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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

Recent Comments

Local School Districts Closing Until At Least April 19th

From the Office of Dr. Mark Davey, District Superintendent of Champlain Valley Educational Services:

Champlain Valley Educational Services BOCES and its 16 component school districts unanimously decided to close schools immediately until at least April 19, 2020. The districts, in collaboration with the county Health Departments, will remain in regular communication to assess the situation.

These are uncertain times, and the challenges which we collectively face are new and ever-changing. At the onset of this pandemic, the guidance for public schools in New York State directed that school closure would be decreed by either local public health officials, the Commissioner of Education, or the Governor, following any affirmative COVID-19 test results. More recently however, in an effort to proactively limit the spread of this virus, school districts and BOCES regions have begun announcing preemptive closures. CVES BOCES and its 16 school superintendents met with local public health officials this morning and decided unanimously to close all schools in the Champlain Valley Educational Services BOCES region effective immediately. The directors from both county health departments strongly recommended this measure.

An extension of this closure is certainly possible, and discussion with local public health officials will continue. Any change in duration of this closure will be communicated to you as soon as possible. This closure will encompass the April school recess.

This action has not been taken lightly. It is fully understood that this closure will create hardships for families, and each district will continue to support our community as best as possible throughout this situation. There are no confirmed cases in either Clinton or Essex Counties at this time. Nonetheless, in an effort to best protect our students and our neighbors, we believe that these measures, though not convenient, are necessary.

Each School Superintendent will share information with their parents, guardians, and students regarding the possible delivery of instruction throughout this extended closure. Each school district has a plan in-place for the ongoing delivery of various non-instructional services, such as student nutrition, mental health supports, etc. These plans will vary between districts, and you can also expect notification on these details in the coming days. Naturally, all school extracurricular activities (athletics, clubs, events, etc.) are cancelled or postponed during this closure.

Dr. Mark Davey, CVES District Superintendent said, “We are appreciative of both Clinton and Essex county Health Departments working closely with CVES BOCES and the superintendents of our component school districts on this action. CVES and our 16 school districts will be working to provide you with further information as it becomes available. We would also like to recognize the role that the parents and guardians of all area students will assume in the coming days in partnering with your school district in continuing the education of our students.”

As we navigate this unprecedented event, certain communication channels will surely prove more effective than others. We encourage the use of email as much as possible to contact school district personnel at this time.

Governor Cuomo’s Coronavirus Update

https://www.facebook.com/GovernorAndrewCuomo/videos/797536340737348/?v=797536340737348&notif_id=1584290999996272&notif_t=live_video_share

Price Chopper will close 24-hour supermarkets overnight to restock, clean amid coronavirus pandemic – syracuse.com

Source: Price Chopper will close 24-hour supermarkets overnight to restock, clean amid coronavirus pandemic – syracuse.com

A message from the Peru Fire Department

“To our fellow residents:
 
Our members will continue to be available to respond to emergencies but we are asking you to please follow these precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
If you are quarantined (mandatory or self-imposed) in your home due to possible or confirmed COVID-19 exposure, PLEASE notify 911 when you call and advise the dispatcher.
We ask that you place a sign/note on your front door to alert our firefighters to take infection-prevention precautions before entering your home or business.
We need to protect our crews so that they will be able to continue to meet the emergency needs of the community. Elsewhere, there have been entire fire companies quarantined after they have responded to quarantined homes and were not alerted before entering. Those first responders are now unavailable to help anyone for at least 14 days.
 
In our department we cannot afford to have this happen and being VOLUNTEER we do not want to take it home to our families.
 
Wash your hands and be safe.
 
Thank you for your understanding.”

Masses are being said at parishes in the Diocese of Ogdensburg

Masses are being said at parishes in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. The Archdiocese of New York does NOT include the Ogdensburg Diocese.

Statement from Bishop LaValley Regarding Mass Attendance During the Coronavirus Outbreak

In light of the serious health risks to vulnerable populations, and mindful of the instructions of medical professionals, the Bishops of New York State have urged the faithful to use their prudential judgment on whether or not to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days during the coronavirus outbreak. This is in keeping with the teaching of the Church, which has always exempted those with serious medical issues which would prohibit them from attending Mass, as well as for all people in times of general emergencies. This is especially true during this coronavirus outbreak, particularly for adults over the age of 60, people with underlying medical conditions, and family members of such individuals, who should take special care in discerning the best course of action.

