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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.

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Essex church welcomes new pastor – Rev. Kenneth Parker | Sun Community News  

Source: Essex church welcomes new pastor | Sun Community News ESSEX | For the past month, the Essex Community Church has been under the direction of a new pastor who has plenty of experience in other North Country parishes.

Local Dec 11 COVID-19 Report: Lab-confirmed positive +10, Recovered +10, Active 92, Tested +428

Since our 12/10 update, 10 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported and 10 individuals have moved to recovered.
COVID-19 is in our community! Assume everyone you interact with is potentially positive, and take precautions accordingly. Reduce your close interactions with others as much as possible—even with your friends and family. Keep in mind, if you are identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the next few weeks, you will have to spend your holiday season in quarantine. Wear a face mask, keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, wash your hands often, avoid crowds and gatherings, and stay home if you are sick.
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– 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 12/9, 44 individuals hospitalized (9 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. As of 12/9, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 4.2%
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19
Note: Our next case update will be provided on Monday, December 14.

Water and Sewer Metered Rate Increases Subject of Monday’s Public Hearing

Town Board Public Hearing: Monday, December 14, 2020 at 5:45 PM to consider water/sewer rate increases.
 
At the Town Board’s Nov. 23rd meeting 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 sewer line upgrade capital project. Financing for that project will be included in sewer users property tax bills.
Correction at 12:47 p.m. – Story originally read $5 for water and $2 for sewer.  That was incorrect. 

After December 17th St. Vincent DePaul Will Be closed Thursday Evenings Until Spring

Regular daytime hours continue 
St. Vincent’s will be closed on Thursday evenings after December 17th for the winter months and will reopen in the spring. We will let everyone know the date of the reopening of the Thursday night hours 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Our regular hours will continue. Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday Morning 9 a.m. until Noon. Thank you to all our valued customers and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy and Safe New Year.

Stefanik endorses lawsuit seeking to overturn presidential election results

Source: Stefanik endorses lawsuit seeking to overturn presidential election results

Agenda – Peru Town Board Meeting of Monday, Dec. 14th at 6 p.m. (It will be online via Zoom)

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO; and Banking Reports)
  1. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of November 23, 2020 and Public Hearing on 202-B Proceedings of November 23, 2020.
  1. Community Input
  1. DISCUSSION:  Review Bids for Sewer Line Upgrade Project.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Sewer Rate Increase.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Contract with Emergency Preparedness Solutions.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Fuel Depot Agreement with Peru CSD.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Purchase of Used Paver with the Town of Ausable.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Field Service Installation Oversight for the wastewater treatment plant.
  1. DISCUSSION: Fuller Rd. Culvert Project.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Reappointment of Jeremiah Cross as Assessor. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Winter Walking Trail Use. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Sewer Project Update. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business. 
  1. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only. 
  1. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session. 
  1. MOTION: Return From Executive Session. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills. 

MOTION:     Adjourn

 

**In an effort to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, this Town Board Meeting will not be open to the public. It will be available via ZOOM.   The minutes will be available online as soon as they are approved at the following Board Meeting of December 30, 2020.  Thank you for your understanding in this matter and stay safe!

Franklin County Dec. 10 COVID-19 Report

*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 ride share – keep face covering on in car or bus.
STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!
COVID-19 Case Statistics As of 12/10/2020 :
Daily Statistics:
New Positives/Probables: 28
Active Cases: 143
Positivity Rate (12/08): 6.36%*
7-day Average (12/08): 5.92%*
New Deaths: 0
New Recovered: 6
Cumulative Totals:
Cases: 516
Confirmed Positive: 396
Probable: 120
Deaths: 8
Recovered: 365
Individuals in Isolation/Quarantine: 563
* Positivity statistics generated from NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker (https://covid19tracker.health.ny.gov)

