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More About The Peru Gazette

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.

Recent Comments

Adirondack symbol gains momentum 

Source: Adirondack symbol gains momentum – Sun Community News & Printing

Special School Board Meeting – September 25, 2018

Please note that the anticipated time to reconvene for public session has been revised to 8:00 PM.

The Peru School Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 6:00 PM in the school 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 for the purpose of review/discussion and anticipated selection of a new Board Member, due to a recent resignation.  The Board is expected to reconvene for public session at approximately 8:00 PM for anticipated appointment of a new Member.  At this time, no other District business is anticipated for this meeting.

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

All are welcome.

He Was Governor Cuomo’s Closest Aide. Now He’s Going to Prison for 6 Years 

Source: He Was Governor Cuomo’s Closest Aide. Now He’s Going to Prison for 6 Years. – The New York Times

27th Annual Whiteface Mtn Oktoberfest this Weekend 

Source: 27th Annual Whiteface Mtn Oktoberfest this Weekend – – The Adirondack Almanack

Essex County social services eyes armed guards 

Source: County social services eyes armed guards – Sun Community News & Printing

Recreational pot law not welcome in Essex County 

Source: Recreational pot law not welcome in Essex County – Sun Community News & Printing

UVM medical center and nurses end labor dispute: How each side fared

Source: UVM medical center and nurses end labor dispute: How each side fared

Percoco sentenced to six years for corruption 

Source: Percoco sentenced to six years for corruption – Times Union

Variable North Country foliage season likely, experts say

Source: Malone Telegram | Variable North Country foliage season likely, experts say

In age of social media, Stefanik keeps North Country press at arms length | NCPR News

Source: In age of social media, Stefanik keeps North Country press at arms length | NCPR News

Traffic stop leads to big weed bust | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Source: Traffic stop leads to big weed bust | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Nurses reach deal with University of Vermont Medical Center – VTDigger

Source: Nurses reach deal with University of Vermont Medical Center – VTDigger

DEC Announces Bowhunting Seasons for Deer and Bear

Youth Big Game Hunt on Columbus Day Weekend

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that bowhunting seasons for deer and bear will begin in the Northern Zone on Sept. 27 and in the Southern Zone on Oct. 1.

“New York is home to some of the best bowhunting opportunities in the nation. With mild weather, longer days, and deer in early season feeding patterns, the early bow season is a great time to be in the woods and a perfect opportunity to introduce new hunters to deer hunting,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Last year, more than 235,000 hunters obtained bowhunting privileges in New York State.”

Youth Big Game Hunt

New York’s annual Youth Big Game Hunt on Columbus Day weekend has expanded to include bear and deer. On Oct. 6-8, licensed 14- and 15-year-olds may use a firearm to hunt big game while accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. All eligible junior hunters may take one deer (either sex) and one bear. During the youth hunt, antlerless deer taken with a firearm may be tagged with a regular season tag, Deer Management Permit, or Deer Management Assistance Program tags. Antlered deer may only be tagged with the regular season tag. Though junior hunters may have multiple deer tags, they may only take one deer with a firearm during the Youth Big Game Hunt.

This special hunting opportunity takes place throughout the state, except in Suffolk County and in bowhunting-only areas. The Youth Big Game Hunt is a great way for experienced, adult hunters to help young people have an enjoyable and successful hunt. Additional rules that apply to junior hunters and their adult mentors can be found on pages 36 and 37 of the Hunting & Trapping Guide or through the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program.

Deer Management Permit Deadline is Oct. 1

The deadline to apply for deer management permits (DMPs) is fast approaching, and hunters must apply for DMPs by Oct. 1. Hunters should review their chances of selection before applying. The application fee for DMPs is $10. The fee is waived for junior hunters and Lifetime License holders who purchased a Lifetime (Sportsman) License prior to October 1, 2009.
DMPs are DEC’s most effective wildlife management tool and recreational deer hunting provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a day afield and provide sustainably harvested food for New York families. Hunters that have purchased a hunting license are eligible to apply for up to two DMPs that may be used to harvest antlerless deer from a specified Wildlife Management Unit. Antlerless deer harvest is crucial in helping to balance the deer herd with available habitat.

Sporting licenses and permits for the 2018-19 license year can be obtained at any one of DEC’s 1,300 license issuing outlets, by phone at 866-933-2257, or online through our DECALS website.

