The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh – Ceremonies for North Country Honor Flight #30 were conducted on Saturday, September 21, 2019. It was a beautiful sunlite morning at Veterans Park on the U.S. Oval for Dave Brown to take great photos of the Vietnam Era Vets receiving their Orders of the Day and taking an Honor Walk accompanied by their escorts. The North Country Honor Flight has transported 450 WWII, Korea and Vietnam Vets to the War Memorials in Washington, D.C.

Click here to view Dave Brown Photos. 

Saturday’s Veterans included:
David H Gordon
John W Mashtare
David P Pottichen
Robert L Cross
Glenn W Miller
Ronald D Kautz
William L Spellman
Earl T Brooking
Thomas W Murphy
James McCardle
David A Lawrance
Robert F Dumas
Donald E Loreman
Ronald A Marino
James G Russell Sr
George L Howard

Keep these Honor Flight Vets in your thoughts today as they make Honor Flight #30 to Washington, D.C.

The Peru Gazette hopes to publish David Brown photos of the Flight’s Departure this evening.

David H Gordon
John W Mashtare
David P Pottichen
Robert L Cross
Glenn W Miller
Ronald D Kautz
William L Spellman
Earl T Brooking
Thomas W Murphy
James McCardle
David A Lawrance
Robert F Dumas
Donald E Loreman
Ronald A Marino
James G Russell Sr
George L Howard

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stefanik has signed onto a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) led by Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-1) along with each member of New York’s Republican Congressional Delegation. The letter is in opposition to New York’s controversial “Green Light Law,” enacted on June 17, 2019, which allows issuance of a driver’s license to illegal immigrants. Out of the 12 states with similar laws, New York’s is among the least restrictive and least monitored.

“I’m very concerned with New York’s controversial and ill-advised Green Light Law,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This reckless legislation, which a majority of New Yorkers oppose, will hamper efforts to enforce federal immigration laws and has the potential to enable rampant voter fraud in our state. The Republican New York delegation stands united in insisting the Department of Justice review the constitutionality immediately, and I stand united with our North Country county clerks in opposition to this law.” Read more »

Source: Peru recounts thriller in Moriah, looks forward to first Apple Bowl night game – Sun Community News & Printing

The Clinton County Historical Association announces Keeseville, Au Sable Chasm & Lake Champlain Railroads, the Adirondack Mountain Gateway with local film maker and author James R. “Jim” Jones

Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.
At the Lake Forest Senior Community Center, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh, NY

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 7:00 AM in the District’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that the Board will almost immediately convene in Executive Session (for an undetermined amount of time) to discuss matters leading to the appointment/employment of a particular company.  At this meeting, the Board is also expected to consider authorization of an agreement.

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

All are welcome.

Source: Bombardier back in operation after reported bomb threat – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

Davey Drive Extension was accepted as a town road following approval by Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell.

The Board concluded that the new Patent Rd. culvert would not have a negative environmental impact.

Read more »

Protect your pet from rabies! Vaccination is mandatory in New York State for dogs, cats and ferrets over 4 months of age. Remember, your dog or cat can be vaccinated for rabies when it turns 3 months of age. One year after the first dose, your pet requires a booster, which is then good for three years. For the rest of your pet’s life, it should have a booster shot every three years.

**NOTE: ALL pets must be leashed or in a pet carrier.
Please bring your pet’s shot records. Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old.

North Country Honor Flight #30 will be heading down to Washington DC this Saturday with 15 more North Country Veterans. We hope everyone will join us once again to pay tribute to our nations defenders. The send-off ceremony will begin promptly at 7 a.m. at the Veterans Park on the US Oval.

The parade will start immediately after the ceremony with law enforcement and motorcycle escorts leading the way. Please join us for a great family friendly event you’ll be glad you got up early for. The return welcome home is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. back at Plattsburgh International Airport.

Source: Inside a Plattsburgh vape shop, where flashy flavors may soon be banned | NCPR News

Grand Isle, VT – The Lake Champlain Basin Program seeks proposals for projects that improve water quality and ecosystems in the Lake Champlain watershed. The Program anticipates awarding more than 25 grants totaling more than $500,000 to local organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions.

