The Peru Gazette

Excellent program that aired last night.

Source: MLJ Community Forum: Dairy Farms in Crisis – Mountain Lake PBS

Source: Avoiding Conflicts With Adirondack Coyotes – – The Adirondack Almanack

North Country Harmful Algal Bloom Summit

The third regional Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Summit will be held on March 20 in Ticonderoga. The summit includes an evening session open to the public from 6:00 – 8:00 at the Best Western Ticonderoga, 260 Burgoyne Road, Ticonderoga, NY 12883. Background information about HABs will be provided, including talks by experts, a panel discussion and an opportunity for local residents to share recommendations and ideas. The session can also be viewed online via Livestream.

Source: Chlad: Comparing Executive, One-House Budgets – – The Adirondack Almanack

Source: Prell indicted by grand jury | Local News | pressrepublican.com

“Former Clinton Correctional Facility employee Denise Prell has been indicted on charges alleging inappropriate behavior with an inmate.”

L-R Harrison Matthews, Quinn Atwood, Mrs. Jennifer Dyer, Isaac Mitchell

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru Middle School students Isaac Mitchell, Quinn Atwood, Harrison Matthews and Olivia Baldwin have something in common – They all love math. (Olivia Baldwin could not be present for our interview)

On February 10th they participated in the 35th Annual MATHCOUNTS competition at Clinton Community College. MATHCOUNTS is a nationwide mathematics competition. It’s founding sponsors include the National Society of Professional Engineers, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the CNA Foundation.

Thirty-six students from five area schools participated in the local competition. Isaac Mitchell finished second. This Saturday he will compete in the New York State MATHCOUNTS Competition at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy.

Math teacher Jennifer Dyer has led MATHCOUNTS at Peru Middle School for the past eleven years. She loves the program. She explained, “It fosters curiosity and shows the students that math is nothing to fear. It’s about problem solving. Math has a stigma of being scary, when it can be fun. The kids get excited about it. It’s not physical, it’s mental. It’s showing their strengths.”

The participating students were all volunteers. Eighth grader Isaac Mitchell explained, “It’s stressful, but fun at the same time. I figured it would be a good way to see how I place against other people in my community.” Seventh grader Quinn Atwood said, “I thought it would be a fun experience. I’ve always been very good at math. I knew how to multiply in the first grade.” Seventh grader Harrison Matthews had a practical reason. He said, “I love math and there are many jobs with math involved.”

All three students have an idea what they’d like to be someday and not so surprisingly the jobs require math skills. Isaac said, “I’d like to be an anesthesiologist or a forensic scientist.” Quinn responded, “I’d like to be a robotics engineer and computer scientist.” Harrison said, “I’d like to be an architect.”

Jennifer Dyer and Isaac’s family will travel to RPI to watch Saturday’s competition. The Peru Gazette wishes Isaac the best of luck and we congratulate Mrs. Dyer for her extra effort to help her students grow their love of mathematics.

Competition at Clinton Community College

By John T. Ryan

The Main Street Revitalization will proceed with a planned completion date of summer 2018. The Board passed a resolution (4-0) at its March 12, 2018 meeting to proceed with the first phase of the project. Supervisor Brandy McDonald noted the project workshop that preceded the meeting was generally characterized by a spirit of compromise.

Peru’s Walking Trail continues to be a regional resource. Two to three thousand people enjoy the trail each month. Ciara Nussbickle of the Clinton County Health Department reported that nature walks are taking place on the trail in conjunction with the Peru Free Library, C.V. Tech is using the trail for tree identification field trips, and the Health Department is developing an instructional video on how to use all the equipment along the trail. Participants in the morning workout classes at the Peru Community Church and Peru Central School students will participate in the video.

