City & State Coronavirus Update
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under General News, Heathcare News.
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Columbia County: Golf outings fueled ‘widespread’ coronavirus outbreak
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Upstate New York.
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The North Country is facing massive budget shortfalls without federal aid | NCPR News
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Here’s how to apply for an absentee ballot
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.
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under General News, Political News.
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CVPH President Michelle LeBeau issues statement on hospital’s redesign, financial condition and employee status
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.”
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Jack Lawliss, former NY State Police Troop B Commander and Clinton County Sheriff, passes away
Obituary of John Henry Lawliss
What a wonderful life. Late Sunday evening, John Henry Lawliss, 86, passed peacefully at home after living a long life brimming with love, purpose, and accomplishments.
John was born at home on Lawliss’ Corners in Beekmantown, New York. He grew up in a simpler time without electricity or indoor plumbing. He attended a one-room schoolhouse until sixth grade where he made a few extra dollars for his family by arriving early to get the woodstove started before the other children arrived. He then went to St. Peter’s in Plattsburgh for seventh and eighth grade, before attending high school at MAI where he proudly graduated in 1951.
After graduation, he joined the US Navy, served as a CB, and was stationed in California and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While serving, he sent at least half of every paycheck home to his mother, who he revered, to help support her and his siblings. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.
After leaving the Navy, he met the professional love of his life, the New York State Police. “If you cut Jack Lawliss, he bled grey (the color of the uniform)”. During his 33 years with the NYSP, he was stationed in Tupper Lake, Tarrytown, Kingston, Keeseville, Port Henry, Chazy, Peru, Syracuse, Albany, Malone and Ray Brook. He served in every position from road trooper to Troop B Commander. To this day, he remains the only person born in the North Country to serve in that position. He declined further promotional opportunities to avoid the need of moving his family out of the North Country as his children became older.
The men and women he served with told his children numerous stories of his bravery and commitment to justice. Whether there was a violent drunk in a bar that needed to be handcuffed, an armed murder suspect at the border that needed to be taken into custody, or a Governor who had to be told that his plan to invade a reservation was an unwise decision, Jack Lawliss was the man for the job. If you were a victim of a crime or just stranded on the side of the road, Jack Lawliss was your friend.
After he reached mandatory retirement age with the NYSP, he successfully opened up a private investigation business sharing office space with his son Tim, who was a practicing attorney. After 10 years of working together, in what may be a unique event in Clinton County history, father and son ran for and won county-wide elective offices at the same time. John became Sheriff and Tim became the Family Court Judge. Never wanting to completely retire, John later served as a Peru Town Justice for ten years, while continuing to work as an investigator for a local law firm.
John’s devotion to the Catholic Church spanned his entire life. As a child, he served as an altar boy and later as a religion teacher and lector. He was a member of St. Augustine’s parish in Peru for nearly 50 years. He passed with a strong faith that he was going to a better place.
Outgoing, optimistic, and with a great sense of humor, John made friends quickly and often kept them for a lifetime. He was loyal to friends and them to him. He loved telling stories and usually had a new joke for you. Until illness absolutely prevented it, he continued to have Wednesday lunch with a group of his “cronies” which included Merritt Spear, a friend from childhood, his brother Russ, and numerous friends he made during the course of his career.
Absolutely nothing was as important to John as family. He loved them all unconditionally, and he was the one everyone turned to when they needed help. He married the love of his life Gail Prevost in 1958, who like John, came from a very humble background. Gail had the challenging job of being a stay at home mom while supporting John’s career as they moved around upstate New York. Working together for over six decades, they built a remarkable life with four children, 19 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren with a 13th on the way. All of his children and many of his grandchildren were by his side during his final difficult days. His children’s exceptional devotion to both their parents was particularly inspirational during this time. It is impossible to look at one of the hundreds of pictures of John with any of his grandchildren without seeing the obvious mutual love and admiration. His love of family is just impossible to truly describe.
Although it may not be obvious from a review of his financial records, John Henry Lawliss died the richest man in Clinton County.
John was predeceased by his parents Oswald and Lina (Phaneuf); his brothers Oswald “Larry” Lawliss, Clarence Lawliss and Morton Lawliss; his sister Margaret “Peggy” Abare and her husband Gilbert; and his brother-in-law Ira Snow.