Grants will be awarded in two categories:

Read more »

Plattsburgh – Sept 13, 2019 – We at the Strand Center for the Arts (SCA) are fully aware of the gravity of the current situation and sincerely appreciate the public’s patience in awaiting our response to recent events. Click here for background information as reported in the Press Republican. 

An apology is owed to the public and we, the Board of Directors of the SCA, sincerely apologize. We are working diligently with SCA staff since the termination of the Executive Director and Bookkeeper, to move forward. It is our duty to the public to uncover as much as possible to report facts, rather than formulating a quick but rash and underinformed response.

In our continued fact-finding, we have spoken to staff members of the SCA to include them in an open and frank conversation about where we stand. The hard work and dedication of SCA staff is invaluable, we felt they deserved an explanation as quickly as possible. Public support and outcry is also invaluable. We now take this opportunity to address the public in the same way.

This year the SCA was functioning without an approved budget or shared vision due to inconsistent and faulty reporting. Additionally, in recent months the SCA was over-spending based on potential future income; an operational practice adopted by SCA leadership, without communication to and approval of the Board of Directors. This model may work for organizations with a large financial base, at implementation the SCA did not have this financial base. In hindsight, using this model only served to worsen our problems. The Board tried repeatedly to intervene but was met with opposition. Given the history of management turnover and the community’s positive response to this form of operation, we gave management another chance; demanding financial constraint and increased financial reporting. Essentially, the board requested a pullback in spending and bookings, to reign in the increasing financial liabilities. In the subsequent months, upon review of further delayed financial reports, it became apparent that the numbers were not adding up. Findings showed new financial anomalies and the Board immediately requested an emergency audit. Shortly thereafter, with continued financial breakdown, the Board requested additional, more concrete data but did not see in data presented any progress in addressing the ongoing issues. Confronted with opposition and inaction we, the Board, voted unanimously to terminate the Executive Director and Bookkeeper of the SCA.

Through our work to solve current financial issues, the SCA has unearthed additional problems that make our situation significantly more alarming. We wish we had the foresight to begin this process sooner, but initial reporting to the Board did not reflect the true financial situation of the SCA. And, although the shows gave the appearance of a packed house, they were, in fact, losing money. The cover band model was not working as hoped and only exacerbated historically weak financial footing. We were as excited as everyone else to see growth and public excitement related to theater programming, which amplifies our disappointment.

And now, after digging deeper into the discovery process, we find ourselves at a dire point where meeting our current and past financial responsibilities is no longer sustainable under previous models of growth. Here is what has been uncovered:

The prior annual operating budget for the SCA was roughly $700,000. This year our expenses are projected to be upwards of $1.2 million. In addition, the board had not been informed by previous SCA Leadership of details of debts the SCA owes to vendors, merchants, utilities, and government agencies. We also have a slate of 20+ future shows projected to result in continued future losses.

So how do we move forward? Through the work of our regional arts consultants, we have been presented with limited options: The sale of the Strand Theater, a Capital Campaign we are calling – SOS – Save our Strand, and other far less palatable choices. The Board and Staff have expressed how much we want the SCA to continue providing such great outreach and services to the community, so our desire is to Save our Strand. But that’s where YOU come in. We need the public’s support now, more than ever.

We appreciate the outcry of the public and view this as our community expressing their desire to save the Strand Center for the Arts. Just as the SCA exists to serve the greater community – it will now take a community to come together to help move the organization forward. The SCA is a space designed to serve all of us; those who live, work and play in our region. We are asking you to help.

Foreman Dalton Hylton watches Melvin Samuels gingerly place honeycrisp apples into a 20-bushel crate.

Melvin Samuels brings in the beautiful fruit

By John T. Ryan

Peru – If you enjoy honeycrisp apples this should be a joyful time of year. The honeycrisp harvest has begun. Seth Forrence of Forrence Orchards said, “We began picking yesterday and we should be harvesting for the next eight weeks.” The 2019 harvest is beginning about two weeks later than usual. Forrence said this year’s late spring was responsible.

(L-R) St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Grand Knight Keith Kemp and JCEO Peru Community Outreach Worker Samantha Barton

Peru – During Lent St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 asked St. Augustine’s parishioners to contribute food each week to assist the Peru JCEO Food Shelf. Parishioners generously responded by donating 1,104 pounds of nutritious food. The Peru Council also made a $500 donation to the Food Shelf. The combined donations of food and money earned a $200 award from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council which Grand Knight Kemp recently presented to Samantha Barton.

