The Peru Gazette

On July 8^TH the Water Department will be completing repairs to the water system which will require us to shut part of the system down.  Water to all customers south of the Route 22 Little Ausable bridge will be shut off at 11 p.m. on Monday July 8^th and could remain off for 3-4 hours. Customers can expect no water during this shut down and experience low pressure, air or stirred up water when system is recharged.

Due to the reduced pressure in the system a boil water order has to be issued until proper sampling confirms water is safe for consumption. Anticipated lift of boil water order is Thursday, July 11^th.  Information and updates can be located at the following places: www.perutown.com, facebook@perugazette and on the town LED sign. Any questions please call 518-643-8125

Source: Democrats in Albany rethink using NY’s prison system as an economic engine | NCPR News

The Clinton County Historical Association Announces “Industry and Immigration in Clinton County”

Wednesday, July 24, 2019, 6:30 p.m.

At Lake Forest Senior Living Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh, NY

Explore the role immigration played in the growth of early industry in Clinton County. Immigrants impacted the success of our logging, farming and mining industries, to name a few. Learn where immigrants found employment and how they became part of America. Photos from the CCHA collection will be used to tell the story. 

Jan Couture, a retired teacher, Town of Saranac Historian and CCHA Board Trustee, will share her research, which began with a grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program to provide this information to local schools.  

The event is a collaboration between the Lake Forest Senior Living Community and the Clinton County Historical Association and is free and open to the public.

The Anderson Falls Heritage Society and The Clinton County Historical Association Announces: The Iron Industry Heritage of Clintonville, NY with Dr. Gordon C. Pollard

Wednesday, July 17, 7:00 pm

Keeseville Fire Department

8 Pleasant Street

Keeseville, NY

Dr. Gordon Pollard’s illustrated presentation will provide an exploration of some of the elements that made Clintonville one of the North Country’s most prominent iron making sites throughout the 19^th century. Clintonville’s distinction has recently been recognized and honored with the erection of two historical roadside markers funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. 

Dr. Pollard is a Distinguished Teaching Professor of Anthropology, Emeritus, from SUNY Plattsburgh.

For further information please call Anderson Falls Heritage Society President Garth Houde at 518-834-9219.

Source: SUNY Canton to offer commercial driver’s license certification program | NCPR News

Click here to view on youtube

Nominations are being accepted for individuals in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Warren and Washington counties through Friday, July 26.

[Glens Falls, NY] – The Adirondack Rural Health Network (ARHN), a program of AHI, is seeking nominations for Rural Health Champions of the Year to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the health of rural residents in the region.

Washington, D.C. –  Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded five towns in NY-21 with federal funding for community development in rural areas. The towns include Alexandria, Fowler, Norfolk, Stockholm, and Hammond. In total, the towns will receive $4,412,000.

“Advocating for resources for our rural towns is a top priority of mine in Congress,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I’m thrilled to announce the USDA has awarded five different communities in our region with funding for various rural renewal projects, from a new public sewer system in Alexandria to new plow trucks to keep roads clean and safe. Ensuring rural towns have funding for development to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents is critical, and I will continue to work on the federal level to provide for my district.”

• The Town of Alexandria will receive $3,252,000 for a new public sewer system, which will extend sewer systems to nearly 400 residents and alleviate health and safety concerns.
• The Town of Fowler will receive $220,000 to purchase a 2020 Mack highway plow truck to replace their current out of date truck to maintain the roads and highways and keep residents safe.
• The Town of Norfolk will receive $20,000 to purchase a 2019 Dodge Charger police car to replace an older car no longer in good condition, ensuring reliable and timely service for residents.
• The Town of Stockholm will receive $190,000 to purchase a 2020 plow truck to maintain the roads and highways and keep residents safe.
• The Town of Hammond will receive $730,000 to construct new town office building to include a court room, space for town officials, a records room, and a library. The current town office building will be converted into a public theater.

Source: Curle to retire as Plattsburgh State men’s basketball coach | Sports | pressrepublican.com

Washington, D.C. –  Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement on the House passage of the Senate’s bill for emergency supplemental appropriations for humanitarian assistance and security at the Southern Border:

“I am thankful to my colleagues for working together in a bipartisan fashion to pass the Senate’s bill for humanitarian assistance and border security funding at our Southern Border,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Republicans asked Speaker Pelosi yesterday to put aside partisan politics and vote on this bill, which address humanitarian needs at the border, comprehensively addresses border security, and ensures our ICE agents and border personnel are properly compensated for their service. This is proof that Congress can work together and govern well when Leadership comes to the table. The passage of this bipartisan bill is a big step toward addressing the crisis at our Southern border.”

