The Peru Gazette

Source: Trump slams sanctuary cities in State of the Union

Source: Bail reformers face public relations hurdle

Source: Cohoes judge sets bail in low-level case, setting up legal challenge of new state law

Source: DHS suspends Global Entry, Trusted Traveler Programs for New York residents in response to sanctuary law | Fox News

The Peru Central School District noticed the Peru Gazette that there will be no school today. 

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO 10 PM ESTFRIDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy snow and mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 18 inches and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch possible.

* WHERE…Central and northern Vermont. Northern New York.

* WHEN…Snow will overspread the region before daybreak Thursday, with several inches of snow accumulation Thursday morning. Periods of light mixed precipitation are expected Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. Precipitation becomes steadier and changes back to snow for the daylight hours Friday. Snow may be heavy at times before tapering off Friday evening.

* IMPACTS…Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute on Thursday, and both the morning and evening commutes on Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible during the mid-day hours on Friday. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Please allow extra time if travel is necessary. &&

Issuing Office: Burlington

Source: National Weather Service

Issued: Wed, Feb 5, 3:27 PM EST

Source: Parents react to homecoming during State of the Union

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the below statement following the Senate’s acquittal of President Trump:

“Today, the impeachment charade started by Speaker Pelosi, abused by Adam Schiff, and finished by Leader McConnell has finally come to a close,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Throughout this unfair and unprecedented process, I proudly stood up for the Constitution, the facts of the case, and my constituents in New York’s 21^st district. I applaud the Senate’s diligence in their trial and just acquittal of the President. Now, let’s get back to work for the American people.”

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Just now, President Trump highlighted Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s bipartisan paid leave and child tax credit legislation during the State of the Union address.

“As we support America’s moms and dads, I was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave, serving as a model for the rest of the country,” said President Trump. “Now, I call on the Congress to pass the bipartisan Advancing Support for Working Families Act, extending family leave to mothers and fathers all across our nation.”

“I’m grateful President Trump highlighted my bipartisan, bicameral legislation during his State of the Union address,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This legislation will support hardworking North Country families during the first year after birth or adoption, allowing them to thrive and bond with their new child without the burden of potential debt or bankruptcy. This effort is yet another example of the critical, bipartisan work in Congress that I am proud to lead with the support of my colleagues.”

The Advancing Support for Working Families Act would allow families the option to advance up to $5,000 of their recently-doubled child tax credit in the first year of a child’s life or the first year a family adopts a child. Families can also choose to advance their child credit without having to miss work or sacrifice a state or employer’s family/medical leave policy to pay for other expenses. Most other paid leave proposals require parents to take off work to receive benefits, this bill allows teleworkers the option to access child care benefits and to continue working from home while they take care of their new child. Additionally, the bill does not raise taxes or take away from Social Security. The bill is the only bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support working families during their child’s first year. It is the product of more than a year of work to craft a bill that could pass with bipartisan support.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that Fort Drum is one of the three final options for a fourth Army Corps Headquarters.

“I’m thrilled to announce Fort Drum is now one of the three final options to be designation as a fourth Army Corps headquarters,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Fort Drum has proved itself as the best possible option for this designation, as they will be able to rapidly expand to support the additional soldiers and their families in order to successfully advance our national defense strategy and increase our military readiness. I will continue to work with Fort Drum and advocate for them in this process.”

Buffalo News Editorial – An Opinion Piece

Source: Keep legislators out of the classroom – The Buffalo News

Source: State senator calls for public hearing on new voting machines

Source: Spike in Crime Inflames Debate Over Bail Law in New York – The New York Times

When: Friday, February 21^st @ 7-9:30pm.

Where: North Country Squares Dance Hall, Clinton County Fairgrounds, 84 Fairgrounds Rd.,  Morrisonville, NY

Like to dance to good music? Come join in the fun of a real, old time contra dance called by Jeremy Clifford with music by Adirondack 2 Step!

What’s a contra dance? It’s informal social interaction and meeting people, set to music in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. It will be fun for beginner and advanced dancers of any age. If you like to move your feet to great music, you’ll enjoy this dance. There will be round, square and contra dances set to traditional old time and Celtic fiddle tunes. We’ll even have a couple of country waltzes. If you like to just listen, you’ll love the lively tunes by Adirondack 2 Step, featuring two hammered dulcimers.

You can’t help but have a good time!

Suggested Donation: $10

Sponsored by: Adirondack Contra, an affiliate of Country Dance and Song Society.

More information at: call 518 643-2735 or email drisc2000@yahoo.com

Please bring clean, dry shoes and wear comfortable clothes. Refreshments will be available.

