The Peru Gazette

Source: Area’s ‘fully vaccinated’ rate 50% higher than statewide | Sun Community News NORTHEASTERN N.Y. | The number of residents of Warren, Essex, Clinton, and Hamilton counties fully vaccinated for COVID-19 has increased fast over the past two weeks, and is now

Source: Traffic stop leads to significant heroin bust | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | A multi-agency investigation has led to a significant seizure of dangerously mixed heroin and Fentanyl that was headed to Plattsburgh area streets.

“I have voted to decriminalize cannabis possession in the past, but I believe legalizing recreational cannabis use just goes too far. Many people in the recovery community have reached out to me with their concerns about legalizing cannabis and considering how the pandemic has only exacerbated the opioid crisis in the North Country, I do not want to rush into legalizing recreational cannabis as a way to raise state revenue. I also have issues with the plan to distribute the revenue raised by taxing cannabis sales and am worried about how law enforcement will be able to regulate driving under the influence of cannabis. There are just too many possible repercussions of legalizing recreational use for me to support this legislation.”

Source: Want to hike some of the most popular Adirondack trails this summer? You’ll need a reservation | NCPR News

Plattsburgh, March 29, 2021. New York State has opened the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccination to include those 30 years of age and older. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) has appointments available for residents ages 30 and older to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, Clinton County residents ages 18-29 with a NYS identified comorbidity, or who fall into a Phase 1A or Phase 1B priority group are eligible to register. 

A vaccination POD (point of distribution) site is scheduled for Thursday, April 1 in the gymnasium at Clinton Community College. 

“CCHD is very pleased eligibility has been expanded to include more of our residents,” stated John Kanoza, Director of Public Health in Clinton County. “We hope that with this expansion comes more allocated vaccine to local health departments. The more vaccine received, the more doses we can get to our residents.” 

To date, CCHD has administered more than 5,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. “We have a scalable approach that allows us to staff our POD sites based on the number of vaccinations available each week,” added Mr. Kanoza. “We will continue to advertise these PODs using social and traditional media.” 

While more residents are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, we understand there may still be some hesitancy among community members to get the vaccine. “The efficacy of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines has been well proven at this point,” stated Margaret Searing, Quality Coordinator at the Clinton County Health Department. “A person who receives a COVID-19 vaccination can be 95% certain that they will be protected from active disease. Even if someone happens to be within the 5% who become sick, they are protected from the more severe forms of the illness that result in hospitalization and death.” 

CCHD recommends all eligible residents register for a COVID-19 vaccination. “So far there is no evidence of waning of immunity from vaccination six or more months into our experience with it. However, there is a risk of getting re-infected with COVID-19 for people who have had an active case, but did not get vaccinated,” added Ms. Searing. 

To register yourself, or a loved one, for this clinic visit www.clintonhealth.org or https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?OpID=BEB25C2E61DC06EEE0530A6C7C16C332. Residents can also reach out to CCHD via phone at 518-565-4848. 

Clinton Community College can be accessed by using Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT). Visit http://www.clintoncountypublictransit.com/ for route information. 

Source: New York residents 16 and older to be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine by April 6

Parking Reservation System Will Increase Public Safety at Crowded Corner on Route 73, Support Safer Access to Trailheads

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) today announced the launch of a pilot reservation system that was developed in partnership to provide reliable access and address public safety at a particularly crowded corner on Route 73 in the town of Keene in the Adirondack High Peaks region. The reservation system, operated by AMR, will facilitate safer public access to trailheads through the AMR gate and for Noonmark and Round mountains and improve visitors’ trip planning and preparation by ensuring they have guaranteed parking upon arrival.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “With the increasing number of visitors to trailheads accessed through AMR, exacerbated in 2020 by New Yorkers looking for a nature break as a respite from COVID-19, DEC and AMR are working together to promote sustainable recreation and protect public safety. To address concerns at this particular location, we are excited to announce this unique pilot reservation system, which will help protect visitors and our natural resources, while also ensuring equitable access and educating visitors about sustainable use.” Read more »

Source: City & State Albany Agenda co-sponsored by the Greater New York Hospital Association

Source: Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended 2 Days Before Expiration : NPR

Source: New trails aim to undo mistakes of the past – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: U.S. Is In A Race Between Vaccines And Variants, Says Public Health Expert | Vermont Public Radio

Source: Recreational marijuana in NY: Cuomo, lawmakers release details of legalization plan – syracuse.com

Source: High court hears potentially historic tree-cutting case | Sun Community News ALBANY | New York’s highest court heard arguments Tuesday (March 23) over a lawsuit that could have a profound and historic effect on the Adirondack mountains in the decades to co

PLATTSBURGH — Clinton and Essex county residents who are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under state guidelines but are interested in getting it may now sign up to be on standby lists in case their respective county health departments have extra doses. “This is a proactive approach (Clinton County Health Department) is taking to avoid any vaccine waste,” CCHD Senior Public Health Educator Molly Flynn explained. “Once a vial is drawn up, all of those doses must be used in a timely manner. CCHD has not had any doses go unused to this point, and we want to be sure we can keep it that way.”

CCHD will reach out to residents on the standby list if there are any “extra” doses at one of its clinics, Flynn said.

Source: Clinton, Essex HDs open up vaccine waitlists | Coronavirus | pressrepublican.com

Source: Body of missing snowmobiler found in Black Lake, police say

Source: Rikers gang attacks injure up to 11 NYC correction officers – New York Daily News

Source: N.Y. to fast track cannabis legalization | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | According to the New York State Association of Counties, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the legislature have reached a three-way agreement to legalize adult-use cannabis sales. 

Source: Local reps applaud new nursing-home guidance | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | After pushing state leaders for clearer and updated guidance, local representatives are applauding the March 25 change to expand nursing-home visitation policies.

Source: Snow future | Adirondack Explorer