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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.

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Mission of Hope Makes Its Goal

A Message received from Sister Debbie Blow:

Today is a great day in the history of the Mission of Hope! I am on a retreat day today, but decided to break the silence to share the following:

I was notified this afternoon that we received a $5000 grant to complete the purchase of the MOH warehouse and another $5000 to put toward our repairs and renovations.

Do I believe it’s a coincidence that I got this message while ” retreating”? Absolutely NOT! In the world of miracles, there are no such things as coincidences, but rather, manifestations of God’s presence and grace!

Together, we all did it! And so, officially today, August 22, 2017, I can tell you that we’ve received the full amount for the purchase price of our warehouse, aka MOHTOWN!

We are in the midst of continued repairs but we look forward to the day when we will have open house and welcome all of you into the home of Mission of Hope!

Blessings and live and be hope today….
Sr. Debbie

Tornato Watch In Effect

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 461 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN NORTHERN NEW YORK CLINTON ESSEX FRANKLIN ST. LAWRENCE IN VERMONT THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL VERMONT ADDISON IN NORTHWEST VERMONT CHITTENDEN FRANKLIN GRAND ISLE THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBURG, BURLINGTON, DANNEMORA, GOUVERNEUR, LAKE PLACID, MALONE, MASSENA, MIDDLEBURY, OGDENSBURG, PLATTSBURGH, PORT HENRY, POTSDAM, SARANAC LAKE, SOUTH HERO, ST. ALBANS, TICONDEROGA, TUPPER LAKE, AND VERGENNES.

Councilman McBrayer Will Not Seek Reelection

Donald McBrayer representing the town at a VFW Memorial Day Service

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru’s political scene has been relatively quiet for the past few years; however, an announcement this morning by incumbent Republican Town Councilman Donald McBrayer will undoubtedly enliven the November election. Citing his plan to eventually move to Phoenix, Arizona, McBrayer notified fellow town board members that he is withdrawing his candidacy for reelection. There is one complication. When McBrayer authored his message he believed he had until the September 12th primary to remove his name from the ballot. This morning Clinton County Election Commissioner Greg Campbell informed McBrayer that according to state regulation his declination had to have been filed no later than July 17th. McBrayer told the Gazette later today, “I’ll be on the ballot, but I’m not running. I’ll be informing people via social media.”
 
The remaining candidates for the two open town council positions include: incumbent Democrat James Douglass, Democrat Marque Moffett and Republican Melvin Irwin. Others could seek nomination on the Independence, Conservative and Working Families Party lines in the September 12th primary election.
 
Town Counselors Brandy McDonald and James Langley hold the other two counselor positions. They are in the second year of their 4-year term of office, but both men are seeking the town supervisor’s position. When one of them takes office on January 1, the town board can leave his town board position unfilled, call for a special election or appoint someone to the position.
 
McBrayer’s statement to the town board read:
 
Good Morning Everyone,
 
I have decided not to run for Town Council for another term and I have signed a declination finalizing this decision.
 
This was not an easy decision, because I really do enjoy working with you all. Peru has a very dedicated team of officials and employees and I enjoy being a part of that team.
 
But, over the next couple years I will be away more and more as Kara and I work toward our eventual move to Phoenix. Our plan is to spend summers here and winters there. And though I will be around most of the time in the coming year or so, a four-year commitment is too long. Simply put, it is unfair for me to take taxpayer money to do a job when I know I would have to resign in a couple years.
 
I look forward to working with you all for the remainder of my term and am confident whoever replaces me will continue the dedicated work our town has come to expect from its board.
 
Don

New Free Fishing Days Announced

Grandfather and Child Fishing

Anglers can look forward to four new annual Free Fishing Days in New York State. The new dates are:

  • September 23, 2017 – National Hunting and Fishing Day
  • November 11, 2017 – Veterans Day
  • February 17-18, 2018 – weekend preceding Presidents Day
  • June 23-24, 2018 – last full weekend in June

The requirement for a fishing license is waived on these days, so it’s the perfect time to introduce someone to the sport or invite friends or family from out of state.

