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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.

Recent Comments

See how to get slice of $700M Equifax data breach settlement – syracuse.com

Source: See how to get slice of $700M Equifax data breach settlement – syracuse.com

Advocates and lawmakers want New York child sexual abuse survivors to know one-year window to seek civil action is about to open 

Source: Advocates and lawmakers want New York child sexual abuse survivors to know one-year window to seek civil action is about to open – New York Daily News

Big Tupper in limbo, again 

Source: Big Tupper in limbo, again | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

A safe space for those in recovery in the North Country

Source: A safe space for those in recovery in the North Country

Renovation, Rejuvenation and Restoration at Peru Central

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The scope of construction on the Peru Central School (PCS) campus since school was dismissed for summer vacation has been the talk of town. Some of the “information” being discussed has not been accurate. Here’s a summary of the cost and scope of the current and future construction as provided by PCS Superintendent Dr. Tom Palmer.

On May 15, 2018 Peru School District voters approved spending up to $18,485,000 on a capital project designated “renovate, rejuvenate and restore” with a stated purpose of enabling the school to meet the needs of 21st century learning.

New York State building aid is paying for 88% of the cost. The district has committed $1,750,000 from a capital reserve fund and $700,000 from an uncommitted fund balance.

Phases 1 and 2 are underway at this time and should be completed by late August. The total cost is $5,038,476. Local contractors are doing the work.

Phase 1 Contract Awards:
General Construction to Murnane Building Contractors – $1,056,000
Roofing Construction to A. W. Farrell & Sons Inc. -$651,073
Plumbing Construction to K&L Plumbing & Heating Inc. $19,000

Phase 2 Contract Awards:
General Construction to Murnane Building Contractors Inc. – $289,000
Mechanical Construction to K&L Plumbing & Heating Inc. – $394,182
Plumbing Construction to L.H. LaPlante Co. Inc. – $47,000
Electrical Construction to William J. Murray Inc. $110,000
Site Work Construction to Luck Brothers Inc. – $2,374,521

Phase 1 and 2 at the Elementary School
Reconstruct roadways, parking lots and the K-2 entrance
Reconstruct student drop-off and pick-up areas
Repair the main entrance portico and cupola
Repoint masonry and replace control joints in the exterior brick walls, chimneys and vents

Phase 1 and 2 at the Middle/High School
Install LED event lighting for night games/events at the stadium/track
Improve traffic flow at the student pickup and drop-off areas
Upgrade the elevator to meet Americans With Disabilities (ADA) requirements
Reconstruct deteriorated asphalt areas at campus drive and loop
Construct a 4,000 sf metal “cold” storage building to replace a collapsing storage building

Bids for phases 3 & 4 will be advertised early next year with work to be completed next summer with the exception of converting the wrestling room into a multi-level fitness center/wrestling room.That project should be completed in late winter or spring of 2021.

Phases 3 and 4 include the following:

Peru Elementary School
Reconstruct/replace all outdated playground equipment
Upgrade public address system and add speakers to the exterior
Upgrade/install air conditioning units in several areas
Replace sanitary piping with galvanized lines
Roof replacements and drainage upgrades
Install protective pads at the gas lines in the roof
Upgrade grades 3-5 library and computer lab
Upgrade pubic toilets
Renovate and reconstruct the K-2 kitchen and upgrade equipment
Window repairs/replacement in grades 3-5 building.
Construct vestibules and canopy at K-2 door and bus drop-offs
Replace original plumbing and fittings with new ADA and Water conserving units

Middle/High School
Modernize HS Science rooms and add storage
Convert the wrestling room into a multi-level fitness center/wrestling room
Convert the weight room into a training room
Rejuvenate Home and Careers space
Replace Media Center furniture
Add water drainage system to area between HS/K2 and stadium
Upgrade intercom and announcement system throughout building
Provide centralized air conditioning for the auditorium, computer rooms and maintenance office area
Add CO2 monitoring devices where required
Add seismic bracing where required in the interior bearing walls
Replace older light fixtures with LED lights, add occupancy sensors to classrooms
Construct a loop road to connect the south and north drives for a convenient circulation pattern
Convert a co-gen unit, or installation of a 250KW standby generator for Emergency Standby power

Plus $1,560,112 improvements at the Bus Garage

Agriculture Education Can Lead to a Great Career

Brianne Peryea receives the FFA Junior Showman award from Franklin County Dairy Princess Addison Miller

Madison Peryea presents the FFA Novice Showman Championship Award to Emma Spoor.

By John T. Ryan

We live at a time when the vast majority of Americans have little direct connection to agriculture. Nevertheless, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program is thriving at Northern Adirondack Central School (NAC) with almost 150 students participating in the FFA program. Students are learning that agriculture doesn’t necessarily mean working on a dairy farm. It’s an industry with a wide variety of jobs including thousands of unfilled jobs.

