The Peru Gazette

Source: Green Empire migrant workers get a special delivery after virus outbreak: 300 home-cooked meals – syracuse.com

Source: Arconic to lay off 24 at Massena aluminum plant | NCPR News

 Program Will Target Small Businesses Focusing on MWBEs, Non-Profits, and Small Landlords That Did Not Receive Federal COVID-19 Assistance

 Empire State Development (ESD) and Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) today detailed the $100 million New York Forward Loan Fund announced today by Governor Cuomo, aimed at providing working capital loans to small businesses focusing on MWBEs, small landlords and non-profit organizations that did not receive funding from the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The fund will target those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including small businesses and non-profit organizations with 20 or fewer employees, and small landlords who own small multi-family rental portfolios.

Eligible non-profits can apply for a 60-month, no-fee loan at 2% fixed interest; while eligible small businesses and small landlords can apply for a 60-month, no-fee loan with a 3% fixed interest rate. The maximum loan amount is $100,000. Loan funds can be used for working capital including payroll, operating and emergency maintenance, property taxes, utilities, rent and supplies. Read more »

Source: Railroad reverses course, opposes Tahawus trail – Adirondack Explorer

Source: Lake George ready – and nervous – for holiday weekend | NCPR News

 Yard Sales and Follow Safety Precautions for Recreational Activities 

Plattsburgh, May 22, 2020. Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) has received numerous calls this week inquiring if yard sales are allowed under the phase one guidelines for reopening. According to John Kanoza, Director of Public Health, they are not. “Hold off for a few months,” was the advice he offered at a recent virtual media conference. He also noted, “NY on PAUSE remains in effect until May 28, 2020.” Under PAUSE, non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations, or other social events) should be canceled or postponed. For more information about New York on PAUSE, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-pause. Residents may also use this site or call 1-833-789-0470 to report any non-essential gatherings or any non-essential business entities operating in violation of the PAUSE order. 

CCHD also issued guidance this week regarding safe recreation during the COVID-19 outbreak. In a memo addressed to municipal and school district authorities, CCHD shared information from the New York State Department of Health, NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The advisory stated “CCHD believes that with proper precautions, Clinton County residents may participate in low-risk recreation activities.” At the same time, the release noted that CCHD also “supports the continued closure of any parks or recreational areas by municipal or school district authorities that could further the spread of COVID-19.” 

“This memo is meant to provide guidance that municipalities and school districts can use to make decisions. Ultimately it will be up to each locale and school district to determine if and when their parks and playgrounds will open,” stated Mr. Kanoza. 

When using parks and recreational spaces that are opened to the public, residents are advised to take the following precautions. 

 Read and follow all posted guidance at the park or space you are visiting. 

 Stay at least six feet from others at all times. Maintain distance from others while in places people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks. Do not visit areas where you cannot stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times. 

 Visit in small groups limited to immediate household members and avoid gathering with others outside your household. 

 Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to use if soap and water are not available. 

 Visit parks that are close to your home. Traveling long distances to visit a park may contribute to the spread of COVID-19. 

 Avoid playground equipment like slides and swings, outdoor exercise equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces. Refrain from games and activities that require close contact, such as basketball, football, or soccer. Do not share equipment, such as bicycles, helmets, balls, or Frisbees. 

 If you are sick with COVID-19, were recently exposed (within 14 days) to someone with COVID-19, or just don’t feel well, do not visit public areas including parks or recreational facilities. 

