More than $22 Million Invested to Create State-of-the-Art Sports Medicine Center in Essex County
Photos Available Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the grand opening of Adirondack Health’s new, Lake Placid Health and Medical Fitness Center in Lake Placid, Essex County. The 41,000 square-foot state-of-the-art medical facility, complete with a three-lane lap pool, offers sports medicine and therapy services, in addition to traditional health care and treatment options for residents.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Lake Placid has a rich sporting history as a two-time host of the Winter Olympic games, and this project represents the latest investment furthering the region’s prominence as a world-class training destination for athletes of all ages and skill levels.”
Adirondack Health invested more than $22 million to build and outfit the new Lake Placid Health and Medical Fitness Center, with equipment and facilities to provide a range of services including strength training and exercise performance and science. The company has committed to adding two new positions, while retaining all 65 employees from its former Lake Placid location. This project was supported by a $2 million performance-based grant from ESD, recommended by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) during Round V of the Regional Council initiative.
Posted: August 7th, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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DEC Announces Environmental
Exam Application Deadline is September 4, 2019
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today encouraged individuals interested in becoming a Forest Ranger or Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) to apply for civil service exams being offered for the positions this fall. Applications are being accepted until September 4, 2019.
“DEC Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers are instrumental in protecting wildlife, natural resources, state lands and the people who use them,” Commissioner Seggos said. “From search and rescue operations to uncovering environmental crimes, these brave men and women are often first on the front lines of some of the most harrowing events. We encourage anyone interested in joining our ranks of admirable professionals to sign up for the exams today.”
The civil service exams will be held the weekend of October 19, 2019. There are separate exams and different qualifications for becoming an Environmental Conservation Police Officer or Forest Ranger. Potential applicants should closely review qualifications required for each position to determine which exam they are eligible to take. Those who want to apply for both positions, and meet the required qualifications, must submit separate applications and will be required to take both exams.
A full summary of qualifications, salary, and application procedures can be found online at the New York State Department of Civil Service exam announcements web pages for Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers.
Exam scores will be used to rank candidates and create eligible lists to fill openings for Environmental Conservation Police Officers or Forest Rangers. Although the exam is being offered, there is no guarantee that there will be openings. The eligibility list from this exam is expected to remain active for up to four years.
In the future, candidates selected from the list would be required to attend a 28-week residential training program at the DEC Basic Academy. Recruits must pass all elements of the Academy before being assigned to a work location. DEC recently began the 22nd Basic School for Uniformed Officers on May 19. For an inside look into what it takes to be an Environmental Conservation Police Officer or a Forest Ranger, watch a 4-minute clip from 2017’s Basic School for Uniformed Officers available on YouTube. Additional information on DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers is available online.
For more information about the upcoming state civil service exams and qualifications, visit the New York State Department of Civil Service website.
Posted: August 7th, 2019 under Environmental News, Law Enforcement News, State Government News.
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Posted: August 7th, 2019 under Environmental News.
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From the office of Assemblyman Bill Jones
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that legislation he helped pass to allow victims of sexual offenses, stalking and human trafficking to shield their addresses from their abusers has been signed into law (Ch. 141 of 2019).
“New Yorkers who have been sexually abused or forced into human trafficking have endured trauma many of us can’t even imagine,” Jones said. “As a former corrections officer, I’m committed to keeping our community safe and helping these victims break free of unimaginable situations. This new law will help ensure that abusers can’t contact victims, helping victims feel as safe as possible and move forward with their lives.”
The new law allows victims of sexual offenses, stalking and human trafficking to participate in the Department of State’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). The ACP is a cost-free program that currently allows victims of domestic violence to shield their address from their abusers by assigning the victim a substitute address, which is a Post Office box in Albany, they can use to receive mail. The mail is then forwarded to the participant’s actual address.[1] The legislation signed into law will expand participation in the ACP to other victims in need of confidentiality to protect their safety, Jones noted.
Posted: August 7th, 2019 under Law Enforcement News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
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Public Defender Jamie Martineau
By John T. Ryan
Plattsburgh – The Clinton County Public Defender’s office opened on April 1st. Since then Public Defender Jamie Martineau and three Assistant County Public Defenders have handled over 700 criminal cases in Clinton County’s town, city and village courts. Case numbers have grown to the extent that the county legislature recently authorized Martineau to hire two additional attorneys. The vast majority of people charged with a crime in Peru qualify to be represented by a public defender. Peru Town Justice James Kirby estimates that when he presides in a criminal case, Martineau represents 80% to 90% of the defendants.
A 2015 lawsuit titled Hurrell-Harring vs. the State of New York led to the new statewide public defender program. In some parts of New York State indigent defendants were not receiving proper representation, sometimes sitting in jail for months without an attorney. Some court assigned attorneys were accepting so many cases that they could not properly represent their clients. The parties reached a settlement whereby New York State agreed to regulate and monitor assigned defense attorney caseloads.
