The Peru Gazette

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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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Dear Editor,

Living in the North Country all of our lives, we have experienced many situations which our neighbors helped us and we helped them.  These needs have grown throughout the years and there are many families still struggling in everyday life.  One way that both of us help out our neighbors is by donating to the United Way.

The United Way campaign is one of the easiest ways to give back to our community.  When you give to the United Way, 100% of the funds raised stay within Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties. You can designate your donation to any of the 40 + partner agencies.

The 2020 United Way campaign is an invitation for everyone to join the Live United Movement by giving, advocating and volunteering to improve our communities. Every donation is valued and makes a difference.

When you volunteer, you give the gift of YOU! Give an hour. Give a Saturday. Give your best.  We all have special talents that can be of help.  Whether it’s reading to children or delivering meals to homebound seniors, there are hundreds of volunteer opportunities available every day.

If you have a United Way campaign at your workplace, please support it and remember that it is to value your community of your friends, family and co-workers. If you don’t have an employee campaign but would like to give to United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc, please call 518-563-0028. You can also visit our website, www.unitedwayadk.org, for more information on the 40 + agencies served and/or to view our campaign video.

Thank you for LIVING UNITED!

Jody Carpenter Tammy Menard

Morrisonville, NY Morrisonville, NY

NYS Comptroller Audit Results

Town of Canton – Compensation and Benefits (St. Lawrence County)

The Supervisor re-allocated and collected additional salaries for bookkeeping duties totaling $73,794 from April 2015 through August 2017 without board authorization. In August 2017, he reimbursed the town for these extra payments and the town paid $58,858 to the supervisor’s wife for services she provided during this period. The board also did not authorize salaries paid to officers and employees totaling $145,671 or certain health insurance benefits provided by the town.

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L-R Sheriff Dave Favro and Assemblyman Bill Jones

Many agencies were represented

By John T. Ryan

Plattsburgh – The New York State’s bail reform that took effect this year has serious implications. At a news conference in Plattsburgh today Assemblyman Billy Jones explained, “I’m trying to make changes because it’s a public safety issue. We don’t want a criminal act that can be avoided.”

Jones’ remarks followed a meeting with local law enforcement officials. While several other states have limited the use of cash bail, New York abolished bail for many crimes and didn’t give judges discretion to hold a person whom they believe may pose a threat to pubic safety. Since January 1st judges are no longer able to set bail for many misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, including stalking, assault without serious injury, burglary, many drug offenses, some kinds of arson and robbery.

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