The Peru Gazette

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.

  The next few weeks will be beautiful!

Source: Stefanik accuses House Intel Committee chair of wrongdoing without providing evidence | NCPR News

Source: NYS Attorney General visits Plattsburgh to talk poverty and opioids | NCPR News

Source: Are the F-35s really louder than the F-16s?

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik  

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), and Congressman Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19) announced today they will be introducing a set of bills to enhance limousine safety in response to last year’s tragic accident in Schoharie, NY. The crash caused the death of 20 people, making it the deadliest transportation accident in the United States since 2009. This comprehensive package of legislation will close gaps in the law to ensure modified limousines meet federal safety standards, strengthen inspection requirements, and direct research to guide further updates to limousine safety regulations. Find a full explanation of the bills below. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand will be introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

“One year ago, tragedy struck Upstate New York when 20 lives were lost in a horrific auto accident,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “While the investigation is still ongoing, NTSB’s recent recommendations make it clear that critical gaps in the federal standards are undermining the safety of passengers. Our proposal will close existing loopholes in the limousine safety standards and keep unsafe vehicles off our roads. I am looking forward to working with my New York colleagues on this comprehensive and bipartisan legislation to ensure such senseless tragedies never happen again.”

The SAFE Limos Act of 2019: Safety, Accountability, and Federal Enforcement

Safety Belt Standards for Limousines

Under current law, limousines with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds are not required to have lap shoulder belts for every seating position.  The SAFE Limos Act will require each new limousine to have lap and shoulder belts that meet minimum safety requirements for each designated seating position.

Seating System Standards for Limousines

Limousines manufacturers are not required to meet minimum safety standards for seats, their attachment assemblies, and their installation to minimize the possibility of seats failing during a crash.  The SAFE Limos Act will require each new limousine to meet safety requirements for seat strength and integrity.

Retrofit Assessment for Existing Limousines

The SAFE Limos Act will require the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate the feasibility of retrofitting existing limousines with lap and shoulder belts and seat systems that meet minimum safety requirements.

Safety Standards for Altering Used Vehicles into Limousines

The modern limousine market is made up of several independent manufacturers that purchase and modify new or used vehicles into limousines.  Under current law, a limousine manufacturer that modifies a new vehicle into a limousine must certify that the altered vehicle still conforms will federal safety standards, such as side impact protections and roof crush resistance.  Modifiers of used vehicles (i.e., vehicles that have been sold at least once, other than for resale), however, are not required to certify that their vehicles meet federal safety standards.  The SAFE Limos Act requires limousine manufacturers altering used vehicles to certify that the limousine meets federal safety standards.

Limousine Compliance with Federal Safety Standards

To assist limousine manufacturers in complying with federal safety standards, some automakers have created programs detailing what manufacturing limousine alterers should meet to ensure their altered motor vehicle complies with federal safety standards.  Unfortunately, not all limousine alterers adhere to these programs.  The SAFE Limos Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and issue guidelines, best practices, and recommendations to assist a limousine alterer develop and administer a vehicle modifier plan.  A limousine alterer is required to develop a vehicle modifier plan, subject to approval by the Secretary.

Limousine Crash Safety

Limousines are typically equipped with perimeter seating, in which the back of the seats lie against the interior of the passenger compartment.  Such alternate seating arrangements can pose unique dangers to occupants.  Further, side-impact protections are inconsistent across the limousine industry.  The SAFE Limos Act directs NHTSA to conduct research into crashworthiness including side impact protection, roof crush resistance, and air bag system protections for all limousine occupants given alternative seating positions or interior configurations, including perimeter seating arrangements.  NHTSA’s findings should inform vehicle modifier plans.

Limousine Evacuation

Rapid egress from a vehicle after a crash can make the difference between life and death.  Pursuant to prior recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the SAFE Limos Act will direct NHTSA to conduct research and issue standards that can aid egress and regress in the event that one exit in the limousine’s passenger compartment is blocked. 

Limousine Inspection Disclosure

The SAFE Limos Act will require a limousine operator introducing a limousine into interstate commerce to disclose:

1. Date of the most recent inspection of the limousine required under state or federal law;
2. The results of the inspection; and
3. Any corrective action taken by the limousine operator to ensure the limousine passes inspection.

Event Data Recorders for Limousines

Event Data Recorders are devices installed in motor vehicles that collect valuable information about the nature of crashes to aid investigations.  The SAFE Limos Act would require the use of Event Data Recorders for all new limousines.

The Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act

Impoundment or Immobilization of Limos that Fail Inspection

This act will create a new grant program to support states’ efforts to impound or immobilize vehicles that fail inspection for critical safety reasons.  The New York State Assembly and Senate are working on legislation that allows for the immobilization or impoundment of limousines where such vehicle has an out-of-service defect or a defect related to its horn. The act will incentivize states like New York to take strong actions to keep unsafe limos that fail inspection off the road.

Annual State Limo Inspection Requirement

The act would require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to restart a dormant rulemaking effort requiring states to inspect all commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport passengers.

