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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.

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Zander’s legacy: Teen’s mom speaks out about suicide 

Source: Zander’s legacy: Teen’s mom speaks out about suicide | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Marking Keeseville’s History

The Anderson Falls Heritage Society will be unveiling two historic roadside markers commemorating local Keeseville history on Saturday, May 4, 2019. 

The first unveiling is at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church at 61 Liberty Street, Keeseville. The original structure was built in 1826 on the current site of St. John the Baptist Church. The building also served for a time as a Roman Catholic church and about 1853 it was moved to its present location on Liberty Street. It is now a private residence. The historic roadside marker itself was initially erected by the NY-VT Interstate Commission in 1959 commemorating the 1851 Baptist Church edifice on Front Street. That building was demolished in the 1970’s and the marker was removed.  With public and member support, the Anderson Falls Heritage Society refurbished it and arranged to restore the marker to public view. 

The second unveiling will follow at 10:30 AM at the former site of the Dietade Mineral Spring  Company, 92 Kent Street, Keeseville. This building incorporates the original pavilion erected over the mineral spring from the time the waters were first commercialized. The Keeseville Mineral Spring was locally famous for its salubrious water; patrons flocked here seeking the purported therapeutic benefits of drinking the water. It was later bottled and widely distributed as Dietade, forerunner to the local Pepsi franchise. Dietade bottles are now collectible. The marker was funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s Historic Roadside Marker Program

The Anderson Falls Heritage Society Heritage House Museum at 96 Clinton Street, Keeseville, will be open at 11 AM for a reception with light refreshments and for viewing exhibits at no charge. The events will be held rain or shine. The public is warmly invited to attend.  

The museum is open for visitors on Tuesdays 9 AM-12 N and Thursdays 10 AM-2 PM from May 7- October 10, 2019. 

Good Turnout To Support The Kids

Peru – Over 100 runners and many supporters turned out this morning to particpate in the 2nd Annual Peru Pride 5k and Fun Run at Heyworth-Mason Park. The rain stopped just in time for sign-ups and the races. Click here to view More Peru Gazette Photos 

The event was sponsored by the Peru K-5 PTO with all proceeds going to improvements at the grades 3-5 playground adjacent to Route 22B.

Even though it was cloudy and a little chily this morning there was a festive, fun atmosphere at the well-organized event. Parents, grandparents and kids were having a wonderful time.

Special Board of Education Meeting

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the District’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that the Board will immediately convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment and/or appointment of particular individual(s) as related to the upcoming High School Principal vacancy.  At this time, no other District business is anticipated for this meeting.

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

Assemblyman Jones: National Drug Take Back Day protects North Country families’ health and safety

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that Saturday, April 27, is National Drug Take Back Day and encouraged North Country residents to participate.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated far too many families in our communities and beyond,” Jones said. “Participation in National Drug Take Back Day is a crucial way to keep unused prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands, as well as preventing these drugs from contaminating our municipal drinking water and wells.”

This Saturday marks the 17th National Drug Take Back Day, put on biannually by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). At the 16th collection effort, more than 457 tons of unused medications were collected across the country.[1]

Every household should check their medicine cabinets for any leftover prescription drugs that can be disposed of so that the health and safety of our families aren’t jeopardized, Jones noted. Local collection events will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Plattsburgh Police Department, 45 Pine St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901;
  • Kinney Drugs, 288 Cornelia St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901;
  • Kinney Drugs, 485 E. Main St., Malone, NY 12953; and
  • Kinney Drugs, 868 US-11, Champlain, NY 12919.

 

Approved Minutes for Peru Town Board’s April 8, 2019 Meeting

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, April 8, 2019 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber, Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board: and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer.

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by Mr. McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion  by Mr. Barber, seconded by Mr. Douglass to approve the minutes from the March 25, 2019 meeting.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Langley, 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).  Highway report will be submitted at  4/25/2019 meeting.

No JCEO report submitted.

 Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

None

Local Law Regarding Professional Fees for Planning & Zoning

Mr. Favro will review and make recommendations to proceed to initiate the Local Law.

RESOLUTION NUMBER:19.04.08-1; 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF CHRISTOPHER MALIN AS A WATER/SEWER DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE WORKER I.

Motion by: Mr. Langley                                         Second by: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS, the Town Board has agreed that a new permanent Water Sewer Maintenance Worker I is necessary for the effective operation of the Peru Water/Sewer Department following the recommendation of Town Water/Sewer Superintendent, Courtney Tetrault, 

BE IT

RESOLVED, Christopher Malin be hired as a permanent Water Sewer Maintenance Worker I for the Town of Peru at an 

hourly pay rate of $17.05, with a start date of April 29, 2019.