DEC encourages hunters to use the new e-license and game harvest reporting tool called HuntFishNY. Through this mobile app, hunters, anglers and trappers can access an electronic version of their licenses and privileges, and report the harvest of deer, bear and turkey immediately while afield on their mobile device. Hunters can download this new feature from the DEC’s official mobile app, NY Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife by Pocket Ranger, which is available from either the Apple App or Google Play stores.

Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow

Commissioner Seggos reminds hunters to consider letting young bucks grow into older, larger bucks in future hunting seasons.

“I encourage bowhunters across the state to pass up shots on young bucks, and in areas where deer populations are larger than desired, to focus their hunting on antlerless deer,” Seggos said.

Take It, Tag It, Report It!

DEC would also like to remind hunters of the importance of reporting their harvest. Harvest reporting is critical to wildlife management, and by regulation, hunters must report their harvest of deer, bear, and turkey within seven days of taking the animal. DEC encourages hunters to, “Take it, tag it, and then report it.” In addition, DEC encourages hunters to use the online and mobile systems to report their harvest. Hunters may still use the phone report system, but may find the online and mobile systems faster and more convenient.

Venison Donation Program

Big game hunters are reminded that they can help feed the hungry by making a monetary contribution to the Venison Donation Program at any license-issuing outlet. License buyers should inform the sales agent if they are interested in donating $1 or more to support the program. Since 1999, these funds have been used by the Venison Donation Coalition to process more than 330 tons of highly nutritious venison, the equivalent of 2.8 million meals served. Learn more about the Venison Donation Coalition program.

DEC Encourages Hunter Safety

While statistics show that hunting in New York State is safer than ever, mistakes are made every year. DEC believes every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable, and Commissioner Seggos is encouraging hunters to use common sense this season and to remember what they were taught in their DEC Hunter Education Course.

Firearms Safety:

  1. Point your gun in a safe direction.
  2. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
  3. Be sure of your target and beyond.
  4. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

DEC also encourages hunters to wear blaze orange or pink. Wearing orange or pink prevents other hunters from mistaking a person for an animal, or shooting in a hunter’s direction. Hunters who wear hunter orange are seven times less likely to be shot.

When hunting in tree stands, use a safety harness and a climbing belt, as most tree stand accidents occur when hunters are climbing in and out of the stand. Also, hunters should never climb in or out of a tree stand with a loaded rifle and never set a tree stand above 20 feet.

For more information on these and other important hunting safety tips, please learn more about Hunter Safety Basics and watch videos about hunter safety (leaves DEC web

Cape Vincent Correctional Facility inmate charged with murdering fellow inmate

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Cape Vincent Correctional Facility inmate charged with murdering fellow inmate

Fatal accident prompts St. Lawrence County legislators to reconsider rules for Amish buggies and wagons

Source: Watertown Daily Times | Fatal accident prompts St. Lawrence County legislators to reconsider rules for Amish buggies and wagons

JCOPE never probed Cuomo — is that legal? – Times Union

Source: JCOPE never probed Cuomo — is that legal? – Times Union

ATV crashes take toll over weekend 

Source: ATV crashes take toll over weekend | Local News | pressrepublican.com

CVES proposes $29.8 million capital plan 

Source: CVES proposes $29.8 million capital plan – Sun Community News & Printing

Utilizing High Technology to Increase Productivity

By John T Ryan

Peru – Anyone traveling down Old Town Rd. this morning couldn’t help but be struck by the contrasting crop harvesting methods. On one side of the highway Adirondack Farms’ 600+ horsepower corn harvester was filling a huge truck and clearing a 15-acre field in a matter of minutes. About 100 feet away Dwight Bennett and Devon Dubidat of Forrence Orchards were spot picking McIntosh apples by hand, the same method that has been used for centuries.

Seth Forrence explained that most of the technology he uses involves the development of new apple tree varieties. The new shorter trees yield about 1,500 bushels per acre vs. 500 bushels per acre in the old varieties.  Pickers once used heavy 20 ft. to 22 ft. wooden ladders. Today thanks to science-based tree development technology, Dwight Bennett and Devon Dubidat are using 8 ft. aluminum step ladders in a safer and more productive working environment. 

Dwight Bennett

Devon Dubidat

One of the Applefest Parade Highlights

DEC Advises Hikers: State Will Permanently Prohibit Parking Along State Route 73 Near Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the State is prohibiting parking on the shoulders of both lanes of State Route 73 near the Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead starting Friday, Sept. 21. The parking prohibition supports DEC’s multi-year, comprehensive effort to promote sustainable tourism and address public safety in the Adirondacks.
 