The program is being implemented by establishing county public defender offices. Last year Clinton County received a 5-year $6.89 million grant to fund its program. In early January Martineau moved into an office at 12 New York Road adjacent to the U.S. Oval. Over the course of the next three months he hired a staff and on April 1st the office officially opened. The public defenders are Clinton County employees; however, their caseload is monitored by the New State Office of Indigent Legal Services. Attorneys who used to represent indigent persons are still assigned cases such as in family court or when a public defender has a conflict of interest but at a much reduced level.
Public defenders are licensed attorneys and Clinton County’s have several years of criminal law experience including service as assistant district attorneys. Martineau added, “We concentrate on criminal law. We do not handle such matters as divorces, real estate, estate or parole hearings. We specialize in criminal cases. Crimes have ranged from low level violations to high level felonies and everything in between.”
Each public defender is assigned to a specific court. Martineau works in the towns of Peru, Dannemora, Ausable, Chazy and the City of Plattsburgh. He said cases are being settled faster because public defender schedules are aligned with that of the courts. Previously attorneys often represented defendants in several courts, many with different schedules, resulting in schedule conflicts and frequent postponements. Martineau added, “The program also assists the district attorney’s office. It’s easier for the district attorney to deal with one attorney rather than dealing with fifteen different attorneys representing fifteen defendants.”
Posted: August 6th, 2019 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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The North Country Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free Breakfast on Tuesday, August 20th from 8:00 – 9:00am at the Chamber office, 7061 Route 9, Plattsburgh. This informational meeting will provide an overview of Chamber activities regarding tourism promotion, government affairs, small business support and economic development. You’ll also learn about the many benefits and services offered by the Chamber, including cost saving opportunities, ways to meet potential customers, and more.
This free breakfast is open to everyone who would like to learn more about the Chamber and the many services offered in our region. RSVP by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 563-1000 or visit www.northcountrychamber.com.
Posted: August 6th, 2019 under Business News.
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Tuesday – The Peru Knights of Columbus WILL be conducting bingo tonight. The parking lot is being paved, but it will open for parking tonight.
Posted: August 6th, 2019 under Community Events.
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Peru – CVPH Blood Drive, Thursday, August 15, 2019, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center 3030 Main St., Peru. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 7273.
Why Give Blood? Blood donation is a community responsibility. … About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood. Blood is always needed for treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients.
Blood collected stays in the North Country, helping hundreds of people in this region at hospitals in Plattsburgh, Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls. Its success rests on the generosity of donors and sponsors.
To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health and at least 17 years of age. The minimum weight requirement is 110 lbs. All donors must pass a physical and health history exam conducted at the drive prior to donation. A valid ID is required. Whole blood can be donated once every eight weeks (56 days).
Posted: August 5th, 2019 under Community Events, Heathcare News.
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The Town of Peru Highway Department will be closing Blake Road Tuesday, August 6th from 7 am-4 pm for paving. Residents and emergency vehicles will be able to access the road.
Posted: August 5th, 2019 under Highway Dept. News.
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DEC Call Center Hours Extended to Provide Assistance on Evenings and Weekends
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that sporting licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2019-20 season are now on sale.
Licenses and permits can be purchased at any one of DEC’s license-issuing agents, by telephone at 866-933-2257, or online(leaves DEC website). The new hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1, 2019 through Aug. 31, 2020, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
The new Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read compendium of all pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting Regulations webpage. A summary of hunting and trapping regulations is currently available at license issuing agents, and copies of the full hunting and trapping regulations guide will be available at license issuing agents beginning Sept. 1.
Expanded Call Center Hours
Beginning Aug. 1, the DEC Call Center is accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 1. Regular call center weekday hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) will resume on Oct. 2.
Individuals should have the following items ready when buying a license:
- Complete contact information (e.g. name, address, email address, telephone number);
- DEC customer ID number (if applicable);
- Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or non-driver’s ID with a valid New York State address); and
- If purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card.
If not already entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, individuals are required to provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases. For additional information, visit the General Sporting License Information webpage on DEC’s website.
Free Hunter Education Training Courses Offered
DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated, certified instructors statewide to provide hunter education training courses free of charge. Courses are required for all first-time hunters. Courses are offered in Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education, and Waterfowl Hunter Identification. Courses fill quickly, so anyone interested in taking a course should register soon. Education courses are added continuously throughout the year, so check the online system frequently to find a nearby course. To locate a nearby hunter or trapper education course, visit the Hunter Education webpage on DEC’s website or contact a local DEC office for assistance.
Posted: August 5th, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement on the El Paso and Dayton shootings, and President Trump’s address to the nation: “I know that Americans across the country mourn with all our hearts as the nation reels from these evil and heinous acts in El Paso and Dayton,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “We need to work together to lift our country above this epidemic of hate. Thank you to first responders, law enforcement, health officials, blood donors, and everyday civilian heroes who responded as quickly as possible to save lives.
