exceed (an amount to be determined) for the 2025‐2026 school year, and to levy the necessary tax therefor?

Bus Proposition No. 2

Shall the Board of Education of the Peru Central School District be authorized to purchase and, at the option of the Board, finance up to three (3) standard 65-passenger school buses, including related and ancillary equipment, for a total aggregate maximum cost of $626,738.68, and to raise the necessary funds therefor by a tax upon the taxable property of said District to be levied and collected in annual installments in the years and in the amounts as the Board of Education shall determine, with such tax to be partially offset by State aid available therefor and, in anticipation of such tax, by either the issuance of debt obligations of the said School District or by a lease/purchase financing for such school buses, in either case in an amount not to exceed such estimated aggregate cost?

Library Proposition No. 3

Shall the Board of Education of the Peru Central School District be authorized to levy taxes in the amount of $20,000.00, separate and apart from the annual school district budget, for the support and maintenance of the Peru Free Library, which said appropriation shall be the annual appropriation until changed by further vote of the District voters? The Library requests a tax levy limit which exceeds the Library’s statutory tax levy increase limit of 2% for this fiscal year, which has been approved by at least sixty percent (60%) of the Trustees of the Peru Free Library.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of expenditures which will be required in the ensuing year for school purposes, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any taxpayer in the District during the fourteen days immediately preceding the ANNUAL MEETING and on the day of this meeting, except Saturday, Sunday or a School Holiday, at any District schoolhouse, during the designated hours of 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education must be filed in the district clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day of April 2025.    There are currently two (2) vacant seats on the Board of Education, due to the expiration of the terms of Ms. Sarah Graves and Mr. Steven Peters.  The seats are at-large for a full three-year term from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028.  The petition is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except school holidays, or via the web at http://www.perucsd.org.  Each petition must be directed to the School District Clerk, signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, and state the name, residence, and phone number of the candidate.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be available from the District Clerk, except on Saturdays, Sundays, School Holidays, and April 28th and May 2nd (school closed), or via the web at www.perucsd.org.  Applications are obtainable from the District Clerk between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., except on April 22 – 25, 2025, when they will be available between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no later than 3:30 p.m. on May 13, 2025, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.  Completed absentee and early mail ballots must be received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.  A listing of all persons to whom absentee ballots or early mail ballots were issued will be available for inspection by any qualified voter of the District at the Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours (between 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), from May 15, 2025 through May 19, 2025 (Saturday by appointment).  Such listing will also be posted at the polling place on the day of the vote.  Any qualified voter present in the polling place may object to voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds for making his/her challenge and the reason thereof known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that members of the military, who are qualified voters of the District, may apply for a military ballot by contacting the District Clerk via email at sprovost@perucsd.org; or by phone at (518) 643-6002 or in-person at 17 School Street, Peru, NY, between the hours of 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, except on Saturdays, Sundays, School Holidays, and April 28th and May 2nd (school closed).  The phone and in-person contact hours for April 22 – 25, 2025 shall be between 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Military voters must return their completed military ballot application to the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025.  A military voter may designate a preference to receive a military ballot application and/or ballot by USPS mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.  If a military voter does not designate a preference, the District shall transmit the military ballot application or military ballot by mail.  If a military voter designates a preference for facsimile transmission or electronic mail but does not provide the necessary facsimile number or e-mail address, the District shall transmit the military ballot application or military ballot by mail.  Irrespective of the preferred method of transmission designated by a military voter, a military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person.  No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025.  A listing of all persons to whom military ballots were issued will be available for inspection by any qualified voter of the District at the Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours (between 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), from May 15, 2025 through May 19, 2025 (Saturday by appointment).  Such listing will also be posted at the polling place on the day of the vote.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that the qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote at said annual budget vote and school board election.  A qualified voter is one who is (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen years of age or older, and (3) a resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the annual vote and election.  The School District may require all persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law §2018-c.  Such forms must include a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill, or a voter registration card.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that voting on the budget and for two members of the Board of Education will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., in the COMMUNITY ROOM of the HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING of the Peru Central School District.  Voting will be via machine.

By:  Peru CSD Board of Education

        Sherri Provost, District Clerk

 

Border Czar Tom Homan addresses ICE visit close to home

Click here for the NCPr story 

Town of Plattsburgh celebrates 240 years on Charter Day

Honoring the past, celebrating the present, and investing in the future

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Peru Central School student Connor Baehre selected to attend Students Inside Albany Conference

Plattsburgh, NY- Connor Baehre, a high school junior from Peru Central School, has been selected to attend this year’s Students Inside Albany Conference sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. Annika Pair from Northern Adirondack Central School has been chosen 1st alternate and Lino Caputo from Boquet Valley Central School has been chosen 2nd alternate. The 23rd annual conference will run May 18-21 and brings forty-five students from across the state to Albany to get a first-hand education about New York State government. The program is designed to increase high school awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide information about the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility.

