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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.

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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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Regular Monthly School Board Meeting June 2025

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 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 are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 10th.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

  • Retiree Recognition (includes a recess)

  • Personnel Appointments

  • Data Privacy

  • Code of Conduct

  • Review Two (2) Policies

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

Flags to fly at half staff to honor State Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025

In 2024, there were 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public.

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who passed away after suffering catastrophic injuries related to a work zone intrusion in Pittstown last week. Flags will be at half-staff Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025. 

“I join the family, friends and colleagues of Robert Bornt in mourning his tragic passing,” Governor Hochul said. “A dedicated highway maintenance supervisor, Hoosick Falls Fire Chief, and a member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, Robert was an extraordinary public servant. I am directing flags to be flown at half staff through Saturday, June 7 to honor Robert’s life and his selfless commitment to his community.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The entire NYSDOT family is grieving over the death of Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who spent his entire life in the service of others, protecting the traveling public through his work at the NYS Department of Transportation and making his community a better place through his dedicated work at the Hoosick Falls Fire Department. My thanks to Governor Hochul for honoring Robert’s life and legacy and his family, in such a touching and meaningful way.”

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging all motorists to drive carefully, stay alert, slow down in work zones and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect roadside workers and other drivers. 

In 2024, there were 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public. A total of 59 members of the NYSDOT family have died on the job across New York State, dating as far back as 1939. Distracted driving, following too closely, an unsafe lane change or disregarding traffic warning signs caused the majority of the crashes.

New Covid variant in NY: What to know about symptoms, cases, vaccines

Click here to view the Syracuse.com story 

Elise Stefanik eyes run for governor with new PAC

Congresswoman says the PAC will fund Republican campaigns for local offices.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

42nd annual Jazz Fest kicks off in Burlington

Students from 42 local schools are performing in this year’s Jazz Fest. Share Students from 42 local schools are performing in this year’s Jazz Fest. 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Manicotti 

Vegetable 

Bread 

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!

Central NY needs 1000s more nurses and health care workers now. One tactic: ‘Grow your own’

Click here for the Syracuse.ocm story 

Agenda – Town of Peru Zoning Board of Appeals, Wednesday., June 18@ 7:00 PM

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL of  March 2025 minutes
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
  6. APPLICATIONS:
  1. Z2025-014    Special Use Permit, NY RSA2 Cellular Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless,Valcour Rest Area
  1. Z2025-015  Area Variance, Joshua and Diana Bartholomew, 277.-1-10.2, Patent/Mud Pond Rd 
  1. CEO REPORT
  2. ADJOURNMENT

AGENDA – Town of Peru Planning Board, Wednesday, June 11, 2025 @ 6:00 PM

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL April 2025 minutes
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
  6. APPLICATIONS:
  1. P2025-0011 Merge, Gary and Julia Liberty, 278.-1-11.41,278.-1-11.5, 278.-1-11.2, 25 Taylor Rd
  1. P2025-0012 4-Lot Minor Subdivision, Nathan and Scott Brault, 258.-3-8, Lapham Mills Rd, Rock Rd
  1. P2025-0013 Merge, Nathan and Scott Brault, 258.-3-8, 258.-3-11, 328 Lapham Mills Rd.

7.    ANY FURTHER BUSINESS

8. CEO REPORT

9 ADJOURNMENT

Chamber of Commerce honors Peru Central’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

The North Country Chamber of Commerce was proud to have recently taken part in a ceremony at Peru High School recognizing their Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Joel Wood of the Chamber’s Economic Development team attended the event and had the honor of awarding gold stoles to the students who completed all FBLA requirements for service, education, and progress. In addition, the Chamber also provided a certificate to Lydia DeZalia who was honored as the Peru HS 2025 FBLA Business Person of the Year and Gold Medal winner. Congratulations as well to Hayden Lozier (Silver Medal recipient) and Liam Clowney (Bronze Medal recipient).
In his remarks, Joel spoke to the importance of ethics in business and how the skills and hands-on experience/knowledge gained through their FBLA participation would position these students to succeed whether they were starting a business, entering the workforce, or pursuing higher education.
Thanks again to Karen Lash, Business Educator & Workforce Experience Coordinator at Peru HS, for not only inviting us but for providing this incredible learning opportunity for her students!

 

Highlights of the Peru Town Board’s May 29 Meeting

By John T Ryan 

The Board approved three contracts:

A $3,000 contract with Artisan Sign and Design to repair the Sullivan Park sign recently damaged by one or more vandals. If Artisan Sign finds damage to the reverse side of the sign, the cost could increase to as high as $5,000. In July 2021, Artisan Sign donated the sign to the town. 

A one-year $5,000 contract with While Knight Kennels for boarding dangerous dogs beginning July 1. 

A $21,795 demolition contract with JEDA Environmental Services to demolish a service building on the town’s 41-acre Brand Hollow Road property. The board plans to either sell the property or put it to some other use. 

Engineers reported that the Telegraph Road bridge/culvert replacement plan is still on schedule; however, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not granted its approval. 

Town Supervisor Craig Randall complimented Town Historian Helen Nerska for being named a Woman of Distinction by Assemblyman Billy Jones. In her report, Nerska said that she has a Peru History Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 31. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported over 900 tires were collected at the May 29 tire roundup, a joint effort with the Clinton County Soil and Water office.

Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Courtney Tetreault stated that work on the wastewater treatment plant will probably not commence until July 1. The town signed a Consent Order with DEC agreeing to begin construction by July 1. If a shovel isn’t in the ground by that date, the town can be subject to daily penalties.

