Storm Update: Much of Hamilton County NY remains cut off | NCPR News
Posted: November 2nd, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Weather News/History.
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A free community news service for Peru, NY
Posted: November 2nd, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Weather News/History.
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Posted: November 2nd, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Peru/Regional History, Weather News/History.
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Meteorologist John Hart said rainfall in the 24-hour period set a seasonal record. 5.01″ near Speculator, 3.78″ in Tupper Lake, 3.73″, 3.56″ Keene Valley, 3.73″ in Ticonderoga.
The Peru Gazette stopped at Ausable Chasm about 12:30 p.m. today. Here’s a 2:30 minute video of Rainbow Falls and above the Falls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Lq1eSLCrM
Posted: November 1st, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Northern NY News, Weather News/History.
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Posted: November 1st, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Northern NY News, Weather News/History.
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Posted: November 1st, 2019 under Business News, Peru/Regional History.
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From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has signed on as an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The bill is being led by Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-4) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) and includes solutions to address the labor crisis facing American agriculture. The bill provides a pathway to legal status for undocumented farmworkers who have been working in agriculture for at least two years and plan to continue in their jobs. Additionally, the bill allows year-round workers, including dairy workers, to gain access to the H-2A program. It also simplifies the H-2A application process and establishes a mandatory E-Verify program to maintain employment authorization and records for the agricultural workforce.
“Agriculture is the backbone of the North Country, which is why I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to ensure that our farmers have access to a stable, legal workforce, allowing them to continue to produce abundant, safe, and affordable food,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “We are fortunate to have a wide range of agriculture operations in the North Country that create jobs and drive our economy, and we are one of the top dairy-producing districts in the country. Securing a reliable and skilled workforce is essential to maintain the success of those operations. This legislation is an important step in addressing the needs of our dedicated, hardworking farmers and I will continue to be a leading advocate for them here in Congress.”
“New York Farm Bureau believes in common-sense immigration reform and has made it a priority for more than two decades,” said David Fisher, President of New York Farm Bureau. “We appreciate Congresswoman Stefanik’s efforts highlighting this very important issue and support for the bi-partisan legislative process. We hope to find a pathway forward to resolve this matter once and for all to benefit our farms, employees and food supply.”
“Legislation that streamlines the process for a legal, reliable workforce for all of agriculture is long overdue,” said Cynthia Haskins, President of the New York Apple Association. “The New York apple growers are appreciative of the hard work that went into this Act.”
“The legislation represents a significant improvement over the status quo for our growers in the H-2A program and those who employ domestic workers,” said Jim Bair, President & CEO of the U.S. Apple Association. “The legislation is a compromise and the first step in a lengthy process. We will continue to provide input and seek improvements as that process moves forward.”
Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Congressional News.
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TOWN OF PERU
Area Variance – for a Flag and Key-Hole Lot
281.-1-32.112
635 Fuller Rd.
Peru, NY 12972
Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Zoning Board News.
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The activity at Peru’s new Stewart’s Shop has amazed many people this week. The new store is being completed and stocked for a scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 6th opening. Meanwhile contractors are working furiously outside both the new and existing shops. It’s crowded, but determined customers still seem to find a way to get inside the old shop.
Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Business News, General News, Peru/Regional History.
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New Court House roof installed Oct. 28 & 29, 2019
By John T. Ryan
The Town Board:
Other News:
Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that NYS Department of Environmental Conservation issued a satisfactory rating for the Town’s waste water treatment plant.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that the recent road paving jobs totaled $343,000. His department’s two new dump trucks have arrived. One truck purchase was unplanned but necessary following a January 4th snowplow rollover accident on the Patent Road’s very steep hill. The truck involved in that incident was totaled.
Posted: October 31st, 2019 under General News, Highway Dept. News, Town Board News, Water & Sewer Dept. News.
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Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Heathcare News, Peru resident news/accomplishments.
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Very similar if not identical to Peru’s new store which scheduled to open on November 6th.
Source: Stewart’s Shops opens into new, larger space in E’town – Sun Community News & Printing
Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Northern NY News.
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Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News.
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Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Business News, General News.
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Posted: October 31st, 2019 under General News.