While at the conference, students will join their peers in a hands-on learning experience about how state government works. Students will participate in a series of interactive lectures on topics such as the state budget process, the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, citizen rights to access government information, the role of media in politics, and the move to reform state government. While in Albany, the students will have an opportunity to tour the New York State Capitol. The highlights for most students include shadowing their Senator and Assembly Member for an afternoon and attending sessions on the Chamber floors.

For more information on the League of Women Voters of the North Country, please contact Helen Nerska at allenhomestead@gmail.com. For more information on the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation or the Students Inside Albany program, please visit www.lwvny.org.

Final structural beam placed in Buffalo Bills’ new stadium: Here’s the latest

Click here for the Democrat and Chronicle story 

Regular Monthly School Board Meeting April 8, 2025

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who cannot attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, April 8th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

  • Budget Workshop #3
  • Meal Services
  • Personnel Appointments
  • Transportation Procedures
  • An Interagency Agreement
  • Internal Audit & Corrective Action Plan
  • SEQR Resolution
  • Property Tax Report Card
  • Ex Officio Student Policy

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

 

Plattsburgh Bublic Library to host Creative Writing Group

Writers of all levels are encouraged to let their creativity shine

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Clinton Co. Office for the Aging to host caregiver training

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

North Country Community College to use $50,000 grant to target more adult learners

Click here for the Sun Comunity News story 

Bonnie Black Selected for The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisors

(Plattsburgh, N.Y.) – Bonnie Black of Plattsburgh Noon Rotary has been selected for The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisors. This achievement makes her 1 of 3 to ever receive this in our district.
The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers is a group of Rotarians who volunteer their skills in Rotary’s areas of focus or financial auditing to advise Rotarians who are planning and working on Rotary Foundation Grant Projects. The Cadre is composed of more than 700 members from 75 countries worldwide.
Bonnie has a long-standing history serving in Plattsburgh Rotary as she joined on March 1st, 1989. A natural leader and passionate Rotarian, she served as the local Club President from 2009-2010 and later as District Governor from 2013-2014. Bonnie received the Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Foundation (2016) for outstanding voluntary service to Rotary (and other organizations), the highest award The Rotary Foundation gives. Bonnie also received a Meritorious Citation for Service to the Foundation, Avenues of Service Award from the Club (2010) for serving in all the avenues of service repeatedly over the years within the club, a Monette-Webster Award from the Montreal Westward Club for outstanding International Service (2010).
“Having served District 7040 as the District International Service Chair (2010-2012 and 2022 to present) as well as the District Rotary Foundation Chair (2016-2022), I fully understand the honor of being admitted into The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers. I look forward to working with clubs and districts throughout the world to enrich their global grants at whatever stage they might need assistance (preparation, submission, budget-building, execution, assessment) to assure the sustainability of their project; my concentration will be in Disease Prevention & Treatment/Mental Health. The Cadre can advise clubs, districts, and action groups as needed. We work with The Rotary Foundation Regional Officers as well as the Rotarians themselves. As an unbiased adviser, we guide the Host & International clubs to attain impact on projects and not just outputs and outcomes. Continuous learning keeps Cadre members ready to assist whenever there is a call.”
Additionally, Bonnie was also the Founding Chair of the global Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives (2015-2022) and continues to serve as the Regional Representatives for The Americas, working with Country/District Chapters, and as the RAG’s Treasurer. Bonnie will once again serve as Vice-Governor to the incoming District Governor beginning in July; she has served multiple governors since 2015.

CVPH Annual Easter Egg Hunt set for April 19

PLATTSBURGH, NY (4/3/2025) – Don’t blink, or you might miss it! In just two minutes, hundreds of children will scoop up 10,000 brightly colored eggs scattered across the front lawn at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). It’s part of the family favorite holiday tradition at the hospital. This year’s event is set for Saturday, April 19, at 10 a.m. sharp. Right now, hospital volunteers are stuffing all of those eggs.

After their baskets are filled to the brim, children will open the eggs to find candy donated by Adirondack Chocolates. Some will also include a free kid’s meal coupon at Texas Roadhouse.

The egg hunt is free and open to children ages ten and younger. There is a separate hunting ground for children 3 and under and a quiet hunting space for those who need it. Hunters should be dressed according to weather conditions. The event is BYOB (bring your own basket), and kids will get to say hello and pose for pictures with the guest of honor: the Easter Bunny.

Convenient parking will be available in the Medical Office Building lots just off the Cornelia Street entrance. For more information, contact Michelle Senecal, the Foundation’s events and special projects manager, at 518-314-3359 or msenecal@cvph.org.

Trump freeze leaves New York farmers in limbo

Click here for the NCPR story 

North Country dairy farms are getting caught up in Trump’s immigration enforcement

Click here for the NCPR story 

125 beds added to state-operated psychiatric centers

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 125 new beds have opened at state-operated psychiatric centers over the past four months, boosting New York’s capacity to provide intermediate-level care to individuals living with mental illness. Opened statewide since December 1, 2024, the new beds represent more than a third of the capacity added at state psychiatric centers since Governor Hochul took office in 2022 — the largest inpatient expansion at these facilities in decades.

