The Peru Gazette

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New York Anglers Encouraged to Get Outside Safely, Practice Social Distancing during COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

State Stocking More than 2.2 Million Catchable-Size Trout in New York Waters

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded New Yorkers that trout and salmon fishing season opens on Wednesday, April 1. New York’s coldwater lakes and streams offer springtime trout anglers the opportunity to pursue trout in a wide array of settings across the state. During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature while angling in New York’s waters is a great way to help maintain mental and physical health.

Commissioner Seggos said, “Fishing is good for the mind and body. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo continues to invest in ensuring New York’s renowned fisheries remain healthy and productive. While this winter’s mild conditions offered ample opportunities for hardcore or novice trout and salmon anglers to pursue their favorite gamefish on waters open to year-round fishing, springtime remains the main event. Water temperatures are rising, causing trout to feed more aggressively, and present a perfect opportunity for anglers. I encourage all anglers, novice and expert, to get outside and fish, but act responsibly by practicing social distancing and staying safe.”

New York’s diverse and abundant trout and salmon fishing results in a cumulative five million days spent fishing the state’s freshwater fisheries and contributing economically to local communities. Anglers looking forward to pursuing stocked trout can visit the DEC website to find a complete list of this spring’s planned trout stocking for 2.27 million catchable-size brook, brown, and rainbow trout in 307 lakes and ponds and roughly 2,845 miles of streams across the state.

Spring stockings will include 1.68 million brown trout, 424,860 rainbow trout, and 156,970 brook trout. Approximately 98,000 two-year-old brown trout 13-14 inches in length are included in the brown trout total. Nearly 1.6 million yearling lake trout, steelhead, landlocked salmon, splake, and coho salmon will be also be stocked by DEC this spring to provide exciting angling opportunities over the next several years. Almost 307,000 brook trout fingerlings will be stocked in more than 300 Adirondack lakes and ponds this spring and fall to provide unique angling opportunities for future years.

On many waters, due to the constraints imposed by the recent discovery of zebra mussels at Rome Fish Hatchery, anglers can expect to find some species substitutions and changes in trout numbers compared to what was stocked in 2019. Additional information about DEC’s strategic response to the discovery of this aquatic invasive species at the Rome Fish Hatchery and the impact on spring trout stocking is available on DEC’s website. The list of waters stocked with trout in past years is available on the DEC website.

Robust populations of wild trout in waters ranging from small headwater streams to large rivers like the Upper Delaware offer outstanding fishing opportunities for anglers ready to test their skills. Trout fishing is a sport that can be readily combined with a hike or paddle and lead to a truly memorable outdoor experience.

Governor Cuomo created the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in the state.

Under Governor Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative (PDF, 10.57 MB), DEC is also making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources and boost local economies. This initiative is supporting improvements ranging from enhancements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds and hiking trails. To date, a total of $17 million in NY Works funding has been allocated to infrastructure repair and modernization of DEC’s hatchery system.

While enjoying the outdoors, please continue to follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines (leaves DEC’s website) for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:

• Try to keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others.
• Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, and kissing.
• Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and playground equipment.

When fishing, DEC recommends avoiding busy waters and following the guidelines on DEC’s website about fishing responsibly in New York State. If an angler arrives at a parking lot and there are several cars, they should consider going to another parking lot. If an angler is fishing upstream, they should fish downstream of the other angler or consider fishing another day. Anglers fishing from boats should be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another. For more information about the benefits of being outdoors safely and responsibly, go to DEC’s website.

To further limit the community spread of COVID-19, DEC is encouraging hunters, trappers, and anglers to purchase sporting licenses online. Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time, and anglers may use their privileges immediately by simply carrying their transaction number (DEC-LS#) with them while afield. Anglers, hunters, and trappers may also use the HuntFishNY mobile app to display an electronic copy of their license. The HuntFishNY app is available for download through the Apple App or Google Play stores. Back tags and carcass tags must still be mailed, and customers should allow 10-14 days for receipt of their tags. Please visit our website for more information about sporting licenses.

From Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald 

(((Please share))) It’s sad I would ever have to post something like this these days!! But I just received a text from a person I know good that lives on the Barney Downs Road here in Peru !! With the fresh snow on the ground from Monday night they saw at least 2 fresh sets of tracks in the snow all around their house and their parents house !!! Please keep a eye out around town and the back roads!!! With so many people home these days something like this may not always end well!!! I have also let Law-Enforcement know.

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[Glens Falls, NY] – Due to current circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Adirondack Health Institute’s Enrollment Assistance Services and Education (EASE) team has stopped seeing clients in person, however, continues to offer free health insurance enrollment assistance via telephone.

In addition, NY State of Health has opened a special enrollment period for uninsured individuals who need to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan. The period runs through April 15. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan is open year-round.

If you or someone you know lives in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, or Washington counties needs enrollment assistance, call 1.866.872.3740, or visit the EASE web page at https://ahihealth.org/ease/appointment-request/ to request a free telephone appointment.

Adirondack Health Institute (AHI) is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization licensed under the New York State Public Health Law as an Article 28 Central Services Facility. Since 1987, the organization has supported hospitals, physician practices, behavioral health providers, community-based organizations and others in the region in sharing our vision and mission of transforming health care and improving population health. A joint venture of Adirondack Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, St. Lawrence Health System, and the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Adirondack Health Institute’s mission is to create transformative initiatives to improve access to health care services allowing the residents   of the Adirondack region to realize their full potential and live a healthy life. For more information, please visit www.ahihealth.org.

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Homemade Pea Soup
Chicken Salad or Egg Salad Sandwiches
Apple Crisp

Take-Out Only

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The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, March 9, 2020 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor-Excused; Mr. James Douglass, Deputy Supervisor; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber; Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman and Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent;  Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer. 

The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the February 24, 2020 meeting.   Ayes 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Irwin to include the reports from the following departments into the official record of tonight’s meeting.  (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO and Banking Reports).  No JCEO or Code/ Zoning Reports submitted

Ayes 4   Nays 0                                            Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions Read more »

Source: Stefanik says U.S. military should open hospitals in North Country | NCPR News

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, and Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia requesting comprehensive resources and guidance for communities across New York State to address the impact that COVID-19 will have on the ability for migrant workers to access the H-2A visa program. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many embassies and consulates have closed. Farms and businesses that depend on work visa program to meet their labor needs are facing uncertainty as they approach the 2020 season. This letter, signed by members of the New York Congressional Delegation, requests information on federal efforts that will be undertaken in the coming weeks to maintain accessible guidance for participants in work-based immigrant visa programs.

“Our farmers are facing an unprecedented challenge in keeping America’s food supply chain secure during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The farms and businesses in the North Country who rely on work visa programs to fill their labor gap need answers. I have heard from many farmers about the strain that uncertainty in the workforce will place on their ability to have successful growing and planting seasons. I will continue to call on the administration to find solutions and support our farmers through this trying time.”