The Peru Gazette

Source: Scathing IG investigation says State Police mishandled internal probe

Source: Accountant Mary Dulac spots possible tax info scam | Sun Community News Letter appears to mimic 2017 IRS forms, says “we need to verify your identity”

Source: NY says dentists can’t slap patients with extra fees to cover Covid-19 costs – syracuse.com

Source: Coronavirus testing dropping in US even as deaths rise by more than 1,000 a day – syracuse.com

Source: Onondaga County’s sales tax shortfall is $26M for year; ‘draconian’ cuts loom – syracuse.com

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Source: New York teachers unions demand 14-day closures in event of COVID-19 case

Click here to view a few more photos

Many North Country residents are mourning the passing of John “Jack” Lawliss who passed away on Sunday, August 2nd. John Lawliss knew and was respected by many people after having served as State Police Troop B Commander, Clinton County Sheriff and Peru Town Justice. The Peru Gazette interviewed Jack in January 2015.

Click here to read that 2015 story

Here are today’s Clinton County COVID-19 case updates.

We’ve received many questions and concerns regarding past or upcoming large gatherings. First and foremost, the BEST thing residents can do is avoid large gatherings. CCHD does not recommend large gatherings with people outside your household. NYS currently restricts gathering sizes to 50 people or less in our region.

The Town of Peru will be paving the Barney Downs Rd. from River Rd. to Calkins Rd. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2020. It will be closed from 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM.  Rain date will be Tues., Aug. 11.

Finding Marks First Case of Emerald Ash Borer in Adirondack Park

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in Warren County. While not unexpected given the EAB’s spread, this marks the first confirmed case of EAB within the Adirondack Park. The affected trees were identified by the Department of Transportation personnel at the Warren County Canoe Launch on the Schroon River in the town of Chester. A sample has been sent to Cornell University Insect Diagnostic Lab for further review.

“New York State is at the forefront of invasive species monitoring and prevention and this latest find of EAB, while concerning, also hardens our determination to do all we can to protect our natural resources from their destructive effects,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC and our partners will continue our significant investments in finding strategies that mitigate and address invasive species in our environment and raise public awareness so that all New Yorkers can take part in helping to protect the Adirondacks and our entire state.”

EAB is a small but destructive beetle that infests and kills North American native ash species. EAB larvae feed in the cambium layer just below the bark, disrupting the transport of water and nutrients into the crown and killing the tree often within a few years. Emerging adult beetles leave distinctive 1/8-inch, D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inches long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. These insects may be present from late May through early September but are most common in June and July. Other signs of infestation include tree canopy dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves.

Ash represents approximately seven percent of all trees in New York State, with a smaller percentage present in the Adirondacks. Urban and suburban communities face particular risks, as ash is a common street and park tree and has been widely planted as an ornamental tree in yards. Locating infested sites early can significantly delay the loss of ash trees and decrease the subsequent costs for their removal and replacement. Although ash trees and wood are no longer subject to quarantine in New York State, DEC invasive species regulations prohibit most movement of EAB and other prohibited species, with some exemptions for identification and disposal. DEC firewood regulations regulate the movement of untreated firewood of all wood species to prevent the spread of invasive tree pests, including EAB. DEC recommends that wood from ash trees that have been infested and/or killed by EAB be left or utilized on site or chipped to less than one inch in at least two dimensions to prevent further spread.

“It’s very sad to hear that the Emerald Ash Borer has reached Warren County,” said Stony Creek Supervisor Frank Thomas, Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors. “The spread of this invasive will be absolutely devastating to our ash trees and substantially degrade our beautiful forests.” Read more »

Here’s a video of Ausable Chasm this morning about 9 a.m. August 5, 2020. The high water follows 2.4 inches of rain yesterday and almost 3 inches since Sunday. it’s an awesome sight today.

Please excuse the shaky camera. Used the telephoto lens too much.

At 9:51 p.m. last night Peru meteorologist John Hart reported from the Jabez Allen Rd.

Source: Harmful algae blooms at Point au Roche | Sun Community News PLATTSBURGH | Harmful algae blooms (HAB) can be seen in the water in some parts of moderately-trafficked Point Au Roche State Park in Plattsburgh, NY, one of five locations where the freshwater cy

From the CCHD – Here are today’s Clinton County COVID-19 case updates.

