August 2026
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  

News Categories

Site search

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

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Feb. 10 COVID-19 Update

February 10, 2021.
Today we are announcing a partnership with the federal government to open two mass vaccination sites in socially vulnerable communities. The two sites will be established at York College in Queens and Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. These two sites will vaccinate approximately 3,000 New Yorkers a day over an eight-week period. New York is working with FEMA and the CDC to identify additional sites outside of New York City to expand this effort and improve vaccine access to vulnerable New Yorkers across the state. We’ve already been working to get vaccines in arms, and we’re so thankful to the Biden administration for their partnership to further bolster the State’s efforts, with equity and fairness front and center.
Photo of the Day: A New Yorker receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at the State’s pop-up vaccination site in Mount Vernon, NY.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. Stadiums and arenas can reopen with limited spectators on February 23rd. Following the success of the Buffalo Bills testing program, sports and entertainment events in major stadiums with a capacity of 10,000 or more will be allowed to reopen with limited attendance. Venues and events must follow State guidelines, like capacity limitations, testing requirements, mandatory face coverings, socially distancing and more. Under these new reopening guidelines, the Barclays Center will open when the Brooklyn Nets host the Sacramento Kings.
2. COVID hospitalizations dropped to 7,593. Of the 176,750 tests reported yesterday, 7,101, or 4.02 percent, were positive. There were 1,423 patients in ICU yesterday, up 11 from the previous day. Of them, 955 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 136 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. As of 11am this morning, 93 percent of first doses allocated to the state have been administered. This represents 1,738,927 first doses administered of the 1,874,975 first dose allocations received from the federal government. So far, 602,328 second doses have been administered out of the 933,850 second doses received. See data by region on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
4. To date, New York has conducted over 34 million tests. New York continues to lead in testing and in less than a week, we’ve conducted one million tests. Getting tested for COVID regularly is a great way to ensure your health and the health of those around you. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, get tested. Find a testing site near you. You can also call 1-888-364-3065 to make a free appointment at a New York State-run testing location.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A Long Island teenager is using and arts and crafts to promote compassion and kindness. 14-year-old Caroline Faber of Roslyn, Long Island, created the “Craft With Me” program, which provides crafting supplies to children in homeless shelters in the state. She and volunteers then work with the kids over Zoom. While the program is virtual for now, Caroline hopes that one day she’ll be able to host a class in person.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Accomplice pleads guilty in SUNY Plattsburgh social media hacking case | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | co

Clarkson University goes remote after 18 people test positive for COVID-19 | NCPR News

Source: Clarkson University goes remote after 18 people test positive for COVID-19 | NCPR News

Baby diapers are pricey, especially if you’re poor. New York is donating $20M worth to food banks. | NCPR News

Source: Baby diapers are pricey, especially if you’re poor. New York is donating $20M worth to food banks. | NCPR News

City & State Coronavirus Update

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Clinton Council Feb. 10 COVID-19 Report: +27 Lab-confirmed positive

Since our 2/9 update, 27 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported.
The NYSDOH “Am I Eligible” app now includes restaurant workers, restaurant delivery workers, for hire vehicle drivers, and public transit employees. Beginning 2/14, individuals with certain comorbidities or underlying conditions will be eligible to register for vaccination at NYS vaccination sites. Visit https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ to check your eligibility.
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. According to NYSDOH 564 people tested in Clinton County on 2/8. As of 2/8, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 4.2%.
– 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 2/8, 88 individuals hospitalized (7 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

Large stadiums, arenas in NY can reopen to fans: Live sports, music, shows can return – syracuse.com

There are many limitations – Source: Large stadiums, arenas in NY can reopen to fans: Live sports, music, shows can return – syracuse.com

Recent DEC Forest Ranger News

Town of Lisle
Broome County
Airboat Training:
On Feb. 4, DEC Forest Rangers from Regions 7 and 8 conducted a joint flat ice airboat training with the Broome County Sheriff’s Department on the Whitney Point Reservoir. Crews trained in tandem airboat operations on flat ice and snow to practice maneuvering boats through various challenging conditions. The Forest Ranger airboat stationed in Region 7 is utilized for search and rescue operations statewide and can operate on swift and flat water, in flooded areas, and on flat ice. These training sessions are important for maintaining and sharpening operator proficiency, sharing knowledge and experience, and developing strong working relationships with other agencies to protect public safety.

Aerial view of Forest Rangers and Sheriffs with airboats
DEC Forest Ranger and Broome County Sheriff airboat operators with their respective boats
(Photo courtesy of Broome County Sheriff’s Office)

Forest Rangers on airboat moving across frozen reservoir
Region 7 Forest Ranger airboat team at Whitney Point Reservoir

View facing the airboat with Forest Rangers onboard.
Forest Ranger airboat “Miss Susie Q II” with crew

Region 5
Ice Training:
On Jan. 29, Feb. 1 and 4, Forest Rangers participated in three sessions of steep/vertical ice training in the Adirondacks. The training focused on climbing steep ice, mixed snow/ice, and rock-covered terrain to prepare Rangers for difficult and dangerous rescues on mountain slides and ice-filled gullies where wintertime accidents are frequent.

Forest Ranger climbing steep, icy terrain
Ranger Sabo navigates steep ice-covered terrain while being belayed

New York State DEC staff continue to serve in leadership roles at COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites across the state. For information about efforts to vaccinate New Yorkers and to check eligibility for vaccinations, go to New York State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine website.

