The Peru Gazette

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, September 8,  from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. There’s a special bonus during September. Every CVPH drive donor will receive a FREE voucher for a pint of Stewart’s Ice Cream Gelato! 

The blood collected by the Donor Center provides more than 95% of the blood used at CVPH and is used to supply other hospitals in Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the drive. 

As we anticipate the upcoming school year, Father Chris Looby, Pastor of St. Alexander’s, St. Augustine’s, and St. James Parishes, included an important message in this weekend’s parish bulletin.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

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Peru Gazette File Photo

“Cashman Brings Experience and Vision to a Race That Will Replace Retiring Assembly Member Billy Jones”

Democratic Party Press Release, August 29, 2025 – Plattsburgh, NY The Democratic Committee Chairs of Clinton, Franklin, and Essex Counties are pleased to announce that Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman has been selected to be the Democratic nominee for the special election to replace Billy Jones in the NY State Assembly.

Cashman, the youngest town supervisor in Plattsburgh’s history, has been in office for 9 years and brings a record of successful governing to one of the largest towns in the district.  He has a record of on-time budgets, that have been under the tax cap.

Cashman’s outreach to business and political leaders in the North Country makes him an effective leader. His openness also brings government transparency to the Assembly race.

Cashman is running on a platform of affordability, job creation and a commitment to protecting rural healthcare. He’s energized and ready to listen to voters across the 115th district. Democrats in Assembly District 115 are energized and thrilled to support Michael Cashman.

“We spoke with several strong potential candidates, but Michael Cashman stood out. He brings the energy, vision, and experience that the North Country needs right now.  He’s ready to bring people together to make sure North Country voices are heard, and we aren’t left behind.”

Jeff Moore:  Clinton County Democratic Chair

Kathy Fleury:  Franklin County Democratic Chair

Maggie Bartley:  Essex County Democratic Chair

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions

Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Conservation, today announced a drought watch has been issued for 20 New York counties. The action was taken after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

“Even with some recent rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the dry conditions we’ve seen most of the summer this year,” Governor Hochul said. “In order to prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen, we could see local water restrictions in the Long Island, Adirondack, and Great Lakes regions of the state.

A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch. The counties under drought watch are Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Warren, Wayne, and the northern portion of Cayuga County.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “While it’s not mandatory, we’re encouraging everyone who lives in the drought watch areas to do what they can to conserve water during this dry weather. DEC will continue to monitor the conditions and work with our agency partners to address these short-term issues as well as the longer-term impacts of climate change.”

While few public water-supply challenges have been reported due to dry conditions, below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low streamflows, and low groundwater levels prompted the need for action to ensure adequate notice to public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.

The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state.

DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. Observed precipitation over the past 90 days has been less than normal across the affected counties. Stream flows and groundwater levels are below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have declined in certain areas and may not recover in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit.

By voluntarily reducing water usage, and being extra careful with fire and outdoor flames, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources during these dry days of summer.

To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks;
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets;
• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry;
• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly;
• Install water saving plumbing fixtures;
• Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold; and
• Wash cars less frequently.

For more water saving tips, visit DEC’s Water Use & Conservation webpage. For more information about drought in New York, visit DEC’s website.

Private Water Wells

For water wells that may be affected by drought, please see the information and links below. Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for your individual situation.

• Check that the well is dry due to drought and no other issues. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if a well is dry is to measure the water level in the well.
• Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on water wells.
• Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods.
• Clean or redevelop existing wells.
• Deepen existing wells or drill a new well. If drilling a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality.

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

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internet photo

Plattsburgh, August 28, 2025. A positive rabies test result was reported to the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD). A City of Plattsburgh resident contacted the City Police and Animal Control Officer after finding a bat acting strangely in their front yard. The bat was then removed and sent for testing by City personnel. On 8/27/2025 CCHD was informed that test came back positive for the rabies virus, and  immediately contacted USDA and City personnel to investigate. It was confirmed that there were no human or pet exposures in this case. Rabies is a fatal viral infection, usually transmitted by an infected animal’s bite. Humans can be exposed to rabies through a bite or scratch from a bat. The virus is passed through the animal’s saliva.