John was survived by his wife Gail Lawliss (Prevost); son Timothy and his wife Kathy (Weaver); daughter Anne Folley; son Michael and his wife Lisa (Voyer); daughter Brenda Martin and her husband David; his brother Russell Lawliss and his wife Nicole (LaChapelle); his sister Patricia Snow; his sisters-in-law Wanda Lawliss (Bellows) and Joanne Lawliss (Frenyea); grandchildren Katie, Molly, John, Elise, Amanda, Patrick, Ben, Cat, Therese, Nathan, Maria, Nick, Lauren, Alex, David, Erika, Cassie, Sam and Jon; all his great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At John’s request there will be no public calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 11 am at St. Augustine’s Church in Peru. Military honors will follow in the church. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory in church.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Cancer Society, or St. Augustine’s Church. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.
https://hamiltonfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/1986/John-Lawliss/obituary.html#tribute-start
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru/Regional History, Veterans' News.
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The Canada-U.S. border could be closed for months. Here’s what you need to know now | CBC News
Source: The Canada-U.S. border could be closed for months. Here’s what you need to know now | CBC News
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Business News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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85 Vermont inmates test positive for COVID-19 in Mississippi prison
Source: 85 Vermont inmates test positive for COVID-19 in Mississippi prison
Peru Gazette comment: In an interview yesterday with VPR the Vermont Corrections Commissioner said, “I’ve never visited this facility!”
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Heathcare News, Law Enforcement News, Regional NY-VT News, State Government News.
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School Board President and School Superintendent statement on your opportunity to voice your opinion on the “Indians” logo issue
Dear Peru Students, Staff, Parents/Guardians and Community Members,
During the July community forums, it was shared that as part of the District’s efforts to provide a more inclusive environment in line with its Mission and Core Beliefs: “We value inclusivity and hold diversity and respect paramount.” The Board of Education believed that it had the responsibility to correct the culturally inappropriate use of the term “Indians” as a logo, in media or as a mascot. The Board of Education is respectful of the past and the pride that was exhibited over the years through the success Peru has accomplished and does not diminish those proud traditions. It is time to move forward and adopt a new nickname/mascot for the district that creates a more inclusive environment for future generations. Participants asked to be included in the August 18th meeting.
The Board of Education is committed to the community and will open the August 18th meeting within the guidelines of public of comment at the second comment session as set forth in the Board Policy 1230: Public Participation at Board Meetings. In the policy it states: “A second 30-minute time period may be set aside at the end of each Board meeting for public comment on matters pertaining to the district but not on the agenda. No speaker will be permitted to speak for longer than (3) three minutes.”
There is still the maximum number of fifty (50) at a gathering and the Board will allow thirty-five (35) community members to participate at the Board Meeting and everyone else will be able to watch the live streaming of the meeting. Community members can also send their comments to perucomments@perucsd.org. The public comment section will be open on Friday, August 14, 2020 through Tuesday, 12:00 noon, August 18, 2020. Responses will have a maximum of 300 words.
The Board is asking for anyone interested in attending the meeting to pre-register. A pre-registration form will be located on the front page of the website 8/4/20 until 8/12/20. If the number of interested individuals exceeds 35, the District will randomly select in a lottery format for those that would be able to attend. * In case of a lottery selection, it will be done on Thursday, August 13th at 6:00 pm. It will be aired for transparency purposes.
Thank you for your interest in our District.
Bonnie Berry
Board President
Dr. Thomas Palmer
Superintendent
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Education News, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History.
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Chazy man arrested after falsifying gun background check, State Police say | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News.
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Flash Flood Watch from TUE 2:00 PM EDT until WED 11:00 AM EDT
U.S. National Weather Service
Affected Area – Eastern Clinton County
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING…
The National Weather Service in Burlington has expanded the
Flash Flood Watch to include portions of northern New York and northwest Vermont, including the following areas, in northern New York, Eastern Clinton and Western Clinton. In northwest Vermont, Grand Isle.
From this afternoon through Wednesday morning
Heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected from today into early Wednesday morning. The expected heavy rainfall rates have the potential to cause localized flash flooding, especially across complex terrain and poor drainage urban areas.
