The Peru Gazette

Source: Why You Should Still Wear A Mask And Avoid Crowds After Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine | Vermont Public Radio

Source: Cuomo wants to mandate $15 a month high-speed internet – syracuse.com

Source: Coalition highlights North Country child care struggles | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | A North Country coalition is hoping to shine a light on the current challenges of local child care as they advocate for more state aid and guidance amid the pandemic

Source: UPDATE BVCSD Middle/High remote to Jan. 22 | Sun Community News Possible covid exposure puts 74 students, 4 staff in quarantine

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Source: Saratoga County records 17 coronavirus deaths in one weekend – its largest jump yet

Source: Canada-US border closure extended to at least Feb. 21

Source: Coronavirus Vaccines Now Open To New Yorkers Over 65

Issued 1/11/21

“Today, the governor outlined his future plans for New Yorkers in his State of the State address. From expanding access to telehealth services statewide to reforming our election system, I’m eager to build upon what was laid out today and fight to ensure the needs and concerns of North Country families are heard loud and clear.

“The COVID-19 pandemic put a strain on our health care system like nothing that came before it, forcing us to modernize our approach to patient care and fully take advantage of the technology that’s accessible to us. While I support the governor’s plans to take the lessons we learned from this past year and continue expanding access to telehealth services, I believe we must first focus on expanding broadband access for our families in rural communities to ensure these services can benefit every New Yorker.

“The struggles of North Country residents has not been fully realized, and while the Governor’s eviction moratorium seeks to help those in vulnerable housing and employment situations, we have yet to provide direct support to small landlords leaving them without the rent income they need to pay their own bills and maintain housing. Further, it is clear that small businesses have born significant hardships throughout this pandemic. As the backbone of the North Country economy, I am committed to ensuring small businesses get the help they need to get back on their feet.

“This public health crisis also led to changes in our election process to ensure every voter can safely make their voice heard. I’ve always supported making no-excuse absentee voting an option for all New Yorkers and believe permitting state Board of Elections to count votes earlier will allow for a more trusted and efficient system. While I support the governor’s election reform initiatives, I don’t believe mandating extra hours for local BOE workers is the answer and will work with my colleagues to find other solutions.

“One of the most pressing issues facing our state and the North Country is the budget deficit. I support the governor’s plans to legalize mobile sports betting, which will help create much-needed revenue to fund critical services that help our communities thrive. I also would like the Governor to explore revenue raising approaches that provide no hardship to already tax burdened residents. I have proposed that New York State allow the registration of Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV’s) over 1000 pounds, which many residents own but are unable to register them; this is a simple way to address the deficit without overtaxing the hardworking men and women of the North Country. However, I think the legalization of marijuana should not be rushed for economic reasons and we must consider the potential impact this decision could have on the safety and well-being of New Yorkers, especially those in recovery.

“While these proposals provide a starting point, we have much more work ahead of us. I’ll continue working hard to help the North Country build back stronger than before so we can all look forward to a brighter future.”

Since our 1/11 update, 36 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported.

We appreciate the enthusiasm our residents have to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, eligibility and distribution are determined by the state. CCHD is working to acquire more vaccine for our residents, please be patient. We will continue to give updates as we receive more information from NYSDOH.

Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. According to NYSDOH 642 people tested in Clinton County on 1/10. As of 1/10, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 6.4%.
– Vaccination information: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or http://www.clintonhealth.org/covid19vaccine/
– NYS School Report Card (providing school and college data): https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov
– NYS DOCCS data: https://doccs.ny.gov/doccs-covid-19-report
– Hospitalization data: https://forward.ny.gov/daily-hospitalization-summary-region. As of 1/10, 108 individuals hospitalized (17 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

“We ask that you please do NOT call your local store, as they are focused on serving patients and will have no additional information.”

Source: Kinney Drugs books appointments for entire supply of coronavirus vaccine in 5 hours – syracuse.com

Source: FBI seeks assistance identifying Capitol rioter who carried Confederate flag | TheHill

Source: Phased Distribution of the Vaccine | COVID-19 Vaccine

Calling all Peru Central School, Peru NY 1973 graduates. Gail (Brown) Moore and I are starting to collect contact information in preparation for a 50th class reunion in 2023. Please pm me or email me at jliberty0606@yahoo.com with an email and/or mailing address. If you have contact information for classmates that are not on Facebook, that would be very helpful also. Thank you and hope to hear from the majority of the class. Let’s make this reunion a huge success!

