Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has released the below statement following Governor Cuomo’s decision to close the Watertown Correctional Facility and the Clinton Annex:
“In his latest misguided attempt to weaken our law enforcement and make New York less safe, Governor Cuomo is pulling the rug out from our correction officers, their families, and our North Country communities after an already challenging year,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “First, the Governor passed harmful bail reform laws that released violent criminals back onto the streets causing the crime rates across our state to skyrocket. Instead of listening to our corrections officers and law enforcement leaders, Governor Cuomo has repeatedly ignored their concerns regarding the spread of COVID through our prisons and only relented after widespread bipartisan outcry. Now, he is taking it a step further in deciding to permanently close these two critical facilities that have the capacity to distance prisoners and staff and lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure. I am deeply opposed to the Governor’s proposed closures. Our brave correction officers are an essential part of our Upstate law enforcement community. The timing of this announcement could not be worse right before the holidays and as crime rates in the state are on the rise and COVID-19 continues to spread throughout our prisons. Our correction officers have risked their health and personal safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I am now calling on the Governor to immediately reverse this action and keep our corrections officers, their families, and our communities safe by keeping these essential facilities open.”
Posted: December 21st, 2020 under Congressional News, Law Enforcement News, Political News.
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An official with the union for corrections officers told CNHI the facilities are Gowanda, the Clinton Correctional Facility Annex in Dannemora and the Watertown Correctional Facility.
Source: Three state prisons said to be tabbed for closure | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: December 21st, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that two North Country students – James Molinski and Taylor Samburgh – are among a select group of New York nominees for the U.S. Presidential Scholars awards. Since it was established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors high school seniors for academic, creative, career and technical accomplishments.[1]
“Despite the challenges that 2020 has presented all of us, it’s important to take time to honor exemplary North Country students for their hard work and dedication,” said Jones. “I’m thrilled that James Molinski and Taylor Samburgh, two students I nominated for these prestigious programs, were recognized for their impressive work inside and outside of the classroom. I wish these two hardworking seniors the best of luck as they continue their educational journeys.”
A senior at Northeastern Clinton Central School, James Molinski excels in the classroom despite his challenging course load and is an accomplished athlete on his school’s track and field, basketball and soccer teams. James is one of 20 New York students nominated for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.
A senior at Saranac Central Lake School, Taylor Samburgh is one of only five students nominated for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars Excellence in Career and Technical Education Program. In addition to receiving high marks in his classes, Taylor also spends his time attending the Natural Resource Science Program at the Adirondack Educational Center, where he has demonstrated an impressive level of technical competence.
Posted: December 21st, 2020 under Education News, Northern NY News, State Legislator News.
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Posted: December 21st, 2020 under General News.
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Key Findings “On a single night in January 2019, state and local planning agencies (Continuums of Care) reported: 567,715 people were homeless, representing an overall 2.7 percent increase from 2018 but a nearly 11 percent decline since 2010. 37,085 veterans were reported as homeless, a decline of 2.1 percent from 2018 and 50 percent since 2010. 53,692 families with children experienced homelessness last January, down nearly 5 percent from 2018 and more than 32 percent since 2010.” Key Stats:
Source: National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day: December 21, 2020
Posted: December 21st, 2020 under General News, Heathcare News.
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A very important story about agency incompetence and terrible parents. I hope you can read it. Source: Key details were left out of report on 1-year-old’s killing
Posted: December 21st, 2020 under Upstate New York.
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Just 10 years ago North Country Home Services (NCHS), the only home health care staffing agency in the Adirondack region, had about 350 aides on its payroll. Today they are down to just 200. This means many seniors are not getting the care they need.
Source: Adirondack Communities: Developing Support Networks for an Aging Population – – The Adirondack Almanack
Posted: December 19th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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December 18, 2020.
New Yorkers can see the COVID numbers and understand the risks. Destiny is in our hands, and I believe we can and will avoid a shutdown because we can slow the spread and if we do, the hospitals can manage the increase in cases. This is now a footrace between the vaccine and COVID, and as we slow the spread we also have to accelerate vaccine distribution at the same time.
The faster we vaccinate people, the quicker new COVID cases go down. We had some good news today in that respect. We have found that in many cases, vaccinators can get as many as six or seven doses from a single “five dose” vial. That means that our supply of vaccine doses is actually bigger than we thought—and more people can be vaccinated during this early stage of the process.
Photo of the Day: More vaccinations were carried out at hospitals in New York State this week (Photos by Getty Images/courtesy of Upstate Medical University)
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1.
New York State’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force approved the Moderna vaccine this morning. Their unanimous vote to approve the Moderna-developed vaccine followed the FDA vaccine panel’s vote last night to recommend it for Emergency Use Authorization. The formal authorization by the FDA is expected imminently, and the state anticipates receiving 346,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine next week.