Plan Available for Public Comment through April 3

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the release of the draft New York State Forest Action Plan for public review and comment. The State Forest Action Plan is a 10-year strategic plan for DEC and New York’s forestry community that provides long‐term, comprehensive, and coordinated strategies for addressing the challenges facing New York’s forests today.

“Each decade, developing the state’s Forest Action Plan provides an opportunity for DEC to assess our priorities for managing and protecting New York’s forests for the future,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The future of our forests affects every one of us, and I encourage New Yorkers to review the plan and provide feedback to ensure all voices are heard in this process.”

The draft Forest Action Plan leverages New York’s forests in the fight against climate change. New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (link leaves DEC’s website) sets the state on a path to achieve a carbon-free electricity system by 2040, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050. Forests and forest products are a vital resource for mitigating total greenhouse gas emission levels through carbon sequestration and long-term storage. The draft plan identifies ways that New York’s forests can realize this potential as part of the state’s comprehensive climate change solution.

The federal Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act requires each state forestry agency to develop “Statewide Assessment and Strategies for Forest Resources,” collectively referred to as the State Forest Action Plan. A final State Forest Action Plan, which will be an update to New York’s 2010 Plan, is due in June 2020.

New York’s State Forest Action Plan addresses the three national priorities identified by the U.S. Forest Service:

• Conserve and manage working forest landscapes for multiple values and uses;
• Protect forests from threats; and
• Enhance public benefits from trees and forests.

New York’s plan builds on these priorities and identifies four primary goals for New York’s forests:

• Keep New York’s forests as forests;
• Keep New York’s forests healthy;
• Ensure forests benefit humans and all living creatures; and
• Ensure support, protection, and appreciation of New York’s forests.

Read more »

Source: Joyce Mitchell to be released from prison 5 years after helping with Upstate NY escape – syracuse.com

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Feb. 5, 2020 – This morning forty-five volunteers, including 20 members of the Northern Adirondack Central School (NACS) Key Club, loaded a shipping container at the North Country Mission of Hope headquarters. Over the course of about two hours they packed the 40-ft container with school, office and medical supplies, plus clothing. In several days the container will arrive in Puerto Rico.

When the work was finished and donuts were served Mission of Hope Director Sr. Debbie Blow addressed the students describing the severe earthquake and storm damage Puerto Rico has experienced over the past several months. She thanked them and their advisors Cindy Hoff and DeAnn Gregory for volunteering and greatly expediting today’s task. She encouraged the students to consider becoming regular volunteers.

Sr. Debbie also thanked the 25 other volunteers who regularly load containers and assist with Mission of Hope tasks. They worked hard to today, but their smiles reflected gratitude to the students for making today’s task so successful.

Peru – Volunteers are busy this morning preparing a delicious meal for this afternoon’s St. Augustine’s Church/Peru Community Church Soup Kitchen at Paul Calkins Hall in St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Debbie Bell volunteers in the kitchen each week. She’s preparing asparagus soup for today’s meal. It will be accompanied by beef stew and a delicious dessert. Serving is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Northern Orchards in Peru donated the asparagus and Panera Bread of Plattsburgh donated the desserts.

Source: As Bail Reform Takes Hold Across New York State, a Rural County Wrestles With The Future Of Its Aging Jail – The Appeal

Woking adjacent to the Mace Chasm Rd.

Looking toward Peru from the Mace Chasm Rd.

Plattsburgh, Peru, Keeseville – Many local residents have noticed all the power line and utility equipment working between Plattsburgh and Keeseville.  Contractors hired by NYSEG, our local electric utility, are working to provide more access to broadband service and improve the safety and reliability of our electric power.

Michael Langlois, Manager of Regional Operations, at NYSEG’s Plattsburgh Division explained. “There are currently two major initiatives taking place within NYSEG’s Plattsburgh division. The first is a project in support of New York State’s broadband access goals. In 2015, the state invested $500 million to provide broadband access to all New York State residents. In Plattsburgh, the local NYSEG division is supporting these efforts as contractors hired by the telecommunications companies set taller poles and transfer high voltage conductors. This work will provide the telecommunications companies ample utility pole space to run their low voltage cables.”

“The second major initiative taking place involves the rebuilding of high voltage transmission lines within the division. Work has been completed on a critical loop feed within the division’s central region. Nearly 10 miles of older wooden “H” structures have been replaced with larger and more resilient wood and steel structures. In a separate project, the division is upgrading 16.5 miles of a major transmission line used to supply alternate feeds to many parts of the service territory. The transmission line being rebuilt runs from the Town of Plattsburgh, passes by the Town of Peru, and ends in the Town of Keeseville. The work is anticipated to be completed by March 2020. The transmission rebuilds will ensure the safe, reliable delivery of power for years to come.”