Click here for recommended places to fish. 

Tom Chapin in Concert

SUNY Plattsburgh is proud to announce that Tom Chapin ’66 will be returning to Plattsburgh for a concert to benefit the ARC Foundation, which funds programs and services that enrich the lives of the developmentally-disabled in Clinton County, N.Y.

Tom Chapin in Concert
Saturday, September 30 at 7 p.m.
Strand Center Theatre
25 Brinkerhoff Street
Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Don’t miss this one-night only show!
Tickets are on sale now at www.strandcenter.org.

The New York Times calls three-time Grammy winner and SUNY Plattsburgh alumnus Tom Chapin, “one of the great personalities in contemporary music.” In this one-man show, Tom accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and autoharp and serves up a tasty mix of story songs, ballads, comedic and political songs, old-time folk classics and a favorite song or two of his late brother, Harry Chapin.

Tom graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1966 is one of the most decorated basketball players in the school’s history. Tom is just the fourth player ever to join the basketball team’s 1,000-point club and was inducted into the SUNY Plattsburgh Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. Says Tom of his upcoming performance at the Strand Theatre, “I have been back several times over the years and am so pleased to be returning to Plattsburgh in September, the most beautiful month in the North Country.”

Stefanik ties knot in Saratoga Springs – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Stefanik ties knot in Saratoga Springs – Sun Community News & Printing

Applefest Memories

Sandra Caron-Mitchell Gagnier loved the wheel

Sandy Andrews was a star wherever she worked

Siser Helen Herman and the late Sister Yvonne Therese Cusson

Len Jozwiak will do anything to help the parish

L-R Ruben & Monica Remillard, Betty Ewald and Larry Ewald Sr.

Chris “Fuzz” Bruno and “Mr. B. “

L-R Nancy Hoskins, Ann Sunderland, Clare Dalton and Jean Ryan

The 40th Annual St. Augustine’s/Peru Applefest is only 25 days away. The Peru Gazette will periodically share a few historical Applefest photos with you as September 16 and 17 approach. Hopefully, they bring back great memories.

Progress Continues on Jarvis Rd. Bridge

Concrete was poured at the Jarvis Rd. bridge last Wednesday. A 14-day curing process is underway. The ground is being prepared for asphalt approaches to the bridge. Railings also have to be installed. The bridge will hopefully be completed by September 15th.

Proven Small Town Success

(L-R Wendy Boutin and Sally Gibson)

Yarborough Square is #12 in the Peru Gazette photo series featuring people who make Peru a wonderful place to live. Owner Sally Gibson opened her business at 672 Bear Swamp Rd. 25 years ago. Customers travel from near and far for her professional, unique artisan wares from USA and Canada. Sally Gibson and longtime staff member Wendy Boutin will greet you with a warm smile and help you find the ideal item. Yarborough Square is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 643-7057.

Peru Lions Replacing Welcome Signs

By John T. Ryan

Peru Lions Club members (L-R) Dave Dalton, Ralph Hensel and Lincoln Sunderland installed a new “Peru Welcomes You” sign on the Bear Swamp Rd. today. A few days ago they installed one at the Route 22B entrance to the hamlet. Two Route 22 signs will follow.

Ralph Hensel constructed the signs and the Lions Club paid for the hardware and stain. The Town of Peru paid for the wood. The Lions Club installed and maintained the original signs for many years. Finally, it was time to replace them.

Town Board Agenda for Monday, August 14

7:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall

Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of July 24, 2017

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

Community Input

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: AES letter of Authorization for Survey Work.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Kara McBrayer’s Resignation Letter.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Adele Douglas’ Resignation Letter.

DISCUSSION: Town IT Update.

DISCUSSION: Unexpended Bond Proceeds.

DISCUSSION: Shared Services Update.

Other Business.
Community Input on Agenda Items.

Motion to Adjourn.

Here’s Your Chance to Evaluate the PCS Superintendent Candidates

Open Forums August 15th & 16th

Peru Central School District’s Board of Education will hold an Open Forum of Superintendent of School candidates on August 15th and 16th in the Jr/Sr High at approximately 7:00 PM on August 15th and 16th. The Open Forums will be preceded by Special Meeting Executive Sessions beginning at 5:05 p.m.