“New Yorkers living with longer-term psychiatric challenges need access to care they can count on and that’s what these new beds promise to deliver,” Governor Hochul said. “Adding new capacity complements other critical investments we’re making in mental health care, including an expansion of outpatient supports, services and specialized housing to help individuals in recovery live safely in their community.”

OMH has added 125 new beds, split between five state psychiatric centers, during the first three months of 2025. This expansion added 60 adult beds, 15 children’s beds and 50 forensic beds, including:

  • 25 beds at the Greater Binghamton Psychiatric Center in Binghamton
  • 25 beds at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens
  • 10 beds at Capital District Psychiatric Center in Albany
  • 15 beds at Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg
  • 25 beds at Kirby Psychiatric Center in Manhattan
  • 25 beds at Rochester Psychiatric Center in Rochester

Read more »

Concerns grow over impact of federal cuts on seniors in Northern New York

40% of HHS staff at the Administration for Community Living, including the regional representative for New York State

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Hundreds of Vermont schools and child care facilities do not meet herd immunity threshold for measles

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Answering your questions about President Trump’s vast new tariffs

Click here for the AP story 

Customs and Border Protection: “March numbers show most secure border in history – operational control is becoming a reality”

Release Date – Tue, 04/01/2025

WASHINGTON – March recorded the lowest southwest border crossings in history, marking a pivotal achievement in our nation’s border security efforts. This milestone demonstrates that operational control is becoming a reality—something that seemed impossible just a few months ago under the Biden administration—as enforcement measures continue to yield significant results.

In March, the Border Patrol data shows that around 7,180 southwest border crossings were recorded, a dramatic drop compared to the monthly average of 155,000 from the previous four years. Daily southwest border apprehensions have also fallen to around 230 per day, a number our country has never seen before — especially when measured against the previous administration’s average daily encounters of 5,100 per day.

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, the administration has taken bold, decisive action to restore control at the border. Border Patrol agents are empowered like never before to shut down unlawful entry and protect American lives,” said Acting Commissioner Pete Flores. “The message is clear: the border is closed to illegal crossings, and for those still willing to test our resolve, know this — you will be prosecuted, and you will be deported.”

Furthermore, new border wall contracts were signed in March, ensuring continued construction.

With decisive action and unwavering commitment, we are turning the tide on border security, restoring control, and safeguarding our nation like never before.

CBP’s finalized monthly numbers will come out in the following days.

– CBP –

Her long search for herself ends in a Syracuse tragedy: A vet’s life on an ‘identity rollercoaster’

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Clinton County Sheriff David Favro issues Safety Alert regarding a popular activity among high school students known as the “Senior Assassin” game.

While intended as a harmless pastime, this game has raised significant safety concerns due to its potential to be mistaken for real criminal activity, putting participants, bystanders and law enforcement at risk.

The “Senior Assassin” game involves teams of high school seniors using water guns or other toy weapons to “tag” or “eliminate” one another in a tournament-style competition. Often played in public spaces, residential neighborhoods, or during early morning or late night hours. Participants may wear dark clothing, masks, or hoodies to avoid detection.
While the game is meant to be fun, the use of realistic-looking toy guns and suspicious behavior has led to dangerous misunderstandings across the nation.
Recent incidents in our community and abroad, including a case in Florida where a student was shot by an off-duty law enforcement officer who mistook the teen for a home invader, highlight the serious risks involved.
Locally, we have received reports of concerned citizens observing lurking in yards or near homes, prompting calls to law enforcement. These situations place officers in the challenging position of responding to potential threats without knowing whether they are dealing with an actual crime or a game.
We understand that students want to enjoy their senior year and have fun. However, when young people are sneaking around with objects that resemble firearms it creates a recipe for tragedy. We’re asking for the community’s help to prevent a devastating outcome.
In an age where school violence is ever present and creates anxiety and fear, these actions can compound concerns and prompt swift responses by law enforcement.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents, guardians and students to consider the following:
Safety First: Toy guns, even those with bright markings, can be mistaken for real firearms, especially in low light conditions or high stress encounters
Public Perception: Behavior such as hiding in bushes, wearing masks, or chasing others in public can alarm residents and lead to police intervention.
Legal Risks: Trespassing, Reckless Driving, Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Criminal Mischief, Burglary or brandishing what appears to be a weapon could result in criminal charges or unintended confrontations with armed citizens.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We’re calling on our community members to join us in addressing this issue:
Parents: Talk to your teens about the dangers of “Senior Assassin” and encourage safer ways to celebrate their senior year.
Students: Think twice before participating. Your safety and the safety of others are not worth the risk.
Residents: If you see suspicious activity please call 911. Do not assume it’s just a game.
As a reminder we are not here to stop kids from having fun. We are here to ensure everyone makes it home safe. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and find better ways to enjoy the milestones of our students.
Reported by Deputy Z. Mendoza – Peru School Resource Officer.
Authorized by Sheriff Favro.

 

A canoe manufacturing operation involving construction of a 2,400-sq. ft. building in the town of Wilmington up for public comment

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac Story 

Peru High School Art Show Opening Reception April 5 at the Peru Free Library