Source: Tri-Lakes Takes: County clerks push back against drivers licenses for the undocumented | NCPR News

Source: Analysis: Supreme Court gerrymandering decision could devastate NY Republicans | NCPR News

Chazy Central Rural School Facebook Page:

The CCRS Board of Education would like to announce the appointment of Scott Osborne as Interim Superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year. Welcome to Chazy Mr. Osborne!

Source: Durkee Lot plan updated – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: McDonald to retire – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Local county clerks oppose ‘Green Light’ license law | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: 4 Essex County women facing welfare fraud charges | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Lake Champlain fishing tournament starts today | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

Supervisor Brandy McDonald said the Washington St. expansion is moving in the right direction. Two recent meetings betwen the Town and the developer made progress. DEC regulations, road and sidewalk width are at issue. After saying things are moving in the right direction, McDonald adjourned the meeting to enter executive session to discuss possible litigation involving the Washington St. development. 

Counselor Jim Douglass is working with Adele Douglas to find a way use grant monies from the stalled Main Street upgrade project.  The Board would like to use some of the monies to pave the road and add more parking at Heyworth-Mason Park. Replacing some Main Street sidewalks is also being discussed. 

The Board approved changing workmen’s compensation insurance providers the NYS Insurance Fund to the New York State Municipal Workmen’s Compensation Alliance.  The Insurance Fund had proposed a $13,000 increase. Changing providers will save the Town about $38,000 in the coming year. 

AES representative Brad Noviski brought the Board up to date on the sewer system upgrade project. He reported that the sewer pipes in the western portion of Elm Street will definitely have to be replaced.  He asked that the Board schedule a workshop soon to discuss outstanding issues.  

Keeseville Girl Scout Troop 2107 made a presentation on the dog-play device they will be installing at the Heyworth-Mason dog park next week. The Peru Gazette plans to be there when it happens. 

Clinton County Emergency Services Director Kelly Donahue asked Peru to change the name of Liberty Street because the Town of Saranac also has a road named Liberty Street which could result in confusion with emergency services. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell recommended not changing the name saying that with today’s technology there shouldn’t be any confusion. The Board concurred and did not agree to changing the name. 

Contract engineer Peter Gibbs is working on the permits and design for the damaged Patent Road culvert. It appears it may be winter before work can begin. 

Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault is looking into installing wire mesh screens in front of dugouts at Laphams Mills Park.  Six foot high chain link fencing was considered, but the cost would be very high. 

Muskrats have invaded the pond at Little Ausable River Park burrowing holes in the pond banks. The Town Water/Sewer/Parks Department has filled in the holes and graded the banks. The pond’s aerator has also burned out, but it should be repaired by the end of the week. The summer alge will be reduced by not eliminated. 

Several Highway Department trucks have serious maintenance issues. Superintendent Michael Farrell said computers must be used to do repairs meaning dealers must do most work.  He said he may recommend that trucks be replaced more frequently or that trucks be leased rather than purchased. 

A hole has developed on the Sullivan Rd near the Telegraph Street intersection. It’s related to the culvert that needs replacing. 

Pam Barber reports that the summer Little Ausable River Park Gazebo concerts begin this coming Sunday. They begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. 

On July 8th the Water Department will be replacing valves in front of Pasquales Restaurant and on the Bear Swamp Rd. Water will be turned off and a boil water will be issued for a few hours. The work will be done during the overnight hours. 

The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3BPdoMycXE&t=348s

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, June 10, 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; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board: and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer.

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the May 30, 2019 meeting.  

Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Langley; seconded by Mr. Barber 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; JCEO  and Banking Reports).  JCEO was not submitted.

 Ayes 4   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

Mr. Bill Baggs asked for possible consideration from The Town to maintain cemetery on the corner of Jabez Allen Road and Sullivan Road. Mr. Favro stated due to the cemetery being on personal property, the owners and Town will need a legal agreement.