AND, BE IT

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 x

Carried:

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                            Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER:19.04.08-2;

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TOWN’S AGREEMENT WITH BOULRICE AND WOOD CPAS, P.C. AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

Motion: Mr. Douglass Second: Mr. Irwin

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the Agreement between the Town of Peru and Boulrice and Wood CPAS, P.C. before it,

NOW 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.

Roll Call: YES NO
Richard Barber, Jr. x
James Douglass x
Mel Irwin x
James Langley x
Brandy McDonald x

Carried:

5 Ayes  0 Nays

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 19.04.08-3;

A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF PERU AND NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND AUTHORIZING THE SUPERVISOR TO EXECUTE THE SAME.

MOTION: Mr. Langley                               SECOND: Mr. Barber 

WHEREAS, the Town Board members have the Agreement between New York State Department of Transportation and the Town of Peru before them, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed Agreement is approved and the Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute said contract, AND, BE IT

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 x

Carried:

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                Motion Carried

Youth Commission Liability Coverage

All paid and volunteers are covered under the Town’s insurance.

Mr. Langley stated officers and directors have endorsements. A complete list of all coaches and volunteers need to be documented. Background checks were also recommended.

Sewer Collection Project Update and Schedule Workshop

Mr. Tetrault has given information to AES to possibly coordinate new piping with Stewarts if their expansion is passed. 

A workshop has been scheduled for May 7, 2019 at 5:30 PM at the Town Hall to discuss the Sewer Project.

Motion by Mr. Douglass seconded by Mr. Irwin

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                           Motion Carried

Other Business

Mr. Barber requested a workshop to discuss Youth Commission roles, responsibilities and job descriptions on April 15, 2019 at 5:30 PM at the Town Hall.

Motion by Mr. Barber seconded by Mr. Douglass

5 Ayes     0 Nays                             Motion Carried

Mr. Douglass stated the JCEO position has filled.  The new coordinator had to give a two week notice to her current employer.

Motion by Mr. Barber seconded by Mr. Irwin to change April 22, 2019 Regular Town Board Meeting to April 25, 2019 at 7 PM.

5 Ayes 0 Nays                                                                               Motion Carried

Mr. McDonald announced the Schuyler Falls’ Comprehensive Plan for their town was here for review if anyone would like to 

Mr. Tetrault stated the de-chlorination process is going to become more detailed and costly to follow state regulations. A full repair of the water line break will be scheduled as convenient as possible due to businesses will have to close during the repair.

Mr. Guynup stated a Clinton County Sheriff is now patrolling and assisting towns to enforce sanitary laws on properties.

Ms. Barber stated the water/sewer online billing is now operational and may be used with the current water bill.

Mr. Farrell is hopeful the weather will break for sweeping to begin. 

Mr. McDonald commended Mr. Tetrault on passing the 3A Wastewater Operator test. 

Public Comments on Agenda Items Only

None

Motion by Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Douglass to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:48 PM.  

Ayes 5   Nays 0 Motion Carried

_________________________Supervisor  _________________________Councilman

_________________________Councilman _________________________Councilman

__________________________Councilman

Run For the Honor Flight

Join the seventh grade class of Beekmantown Middle School and North Country Honor Flight in recognizing our local veterans on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2019.  This year’s North Country Honor Run 5K & US Oval Walk  will be part of the Honor Flight’s spring send-off ceremony.  The Honor Flight will leave Plattsburgh immediately following the ceremony, and our runners/walkers will join the veterans for a portion of their parade route.  Come out and help us show our community’s appreciation for their service! Seventh grade students at Beekmantown Middle School orchestrated the planning and execution phases of this powerful community event, and all proceeds will benefit North Country Honor Flight. Dress in your most patriotic running apparel and be a part of this memorable race! If you have never witnessed an Honor Flight ceremony, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

The Honor Flight ceremony begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. The race will start at the conclusion of the ceremony at 8:00 am.  Check-in is 6:30am-7:30am on race day to allow runners the opportunity to observe the Honor Flight ceremony prior to the race if they wish.  The registration fee for the 5K is $25 in advance (online) and $30 on race day. Registration for the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is $20. There is no cost for kids 5 and under.  Registration for the race includes a North Country Honor Run 5K & US Oval Walk t-shirt (register by 5/1 to guarantee a shirt). Online registration will continue until Friday, May 17, 2019.  Prizes will be awarded to the top three runners and best dressed!