Essex County Dec. 10 COVID-19 Report

Please refer to the media release below regarding an exposure at a funeral in Ticonderoga.
Since yesterday:
Total CURRENT Cases today: 58
New Cases Today: 7
New Hospitalizations Today: 0
New Deaths Today: 0
Total # of COVID-19 Tests: 36,017
Total # of COVID-19 Positive Cases: 403
Total # of COVID-19 Antibody Tests: 3760
Total Positive Antibody Tests: 90
December 10, 2020
Public COVID-19 Exposure Advisory Issued for Funeral in Ticonderoga
Attendees of a funeral on December 4 at the Wilcox and Regan Funeral Home in Ticonderoga and a reception held afterwards at a private residence in Putnam may have been exposed to COVID-19. Following these events, several individuals have now tested positive for COVID-19 and were present at these locations during their infectious period. The Essex County Health Department recommends that all attendees self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, which include, but are not limited to fever, cough, chills and loss of sense of taste and smell, over the 14-day period from the date of the potential exposure. If experiencing these or other symptoms of illness, seek immediate testing by contacting your medical provider or an urgent care center. New York State’s COVID testing hotline can be reached at 1-888-364-3065.

Questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the Essex County Health Department at 518-873-3500. Additional information is available on the ECHD website www.co.essex.ny.us/Health or Facebook page

www.facebook.com/EssexCountyPublicHealth

.

Public Health Nurse Job Opening

 

We’re hiring! The Clinton County Health Department is currently seeking applications for Public Health Nurse. For details and to complete an application, visit www.clintoncountygov.com/employment/job. All applications must be emailed or mailed to the address listed in the job posting. NO applications will be accepted via Facebook.

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Dec. 10 COVID-19 Report

December 10, 2020
As we continue to see the number of COVID-19 cases surge across the nation, it is beyond critical that we ensure hospitals, and hospital systems as a whole, develop additional capacity and prepare to work cooperatively with each other to prevent any one facility from becoming overwhelmed. This work is already underway through the State’s “Surge and Flex” program. At the same time we are also focused on what comes next and on ensuring that the vaccine’s distribution is fair and equitable.
The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine will undoubtedly go down as one of the most massive governmental operations in history. For it to be truly successful, underserved communities cannot be overlooked. I will continue to urge the federal government to fund outreach and take all the necessary steps to ensure that no communities are left behind during vaccine distribution. The communities that suffered the most during this pandemic

must not be the last to get the vaccine.

Image of the Day: Wishing all New Yorkers who celebrate a very Happy Hanukkah
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. Tonight a critical step in the FDA vaccine approval process took place. Members of the FDA’s vaccine advisory panel—which is made up of scientific experts, infectious disease specialists and more—met all day to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. Around 6:00pm tonight they voted to recommend that the FDA grant Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine. The FDA will now decide whether to accept their recommendation and could do so very shortly. New York State’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force is meeting tonight as well.
2. Total COVID hospitalizations rose to 5,164. Of the 197,406 tests reported yesterday, 10,178, or 5.15 percent, were positive. There were 994 patients in ICU yesterday, up 42 from the previous day. Of them, 539 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 92 New Yorkers to the virus.
3. To date, New York has conducted over 21 million tests. If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to someone positive for COVID, 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.
4. Members of New York State leadership and I sent a letter urging Congress to provide stimulus funding. Mayor Bill de Blasio, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, New York labor leaders and I issued a letter urging New York State’s Congressional delegation to provide enough funding in the next federal stimulus package to avoid catastrophic cuts to the city and state budgets. New York State has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 and we need funding in the next stimulus to be allocated based on the needs of each state. Read the letter here.
5. New York is launching the New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership. Recognizing the economic impact of COVID-19, this program will provide small businesses and their landlords with informational resources and pro bono assistance to help both parties reach mutually-beneficial lease workout agreements. This service is available to all New York State small businesses and landlords, and participation is voluntary. Over the next year, the partnership has the capacity to serve thousands of small businesses statewide. Learn more here.
6. New York’s Annual Toy & Coat Holiday Drive has been expanded to accept shipped packages. This new option allows New Yorkers to make online purchases and have them shipped directly to the drive-receiving locations in Albany and New York City—to be distributed to families in need—through December 18th. With many families struggling economically due to the pandemic, the need to spread cheer this holiday season is greater than ever. I encourage you to participate if you can!
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Fifty cats who live in the basement of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, were designated beneficiaries by an unnamed French philanthropist. Founded by Catherine the Great, the world-renowned art museum relies on the cats to fend off rodents. The cats are a centuries-old tradition. Cats have lived in the massive facility and served as “mousers” since at least the 1750s.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Tractor Parade In Peru Hamlet – Friday, Dec. 11th beginning at 7 p.m.

