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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Landlords can’t discriminate against renters paying with government assistance | NCPR News

Source: Landlords can’t discriminate against renters paying with government assistance | NCPR News

 Celebrate 10 Years of Small Business Saturday with Us 

North Country Chamber Encourages Visitors and Locals to #ShopSmall on November 30th 

Plattsburgh, NY – It’s no secret that the weekend following Thanksgiving is one of the year’s busiest for shopping in the U.S. There’s Black Friday for the go-getters who set their alarms and camp outside big box stores in the wee hours of the morning. There’s Cyber Monday for shoppers still nursing their turkey comas, preferring to browse from the comfort of their living room couches. And then there’s that Saturday, which since 2010 has been reserved for shoppers looking to actively support local businesses in their communities. November 30th marks the 10th annual Small Business Saturday founded by American Express and, as a neighborhood champion for this day, the North Country Chamber of Commerce encourages you to #shopsmall! 

Over 50 local businesses have signed up for the Chamber’s FREE Small Business Saturday campaign this year, offering deals and discounts for shoppers to take advantage of on November 30th. To add a little extra challenge and some friendly competition, the Chamber created the Small Business Saturday Scavenger Hunt. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Download the Scavenger Hunt at northcountrychamber.com/sbs, pick it up at the Chamber’s outdoor kiosk or at any of the participating businesses. 

2. Check out the list of participating small businesses at northcountrychamber.com/sbs. 

3. Get out on November 30th and start snapping photos at participating businesses using the following categories listed on the Scavenger Hunt! 

4. Tag the North Country Chamber and SCORE Mentors – Clinton, Franklin, Essex in all photos on Facebook and/or Instagram to get your points. 

5. Get 10+ points and return the sheet to the North Country Chamber of Commerce (7061 State Route 9, Plattsburgh) by December 6th to be entered to win some awesome, local products! 

You can join in the fun on social media using the hashtag #ncshopsmall. So visit northcountrychamber.com/sbs for a list of participating #shopsmall businesses and get your shopping 

Dannemora man arrested for tampering with tree stand

Source: Dannemora man arrested for tampering with tree stand

Clinton County Museum Open House and Unique Christmas Gifts

WE’RE ALL SET – to hold our annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7th, and Sunday, December 8th, from 10 am to 3 pm each day.

The Open House, a holiday tradition, provides an opportunity to visit the Museum and find unique gifts for family and friends. The first 25 Open House visitors each day will receive free gifts, one per family.


The Museum Shop has three limited-edition keepsake tree ornaments available for purchase. This year’s ornament depicts the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island. Ornaments celebrating the Witherill Hotel and Plattsburgh’s Old City Hall are also available while supplies last. All items are limited editions and will not be available again once they are sold out.


Along with many unique and interesting gifts, we have a collection of books about local history by community authors. Larry Gooley’s latest book on bootlegging in Clinton County is now available as well as two limited-quantity books, “Clinton County Memories Volume II”. and, “The Plattsburgh Military Reservation, A Pictorial History”, are still available. Books on the Witherill Hotel and the Royal Savage, as well as several of Jim Millard’s books on local history, will also be for sale.


You can browse the Museum Shop’s used book section for old county history books. Some of our latest used books for sale are the 1910 3-volume set of, “The Genealogy of Northern New York”, the 1978 publication of, “The History of Clinton and Franklin Counties” in like-new condition, an original illustrated book published by the Miner Institute on the Physicians Hospital and a much sought after 2007 edition of Frank Connors;, “Altona In Retrospect”.


Our galleries will be open with a media show of Old Plattsburgh photos and a virtual tour of the U.S. Oval running throughout each day.

We’re located at 98 Ohio Avenue on the Old Base Museum Campus in Plattsburgh. For more information, visit our website, or call (518) 561-0340. Museum admission is free and donations are accepted.

Protecting the border: Exclusive access to CBP operations on northern border

Excellent job by NBC 5. Includes 3 video reports on 3 aspects of the CBP Mission.

Source: Protecting the border: Exclusive access to CBP operations on northern border

US Officials: Don’t Eat Romaine Lettuce Grown in Salinas, Calif. – NBC 10 Philadelphia

Source: US Officials: Don’t Eat Romaine Lettuce Grown in Salinas, Calif. – NBC 10 Philadelphia

Peru Knights Support Coats For Kids

Photo L-R Back Row: Peru Intermediate School Nurse Linda Delong, Peru Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Grand Knight Keith Kemp, Principal Matt Slattery. Front Row: Denton Martineau and Andreana Leclair

By John T. Ryan

Peru – On Wednesday, November 20th, St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Grand Knight Keith Kemp presented twenty-four new children’s winter jackets to Peru Intermediate School Nurse Linda Delong and Prinicpal Matt Slattery. Intermediate School students Denton Martineau and Andreana Martineau were kind enought to model the jackets. School nurses will give the jackets to students as the need arises. Since 2013 the Peru Knights have brought 168 new winter jackets to Peru Central.