Beth Spaugh-Barber, who operates Rehoboth Homestead on the Jabez Allen Rd. and a farm stand on Route 9, addressed the Board regarding fluttering/moving banners which Peru’s zoning law prohibits displaying on a long term basis. She noted that one of the purposes of zoning law is to promote business. She said, “Having a flag that catches attention is important for business. The zoning law from a business prospective needs updating, recognizing that the issue of not having everything fluttered, density issues, etc.” She suggested forming a collaborative working group to discuss amending the zoning law. Adele Douglas, a former member of the Comprehensive Planning Committee commented, “When we developed the comprehensive plan we did want to encourage small farmers. Maybe there’s a gap in the zoning law when it comes to signs.” After discussion it was decided to recommend that two members of the Zoning Board, the Planning Board, the Town Board Liaison to the boards and the Town Attorney meet with the interested members of the business community to discuss the issue.

The Board accepted the resignations of Paul Sarbou and Robert Wright from the Highway Department and approved hiring Lloyd R. Provost as a motor equipment operator at an hourly rate of $18.25. One open Highway Department position will be filled at a later date.

A resolution to make the Town the lead agency for State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) for replacement of a culvert at the intersection of Telegraph Rd. and Sullivan Road was approved. A deteriorating 10 ft. x 180 ft. metal pipe would be replaced by a 18 ft. x 180 ft. precast pipe. The size increase is required by Fish and Wildlife regulations. The Town is applying for a a NYS grant to fund the project which has been estimated at approximately $900,000. The project will be delayed if the grant is not acquired.

Sprint Corporation was granted permission to install larger transmission equipment on the Town’s water tower . It will pay an increased monthly rental fee of $250. Sprint will also pay for a tower safety inspection prior to installation of any additional equipment.

The Water/Sewer Department installed antennas on the Town’s water tower. The antennas permit Supervisor’s office personnel to control and monitor the Town’s electronic sign, security and camera systems. Vandalism has dramatically decreased since cameras were installed at the Little Ausable River Park. Click here for February Dept. Head Reports

Source: Silence, signs and empty chairs | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Trial raises questions about many Cuomo practices – Times Union

The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. held its Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 at the Butcher Block-The Adirondack Room on Booth Drive in Plattsburgh, NY.

There were two new board members elected to the Board of Directors. They were Anna Walls, Vice President, Regional Northern Manager of Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Co., and Andrew Wylie, Clinton County District Attorney.

The following officers were re-elected:, Ed Davis, Vice President of Northern Insuring Agency, as President of the board, Sylvie Nelson, CEO of Workforce Development, as Vice President, Chris Mazzella, High School Principal at Peru Central School, as Secretary and Joyce Rafferty, Retired from University of Vermont Health Network- Champlain Valley Physician Hospital, as Treasurer.

The moose (Alces alces) is the largest member of the deer family and the largest land mammal in New York State. DEC staff, in collaboration with other groups, are currently conducting aerial distance sampling for moose across the Adirondacks. During this multi-year research project, the team will obtain information on the status of New York State’s moose population, health of the moose, and factors that influence moose survival and reproduction. As part of the study, twelve moose were captured in the Adirondacks in January 2015, fitted with GPS radio collars, and released. Another nine moose were captured in January 2016 and five more were captured in 2017. The movement of the moose are being remotely tracked. The goal of the Adirondack moose study is to create a moose management plan for New York State based on the data they collect.

If you see a moose in NY, please fill out a moose sighting report.

Source: Law firm demands names of North Country’s abusive Roman Catholic priests | NCPR News

Source: Invasive Alewife Spreading In Champlain Basin – – The Adirondack Almanack

Read more »

From the Office of State Senator Betty Little 

The State Senate is expected to approve later this afternoon a budget resolution that includes numerous changes important to the Adirondack region, according to State Senator Betty Little.

Little said the budget resolution strikes an executive budget proposal that would have eliminated a more than century-long obligation by New York State to pay ad valorem taxes on state-owned lands, including millions of acres in the Adirondack Park.  The Senate one-house budget rejects the proposed change from ad valorem to a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTS), which many fear would result in a property tax shift to local taxpayers.

“This is a top priority for our region, something that everyone I have heard from adamantly opposes.  Our local governments and environmental groups are strongly united in their opposition and have done a tremendous job in Albany explaining why the proposed change would be so detrimental to our North Country economy.  The push needs to continue through budget negotiations, but today’s formal rejection is an important step for us all.”