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Eastern Clinton County
Areal Flood Watch
Areal Flood Watch in effect from 5:00 PM EDT until Friday, 8:00 PM EDT. Source: U.S. National Weather Service
LESS
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING… * The Flood Watch continues for the northern Adirondacks in New York and most of central and northern Vermont, except Grand Isle County. * From this afternoon through Friday evening. * Moderate to heavy rainfall will develop late this afternoon and spread across the entire region overnight. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected with localized amounts up to 3 inches possible in the northern Adirondacks of New York and Green Mountains of Vermont. This rainfall combined with saturated soils from recent rain events, will cause sharp rises on many streams and rivers across the North Country by early Friday morning. Several rivers are anticipated to reach minor flood stage, which include the Ausable, Mad, and Winooski Rivers along with the Otter Creek. * In addition, clogged storm drains from recently fallen leaves could produce considerable street flooding in urban areas tonight. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Eastern Clinton County
Posted: October 31st, 2019 under Weather News/History.
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Posted: October 30th, 2019 under Agricultural News, Northern NY News.
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Posted: October 30th, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Peru/Regional History.
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Posted: October 30th, 2019 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, Northern NY News.
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Posted: October 30th, 2019 under General News.
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Chad Deans

Travis Nelson
Plattsburgh – Clinton County Coroner David Donah is not seeking reelection. Clinton County Republicans nominated Chad Deans of Champlain while Clinton County Democrats nominated Travis Nelson of Saranac for the position. Deans also has the support of the Conservative Party. Nelson also has Working Families Party support.
The office of coroner is a part-time position. The winner will be elected to a four-year term of office. The Peru Gazette posed five questions to each candidate to inform voters regarding the candiates’ qualifications and goals.
1. What are the duties of the office of coroner?
Chad Deans responded: The duties of the county coroner include but are not limited to; responding to death scenes and assisting with the death investigation, obtaining a medical and social history of the deceased including a list of medications for review of the pathologist, attending the autopsy when one is ordered and documenting such, initiating the death certificate for cases, completing and filing reports, completing budget work and other financial reports relating to the coroner’s office.
Travis Nelson responded: The coroner is responsible for confirming, investigating and certifying deaths within the county, primarily unattended, accidental, etc. The coroner works with the Pathology/Medical Examiner in determining the cause and manner of death. In addition, the coroner is responsible for initiating and completing death certificates via Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS). The coroner is also responsible for handling personal effects of the decedent, such as any valuables that are on the person at the time of death, which are to be turned over to the County Treasurer.
2. Summarize your educational background, primary employment, past community involvement and a little about your family.
Chad Deans responded: I am a 1997 graduate of the State University of New York College of Technology at Canton with an A.A.S. degree in Mortuary Science. I am currently licensed to practice as a funeral director in New York State and have over twenty years of experience. I presently work in funeral service locally and have previously worked as an autopsy assistant. I am a member of Fraternal Lodge 155 Free and Accepted Masons in West Chazy and ring the bell for the Salvation Army Holiday Red Kettle Campaign. I reside in the Village of Champlain with my wife Heather, who is a teacher at Northern Adirondack Central School in Ellenburg and our children Kathryn and Aaron.
Travis Nelson responded: I have been in the medical field since 2008, primarily as a Registered Respiratory Therapist at UVM CVPH. In this role I have been exposed to all aspects of critical care, trauma and end of life care. I am a volunteer and member of North Country Honor Flight where I have served as a flight medic, also I was a volunteer member of Saranac Fire Department. My wife Jessica and I have a 3 year old daughter Juliana and we are the 3rd generation operating her families horse farm.
3. Why are you qualified to serve in this position?
Chad Deans responded: My experience as a licensed funeral director and autopsy assistant provide a good background for this position. I have responded to many death scenes over the years and I am familiar with obtaining important information from people under delicate circumstances. As a funeral director experience in procedures surrounding death have been established as part of my work.
Travis Nelson responded: I feel I am qualified for this position given my experience in critical care. It has enabled me to remain focused and objective in doing my job under some of the most stressful situations from traumas to end of life care at patient’s bedside with family. Comforting and helping families through times of grief. In addition, I am currently completing my certification for Medical Legal Death Investigation, with coursework completion date of November 22, 2019 and the certification exam following.
4. Have you successfully completed all required training including medical-legal investigation courses?
Chad Deans responded: The required Coroner 101 course is scheduled for February in Syracuse for newly elected coroners. If elected I will enroll in this course by the January deadline.
Travis Nelson responded: I will have completed all coursework necessary to take the certification exam by November 22, 2019. The county will send whomever is elected to take an MLDI course in February, however the course I am enrolled in now is a 40 hour course, opposed to the 1 day course that the county requires.
5.Why should someone vote for you?
Chad Deans responded: I am readily reachable and available for coroner duties and would bring over twenty years of experience in death care to this position. I will be professional, ethical, and compassionate to those I serve and work with all required authorities during death investigations.