Masses throughout the Diocese of Ogdensburg will continue to be offered at this time, contingent on emergency restrictions regarding large gatherings. We are taking steps to make attendance at Mass safe for those who attend. Additionally, to those choosing not to attend Mass due to illness or having an underlying condition, Bishop LaValley hereby grants a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass beginning immediately and continuing until further notice. Persons with underlying health conditions are especially encouraged to remain at home at this time. Those who do attend Mass are reminded that they should follow the guidelines in place, such as receiving Holy Communion reverently in the hand, not receiving the Precious Blood, being sure to wash hands/use sanitizer before and after Mass, and avoiding physical contact with or close proximity to other persons.

Additionally, at this time, we are asking pastors to ensure good and regular cleaning of surfaces that are touched regularly (such as door handles), that ministers of the Eucharist exercise good hygiene (washing or sanitizing their hands prior to distributing Holy Communion), and that holy water fonts are emptied. During Mass, the sign of peace will not be announced or exchanged. If the parish has the habit of holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer, this practice should be halted at this time. We ask all participants to refrain from shaking hands before, during or after Mass. A complete listing of precautions can be found our diocesan website via a link on the diocesan homepage.

Those who will not attend Mass can follow the Mass on radio, television, or online where possible. This includes The Catholic Channel on Sirius XM (10:15 a.m. EDT from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and 1:00 p.m. EDT from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels), and the Mass from St. Mary’s Cathedral at 8:00am Sunday on WQTK 92.7 FM, and television broadcasts (8:00am and 12:00pm on EWTN, 9:00am from St. Andre Bessette Parish, Malone, on Spectrum and 11:00am and 8:00pm from St. Bernard’s Church, Saranac Lake, on Spectrum).

All are urged to keep in prayer those who are suffering from the coronavirus, as well as for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all those who are working to combat the disease.

NEW: School districts (Excluding Clinton County) across the North Country to close amidst coronavirus concerns | NCPR News

Source: NEW: School districts across the North Country to close amidst coronavirus concerns | NCPR News

As of today the Peru Central School District is open and operating on its regular schedule

Peru Central School District
·
A Message From Dr. Thomas Palmer:

We are aware of the rumors that are circulating around the community about school staying in session. At this time, we are open and operating on our regular schedule. If anything changes, staff, students, and community members will be notified by district administration through our normal avenues of communication.

State Corrections suspends prison visit over COVID-19 concerns | wgrz.com

Source: State Corrections suspends prison visit over COVID-19 concerns | wgrz.com

Clinton County Historical Association has postponed all CCHA sponsored events in March and April

Out of respect for the warnings health officials have issued regarding CORVID-19 and concern for our members and the public attending our meetings, the Clinton County Historical Association has postponed all CCHA sponsored events in March and April.  Additionally, we have closed the CCHA Museum to the public until further notice. Inquiries can be submitted to director@clintoncountyhistorical.org or by calling 518-561-0340.

CCHA Executive Committee

March 13, 2020

Today’s K of C Corned Beef Dinner Canceled

The Peru Knights of Columbus Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner scheduled for today (Saturday) has been canceled. 

Library Book Sales In Progress Till 3 PM

The Peru Free Library Book Sale is on until 3 p.m. today (Saturday). There’s huge selection of fiction and non-fiction along with free Rulfs donuts and Stewart’s coffee.

Magic Hat Cancels Mardi Gras Celebration; Flynn Cancels Season: Latest Arts-Related Coronavirus News Updates in Vermont | Live Culture

Source: Magic Hat Cancels Mardi Gras Celebration; Flynn Cancels Season: Latest Arts-Related Coronavirus News Updates in Vermont | Live Culture

Clinton County Health Department Interim Guidance for Large Gatherings and Public Spaces During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Effective March 13, 2020 at 5:00PM, organizers hosting large gatherings must postpone or cancel any events with in-person attendance of more than 500 participants.

