The Peru Gazette

Source: Local rivers nearing record lows | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 6:30 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 6:30 PM start, and that the school board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Facilities Use
• Opening of School Year
• Donation/Grant
• Appointment of Personnel

The full agenda will be available today on the District’s website.

All are welcome.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:  Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of August 27, 2018.

5. MOTION/DISCUSSION:  To Accept reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO; and Banking Reports)

6. Community Input

7. DISCUSSION:  Vac Truck Repair.

8. DISCUSSION:  Sewer Upgrade Workshop – Sept. 20 @ 6:30

9. DISCUSSION:  Town Clerk/Tax Collector Hours for January.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Negative Declaration for Sewer Project.

12. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
13. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

MOTION:     Adjourn

Source: Tuition up at CCC – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: County includes Airbnb in updated occupancy tax law – Sun Community News & Printing

If you look forward to spring at the end of a long Winter, but are disheartened by the hours of work to prepare your garden beds for planting, this is the workshop for you.  By putting your garden to bed in the fall, with a look ahead to spring, you will save time, money, and frustration.

Class held from 10:00 to Noon at the Extension office

6064 State Route 22, Suite 5, in Plattsburgh

Fee $5.00, pre-registration required

After a season of use, our gardening tools need some tender loving care.  Many can use sharpening so they are ready to go next spring.  This hands-on workshop will teach you the best practices to extend the life of your tools.  Bring a set of pruners for sharpening during the workshop.  (One per person please)

Class held from 10:00 to Noon at the Extension office

6064 State Route 22, Suite 5, in Plattsburgh

Fee $5.00, pre-registration required

Register for workshops by calling 518 561-7450 or email Jolene at jmw442@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected

Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Holy Name Parish in Au Sable Forks celebrated Labor Day and the 150th Anniversary of the parish Monday. Knight of Columbus Joe Kostoss was kind enough to send the Peru Gazette a few photos of the wonderful celebration. Peru native and former Holy Name Pastor Father Phillip Allen was in the parade and on the grounds.

Click here to view Joe Kostoss photos 

Father Phillip Allen (center), Bishop Terry LaValley (right) 

PERU — Michael V. James has been sentenced to a year in jail for allowing his dog to attack and severely injure a neighbor, Mrs. Loretta Timmons.

Source: Jail time meted out to man whose bulldog mauled elderly woman | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: High Peaks Projects Underway, New Regulations Taking Effect – – The Adirondack Almanack

A huge group of motorcyclists escorted the North Country Honor Flight to the Airport this morning. It took almost two minutes for them to pass by.

Tom Nagowski (Right)

North Country Honor Flight Ceremonies were conducted this morning (September 1, 2018) at the U.S. Oval Park. Tom Nagowski, a longtime Peru resident, was one of the honored veterans. The 24th Honor Flight will arrive back at the Plattsburgh Internatitonal Airport tonight at 7:45 p.m. People are encouraged to come out to greet the vets and their escorts.  (Names added on September 8, 2018) 

Honor Flight Members
Brendler, George A.	Army	Chazy	Cold War
Brisson, Leonard O.	USAF	So. Hero, VT	Korean
Camelo, Francis G.	Air Force	Saranac Lake	Korean
Carron, Howard H.	Navy	Plattsburgh	Cold War
Cummings, Harry E.	Navy	Winthrop, NY	Korean
Dominy, Raymond L.	Army	Plattsburgh	Korean
Dominy, Russell O.	Army	Saranac	Cold War
Jubert, Leland E.	Navy	Plattsburgh	Korean
Knapp, Conrad J.	Army	Keene	Korean
McGinness, John H.	Army	Moriah	Korean
Monette, Joseph H.	USAF	Plattsburgh	Cold War
Monette, Norman, Jr.	USAF	Plattsburgh	Korean
Nagowski, Thomas E.	USAF	Plattsburgh	Cold War
Roach, John W.	USAF	Willliston,VT	Korean
Flight Leaders
Debbie DiFulvio
Danielle Coons

Click here for photos 

Source: Great Escape renovates park, adds new rides – Times Union

Source: GlobalFoundries eliminated 455 jobs, new filings show – Times Union

By John T. Ryan 

• Tobacco and e-Cigarettes Banned 
• Soccer Wall Proposed at Laphams Mills Park 
• VAC Truck Needs Repairs
• Paver Has a Major Breakdown 
• Budget Workshops Scheduled 
• ANCA Suggests Street Light Upgrades 

A Town tobacco policy has been mentioned over the course of many months; a policy was adopted at the Peru Town Board’s August 27, 2018 meeting. Henceforth, use of tobacco products and e-cigarette are prohibited in all Town buildings and on all Town property including parking lots, parks and walking trails. “No Smoking” signs will be placed in appropriate places. 