The Senate budget proposal rejects $1 billion in tax-and-fee increases, including new taxes on internet purchases and new DMV fees.  The proposal also would decouple the state and federal tax codes to prevent New Yorkers from taking a $1.5 billion state tax hit as a result of recent federal tax changes.

The Senate’s education budget calls for 3.8 percent increase in school aid funding over last year, bringing the total investment in schools to a record level of $26.1 billion.  The Senate proposal seeks an increase in aid for libraries, too.  The plan also restores more than $10 million in funding for agriculture programs and provides funding for rural health needs, including for opioid treatment.

Funding for local prioirities include: $300,000 for the Visitors Interpretive Centers at Paul Smith’s College and SUNY ESF in Newcomb; $250,000 for the Adirondack Lake Survey Corporation; $700,000 for a capital project of the Lake George Park Commission; $250,000 for the Adirondack North Country Association; $100,000 for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative; $150,000 for the North American Center of Excellence for Transportation of the North Country Chamber of Commerce; and $185,000 for veterans peer counseling services.

The Senate budget resolution summarizes proposed changes to the executive budget.  The resolution was developed based on feedback from many groups and individuals who contacted and met with lawmakers and staff in Albany in response to the governor’s executive budget, which was announced in January.  The Legislature hosted public hearings for several weeks to collect testimony.

The resolutions adopted by the Senate and Assembly will be the basis for the three-way negotiations that will soon begin between the executive and two houses of the Legislature.

Peru – Social media posts led some to believe that there would be loud dissent at the Monday, March 12, 2018 Town Board Workshop on the Main Street Plan; however, while several residents expressed concerns, the overall tenor was positive. Concerns centered on tree placement, tree maintenance and doubt as to whether a tree-lined street would slow traffic as intended. This phase involves Main Street from Maiden Lane to the Dollar General. Click here to view detailed plans. 

Main Street Committee Leader and Grant Writer Adele Douglas began the meeting by reviewing the plan’s goals: to make Peru’s Main Street more attractive and to slow down traffic thereby making it more friendly to bikes and pedestrians. She summarized saying, “More trees, more grass, slower traffic. Pedestrians are more comfortable. Trail users can loop through town. It will hopefully be good for future businesses.”

Alice Provost expressed several concerns. She remarked, “I’ve paid people to cut trees down.” She voiced concerned about the trees interfering with power lines and the leaves being blown into her swimming pool. Adele Douglass said shorter trees will be planted where the power lines exist, but residents will be expected to maintain the trees and the grass.

Provost also mentioned parking for special events at St. Augustine’s Church such as funerals and the Applefest. Douglass admitted the improvements will involve a trade-off saying “It is worthwhile to have a more attractive Main Street, hopefully slow down traffic and make it more attractive to pedestrians versus having it being more challenging when there are special events? I don’t disagree about parking for special events.”

Others mentioned the large trucks that travel on Main Street. Douglas said the plan no longer includes narrowing of the Maiden Lane – Main Street intersection. Courtney Tetrault said the driving lane will still meet state specifications and the road will stay the same width. No parking will be lost on the north side of the street. There may be some parking lost on the south side. Others stated that the town has higher priorities such as repairing sidewalks, dealing with abandoned homes and improving street drainage.

Mike Seminario said several people are concerned about the trees affecting visibility. Mary Kay Ezero said the trees will restrict access for repairmen working at her home. Brandy McDonald responded, “These plans can be adjusted. They are not set in gold. We can work on that.”

Judy Kirby commented, “What do we want our town to look like? We’re all invested in it.” Allison Hulbert Bruce said she and her husband use the walking trail. Walking trail loop appeals to her. She remarked, “I think this is going to buffer you from the traffic. I’m on the positive side. I’m excited.”