The End the Limo Loophole Act

Ensure Limos Comply with Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations

Currently, a Commercial Motor Vehicle is defined as one that is designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. Vehicles that are altered post-manufacture to accommodate more than 15 passengers, as with many stretch limos, fall outside this definition. This act will amend the definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle to ensure that it covers all vehicles used to transport more than 15 people so that critical federal safety rules, such as driver qualifications, apply regardless of the initial design.

Youth Big Game Hunt on Columbus Day Weekend

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that bowhunting seasons for deer and bear will begin in the Northern Zone on Sept. 27 and in the Southern Zone on Oct. 1.

“New York provides great opportunity for the state’s more than 160,000 licensed bowhunters to venture outside during early bow seasons, which offer mild weather and longer days in the woods,” Commissioner Seggos said. “It’s also the perfect time to introduce new hunters to deer and bear hunting. With abundant apples and good crops of acorns and beechnuts across the state this year, hunters will do well to key in on concentrated food sources for early season success with deer and black bear.”

Deer Management Permit Deadline is Oct. 1

The deadline to apply for deer management permits (DMPs; antlerless tags) is fast approaching, and hunters must apply for DMPs by Oct. 1. Hunters should know the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) they intend to hunt and review their chances of selection before applying. The application fee for DMPs is $10. The fee is waived for junior hunters and Lifetime License holders who purchased a Lifetime (Sportsman) License before Oct. 1, 2009. Hunters who have purchased a hunting license are eligible to apply for up to two DMPs that may be used to harvest antlerless deer from a specified WMU. Antlerless deer harvest is crucial in helping to balance the deer herd with available habitat.

Hunters who still need to pick up their license and permits for the 2019-20 seasons can do so at any one of DEC’s 1,300 license issuing outlets, by phone at 866-933-2257, or online through the DECALS website.

Youth Big Game Hunt

New York’s annual Youth Big Game Hunt is scheduled for Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 12-14. During this special opportunity, licensed 14- and 15-year-olds may use a firearm to hunt big game while accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. All eligible junior hunters may take one deer (either sex) and one bear. During the youth hunt, antlerless deer taken with a firearm may be tagged with a regular season tag, DMP, or Deer Management Assistance Program tags. Antlered deer may only be tagged with the regular season tag. Though junior hunters may have multiple deer tags, they may only take one deer with a firearm during the Youth Big Game Hunt.

This Youth Big Game Hunt takes place throughout the state, except in Suffolk County and in bowhunting-only areas. Additional rules that apply to junior hunters and their adult mentors can be found on pages 36 and 37 of the Hunting & Trapping Guide or through the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program.

Take it, Tag it, Report it!

DEC reminds New York hunters of the importance of reporting their harvest. Harvest reporting is critical to wildlife management, and hunters are required to report their harvest of deer, bear, and turkey within seven days of taking the animal. The easiest way to report is via DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app. Through this app, hunters, anglers, and trappers can access an electronic version of their licenses and privileges, and report the harvest of deer, bear, and turkey quickly while afield on their mobile device. Hunters may still use the phone report system, but online and mobile systems are faster, more convenient, and easier for hunters to accurately enter information.

Venison Donation Program

Big game hunters are reminded that they can help feed the hungry by making a monetary contribution to the Venison Donation Program at any license-issuing outlet. License buyers should inform the sales agent if they are interested in donating $1 or more to support the program. Since 1999, these funds have been used by the Venison Donation Coalition to process more than 330 tons of highly nutritious venison, the equivalent of 2.8 million meals served. Learn more about the Venison Donation Coalition program.

Protect our Deer from Chronic Wasting Disease

Hunters should take the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) seriously. CWD is always fatal to deer. If introduced, CWD could spread rapidly and would be practically impossible to eliminate once established, threatening the future of New York’s deer population, hunting tradition, and many of the other benefits associated with deer. The most effective disease management strategy is to prevent CWD from entering New York. Hunters can help protect New York’s deer herd from CWD by following these tips:

• If hunting any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou outside of New York, debone the animal before bringing it back and follow the law about importing carcass parts from outside of New York. See CWD Regulations for Hunters. DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported carcasses and parts;
• Avoid natural deer urine products. Prions are shed in the bodily fluids (saliva, feces, urine) of infected deer before they appear sick. Prions bind to soil and plants where they remain infectious for years. There is no way to ensure that urine products are free of prions. Choose synthetic alternatives;
• Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, not on the landscape;
• Hunt only wild deer and support fair chase hunting principles; and
• Report deer that appear sick or act abnormally by contacting the nearest Regional DEC Wildlife Office.

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

“As a dad and a former dairy farmer myself, I can tell you there are few children who don’t love a delicious serving of chocolate milk. The slogan, ‘Milk Has More’ often seen painted on barns, reminds us that this delicious, locally produced beverage has key nutrients for growth and development of our children like calcium, vitamin D and potassium.[1]