The Peru Gazette

Thanks to meteorologist John Hart for a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) accepted precipitation report for the period October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019. Measurements were taken on the Jabez Allen Road, 4.1 miles east, southeast of the hamlet’s center; other locations may differ a little, or a lot! click here to view in a pdf, more readable format.

John Hart explained the report in more detail.

What is the US Geological Survey(USGS) Water Year? A water year (also called hydrological year, discharge year or flow year) is a term commonly used in hydrology to describe a time period of 12 months for which precipitation totals are measured. Its beginning differs from the calendar year because part of the precipitation that falls in late autumn and winter often accumulates as snow and does not drain until the following spring or summer’s snowmelt.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru High School.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Recognition of NYS School Board Appreciation Week and CFES Brilliant Pathways School of Distinction

• Strategic Plan

• Smart Schools Bond Act

• Testing Data Review

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

All are welcome.

Peru’s new Stewart’s Shop is being constructed at a rapid pace. Photos of 10/11, 10/7 and 10/2/19.

A great Christmas gift for family and friends!

Peru, NY:  Peru Community Church is holding a Texas Citrus Sale!  Orders will be taken until Sunday, November 17^th with anticipated delivery of the fruit in early/mid December.

A full box (2/5 bushel) of Texas Rio Star Grapefruit will be sold for $17 with half boxes at $9.

A full box of Sweet Oranges will be sold for $18 with half boxes at $10.

A full box of ½ Grapefruit and ½ Oranges will be sold at $18 with half boxes at $10.

Order forms can be picked up at Peru Community Church Fellowship Center (13 Elm Street, Peru) or you can download a copy on the website at www.perucommunitychurch.com.

Send your payment and orders to:  Peru Community Church, PO Box 38, Peru, NY 12972

Place “Fruit Sale” on memo line of check.  Please include your name, address, phone number, and email address with your order.  You will be notified when the fruit arrives.

The Peru Community Church is located at Elm, Pleasant and Main Streets (Routes 22 and 22B) in Peru.  All are invited to worship and participate in the programs and ministries of the church.

By John T. Ryan

Schuyler Falls – October 8, 2019 would have been Francis Brown Turner’s 97th birthday. Instead, the North Country native, WWII veteran and school teacher was laid to rest in the Schuyler Falls Cemetery next to his wife Barbara Randall Turner and their three sons.  At the time of his death on April 27, 2019, he was believed to be our nation’s oldest living Eagle Scout. Mr. Turner spent most of his working life in the Utica-Rome area. For the last 20 years he resided in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

Mrs. Lyu Hardishek, his longtime caregiver, brought Turner’s ashes from Georgia for burial. She commented, “All heroes do not have a pivotal moment that changes the outcome of a situation. Mr. Turner was a humble hero as a teacher, a dedicated father (all three of the Turner’s sons suffered from Downs Syndrome), a loving husband and an Eagle Scout who was committed to leaving this world better than he found it.”

Called to active duty in 1943, Francis Brown Turner’s was awarded the American Campaign Service Medal, European/African Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, two Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

Following World War II he married, earned a teaching degree from Plattsburgh State, taught school and did charity work for veteran groups and his communities. Last year at age 96 he created a drive for Camp Corral, a program dedicated to assisting the children of fallen and disabled veterans.

Mrs. Hardishek was escorted to Schuyler Falls by retired USAF Col. John Spangler and Diana Smith, members of the Chateau Elan Military Support Foundation of Braselton, GA. The New York Patriot Guard Riders escorted them from Utica to the Schuyler Falls Cemetery.

Many members of North Country VFW Posts, American Legion Posts, North Country Honor Flight, Disabled American Veterans and Boy Scout Troops attended Tuesday’s ceremony.  Peru VFW Post 309 Ladies Auxiliary hosted a meal following the ceremony. 

Source: Jefferson County experiences whooping cough outbreak | Jefferson County | nny360.com

Oct. 10, 2019 – Town Highway Department personnel paved the road from the Heyworth-Park entrance gate to parking area today. The pavement replaces a gravel surface which was very difficult to plow during the winter months. The parking area was also expanded for about 10 more parking spaces.

The paving was financed by unused NYS grant monies related to the “dead” Main Street improvement project. The Town has requested to the remaining grant monies to replace the sidewalk on the Town Hall side of Main Street.

Peru – Oct. 10, 2019 The concrete beams have been installed and construction is rapidly proceeding on the new Davern Rd. Bridge.