Ed Schiffler was concerned about the sidewalk width saying the drawings depicted the sidewalk as being ten feet wide in front of his home. He remarked, “Tearing out a sidewalk that’s in and putting in a ten foot sidewalk doesn’t make sense to me… I’m not sure planting trees is going to slow down traffic. There needs to be a lower speed limit on Route 22.” Adele Douglas stated that this phase of the plan does not include widening the sidewalk and that future phases might include widening the sidewalk to eight feet, not ten feet.

As the meeting neared a close Councilman Jim Langley said, “I think the biggest concern is the placement of trees, who is going to be responsible and how high will they be. I think we’ll have to make the contractor aware of what the nuances are for everyone’s property.”

Committee member Jerry Ross, who is an avid bike rider, said he can foresee cyclists being drawn into Peru and business positively impacted, thereby increasing the tax base. Committee member Dr. Ann Marie Spear commented, “Hopefully, we can compromise and see the big picture and work together.” She complimented Adele Douglas saying none of this would have been accomplished with her hard work, time and her ability to work with the committee.

Supervisor Brandy McDonald mentioned social media posts where people were concerned about the Town financing the project. He said the project is 100% funded by a New York State grant. No town money will be expended. He recalled that when the walking trail was conceived many people were vocal in their opposition. He said, “We heard nothing but negative, now thousands and thousands of people are using it.”

Following Monday’s workshop the Peru Town Board conducted its regular meeting and voted 4-0 to proceed with letting bids on the project. The Board is hopeful that the bids will come in considerably less than the $170,000 state grant.

Source: 30 Epic Festivals In Montreal You Can Look Forward To This Summer – MTL Blog

Peru’s Water Department personnel will be be reading meters from March 19th to March 23rd.

Tonight’s Soup Kitchen at St. Augustine’s Parish Center has been cancelled. Next week you can look forward to pulled pork, baked beans, cold slaw and dessert. The pulled pork and cold slaw got rave reviews the last time they were served.

“Owner Robert Streeter has debarked to Cadyville, some 75 miles north of Ticonderoga, where he says he will launch new radio properties despite the cloud of controversy and unanswered questions left in the wake of his sudden departure.”

Source: WIPS sudden exit leaves cloud of uncertainty, questions — and criminal investigation – Sun Community News & Printing

Peru Central School District is closed today, 3/14.  The Town Hall Meeting scheduled for tonight has also been cancelled.

Source: Assembly budget proposal slaps upstate ride-hailers with $1 fee – Times Union

Source: Stefanik threads her way through House intelligence panel shutdown – Times Union

From the Office of Assemblyman D. Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly’s budget proposal maintains the current tax structure for Forest Preserve lands in order to protect the North Country economy, rejecting the governor’s proposal to cap taxes and shift to payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs).

“Changing the way state land in the Adirondacks is taxed could have a negative impact on our municipalities,” said Jones. “A shift to PILOTs means less leverage for towns, leaving local taxpayers with the burden of making up for those losses. The Assembly budget proposal is doing right by the North Country by rejecting this measure.”

Jones has previously voiced his concerns about the proposal to change the way taxes are assessed for state property and advocated to Read more »

During the 2017 hunting seasons there were 19 hunting-related shooting incidents, similar to the five-year average. About three-quarters of incidents involved two parties, and the other one-quarter were self-inflicted. Of the two-party hunting-related shooting incidents, almost 80% of the victims were not wearing hunter orange. Incidents involving two or more individuals highlight the importance of identifying your target and what lies beyond.

Hunting is enjoyed by over 500,000 New Yorkers each year, and thanks to DEC staff and volunteer hunter education instructors, hunting safety statistics continue to improve. Though the number of hunters is declining in the state, the hunting incident rate (incidents per 100,000 hunters) is falling much faster. Since the 1960s, the number of hunters has declined about 20%, while the incident rate has plunged more than 70%. The current five-year average is 3.2 incidents per 100,000 hunters, compared to 19 per 100,000 in the 1960s.

Every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable! Follow the rules of hunter safety:

• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded
• Control the muzzle, keep it pointed in a safe direction
• Identify your target and what lies beyond
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire
• Wear hunter orange