Many residents are purchasing hand sanitizer more frequently. When stocking up, be sure to select a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of one of these active ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, or Benzalkonium Chloride.

The active ingredients work best when you rub hand sanitizer all over your hands, making sure to get between your fingers and on the back of your hands. Do not wipe or rinse off the hand sanitizer before it is dry. Do not use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy; wash your hands with soap and water instead.

Remember, the FDA has recently released a warning on hand sanitizers containing Methanol (or wood alcohol). To learn more about the warning visit https://bit.ly/2Euql7b. For the FDA’s list of dangerous hand sanitizer products visit https://bit.ly/338PyhP. — sharing a COVID-19 Update.

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Source: Columbia County: Golf outings fueled ‘widespread’ coronavirus outbreak

Source: The North Country is facing massive budget shortfalls without federal aid | NCPR News

Plattsburgh – Given the presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic, many at-risk people are undoubtedly considering casting absentee ballots. Absentee voting is nothing new. It’s been in use for decades, especially by military members and people serving overseas, as well as the sick and disabled. This year all registered voters are eligible to apply for an absentee ballot. Voters with internet access will find an absentee ballot application at the Clinton County Board of Elections website. Other voters can stop by the Board of Elections at the Clinton County Government Center in Plattsburgh. 

Block #1 of the NYS Absentee Ballot Application lists several reasons for requesting an absentee ballot. Applicants concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 should check “temporary illness or disability.” In Block #7,  an applicant has three options: 1. Authorize someone else to pick up their ballot at the Board of Elections. 2. Have the ballot delivered to them personally at the Board of Elections. 3. Have the ballot mailed to a specific address. Block #8 requires that the applicant sign and date the application. Applications must be mailed to the Board of Elections at least seven days before Election Day, November 3, or hand-delivered to the Board of Elections by the day before Election Day.  

If you apply soon, absentee ballot materials will be sent to you at least 32 days before federal, state, county, city, or town elections in which you are eligible to vote. If you apply after that date, your ballot will be sent immediately after your completed, and signed application is received and processed by the Board of Elections. Contact the Board of Elections (518-565-4740) if you have not received your ballot in a timely manner. 

Absentee ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3. Mailed ballots received up to seven days following November 3 will be counted. Military and other overseas ballots will be counted if received by November 16. 

PLATTSBURGH, NY (08/4/2020) – The following is a statement from University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) President Michelle LeBeau regarding the hospital’s redesign efforts:

“Like other businesses in this community and across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed our fragile financial picture to the limit. Hospitals across the country are struggling financially- hundreds have closed- and headlines about business closures, bankruptcies and downsizing appear daily in our newsfeeds. For the sake of our patients, our people and our region, we are committed to ensuring we do not become part of those statistics. In order for us to secure our future, we are painting a new picture of CVPH – redesigning how we provide care so we can continue to serve our patients, our people and our community.

“Before COVID-19, we were losing money – about $1 million per month – and by now it is well-documented that the impacts of the pandemic- almost $31 million to date – have been massive and they are expected to rise. We’re projecting a $47 million loss in revenue by the end of this fiscal year and the generous $30 million we’ve received in federal and state support is helping to offset these anticipated losses. We are working hard to recover and keep as many of our folks working. Up to 700 of our employees are participating in the New York State Workshare Program to achieve savings and salaries of leaders, physicians and managers have been reduced. Contributions to their benefits were also either eliminated or greatly decreased. Still, more is needed.

“This redesign will put us in a stronger position. It’s about changing the way that we will deliver care so that while it continues to be done compassionately and is patient-centered, it’s also provided in a fiscally responsible manner. Our goal is to be here for our community, our patients and our people now and in the years to come.

“Our belief is that as we move through the plan, there will be a job for everyone who wants one; although what’s available may look different and may not be what someone will or can choose based on their needs.

“I want to thank everyone who is involved in this redesign – this is not easy, it is scary and uncertainty creates challenges for everyone. I also want to thank our community for its ongoing trust and support as we work through this process – like so many other organizations in our community we are trying to survive these incredibly challenging times.”

https://hamiltonfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1986/John-Lawliss/obituary.html#tribute-start