Localized sharp rises on streams and rivers are expected overnight Tuesday into early Wednesday morning across the watch area. A few rivers such as the Ausable may approach flood stage.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to Flash Flooding. Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Northern NY News, Weather News/History.
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K of C announces scholarship winner
Peru – Jonathan Blaise is the 2020 winner of the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus $750 college scholarship. A recent graduate of Peru High School, Blaise will be entering the physical therapy assistant program at SUNY Canton. Council 7273 has awarded college scholarships each year for the past 40+ years.
Posted: August 4th, 2020 under Education News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru School News.
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Governor Andrew Cuomo’s August 3rd COVID-19 message
Today, I was happy to announce that construction of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York City has resumed. As you may remember, the original St. Nicholas Church was completely destroyed in the September 11 attacks. A new church, inspired by the architecture of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, has been planned for years, but construction had been delayed, most recently due to COVID-19. To me, this church is symbolic of New York’s resilience and perseverance in challenging times. Just like the period following 9/11, we are going to build back better after the crisis. We can only succeed together, with everyone’s help. We need to wear masks, stay six feet apart and keep one another safe.
Photo of the Day: Today, I visited the St. Nicholas National Shrine near the World Trade Center, where we announced the restart of construction.
Here’s what else you need to know tonight:
1. The period to file claims under the Child Victims Act has been extended until August 14, 2021. We cannot let this pandemic rob survivors of their day in court. Today I signed legislation extending the window for survivors of childhood abuse to file claims under the Child Victims Act, which was passed in 2019. This extension will help ensure that abusers are held accountable despite COVID-related delays in state courts.
2. The number of total hospitalizations continues to drop. Yesterday, there were 536 total hospitalizations, a new low since March 17. Total intubations dropped to 62, another new low. The State conducted 51,839 tests, of which 545, or 1.05%, were positive. Sadly, we lost 3 New Yorkers to the virus. No deaths were reported in New York City for the second straight day.
3. Ice cream containing liquor can now be manufactured and sold in New York State. I signed legislation that will help New York’s dairy farmers, liquor and craft beverage producers, dairy processors and manufacturers, food retailers and restaurants meet the increasing consumer demand and, hopefully, grow their businesses amid economic pains related to the COVID pandemic.
4. The state has suspended liquor licenses for 19 New York State bars after finding egregious violations of pandemic-related Executive Orders. Over the weekend, the state’s multi-agency task force, led by the State Police and State Liquor Authority, conducted 3,047 compliance checks, documenting violations at 106 establishments. Bad actors must be held accountable to help ensure public health is not jeopardized.
5. Show respect—wear a mask. Watch our latest Mask Up America PSA with a voiceover by Kaitlyn Dever.
Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: From now through August 16th, a new art exhibit called the “Flag Project” will be displayed at Rockefeller Center. The flagpoles that surround the famous Rockefeller Center ice rink will feature 193 unique flags designed by a variety of artists, in place of the usual world flags. The designs, including those by artists such as Jeff Koons and fashion designer Christian Siriano, are intended to honor the resiliency of New Yorkers during this pandemic.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to New York State’s Coronavirus Updates here.
Ever Upward,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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Cuomo to issue school reopening guidance this week | NCPR News
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Education News, State Government News.
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Coronavirus Locations: COVID-19 Map by County and State | USAFacts
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Heathcare News, Peru/Regional History.
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Separated by the border closure, with no end in sight | NCPR News
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Business News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Upstate New York.
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How to find Peru Central School’s latest reopening plans
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Education News, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History.
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Peru Central School District published reopening plan
July 31, 2020
Dear Peru Central School Parents/Guardians and School Community,
As of August 3rd, Peru Central School District anticipates implementing our Hybrid 2 Plan for re-opening to students on Tuesday, September 8th.
We understand this plan will place a difficult burden on our families. Unfortunately, given the Department of Health, CDC, and New York State Education Department guidance, this is the safest and most compliant plan we could formulate after months of development.