If your children like farm tractors, they’re going to enjoy what happens this Friday in the Peru hamlet. Beginning at 7 p.m. several local farmers will be parading their tractors through many of the hamlet’s street. The parade will begin at the Irwin Farm in the Jarvis Rd., proceed down Jarvis Rd., Right on Elm Street, Right on Route 22 across the bridge, right on Union Rd., left on Cross Street, left on Route 22 past Stwart’s, left on Holden, right on School Street, right on Birchwood Dr., left on Maiden Lane, left on Buttonwood Parkway, left on School St., right on Pleasant St., left on River Rd., right on Lafleur Lane, left on Washington St. and concluding at the Mannix Rd.

Free Bikes For Kids and Adults

 
Peru – Two local men have bikes for people in need, i.e., the unemployed, underemployed, foster children, etc. Dick Jenkins and Gene Provencher have been repairing bikes for about three years and giving them to children and adults in need. They have everything from pushcarts up to 29-inch bikes. Call Dick Jenkins at 518-420-5637 for more information. Please note – They are not accepting bikes at this time.

Stefanik calls for pause on NY prison visitation | Sun Community News WASHINGTON, D.C. | 

Source: Stefanik calls for pause on NY prison visitation | Sun Community News WASHINGTON, D.C. | U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik has joined North Country NYSCOPBA representatives in calling for a pause on state prison visitation policies.

Franklin County Dec. 10th COVID-19 Report: New Positives/Probables: 28 Active Cases: 143 Positivity Rate (12/08): 6.36%* 7-day Average (12/08): 5.92%* New Deaths: 0 New Recovered: 6

Franklin County Public Health

is sharing a COVID-19 Update.

1h 
*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 ride share – keep face covering on in car or bus.
STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK!
COVID-19 Case Statistics As of 12/10/2020 :
Daily Statistics:
New Positives/Probables: 28
Active Cases: 143
Positivity Rate (12/08): 6.36%*
7-day Average (12/08): 5.92%*
New Deaths: 0
New Recovered: 6
Cumulative Totals:
Cases: 516
Confirmed Positive: 396
Probable: 120
Deaths: 8
Recovered: 365
Individuals in Isolation/Quarantine: 563
* Positivity statistics generated from NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker (https://covid19tracker.health.ny.gov)

Local Dec. 10 COVID-19 Report: Lab-confirmed positive +11, Recovered +10, Active 92, Tested +268

Since our 12/9 update, 11 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported and 10 individuals have moved to recovered.
Here are links to some frequently requested data:
– 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 12/8, 42 individuals hospitalized (8 ICU) in the North Country Region.
– Percentage positive results: https://forward.ny.gov/percentage-positive-results-county…. As of 12/8, 7-day average % positive in Clinton County = 3.3%
– Additional information: www.clintonhealth.org/covid19

Clinton County Sheriff’s offering child-safety seat checks | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH 

Cuomo to suspend all in-person press conferences – syracuse.com

Source: Cuomo to suspend all in-person press conferences – syracuse.com

‘The Perfect Storm’: How Vaccine Misinformation Spread To The Mainstream | Vermont Public Radio

Source: The Perfect Storm’: How Vaccine Misinformation Spread To The Mainstream | Vermont Public Radio

Lake Monsters out as Oakland A’s affiliate

Source: Lake Monsters out as Oakland A’s affiliate

AuSable Valley extends all student remote learning | Sun Community News District closes in-person classes through Jan. 19

Source: AuSable Valley extends all student remote learning | Sun Community News District closes in-person classes through Jan. 19

Burlington Restaurant Owner Says Enhanced Unemployment Insurance Is ‘Top Of Mind’ | Vermont Public Radio

Source: Local Restaurant Owner Says Enhanced Unemployment Insurance Is ‘Top Of Mind’ | Vermont Public Radio

’70 percent of our system is restored’: UVMMC estimates millions lost in cyberattack

Source: 70 percent of our system is restored’: UVMMC estimates millions lost in cyberattack

