The Peru Gazette

Source: Syracuse University grad remembers dad who was killed in Boulder shootings as ‘best dad ever’ – syracuse.com

Source: US Department of Justice: Oneida County violated voter rights in NY-22 election – syracuse.com

Source: Trekking through farms and fields | Adirondack Explorer

Source: DEC begins ‘mud season’ seasonal road closures – – The Adirondack Almanack

Examples cited. Worth reading. Source: Two Decades After Reports Documented Racism In Vt. Schools, The Problem Still Exists | Vermont Public Radio

From the North Country Chamber of Commerce 

The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. Businesses that receive a loan subject to the current limits do not need to submit a request for an increase at this time. SBA will reach out directly via email and provide more details about how businesses can request an increase closer to the April 6 implementation date. Any new loan applications and any loans in process when the new loan limits are implemented will automatically be considered for loans covering 24 months of economic injury up to a maximum of $500,000. Questions about SBA COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loan payments can be emailed to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or directed to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955

Valued Patients and Community Members:

Hudson Headwaters has a limited number of COVID-19 vaccine first dose appointments available for eligible patients at our upcoming clinics. Visit the New York State website to check if you are eligible.

As of March 23rd, all New York State residents age 50 and older are eligible for vaccination, regardless of comorbidities. All persons previously deemed to be eligible remain eligible.

Eligible patients and community members may schedule an appointment at a Hudson Headwaters COVID-19 vaccination clinic on our website. Please note that Hudson Headwaters’ vaccination clinics are restricted to full and part-time New York State residents, or those working in New York State, but you do not need to be a Hudson Headwaters patient.

We are working closely with our elected state and federal officials to advocate for more vaccines and are hopeful we will receive increased supplies in the coming weeks. Please continue to reference our website for the latest information and open vaccination clinics at Hudson Headwaters.

As a New York State resident, you may schedule an appointment at any vaccination site. To determine your eligibility and schedule a vaccine appointment outside of Hudson Headwaters, visit the State’s “Am I Eligible” app or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829). Another option is to check with pharmacies near you by calling or visiting their websites.

If you have already received a vaccine, there is no need to reply to this message. Please feel free to share this information with local friends and family members.

Thank you for not calling your Hudson Headwaters health center with vaccine appointment questions—this allows our phone lines to remain open for patients calling about primary care concerns.

We appreciate your continued patience and support.

Your Hudson Headwaters Health Team

The North Country Alliance Church will host a free community Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 3. Participants must pre-register for a time slot on our website (northcountryalliance.com/events) by Friday, April 2. We are offering six times throughout the morning, in 30-minute increments from 10 am-1 pm, with a limit of 50 children each. All children will receive a bag of treats and prizes at the end of their hunt!

Source: Adirondack elopements: Saying ‘I do’ above tree line | Adirondack Explorer

Source: Marijuana legalization bill ‘really close’ after lawmakers resolve driving roadblock | NCPR News

Source: Clinton Correctional Facility inmate dies from COVID-19 in hospital care

Source: Danville School mascot to be retired – VTDigger

Source: House lawmakers unveil long-awaited plan to address pension shortfall – VTDigger

The Peru Central School Board of Education will gather Monday, March 29^th at 6 PM in the High School Cafeteria for a special meeting related to reopening plans.  The public may view the meeting live via Zoom at https://E2CCB-GST.zoom.us/j/91463980707.

The meeting will also be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and all current COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

The agenda will be available on the District’s website.

“Infection rates are continuing to decline while more and more people across the North Country are getting vaccinated, especially residents of nursing homes where the vaccination rate has reached 87%. With that in mind, the Department of Health needs to provide clear guidance to nursing homes that allows more visitation. Too many people have been separated from their loved ones over the past year and continue to struggle to navigate inconsistent visitation guidelines so that they can finally be reunited. The state legislature recently passed legislation that would allow for more compassionate care visitation at nursing homes and residential health care facilities, while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released guidance for nursing homes that would allow more people to visit nursing homes. I am calling on DOH to apply this guidance statewide because it is time for people to be reunited with their loved ones. Families and residents deserve clear guidelines from DOH, and nursing homes need to make visitation as accessible as possible.”

Streamlined Rule Changes will Increase Angling Opportunities, Take Effect on April 1 for 2021 Trout Opener

New Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map Also Launched Today

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the finalization of new trout stream regulations that will take effect on April 1, 2021, and help improve the management of inland trout streams across the state. The new regulations support the objectives of the five management categories of DEC’s Trout Stream Management Plan and significantly increase trout stream angling opportunities by allowing fishing year-round. In addition, DEC launched a new interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map to provide anglers with information about how and where to find their preferred type of trout angling opportunities.

“These newly finalized trout stream regulations will help DEC implement our ongoing approach to trout stream management, which is based in science and developed transparently with public input,” Commissioner Seggos said. “These regulations not only extend fishing opportunities but also balance the desires of New York State’s diverse trout stream anglers with our responsibility to manage these resources to their fullest ecological and recreational potential. And the new interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map launched today adds to the incredible resources available on the DECInfo Locator, making it easier than ever before to access information about New York’s outdoor resources.”

The Trout Stream Management Plan’s categories, objectives, and strategies were developed to achieve outcomes identified by a diverse audience of anglers that participated in more than 20 public meetings held across the state. These changes also reflect DEC’s continuing efforts to simplify regulations whenever possible to make fishing more accessible and enjoyable. The rulemaking eliminates more than 20 types of special regulations associated with trout stream reaches, reducing 26 regulations to four, while sustaining a consistent level of resource protection.

The new regulations are: Read more »

Must Pay More Than $46,000 in Restitution

Former Town of Potter Clerk Julie Brown pleaded guilty yesterday after pocketing public funds for her personal use and must pay back $46,646 in restitution. Her thefts were brought to light during a joint investigation by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office, Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella’s office and Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike’s office.

Brown, 49, admitted before Judge Cook in Yates County Court that she stole cash payments made to the town for property taxes and fees for marriage licenses, dog licenses, hunting permits and building permits. The thefts took place between January 1, 2018 and May 21, 2019, when Brown resigned. She pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the 3^rddegree as a public corruption crime, Corrupting the Government in the 2^nd degree, Scheme to Defraud in the 1^st degree, two counts of Tampering with Public Records in the 1^st degree and Official Misconduct. Brown agreed to pay $46,646 in restitution as part of her plea agreement, of which she paid $20,000 during yesterday’s plea.

“Ms. Brown violated the public trust by stealing community funds to cover her personal expenses and now has been held accountable for her crimes,” DiNapoli said, “I thank Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella and Yates County Sheriff Ronald Spike for helping us to bring this former clerk to justice.”

“Finding justice where a public official acts contrary to their oath of office shows accountability for people’s confidence in our system,” said Sheriff Ron Spike. “I thank all involved in this criminal investigation and prosecution, especially the New York State Comptroller’s office for their professional support.”

Brown was initially arrested on November 20, 2020 and released on her own recognizance. Brown is due back in court for sentencing on May 25.

Source: Twenty-seven roses | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: Dr. Fauci children’s book to be released this summer

Source: Column | The Charlotte Blues: Small Town Paper’s Editor Departs After Reporting Zoning Dust-Ups | Fair Game | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Source: Four of five Covid samples at UVM found to be UK variant – VTDigger

Source: Covid in NY: Hospitalizations jump over 200, deaths climb over 40,000 – syracuse.com