Feds arrest 2 Buffalo brothers in $7 million Covid-19 relief scam – syracuse.com
Posted: September 11th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Law Enforcement News.
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Extra $300 unemployment checks will start arriving next week in New York – syracuse.com
Posted: September 11th, 2020 under Business News, General News, Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Sept. 10th COVID-19 Update
September 10, 2020.
New Yorkers are complying with State guidelines across the board which has led to our low infection rate. We have taken care of one another. One important area vital to our continued public health is that all riders must wear a mask while on pubic transportation. While mask compliance in the MTA system is high, we must do all we can to prevent the spread and to make riders feel secure when taking the subway or using public transportation. No one is above the law and no single rider can put others at risk by refusing to wear a mask. Starting Monday, September 14th, the MTA will issue a $50 fine to riders who refuse to wear a mask on public transportation. Masks are always available at no cost if needed. There is no excuse for non-compliance. All New Yorkers must act responsibly and if a rider refuses to wear a mask — they will be fined. We are all in this together.
Chart of the Day: Total COVID hospitalizations continues to remain low
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. New York has conducted over 9 million tests to date. We lead the nation in testing and remember, any New Yorker who wants a COVID test can get tested. If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or believe you were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID, get tested. Find a testing site near you.
2. The total number of hospitalizations remains low. Yesterday, there were 482 total hospitalizations. Of the 76,813 tests reported yesterday, 757, or 0.98 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost seven New Yorkers to the virus.
3. On Suicide Prevention Day, New York is continuing to raise awareness and offer mental health resources. I signed a proclamation recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month and today, September 10, as Suicide Prevention Day in New York. The Office of Mental Health is launching a social media campaign to inform all New Yorkers that you can call the State’s Emotional Support Helpline at 1-833-863-9314 for free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider.
4. A new Virtual Taste NY Producer Showcase will kick off this October. This online business-to-business networking event will connect NY’s agricultural businesses with potential new buyers and foster new business relationships despite the pandemic. The program pilot will “take place” in the Adirondacks and Capital Region. Registration is now open for vendors and buyers.
5. The Long Island Railroad launched a new app to help you identify train capacity. Riders can use the app to help plan their commutes and identify which trains are the least crowded.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: When schools closed back in March, Naples, NY resident Josh Gleason took up woodworking and decided to build a boat. Starting completely from scratch, the rising ninth-grader used materials from the local lumberyard and built a flat-bottom boat that he dubbed the “M.S. Liberty.” Set with a brass bell and working engine, the M.S. Liberty has sailed multiple times across Honeoye Lake, with Josh at the helm and his family members on board.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Why is it so important for everyone to be counted in the U.S. Census?
By John T. Ryan
Plattsburgh – If you care about the future of education, healthcare, highway maintenance, and the programs serving your community, you’ll complete the U.S. Census by the end of September 30th, if not sooner. That’s the message Assemblyman Billy Jones and other Clinton, Essex, and Franklin county leaders delivered at a Wednesday news conference. The federal government depends on the U.S. Census numbers to determine its aid, grants, and other assistance to states and local communities.
Town of Lewis Supervisor James Monty said, “I often hear from people that our voices are never heard. This is your chance to be heard.” Assemblyman Billy Jones said, “The census numbers will affect us for the next ten years. This census will touch everyone in their daily lives.”
Every ten years, the U.S. government is required to conduct a census of all United States residents. Census forms were mailed to every known household several months ago. People have been returning the form by mail, over the internet, or by phone. Nationwide the self-response rate as of today is 65.5%. New York State’s is 62%. Locally, Clinton County leads the way at 63.4% (49.6% via the internet), followed by Franklin County at 51% (33.3% via the internet). Essex County is very low at 41% (27.2% via internet).
You have until September 30th to mail the form you received in the mail, complete it online at https://my2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020. If a census taker comes to your home, you can also complete the form in just a few minutes. The census takers, most of whom are local people, have a badge with their name, photograph, Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date.
|
Self-Reported Total |
Self-Reported via Internet |
|
| Clinton County |
63.4% |
49.6% |
| Altona |
57.2% |
42.5% |
| Au Sable |
60% |
25.3% |
| Beekmantown |
70.5% |
59.1% |
| Champlain |
60% |
58% |
| Clinton |
46.5% |
16.1% |
| Chazy |
62.6% |
50.7% |
| Dannemora |
38.1% |
19.4% |
| Ellenburg |
45.6% |
19% |
| Mooers |
64.6% |
52.5% |
| Peru |
70.4% |
59.5% |
| Plattsburgh, Town |
70% |
59.3% |
| Plattsburgh, City |
65.1% |
53% |
| Saranac |
65.9% |
51.8% |
| Schuyler Falls |
70.00% |
58% |
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History.