When former Youth Commission Chairman/Tax Collector Alan Brault passed away in February 2017 the Peru Youth Commission was named as a recipient of donations. $1,050 was collected. Youth Director John Flynn told the Board consideration is being given to erecting a soccer wall in Brault’s honor.  The cost of a 10 ft x 40 ft. cement block wall has been estimated at $3,000. The Board asked Flynn for more information on the wall’s design. Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup recommended an engineer’s review. Flynn suggested locating the wall between fields #2 and #3. Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said care would have to be taken to avoid damage when bringing materials or equipment to the site. 

Vac Truck at work on Jenkins Street

Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that his department’s VAC truck is out of operation because of a malfunctioning water pump. The pump unclogs sewer lines. If the pump has to be replaced it will cost $16,000. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that the Town’s paver is out of action because of a broken shaft. A paver owned by Noel J. Burnell Paving is being used to finish the Patent Road job and only a small portion of School Street will be paved this year because of a planned construction project at Peru Central School that includes changing sidewalks and entrances. The Highway Department will pave School Street after that construction is complete. 

Michael Farrell also reported that Assemblyman Billy Jones recommended that the Town apply for a NYS paving grant that would give the Town $50,000 in additional paving monies. Farrell said Jones is continuing to search for any available grant monies. 

The Board’s  2019 Budget Workshops were scheduled.  The exact dates will be covered in a separate story. 

Town Clerk Diane Everett asked the Board to consider changes in tax collection days and times. She would like to expand collection times. 

County Legislator Peter Keenan reported that as of July 30 Clinton County sales tax collections are $1.5 million above projections. 

At the conclusion of the meeting Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) representative Nancy Bernstein conducted a 30-minute informational program on the advantages of  upgrading the Town’s street lights to LED bulbs. The possibility of the Town taking over ownership of lights from NYSEG and/or performing its own maintenance or hiring an outside maintenance company are other alternatives.  

The Town currently pays NYSEG approximately $20,000 annually for delivery, supply and maintenance of 117 lights, including 90 street lights. Bernstein’s’ analysis indicated the Town would save from $5,560 to $7,911 annually depending on wattage of the lights chosen. 

Source: NY21: Cobb says “people want access” to debates | NCPR News

A Message from SPARCC

Prescription opiate and heroin addiction as well as opiate-related overdoses remains a problem of epidemic proportions throughout the North Country.  In 2016, several local professionals and concerned citizens joined forces forming a coalition known as Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery of Clinton County (SPARCC). This coalition is comprised of people in recovery, concerned citizens, treatment providers, elected officials, law enforcement, educators, and community organizations. The coalition aims to raise substance abuse awareness in our community, increase prevention efforts and address the issues associated with substance abuse. Our mission is to foster community health through education, prevention, treatment and recovery of substance abuse.

On Saturday, September 15 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Macomb Park in Schuyler Falls, NY, SPARCC is hosting a free community event to celebrate healthy living. We invite all North Country neighbors to LIVE WELL and BE WELL.  We encourage invitees to play, relax, dance, eat, and have fun together at this sober, family centered event. 

Many outdoor activities, Read more »

A Message from Tops Markets

Tops Markets Reports Significant Progress on Financial Restructuring

Company Intends to Close 10 Underperforming Stores; Affected Associates to be Treated Fairly with Placements at Other Stores Where Possible

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – August 30, 2018 – Tops Markets, LLC (“Tops” or the “Company”) today provided an update on the progress it is making on its financial restructuring process. The company today received court approval of its final agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (“UFCW”). Additionally, Tops today also announced that following a comprehensive evaluation of its store portfolio and in connection with its ongoing financial restructuring process, it intends to close 10 underperforming stores by the end of November, 2018. Tops is taking this action as it continues to focus on strengthening its financial position so it can invest further in its stores, create an even more exceptional shopping experience for customers, and compete more effectively in today’s highly competitive and evolving market.

Frank Curci, Chief Executive Officer of Tops said, “We are making significant progress in our financial restructuring process and our operating results have remained strong. Receiving court approval of the global settlement with the UFCW is a major milestone in our court supervised restructuring process, as it helps pave the way for our reorganization and ultimate emergence from this process. We also recently completed a review of our store portfolio. The vast majority of our stores are profitable and we are seeing strong customer support continue to drive growth in these locations. That said, there are a few stores that are not performing to our standards, due to a number of factors including location, store size, lack of visibility, and lease costs. We are using the tools available to us through the court-supervised process to conduct an orderly wind down of these stores. We are pleased to continue serving our communities with existing locations that are all in close proximity to the affected stores and providing the same great service, value, and convenience that our customers expect from us.”