Source: Stefanik opposes impeachment, wants “a peaceful transition of power”

Source: Ben & Jerry’s Launches Frozen Desserts for Dogs | Food News | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Source: Despite sweeping eviction ban, question lingers: how do I pay when rent comes due? | NCPR News

“Today, the governor outlined his future plans for New Yorkers in his State of the State address. From expanding access to telehealth services statewide to reforming our election system, I’m eager to build upon what was laid out today and fight to ensure the needs and concerns of North Country families are heard loud and clear.

“The COVID-19 pandemic put a strain on our health care system like nothing that came before it, forcing us to modernize our approach to patient care and fully take advantage of the technology that’s accessible to us. While I support the governor’s plans to take the lessons we learned from this past year and continue expanding access to telehealth services, I believe we must first focus on expanding broadband access for our families in rural communities to ensure these services can benefit every New Yorker.

“The struggles of North Country residents has not been fully realized, and while the Governor’s eviction moratorium seeks to help those in vulnerable housing and employment situations, we have yet to provide direct support to small landlords leaving them without the rent income they need to pay their own bills and maintain housing. Further, it is clear that small businesses have born significant hardships throughout this pandemic. As the backbone of the North Country economy, I am committed to ensuring small businesses get the help they need to get back on their feet.

“This public health crisis also led to changes in our election process to ensure every voter can safely make their voice heard. I’ve always supported making no-excuse absentee voting an option for all New Yorkers and believe permitting state Board of Elections to count votes earlier will allow for a more trusted and efficient system. While I support the governor’s election reform initiatives, I don’t believe mandating extra hours for local BOE workers is the answer and will work with my colleagues to find other solutions.

“One of the most pressing issues facing our state and the North Country is the budget deficit. I support the governor’s plans to legalize mobile sports betting, which will help create much-needed revenue to fund critical services that help our communities thrive. I also would like the Governor to explore revenue raising approaches that provide no hardship to already tax burdened residents. I have proposed that New York State allow the registration of Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV’s) over 1000 pounds, which many residents own but are unable to register them; this is a simple way to address the deficit without overtaxing the hardworking men and women of the North Country. However, I think the legalization of marijuana should not be rushed for economic reasons and we must consider the potential impact this decision could have on the safety and well-being of New Yorkers, especially those in recovery.”

“While these proposals provide a starting point, we have much more work ahead of us. I’ll continue working hard to help the North Country build back stronger than before so we can all look forward to a brighter future.”

Source: Armed protests being planned at all 50 state capitols, FBI bulletin says – ABC News

Senator Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) today said in reaction to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address that the focus needs to be on resetting New York’s economy to create economic activity, jobs and revenue to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

To do that, Stec said the State Legislature needs to begin convening legislative session in-person to start a dialogue among lawmakers.

“Schools and businesses and many other organizations are ‘in-person’ and so, too, should our state government,” said Stec.  “The governor outlined his agenda today.  Members of the Legislature have a lot of ideas and their own goals as well.  But we have to meet.  Working remotely had its time and place but it isn’t an effective way to govern.  We need to  work together safely by following guidelines and come up with solutions.”

Stec said he has heard from constituents frustrated by the slow and confusing roll-out of the COVID vaccines.

“People, especially older and vulnerable residents, should have access to the vaccine.  The state had months to get ready for this.  The state taking it over initially, instead of working with our counties who prepare every year for this kind of exercise, has been a mistake.  It looks like the message is finally getting through but time is of the essence.”

Stec said he is interested in the governor’s proposal to expand telehealth, which has seen much greater utilization during the health crisis.

“Our hospitals, clinics, doctor offices and mental health providers have all done a tremendous job,” said Stec.  “The use of telehealth is very valuable and improving it makes sense.  Along with the ideas the governor has, he has to recognize that we need better broadband to ensure that everyone can make use of this technology that can help keep them well.”