Effective March 13, 2020 at 5:00PM, private and public operators of establishments or organizers of events with fewer than 500 occupants or attendees must operate at no more than 50% of their maximum occupancy.

March 13, 2020

Background:

In December 2019, a new respiratory disease called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected in China. COVID-19 is caused by a virus (SARS-CoV-2) that is part of a large family of viruses called coronaviruses. Recently, community-wide transmission of COVID-19 has occurred in the United States, including New York where the number of both persons under investigation and confirmed cases are rapidly increasing.

It is therefore directed that any gathering with 500 or more participants be cancelled or postponed. This guidance is intended to determine whether or not a gathering of 500 or fewer participants can safely continue during the outbreak period.

This guidance is not intended for governmental, medical, educational, retail spaces, or mass transportation facilities, including but not limited to:

page1image1035153232 page1image1035153488

  • Schools,
  • Libraries,
  • Government Buildings,
  • Hospitals,
  • Residential Health CareFacilities,

• Retail Establishments, including: o Grocery Stores,

o Pharmacies,
• Public Transit Facilities:

o Trains/Railway Stations, o Subway Terminals, and
o Buses and Bus Terminals.

Large gatherings and public spaces within the scope of this guidance include, but are not limited to:

page1image1035207456

  • Theaters,
  • Auditoriums,
  • Concerts,
  • Conferences,
  • Worship services,

• Sporting events,
• Restaurants,
• Bars,
• Gaming establishments, and • Physical fitness centers.

Members of the public who are sick with COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, troubled breathing) or susceptible to infectious illnesses (e.g. older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes) should not attend large gatherings.

page1image1035281936

Read more »

Sewer upgrade to be done in two phases; Highway Dept. may get a deputy superintendent position & other issues

By John T. Ryan

The March 9, 2020 Peru Town Board meeting was chaired by Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass. Supervisor Brandy McDonald was on vacation.

Plans are moving forward on Peru’s sewer system upgrade project; however, there’s been a change of plans. The project will be done in two phases – Maiden Lane and Elm Street in 2020 and Elm St. in 2021. Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said the Town has been unable to reach an acceptable easement agreement with a Sanborn Lane property owner meaning the pump station serving Elm St. will have to be reengineered and relocated. Hopefully bids on phase #1 will be let in early April with construction beginning in June. The change may entail additional costs. A sewer system upgrade workshop was scheduled for Monday, April 9 at 6 p.m.

It appears the Highway Department may have a new position. Superintendent Michael Farrell proposed converting the group supervisor’s position to deputy superintendent. Calling it a safety net Farrell explained that if something happened to him or if he had to be absent for such things as a family medical emergency the deputy would have the legal authority to make purchases, sign the payroll and lead the department. He said several other local highway departments have this position and that a pay increase would not be required unless the Board decided to so. No counselor expressed opposition to the proposal which would require job description approval by the county and state. Farrell indicated he would like to appoint Lloyd Provost to the position.

Farrell also reported meeting with Assemblyman Billy Jones and Senator Betty Little when he made his CHIPS (Consolidated Highway Improvement Program) lobbying trip to Albany. One of his major concerns is funding major culvert replacements which cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Farrell would like to see major project financing removed from the tax cap requirements. He indicated Assemblyman Jones agreed with his proposal.

At the Board’s February 24th meeting Councilman Kregg Bruno suggested that the Youth Commission conduct more winter youth programs. Responding to a Peru Gazette question Youth Councilman Rick Barber said, “I spoke with John Flynn and Greg Mills and they said we have the biggest turnout (53 kids) at Whiteface as far as kids go.” Kregg Bruno commented, “I had my numbers wrong. Mr. Mills does a nice job running that program. The winter’s almost over. We might be able to get more programs going next year.”

Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglas commented the Town of Peru should be proud of Dan Lennon and Charles Remillard who qualified and participated in the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta, GA. Douglass called it a great accomplishment.

Councilman Bruno said the Town should also take great pride in Peru High School graduate Jordan Bushey who recently won the National Junior College Association’s 174 pound National Wrestling Championship.

 

First major part of NY Thruway’s $355M cashless system installed near Syracuse (video) – syracuse.com

Source: First major part of NY Thruway’s $355M cashless system installed near Syracuse (video) – syracuse.com

Email just received from a friend in Northern Italy:

Updated 5:14 p.m.