Mr. Curci continued, “We recognize the important role that our associates play in driving our success and serving our customers and our communities. We will treat affected associates fairly and with the respect that they deserve. Importantly, we have many openings across our chain of stores and to the extent possible, we will work with impacted associates to find them placement at nearby store locations.”

Of the Company’s 169 locations, the 10 affected underperforming stores are as follows:

2120 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 
4141 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 
710 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY 
175 N. Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 
6720 Pittsford/Palmyra Rd., Fairport, NY 
33 Forgham Street, Lyons, NY 
381 Hamilton Street, Geneva, NY 
909 West 1st Street S., Fulton, NY 
299 S. Main Street, Elmira, NY 
622 Lake Flower Ave., Saranac Lake, NY

The impacted stores are currently open and continuing to serve customers. Fewer than 600 of the of the Company’s 14,000 associates work at the affected stores and these stores represent less than 4% of Tops overall sales.

In conjunction with today’s announcement, the Company intends to file a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking authority to assume the leases of continuing stores and reject leases and conduct store closings at the 10 affected locations. Other than the 10 stores indicated, all other stores are expected to remain open and are either on the list to be assumed or in the final stages of documentation.

Additional information is available on Tops’ restructuring website at www.topsrestructuring.com or by calling Tops’ Restructuring Hotline, toll-free in the U.S., at (888) 764-7358. For calls originating outside of the U.S. please dial (503) 520-4457. Court documents and additional information can be found at a website administrated by the Company’s claims agent, Epiq, at http://dm.epiq11.com/TOPS.

About Tops
Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 169 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops Markets banner. Tops employs over 14,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in Upstate New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company’s website at www.topsmarkets.com.

Source: New boat-washing station on Schroon Lake already keeping bad things out | News, Sports, Jobs – Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Clinton Correctional Facility correction officer pleads guilty to having a relationship with inmate

We’re not sure if these photos will make feel a little cooler today as the temperature reached 96 degrees. At 3 p.m. Town of Peru Highway personnel were preparing for slightly different weather. They were straining sand to remove any rocks and then mixing it with salt in the sand-salt shed. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said his personnel expect to spread about 8,000 cubic yards of the sand-salt mixture on 112 miles of town and county highways this winter. According to our caculations that works out to about 9,280 tons.

Read more »

Froom the office of Congresswoman Elise Stafanik

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) applauded $625,000 in White House Drug Policy Office Awards to organizations across the district. These grants will provide local community coalitions with funding to prevent youth substance abuse, including prescription drugs, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol abuse.

“This needed funding will help combat illicit drug use and make our communities healthier,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “As a Member of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, I applaud the White House for making this funding in our district a priority. I will continue to work in Congress to combat addiction and ensure that our communities have the resources they need in this fight.”

Details of the grants are as follows:

FY 2018 DFC Continuation Grantees in the 21st Congressional District of New York

• Application Number: 5 SP020538-05

o   Grantee Name: SEAWAY VALLEY COUNCIL FOR ALC/SUB ABUSE

o   Grantee Congressional District: 21

o   Coalition Name: Massena Drug Free Community Coalition

o   Grant Amount: 125000

• Application Number: 5 SP020546-05

o   Grantee Name: ALCOHOL/SUBS ABUSE CNCL JEFFERSON CNTY

o   Grantee Congressional District: 21

o   Coalition Name: Alliance for Better Communities

o   Grant Amount: 125000

• Application Number: 5 SP020814-04

o   Grantee Name: ALC & SUB ABUSE CNL HAMILTON/FULTON/MONT

o   Grantee Congressional District: 21

o   Coalition Name: Four Rivers Alliance of Hamilton County

o   Grant Amount: 125000

• Application Number: 5 SP080044-02

o   Grantee Name: Mountain View Prevention Services, Inc.

o   Grantee Congressional District: 21

o   Coalition Name: Youth Empowerment and Health! Community Coalition

o   Grant Amount: 125000

• Application Number: 5 SP080055-02

o   Grantee Name: Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

o   Grantee Congressional District: 21

o   Coalition Name: Akwesasne Coalition for Community Empowerment

o   Grant Amount: 125000

Source: The GOP hired as many as five trackers in NY21, all with ties to Rep. Stefanik | NCPR News