“If you see a bat enter your home, you can open windows so the bat can escape,” explained Quinn Rufa, Director/Engineer of Environmental Health & Safety at CCHD. “However, if you didn’t see the bat enter, it can be difficult to know if the bat came in contact with a person or pet. Bats can squeeze through very small spaces (1/2 inch thick) and are one of the few wild animals that successfully enter our homes –  potentially bringing the rabies virus with them.”

A person can be bitten by a bat or exposed to its saliva and not know it. Bats have small sharp teeth, which may not leave a visible bite mark, and a bite from a bat during the night may not awaken a sleeping person. You cannot tell if a bat has rabies by looking at it or by the way it acts. The only way to know if an animal has rabies is to send it for testing. In addition to rooms with a person who is sleeping, bats found in a room with an unattended child, someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or someone with a mental disability should also be captured. They might not be able to accurately report if they came into contact with the bat or not. “Though most bats do not have rabies, we know the virus is present in some Clinton County bats,” explained Mr. Rufa. “If a bat is released and not available for testing, we have to assume that it may have been rabid and treat any person or pet who may have been exposed with a post-exposure treatment.”

“For post-exposure treatment to be effective, it must be started before a person experiences symptoms of rabies,” added Mr. Rufa. “We cannot stress enough the importance of capturing the bat.” If you find a bat in your home or camp, and are unsure about whether anyone has come in contact with it, capture the bat without damaging the head and contact your health department. In Clinton County, call 518-565-4870. For a quick video on how to properly capture a bat, visit https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/rabiesprevention.”

Use caution when capturing a bat.

• Close doors, windows and closet doors to keep the bat in the room.

• Turn on the lights if the room is dark.

• Wear gloves (heavy, preferably pliable thick leather) and wait for the bat to land.

• Cover the bat with a coffee can or similar container with a lid.

• Slide a piece of cardboard under the can, trapping the bat.

• While firmly holding the cardboard in place against the top of the can, turn the can right side up.

• Replace the cardboard with the lid (if no lid, tape the cardboard tightly to the can).

• Call your local health department. In Clinton County, call 518-565-4870.

Residents are encouraged to be proactive and take steps to keep bats out of their homes. Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate, so these are the best times to bat-proof your home. Look for holes that might allow bats to enter and seal any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch. Use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics, and ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.

Avoid bat-proofing from May through August. If there are young bats in your attic, many of them can’t fly and keeping the adults out will trap the young who will die or try to make their way into your rooms.

In addition to bat-proofing, it is important to remember that pets, including indoor cats, must be vaccinated against rabies. New York State Public Health Law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets over four months old to be vaccinated. “Vaccinating your pets is one of the best ways to protect your family from rabies,” urged Mr. Rufa. “CCHD offers free vaccine clinics several times each year. To see upcoming clinics visit https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/rabiesclinics.”

For more information on the rabies virus, visit https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/nc_healtheffect/rabies.pdf.

Click here for Leeward’s obituary 

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Lane Closures Suspended from Friday, August 29 at 6:00 a.m. to Tuesday, September 2 at 6:00 a.m.

Motorists Urged To Slow Down and Move Over for All Vehicles

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, to ease travel throughout Labor Day weekend. Suspension of roadside construction during a weekend of increased traffic also helps protect the safety of highway workers, including those in organized labor, during a holiday that honors the ideals of the labor movement. Read more »

Gov. Hochul Press Release – August 27, 2025– The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) surpassed $3.4 billion in executed financial assistance agreements for 328 local water infrastructure projects across the State during State Fiscal Year 2025 — a 55 percent increase in year-to-year funding. This record investment is making crucial projects affordable for New Yorkers and empowering local communities to undertake critical drinking water and sewer projects. These projects improve water quality, safeguard public health and the environment, support local economic growth, and contribute an estimated 30,000 good-paying jobs. These numbers reinforce EFC’s critical role as New York State’s water infrastructure bank.

“With EFC’s record $3.4 billion investment, along with millions in additional State funds from partner state agencies, New York is delivering on its promise of affordable, reliable and safe water for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re transforming communities, protecting public health and ensuring every New Yorker can count on clean, safe water without breaking the bank.”

EFC’s historic investment was made possible by Governor Hochul’s continued grant funding commitments for clean water, and federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This financial support bolstered the State Revolving Funds and accelerated progress on essential clean water and drinking water projects, supporting public health, environmental protection and resilience in communities statewide.