Last week Karen LaBombard, NAC’s agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, took a break from her duties as announcer at the FFA’s Clinton County Fair Dairy Show. She commented, “We have more than 40 kids in the 5th and 6th grade program and more than 100 in junior and senior high school. FFA Students take an agriculture class each year. Their courses range from agricultural mechanics to animal science and plant science, agricultural business, small engines and welding. They get school credit for all the courses and college credit for agricultural business and animal science.”

Ms. LaBombard pointed out that several SUNY colleges offer programs directly related to the courses being taught at NAC. “Most students don’t go into dairy farming. Many go into one of the agricultural sciences or the mechanical part of the industry. SUNY Morrisville, Alfred and Canton offer excellent programs. SUNY Cobleskill has a great John Deere program where students have jobs as soon as they graduate.” Students often specialize in plant, food, or animal science leading to careers offering a multitude of opportunities. About 15% become farmers. The other 85% work in the food and fiber industry or in government agencies that regulate these industries.

Danielle Clukey of Ellenburg also attended the FFA dairy show. She watched intently as her daughters Madison and Brianna Peryea brought cattle into the show ring. She commented, “The FFA program teaches the kids responsibility. It takes a lot of work to care for these animals. It also keeps the kids busy. They’re not sitting at home playing video games.”

Madison and Brianna have part-time jobs at Karen LaBombard’s farm in Chateaugay. The sisters milk cows three nights a week and according to Karen LaBombard they perform just about any task they’re given. They’re responsible, hard working and can problem solve, all qualities employers are seeking in today’s world.

GlobalFoundries marks 10th anniversary in Saratoga County

Source: GlobalFoundries marks 10th anniversary in Saratoga County | The Daily Gazette

208th Session Graduation from the State Police Basic School 

Graduates include Ryan E. Lawrence of Peru

Source: Governor Cuomo Announces 208th Session Graduation from the State Police Basic School | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Fishing License Checks Result in Local Arrests Warrants

On July 14, NYS Enfironmental Conservation Officers Jeff Hovey and Brad Buffa were on a boat patrol on Union Falls Pond when they observed three individuals in a canoe, two of whom were fishing. As they approached the canoe, the occupants paddled to shore and exited the canoe. ECO Buffa found a loaded .22 caliber rifle in the canoe, with one of the occupants claiming he was going to use to use the rifle to hunt frogs. The subject produced a valid hunting license. However, one of the fishermen failed to produce any identification, and it was later found that he had an active bench warrant from Plattsburgh for criminal contempt of court. The subject was taken into custody, transported by vessel to the boat launch, and handed over to Plattsburgh City Police. Two tickets were also issued for fishing without a license and one ticket was issued for no personal flotation devices in the vessel.

Frustration mounts over High Peaks parking 

Source: Frustration mounts over High Peaks parking | NCPR News

Vacation Bible School to be held at Peru Community Church

Peru Community Church and St. Augustine’s Catholic Church Invite children ages 4 years to 6th grade to:  “Son Spark Labs”

A summer bible event called:  “Son Spark Labs:  Discovering God’s Plan For You” will be held at Peru Community Church Fellowship Center, 13 Elm Street, Peru from Monday, July 29th to Friday, August 2nd.

Kids will participate in Crafts, Science, Storytime, Worship Music and Recreation focusing on a daily Bible verse.

Son Spark Labs will run from 9am to Noon each day.  Pre registration is ENCOURAGED but not required.  To pre-register online visit our website at www.perucommunitychurch.com or find us on Facebook as The Peru Community Church or @perucommunitychurch.

Registration forms are also available in the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center during regular business hours.

Questions?  Please call the church office at 518-643-8641.

Our website is www.perucommunitychurch.com

 

Rabid bat found in Mooers 

Source: Rabid bat found | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Machines That Amaze

Eric Babbie

By John T. Ryan

Peru –  A mowing machine was cutting forage this morning along the Barney Downs Road. The operator, Eric Babbie of Adirondack Farms, said the Pottinger NOVACAT ST12 can cut about 300 acres of hay daily. The machine cuts a 36-foot swath and operates at 10 to 12 miles an hour.

Babbie was mowing a beautiful cover crop of triticale and peas. There’s alfalfa growing underneath and in a few weeks it will be harvested.

 

State investigator arrested, charged with falsifying records in North Country prisons | NCPR News

Source: State investigator arrested, charged with falsifying records in North Country prisons | NCPR News

New York becomes first state to ban declawing of cats – syracuse.com

Source: New York becomes first state to ban declawing of cats – syracuse.com

Frontier Town Campground officially opens for reservations

Source: Frontier Town Campground officially opens for reservations – Sun Community News & Printing

Approved Minutes of the Peru Town Board’s July 8, 2019 Meeting

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday July 8, 2019 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Excused, Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber Jr., Councilman; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control officer. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber to approve the minutes from the June 24, meeting.  

