The Peru Gazette

Proposal Combats Climate Change by Requiring Decreases in Methane and Other Harmful Gases-40 percent by 2030, 85 percent by 2050

Two Virtual Public Hearings Scheduled for October 2020

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today released proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emission statewide and implement the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The proposed regulations mark a milestone in realizing New York’s nation-leading clean energy and climate agenda.

Commissioner Seggos said, “Greenhouse gases are created from a variety of sources and are accelerating the costly economic, public health, and environmental impacts of climate change here in New York and across the globe. With a continued absence of federal leadership, the release of these proposed regulations brings our State one step closer to realizing the State’s historic Climate Act and demonstrates New York’s continued leadership on climate.”

Today’s announcement demonstrates New York’s leadership on climate by taking a new and ambitious approach to the accounting of harmful emissions from fossil fuels – within and outside of the state – and for potent, short-lived pollutants such as methane. Additionally, the proposed regulations enable New York State to apply a flexible, stakeholder-driven approach for the annual accounting of net emissions.

The proposed regulations establish the 1990 baseline, per the CLCPA, to include all statewide sources of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as emissions associated with imported electricity and fossil fuels. The proposed regulations establish statewide emission limits on naturally occurring and manmade gases-carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride-to guide State agency actions.

The proposal will be published in the State Register on Aug. 19, and is available at DEC’s website. DEC has scheduled two virtual public hearings on the proposal on October 20, and will accept written comments through 5 p.m. on October 27, 2020.

Doreen M. Harris, Acting President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “With the CLCPA, New York is leading the nation in aggressively combatting climate change by reducing harmful GHG emissions and stimulating a green economy that offers opportunity for all. The proposed regulations released by DEC today are another example of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to environmental stewardship and if adopted, will represent a significant milestone in meeting New York’s ambitious goal to reduce emissions 85 percent by 2050 while ensuring a just transition to healthier, more resilient communities.

In 2019, Governor Cuomo signed the CLCPA, Read more »

Source: Beekmantown CS offering in person, digital options for return to school | Sun Community News BEEKMANTOWN | Students here will have the option of returning to school full time or in a digital model, according to superintendent Dan Mannix.

Source: City & State Coronavirus Update

Plattsburgh, August 13, 2020. As North Country residents return to work and school, local health officials are urging community members to continue to be respectful and responsible. While active cases of COVID-19 have remained low in the region over the past month, many residents have expressed concerns about potential rising numbers as students return to local schools and colleges. As of 8:00 am Thursday, August 13, there were two active cases of COVID-19 in Clinton County.

“It is important to remember that school faculty, staff, and many students are members of our community. They reside in our community year-round just like us and have a vested interest in the health and safety of their neighbors,” stated Erin Streiff, Director of Health Care Services at the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD). “Local colleges and school districts have done extensive work and planning to ensure the safest possible return for students and staff, as well as to mitigate any impact their return may have on our community.”

SUNY Plattsburgh has already begun the process of registering and housing students who will undergo a precautionary quarantine prior to the start of classes. They have also been working on measures to ensure the health and safety of their campus community, including upgrading air filters and implementing classroom social distancing occupancy. In addition, all college-sponsored events, both on and off-campus, must adhere to a social distancing and face-covering policy. Student conduct processes can be leveraged to ensure compliance with such policies. To learn more about the college’s Fall 2020 Restart Plan, residents can visit www.plattsburgh.edu/covid-19.

Local school districts have received the go-ahead to resume instruction this fall and are also working diligently to prepare. CCHD staff members have been working closely with District Superintendents throughout this process.

“Many parents are struggling with the decision to send their children back to campus. At this time our local schools are hard at work to ensure the best possible learning environment while prioritizing student safety. We encourage parents to engage in dialog with their district leaders by attending scheduled reopening forums,” stated Ms. Streiff.

Students or staff members who have been deemed close contacts of a lab-confirmed positive case will be contacted by the local health department and will undergo precautionary or mandatory quarantine protocols. Close contact is defined by NYS Department of Health as a “person who has been in close contact (6 ft.) for longer than ten minutes with someone who is positive for COVID-19.” The New York State Department of Health will be issuing additional guidance as the school year progresses, and we will expect updates to recommendations as we move forward.

“The most effective way to keep our community safe is to continue the practices we have been emphasizing from the start. Maintaining a 6-foot separation from others, wearing face coverings, avoiding gatherings, washing hands often, and frequently disinfecting commonly touched surfaces can help stop the spread of this virus in our community,” added Ms. Streiff.

Response rates to-date range from 61 percent in Clinton County to just 18 percent in rural Hamilton County.