Set a Public Hearing Date for Rezoning of Dashnaw Road Property

The hearing date has not been set until Mr. Guynup and Mr. Favro have drawn a new map with separation of commercial and residential.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.06.10-01

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S SLUDGE REMOVAL AGREEMENT WITH NEW ENGLAND WASTE SERVICES OF ME, INC. (DBA CASELLA ORGANICS) AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Barber Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the agreement before it between the Town of Peru and NEWS of ME, Inc. for the removal of the Town’s Sewer Plant sludge at a base rate of $76.00 per wet ton of residuals removed THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed agreement is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said agreement.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Youth Commission Background Checks

Mr. Favro is requesting all individuals including law enforcement and teachers to have background checks done. 

A total of 33 have been taken with a 100% positive return; 29 have been billed to the Town.

Sewer Collection Project Update

Mr. Tetrault stated there was no update or changes at this time.

NYS Comptroller Offers Seminar for Local Officials

A seminar is being held at the Town of Plattsburgh for all Local Officials on July 11, 2019.

Other Business

Mr. Guynup stated there was an increase in building permits and application for Stewart’s expected for July Planning Board meeting. He also stated that NYS DOT would not change the intersection signage/lighting for the new Stewart’s driveway opening.

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

Peru resident John Ryan urged the Board to speak to NYS DOT regarding the issue of reconfiguring the intersection.

 RESOLUTION NUMBER:  19.06.10-02

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 May/June 2019:

From Town of Peru Vouchers in the first part of June 2019; #201900710   through and including #201900758

Abstract dated 6/10/2019

For the dollar amount totaling: $75,674.58; of that, $10,951.19 was wired, credit cards and prepaid; and $64,723.39 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.

Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Nays

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Langley to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:47 PM.  

Ayes 4 Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman

Plattsburgh – The military biographies of the fifteen veterans who flew to Washington D.C. on the June 22, 2019 North Country Honor Flight were memorable, often very stirring and humorous. Thank you to Honor Flight Operations Director Janet Duprey for providing them.

GERALD COOPER

Navy  1951-1955   Korea   EM-2  2^nd Class

Jerry was an electrician who served on the USS Glouster PF-22, a patrol frigate that escorted destroyers.  The ship was loaned to Russia during WWII and returned to the United States during the Korean War.  As the Korean War was winding down, the old ship was turned over to the new Japanese Navy.  Jerry also served on the USS Alvin C Cockrell DE-366.  In addition to his service in Japan, Jerry received credit for service in China and Korea.

ROGER CROWNINSHIELD

Army     1967-1970   Vietnam   SP4

In Vietnam Roger served as a medic in the operating room and said he still doesn’t like to talk about it.  As we can understand, he saw too many soldiers badly wounded and way too many die.  Roger said war is no good, but he said the Army had respectable medical schools and provided decent training to the medics. He also appreciates having the opportunity to visit other states such as Texas and foreign  countries, including Germany.  Overall Roger’s service was a good experience as he got to see other parts of the world.  

KENNETH DARRAH

Marines   1966-1969  Vietnam  Corporal 

In 1967 Ken was engaged in Operation Buffalo when a U.S. plane dropped a bomb on them.  He was standing closest to the bomb but never got a scratch.  Tragically 49 Marines were killed that day.  Ken said it was the most terrified he was during his time in Vietnam where he participated in over 30 operations.  He was a rifleman and a Team Leader in and around Quang Tri Provence.  Ken received 2 Purple Hearts for wounds suffered during his service in Vietnam.

DAVID DEFAYETTE
Navy(SeaBees) 1958-1963 Vietnam E-5
After being stationed on two transport ships the USS Missile and USS Gaffey, Dave was assigned to the Mobile Construction Battalion 3 during his time in Okinawa and Thailand. An engineer and builder by trade, he helped construct a MAG 16 for Marines to land helicopters and beach craft. His son was actually stationed there 26 years later!
He was instrumental in building housing on Guam for Clark Air Force Base. Later they constructed a base in Thailand where he worked with 20 men & 20 women who spoke no English. David says he wouldn’t trade his 4 years of service for anything in the world. 

ROWLAND FOURNIER

Army 1951-1953 Korea  Private 1^st Class

Rowland served with the 485^th Engineer Battalion and the 682^nd Engineer Division.  He drove truck and was trained in demolitions: how to cut enemy railroad tracks and dig up roads so enemy troops couldn’t get through. 

He was stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama where the barracks were just a frame on the outside with nothing on the inside.  He was deployed to Germany and found barracks that were finished off, hardwood floors and very good food.  

Rowland will soon be 90 and he still splits his own wood although he said he uses a splitter now!   