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Burlington files lawsuit against CityPlace developer: ‘We’re not going to let them get away with it’
Source: Burlington files lawsuit against CityPlace developer: ‘We’re not going to let them get away with it’
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under Business News, Regional NY-VT News.
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Clinton County Sept. 10 COVID-19 Report: NO ACTIVE CASES, Recovered +2, Tested +51
Clinton County currently has no active cases of COVID-19, but the risk to residents for COVID-19 infection is not gone. As communities, businesses, and schools reopen, the number of people moving around and interacting with others continues to increase. While there is no way to ensure zero risk of infection, it is important to understand potential risks and what you can do to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
In general, the more closely you interact with others, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. When deciding whether to go to that birthday party, cookout, or another event, think about:
– How many people will you interact with?
– Can you keep 6 feet of space between you and others? Will you be outdoors or indoors?
– What’s the length of time that you will be interacting with people?
– What preventive measures has the venue put in place to protect the public?
All residents should continue to: avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, keep physical distance (6 feet) from others, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you are sick.
For more information visit https://bit.ly/2VHAJ18.
Note: Please remember that these numbers only reflect residents living in Clinton County. It isn’t uncommon for residents to live in one county and work in another.
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under County Government News, Heathcare News, Peru/Regional History.
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It’s time for the St. Vincent’s Tent Sale
Peru-St. Vincent’s Fall Tent Sale, 3028 Main St.
Mon (9/14) – Sat (9/19); 9am – 3pm
Thur eve (9/17); 6pm – 8 pm
Lg bag $8 Thur (9/17) – Sat (9/19)
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under Community Events.
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NY says schools can get rid of snow days this year (Wearing your pajamas inside out won’t help) – syracuse.com
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under Education News, State Government News.
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NY eases restrictions on visits at assisted living homes
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under General News, Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Air quality concerns prompt closure of Burlington High School
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under Education News, Regional NY-VT News.
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Region’s restaurants approaching crisis without support
“Only 29% believe they can remain viable at 50% inside occupancy without outdoor seating. 22% believe they need 75% to be viable while 48% need a return to full inside capacity to remain viable.”
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is calling for urgent attention to the future of the region’s restaurants following a survey showing looming issues.
“As we move into fall, we have taken the pulse of our area restaurants and there are real reasons for concern” states Garry Douglas, Chamber President. “74% started or expanded outdoor dining which clearly helped many through the summer, but this will now fade quickly with cold weather. And the reality is that, even with the relief valve of outdoor seating to supplement the 50% restriction on inside seating, 56% indicate they have been hanging on but are not profitable. When the outdoor business disappears, they face devastation with a 50% seating limit.”
Only 29% believe they can remain viable at 50% inside occupancy without outdoor seating. 22% believe they need 75% to be viable while 48% need a return to full inside capacity to remain viable.
The Chamber found that federal and other loans have also been especially important to sustaining North Country restaurants, with 64% having used the PPP (Payroll Protection Plan) program with its forgivable loans, 32% having used the SBA EIDL loan program, and 38% having used other borrowing. Many used two or all three of these.
“Federal programs such as PPP definitely have helped a great many North Country businesses survive through the summer,” notes Douglas. “Especially restaurants and other hospitality businesses. But with the summer and outdoor service fading, and with capacity limitations remaining in place indoors, it is essential that Congress and the President enact a second round of PPP as soon as possible.” According to the Chamber, 64% of area restaurants identify the ability to access a second round of the PPP program as “Extremely Important” to their continuation, while another 16% say it is moderately important.
“Without a return to higher inside capacity, which is not likely soon, we need two things to happen,” asserts Douglas. “We need Washington to allow these businesses a second round of PPP access, and we need continued strong support of our restaurants by everyone locally. 84% of area restaurants say they have noted and appreciate increased local support to help them. This will now become even more important through at least the end of the year.”
With guidance from area restaurants, the Chamber is developing a renewed “Support Local” campaign as well as new tools it can use to support and promote North Country restaurants, including a dedicated website and social media program. It will also develop future informational and support programs for restaurants, building on the Chamber’s actively used safety and advisory webinars which have served more than 5,500 business participants since March.
|
Posted: September 10th, 2020 under Business News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Sept. 9th COVID-19 Update
|
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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New York state moves high school football from fall to spring – syracuse.com
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Education News, Heathcare News, State Government News.
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State Police seek information on Peru Gun Shop burglary
09 September 2020
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
State Police are investigating a burglary that occurred at the Old Lantern Gun Shop on State Route 9 in the town of Peru. Sometime during the overnight hours between September 8 to September 9, 2020, unknown suspect(s) broke into the business and stole numerous firearms. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Bryan Caron at SP Plattsburgh at (518) 873-2777.
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Law Enforcement News.
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State Police investigating Peru gun-shop burglary | Sun Community News PERU | Authorities are hoping the public will help them solve a recent burglary at a local gun shop.