Travis Nelson responded: I feel that I should have your support and vote as I am a lifelong resident of Clinton County, my medical background and ties to this community are vast. I am a very effective communicator and have extensive experience in working alongside physicians on a daily basis. My attention to detail and ability to think outside the normal realm will help greatly with the investigative portion of the coroner’s responsibilities. My compassion and empathy will serve greatly in helping family members of the community through some of the most tragic times. If elected it’s not if I will be called upon to attend to someone I know, but when, and treating every person with the compassion, dignity and respect that we all hope for in our time of need or passing, and doing so diligently.
Posted: October 29th, 2019 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday October 17, 2019 at the Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber;Councilman, Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk. Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer.
The meeting was called to order at 7:0 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the September 23, 2019 meeting. Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried
Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Langley to include the reports from the following departments into the official record of tonight’s meeting. (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports). Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried
Community Input and Questions
Jordan Kelleher spoke about a tractor parade for the tree lighting in December. Mr. McDonald recommended for him to speak with the Fire Department to coordinate with them.
Mr. Ryan commented concerning the algae in the pond near the gazebo. Mr. Tetrault explained to use chemicals possible issues such as wastewater etc. could occur.
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-1
A RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE VPC EQUIPMENT FROM CORROSION PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT AT A REVISED PRICING FOR THE WASTEWATER PLANT CLARIFIER SYSTEM BY THE TOWN OF PERU SEWER DEPARTMENT.
MOTION: Mr. Douglass SECOND: Mr. Barber
WHEREAS, The Town of Peru Town Board has found a need for new VPC equipment for the Wastewater Plant Clarifier System for the Town Sewer Department at a revised price of $15,387.00 (Fifteen thousand three hundred eighty seven dollars) including shipping, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board and the Sewer Department Superintendent have determined that the new fiberglass troughs, custom brackets, neoprene gaskets and stainless steel hardware of the VPC equipment offered by Corrosion Products & Equipment would enable the Town to provide a continued level of quality service to the Town’s residents at a reasonable price, Now it is,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Supervisor is authorized to sign all paperwork to execute this purchase as soon as possible.
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| Richard Barber, Jr. | x | ||
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | x |
Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: School House Wood Work Quote Approval
Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Douglass to table resolution at this time.
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-2
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RESIGNATION OF STEVE LABOUNTY FROM THE TOWN OF PERU ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.
MOTION: Mr. Barber SECOND: Mr. Irwin
WHEREAS, The Peru Town Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended that Town Board accepts the resignation of Steve LaBounty as of August 6, 2019.
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to accept the resignation of Steve LaBounty and thanks him for his past service to the Town of Peru effective August 6, 2019.
AND, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| Richard Barber Jr. | x | ||
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley Jr. | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | x |
Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-3
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RESIGNATION OF THOMAS FUSCO FROM
THE TOWN OF PERU ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.
MOTION: Mr. Douglass SECOND: Mr. Langley
WHEREAS, The Peru Town Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended that Town Board accepts the resignation of Thomas Fusco as of September 18, 2019.
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to accept the resignation of Thomas Fusco and thanks him for his past service to the Town of Peru effective September 18, 2019.
AND, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| Richard Barber Jr. | x | ||
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley Jr. | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | x |
Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-4
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF TERRY AUBIN JR. TO THE TOWN OF PERU ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS.
MOTION: Mr. Barber SECOND: Mr. Irwin
WHEREAS, The Peru Town Zoning Board of Appeals has recommended that Terry Aubin, Jr. be appointed to fill the Town Zoning Board of Appeals seat vacated by Steve LaBounty through December 31, 2020.
THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, the Peru Town Board agrees with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and appoints Terry Aubin, Jr. to complete the term of the seat vacated by Steve LaBounty through December 31, 2020.
AND, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| Richard Barber Jr. | x | ||
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley Jr. | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | x |
Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
Sewer Collection Project Update
Mr. Tetrault stated project has been submitted to D.O.T. They will be contacting Mr. Favro about the easements.
Set a Public Hearing Date for Valcour Sewer Rate Increases
Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber to set a Public Hearing for November 14, 2019 at 6:30 PM at The Town Hall.
Approve/Sign Clinton Co. Conservation Easement Corrective Deed
Mr. Langley stated there are 2 parcels.
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-5
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE CORRECTIVE DEED ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF CLINTON AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.
MOTION: Mr. Langley SECOND: Mr. Douglass
WHEREAS, the Town Board has a copy of the corrective deed for the property that is designated as Lot 2 on a survey map entitled “Map & Plan, Heyworth Village Subdivision, Hamlet of Peru before it NOW THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, the GRANTEE acknowledges that use of this property subject to this corrective deed is restricted by a Conservation Easement held by the County of Clinton and recorded as Instrument #145252 on July 31, 2002 in the Clinton County Clerk’s Office. The Conservation Easement specifies that the purpose of the easement is to restrict the use of the land to open space in perpetuity to protect and preserve natural floodplain values and to prevent any future use of the property that will significantly impair or interfere with open space values of the property.