If you would be interested in helping us promote this event by printing information or coming to speak to students, please reach out to our team  at honorrun@bcsdk12.org.   On May 2nd, we will be at the U.S Oval conducting field work in preparation for the race. Please feel free to stop by between 12:00 pm and 1:30 p.m. to visit with us as we map out the venue. Our students would love to share their experiences with you and promote the race! Read more »

State to consider closing more Route 73 roadside parking – LakePlacidNews.com 

Source: State to consider closing more Route 73 roadside parking – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Weibrecht surrounded by family at induction – LakePlacidNews.com 

Source: Weibrecht surrounded by family at induction – LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and Essex County region of New York – Lake Placid News

Emerald ash borer population growing in NNY

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Emerald ash borer population growing in NNY

School Board Incumbents Will Remain in Office

Incumbant Peru Central School Board members Bonny Berry, Steven Peters and Robert LaFountain will be serving another term of office. Board vacancies were announced in January and advertised. Other than the incumbants, no one stepped forward to seek a Board seat. April 22nd was the last day for nominations. The Budget vote and Board Member vote will take place on May 21, 2019.

The individual receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to serve a full five-year term from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2024.

The individual receiving the second highest number of votes will be elected to serve a term from May 22, 2019 – June 30, 2021.

The individual receiving the third highest number of votes will be elected to serve a term from May 22, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

Saturday May 4th is “I Love My Park Day”

I Love My Park Day is an annual event that brings together thousands of volunteers to celebrate and enhance New York’s parks, historic sites, and public lands. DEC has events at a variety of locations – from trails in the Forest Preserve to popular campgrounds to urban escapes – providing many opportunities for New Yorkers to help clean up, restore, and enhance these special places.
 
DEC collaborates with partners on events and programs at a variety of locations – from trails in the Forest Preserve to popular campgrounds to urban escapes – providing many opportunities for New Yorkers to help clean up, restore, preserve and enhance these special places. I Love My Park Day is one of the annual events where DEC volunteers and holds activities to enhance New York’s parks, historic sites, and public lands.
 
I Love My Park Day locations in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties
 
Clinton County
Ausable Point Campground & Day Use Area Park at Registration Booth, Lake Shore Road, Peru NY Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Project 1: Planting trees and shrubs. Please bring garden gloves, water and a snack.
Project 2: Facility clean-up.
 
All ages welcome. Please bring work gloves, water, snack, work boots, and insect repellent.

Read more »

DEC and State Parks Announce 2019’s First-Time Camper Program Registration

Successful Program Connects Families to New Outdoors Experiences

Application Window for Online Lottery Runs May 10 to 12

As part of New York’s week-long celebration of Earth Day, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced that New York will once again provide free First-Time Camper weekends this summer. Families that have never camped before will have the opportunity to enjoy the popular outdoor activity and be provided equipment, guidance, and programs at select campgrounds.

“Camping is an affordable and rewarding experience that connects families with nature and one another while experiencing the great outdoors,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Last year, dozens of families participated as first-time campers and I encourage anyone that hasn’t gone on a camping adventure in New York’s peerless natural areas to take advantage of the First-Time Camper program and give camping a try.”

Interested New York residents can apply to participate in the First-Time Camper program by using an online sign-up form which enters them into an online lottery. The application period for the lottery selection process runs from May 10 to May 12. Eligible participants who apply for the lottery during that period will be randomly selected to fill first-time camper slots.

Established in 2017 with eight parks, the program expanded last year and now, for its third season, will include 11 campgrounds over nine weekends from late June until after Labor Day. Select locations include the Catskills and Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, and Western New York.

New campers will be provided with a family tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, lantern, and even firewood. A camping ambassador will meet families at the campsite and help them get camp set up with a camping 101 lesson. Bathrooms and hot showers are a short walk from the campsites. To make the weekend getaway even more enjoyable, campers will have an opportunity to learn from experts how to fish, hike, bird watch, or paddle and more, all while having fun and making memories that last forever.