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Business News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru News.
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“Misery on Main Street”: North Country leaders prep for economic turmoil if Congress doesn’t pass state, local aid | NCPR News
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Education News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News, State Government News.
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Peru traffic stop leads to felony arrest | Sun Community News PERU | A New Jersey man was arrested on felony drunk-driving charges following a recent traffic stop on Interstate 87.
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Law Enforcement News, Peru News.
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Former Lake George Watershed Coalition Director sentenced to 8-24 years for stealing nearly $250,000 in state grant funds
David Decker Double Billed Multiple Grants, Pocketed Money Meant for Vendors, and Falsified Tax Returns to Conceal Theft
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Warren County District Attorney Jason Carusone announced today that David Decker, former director of the Lake George Watershed Coalition, was sentenced today in Warren County court to 8-24 years in prison after a jury convicted him of 6 felonies, including grand larceny in the second degree, scheme to defraud in the first degree and four counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, related to his diversion of federal and state grant funds meant to improve the area surrounding Lake George.
The jury convicted Decker after hearing evidence that he was double billing two different grants for the same work, one from the Town of Queensbury and another from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Services, in the amount of $135,000. Additionally, evidence at trial showed that Decker pocketed over $100,000 in state grant funds meant to reimburse subcontractors whom he never paid. While the victims went unpaid, bank records showed that Decker withdrew funds from the Watershed Operating account at the Saratoga Race Course, Foxwoods MGM, Harrah’s and Turning Stone casinos. The records also show that he paid his personal credit card bills as well as numerous other personal expenses and inappropriately transferred grant money to his personal investment funds.
Decker was also convicted of filing four false tax returns which failed to report income from funds diverted from the grant programs as well as a for-profit basketball league for children.
The Lake George Watershed Coalition is a consortium of municipalities and organizations surrounding Lake George including Warren County, the towns of Queensbury and Bolton and the village of Lake George, and was created in 2001 to preserve the beauty and health of Lake George by coordinating state and federal grant funds. Decker worked as program manager until his arrest in 2018.
“Mr. Decker helped himself to hundreds of thousands of dollars meant to help his community,” said State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “Thanks to my partnership with District Attorney Carusone, the Department of Taxation and Finance, and the Warren County Sherriff’s Department, Decker’s shameless exploitation of his position of trust was exposed and he has now been held accountable for his actions.”
“David Decker’s years of illegal conduct harmed local businesses, government entities and not for profit organizations,” said District Attorney Jason Carusone. “The jury’s verdict and the court’s sentence send a strong message to the defendant that his ongoing criminal activity will not be tolerated. I thank the exceptional work of assistant district attorney Ben Smith along with special assistant district attorney Christine Stevens who jointly prosecuted the case. I also wish to thank the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Office of the State Comptroller, and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for their hard work through the course of a lengthy investigation and trial.”
“State grant funding is meant specifically for the betterment of local communities,” New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt said. “When that money is instead used for someone’s personal gain, they must be held accountable. We cannot stand by while the public trust is so blatantly violated. I commend the efforts of all partners involved in this case.”
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Upstate New York.
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Stefanik receives “Guardian of Small Business” Award
Keeseville, N.Y. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was awarded the “Guardian of Small Business” Award by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for her work in Congress to support small businesses and promote local entrepreneurship. This is the second year in a row that Congresswoman Stefanik has received this award. Congresswoman Stefanik visited Loremans’ Embroidery, Engraving, and Screen Printing in Keeseville today, where she received this award.
“Small businesses are truly the backbone of our North Country communities and economies, and I am proud to be their number one advocate in Congress,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Growing up in a small business family, I know firsthand the importance that small businesses have in our communities, and I have fiercely advocated for policies and programs to support them. The COVID-19 pandemic presented real challenges for our local businesses and I am proud to have worked in a bipartisan manner to deliver results for them as they overcame those challenges and continued to provide for the communities who rely on them. I am honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award, and I thank the NFIB for highlighting my work on behalf of the families and individuals in my district who work tirelessly to generate jobs, revenue, and opportunity for their communities.”
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Congressional News, Political News.
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Two killed in head-on crash in Charlotte
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Law Enforcement News, Regional NY-VT News.
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City & State Coronavirus Update
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Clinton County Sept. 9 COVID-19 Report: No change excepted tested +225
Here are today’s Clinton County COVID-19 case updates.
Recent updates from Governor Cuomo:
–> NYS launched a SUNY COVID-19 Case Tracker that provides real-time, up-to-date data on COVID-19 testing and other vital information at each of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities, available at www.suny.edu/covid19-tracker.
–> NYS is requiring all school districts to report daily data on the COVID-19 infection rate and new cases at every school. This information will be publicly available at https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov.
–> Restricted states on the NYS travel advisory continue to be updated. Most recently, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia were added and Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were removed. View the full list of restricted states at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.