Hybrid Plan 2 – PreK to Grade 12
students will be in person 2 days per week
students will be remote 3 days per week
masks will be required at all times except while eating
mask breaks will be provided
social distancing will be followed in all spaces where practical
students will be assigned to Group A or Group B
Group A will attend in-person the first two days of the week and be remote the rest of the week
Group B will be remote the last two days of the week and be remote the beginning days of the week All students will be remote on Wednesday of any five-day week
Every effort will be made to schedule families with children in grades in the same group
Families uncomfortable having their child attend in-person, will have the option to participate in remote learning 100%.
Transportation
Due to social distancing and contact tracing requirements, students will only be able to have one pick up and one drop off point (must be the same). All families will be expected to identify one pick up and drop off location for their child(ren).
No bus notes will be accepted this year. You will be able to drop off and/or pick up your child. Each building will share new guidelines regarding pick up and drop off for the school year.
Additional information will be coming out in the next few weeks. There will be a survey going out on Monday, August 3 to reaffirm what your preliminary plans were going to be for the 2020-2021 school year. It is extremely important that you complete the survey as questions will be asked about:
- Coming back to school
- Mode of transportation (walk, school transportation, student driving, parent drop off)
These answers will assist us in the completing the planning phase of the scheduling for the 2020-2021 school year. Thank you for your continued support during this time of uncertainty.
Sincerely,
Thomas Palmer Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Education News, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History.
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Local COVID-19 Report for Monday, August 3rd – Lab-confirmed positive +2, Probable +1, Recovered +3, Active +0, Tested +836
Here are today’s Clinton County COVID-19 case updates.
– In case you missed Friday’s Q&A session, watch it here: https://youtu.be/hryfjRP0aeQ.
– To find a COVID-19 test site, visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you
– For hospitalization data for the North Country Region, visit: https://forward.ny.gov/daily-hospitalization-summary-region
– For the latest information on the NYS travel advisory, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
– To file a “New York State on PAUSE” violation, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-pause or call 1-833-789-0470.
Continue to act respectfully and responsibly. Avoid large gatherings, wear your face coverings, be mindful about maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet from others, and wash your hands frequently.
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Heathcare News.
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City & State Coronavirus Update
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Heathcare News.
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Stefanik Cosponsors the Local Journalism Sustainability Act
From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is a cosponsor of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, legislation that proposes a series of tax credits aimed at bolstering local newspapers and media in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local newspapers were facing challenges before the COVID-19 pandemic, and now their challenges are especially unique. The bill is supported by the News Media Alliance, National Newspaper Association, and many other groups.
“Our local news outlets are so important to the North Country, especially in our more rural or isolated areas,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our news outlets, newspapers, and TV and radio stations have gone above and beyond to deliver up-to-date information to our North Country residents in a timely fashion. I am proud to be co-sponsoring this bill to support readers, advertisers, and publishers and keep local news media sustained. I look forward to advancing this legislation along with my House colleagues and supporting initiatives like this to keep local journalism thriving.”
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Business News, Heathcare News.
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LIVE: Gov. Cuomo joins New York health officials for latest COVID-19 briefing
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Heathcare News, State Government News.
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DEC Seeks Swimming Pool Owners for Citizen Science Survey of Invasive Beetle – – The Adirondack Almanack
Posted: August 3rd, 2020 under Environmental News.
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Every single July day temperature was above normal
US National Weather Service Burlington VT
So, we did something crazy here in Burlington during the month of July. Every single day was above normal! Our average high temperature was 87.3 degrees for the month with our average low being 66.3 degrees. #vtwx
Posted: August 2nd, 2020 under Peru/Regional History, Weather News/History.
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Tornado Watch Until 10 PM
National Weather Service – TORNADO WATCH 410 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
NY
. NEW YORK COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ALBANY CHENANGO CLINTON
COLUMBIA DELAWARE DUTCHESS
ESSEX FRANKLIN FULTON
GREENE HAMILTON HERKIMER
JEFFERSON LEWIS MADISON
MONTGOMERY ONEIDA ORANGE
OTSEGO PUTNAM RENSSELAER
ROCKLAND SARATOGA SCHENECTADY
SCHOHARIE ST. LAWRENCE SULLIVAN
ULSTER WARREN WASHINGTON
WESTCHESTER
Posted: August 2nd, 2020 under Northern NY News, Weather News/History.
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