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

December 9, 2020.
The FDA is expected to authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as soon as tomorrow and New York is expected to receive an initial allocation of 170,000 doses as soon as this weekend. As part of the distribution, the State will set up 90 cold storage sites as regional distribution centers that are capable of cold storage at the required temperature.
This vaccine distribution will be a massive undertaking. At the same time we will need to manage our hospital capacity and continue to stop the spread of the virus. The vaccine is the weapon that will win the war. We will get it produced. We will get it distributed. And we will be successful. But it will take months for the entire vaccination process to be completed. Meanwhile, New Yorkers should continue to wear masks, social distance and avoid small and large gatherings.
Photo of the Day: Yesterday, a humpback whale was spotted in the New York Harbor (Photo by Bjoern Kils/New York Media Boat via Reuters)
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. As outlined in New York’s vaccination program, high-risk health care workers, nursing home residents and staff will be the first New Yorkers to receive the vaccine. “High-risk” hospital workers include emergency room workers, ICU staff and pulmonary department staff. The State expects all “high-risk” hospital staff will receive a vaccine by the end of week two. Other long-term and congregate care staff and residents and EMS and other health care workers will follow high-risk health care workers. Essential workers and the general population, starting with those who at the highest risk, will be vaccinated after these initial priority groups.
2. New York has opted into the federal government’s nursing home vaccination program. Under the federal program, employees of CVS and Walgreens will vaccinate residents and staff at these facilities, much like they do for the flu vaccine. We expect deliveries for this program to begin arriving next week and the federal administration program to begin by December 21st. New York is dedicating a portion of our initial 170,000 doses to this program. Portions of future state allocations will also be used to help complete the program and ensure all residents and staff are vaccinated.
3. There were 10,600 new positive cases yesterday. Total COVID hospitalizations rose to 4,993. Of the 194,595 tests reported yesterday, 10,600, or 5.44 percent, were positive. There were 952 patients in ICU yesterday, up 46 from the previous day. Of them, 521 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 95 New Yorkers to the virus.
4. The CDC has agreed to remove requirements on vaccine reporting data that could have been used to identify immigration status. This means that New York will not send any personally identifying information to the federal government in vaccine distribution—ensuring that no one feels dissuaded from getting vaccinated due to immigration status.
5. The New York National Guard will participate in a vaccine pilot program. The NY National Guard has been selected by the Department of Defense as one of the 16 pilot programs across the nation to be part of the limited distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to military personnel. Members of the New York Army and Air National Guard who serve as part of the State’s COVID response efforts will be eligible for the vaccine.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Two otters in the United Kingdom who both lost their partners have found love once again. Harris, a male Asian short-clawed otter at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary was introduced to Pumpkin, a female otter at SEA LIFE Scarborough. Caretakers were nervous about introducing the otters at first, but now the two are happy together at the SEA LIFE aquarium.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Parents Celebrate The Holiday Season and The Class of 2021

By John T. Ryan
Peru – There’s a long line of cars transporting the Peru High Schol Class of 2021 at the school tonight, thanks to several senior class parents’ hard work. The parents raised funds to erect a teacher and staff thank you and appreciation sign, delivered cookies and Dunkin gift cards to teachers and staff, and decorated a tree with lights, garlands, and 143 beautiful blue ornaments. Each ornament is dedicated to a member of the Class of 2021. Tonight each senior had the opportunity to have their picture taken in front of the tree while several band and choir members provided music.
Michelle Bechard organized the parents. She explained, “I had an ache in my heart to try to do something for the seniors. We want to let them know we’re thinking of them and we hope the tree puts smiles on their faces. It feels good to do something that the kids can get excited about.” Bechard added, “We’re very grateful to Peru School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer and all the Peru faculty and staff. They did everything possible to help out.” Dr. Palmer’s helping out included directing traffic at tonight’s drive-by.
There’s no electrical source at the tree’s location, so the school provided a generator for electric power. For that reason, the tree will only be lit tonight, this Friday evening and next Friday evening.

United Helpers reports 12th COVID-19 nursing home death in Ogdensburg | NCPR News

Source: United Helpers reports 12th COVID-19 nursing home death in Ogdensburg | NCPR News