Source: How to Stop Glasses From Fogging When Wearing a Face Mask, According to an Ophthalmologist

Source: Reopening Vermont: Officials include dentistry, salons and churches in latest reopening plan

More than 180 nations worldwide have confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The following have the highest number as of 4 a.m. ET*:

1. US 1,577,758 (+1.67%)
2. Russia 317,554 (+2.87%)
3. Brazil 310,087 (+6.35%)
4. UK 252,246 (+1.05%)
5. Spain 233,037 (+0.21%)
6. Italy 228,006 (+0.28%)
7. France 181,951 (+0.14%)
8. Germany 179,021 (+0.27%)
9. Turkey 153,548 (+0.63%)
10. Iran 129,341 (+1.88%)

Source: Johns Hopkins University

*Percentage change over 24 hours

Source: ATV event where man died was illegal, says Lewis County’s manager

Source: Religious gatherings back on in New York | Sun Community News Gov. Cuomo announced Wednesday that religious services can resume, although gatherings would be capped at 10 attendees for now

Source: Meadowbrook Adapts to Life With COVID | Sun Community News As new state guidelines come into effect this week, Meadowbrook prepares for regular testing.

The majestic columns at Peru Elementary School have been repaired and concrete was being poured at their base today.

By John T. Ryan 

There’s only one local primary Democratic Party election in Clinton County. In the City of Plattsburgh there are three candidates vying for the mayoral nomination; however, this week all of Clinton County’s 18,000 registered Democrats should have received unsolicited New York State Presidential Primary Absentee Ballot Applications. 

Mailing 18,000 absentee ballot applications and an unknown number of ballots will cost big bucks. Clinton County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner Mary Dwyer said, “I don’t have the exact figures, but it will cost a lot. We’ve applied and I believe we will receive funds from the federal government’s CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act).”  If for some reason, the CARES Act doesn’t cover the cost, county or state taxpayers will have to assume the burden.  

Historically less than 40% of registered voters cast primary ballots in presidential election years. In 2016, only 39% of Peru’s voters cast ballots. On April 20th the State Democratic Committee actually canceled the presidential primary citing COVID-19 dangers and Joe Biden’s being the presumptive party nominee. Bernie Sanders supporters quickly voiced disapproval fearing Sander’s loss of delegates and influence at the Democratic National Convention. Andrew Yang, another former presidential candidate agreed. He filed a lawsuit contending that the primary cancellation violated candidates’ rights. A U.S. District Court and an Appeals Court concurred with Yang’s argument. Governor Cuomo’s Cuomo Executive  Order 202.23 requires each county board of elections to mail an application to request an application ballot. 

Completed absentee applications must be received by the Board of Elections not later than June 16th.  Applicants were advised to “check temporary illness as the reason if you are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Source: Firefighters warn about leaving hand sanitizer in a hot car

A Peru Central School District News Release 

Peru Central School District will hold its Annual Budget Vote & School Board Election on Tuesday, June 9, 2020.  Due to COVID-19, voting is by absentee ballot only.  There will be no in-person voting on June 9th.  Individuals are eligible to vote if they are (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen years of age or older, (3) a resident within the Peru Central School District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the annual vote and election, and (4) not otherwise prohibited from voting under the provisions of Section 5-106 of the Election Law.

If you are a qualified voter of the District and do not receive a ballot, please call (518) 643-6002.  The ballot will consist of two (2) propositions (budget & bus) and eight (8) candidates running for the two (2) open seats on the Board of Education.

All absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 9, 2020.

A lockbox will be available near the High School Community Room entrance 24/7 for voters who wish to drop off their ballots.

Peru Gazette Editor’s Notes: Envelopes containing two absentee ballots will be mailed to all households having an address in the Peru School District. Only persons meeting the qualifications stated above are permitted to vote. Ballot envelopes must be signed or the votes will not be counted.  The School District will be mailing a newsletter with information on the budget and will be posting information on its website.

The Peru Gazette has sent 8 questions to each School Board candidate. Their responses will be published within the next two to four days.

Weather Permitting
Every Friday a table with boxes of free books will be placed in front of the Peru Free Library.  Each box will be sealed and labeled as to its contents.  We ask that you do not open the boxes.
Just grab and go!

Please pick up boxes one person at a time, while remaining customers wait 6′ apart or in a vehicle.  Please use a cloth face covering.

Thank you!Source: FREE BOOK FRIDAY