I was encouraged to hear the President call on our nation to condemn racism, bigotry, and white supremacy: this evil must be eradicated. I also echo the President’s desire to strengthen existing background checks for criminals and the mentally ill. States and towns must be sharing the same database to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
I have a strong record of bipartisan action on this issue: I voted to expand information sharing within background checks through FIX NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System), cosponsored legislation to ban bump stocks, and voted to strengthen school safety through the STOP School Violence Act and the Securing Our Schools Act of 2018, both of which I cosponsored.”
Posted: August 5th, 2019 under Congressional News.
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New York State Police say Robert F. Collins was on an early-morning ride when the ATV slid off the trail near Route 9 and Collins Lane and went down a four-foot embankment.
https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/beekmantown-man-dies-in-atv-accident-autopsy-scheduled/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Local_22_&_Local_44&fbclid=IwAR3EreGw3MWsraOQ4YMaAjsXHHJVKQ4a52O4LNS0kpW84azXiEHSfThWM0I
Posted: August 5th, 2019 under Northern NY News.
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L-R: Scouts Savannah Pray with Marley, Kylee Bresett with Lilly and Abigail Perky and Tyson
Marley makes the jump
Lilly made the big leap
By John T. Ryan
Peru – The Heyworth-Mason Dog Park is an even more fun place for dogs thanks to Girl Scout Troop 4107 of Ausable Valley Central School. This afternoon cadet scouts Abigail Perky, Kylee Bresett and Savannah Pray accompanied by Troop Leaders Aubrey Bresett and Denise Perky presented a dog agility piece to Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald and Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass.
The scouts constructed the agility piece as part of their Girl Scout Silver Award project. They’d like to add to it in the future to make an obstacle course. Abigail Perky explained, “We wanted to help the dogs have fun and the dog park is in our area.” Kylee Bresett added, “We have dogs and we like them.” How did the get the idea? Kylee said, “We’ve watched dog shows on Youtube.” Her mom Aubrey Bresett added, “Remember the dog show we saw in Elizabethtown. It was like the shows you see on TV and you really liked it. All our troop’s service projects usually involve animals. We have a lot of animal lovers.”
It took coaxing to get Lilly and Marley through the agility piece, but they completed the task. Abigail Perky’s Great Dane Tyson wasn’t at all interested, but no one argued with him.
Posted: July 31st, 2019 under Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.
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Adirondack Farms planted soybeans to replace some of its damaged alfalfa.
By John T. Ryan
Peru – The average person probably didn’t notice, but last winter’s thaw-freeze weather ruined many farmers’ alfalfa crop costing them millions of dollars. Acre after acre of alfalfa hay was devastated by what farmers call “winter kill.” Farmers in Clinton County, Franklin and St. Lawrence Counties experienced significant crop losses. Dr. Kitty O’Neil, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Field Crops and Soils Specialist, said “I’ve worked in this area for seven years. This is the worst year for winter kill since I’ve been here.”
Dr. O’Neil said this region experiences two types of winter kill, especially in low-lying areas and along lake shores. She said, “The thaw-freeze conditions result in big sheets of ice on the soil surface killing the underlying alfalfa roots. There are low-lying areas where there have been huge kills. Crops near lake shores are also endangered. Snow blows on the fields and kills both alfalfa and grass.” The Chazy area is especially subject to this condition.
Alfalfa seed typically yields a crop for 5 or 6 years at an estimated total cost of up to $500 an acre. Adirondack Farms in Peru lost 2,000 acres or about $1 million of a very important crop. Alfalfa is an important nitrogen source crop reducing the need to apply expensive nitrogen fertilizers. Unable to harvest much of his alfafa, Adirondack Farms owner Jon Rulfs has been forced to replace it with corn, soy beans and a triticale – peas combination. Planting these crops is another unplanned expense.
Posted: July 31st, 2019 under Agricultural News, Business News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Weather News/History.
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The Master Gardener Volunteers have scheduled a trip to the Botanical Gardens in Montreal for Tuesday, September 10. This trip is open to the public and we hope you will join us. We will leave Plattsburgh at 9:15am for a 10:30am arrival in Montreal, returning at 9:00pm for a 10:30pm arrival in Plattsburgh. The price is $65, which includes roundtrip transportation and admission to the Botanical Gardens. You must present a valid passport or passport card before boarding the coach.
The trip will take place rain or shine, and is non-refundable unless we are forced to cancel this event or we have another person on the waiting list to take your place. Space is limited. The last day to register is August 21. For more information or to make your paid reservation contact the Cornell Cooperative office at 561-7450 or email Jolene at jmw442@cornell.edu
Posted: July 31st, 2019 under Community Events, Environmental News.
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