NYSEG’s Plattsburgh Division service territory includes 41,818 electric customers in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and Hamilton counties. The division’s electric infrastructure includes 40 substations, 330 miles of transmission lines, and 2,254 miles of distribution lines.

Read a previous Peru Gazette article on Verizon’s broadband expansion plans

On Saturday, February 15, Amy Ivy is returning to Cornell Cooperative Extension Clinton County to hold a workshop on Choosing Vegetable Varieties and Garden Layout. The workshop will be held at our office at 6064 State Route 22, Suite 5 in Plattsburgh from 10:00am to noon. There is a $5 fee for the workshop and pre-registration is required. Contact Jolene at jmw442@cornell for more information or to register or call us at 518 561-7450.

Jolene Wallace
Horticulture Program Coordinator
CCE Clinton County

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host “Indigenous Reflections,” artwork created by renowned painter, David Kanietakeron Fadden, in the Main Gallery. This upcoming exhibit showcases Fadden’s work from early 2000 to 2020 and will open in The Strand Center Main Gallery on Friday, February 7, 2020. A free reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 pm that night.

David Fadden was born in Lake Placid, NY in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. He was raised in Onchiota, NY, graduated from the Saranac Lake Central School, and attended North Country Community College. In conjunction with the formal art training he received in the educational system, he learned technical skills and artistic insight from his parents: John Fadden, educator, illustrator and painter; and Elizabeth Eva Fadden, wood sculptor and potter. His area of expertise, in respect to creating images of Native Americans, has been nurtured by learning from his paternal grandfather, Ray Fadden, designer, author, and founder of the Six Nations Indian Museum of Onchiota, New York. 

Fadden’s work has been exhibited in Albany, New York, the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Centre Strathearn in Montreal, Quebec, the Unison Arts & Learning Center in New Paltz, NY, the Cornwall Regional Art Gallery, the National Museum of American Indian and the Aboriginal Art Centre in Gatineau, Quebec. His illustrations reflecting Native American legends are found in numerous children’s books, such as Fulcrum Publishing’s Keepers of the Animals, Keepers of Night & Native American Animal Stories, Keepers of Life, and New England Press’s Cave of Falling Water. His work has also appeared in “How the West Was Lost: Always the Enemy,” produced by Gannett Production which appeared on the Discovery Channel. In addition to illustration and graphic design work, Fadden creates portraits reflecting the people he knows best, the Kaniehkehaka (Mohawk). Using acrylic as his primary medium he works at capturing human emotion and expression as well as reflecting aspects of his Mohawk culture. 

 As a cultural educator and storyteller, Fadden found that his paintings could be utilized as an educational tool. To help dispel the stereotypical image of the noble savage or stoic native, he produced paintings that depicted Native people laughing and expressing other emotions. Several of his works illustrate contemporary issues affecting native people across the continent. These more political paintings help bring awareness to issues that seldom make the headlines but impact the lives of Indigenous people.

In some of his work, Fadden uses a technique similar to mosaic composition, producing paintings that the viewer “hears.” Using a pointillism style, he creates an image with dabs of paint which he then arduously outlines and fills with a design or image. The result is a complicated mass of images that from a distance looks like a portrait. When the viewer closely examines the painting, they can see the smaller images in each mosaic.

NOTE DATE CHANGE. EVENT Rescheduled! PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce Judy Guglielmo as the featured artist in their Gallery Cooperative. This forthcoming exhibit will take place in The Strand Center Community Gallery on The rescheduled Opening Reception will be held Friday, February 14, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.

The Gallery Cooperative is a collection of artists, each expert at their chosen medium. This means that as well as the featured artist, Judy Guglielmo, painters Marilyn Kretser, Donna Austin, Gordon LeClaire, the SCA Watercolorists, and Lynn Manning will be present. In addition, these artists will be joined by pastel artist Diane Leifheit, photographer Ron Nolland, ceramicist Nancy Armitage, and work from the S. Booker collection.

Wilderness Rescue: On Feb. 1 at 10:24 a.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance for a 26-year-old female from Hagaman with a possible right leg fracture near the summit of Scarface Mountain. Six Forest Rangers took snowmobiles in to Scarface as far as possible and then hiked the rest of the way before reaching the injured hiker at 12 p.m., just below the summit. The Rangers evaluated the hiker and packaged her for carry-out down the trail. The Rangers reached the snowmobiles at 1:30 p.m. and transported the woman back to the trailhead. She declined medical transport and advised she would be transported via personal vehicle to Saranac Lake for treatment. The incident concluded at 2:10 p.m.