Parking will be prohibited on the shoulder of the northbound lane from the entrance to the Roaring Brook Trailhead Parking area north to the bridge over Putnam Brook. Parking will be prohibited on the shoulder of the southbound lane between the guiderails south of Putnam Brook Bridge.
 
DEC encourages hikers to discover and visit the other numerous hiking opportunities in the area. The DEC web page, Hikes Outside the Adirondack High Peaks lists a dozen nearby hikes that provide a hiking experience similar to a High Peaks hike, including great scenic views, but with fewer people. The web page includes links to trail maps for each of the hikes, in English and French.
 
The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) will install “No Parking” signs along these sections of the road by Friday, Sept. 21. DEC and DOT agreed to prohibiting parking in these two sections of this heavily used State highway to support ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism and protect public safety. There is limited sight distance because of the curve in the road and shoulders are narrow. Legal parking is not available where guiderails prevent vehicles from parking along the road to the right of the white line.

Read more »

Pay Attention Spaghetti Lovers

Spaghetti Dinner (red, meat or alfredo sauce) for only $10.00
When:    September 27, 2018    Dinner 6 – 8 p.m. with music by “Just Jammin”  6 – 9 p.m.
Where:    Peru Memorial VFW
               710 Pleasant St, Rte 22B
                Peru, NY 12972
No cover charge.  Beverages available for purchase from 5 p.m.
Proceeds benefit veterans projects.

2018 Peru Athletic Hall of Fame Nominees

The 2018 Peru Athletic Hall of Fame banquet will be held at Plattsburgh Moose Lodge 2390, 90 Sharron Av, September 29th. The scheduled times are, 6:00 social, and 7:00 dinner @ $30.00 per person. Please get your reservations into Cathy Phillips ASAP. Checks can be sent with the names of individuals attending to Cathy Phillips 4 Vista Drive, Willsboro, NY 12996 Home phone 518-963-7963 Cell 518-572-1235.

Checks made payable to: Peru Athletic Hall of Fame
.
The nominees for this year are as follows:

Roland N. “Rollie” McGee 1958, Laura LaHart 1992, Johanna “Evans” Strickland 1998, John Lamar 1987, Matt McCormick 2004

Roland N. “Rollie” McGee
Athlete
1958

Rollie graduated from Peru in 1958 and was a four sport athlete during his four years of high school. He was a co-captain of the soccer team for 3 years. During his senior year the team went unbeaten and he led the team in scoring. That same year Peru beat Ellenburg 2-1 for the championship. Toni Papero asked him to wrestle one night after a basketball game because his 154 pound wrestler was sick. Rollie wrestled from that point on and was co-captain for three years. Rollie was undefeated for 3 years and was on the first wrestling team to win the Section VII championship in 1958 along with winning the 154 pound weight division. Rollie also played basketball his junior and senior year. In baseball he was co-captain for three years and pitched a No Hitter in his senior year. He was 1 of 6 Peru players to hit over .400 that year.

 

John Lamar
Athlete
1987

John Lamar class of 1987 proudly represents the strong character and traits consistent with Peru “Indian” athletics. John’s natural talent and acquired skills, in conjunction with his dedicated work ethic and versatility made him a fierce competitor on any athletic stage. John was a two sport athlete competing in football and wrestling. On the gridiron John staked his claim to fame through his relentless efforts in the trenches of the offensive and defensive lines. He was a two year, two way starter as a stand out offensive and defensive tackle on back to back undefeated teams in of his junior and senior year. John was named team captain as a senior and was a defensive leader on the 1986 team that held opponents to ninety-four points in ten games. Legendary Indian Football Coach Mike Beauvais called the 86 team “his best ever” and refers to John as “one of the finest athletes he has ever coached.” John was named all-CVAC Offensive tackle by the Press Republican and by WIRY. He was also voted by peers as the outstanding lineman. On the wrestling mat John was a force to be reckoned with in many of the middle-weight classes. He was a team captain in his junior and senior years. John’s wrestling accolades are numerous. During his senior year he won five tournaments, was named outstanding wrestler in the sectionals and placed second at the New York State wrestling tournament. His finals match went into overtime for a duration of 9 minutes. All criteria was met by both wrestlers. The final criterion for the decision was the officials’ choice, and he chose Johns opponent. John’s senior record was 32-1 and his career record was 109 and 11.