2. Total hospitalizations fell to 6,081—down 66 from the previous day. 1,068 patients are in the ICU, down 27 from the day before. 592 of those patients are intubated, down 19 from the day before. Sadly, there were 120 COVID fatalities yesterday. As has been the case for a number of days, the Finger Lakes continues to have the most hospitalizations as a percentage of their population of any region in the state.
3.
The Department of Health issued guidance on administering “extra” doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from vials. COVID-19 vaccine providers have consistently been able to withdraw more than five doses from one five-dose vial of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. As a result, after consulting with the FDA and the manufacturer, the State Department of Health issued guidance permitting vaccinators to withdraw more than five doses from a single vial, and to use any extra vaccine that can easily be drawn up in a syringe to meet the 0.3 milliliter dose requirement. But extra vaccine fluid from more than one vial cannot be combined to produce extra doses.
4.
A record number of tests were reported yesterday. 249,385 tests were reported yesterday in New York State, a new high. Of them, 12,697, or 5.09 percent, were positive. Getting tested frequently is a good practice, especially since so many positive cases are from asymptomatic people (who can nevertheless infect others).
Find a testing site here.Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: The largest publicly accessible fast-charging station for electric vehicles in the Northeast
is here—and it’s at JFK Airport. The ten-port charging station with high-speed 150kW chargers is part of a joint initiative by the New York Power Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that will reduce New York State’s carbon footprint and improve air quality by incorporating electric vehicle technology throughout NY’s airports. The EV charging hub will help decarbonize the transportation sector and get New York closer to its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Posted: December 18th, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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COVID-19 December 18 Updates
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| New application period for the COVID-19 Rent Relief Extension Program will be open Friday, Dec. 18 through Monday, Feb. 1, 2021.
Previous Applicants for COVID-19 Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered.
HCR will re-evaluate all applications that were denied according to the new criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants. |
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| The COVID Rent Relief Extension Program will provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord.
Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. The Covid Rent Relief Extension Program is not first come, first served.
Applications will be accepted throughout the application period. HCR will prioritize eligible households with “greatest economic and social need.”
For the next round of applications, tenants will have to meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a renter and have a primary residence in New York State;
- Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;
- Before March 7, 2020, household income must have been at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size; and
- Households must be “rent burdened” during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.
For help, applicants can contact HCR’s COVID Rent Relief Extension Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov.
Call Center representatives are available Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Call Center staff are available to assist residents in filling out the application over the phone.
Please note: The call center will be closed December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st.
Please see their Frequently Asked Questions site for more information. |
Adirondack for Kids Food Box Giveaway
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Adirondack for Kids is partnering with organizations and businesses to host a food box distribution this Sunday December 20 starting at 12pm at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
The event is free and open to the public
Please do not line up before 11am.
There are no eligibility requirements.
The supply is limited and there will be a limit of 1 box per vehicle.
Families will also be able to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the event!
Santa will have a gift bag and a very special assignment for the kids. |
Veterans Feeding Veterans
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| The Clinton County Veterans Service Agency has joined forces with the New York State Food Bank, in partnership with JCEO of Plattsburgh, to start providing monthly food boxes to veterans and their families in Clinton County.
The Clinton County Veterans Service Agency has learned that veterans are 66% more likely to be food insecure than the general population, and New York State has focused resources to address these issues.
As a result, the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency will be working to develop a monthly food box program for veterans and their families starting in January 2021.
If you are a veteran, and wish to receive a food box, please call the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency at 518-565-4720 to complete a short questionnaire.
They are also developing a list of pick-up/ drop off locations throughout the county.
They are focusing on Veterans Groups/ Organizations, and would like to hear from any who would be willing to be a designated pick-up/ drop off location in their community.
If you are interested in assisting with this program in any way, please call the Clinton County Veterans Service Agency at 518-565-4720. |
Posted: December 18th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News, State Legislator News.
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Dear Patients and Community Members,
This week, the University of Vermont Health Network received its first shipments of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and we began vaccinating front-line health care workers across Vermont and Northern New York. A second vaccine from Moderna is likely to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration very soon.
With a vaccine comes the hope of changing the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our vaccination plans are guided by our commitment to provide a safe, efficient and equitable distribution process and by guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the states of Vermont and New York, which is why we are focusing first on front-line caregivers with the highest risk of exposure.
We don’t know when the vaccine will be available more broadly for the general public, partially depending on vaccination supply and distribution. We are committed to sharing the most up-to-date information with you at the soonest point possible so that you understand more about who will be eligible to receive the vaccine, when and where. Please watch for communications like this one in your email and go to the vaccination information pages on our website where we post timely updates.
