The Peru Gazette

Source: Flacke, former DEC, Park Agency head, dies – Times Union

Jeanne Arnold (L) and Jackie Douglass – Earl Witherwax’s banner was purchased for his family’s reunion

Mike McKeon’s banner near Livingoods was the first one erected

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Veterans Day is the appropriate time to highlight Peru’s Hometown Heroes Military Banner Recognition Program.  The first banner honoring U.S. Air Force veteran Michael McKeon was erected on a utility pole along the Bear Swamp Rd. in May 2018. Since then twelve more are flying aloft and seven more have been sponsored. Michael McKeon’s banner was purchased as a birthday gift. Others have been purchased to honor deceased or honored family members. 

Jeanne Arnold and Jackie Douglass are the program’s organizers. Jeanne Arnold explained, “I got the idea driving through Willsboro and Keeseville. I said to my husband, ‘I can’t believe no one in Peru has done the same thing.’” Jackie Douglass remarked, “I kept saying the same thing to my husband Jim. They look so beautiful.”  Jeanne added, “My husband Tim’s birthday was coming up. I wanted something that would mean something to him. I thought of a banner for his father Norm Arnold. I called Willsboro and got information from the lady who had done it there and it’s progressed from there.” 

There are eligibility requirements. Honorees must be military personnel who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans who have served in the past, or veterans who are now deceased.  An honoree must have received an honorable discharge and be a Peru resident or an immediate family member of a Peru resident (spouse, father, mother, step-father, step-mother, son, daughter, brother, sister).  The residency requirement can be waived if the honoree is a graduate of Peru High School or a resident at the time of birth. Documents must be submitted to verify eligibility. Jeanne said, “People like the idea that the required information is given to someone in Peru and that it’s kept private.” Jackie has the veteran documentation carefully organized and safeguarded.  

Available banner space is determined on a first-come, first-serve basis, and all banner locations shall be solely determined by the Water Superintendent’s office and based on poles approved by NYSEG.  Banners will be displayed for a minimum of three (3) months or determined by space availability. The banners erected next April should be displayed through Veterans Day. 

The cost of a banner is $215. Funds are deposited in the Peru Federal Credit Union with Credit Union Manager Maggie Pope serving as volunteer auditor. The Credit Union and Sweet Treat Ice Cream have sponsored the program covering the cost of brochure production and office material. Donations to purchase additional banners for Peru families who don’t have the funds for a banner are welcome. 

Jeanne Arnold and Jackie Douglass have even more ideas including telling veterans’ stories in a book or on an app. These ladies are truly focused on ensuring that our veterans’ sacrifices for our nation are never forgotten. 

For more information or to submit applications contact Jeanne Arnold at 518-726-6444 email: totch1227@gmail.com or Jackie Douglass at 518-570-9548 email: jim.douglass09@gmail.com.  

Click here for an Application Form

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Diocese of Ogdensburg to release names of priests removed from ministry

Source: Keeseville apartment building destroyed by fire | News | pressrepublican.com

Peru – Peru Memorial Post 309 Veterans of Foreign Wars conducted its annual Veterans Day Service this morning at 11 a.m.  Post Commander Bill Lefebvre was the Master of Ceremonies. The James P. O’Connor Composite Squad Color Guard, Civil Air Patrol posted the Colors. Glenn Miller sang a memorable rendition of our Natinal Anthem. Father Alan Shnob offered the opening and closing prayers. Peru Town Councilman Melvin Irwin was the main speaker. Saranac Central senior Joseph Webster was presented with the VFW Post and Auxiliary’s Voice of Democracy Award (The Peru Gazette will post the award presentation and Joesph Webster’s speech after he competes in a VFW district competition). A rifle salute was performed by the local U.S. Army Reserve unit.

Source: Rouses Point Pfizer plant sold | News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

A Peru Planning Board public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 7 p.m. on an application filed by Nathan Wilson to extend Davey Drive approximately 440 feet and to construct four 4-plexes on two parcels adjacent to the extended street. Wilson told the Peru Gazette that if approvals are granted he would extend the street in 2019 and construct the 4-plexes in stages. The proposal may require a change in the Peru zoning law.

Source: Ben Stiller Goes Darker for a Real-Life Prison Break – The New York Times

Source: DOT official: Limo company treated with ‘kid gloves’ despite violations – Times Union

L-R Peru Primary School Nurse Kathy Bedard, Grand Knight Keith Kemp, School Nurse Regan Finlaw

By John T. Ryan

Earlier this week St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Grand Knight Keith Kemp presented 24 boys and girls jackets to the Peru Primary School. School Nurses Kathy Bedard and Regan Finlaw accepted the jackets. Kathy Bedard said, “We have several students in need who come in without jackets. The families are very appreciative especially in the winter months.” Regan Finlaw remarked,” “I know a student who needs one of these right now.”

Source: Veterans invited to share stories – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Election aftermath means loss of power and influence for North Country | NCPR News

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018 @ 11 A.M.
PERU MEMORIAL VFW
710 Pleasant St, Route 22 B, Peru, NY 12972

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – November 8, 2018 – Tops Markets, LLC (“Tops” or the “Company”) today announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (“the Court”) has confirmed the Company’s Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”). Tops expects to complete its restructuring and emerge from Chapter 11 shortly.