The State Revolving Funds are New York’s primary financial mechanism for advancing its clean water goals, providing financing and grants to local governments. State Revolving Fund interest rates are below market rate, and with long repayment periods, communities may save significantly on debt service compared to traditional financing. Repayments of principal and interest to EFC provide recurring revenue to EFC so it can offer financing to additional communities to rehabilitate, replace and modernize aging infrastructure in the State.

EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Surpassing $3.4 billion in financial assistance this year reflects the leadership of Governor Hochul and EFC in delivering high-impact, cost-effective solutions for New York’s water infrastructure. Our ability to turn every federal dollar into three dollars through strategic leveraging means we’re not just investing more — we’re making projects affordable for communities, accelerating progress, and delivering lasting results across the state.”

Through strategic, innovative financing, EFC delivers a 300 percent return on investment on the federal capitalization grants to the State Revolving Funds. For every federal dollar invested, New York turns that into $3, through state matching funds, bond sales, and loan repayments — maximizing federal impact and fast-tracking progress toward clean, resilient communities.

Fully funded State Revolving Funds are necessary for New York to be prepared to meet the ongoing need for communities to repair, rehabilitate and modernize aging infrastructure in the future. Access to affordable financing increases investment in water infrastructure, which can prevent costly catastrophic system failures and alleviate pressure on utilities to raise rates, providing relief to many families already struggling to pay their water bills.

This record-setting $3.4 billion investment reflects the cumulative impact of project funding announcements made by Governor Hochul following each meeting of EFC’s Board of Directors from April 2024 through March 2025. These regular milestones marked key moments of progress, authorizing municipal access to funding. Each project was added to EFC’s Project Impact Dashboard upon execution of a funding agreement, allowing the public to track local benefits.

EFC’s annual Program Metrics Report highlights the impact and momentum toward the Governor’s clean water goals, ensuring that communities across New York are empowered to deliver safe, affordable, and modern water infrastructure for generations to come. Highlights of this year’s report include: Read more »

Area businesses, organizations and donors integral to maintaining adequate blood supply 

Plattsburgh, NY – With the tremendous support of many area businesses and organizations, the Adirondack Blood Center, a program of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) has planned several blood drives in September in support of its mission to maintain an adequate blood supply for the North Country. 

Patients at CVPH, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, Elizabethtown Community Hospital (including Ticonderoga) and Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake benefit from the generous donations collected at these drives and at the Adirondack Regional Blood Donor Center. The donor center is located at 85 Plaza Blvd. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Walk ins are welcome. 

“Every donation of blood to our program makes a life-saving difference to patients – people who are our friends and neighbors – in the North Country,” explained Laboratory Manager Shannon Nutbrown.

The Sept. schedule is as follows: 

• Tues., Sept. 2, Brushton-Moira American Legion, 26 Sayles Rd., Moira, 4 to 7 pm
• Wed., Sept. 3, Essex County Sheriff’s Department 702 Stowersville Rd., Lewis,
  1 to 4 pm
• Thurs. Sept. 4, North Country Community College, Ticonderoga Campus,
  11 Hawkeye Trail, Ticonderoga, 11am to 3 pm
• Monday Sept. 8, St. Augustine Parish Center, 3035 Main St., Peru, 3 to 6:30 pm
• Tues. Sept. 9, American Legion Chateaugay, Route 11, Chateaugay, 4 to 7 pm
• Wed. Sept. 10, Alice Hyde Medical Center, 133 Park St., Malone, 11 am to 3 pm
• Thurs. Sept. 11, Beekmantown Fire Department, 6978 Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm
• Tues.  Sept. 16, St. Edmunds Church Hall, Route 11, Ellenburg Depot, 4 to 7 pm
• Wed. Sept. 17, Franklin County Court House, 355 West Main St., Malone, 10 am to 1pm
• Thurs. Sept. 18, Cumberland 12 Cinemas, 18 North Bowl Lane, 4 to 8 pm
• Mon. Sept. 22, West Chazy Fire Department, Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm
• Tues Sept. 23, St. Lawrence County Human Services Center, 80 Highway 310, Canton, noon to 3 pm
• Wed. Sept. 24, FCI Ray Brook, 128 Ray Brook Rd., Ray Brook, 12:30 to 4 pm
• Thurs. Sept. 25, Altona Fire Department, Devils Den Road, Altona, 4:30 to 8:30 pm
• Fri., Sept. 26, Clinton County Government Center, First Floor Meeting Room, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Mon., Sept. 29, CVPH, Medical Arts Building, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 214 Cornelia St., 7 am to noon
• Tues., Sept. 30, Malone Callfiremen Station, 37 Finney Blvd., Malone, 2 to 6 pm

Blood donors must be at least 16 years-old (16- and 17-year-old donors must have written parental/guardian consent), in general good health and weigh at least 110 lbs. A screening questionnaire addressing personal medical, social and travel history is completed prior to donating and a donor card or another form of valid identification is also required. Donors must wait 56 days between donations.