The Knights of Columbus began the Coats for Kids Program during the 2009 recession. Today the 2,000 Knights of Columbus Councils in the United States and Canada distribute 100,000 or more coats each year.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train brings Christmas cheer to Upstate NY 

Source: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train brings Christmas cheer to Upstate NY – syracuse.com

Peru Indian Swimmers Set Record at States

Thanks to Luke and Amanda LaFountain Thew for this report and photos from Ithaca:

Peru Lady Indians swimmers (Emily McLane, Ella Garrow, Alexis Hathaway, and Olivia Barnett) just broke a 19 year school and Section 7 record in the 200 freestyle relay at States with a time of 1:44.07!

Gallery Cooperative Featured Artist Ron Nolland at The Strand Center for the Arts in December 

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to announce photographer Ron Nolland as the featured artist in their Gallery Cooperative in December 2019. This forthcoming exhibit will take place in The Strand Center Community Gallery on Friday, December 6 and a free reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 PM that night. 

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

Photographer Ron Nolland, the Cooperative’s featured artist, is a constant exhibitor in Strand Center Member shows and all the Off-Site Galleries. Nolland’s solo shows at local galleries are always well received and he is regularly selected for juried exhibitions. His work is also featured at Plattsburgh International Airport, and a permanent collection at Inn at Smithfield Best Western includes black and white pieces in the Conference Room and large color landscapes in the hotel lobby.  Nolland’s photography was recently featured in Blueline, an Adirondack literary magazine.  An Adirondack Life Photography Contest Award Winner, Nolland also provides custom photography and exclusive pieces for clients. 

Concerning Nolland’s photography, gallery director David Monette stated, “Ron’s work explores nature in unique ways. He’s constantly looking to find hidden patterns and details in the natural world, to find more than originally meets the eye. It’s great to have his work in our Cooperative along with our other amazing artists.”

This unique exhibit will be on view in The Strand Center Community Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh from December 6 to December 27, 2019. The exhibition opening is Friday, December 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This event is free to the public and refreshments will be served. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information on these exhibits, upcoming events, concerts, or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts, please call 518-563-1604 or visit strandcenter.org. 

Patent Rd. Culvert Replacement Underway

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Luck Brothers Inc. personnel are working on the Patent Rd. culvert today.  An excavator is making room for precast concrete footers. Next week the precast culvert should be delivered and installed. A large highway sink hole developed last April making the repairs necessary. 

On September 23, 2019 the Peru Town Board awarded the contract to the low bidder Luck Brothers at $120,480. The job  includes excavation, installation of a new open bottom culvert, restoration of site, and paving.

The Town purchased the culvert at a cost of $143,500. Total cost: $263,980 not including the temporary repairs already performed.

Assemblyman D. Billy Jones to host 6thAnnual Santa Sprint to benefit the North Country Honor Flight

From the office of Assemblyman D. Billy Jones

Assemblyman D. Billy Jones will host the 6th Annual Santa Sprint 5K on Saturday November 30, 2019 with a race start time at 9am. Pre-registration is $20 and can be done online at www.adirondackcoastevents.com. Same day registration will be held from 7:30am until 8:30am. Race start and end will be held at “Latitude 45” Montgomery Street, Rouses Point, NY. Same day registration is $25.

Participants will receive a bonus gift if they bring an unwrapped toy to the registration table on November 30th. Toys will be donated to the local Christmas Bureau. Funds raised from the event will go to benefit the North Country Honor Flight. First 50 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Prizes will also be awarded to the top female and male runners and walkers. Santa and other holiday attire are welcomed and encouraged! Please send all questions or concerns to mfryan01@gmail.com.

CNY law enforcement sound alarm on justice reform: Flawed, dangerous, insane – syracuse.com

Source: CNY law enforcement sound alarm on justice reform: Flawed, dangerous, insane – syracuse.com

Big Ag Sale: Is There a Market for a $23 Million Vermont Dairy Farm? 

Source: Big Ag Sale: Is There a Market for a $23 Million Vermont Dairy Farm? | Business | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Peru Federal Credit Union Opens Keeseville Branch

L-R Nicole Prentiss, Maggie Pope, Sarah Sherman

By John T. Ryan

Keeseville – Keeseville residents were shocked when they learned TD Bank would close its local branch on November 15th. Only an ATM remains; however, there was good news on November 13th when the Peru Federal Credit Union (PFCU) opened at 187 Pleasant St. Why establish a new branch when another institution is closing its doors? PFCU’s CEO /Manager Maggie Pope explained, “We understand that small communities need a financial institution. Many people are still looking for person to person contact. Our motto has always been ‘People Serving People.’”

Pope said opening a Keeseville branch makes business sense. “We did our research. The Towns of AuSable and Chesterfield have the population and businesses (65) to support a financial institution. Many roads come right into Keeseville and it’s in the center of our company triangle now that we have offices in AuSable Forks, Keeseville and Peru.” An AuSable Forks native, Pope is enthusiastic about serving people in and around her hometown.