On July 5th Clinton County awarded the contract to Luck Brothers Inc. of Plattsburgh who submitted a bid of $885,102.66. Luck Brothers has until December 6th to complete the project. Now it looks like it will open in early to mid-November.

Source: Long-awaited Plattsburgh Kohl’s location opens – Sun Community News & Printing

A bar with many names: Fuzzy Duck, After Hours and I think Jackie’s Club.Source: Fire Destroys Former Bar | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Bill signed outlawing certain pelvic exams

Source: NY21: Stefanik, Cobb oppose assault weapons ban, as public support grows | NCPR News

Source: Stefanik disagrees with Trump on Syria | Top Stories | nny360.com

North Country Honor Flight #31 will be taking to the skies this Saturday October 12th. Two WWII Veterans, seven Korean Veterans and six Vietnam Veterans will be flying on this final flight of 2019.

Each of these deserving Veterans has a story to share from their service, whatever and wherever it was. One in particular is Ralph McClintock who was on the USS Pueblo when it was captured by the North Koreans in the Sea of Japan. This incident gained national attention as the crew was held as POW’s for 11 months and tortured as hostages. The USS Pueblo is still held by North Korea today.

Lake Colden and Tributaries Show Signs of Fish and Habitat Recovery

Decades of New York’s Clean Air Initiatives Helped Reduce Effects of Acid Rain

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation (ALSC) today announced the confirmation of brook trout in an Adirondack lake deemed “fishless” for decades due to the negative effects of acid rain. The discovery of the self-sustaining brook trout population in Lake Colden, a high elevation lake in the High Peaks Wilderness, is attributed to improved water quality directly resulting from the state’s rigorous standards to prevent the airborne pollutants that cause acid rain.

“The discovery of brook trout in Lake Colden illustrates how we can make positive environmental change when we act to prevent the harmful effects of pollution,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “New York’s efforts to improve air quality statewide have resulted in cleaner air, and now we have even more evidence that all species can benefit from decisions based on sound science and investments in effective policies. However, this progress is threatened by the constant assault from the Trump Administration on clean air and environmental programs, which is why we will continue to fight to ensure they do not unravel progress like this remarkable restoration. I applaud the commitment of DEC staff across multiple administrations and divisions, our partners at NYSERDA and the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, and other stakeholders who helped make this breakthrough a reality and I look forward to continuing our work to protect New York’s air quality and spur further progress.”

Alicia Barton, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, “The return of the brook trout to Lake Colden is a testament of New York’s long-standing tradition of stewarding the environment. As the federal government ramps up its roll-back of emission regulations, Governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal will ensure our progress in protecting the State’s most precious natural resources and habitats, like the Adirondack Park, from harmful emissions and toxins is sustainable for years to come.”

“This amazing discovery is a direct result of the close partnership and good communication we have with DEC,” ALSC Program Manager Jed Dukett said. “ALSC has been monitoring the chemistry of Lake Colden for years and observing the improvements in the water chemistry. While we were preparing to recommend to DEC the lake was suitable for stocking brook trout, the discovery of brook trout makes this recommendation moot.”

The Lake Colden brook trout discovery is the first time a sustaining fish population has been recorded in a high-elevation (2,764 feet) Adirondack lake previously determined to be unable to host fish due to acid rain impacts. High-elevation lakes and their brook trout populations were severely impacted by acid rain.

How Air Quality Impacted Lake Colden’s Brook Trout

Read more »

Peru’s new Stewart’s Shop being constructed adjacent to the current store – Wednesday, Oct. 2 vs. Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. Framed, rafters up and roof on. They worked all weekend.

Francis Brown Turner of Flowery Branch, Georgia, will be laid to rest in Schuyler Falls Cemetery, Felton Road, New York, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. He passed away on April 27, 2019, just short of 97 years old.

He was born May 13, 1922 in Plattsburg, NY, and was interested in his studies, sports and the scouts. By 1939 he was an Eagle Scout. Among his badges, was one for bugling. That year, at seventeen years old, he bugled twice at the United Nations Expo at the World’s Fair in New York City, which was held from 1939-1940.

Click here for more information on Mr. Turner. 

Photo of July 8, 2019

Photo of July 8, 2019

Photo of Sept. 4, 2019

In case you’re wondering when repair of the Peru Elementary School tower will be finished, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Palmer said new glass is on order. He expects the job to be competed in about two to three weeks.