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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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Clinton County to host haz mat day 

Source: Clinton County to host haz mat day | Opinion | pressrepublican.com

DEC Issues Final Management Plan for Saranac Lakes Wild Forest

From the NYS DEC

The final Saranac Lakes Wild Forest Management Plan outlining plans to improve opportunities for outdoor recreation on the lands and waters in the northern Adirondacks was recently issued, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

“Implementing this new management plan for the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest will significantly improve outdoor recreational opportunities for the public,” said Commissioner Seggos. “When completed, the plan’s improvements will allow the public to experience this wild forest in a manner that preserves the unique resources of these ecologically important areas while providing easy access to nearby community amenities.”

The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest is comprised of 75,000 acres of Forest Preserve lands and 19,600 acres of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds located in the towns of Santa Clara, Brighton, Tupper Lake, Harrietstown, and Franklin in Franklin County and the towns of St. Armand and North Elba in Essex County. Three of the largest population centers in the Adirondack Park-the villages of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid-are within the general boundaries of the unit.

The waterways of the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest are plentiful, making the area a popular destination for boaters, paddlers, anglers, and campers. Biking and hiking are popular outdoor activities in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular in the winter.

Boating

The management plan allows motorboats to continue to use all waters currently available for motorboating. However, to address the public’s desire for “quiet waters” for paddlers, there will be horsepower limits on several waterbodies, motor boat speed limits will be enacted on Weller Pond, and DEC will increase efforts to enforce motor boat speed limits on the Raquette River.

DEC seeks to preserve some traditional access while complying with the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (APSLMP). Although directly launching boats from trailers will be prohibited at most fishing and waterway access sites, trailers will be able to approach the water’s edge to launch boats at some sites.

Camping

DEC will close 60 campsites in the wild forest and construct 59 new campsites to comply with the APSLMP’s 0.25-mile separation distance between designated tent sites. Closures will also help to revitalize various tent sites. New tent sites will be constructed before current tent sites are closed.

To comply with the APSLMP’s 0.25-mile separation distance between campsites, DEC will also close 17 roadside campsites, reduce access to two campsites, and construct 13 new campsites in the unit. Little Green Pond will have three roadside campsites, Hoel Pond will have one roadside campsite, and Floodwood Road will have 15 roadside campsites and two campsites without direct access.

In the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, DEC will expand campground regulations to include the campsites on Middle Saranac Lake and Weller Pond. DEC will also construct four new campsites to bring the total to 91 campsites and relocate 14 campsites to comply with APSLMP minimum separation distance of 500 feet. The campground will develop a program to address heavily used and significantly impacted campsites.

Trails

New trail systems are proposed near the communities of Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and Tupper Lake, which will provide additional opportunities for the public to enjoy the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest. Plans include constructing 38 miles of new trails for non-motorized use, of which 35 miles will be built for mountain bike use.

Significant acreages that lack developed trails help protect wildlife habitat and provide unique recreational opportunities. The final management plan will maintain 7,400 acres south of Forest Home Road as trail-less. Herd paths may remain, but formal trails will not be built or maintained.

Snowmobile trails will follow DEC’s Management Guidance for Snowmobile Trail Siting, Construction, and Maintenance on Forest Preserve Lands in the Adirondack Park. Plans include constructing two miles of new snowmobile trail and closing 15 miles of existing snowmobile trail due to location or limited use.

Governor Cuomo and DEC are committed to providing quality outdoor recreational experiences on Adirondack Forest Preserve lands and improving the Adirondack economy while continuing to protect the vast and precious natural resources of the region. The final Saranac Lakes Wild Forest Unit Management Plan is available to view and download (PDF) on DEC’s website.

Tops Raises Over $400,000 For 26TH Annual JDRF Campaign

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont, is pleased to announce that it has raised over $400,000 for the 26th Annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Campaign.  Since 1993 Tops has raised over $12 million dollars for the cause with Tops fund-raising efforts putting the company in the top 10 fund-raisers in the country for many years.

This year Tops Annual Spring JDRF Sneaker Campaign began Sunday, April 14 and ran through Saturday, May 4, 2019.  Across the chain associates additionally participated in recent walks in Buffalo, Rochester, and in Lake George, NY.  They will also be participating in the JDRF walk in Syracuse in September 2019.