Source: Census participation lags in North Country as new deadline approaches | NCPR News

Source: Stewart’s Shops Super Store opens in Port Henry – Mountain Lake PBS

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Ideally, Peru Highway Department Superintendent Michael Farrell would like to repave about four miles of Town of Peru roads each year. His department maintains 82 miles of town roads and asphalt has a 20-year rule of thumb life-expectancy. There are variables such as traffic volume, vehicle weight, and weather conditions that influence road life.

Source: Annual Church Street sidewalk sale still happening during the pandemic

Source: Financial forecasts shows uncertain economic future for Vermont

Source: Cuomo appeals judge’s decision to allow weddings over 50 people

Source: Plattsburgh City School District releases revised reopening plan

Source: The Daily News Is Now a Newspaper Without a Newsroom – The New York Times

• Addison, 5th Grade
• Eliza, 8th Grade
• Isaac, 10th Grade
• Allison, 12th Grade
• Julian, 12th Grade

Source: Elementary to fully return at Saranac, middle/high school to rotate | Sun Community News SARANAC | Elementary students will have the chance to return to school this fall here, while older students will be rotated between in person and digital learning to s

A message from St. Augustine’s Church Pastor Msgr. Dennis Duprey

After reviewing the possibility of celebrating St. Augustine’s Annual Applefest, the Committee recommended that the Parish cancel this year Fest because of COVID 19. The Parish of St. Augustine’s has canceled the Applefest for this year but kept the GRAND Raffle of $3000.00 for the weekend of September19-20. This is to help with the many ministries of St. Augustine, especially for youth.

The Applefest, begun more than 40 years ago, brings the community together for work, fun and assistance to the Church’s ministries. It is the first time in the history of the annual Fest that it has been canceled. Its celebrated history has honored the beauty of the area, its hard workers, and the fruit of the tree that has helped define the Peru community.

Kara and Garth Hogan offer you “A Hill of Beads.”

Just a few of A Hill of Beads offerings

Paula Long is definitely “Rustically Inclined.”

Rustically Inclined Goat milk soaps

You can’t miss the Farmers Market at the Tops Plaza

By John T. Ryan

Peru – There’s a new Farmers Market in Peru at the Tops Shopping Plaza. It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brooke Callioras of Calcom Properties explained, “ We want to support local producers and crafters. It’s good to have the community support each other, especially at times like these. We’re hoping to attract many vendors.” Callioras anticipates it will be open until October 11th. Last Saturday, two crafters were displaying their wares. On Sunday, a maple syrup producer also sold his delicious products.

Kara and Garth Hogan of nearby Port Kent have been displaying jewelry from their business called “A Hill of Beads.” The best-selling earrings and bracelets put their creativity on full display. Garth Hogan said, The Peru Farmers Market has been good for them this year because COVID-19 resulted in the cancelation of many regional craft fairs.” The Hogans have a Facebook page called A Hill of Beads and can be reached at 518-353-2005 or by email at tarajanen@frontiernet.net

Paula Long has two businesses called Rustically Inclined. One specializes in artisan goat milk soaps and soaks. Paula explained, “They’re natural products that are great for the skin. My saying is, ‘Feel the difference.’ Buy a bar. Wash with it. Wash with your old soap and tell me how you feel. Your skin will feel like silk.”

Long said she also has more than ten years of wedding and event planning experience. She explained, “Rustically Inclined does tea and coffee socials, holiday events, birthday parties, weddings, and anniversary parties. I’ve got a fall event planned in Champlain that I’m really looking forward to.” Anyone interested can call Paula Long at 518-420-2923 or email rustically.inclined2020@gmail.com.

I am offering 2 live Zoom programs: August 20 at 10:00 am, 3 of our Master Gardener Volunteers and I will hold an open forum for the public to ask questions. We will share some of our gardening experiences, and offer tips we have found useful. If you would like to participate email me and I will send you the zoom link.

Our 2nd live zoom program will be September 1 at 10:00 am and is entitled Putting Your Garden To Bed In The Fall So It’s Ready To Go In The Spring. If you are interested in this, let me know and I will email the link.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced that her bipartisan legislation, the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act, was signed into law by President Trump this past weekend. The Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act gives veterans who commit non-violent crimes while transitioning to civilian life a chance at rehabilitation. It establishes a program within the Department of Justice, in coordination with the VA, to provide grants, training, and technical assistance to help state, local, and tribal governments develop and maintain veteran treatment courts. This legislation was reintroduced last January and was passed by the House last fall.

“Our veterans deserve the best possible treatment when they return home from serving our country, and the resources made available to them under this law will work towards developing and expanding support programs for them,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Due to the psychological impact and the stressors of their service, some veterans become entangled in the criminal justice system. This important legislation provides non-violent offenders a chance to take action and rehabilitate themselves through a special program that is more tailored to meet veterans’ unique needs. I am very proud to have introduced and advocated for this legislation through the House, and it was a victory for our veterans this weekend when President Trump signed this into law. I will continue to be an outspoken advocate for our veterans and for essential programs and initiatives that support them.”