The Peru Gazette

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft proposal for their new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which rendered all of New York ineligible for the $16 billion allocated in Phase I of the plan to expand high-speed broadband access. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik called the Chairman of the FCC directly and sent a bipartisan letter with the New York delegation asking them to reverse this decision, and to reiterate the need for unserved areas in the North Country to be included in the funding. Today, FCC Chairman Pai sent a letter to Congresswoman Stefanik stating that the proposal will be revised and areas of New York will be considered for Phase I eligibility under the general criteria.

“Expanding access to high-speed broadband is critical to the economic wellbeing of our region,”  said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The FCC reversing their decision to categorically exclude New York is an important step in the right direction, as this will open the door to much needed investment in the areas of North Country that still lack broadband connectivity. However, the FCC’s treatment of areas without high-speed access despite some state investment will be central to the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund fulfilling its goal of truly closing the digital divide. I will to continue to work closely with the FCC throughout the development of this important initiative to expand rural broadband access in the North Country.” 

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Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stefanik has announced a USDA Primary Agricultural Disaster designation for all twelve counties in New York’s 21^st Congressional District. This designation comes after excessive rain and weather events caused massive losses during the 2019 crop year. This designation makes farm operators eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including emergency loans. Farmers in these counties have 8 months from the date of this declaration to apply for emergency loans, and they are encouraged to act as soon as possible.

“The weather events this past spring, including excessive flooding in many areas, took a toll on farmers across upstate New York” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I am glad USDA has made this designation and will be offering aid to producers, who are vital to the North Country. I encourage any farmers who have questions about this application process to reach out to my offices directly.”

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By John T. Ryan

Ellenburg Depot – As you enter the main entrance of Northern Adirondack Central Middle/High School (NACS) it’s hard not to notice the photos to your right. The photos are part of a Wall of Honor dedicated to men and women who graduated or attended NACS and are serving or have served in the United States military. It’s virtually impossible to walk by the wall without stopping, looking and reading.

The Wall of Honor is a community service project of the student NACS Key Club. Each year, at a date near to Veterans Day, Key Club students conduct a ceremony honoring veterans who have earned a place on the wall.

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Did you know New Yorkers use more than 23 billion plastic bags a year? That’s around 1,000 bags per person annually. When we improperly dispose them, plastic bags create pollution, and are often seen stuck in trees or floating in our waterways. They pose threats to fish and wildlife, clog machinery at recycling facilities, and litter the pristine outdoor places we love and enjoy spending time in with our friends and family.

Starting March 1, 2020, a new plastic bag waste reduction law will take effect in New York State, and your reusable bag should be in hand when going shopping. Whether you’re going to the grocery store, clothes shopping, or to a home improvement store, make sure to bring your reusable bags. You don’t need to wait until March 1st to take action! Start bringing your reusable bags to the store ahead of the ban to build a new habit. Remember, your reusable bag means conserving natural resources, creating less litter, and keeping New York beautiful for future generations.

Additionally, stores covered under the NYS Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Act will still be required to collect plastic bags and other film plastics from consumers for recycling. Film plastics include items such as bread bags and plastic wraps that come over cases of water, paper towels and other similar items. Consumers can help by continuing to recycle these items at participating retailers.

Questions on the upcoming plastic bag ban? E-mail plasticbags@dec.ny.gov.

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from the backcountry.

In 2019, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 337 search and rescue missions, extinguished 74 wildfires that burned a total of 212 acres, participated in 29 prescribed fires that burned and rejuvenated 645 acres, and worked on cases that resulted in 2,507 tickets or arrests.

“DEC celebrates our 50th anniversary this year, but our Forest Rangers have been on the front lines for even longer, protecting New York’s wildlife, natural resources, residents, and visitors for more than a century,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The state’s brave Forest Rangers have a vast knowledge of first aid, land navigation, and technical rescue techniques that are critical to the success of their missions in remote wilderness areas, rugged mountainous peaks, white-water rivers, frozen lakes, and forested areas statewide. We are proud of the work our Forest Rangers perform and look forward to another 50 years and beyond of highly trained service.”

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Jan. 25 at 4:29 p.m., Essex County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch reporting an injured climber at Chapel Pond. The reporting party stated that he had lowered the injured 41-year-old Albany man down the remaining distance to the ground and then hiked out to Route 73, where he flagged down a New York State Trooper for assistance. Forest Rangers Robbi Mecus, James Giglinto, and Jamison Martin responded to the scene and were met by the Keene and Keene Valley fire departments’ Back Country Rescue Team and Keene Valley EMS. After speaking with the reporting party, Forest Ranger Giglinto reported that the injured climber could have suffered a possible spinal injury from falling and striking a ledge with his head and neck. Forest Rangers and volunteers located the man, stabilized him, and carried him out to Route 73, where he was taken to a local hospital by EMS. The climber was later transported to Albany Medical Center. Read more »

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By John T. Ryan

Acquiring easements for the sewer system upgrade project was a primary topic at the Monday, January 27, 2020 Peru Town Board meeting. Approximately 45 easements must be acquired; however, about only about 15 have been acquired to date. Water/Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said he has been on the phone calling residents, answering questions and asking that easements be signed as soon as possible. The Town plans to advertise for bids on the project within the next 60 days with work hopefully commencing this spring. Failure to get the easements in place could delay the project and result in increased costs. 

The Town recently received a Clinton County sales tax check in the amount of $122,725.66. This is the second consecutive year a sales tax check was received. Supervisor Brandy McDonald said sales tax revenue is not included in the town budget because most years it is not received.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported Foreman Darrell Martineau will be retiring soon after 30 years of service to the town. Farrell praised Martineau’s skills especially his ability to keep machines running when there’s a problem. Farrell said, “It’s going to hurt but somehow we’ll survive.” Farrell pointed out that as equipment becomes more computerized towns are being forced to buy extended warranties when purchasing new equipment.  

The Town Board also: 

Approved purchase of a backup Town electrical generator from Hynes Electrical at a cost of $4,877. Three quotes were solicited. The generator will be installed at the Town Hall. 

Amended a winter plowing agreement with Clinton County for a small portion of the Peasleeville Rd. The Town of Black Brook will take over plowing .76 miles of the road in question. A new property owner objected to Peru’s trucks turning around on his property. 

Approved entering into a shared services agreement with the Town of AuSable to purchase a trailer-mounted asphalt hotbox at a cost of $25,766. Superintendent Michael Farrell said he expects the Town of Jay will also enter into the agreement meaning the $25,766 cost will be shared by the three towns. Last year Peru purchased hot patch material from Lowes at $11 per bag. Once the hotbox is in use, patching material will be purchased at a much lower bulk price. Town Attorney Matt Favro said he would like to review the Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that all liability issues are covered. 

Accepted Councilman Rick Barber’s audit of the Town Court.  Barber said Court Clerk Holly Stone quickly presented the required information. The audit took only 45 minutes. 

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