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More About The Peru Gazette

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.

Recent Comments

4 ways smoking pot can still cause you trouble in New York state – syracuse.com

Source: 4 ways smoking pot can still cause you trouble in New York state – syracuse.com

Schumer urges U.S., Canada to reopen border to vaccinated travelers – syracuse.com

Source: Schumer urges U.S., Canada to reopen border to vaccinated travelers – syracuse.com

Big outdoor venues in NY can have more fans for concerts, games if they’re vaccinated – syracuse.com

Source: Big outdoor venues in NY can have more fans for concerts, games if they’re vaccinated – syracuse.com

Trump endorses Stefanik for GOP leadership role | NCPR News

Source: Trump endorses Stefanik for GOP leadership role | NCPR News

Peru Town Board April 24th Meeting Highlights

By John T. Ryan (The Peru Gazette did not video this meeting)

The Board voted to approve the revised employee handbook updating several rules and policies. Each employee must sign for a copy. 

The town may be acquiring a used excavator for use by the highway and water-sewer departments. Councilman Rick Barber said, “I’m thinking in the 60 to 80 horsepower range. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell mentioned using it for sidewalk construction. Farrell and Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault will determine the percentage of use by each department, other details, and the need for accessories.  

The Town Hall’s front door locks need to be replaced.  Apparently, the tumblers are not functioning correctly.   The Board is requesting the price on a secure combination lock from Calongne Security Systems of Plattsburgh. 

Replacing the security cameras at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo and under the Route 22 Bridge is under discussion.  The movies taken by the current cameras take an inordinate amount of time to review.  Better cameras are available.  

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault negotiated a revised lease agreement at $2,200 monthly for additional water tower space. T-Mobile needs additional space for transmitters and a generator.

The seasonal Water-Sewer Department job is still open. It appears no one wants to work given today’s generous unemployment benefits. 

The sewer upgrade project is progressing, but the contractor may have to delay some work because the NYS Department of Transportation has not issued a work permit. 

Town Clerk Dianne Miller participated in an online NYS Comptroller’s workshop covering many aspects of her job, including audits.  She said it was very informative.  

The Board would like to make several small changes in Peru’s Zoning Law, but it wants to approve them all at once rather than piecemeal.  Supervisor Brandy McDonald asked Town Attorney Matt Favro to review the proposed changes ASAP. The Board will conduct a public hearing before voting to approve or disapprove them. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his staff completed the street sweeping.  Paving is next on his agenda. He has plenty of state monies for asphalt, but he’s concerned about enough asphalt being available. The Clinton County Airport runway repaving project will use about 120,000 tons. Since all towns have extra state money, the asphalt demand will be much greater than usual.  There are only two asphalt plants in the area. 

The Board would like to hold town-sponsored summer concerts at Hayworth-Mason Park rather than the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo. Board members agreed to go to the park to look over the situation after this meeting. 

The meeting adjourned at about 7:02 p.m. 

Clinton County May 5th COVID Report: Positives +8, Vaccination 1st Doses @ 60% of Population

Since our 5/4 update, 8 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported.
Please note: Clinton County Vaccination Data is taken from the North Country COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. That dashboard can be found by visiting https://public.tableau.com/profile/adkaco….
CCHD has COVID-19 Vaccination appointments available!
– TODAY, May 5 at Holy Angels Church in Altona
– Thursday, May 6 at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh
– Wednesday, May 12 at Northern Cakes in Plattsburgh
– Friday, May 14 at Clinton Community College
– Saturday, May 22 at the Ted K Center in Plattsburgh
To register for any of these clinics, visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/covid19vaccine/ or call 518-565-4848.
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. According to NYSDOH 484 people tested in Clinton County on 5/3. As of 5/3, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 1.3%.
– NYS School Report Card (providing school and college data): https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov
– Hospitalization data: https://forward.ny.gov/daily-hospitalization-summary-region… As of 5/3, 16 individuals hospitalized (3 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

Investigation into Plattsburgh crossing guard

Source: Investigation into Plattsburgh crossing guard

On Monday, the community surprised the same crossing guard with $2,000 for his 20 years of service, working the crosswalk in front of Stafford Middle School.