Ayes 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin 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 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

NONE

Insurance Options

Ed Davis and Kristi Johnson representing Northern Insuring, presented proposals for employee benefits. 

Mr. Langley recommended pursuing this option with Northern Insuring.

Court Building Roof

Roof needs to be replaced.  A bid will be needed. Mr. Tetrault stated that possibly it would be beneficial for the town to buy the materials. Mr. Langley stated for the town to receive the best value for the dollar.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated surveying is finished.

Workshop for the sewer project has been set for July 16, 2019 at 5PM at the Town Hall.

Local Government Conference, SUNY Potsdam

Ms. Barber stated this conference is being held October 15, 2019. 

Other Business

The payments to Search Engine for background checks will be paid from the general fund.

Mr. Tetrault stated the fence for Lapham Mills dugouts will cost under a $1000.00 using hardware cloth and framing it out with 2×6 boards. Installation is planned for the week of July 15, 2019.

An employee while weed trimming was impelled with a hypodermic needle at the dog park. All precautions for his care were taken.

Mr. Guynup stated the zoning map update for Dashnaw Road is completed. A public hearing will 

be set.  Courtesy letters will be sent to the residents possibly affected by the change in zoning.  

Mr. Douglass stated he spoke with Mr. Farrell and no new update on the Patent Road culvert

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

NONE

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.07.08-1

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE POST-AUDIT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CLAIMS, BILLS AND INVOICES OF THE TOWN

MOTION: Mr. Langley                          SECOND:  Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed and audited the following claims, bills and invoices for services rendered and goods provided to the Town in July 2019:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in July 2019; #201900838   through and including #201900902

Abstract dated 7/8/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $58,729.77; of that, $16,352.06 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $47,197.71 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 Excused

Carried:

4 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Barbe;r seconded by Mr. Langley to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:51 PM.  Ayes 4   Nays 0   Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Wilmington Festival Showcases Expanding Mountain Bike Trails 

Source: Wilmington Festival Showcases Expanding Mountain Bike Trails – – The Adirondack Almanack

Stefanik Cosponsors Bill to Renovate and Repair VFW and American Legion Halls and Posts

From the ofice of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C. –  Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is cosponsoring the Renovate and Enhance Veterans’ Meeting Halls and Posts (REV AMP) Act. This legislation creates a 5 million dollar grant program for veterans organizations. These grants can be used for repairs and improvements to existing facilities or technology. Any recipient of this funding would not be eligible for another award for at least five years, ensuring that a maximum number of veteran organizations can benefit from this program.

“Funding long-overdue repairs and renovations for veterans’ organizations is one small way we can continue to thank our veterans for their heroic service,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Veterans should have a fully functional, up-to-date, and enjoyable place to congregate with each other. We should never forget their sacrifice to our nation and the important role they have in our communities. I’m proud to cosponsor this legislation to honor our veterans of every generation and recognize their contributions to our country.”

This bill would create a five million dollar grant program for Veterans organizations who are classified by the IRS as 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations and are comprised primarily of past or present members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members. These grants are given in awards of up to $75,000.

Saranac Lake man drowns while tubing 

Source: Saranac Lake man drowns while tubing | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Town Board Agenda for Monday, July 22, 2019

PERU TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING

JULY 22, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

  1. Call Meeting To Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call
  1. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of July 8, 2019.
  1. Community Input
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Reappointment of Jeremiah Cross as Sole Assessor.
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Declaring Highway Equipment as Surplus and Put Up for Auction.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Set a Date for Public Hearing On Dashnaw Road Zoning Change.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Dog Control of Surrounding Municipalities. 
  1. DISCUSSION:  Court Roof Specifications for Bid.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Collection Project Update. 
  1. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only. 
  1. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION:  Approve/Pay Bills. 

MOTION:     Adjourn

Wilmington Supervisor Randy Preston, who died late Thursday, remembered as tireless public servant 

Source: Wilmington Supervisor Randy Preston, who died late Thursday, remembered as tireless public servant – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

AGENDA – Town of Peru Planning Board

WEDNESDAY, August 14, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL of July 10, 2019 minutes.
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
  6. APPLICATIONS:

1.  Final Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-010 Stewart’s Shops Corp.

Final Site Plan Review – for the construction of a new 3,856 sq. ft. Convenience Store with gasoline sales

280.1-9-21.1/280.1-9-21.2

2997 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

2.  Final Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-011 Stewart’s Shops Corp.

Final Site Plan Review – for a freestanding sign

280.1-9-21.1/280.1-9-21.2

2997 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

3.  Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-020 Gabriela McCormick 

Site Plan Review –Retail Business

280.1-9-22

2993 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

Willsboro Central announces free lunch for all students 

Source: Willsboro Central announces free lunch for all students – Sun Community News & Printing

Cuomo Signs Historic Climate Change Legislation

Source: Cuomo Signs Historic Climate Change Legislation