As the pandemic continues to surge with rising numbers of COVID-19 infections here and around the country, it is so very important – especially during this holiday season – to stay vigilant and continue to do the things that help to stop the spread of COVID-19:
Wear a mask when you leave your house and when you are around others you don’t live with.
Keep your distance from others, with a general guideline of staying 6 feet apart.
Clean your hands often by washing with soap or using hand sanitizer.
Observe local and state guidelines around travel and quarantine.
Vaccination is the best weapon we have to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The most important thing you can do right now is to continue to be vigilant and practice behaviors that we know can stop the spread. Encourage your family and friends to do this, too.
There is no need for you to call your health care provider about getting the vaccine. We are not making appointments or creating waiting lists for the vaccination of the general public.
COVID-19 vaccines are rigorously tested before they are released for public use. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are considered highly effective in reducing the rate of COVID-19 disease. While these vaccines are being developed at an accelerated pace, the fast-track process focuses on safety and effectiveness through vaccination trials involving thousands of participants.
We are vaccinating front-line caregivers first to keep them safe, healthy and available to provide care for those who need it.
Stay informed – watch for our emails, go to our vaccination information pages, follow your local UVMHN hospital on social media or check the web pages provided by Vermont and New York state governments.
On behalf of all of us at the UVM Health Network, thank you for choosing us for your care.
Posted: December 18th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Peru/Regional History, Regional NY-VT News.
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Please be advised that motorists will encounter rolling lane closures in support of a utility installation over I-87 in the area of Exit 35 (Peru), Clinton County.
The rolling lane closures will be carried out by utility personnel for the northbound and then the southbound lanes of I-87 near Exit 35 in Peru. Work is expected to begin at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday, December 21 and is expected to be complete by close of business Tuesday, December 22, 2020. The work will be weather dependent.
Motorists should expect to encounter a five to seven-minute delay for each rolling lane closure and plan accordingly.
Posted: December 18th, 2020 under Highway Dept. News, Peru News, State Government News.
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Meadowbrook Health Care
Clinton County Nursing Home
Plattsburgh Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
Since the pandemic started, the Peru, Plattsburgh and Chazy Lions clubs have purchased and delivered baked treats from Rulfs Orchard to frontline workers in healthcare and law enforcement environments. This past week, Lions delivered to Meadowbrook Healthcare, Clinton County Nursing home, and Plattsburgh Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing.
Lions who assisted were Linc Sunderland, Dave Dalton, Ed Eisele from Peru, 2nd Vice District Governor Ricky Laurin and Karen Russell from Chazy and Dennis Hulbert and Bob Wyand from Plattsburgh.
Posted: December 18th, 2020 under Business News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru resident news/accomplishments.
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*Attention*
Covid-19 Cases are increasing in Franklin County. In order to reduce the spread of infection:
Reduce Gathering Sizes.
Comply with the face-covering requirements of New York State.
Socially distance 6 feet and wear your face covering.
Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Clean and disinfect surfaces.
Driver or rideshare – keep face covering on in car or bus.
STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!
COVID-19 Case Statistics As Of 12/18/2020 :
Daily Statistics:
New Positives: 38
New Probables: 0
Active Cases: 187
Positivity Rate (12/16): 6.64%*
7-day Average (12/16): 4.58%*
New Deaths: 0
New Recovered: 11
Individuals in Isolation/Quarantine: 684
Cumulative Totals:
Cases: 669
Confirmed Positive: 547
Probable: 122
Deaths: 8
Recovered: 474
Posted: December 18th, 2020 under County Government News, General News, Heathcare News.
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Stay safe this weekend. What we have seen locally is very similar to what is being seen across the state—spread of COVID-19 is largely occurring between friends and family members. For the most part, residents are taking appropriate precautions when they are out in public, such as wearing masks and physically distancing, but then they’re getting together with friends and family members who don’t live in their home, and not taking precautions during these interactions. Keep in mind that you can begin to spread COVID to others in the 48 hours before you start to show symptoms, and some people spread COVID to others without ever showing symptoms themselves. If your holiday plans involve individuals who do not live in your household, we urge you to reconsider your plans. Your individual actions matter.
COVID-19 is in our community. Do your part to slow the spread:
– Wear a mask that goes over your nose AND mouth.
– Watch your distance (keep 6 feet between yourself and others).
– Avoid crowds and gatherings.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
– Stay home if you are sick.
– Reduce contact with people that don’t live in your household as much as possible.
Since our 12/17 update, 15 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported and 14 individuals have moved to recovered.
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
Note: Our next COVID-19 case update will be provided on Monday, December 21.
Posted: December 18th, 2020 under County Government News, General News, Heathcare News.
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