“Establishing an AuSable Forks branch in October 2018 gave the credit union exposure and encouraged growth,” Pope stated. “In the past 12 months our loans have grown 22% and membership has grown almost 20%. We have over 3,000 members. Here in Keeseville we’ve signed up 25 new members in the first five business days.”

The Keeseville office is admittedly small, but that’s not expected to last long. Pope said, “We’re looking for land and we plan to construct a new building. I hope we can have it operational in about a year.” In the meantime, the current office across from Arnold’s Grocery is well located and easy to access.

Pope said some people don’t understand who can belong to the PFCU and the services it offers. Anyone living, working, worshipping, attending school or volunteering in either Clinton or Essex Counties is eligible to become a member. She added,  “We’re a full service financial institution with checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, business and personal accounts, car loans, personal loans and mortgages. We offer online banking. Members can scan a check using our smart phone app and deposit it directly into their accounts.  Our online accounts are compatible with the Quickbooks accounting program and all accounts are ensured by the National Credit Union Association.”

Keeseville’s PFCU branch hours of operation are 8 to 4 Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesday and 8 to 5 Thursdays and Fridays. Phone 518-825-1354 for information.

Agenda – Peru Town Board meeting of November 25, 2019

NOVEMBER 25, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of November 14, 2019 and Special Meeting of November 18, 2019.

Community Input.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Removal of Private Right of Way for Stewart Drive.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: School House Wood Work Quote Approval.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Reappoint Deborah Witherwax to the Board of Assessment Review.

DISCUSSION: Sewer Collection Project Update

DISCUSSION: Other Business.

DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills

MOTION: Adjourn

Stefanik Announces Department of Transportation Grant for Massena International Airport

From the office Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Airport Improvement Program grant totaling $727,000 will be awarded to the Massena International Airport. The Airport Improvement Program provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports. The funding will be used to construct a new airport apron at Massena International. Read more »

Vermont HS students seek patent for maple industry innovation

Source: Vermont HS students seek patent for maple industry innovation

Antenna fire interrupts NBC5 signal

Source: Antenna fire interrupts NBC5 signal

Thanksgiving Day Peru Lions Club Turkey Trot

A Message from the Peru Lions Club

Join us for the 42nd running of this amazing Adirondack Coast tradition! The race starts and ends at the Peru Elementary School and takes a scenic route through apple and farm country. Proceeds benefit the charitable work of the Peru Lions Club.

*When you register online, make sure you check the box to receive text message (or email) results! We publish race results periodically as runners are finishing. You can get your results sent directly to you while you are on your way to your Thanksgiving Day! No waiting around!

*Packet Pick-up is Wednesday 11/27 from 4-7pm (for local runners) and Thursday 11/28 from 7:30am-8:15am (for out-of-towners) in the Peru Elementary School Cafeteria.

We will be awarding trophies for the 5k and 10k ish runs to the top three finishers this year in the male and female race divisions. The awards will take place in the cafeteria at 10:15AM sharp on race day.

Ribbons will be awarded to the top three finishers (Male and Female) in each age division at 10:30AM sharp on race day (0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 +.

The Peru Lions Club consists of people who represent a cross section of our community. Chartered in 1945, the Peru Lions Club continues to serve the community in a variety of ways. We live by our motto “WE SERVE” and where there is a need,you will see a Lion. A prime example are the free eye screenings we provide to incoming kindergartners, day cares, any child between the ages of 1 and 5, across upstate NY. While our main goal is to aid the visually impaired and blind, our club contributes to over 18 service projects. 100% of YOUR donation at our Turkey Trot goes back to your local community. Thinking of becoming a Lion? We will have flyers available. And, thank you as always for your support.

CCC and Potsdam sign memorandum 

Source: CCC and Potsdam sign memorandum – Sun Community News & Printing

Turkey and All The Trimmings At Today’s Soup Kitchen

The chefs at the St. Augustine’s Church/Peru Community Church Soup Kitchen are cooking turkeys and preparing all the trimmings for today’s dinner. Don’t forget to attend and/or to bring someone. ALL ARE WELCOME! Serving 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.  St. Augustine’s Parish center, 3030 Main St. Peru, NY

Peru Town Clerk/ Tax Collector’s January 2020 Office Hours

Peru Town Board 2019 Photo

 

The Peru Town Board and Town Clerk Dianne Miller following the November 18th 2020 Town Budget Adoption Meeting.

L-R Counselor Jim Langley, Counselor Melvin Irwin, Town Clerk Dianne Miller, Supervisor Brandy McDonald, Counselor Jim Douglass, Counselor Rick Barber.

On December 31st Jim Langley’s term of office will end. Kregg Bruno will join the Board on January 1, 2020.

 

2020 Town Budget Adopted

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board adopted the town’s 2020 budget at a November 18, 2019 Special Board Meeting. As previously reported: Supervisor Brandy McDonald stated that with the exception of the Valcour sewer districts the Town of Peru’s 2020 general, highway, water and sewer tax rates will not increase. Valcour Sewer District #1 (residential) will increase from $.34 to $35. District #2 (commercial) will increase from $.57 to $.60. The Town Board will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 18th to adopt the budget.

Click this link to review budget