“We are pleased to receive the Court’s approval of our Plan and are poised to emerge from this process an even stronger and more competitive company,” said Frank Curci, Chief Executive Officer of Tops. “Through this process, we have accomplished several key objectives, including significantly reducing our debt, creating a viable cost structure and efficiently optimizing our store portfolio. Importantly, we provided an opportunity for employment to every associate who was interested and impacted by store closings at other nearby stores. Our restructuring will create an even more exceptional shopping experience for our customers and assure that we will continue to serve our communities like no one else can.”

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced that work is wrapping up on $7.5 million in improvements to 15 bridges across the North Country. The bridge maintenance projects range from deck replacements to painting, enhancing safety and extending the service life of structures in Clinton, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

The bridge improvement projects include:

• $3 million to rehabilitate two bridges, one on Route 11 in Canton, St. Lawrence County, and the other on Route 3 in Harrietstown, Franklin County.

Improvements to the bridge that carries Route 11 over the Grasse River in Canton included the removing and replacing of the concrete deck surface, curb and sidewalk. Wider shoulders were created to accommodate cyclists. Bridge joints were replaced, bearings were rehabilitated and concrete substructures were repaired. New lighting also was installed

The bridge in Harrietstown carries Route 3 over the Saranac River. The bridge, which is a vital link to the Village of Saranac Lake and the Adirondacks, had the concrete deck surface replaced, new joints installed and bearings rehabilitated. Minor repairs were made to the concrete substructure as well.

• $2.7 million to clean and paint 12 bridges along Interstate 81 in Jefferson County. The periodic cleaning and painting of structural steel reduces corrosion and extends the service life of highway bridges. The project will help keep these bridges in good working order to assure the efficient movement of goods and people traveling to and through the North Country.

• $1.9 million to raise and make repairs to the bridge carrying the D&H Railroad over Interstate 87 in the Town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County. The project raised this bridge over I-87 by two feet to provide additional clearance and enhance safety for vehicles traveling the I-87 corridor. The bridge now meets the contemporary clearance standard of 16 feet, five inches.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.

Peru – In an attempt to clarify the final vote count for Peru Town Councilman, here are the results as announced at the polls Tuesday night.

Rick Barber 1,210 votes
Kregg Bruno 1,150 votes

Source: Emotions run deep at Niskayuna lockdown forum – Times Union

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 5:30 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 5:30 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Building updates
• Early college
• Energy savings initiatives
• Donation/grant award acceptance
• Appointment of personnel

The full agenda is available on the District’s website.

All are welcome.

Source: City businesses sign petition opposing Durkee redevelopment – Sun Community News & Printing

Elaine loved working with husband Harry who built the shop

Elaine Duprey

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – Elaine Duprey formally retired on May 30th, but on September 1st she embarked on a new career.  She said, “I call it switching gears.” Elaine Duprey has opened a quilt shop called The Oak Tree Shop at 707 Telegraph Road, conveniently located just around the corner from Rulfs Orchard.  Why a quilt shop? Elaine explained, “I’ve really love sewing. It’s a creative endeavor. I just want to offer it to others.” 

Opening The Oak Tree Shop has been a family endeavor. Elaine’s husband Harry constructed the very attractive 24 ft. x 44 ft. building over a 1 1/2 year period. Elaine said, “We’ve been in the process of this for a long time. I finally had to retire so I could open my shop.” The building is located just a few yards behind Elaine and Harry’s home.  Given its attractive exterior, beautiful flooring and spacious interior, the building has evoked a very positive response from Duprey’s first customers. 

The main room has plenty of space to stock quilting material from quality companies such as Motta, Andover and Henry Glass. Elaine commented, “When women are quilting they look for quality material. It really does make a difference in the finished product.” Along with material, Duprey stocks all the other supplies a quilter needs.

Duprey thinks people enjoy quilting for several reasons. She said, “I find quilting very relaxing. You can be creative and then you get the enjoyment of that finished product.” Quilting can also be a social, friend-building activity. Elaine said, “I just became a member of of the quilter’s guild.” Guilds meet regularly, learn from each other and enjoy each others company. Guilds also reach out to the community for projects.

Attracting young people into quilting is one of Elaine’s goals. She said, “I’d like to engage our younger generation. I want younger women and kids to do this. I need to reach out to get that going.”  Duprey herself started sewing with the 4H at age 10. When her daughters were growing up she loved making them outfits. She started quilting about 25 years ago. 

The Oak Tree Shop at 707 Telegraph Rd. is open Tuesday through Friday 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4. Call 518-645-0780 for information. 

Source: NY21: Stefanik sails to a third term in U.S. House, Cobb to run again | NCPR News

Source: PSU University Police rescue man from river | News | pressrepublican.com

Assemblyman Jones: Honored and Privileged to Serve the North Country

“I am humbled by the support I have received from voters across the North Country. It is truly a privilege to represent the hardworking men and women of the 115th Assembly District and I am honored to be given the opportunity to continue serving them.