Assistant Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis told the board that personnel are repairing Telegraph Road shoulders before beginning paving. Connors Road is next on the department’s paving schedule.

Code Enforcement Officer Boib Guynup described the town’s new housing starts as “strong.” 

On June 11, Richard Williams will chair his last Planning Board meeting. Williams doesn’t keep records, but he thinks he started serving on the board about 24 years ago and has been chairman for about fifteen years.

Peru Senior Parade, Sunday, June 8 ay Noon

Destiny USA owner Pyramid may soon lose third mall

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Weekend June 7 & 8 Bottle Drive to support Peru Youth Football Team

The Peru Youth Football Team is conducting a bottle drive this weekend June 7th and 8th from 9-2 at Lapham Mills field.

June 1, 2025 Keeseville & Ausable Chasm following .6” rainfall on May 31

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Michigan  

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!

CVPH’s Staying Alive Health Fair Planned for June 7

Free program offers practical, life-saving tips for handling medical emergencies 

PLATTSBURGH, NY — Life-saving information about responding to medical emergencies is the focus of Staying Alive, a free community health fair sponsored by the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), Sat., June 7 from noon to 4 pm at Champlain Centre.

The event will feature displays, exhibits about assisting someone who is choking, in need of CPR or having a stroke; use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and administering Narcan. Information about how to stop bleeding in a severely injured person, the focus of the nation-wide Stop the Bleed program, and caring for yourself in an emergency will also be available.

Shana Riel, CVPH clinical education coordinator explained that Staying Alive is aimed at those in the community without a medical background. “Emergencies can happen at anytime, anywhere to anyone. Having some basic knowledge can make a difference while you wait for medical help to arrive. Our goal is to provide practical, useful information,” she explained.

Staying Alive is not a certification class. Information about certification will be available at the event.  The program is underwritten by The Foundation of CVPH.

Lake Monsters Opening Day postponed to Sunday

Great family entertainment 

Click here for the WCAX News story 

Video: May 30 Dedication Ceremony at Heyworth Mason Park renaming the Carpenter’s Flat Bridge as the Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge. 

Your reporter did not record the first few minutes because of a inattention issue. Town Supervisor Craig Randall welcomed everyone and introduced Heather Bezio, a close friend of the Garrow family. The video begins midway through her heartfelt remarks, followed by remarks by NYS Police Troop B Commander Brent Davison, Assemblyman Billy Jones, and Senator Dan Stec.

 

NYSDOT supervisor, who was also a local fire chief, dies after work zone accident

Yesterday, NYS Police Troop B Commander Brent Davison mentioned this accident in his remarks at the Captain Christopher Garrow Bridge Ceremony. He said a DOT representative planned to attend the ceremony, but he couldn’t because this worker had died. 

Click here for the News 10 story 

Mercy Care for the Adirondacks to host June 18 educational forum

Forum will focus on the topic of Age-Friendly: Growing Up, Growing Older, and Living Well.

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Summer Youth Employment Program Provides Valuable Work Experience for Young People

May 27, 2025 Governor Hochul News Release 

Statewide Investment Will Support the Employment of 21,000 Youth from Low-Income Families Across the State this Summer

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $56.5 million to help approximately 21,000 young people from low-income households enter the job market this summer through New York State’s Summer Youth Employment program. As part of the FY 2026 State Budget, the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is distributing funding to all 57 counties and New York City to implement a Summer Youth Employment Program to introduce at-risk youth to New York’s workforce, where they will gain professional training and develop useful skills that will help them improve educational performance and explore possible career paths.

“Investing in our young people’s future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration,” Governor Hochul said. “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers across the state find good summer jobs that provide valuable experiences and skills that will help them pursue their educational and career goals and prepare them for success in the workforce as adults.”

The Summer Youth Employment Program supports businesses and communities across the state in providing summer jobs for youth from low-income families. Participants work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations, among others.

To be eligible for the program, youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have a household income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which varies by household size and, for example, is $53,300 for a family of three.

The FY 2026 State Budget included an increase of $1.5 million for the program over last year to address minimum wage increases. The program served more than 21,000 young people last summer.

Stec opposes Democrats proposed packaging reduction legislation

Dan Stec News Release 

Impractical legislation would lead to massive increase in costs on consumers, small businesses 

May 27, 2025 – Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today spoke out about the impact the Packaging Reduction and Infrastructure Act would have on small businesses and consumers in New York State. Formerly known as the Extended Producer Reduction (EPR) legislation, Senate bill S.1464 would impose costly new, unrealistic mandates and additional burdensome bureaucracy by forcing businesses to register with a packaging reduction organization and setting an unfeasible timeline for the elimination of certain materials for packaging purposes.
In his remarks at the press conference, which can be seen here, Stec blasted Democrats for touting an affordability agenda, while advancing a bill that would hit New Yorkers with $1.3 billion in cost increases – an increase in annual grocery bills of $732 for a family of four.
“In this year’s budget the governor and Democrat leaders loudly touted ‘inflation rebate checks’ for families. The per-family cost of their unrealistic EPR legislation is double that. The EPR legislation contains illogical packaging and recycling mandates and unrealistic deadlines for implementation that don’t meet the realities of what businesses are capable of or what families can afford. Instead of increasing recycling rates and reducing unnecessary packaging, this bill only increases costs and reduces options for consumer and businesses,” said Stec.
Full video of Senator Stec’s remarks at the press conference can be seen here.

Here’s how the North Country’s spelling champions did at the National Bee

Click here for the NCPR story 

Man killed when dumpster he was sleeping in emptied into NY garbage truck

Click here for the Syracuse.com story