Report: Upping home-health aide salaries could spark jobs, revenue for New York

Source: Report: Upping home-health aide salaries could spark jobs, revenue for New York

North Country Live web series returns – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: North Country Live web series returns – – The Adirondack Almanack

DEC seeks applicants for annual pheasant release program – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: DEC seeks applicants for annual pheasant release program – – The Adirondack Almanack

Burlington City Council rejects increasing police staffing

Source: Burlington City Council rejects increasing police staffing

Tractor-trailer fire closes I-87 for several hours in Beekmantown

Source: Tractor-trailer fire closes I-87 for several hours in Beekmantown

Vermont’s top federal prosecutor to resign at Biden administration’s request – VTDigger

Source: Vermont’s top federal prosecutor to resign at Biden administration’s request – VTDigger

As Farmers Plant Cover Crops To Reduce Runoff, Report Says They Also Use More Herbicides | Vermont Public Radio

Source: As Farmers Plant Cover Crops To Reduce Runoff, Report Says They Also Use More Herbicides | Vermont Public Radio

Unemployment fraud cases surge as victims say getting help is tough

Source: Unemployment fraud cases surge as victims say getting help is tough

City & State Coronavirus Update

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival cancels closing fireworks

Source: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival cancels closing fireworks

Norsk Titanium to fund YMCA STEAM programming | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH |

Plattsburgh State: SUNY chancellor announces new COVID-19 tracker | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH 

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Feb. 9 COVID-19 Update

February 9, 2021.
The White House announced a 5 percent increase in vaccine allocations to the states for the next three weeks, which is welcome news. The 5 percent increase doesn’t sound like much but it’s on top of previous increases that were announced earlier—so it adds up. That being said, supply is still extremely limited. It is frustrating, I know, when so many New Yorkers are chasing a relatively small number of doses and appointments, but unless supply rapidly increases, I urge New Yorkers who are eligible to be patient. It’s all about supply, supply, supply—and there still isn’t enough.
With the 7-day average positivity rate at its lowest since December 1, it’s critically important we stay united and keep the momentum on our side—especially as new variants of the virus threaten to upend the progress we have made. Let’s keep it up, New York.
A vaccine worker in NYC.
Photo of the Day: A vaccine worker at a community vaccination site at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem (Photo by Don Pollard)
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. COVID hospitalizations rose to 7,875. Of the 153,648 tests reported yesterday, 7,866, or 5.12 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate is 4.38 percent, the lowest 7-day average since December 1. There were 1,412 patients in the ICU yesterday, down 42 from the previous day. Of them, 971 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 138 New Yorkers to the virus.
2. Eleven community-based pop-up vaccination sites are coming online this week to provide first doses to more than 3,100 New Yorkers. Community vaccination kits will be deployed to NYCHA senior housing developments, public housing sites and community centers. Vaccination will be by appointment only and scheduling will be conducted directly through the host site or partner provider, who will work with community leaders and organizers to identify eligible New Yorkers in each specific community. The community pop-up vaccination program is part of our effort to ensure equity and remove barriers to access in underserved communities.
3. Long Island has the highest percentage of positive test results on a 7-day average of any region of the state, at 5.36 percent. Following Long Island, the Mid-Hudson Region is at 5.34 percent, New York City is at 5.13 percent, the North Country is at 4.79 percent, Western New York is at 4.16 percent, the Capital Region is at 3.40 percent, the Mohawk Valley is at 3.15 percent, the Finger Lakes is at 2.91 percent, Central New York is at 1.87 percent and the Southern Tier is at 1.22 percent.
4. “Fleet Week” in New York City will be virtual this year. Fleet Week, a longstanding tradition where U.S. Navy ships dock in New York City for a week, allowing sailors and other crew members to visit and take in the sights of the city, will take place virtually, the Navy announced. This year’s Virtual Fleet Week will run from May 26 to May 31.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: A group of Staten Island residents have come together to form “Staten Island Feeds It Forward,” an initiative that helps food-insecure Staten Islanders while supporting local restaurants. Founded by Mariana Ortega, the organization connects nonprofits with restaurants. Patrons of participating restaurants can “pay forward” meals or other bites using receipt vouchers—which are then given out by nonprofits to those in need. Learn moreabout the organization and how to get involved.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Immunocompromised NYers can sign up at state vaccine sites on Feb. 14 | NCPR News

Source: Immunocompromised NYers can sign up at state vaccine sites on Feb. 14 | NCPR News

Gillibrand: A “more diverse and equitable” military at Fort Drum and nationwide | NCPR News

Source: Gillibrand: A “more diverse and equitable” military at Fort Drum and nationwide | NCPR News

Canada to require negative COVID test at land border Feb 15

Source: Canada to require negative COVID test at land border Feb 15

2020 County Sales Tax Receipts Much Better Than Once Expected

Published by the North Country Chamber of Commerce
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently released the sales tax numbers for 2020, and they show that our area counties outperformed the state and finished the year far better than projected last spring when monthly receipts initially plummeted.
Local sales tax receipts statewide were down 10% in 2020 compared to 2019. In the North Country, Clinton County was down just 3.2% despite facing the greatest impact from the loss of Canadian visitors and shoppers. Hamilton County and Warren County were down just 1.8% and 1.2% respectively. Two of our counties were up for 2020 compared to 2019. Essex County sales tax receipts were up 1.0% and Franklin County was up 6.9%.
   Factors certainly included stronger than once expected employment following the initial shut-down period; a strong commitment by our residents to spend locally; substantial growth in some retail categories such as building supplies and home improvements; the collection of county sales taxes on most on-line purchases now; and the increase in downstate visitors coming to our mountains and lakes.