Notice regarding NYSEG Rate Case Hearing

Do you have a “NYSEG story”? 

In May, NYSEG filed a rate case, asking the Public Service Commission (PSC) for permission to charge increased gas and electric rates to take effect in April 2020 (“Case 19-E-0378” – NYSEG electric rates; “Case 19-G-0379” – NYSEG gas rates). As per the PSC, “NYSEG projects that total average residential monthly electric bills will increase by approximately $10.17 (an increase of 23.7% on the delivery portion of the bill or 13.6% on the total bill) and that total average residential monthly gas bills will increase by $1.05 (an increase of 1.9% on the delivery portion of the bill or 0.9% on the total bill).” According to NYSEG, “vegetation management is the largest driver for the requested electric rate increase.”

The public is invited to comment on NYSEG’s request at a public hearing in Keene Valley on Wednesday, August 14, in the Keene Valley Library (1796 NYS Route 73, Keene Valley, NY 12943). At 1:00pm, there will be a public information session; public comments will start at 2:00. 

On August 14 you’ll have a chance to tell the Public Service Commission (PSC) about your experience with NYSEG. You might want to comment on your experience with the reliability of NYSEG electric service, encourage NYSEG to provide more renewable energy or incentives for heat pumps, or weigh in on NYSEG’s proposal to raise electric rates by 20 percent. Issues such as reliability, power quality, responsiveness to service requests, scheduling and communications, and/or cost can be considered by the PSC as it deliberates whether NYSEG can raise its rates. As per the PSC, NYSEG proposes to increase its annual electric delivery revenues by approximately $156.7 million and its annual gas delivery revenues by approximately $6.3.

This is a great chance to communicate with the agency that regulates NYSEG.

Other ways to comment are specified on pages 5-6 of the PSC’s announcement document, posted at the following link:

http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=19-E-0378&submit=Search  (Click on item #7:  Notices, dated 07/12/2019). 

Alternative means of filing comments are also listed below:

Comments should refer to one or both of the following cases: “Case 19-E-0378” (NYSEG electric rates); “Case 19-G-0379” (NYSEG gas rates). 

ï         Internet or Email: Go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on “Search,” enter the applicable case number (19-E-0378 or 19-G0379) and then click the “Post Comments” button at the top of the page. 

ï         Email comments to the Secretary for the Commission at secretary@dps.ny.gov. 

ï         By Mail or Hand Delivery: Comments may be mailed or delivered to the Honorable Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. 

The Peru School Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 13^th in the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  Due to current construction, entrance for the meeting will be via the Middle School bus loop parking area.

Anticipated Topics Include:

• Reports on Pre-K Program and Building Goals
• Appointment of Personnel
• Boiler Replacement
• Tax Levy/Tax Rate
• Donation Acceptance
• Construction Update

The agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

All are welcome.

Source: Congresswoman tours local farms – Sun Community News & Printing

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the New York State Department of Education has released construction funding secured in the 2018-19 state budget for North Country libraries. The funding will allow several local libraries to make significant renovations to better serve their communities.

“Public libraries not only provide access to books, online resources and vital services like classes and job search assistance, but they also help shape our lives,” said Jones. “Libraries foster a love of reading and learning at a young age, and continue to support residents of all ages. This funding will help fuel these critical community resources for years to come.”

The funding includes $32,642 for Chazy Public Library and $16,590 for Dannemora Free Library for exterior renovations and $190,204 for Goff Nelson Public Library in Tupper Lake to install a new heating and air conditioning system. Additionally, Clinton Essex Franklin Library System headquarters in Plattsburgh will receive $19,705 to upgrade their driveway.

Verizon subcontractor Morrisonville Construction working on Oakdale Dr. in Peru

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Verizon has begun installing the infrastructure to bring high speed broadband to 2,263 unserved or underserved Peru addresses. Across Clinton County, a total 11,761 addresses will receive the expanded service.

There’s even more good news. David Weissmann, Verizon’s East Area Public Relations Manager, told the Peru Gazette, “In addition to the specific homes that we are building toward as part of the New York State Broadband program, we’ve decided to make additional investment in homes that we pass that are not subsidized but are in the vicinity of the program.  As a result, we are deploying fiber in areas that either Verizon or a competitor may already operate. This will bring competitive alternatives in areas where they may already have options.”

Verizon announced the upstate rural service expansion in January 2018 after being awarded $70.7 million in Phase 3 of the New NY Broadband Program. An additional $12 million was awarded by the Federal Communications Commission Connect America Fund plus Verizon’s own investment brings the total funds to $106.6 million.

The funds will support Verizon’s deployment of high-speed broadband to more than 15,500 rural locations in upstate New York.

To determine if your address is included or your level of broadband service from any provider click here. 

Clinton County Investments 

TOTAL

A LTONA (TOWN)

AUSABLE (TOWN)

BEEKMANTOWN (TOWN)

BLACK BROOK (TOWN)

CHAMPLAIN (TOWN)

CHAZY (TOWN)

CLINTON (TOWN)

DANNEMORA (TOWN)

DANNEMORA (VILLAGE)

ELLENBURG (TOWN)

MOOERS (TOWN)

PERU (TOWN)

PLATTSBURGH (CITY)

PLATTSBURGH (TOWN)

ROUSES POINT (VILLAGE)

SARANAC (TOWN)

SCHUYLER FALLS (TOWN)

Source: Measles outbreak reaches Quebec – Sun Community News & Printing

Wednesday, August 28, 6:30 p.m. At Lake Forest Senior Living Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh, NY

Before Alice and William Miner settled in Chazy, they made their home in Chicago. What was it like to live in the nation’s fastest-growing city at the turn of the twentieth century? Join Alice T. Miner Museum Director/Curator Ellen Adams to take a tour of the Windy City. Chicago offered endless venues for culture and recreation, and the business opportunities and connections that made the Miners’ North Country projects possible. Chazy is just part of the Miner story—see where it all began!

The event is a collaboration of the Lake Forest Senior Living Community, the Alice T. Miner Museum and the Clinton County Historical Association and is free and open to the public.

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.

Source: ORDA plans to spend $100 million to upgrade Olympic Center | NCPR News

From the office of Senator Andrew cuomo

Source: Governor Cuomo Signs Brianna’s Law to Strengthen Boater Safety | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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.

Source: ‘Know Your NY Water’ Website Goes Online – – The Adirondack Almanack

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.” 

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.

Tuesday – The Peru Knights of Columbus WILL be conducting bingo tonight. The parking lot is being paved, but it will open for parking tonight. 

Source: Fire displaces many in City of Plattsburgh | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: UGRR group gets deed | Local News | pressrepublican.com

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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