Every year the goal of the campaign is to raise money and awareness to help fund research to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.  The paper sneaker, which was designed by a Tops associate back in 1993 and is now widely used nationally as well as internally in JDRF fundraising campaigns, will be sold at Tops registers for a $1.00 donation.  

“At Tops we believe in assisting our fellow neighbors in need,” said Frank Curci, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer for Tops Friendly Markets. “We are committed to supporting JDRF in their mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications.”

Pets can get Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, too | NCPR News

Source: Pets can get Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, too | NCPR News

What should an Adirondack tent camping site look like? | NCPR News

Source: What should an Adirondack tent camping site look like? | NCPR News

Billy Jones’ Camping Legislation Passes Assembly

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly passed legislation he authored to establish standard procedures for removing unruly campers at campgrounds (A.1569).

“Campgrounds should be fun and welcoming spaces where people are able to get out in nature and explore,” Jones said. “But it’s important that visitors respect the shared space and their fellow campers. It can be a lengthy and drawn-out process to remove campers who are unruly, overstay their reservation or fail to pay. I crafted this legislation to make this process easier and ensure all parties are treated fairly.”

Jones’ legislation would create fair, straightforward rules for owners of campgrounds and ensure that those who are asked to leave or are removed are reimbursed for unused parts of prepaid fees and are returned their property. The guest’s property would either be stored on the campsite or placed in storage, and they would be notified via certified mail to retrieve any belongings. The measure also clarifies that campgrounds are for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use and are not subject to eviction procedures.

Legal pot hopes go up in smoke at NY statehouse 

Source: Legal pot hopes go up in smoke at NY statehouse | News | pressrepublican.com

Two hospitalized after collision in Upper Jay 

Source: Two hospitalized after collision in Upper Jay – Sun Community News & Printing

Norsk lands Airbus contract 

Source: Norsk lands Airbus contract | Local News | pressrepublican.com

From Altona berry picket to IBM coder 

Source: From Altona berry picket to IBM coder | News | pressrepublican.com

Bombardier work shifted 

Source: Bombardier work shifted | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Assemblyman Jones honors late Au Sable Forks businessman and town official, renames local bridge

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he sponsored and helped pass a bill to rename the Au Sable Forks Bridge in honor of the late Steve Godlewski (A.888). Godlewski was the beloved owner of Feeks Pharmacy and previously served as Black Brook town supervisor and councilperson.

“The folks of Au Sable Forks loved Feeks Pharmacy not just for its convenience, but for the good conversation, advice and cheer that Steve Godlewski brought to it,” Jones said. “He knew every customer by name and selflessly served his community, opening the store at any hour of the day or night if someone needed medication. This bridge will remind us of the joy he brought to the North Country and ensure that his compassionate spirit is never forgotten.”

To recognize Godlewski’s contributions to the community, the legislation would rename the Au Sable Forks Bridge to the Steve Godlewski Memorial Bridge, which is fittingly located on State Route 9N near the pharmacy he ran for nearly half a century. Godlewski was the owner and operator of Feeks Pharmacy, which served as the town’s only nearby pharmacy and provided critical services to Au Sable Forks residents. After running his Main Street business for 45 years, Godlewski retired with his wife and closed the pharmacy in February 2017. The community was heartbroken over Godlewski’s passing last year, as so many were familiar with Godlewski’s passion and dedication to make a difference in the North Country , Jones noted. Godlewski also served as a town councilperson and supervisor for Black Brook for many years.

CCPT Driver honored for quick thinking in accident 

Source: CCPT Driver honored for quick thinking in accident | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Gov. Cuomo Signs ‘Green Light Bill’ Granting Undocumented Immigrants Access To Drivers’ Licenses – CBS New York

Source: Gov. Cuomo Signs ‘Green Light Bill’ Granting Undocumented Immigrants Access To Drivers’ Licenses – CBS New York

A Message from Barrie Finnegan of the North County Honor Flight

May 18, 2019 crowd

This Saturday June 22nd is Honor Flight #28. The send-off ceremony starts at 7am sharp, by then all the Veterans have been brought to the Veterans Park on the US Oval by police and motorcycle escort.