Crete Center’s future questionable | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Crete Center’s future questionable | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Proposed Peru CSD budget falls within tax levy cap | Local News | pressrepublican.com

PERU — The Peru Central School District’s proposed 2021-2022 budget would fall within the tax levy limit. The $49,982,897 spending plan would mark a 2.25 percent increase over last year’s, and include a tax levy increase of 1.74 percent, or $315,067, according to the district’s May community report. Noted additions aimed at improving instruction and operations are the restoration of a special education teacher position, the addition of a teaching assistant to the English as a New Language program and the

Source: Proposed Peru CSD budget falls within tax levy cap | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Stefanik emerges as frontrunner to replace Cheney | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Stefanik emerges as frontrunner to replace Cheney | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Man used PPP loan to start alpaca farm in Vermont, authorities allege – VTDigger

Source: Man used PPP loan to start alpaca farm in Vermont, authorities allege – VTDigger

Chemically contaminated Burlington High School needs to be rebuilt, superintendent says – VTDigger

Source: Chemically contaminated Burlington High School needs to be rebuilt, superintendent says – VTDigger

NY lawmakers extend Covid eviction moratorium through August – syracuse.com

Source: NY lawmakers extend Covid eviction moratorium through August – syracuse.com

Pfizer Says FDA Will Soon Authorize COVID-19 Vaccine For 12-15 Age Group | Vermont Public Radio

Source: Pfizer Says FDA Will Soon Authorize COVID-19 Vaccine For 12-15 Age Group | Vermont Public Radio

Hunters in New York Harvested More than 253,000 Deer in 2020-21 – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Hunters in New York Harvested More than 253,000 Deer in 2020-21 – The Adirondack Almanack

Tree cutting lawsuit: A timeline and background – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Tree cutting lawsuit: A timeline and background – – The Adirondack Almanack

Low police vaccination rates pose public safety concerns – The Washington Post

Source: Low police vaccination rates pose public safety concerns – The Washington Post

“Safe Staffing” Bills Pass NYS Legislature

Lawmakers from both parties pass ‘safe staffing’ bills for hospitals and nursing homes

Source: “Safe Staffing” Bills Pass NYS Legislature

Governor Cuomo Announces FY 2022 Budget Invests an Historic $5 Billion in Child Care, Fulfilling Many Recommendations Included in Child Care Availability Task Force Report

Source: Governor Cuomo Announces FY 2022 Budget Invests an Historic $5 Billion in Child Care, Fulfilling Many Recommendations Included in Child Care Availability Task Force Report

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s May 4th COVID Update

May 4, 2021.
New Yorkers have embodied the spirit of New York Tough, and it shows in our numbers more and more every day. As the rate of vaccinations increases and the rate of infection decreases we are able to accelerate the reopening. I urge those who have yet to be vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities and to roll up your sleeve. We are all in this together.
Staff celebrate 50,000 doses.
Photo of the Day: After 44 days of operation, the Bay Eden vaccination site successfully administered their 50,000th shot yesterday to Ms. Lenore Hurdle from the Bronx.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations are at 2,573. Of the 96,747 tests reported yesterday, 2,173, or 2.25 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity rate was 1.76 percent. There were 625 patients in ICU yesterday, up 12 from the previous day. Of them, 381 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 39 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. As of 11am this morning, 46.9 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 147,654 total doses have been administered. To date, New York has administered 15,882,018 total doses with 35.7 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
3. The Citizen Public Health Training Course will open on Wednesday, May 5. Enroll for free and learn about preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies from top experts from Cornell University. After the course, you will be able to take an active role in helping your community rebuild from the effects of COVID-19, and serve as part of an informed network that can be mobilized in the future to help respond to public health emergencies.
4. New York State announced a historic investment in child care. The COVID pandemic only exacerbated the problems and inequities that already existed in our society, and as we continue to rebuild and recover, child care will play a critical role in getting New Yorkers back to work and reopening our economy. The investments included in the year’s budget will help support both working families and the child care providers that have been so essential during these unprecedented times. Learn more.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A Texas woman who served as a school custodian is now a much-loved teacher at the same school. Wanda Smith worked long hours as a bus monitor and then a custodian for the Brenham Elementary School in Texas, but she never lost sight of her dream of eventually becoming a teacher. After nine years, during which she attended night classes, Smith earned a bachelor’s degree and became a certified teacher. She returned to Brenham Elementary to teach first grade and has inspired her students and the entire community. “When I stand in front of my classroom, I am living my dream” she told The Today Show. 
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

In historic decision, court rules for trees over snowmobile trails | Sun Community News ALBANY | 

Local reps weigh in on eviction moratorium extension | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH 

Children Now Account For 22% Of New U.S. COVID Cases. Why Is That? | NCPR News

Source: Children Now Account For 22% Of New U.S. COVID Cases. Why Is That? | NCPR News

SUNY campuses allow vaccinated to go mask-free | NCPR News

Source: SUNY campuses allow vaccinated to go mask-free | NCPR News

Hiking reservations begin at a popular Adirondack trailhead | NCPR News

Source: Hiking reservations begin at a popular Adirondack trailhead | NCPR News