KENNETH  HINTZ

Air Force   1961-1965   Cold War  Airman First Class

Ken spent all his years of service at Plattsburgh Air Force Base with the 380^th Civil Engineering Squadron. As a power technician, he was assigned to local missile sites. When the Cuban crisis was starting up, none of the missile sites were ready.  He was impressed the civilian contractors were able to get 4 sites completed and almost all the sites were done by the end of the crisis.  Ken clearly remembers the day President Kennedy was shot and they were all called back to the Base on alert.  

MICHAEL HORNE

Air Force   1965-1985    Vietnam   Master Sergeant E-7

Michael arrived in Vietnam just after the TET offensive.  He worked as a specialist operating Navigational Aid equipment assisting planes to take off, land and to locate them while in the air.  The VietCong blew up Michael’s NAV equipment but he still extended his tour and re-enlisted to get his tax-free bonus.  After retirement he joined U.S. Customs.  During 20 years in the Air Force he was shot at once; during 15 years with Customs he was shot at twice.   

SHANE LLOYD

Navy     1960-1983    Vietnam    E-7 

Shane worked in Personnel and took photos for 18 years.  His first ship landed at Waikiki Beach where he said there were lots of beautiful women!  He spent a year in Vietnam aboard the USS Fort Marion and he was deployed to Alaska. Shane met his wife Valerie at a party in Arizona as she greeted him with a “Hi Sailor”.  They have 7 children and Shane said every time he went on a ship he got a letter from Valerie saying ‘guess what’.  Shane retired after 23 years of service.

LEON MENARD

Army    1965-1967    Vietnam   Staff Sergeant E-7

Leon was a crane operator who handled a 100 ton crane on a barge derrick on water.  The hook on the crane was 14 tons.  They were shot at often but he feels it was to agitate them as nobody got hit.  Leon was the first in his battalion to make E-5.  Later the Captain turned down a move from E-5 to E-7 but the Colonel gave him the promotion.  After working all night, they awoke him one morning as Tiny Hare from WIRY was there to interview him.  Leon said it was nice to see someone from home. 

WINSTON NORCROSS

Army Air Corps 1944-1946   WWII   Private First Class

Winnie enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a high school senior.  As the War was winding down his chance to become a pilot was cancelled.  Assigned to the 393^rd Bombardment Squadron he was part of  Crossroads Project in Arizona where bombs were tested.  He then went to Marshall Islands as a tail gunner on a B-17 doing search and rescue.  Winnie said he was only shot at once when he and a couple of buddies tried to steal watermelons and the farmer shot at them!   

Also want to recognize Winnie’s son Guardian James Norcross, Air Force, 1969-1973, Vietnam Veteran.

GORDON QUINCEY

Navy     1949-1953    Korea   Petty Officer, Second Class

At 17 years old Gordon discovered he was too young to be a pilot so he served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate at the Naval Aviation Ordinance Test Station in Chincoteague, VA.  He did get to fly quite a bit on the P5Ms but he never put foot aboard a ship!  He was the youngest petty officer in his squadron in Norfolk, VA.  He met his wife and decided to end his military career. Shirley told me they’ve been married 65 years. 

ROBERT RACETTE

Air Force   1948-1952   Korea  

Staff Sergeant 

Bob was a tail gunner and the smallest guy on his bomber crew. He was the only one small enough to fit into the tailgate of the B-29 plane.  Bob had a total of 47 missions.  One day as the plane cleared the Japan coast, the plane developed engine problems.  The pilot turned around and they all bailed out into a rice patty.  Villagers gave them food and shelter until the Air Force came to their rescue.  Glad you made it back safely Bob.  

WILLIAM RICHARDS

Air Force   1951-1954  Korea   

Staff Sergeant

William was a member of the Air Force Police and never served on a base with planes.  He was assigned to Wright Patterson Air Base in Ohio but never went there.  Instead he found himself in California.  He spent his years of service in high security and to this day he will not talk about his job or the name of the base where he was stationed.  

DONALD WOOD

Air Force    1963-1985  Vietnam  

Chief Master Sergeant

When Don joined the Air Force he was supposed to be stationed in Vietnam. At the last minute his orders were changed to Thailand where he served 2 tours of duty.  He thinks that was probably a good swap. Don worked as a Bomb Loader, loading, unloading, and positioning munitions on aircraft.  The Air Force brought him and his family to Plattsburgh and he retired here after 23 years of service.  His wife Jean passed away in 2018, but he still enjoys visiting his children in Florida every winter.