Campgrounds are available throughout the state to give all New Yorkers an opportunity to enter and participate if selected. Details about the program and how to apply can be found on DEC’s website. Information about the properties hosting the First-Time Camper program can be found at the links below. Participating locations and dates include:

DEC Campgrounds:

6/21-6/23 Luzerne Campground
7/19-7/21 Nicks Lake Campground
8/2-8/4 Ausable Point Campground
8/16-8/18 North South Lake Campground and Kenneth L Wilson Campground
9/6-9/8 Frontier Town Campground

State Parks Campgrounds:

7/12-7/14 Moreau Lake State Park
7/26-7/28 Taconic State Park – Copake Falls
8/9-8/11 Golden Hill State Park and Evangola State Park
8/23-8/25 Four Mile Creek State Park

Read more »

Last VFW 4th Sunday Breakfast on the Season

Bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy & biscuits, corned beef hash, pancakes or French toast, juice & coffee.
Only $10 – seconds on the house.

Sunday, April 28th 9 a.m. – Noon

WHERE: Peru Memorial VFW
710 Pleasant St, Rt 22B
Peru, NY 12972

WHY: Proceeds for veterans and their families.

Thanks for your support.

Judy Lefebvre, President
Peru Memorial VFW Auxiliary
518-563-7558 or 518-593-5628
biljud@aol.com

Zoning Board Agenda for May 15

WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

TOWN OF PERU

  1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. APPROVAL of April 17, 2019 minutes.
  5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
  6. APPLICATION:
        1. Expansion/Change of a Nonconforming Use: Z-2019-040 Richard Harwood

Expansion/Change of a Nonconforming Use – to construct a 2,560 sq. ft. addition to an existing SFD/Garage 

269.-2-33

128 Dashnaw Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

  1. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
  2. CEO REPORT:
  3. ADJOURNMENT

Climate Change Action Symposium Set for Saranac Lake 

Source: Climate Change Action Symposium Set for Saranac Lake – – The Adirondack Almanack

City of Plattsburgh finances see ‘big swing’

Source: City finances see ‘big swing’ – Sun Community News & Printing

2018 SAT scores ranked at 450 Upstate New York public schools

Source: 2018 SAT scores ranked at 450 Upstate New York public schools – syracuse.com

Several Important Items On Planning Board Agenda

AGENDA – Planning Board, WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2019 @ 7:00 PM, TOWN OF PERU

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

1. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-006 JW Congregation Support Inc

Site Plan Review – for a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness 

280.-1-41.22

Rt.22

Peru, NY 12972

2.  Site Plan Review: P-2019-007  JW Congregation Support Inc

Site Plan Review – to construct a free standing sign

280.-1-41.22

Rt. 22

Peru, NY 12972

3.  Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-008 Peru Sand & Gravel, LLC

Site Plan Review – for the expansion of the existing Mining/Excavation Operation

290.-1-26.1

Rod & Gun Club Rd.

Peru, NY 12972

4. Site Plan Review with SEQR: P-2019-009   Valcour Inn & Boathouse Faculty Student 

Assoc. of SUNY

Site Plan Review – to alter and add docks

270.-2-4

3714 Rt. 9

Peru, NY 12972

Babbie Museum Announces 2019 Opening Event

Great Going Clinton Correctional

Clinton Correctional Facility received the 2019 SEFA Adirondack Leadership Award for the 2019 State Employees Federated Appeal campaign.

Employee’s raised $37,050.00 with an increase in participation of 40% from the year before.

Pictured: left to right, bottom row- Earl Bell; Superintendent and Bill Ferguson; SEFA Adirondack Region Chair; middle row- Tiffany Beshon; Office Assistant 1, MJ King; Deputy Superintendent, and Kathy Snow; Director of Development, United Way of the Adirondack Region, top row- Stacy Manor; Correction Officer, Amy Appel; Correction Officer and Dennis Bradford; 1st Deputy Superintendent.

Town Board Meeting Agenda

Thursday, April  25, 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 April 11, 2019.
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept Report from Highway Dept.
  1. Community Input
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Set a Public Hearing Date for Local Law Regarding Professional Fees.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Dangerous Dog Boarding Contract with Malone Animal Control Center, Inc. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Procedural Motion to Retroactively Reschedule Youth Workshop.
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  Approve the Use of Sportsengine for Youth Commission Background Checks
  1. DISCUSSION:  Patent Road Culvert
  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

NCCC grows EMT program to meet workforce need 

Source: NCCC grows EMT program to meet workforce need – Sun Community News & Printing

NY Gov. Cuomo Signs Plastic Bag Ban | WAMC

Source: NY Gov. Cuomo Signs Plastic Bag Ban | WAMC

Tax receipts decline $3.7B, per year-end Comptroller’s report 

Source: Tax receipts decline $3.7B, per year-end Comptroller’s report – FingerLakes1.com