The Peru Gazette

Source: Outdoor tips for winter hiking and other excursions – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Few passengers at Burlington airport on what’s normally a bustling travel day – VTDigger

Source: National Women’s Hockey League to play season, playoffs in Lake Placid bubble | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: CVPH Emergency Department receives national recognition | News | pressrepublican.com

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Supporting Local Businesses this Saturday and Year-Round Strengthens Communities and Boosts Local Economies

Watch the Department of Labor’s Small Business Saturday Video Here 

This Saturday, November 28, 2020, is “Small Business Saturday” in New York State and today Empire State Development, and the Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets encourages all New Yorkers to safely support their local small businesses, which are in need of our help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses generate millions of jobs throughout the Empire State and by choosing to shop locally Saturday, and every day, New Yorkers are investing in their neighborhoods, strengthening their communities, and keeping tax dollars within New York State.

 “We encourage all New Yorkers to help support struggling small businesses now and throughout the holiday season,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochulsaid. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our businesses and our residents, it’s important to support local, small businesses in our communities. With Small Business Saturday and the holiday shopping season, there are many safe ways to support businesses by shopping online, buying gift cards, or posting on social media. We are committed to helping our small businesses with the New York Forward Loan Fund, Empire State Digital and other initiatives to raise awareness and lift each other up during the holidays and year-round.”

Stewart’s Shops is teaming up with its customers once again to raise money for local children’s charities. The Stewart’s Holiday Match campaign kicks off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Day at all shop locations.

“In these times, nonprofits need our help more than ever with increased strains on staffing, resources and budgets. We are proud to partner with our customers to help those who need it most.  And every donation goes twice as far with the Stewart’s match. We care twice as much so we’ll double your gift”, said Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake.

Last year, customers donated an incredible $895,000 to the program, doubling to more than $1.79 million with the Stewart’s match. The funds were able to support 1,830 local children’s organizations across the 31 counties where Stewart’s shops are located.

“The $30 million success story of the Holiday Match program continues to grow, since 1986, with the hard work of our shop partners and the generosity of our customers. Together, we will help thousands of children in our 31 county market area,” says Amy Potter, Stewart’s Director of Corporate Contributions.

The goal of Holiday Match is to encourage individual giving and broaden the base of support for local charities. Stewart’s Holiday Match is a 501c3 foundation; all donations are tax-deductible. Stewart’s gladly accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations.

Local children’s organizations are encouraged to apply for funding online at stewartsshops.com. The deadline for submission is January 31, 2021. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. A listing of all the local organizations that received funds last season is available online.

Stewart’s Shops thanks its customers, shop partners and media partners for their support each year.

Source: State Senate Democrats proved the haters wrong

Source: Pot prosecution of paralyzed NEK man raises policy concerns – VTDigger

Source: Lake Placid Film Festival Announces Sequel To Online Film Festival – – The Adirondack Almanack

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room.  It is anticipated that the Board will immediately convene in Executive Session to conduct interviews for the position of District Treasurer.  At this time, no other District business is anticipated for this meeting.

The full Board agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

Source: Vermont Air National Guard conducts F-35 night flying operations – VTDigger

Source: Cuomo softens on school closure rules: ‘K-8 should stay open’

Source: Family demands justice after elderly man dies from attack | Sun Community News CHESTERFIELD | George Bailey’s family is demanding justice and asking anyone with information about the local grandfather’s attack to contact authorities.

By John T. Ryan 

Highlights of the Peru Town Board’s Monday, November 23, 2020 meeting:

Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald participated in the meeting online via Zoom.

Following a 5:45 p.m. public hearing where no one testified, the Board voted to proceed with the sewer line upgrade project. The Board will not know the exact cost per user until bids are received, and the project’s scope is finalized. Councilor Rick Barber recalled that it was last estimated at $80 per quarter for the typical user; however, the exact cost will depend on a property owner’s assessed value.  The Board approved a resolution to increase the project’s maximum “not to exceed” limit from $4.618,000 to $5,424,000. Engineers scheduled the bid opening for December 5; however, they notified the Board that they would delay it by about one week. Three contractors have expressed interest in bidding. 

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault noted that the 2021 budget includes metered water rate increases of $2 per quarter and metered sewer rate increases of $5 per quarter. This increase is not related to the $4 million to $5 million capital project. 

A passed resolution made the Town Supervisor, Town Board, and Youth Director salary freezes announced at the November 9th meeting official. The money will revert to the general fund balance.  

Thanks to Assemblyman Billy Jones, Peru was awarded a $125,000 grant to extend its walking trail.  Expanding the Heyworth-Mason Trail to Lapham Mills Park was considered, but that route would require a costly bridge. After walking the route before last night’s meeting, the Board decided that developing a route from Maiden Lane to Sullivan Park would be the most cost-effective.  The new trail would include portions of an existing trail.  It would traverse a small stream, but constructing a small bridge should not be expensive.

A new Volvo Model L110H Wheel Loader equipped with a road-sweeping broom should arrive at the Highway Department in a few months. The Town is purchasing the machine from Vantage Equipment at the cost of $234,877. Mike Farrell said the Volvo would simplify and speed up the street cleanup operation. It was purchased through a national contract at 42% below the list price. It replaces a 1997 loaded that had a $17,000 trade-in value.  Its primary work will be in the sand-salt storage building. 

Farrell took responsibility for not painting the highways his department paved this summer. He said that given the uncertainly of state funding, he decided he had to curtail some spending. At one point, he thought about painting the center lines, but Clinton County had run out of paint. 

The Peru Ski Club will not function until at least January 24. Whiteface notified Youth Director John Flynn that it would decide by the 24th if there is a Club Ski season. Whiteface is open on a limited basis for other skiers. 

Flynn reported that the Northern Extreme Women’s Softball Team donated $1,523.21 to the Youth Commission. The team is disbanding and wanted to express its thanks to Peru for its outstanding athletic fields and programs. 

There will be a low-key Christmas Tree lighting at Little Ausable River Park Gazebo on December 4 at 7 p.m. Councilman Jim Douglass remarked that gathering a large crowd during a pandemic would not make sense. 

Alison Webbinaro was appointed to the Planning Board to complete the term of Nicholas Zagrodzki who resigned from the Board. Her term of office will end on December 31, 2020. The Board sent Zagrodzki a letter of thanks for his service. 

The Board approved the Highway Department’s hiring of Andrew McLaughlin as a Motor Equipment Operator at an $18.43 hourly wage rate effective November 30, 2020. McLaughlin has a Class A Driver’s License. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said it shouldn’t take long to train McLaughlin to operate the snowplows. 

One or two residents inquired why the Town removed the Hometown Hero Banners before Veterans Day. Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney said his personnel removed the banners because of the ongoing power pole replacement project on the Bear Swamp Road. It was also noted that the recent high winds would have damaged some banners.  

Note: Paragraph on pay freeze amended to specifically include Town Supervisor. He is not taking a raise.

12/11/20 Correction made to water & sewer rate increases. Original story attributed $5 to water and $2 to sewer. 

Source: Fire destroys family-owned sawmill in Milton

Source: Burlington wine maker sought investors, but didn’t have a liquor license – VTDigger

Source: Lake Placid’s Holiday Village Stroll – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Apply for Heating Assistance This Winter