Laura LaHart
Athlete
1992

Laura graduated from Peru High School in 1992. Laura was a very well-known athlete in the athletic arena at Peru and in Section Seven. Laura exemplified the spirit of true sportsmanship and superior athleticism as early as eighth grade when she was brought up to play varsity soccer. Individuals who watched her play were impressed with her maturity and skills to play at the varsity level in soccer, basketball and track. In soccer Laura played midfield, halfback and front line, as a basketball player she played guard and in track she ran 100m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m hurdles, 4×100 and 4×400 relay. An indication of the respect she had by the coaches and players landed her the responsibility of being named captain her junior and senior years in soccer and track.

Laura continued her education at Canton College where she played center half back in soccer and point guard in basketball. In both sports Laura was selected as captain. Laura’s hard work, dedication, tenaciousness, camaraderie, and loyalty to her teammates was a coach’s dream to have as an athlete. Laura would do anything and everything that was asked of, if not more.
Laura currently works at Plattsburgh Primary Care as a Healthy Steps Specialist. This program helps children 0-5 years old become school ready. The goal is to enhance the child’s social and emotional growth. Another title Ms. LaHart holds is a Lactation Specialist. Laura also coordinates the Reach Out and Read Program in Clinton County. Her hard work paid off in 2017 when she was awarded the “Crime Victim Advocacy Award for Clinton County. This award is given by the Office of Child Advocacy and Clinton County District Attorney’s Office.

Last but not least Laura is now certified as a Therapy Dog Specialist. This will allow Laura to work in area hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

Johanna “Evans” Strickland
Athlete
1998

Johanna graduated from Peru in 1998. She presently lives in Columbia, NC. Johanna started running as an 8th grader. She was an outstanding runner placing in several out of section meets. The events she ran were done on a cinder track where she was instrumental in helping the team win several meets. “Some” of her biggest accomplishments were being on the undefeated team in 1993, CVAC all-star team, Section Seven championship team in 1994 where she placed 1st in 3200 m relay, 800m, 3000m, and1600m relay. She also qualified for National Jr. Olympics and placed 3rd. She was selected as team captain from 1995 through 1998, CVAC all-star in 1996 where she set a Section Seven and Peru High School record with a time of 4:07:81 in the 1600m. Johanna was also busy with other extracurricular activities which included member of NHS, NAHS, and Girl Scouts (Gold Award). She was class President for 4 years and graduated with the honor of Salutatorian. Johanna attended the University of South Carolina where she was a member of the Division 1 Cross Country and Track & Field Teams. Graduating with honors, she obtained her BS in Exercise Science and then her MAT in Health Education. Johanna never joined anything where she didn’t excel. She was an extremely dedicated, devoted, hardworking, and extremely gifted leader in school and as an athlete.

Matthew McCormick
Athlete
2004

Matt graduated from Peru High School in 2004. Matt was a four sport athlete at Peru participating in Football, Hockey, Baseball and Track. Matt a three year starter in Football played wide receiver, defensive back, kicker and quarter back. In 2001, as a sophomore, he was a member of the New York State class B Championship team. That year he was named to the CVAC Coaches all-star first team as a defensive back and kicker. In 2002 he was a CVAC Coaches all-star as a first team kicker, wide receiver, and defensive back. 2003 was a great football season for Matt. He was instrumental in winning the Section Seven – Section Ten North Country Class B Super Bowl. One of the greatest games ever played in Peru was against Lansingburgh form Section 2 in the Class B state quarter final game that year. As the quarter back Matt lead his team to a come from behind win in overtime rallying the “Indians” from a 36-14 deficit with 3:57 left to win 43-42. Matt played four years of varsity hockey on the Peru/Saranac team as a starter at offense. During his four years of hockey he was a two time Brad Ott MVP award winner.

Matt played baseball for three years and started at various positions including pitcher. He also participated in track his senior year. Matt presently resides in Del Rio, Texas and is employed with the Federal Government as a Homeland Security Investigations – Special Agent.

Case dropped against Dannemora supervisor 

Source: Case dropped against Dannemora supervisor | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Peru’s September 13, 2018 Primary Results

192 ballots scanned.

Democratic Party

Governor – Nixon 76, Cuomo 86.

Lt. Governor – Hochul 95, Williams 59

Attorney General – Maloney 32, James 34, Eve 8, Teachout 84

Conservative Party – 1 write-in ballots for Town Council

Independence Party – 23 write-in ballots for Town Council

Reform Party – Attorney General – Sliwa 1, Diederich 1, Garvey 1, one write-in