Learn more about the Adirondack Regional Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call 518-562-7406.

Fred Beck of Peru, NY is a team member 

POTSDAM, NY (08/27/2025)– Clarkson University’s Rocketry Team achieved an impressive 21st-place finish out of more than 90 universities at the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC).

The team’s rocket reached an altitude of 10,350 feet, surpassing the competition’s target of 10,000 feet. This milestone demonstrates both precision engineering and the dedication of the students involved.

Team members include Matt Barnhart of Dover, MA; Sigmond Kukla of Pittsburgh, PA; Coby Roberts of Buffalo, NY, Morgan Mitskovski of Orchard Park, NY, Alex Rosmarino of Gloversville, NY; Dan Galko of Austin, TX; Anthony Halliday of Kattskill Bay, NY; Hailey Meagher of Harrisville, NY; Lucas Monroe of Walworth, NY; Fred Beck of Peru, NY; Elena Goldman of North Tonawanda, NY, Levi Stauffer of Nicholville, NY, and Alex Black of Alexandria, VA.

IREC brings together university teams from around the world to design, build, and launch high-powered rockets, testing engineering skill, teamwork, and innovation. Clarkson’s strong showing highlights the university’s commitment to hands-on learning and student-driven research.

Clarkson University is a proven leader in technological education, research, innovation and sustainable economic development. With its main campus in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Clarkson faculty have a direct impact on more than 7,800 students annually through nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate STEM designated degrees in engineering, business, science and health professions; executive education, industry-relevant credentials and K-12 STEM programs. Alumni earn salaries among the top 2% in the nation: one in five already leads in the c-suite. To learn more go to www.clarkson.edu.

The cuts meant 13 staffers lost their jobs, according to CEO Vijay Singh. He called the layoffs “heartbreaking” but necessary for the station’s survival.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Plattsburgh, NY – 8/27/2025 – The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that Clinton County’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate its strength and importance to the regional economy, according to the newly released Economic Impact of Tourism in New York 2024 report prepared by Tourism Economics for I Love NY.

In 2024, visitor spending in Clinton County reached $205 million, representing a 6.5% increase over 2023. Tourism supported 2,144 local jobs across sectors such as lodging, dining, retail, recreation, and transportation, and generated $23.6 million in state and local tax revenues.

“Tourism is a pillar for Clinton County’s economy, fueling small businesses, supporting jobs, and contributing to the vitality of our communities,” said Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. “This growth reflects the ongoing impact of strategic marketing efforts, events like bass fishing tournaments, and our strong relationship with Canadian and regional visitors.”

The report highlights that Clinton County led the Adirondack region in year-over-year growth, outpacing neighboring counties with a 6.5% increase in visitor spending compared to the Adirondack regional average of 4.5%.

Key 2024 Highlights for Clinton County:

• $205 million in direct visitor spending
• 6.5% year-over-year growth, the highest in the Adirondack region
• 2,144 jobs supported by tourism (6.7% of total county employment)
• $23.6 million in state and local taxes generated, saving each household an estimated $710 annually

Key 2024 Highlights for New York State:

• 315.4 million visitors statewide, up 3.0% over 2023
• $94.0 billion in visitor spending statewide, a 6.7% increase from 2023
• $145.2 billion total economic impact after accounting for indirect and induced effects
• 741,852 jobs supported by the tourism industry across New York
• $11.4 billion in state and local tax revenues generated, saving each household an average of $1,490

“Every dollar spent by visitors multiplies through our local economy—supporting restaurants, hotels, attractions, and shops across the county,” added Kennedy. “As we continue investing in tourism marketing, we look forward to building on this momentum.”

Full report here. REPORT

The full 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism in New York report was prepared by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, for Empire State Development / I LOVE NY.