Limit your exposure and contact… keep a distance between you and the next person…wash your hands and don’t touch your face.

We are in complete lock down. Remain home. However, we can still go to our local grocery store for a brief shop. Can’t go cross into another community/town. I went today for the first time in weeks. All customers wearing masks and employees were not as they are not that effective and they promote fear. And once again, exercise the above guidelines. There is no room for panic and fear. It was like a funeral…no one talking lots of sadness and I was just excited to do something normal for 15 minutes.

The message is to REMAIN HOME…literally allowed only to frequent the local grocery store or pharmacy, for now.  Can’t cross town lines.   Fines and even arrests if caught. It is quiet, sad and dark. If you have a job not in the hospitality/restaurant/bar/shop sector…meaning office or manufacturing you need certification/paperwork to go to work…if you get pulled over you better have documentation or big trouble meaning the fines and arrests like mentioned previously.

Bishop of Ogdensburg issues statement related to the coronavirus

The Diocese of Ogdensburg is actively following the directives of public health officials to ensure all diocesan parishes, schools, ministries and charities are responding appropriately to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Masses throughout the Diocese of Ogdensburg will continue to be offered at this time, contingent on emergency restrictions regarding large gatherings. Additionally, to those choosing not to attend Mass due to illness or having an underlying condition, Bishop LaValley hereby grants a dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass beginning immediately and continuing until further notice.

To see Bishop LaValley’s full statement and current diocesan directives that relate to the virus, please visit https://www.rcdony.org/COVID-19.

Cuomo: Requirement to have 180 school days waived; decision to close up to districts – syracuse.com

Source: Cuomo: Requirement to have 180 school days waived; decision to close up to districts – syracuse.com

A message from Hill and Hollow Music

Dear Friends,

With deep regret – but also with a good measure of relief – we must inform you that Jazz at the Fire Hall March 20-22 has been cancelled. It has taken the better part of a week for our drama to play out and point us in the right direction. We’ve had many discussions with our artists, trustees, friends, and colleagues, and we have followed the rapid progress of the virus and noted the actions of many organizations in the region and beyond.

Tim Collins was not able to fly over from Germany (he was attempting to finagle a flight from the UK, but wasn’t sure he’d even be able to return to Europe); several other of the jazz musicians have likely been exposed to the coronavirus in infected areas (Montreal, New York City, Los Angeles). The whole scenario was just too risky for our precious Hill and Hollow Music family and the greater community. It is the sincere hope and expectation of all parties to re-schedule the concerts later on, once the crisis turns the corner.

Angela Brown

North Country’s rural community could see slower spread of COVID-19 | NCPR News

Source: North Country’s rural community could see slower spread of COVID-19 | NCPR News

Reinforcing Ticonderoga – Adirondack Explorer

Source: Reinforcing Ticonderoga – Adirondack Explorer

Peru K of C Bingo Cancelled Until Further Notice

 

Peru – Seeking to safeguard the health of our bingo patrons, workers and community the Peru Knights of Columbus Tuesday night bingo is cancelled until further notice. We pray that the Coronavirus crisis is resolved soon.

Assemblyman Jones calls for limiting visitation to New York Correctional Facilities

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, I am calling on the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to follow the same course as institutions across the state and temporarily suspend visitation practices to our State Correctional facilities. This will ensure that we protect the well-being of correctional officers, civilian staff, inmates and their family members.

To ensure that we take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19, we must take sensible safety precautions. Several states across our nation have taken similar action, and I believe it is time for New York to do so as well. Therefore, I am respectfully requesting that for the time being, we limit visitation until further notice in facilities across the state until it is determined that this virus is no longer a threat. I am in constant contact with state agencies to ensure this happens.

U.S. Census letters are arriving via U.S. Mail to be completed by April 1

Received 2020 United States letter in the mail today. Responses are submitted online. It took four minutes to complete for a two-person household.

Don’t forget the Fire Dept. Car Wash on Saturday

 

Peru Fire Department
Is your car dirty? We can help! Car Wash Saturday, March 14th. 8am – noon. $5 donation