Source: Intrapac Plastics to close Plattsburgh location | Local News | pressrepublican.com

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY-26) have introduced the BOUND (Border Officer Utilization for National Defense) Act, requiring minimum staffing levels for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at ports of entry along the northern border.

“Travel and trade between Canada and the North Country is a critical source of revenue that directly impacts our local economy, as well as the national economy,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Maintaining strong staffing levels at the Northern Border will ensure our tourism industry and economy are not stifled and that CPB officers are able to effectively carry out their duties. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to support our Northern Border personnel and keep our economy strong.”

“The northern border has unique needs related to security, trade and travel,” said Congressman Higgins. “Shortfalls in staffing make it more difficult for CBP officers to do their jobs, impacting both the national and local economies that rely on the efficient flow of goods and people, and placing additional, unnecessary stress on national security operations between the two nations.”

CBP officers were recently pulled from the northern border and temporarily reassigned to the southern border during the busiest season for border crossings between the U.S. and Canada.  Crossings along the entire Northern Border jump from around 6 million in January and February to close to 11 million in July and August. Higgins and Stefanick have repeatedly objected to the diversion of Northern Border CBP officers, leading a bipartisan letter sent to the Homeland Security Secretary in May signed by several Members who represent the northern border communities.

Currently 162 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are continuing to assist Border Patrol along the southern border.  It is anticipated that 105 CBP officers will return to their home stations by September 15, 2019 and the remaining 57 will return by September 22, 2019.

The decision to deploy northern border CBP officers to the southern border impacts morale and adds further stress to the job of safeguarding and streamlining lawful trade and travel. Furthermore, travelers experienced significant delays crossing the border as a result of the lean staffing, caused by recent temporary transfers to the southern border, at these land ports of entry.

Joining Congressmembers Higgins and Stefanik as original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN-7), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5), Peter Welch (D-VT-At-large) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-8).

The Emergency Border Supplemental bill approved by Congress and signed by the President on July 1 required reporting on Northern Border CBP transfers:

Sec. 304. No later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a report on the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers assigned to northern border land ports of entry and temporarily assigned to the ongoing humanitarian crisis: Provided, That the report shall outline what resources and conditions would allow a return to northern border staffing levels that are no less than the number committed in the June 12, 2018 Department of Homeland Security Northern Border Strategy: Provided further, That the report shall include the number of officers temporarily assigned to the southwest border in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the number of days the officers will be away from their northern border assignment, the northern border ports from which officers are being assigned to the southwest border, and efforts being made to limit the impact on operations at each northern border land port of entry where officers have been temporarily assigned to the southwest.

The report, due on August 1^st, was submitted by the Department of Homeland Security on September 6, 2019 and made available to Members this week.  The document is designated “For Official Use Only” and has not been released publicly.

The Northern Border constitutes the longest land boundary between two countries in the world.  At 5,525 miles, approximately 400,000 people and over $1.6 billion in goods cross the border daily through more than 120 ports of entry.

Stefanik and Higgins serve as co-chairs of the Northern Border Caucus, Congress’s oldest and largest Congressional Member organization dealing with the U.S.- Canada relationship.  Founded in 1994, this bipartisan group of Members has acted to highlight policy concerns and issues affecting the economic, cultural, and political partnership between the United States and Canada.

Source: Want to vote in the 2020 presidential primaries? Make sure to register with your party by Oct. 11 | NCPR News

Source: School enrollment continues downward trend across the region | NCPR News

Source: Several 70-Year-Olds Rescued in the Adirondacks – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Proclamation 9782—Patriot Day, 2018 | The American Presidency Project

Dr. Chris Goodell, DMD and Dr. Colleen Lacombe-Senecal, DMD

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Dr. Colleen Lacombe-Senecal grew up in Peru. Dr. Chris Goodell grew up in Plattsburgh. They both left the area for college, dental school and post graduate study. Now they’ve returned as board certified pediatric dentists and have established Lakeshore Pediatric Dentistry at 2993 Main St., Suite #2 in Peru.