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in coordination with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for projects that interpret, highlight, and showcase human interaction with the natural world.

Awarded projects should highlight the Conservation & Community Interpretive Theme as described by the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) Management Plan, as well as support the “Biosphere in Your Backyard” campaign developed by the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network (CABN).

The CVNHP is particularly interested in projects that focus on any of the following topics:

• Natural Heritage and a Sense of Place: Natural Communities of Plants and Animals, Soils; Perceptions of Wild and Settled Lands

• People on the Land: Towns, Villages, Hamlets, and Rural Settlement; Agriculture and Farm Life

• A Changing Landscape: Forests and Forestry, Industrial Growth, Sheep Farming Boom, Dairy Industry, Post War Development, Skiing

• Conservation Lands Movement: State Parks, Adirondack Park, Green Mountain National Forest, Farm Bureaus, Watershed Associations, Land Trusts

• Modern Markets: Contemporary Agriculture and Forestry, Farmer’s Markets, Local Foods Movement

• Sustainability: From Subsistence to Specialization, Energy Conservation, Greening of the Economy, Habitat Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry

“Our region is rich in stories of human connection the landscape, both past and present,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the CVNHP and LCBP. “The Conservation & Community Interpretive Theme and ‘Biosphere in Your Backyard’ campaign provide a framework for interpreting the many ways in which people have interacted with the land and waters of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Area.”

Approximately $40,000 in funding is available to support awarded projects, and grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization. Read more »

L-R JoAnne Beaudry, educator at the RISE Center for Success, (middle), and Simone Lutz (left) and Alison Brown (right), Co-chairs of the Educator Awards Committee (Northeastern Zone RENY).

This past June, the Northeastern Zone of the Retired Educators of New York (RENY) awarded the Hudson-Kramer Memorial Grant to JoAnne Beaudry for her project, “Intensive Therapeutic Support Program Snowshoe Teambuilding”. This $2000 award will be used to purchase a class set of snowshoes which will be used by some of the high school and middle school students at the RISE Center for Success at CVES in Plattsburgh. 

This grant honors Ross Hudson and Florence Coulter Kramer, dedicated and devoted members of RENY. This $2000 award is offered by RENY every other year to area educators in public schools in the Northeastern Zone’s region, which includes school districts in Clinton County, NY, and parts of Essex County, NY. The Northeastern Zone also offers the Kramer Memorial Educator Award of $1000 in alternating years. Information about these awards may be found on the NEZ website (https://www.renynez.com). Application information is sent to eligible districts in early March. 

Click here for the NCPR story 

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – The Peru Town Board conducted a brief 35-minute meeting on Monday, August 25. Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass chaired the meeting.

The board authorized spending just over $242,000 in the town’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) monies to pave the Allen Hill Road from the Rod and Gun Club to the River Road sharp corner, and 4,000 feet of River Road to Donahue Road.

After Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that NYSEG continues to study the Telegraph Road power pole relocation issue, the board expressed its frustration. They can’t comprehend why NYSEG is resisting temporarily relocating the poles, given that the road has been closed for months, and two involved property owners are open to temporary relocation. Town Attorney Matt Favro recommended that the board request that NYSEG send a representative to a town board meeting to explain the situation. The board concurred with Favro’s recommendation.  

Dog Control Officer T’Chaka Sikelianos commented on the dog tethering controversy in our region. He stated that he opposes laws such as the one recently approved by the Town of Plattsburgh, believing that existing laws addressing animal cruelty and negligence are more effective than tethering laws. He noted that the American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes arbitrary tethering bans. No board member voiced disagreement with Sikelianos’ comments. 

Greg Badger, the artist who created the Peru history artwork at Heyworth Mason Park, informed the board on August 24 that he had learned $5,000 in New York State grant money is available for similar community art projects; however, the town would have to apply by August 31. After a lengthy discussion, the board authorized Pam Barber to determine if she has time to complete the application process before the deadline. Greg Badger said he believes similar grants will reopen in the not-too-distant future.

In other actions, the board: 

Approved hiring Rosenbaum and Culling to appraise the property that the town purchased as a staging area for the wastewater treatment plant project. The Environmental Facilities Corporation will reimburse the town at the certified appraised property value. The town paid $65,000 for the property. Its assessed value is $48,000. The appraisal will cost $1,700.

Approved renewing its MOU with the Clinton County WIC Program.