Posted: September 9th, 2020 under Heathcare News.
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Clinton County Sept 8th COVID-19 Report: Lab-confirmed positive +1, recovered +2, Active -1, Tested +1,041 since Sept 4th
Here are today’s Clinton County, NY COVID-19 case updates.
For many students in the North Country, today was the first day of the new school year.
– View our recent media release on school re-openings at http://www.clintonhealth.org/BulletinsPress/PR09042020.pdf.
– For tips on preparing students to return to school, visit https://bit.ly/2DrpSmj and https://bit.ly/2Z2wP4K.
– Governor Cuomo recently announced a new COVID Report Card available at https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov/. New York school districts will be providing the NYS Department of Health with daily data on the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19. When the reporting starts to come back, the COVID Report Card will be live.
Posted: September 8th, 2020 under Heathcare News.
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“I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it.”
By John T. Ryan
Peru – This story’s headline expresses your Peru Gazette reporter’s sentiments today as I watched volunteers bring old tires and refuse to shore at the Carpenter Flats Route 9 bridge. The Ausable River Association (AsRS), in partnership with Adirondack River Rentals, hosted today’s cleanup.
Volunteers came from all over the Adirondack region. Working in two shifts (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.), the volunteers collected about 120 tires (some with rims) plus many other junk items. Greg Johnson, co-owner of Adirondack River Rentals said, “One year we pulled out over 230. I’ve seen washing machines, a refrigerator, and even a cash register.”
Adirondack River Association river steward Jake Hill said his organization works to protect the Ausable River watershed. He explained that the current low water level enabled the volunteers to get out of their canoes and walk to the trash. He commented, “Protecting this river is incredibly rewarding work.”
Suzanne Weirich drove down from Saranac Lake with two other volunteers. She said, “We were invited to come this afternoon, and it’s been absolutely great. It’s been very, very gratifying helping to help decontaminate the river.”
Posted: September 8th, 2020 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, Peru News, Upstate New York.
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Absentee ballot applications keeping local election officials busy – about 500 more received in Monday’s mail
By John T. Ryan
Plattsburgh – Thanks to COVID-19 and the presidential election, absentee ballot voting has been in the news. As of this morning, the Clinton County Board of Elections has received almost 4,000 absentee ballot applications. In 2016, the last presidential election year, 3,055 local voters cast absentee ballots. With voters having until October 27 to mail an application, the absentee ballots cast this year will likely be at least double that of four years ago.
New York State is not mailing ballots to every registered voter as is being done in a few states, including Vermont. People can vote at the polls on Elections Day, take advantage of early voting at the Board of Elections, or vote by absentee ballot.
Before the pandemic, people who are ill or disabled, military members and civilians serving overseas, and people out of town on Election Day have been the primary absentee ballot users. During the pandemic, any registered voter can request an absentee ballot application by checking the “temporary illness or physical disability” block on question #1 of the application.
Board of Elections Republican Commissioner Greg Campbell has confidence in the absentee ballot system. He stated, “We’ve had very few instances of absentee ballots not being received in the past. We’ve had a few instances with people living overseas or in another state, but there’s been very few locally.”
The Board of Elections will mail military/overseas absentee ballots the week of September 18 and local ballots the week of September 27. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3. Greg Campbell reminded voters that they must sign and date the oath on the envelope containing their ballot. If a voter desires to change their vote after mailing the absentee ballot, they can request a replacement ballot, not once, but twice. The last ballot received is the one counted. The voter can also have a trusted person bring their sealed absentee ballot to the polling place.
Anyone desiring to verify that their absentee ballot has been received is invited to call the Board of Elections at 518-565-4740. Even if a voter mails an absentee ballot, they can still cast an in-person vote at their polling place on November 3. The Board of Elections cross-checks in-person ballots with absentee ballots. The in-person vote will be the only vote counted.
Vote counting will take place after the polls close on November 3. Campbell said the Board of Elections purchased a high-speed ballot scanner and has requested extra staff. He anticipates counting the votes may still take up to two days.
If you don’t care to cast an absentee ballot, early voting is another option. From Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1, registered voters can cast an in-person vote at the Clinton County Board of Elections located at the Clinton County Government Center, 137 Margaret St. (1st Floor Meeting Room). Hours for early in-person voting are Saturday & Sunday 9 am-2 pm. Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9 am-5 pm. Tuesday & Thursday, 9 am-8 pm.
On Election Day, November 3, local polling places will be open from 6 am to 9 pm. for in-person voting. St. Augustine’s Parish Center at 3030 Main St. is the Town of Peru’s polling place. COVID-19 precautions will be in effect for workers and voters. Go to the Clinton County Board of Elections website at https://www.clintoncountygov.com/boe for more information.
Posted: September 8th, 2020 under General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News.
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