The crowd at the last send-off on May 18th was the largest ever, we hope to continue to to grow to show support for our Veterans from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. This is a once in a lifetime trip for our Veterans, manyconsider it the best day of their life. Each person that comes adds to that experience, we strongly encourage people to come support our nations heroes. All portions of the day are free and very family friendly.

After the ceremony the Veterans are escorted to the Plattsburgh International Airport by law enforcement and motorcycle escorts. Along the way our North Country Fire Departments salute the Veterans with an awesome display on New York Avenue and at the Airport.

Honor Flight #28 will return home at approximately 8:30 pm, everyone is welcome back at the airport to welcome them home.

This flight is being sponsored by the seventh graders from Beekmantown Middle School. Their “North Country Honor Run” raised enough to pay the $12,000. sponsor fee and then some. Their slogan was “ We run so they can fly” certainly had great support from everyone in the North Country. Congratulations to all the students and staff for such a successful event by a group of fine young Americans.

Population Trends in the Adirondacks and Rural America – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Population Trends in the Adirondacks and Rural America – – The Adirondack Almanack

History At Our Doorstep

L-R Museum President Garth Houde, Volunteers Allison Arnold and Jeff Dangler

By John T. Ryan

Keeseville – Yesterday my wife Jean and I took advantage of the Museum Weekend to visit the Anderson Falls Heritage Society Museum in Keeseville. We loved it!

Located just off Main Street at 96 Clinton Street, the museum displays an array of Keeseville and Clintonville’s history. This summer’s featured display was created by three Keeseville 5th grade Elementary School classes. It portrays the personal stories of eleven Keeseville men who died serving their country during World War II. Maps trace the path each man took from Keeseville to basic training, to overseas battlefields.  It’s a display we’ll never forget.  Great work by both students and teachers.

The museum’s permanent collections include stories and artifacts from Keeseville’s early history when it was known as a manufacturing and tourist community. Nails made by the Ausable Horse Nail Company are on display as are bottles that once contained Pepsi Cola soft drinks bottled at the Keeseville Pepsi Cola bottling plant. There’s a replica of the Clintonville steel forge operation owned by the Peru Steel and Iron Company. Visitors learn about the Keeseville, Ausable Chasm and Lake Champlain Railroad that once ran just over five miles from Port Kent to Keeseville. Photographs of Keeseville’s many historic buildings especially its churches are extremely interesting. The museum also houses many historic documents, newspaper clippings and much more.

Volunteers Allison Arnold, Jeff Dangler and Museum President Garth Houde were on hand yesterday to answer questions. The museum is open from May to October on Tuesdays (9 a.m. to noon) and Thursdays
(10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ) and by appointment. Admission is free though donations are accepted. Call 518-834-9219 for information.

The New Champlain Bridge Should FINALLY Be Opening Next Week | LiveMtl.ca

Source: The New Champlain Bridge Should FINALLY Be Opening Next Week | LiveMtl.ca

CCC and Peru offering new program 

Source: CCC and Peru offering new program | Local News | pressrepublican.com

AVCS principal to lead Saranac Central 

Source: AVCS principal to lead Saranac Central | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Summer Hours for the Bluff Point Lighthouse

Lighthouse tours are free and open to the public.
 
Sundays in July and August and Sept 1st, from 1 pm to 3 pm
 
The historic Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island is open to the public from 1 pm to 3 pm every Sunday in July and August and September 1st. The lighthouse features exhibits in each room and the opportunity to climb the tower for a view of the Lake. Docents are on hand to answer questions and provide visitors with the Valcour Island Heritage Trail Guide. Transportation to the island is the responsibility of the visitor.
 
Open: July 7, July 14 (9 am to 3 pm), July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11, August 18, August 25,
September 1.

NY corrections officers say solitary confinement is a needed tool | NCPR News

Source: NY corrections officers say solitary confinement is a needed tool | NCPR News

Clinton Correctional on lockdown after second fight 

Source: Clinton Correctional on lockdown after second fight | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Newspaper chain announces cuts in Jefferson, St. Lawrence counties 

Source: Newspaper chain announces cuts in Jefferson, St. Lawrence counties | NCPR News

City approves revised Durkee plans

Source: City approves revised Durkee plans | Local News | pressrepublican.com