The Peru Gazette

Source: DEC commissioner: Budget about climate change | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: DOCCS: Some Clinton Annex staff treated for possible exposure | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Special Board Meeting – February 5, 2020

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 4:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The sole purpose of the meeting is to further discuss and consider taking action on a proposed modified lacrosse program. At this time, no other District business is anticipated for this meeting. 

The full Board agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org). 

All are welcome. 

The EITC Coalition the Adirondack Region established the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP TaxAide sites. Representatives present at today’s news conference included (L-R): Project Manager Jose Pitchard, UFirst Federal Credit Union V.P. Jody Carpenter, United Way Director of Development Kathy Snow, IRS Tax Consultant Kathy McNulty, RSVP Director Kate Gardner and AARP District Coordinator Carrie Johnson

By John T. Ryan 

Plattsburgh – Today is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. If you or someone you know qualifies for EITC the impact can be significant. “People who don’t apply may be missing out on a federal refund of up to $6,557 plus an additional New York State tax credit,” said Kathy Snow Director of Development of the United Way of the Adirondack Region. The Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who work for someone else or own or run a business. If you qualify you must file a federal tax return even if you owe no tax or are not required to file. You could pay less federal tax, pay no tax or receive money back. The amount of credit or refund is based on if you are single or married and if you have no children or the number of children living with you. 

Determining qualification in this region is easy because there are eight free of charge tax preparation sites located in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. Last year the eight sites processed over $6 million in income tax refunds. 

Clinton County’s tax preparation site is located at the Senior Citizens Council, 5139 North Catherine Street in Plattsburgh. It is one of the busiest in New York State. Its qualified RSVP tax preparers began preparing returns on January 27th and will be doing so through April 10th. Appointments are not needed or taken. 

SeaComm Federal Credit Union and UFirst Credit Union are participating on Super Saturdays. After having made an appointment taxpayers can stop by either institution for free tax filing assistance. Both institutions are also offering free information about asset building, banking and savings.

The EITC threshold for tax year 2019 is $56,000. The threshold is based on adjusted gross income limits as shown below: 

Earned income and adjusted gross income must each be less than: 
$50,162 ($55,952 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children 
$46,703 ($52,493 if married filing jointly) with two qualifying children 
$41,094 ($46,884 if married filing jointly ) with one qualifying child 
$15,570 ($21,370 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying child 

The maximum tax credit for 2019 is: 
$6,557 with three or more qualifying children 
$5,828 with two qualifying children 
$3,526 with one qualifying child 
$529 with no qualifying child 

Click here to see tax preparer locations, dates, times and needed documents 

Editor’s Note: The total tax refunds processed originally read $1 million. It is actually $6 million and that has been corrected. 

Source: Feds deny Adirondack Wildlife Refuge’s renewed request for permits | NCPR News

Source: DEC Issues Final Plans for Sentinel Range Wilderness – – The Adirondack Almanack

United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. has elected Michele Bushey to serve on it’s Board of Directors. 

Ms. Bushey is a well respected teacher at Saranac High School and is also well known as a Labor Leader through her work with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and also the Northeast Labor Council. She has a long history of community engagement and philanthropy through her work as a teacher, union leader, and compassionate citizen. 

John Bernardi, President and CEO, said, “We are very pleased to have Michele join our Board of Directors. She has an amazing level of enthusiasm and a very strong commitment to helping her friends and neighbors in our region. We look forward to the wisdom and value that she will bring through her extensive experience and expertise. She is a top notch individual. Our organization is very fortunate to have her support and leadership.”

Ms. Bushey said, “I am deeply honored to become a United Way of the Adirondack Region Board Member. As a teacher and through NYSUT work, I have first-hand experience of seeing the value the United Way has consistently brought to families of the North Country. I am excited to bring as many new connections as possible, to advance the work of the United Way. Being a life-long resident of the North Country, it is a genuine honor to be part of this amazing organization to improve the quality of life for those in need or in crisis. I am inspired by the United Way Board and staff, and by all in our community who invest time, funds and interest to help members in our community.” 

United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. is a health and human service organization with a network of 41 partner agencies serving Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. The organization’s mission is to be a leader in community partnership building and to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another.

Source: AAA study warns of fatal crashes involving drivers who used marijuana – The Buffalo News

Source: Syracuse University makes biased graffiti grounds for suspension – syracuse.com

Source: How drunk is too drunk to drive? NY lawmakers propose lowering limit for DWI – syracuse.com

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.” 

Source: Plattsburgh company tries to keep cryptocurrency industry alive in the city | NCPR News

Source: Free File: File Your Taxes Online for Free

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.”

Source: Longtime Keeseville firefighters receive lifetime award

Source: Big things are happening at the Strand next weekend!

Source: Bethlehem High School students test impact of e-cigarette vapor on living cells

Source: Big Increases in Saranac River, Lake Champlain Anglers – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: NY pot bill could bring higher possession threshold – syracuse.com

Source: Lawmakers push back against Cuomo Medicaid deficit reduction ideas – The Buffalo News

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.

Source: CVPH, City PD: Man jumped from hospital window | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Burlington will not vote on noncitizen voting – VTDigger

Source: Early Results On Overuse, Visitors Still Surging – – The Adirondack Almanack

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.