RESOLVED, the Town of Peru approves of this corrective deed and agrees to the corrected terms and property descriptions of such prior deed recorded in the Office of the Clinton County Clerk on July 31, 2002 as instrument #145251.
AND, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| Richard Barber, Jr. | x | ||
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | x |
Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
Facebook Page for Water and Sewer Department
Mr. Tetrault asked for the Facebook page as other towns have one. He stated it would allow his department to communicate with residents with any water issues.
Item 15 A
Motion by Mr. McDonald; seconded by Mr. Langley to withdraw Court roof replacement bid from New Image Roofing and award to Ron Hoy Roofing.
Other Business
Mr. Farrell stated all paving is done.
Mr. Tetrault stated to be proactive to possibly eliminate emergency valve repairs; he suggested evaluating each valve for possible replacement.
Public Comments on Agenda Items Only
Mr. Ryan asked what the increase will be for the Valcour Sewer Rate. Mr. Tetrault replied $ 10 a quarter and approximately 36 users.
Mr. Ryan questioned why the school house wood work quote was tabled. Mr. Langley stated a review status on deed is necessary at this time.
RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.10.17-6
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN
MOTION: Mr. Irwin SECOND: Mr. Barber
WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in October 2019:
From Town of Peru Vouchers in October 2019; #201901261 through and including #201901354
Abstract dated 10/17/2019
For the dollar amount totaling: $181,626.39; of that, $11,495.09 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $170,131.30 is remaining to be paid and
WHEREAS, the Town Board finds said claims, bills and invoices to be acceptable in form and reasonable in amount;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that payment of the aforementioned claims, bills and invoices is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to make such payment; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
| Roll Call: | YES | NO | |
| Richard Barber, Jr. | x | ||
| James Douglass | x | ||
| Mel Irwin | x | ||
| James Langley | x | ||
| Brandy McDonald | x |
Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays
Adjourn to Executive Session
Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn regular meeting at 7:46 PM for Executive Session. No action to be taken
Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Irwin to return to regular meeting at 8:03 PM.
Motion by Mr. Douglass; seconded by Mr. Barber to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:05 PM. Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried
_________________________Supervisor _________________________Councilman
_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman
_________________________Councilman
Posted: October 28th, 2019 under Town Board News, Water & Sewer Dept. News, Zoning Board News.
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Adirondack Health Institute (AHI) is offering free health insurance enrollment assistance services to individuals, families, and small business owners in eight North Country counties – Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington – during the upcoming open enrollment period. Open enrollment begins November 1 for new enrollees and November 16 for those reenrolling in a plan. It runs through January 31, 2020. For those who wish to have their health insurance coverage take effect on January 1, 2020, the deadline to apply is December 15.
“Our enrollment specialists provide no-cost, unbiased assistance to help clients determine their health insurance eligibility for Qualified Health Plans, Medicaid, and Child Health Plus” explained Joyce Porter, AHI’s Enrollment Assistance Services and Education (EASE) Program Manager. “Another option available is called the Essential Plan, a plan for lower-income New Yorkers who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus. This plan costs much less than other plans – as little as $20 per month, and in some cases no cost at all – yet offers the same essential benefits for those who qualify.”
Porter continued, “We are excited to help people in our communities enroll in a plan that best fits their needs. We also encourage those who would like assistance to schedule a free appointment with us at their earliest convenience and not wait until the last minute to sign up.”
Individuals may call AHI’s toll-free number, 1-866-872-3740, or visit http://www.ahihealth.org/ease/appointment-request/ to schedule a no-cost appointment with an EASE enrollment specialist.
Adirondack Health Institute is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization licensed under the New York State Public Health Law as an Article 28 Central Services Facility. Since 1987, AHI has supported hospitals, physician practices, behavioral health providers, community-based organizations and others in the region in sharing our vision and mission of transforming health care and improving population health. A joint venture of Adirondack Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, St. Lawrence Health System, and the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, AHI’s mission is to create transformative initiatives to improve access to health care services allowing the residents of the Adirondack region to realize their full potential and live a healthy life. For more information, please visit www.ahihealth.org.
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Posted: October 28th, 2019 under Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Posted: October 28th, 2019 under State Government News.
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Posted: October 28th, 2019 under Law Enforcement News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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MOTION: Adjourn
Posted: October 27th, 2019 under Town Board News.
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