The Forums are open to all.

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

Medical marijuana lotions, chewables proposed in N.Y. – Capitol Confidential

Source: Medical marijuana lotions, chewables proposed in N.Y. – Capitol Confidential

Can New York’s rural schools survive growing poverty and population loss? – Times Union

Source: Can New York’s rural schools survive growing poverty and population loss? – Times Union

518 Area Code Overlay to Start August 19 – Story

Source: 518 Area Code Overlay to Start August 19 – Story

NY’s new casino owners say competition is tough – Times Union

Source: NY’s new casino owners say competition is tough – Times Union

New York state program offers up to $40 off heroin antidote – Times Union

Source: New York state program offers up to $40 off heroin antidote – Times Union

DEC Announces State Hunting and Trapping Education Courses are Gearing up

Training in Safe Handling of Firearms and Hunting Required before Purchasing a Hunting License

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded all new hunters and trappers planning to go afield this season must first complete a mandatory hunter, bowhunter, or trapper education course before obtaining the appropriate sporting license or hunting privilege.

With state licenses now on sale, first-time hunters and trappers are encouraged to sign up for courses as they fill quickly. Each year, more than 45,000 New Yorkers take DEC’s hunter and trapper education courses.

“Hunting and trapping are proud traditions in New York State that continue to be safely enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors each year and hunting opportunities have never been better,” said Commissioner Seggos. “DEC’s Sportsman Education Program is effective in producing safe, ethical hunters, and we are grateful to the volunteer instructors that serve as the backbone to deliver our program. I encourage all prospective hunters to sign-up early for one of the hundreds of courses offered all across New York.”

DEC works closely with thousands of dedicated DEC-certified instructors statewide to provide these training courses free of charge. Courses are offered for Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education, and Waterfowl Hunter Education. Read more »

Tuition rates up at Clinton Community College – Sun Community News & Printing

Source: Tuition rates up at Clinton Community College – Sun Community News & Printing

When a Sign Can Save a Loved One’s Life

Peru Fire Chief Kevin O’Neil

Peru – If your child or anyone in your home is facing a medical emergency, you undoubtedly expect a rapid response from rescue personnel. Unfortunately, many Peru homeowners do not properly identify their homes, a failure that could result in loss of life. Peru’s fire and ambulance personnel have been delayed in arriving at several emergency situations.

Peru Fire Chief Kevin O’Neil explained, “The problem exists throughout the town. Sometimes when we respond to an emergency we drive by a home more than once. Then we have to find a place to turn around and that’s difficult for a large fire truck or an ambulance, especially at night.” O’Neil noted that some people assume that everyone knows where they live. He stated, “We have many new, young personnel. They don’t know where everyone lives. They rely on a structure being properly identified.”

According to Peru Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup New York State fire codes require that the address identification be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. The identification characters should contrast with the background and shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetic letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall not be less than 4 inches high. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure.

Peru firefighters have one answer to the premise identification problem. For only $15 they will prepare a two-sided, reflective sign for you. It’s two-sided because under the mutual aid system emergency personnel may arrive at your home from any given direction. To order a sign just contact any Peru firefighter or stop by the station on a Monday evening.

Wood Pellet Biomass Boiler Project at Essex County State Office Complex

Renewable Energy System Will Heat Three State Agency Office Buildings in the North Country

Project Helps Meet Governor Cuomo’s Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 40 Percent by 2030

The New York Power Authority (NYPA), Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Police, and Adirondack Park Agency (APA) today announced the start of construction on a wood pellet biomass boiler heating loop at the Ray Brook State Office Complex in Essex County in the North Country. The $3 million renewable energy project will be undertaken by NYPA in partnership with DEC, State Police, and APA in support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s BuildSmart NY program, which calls for a 20 percent reduction in energy consumption by all state agencies by 2020.

Fueled by wood pellets, this high-efficiency, low-emission boiler systems will provide heat to DEC’s Region 5 headquarters, APA headquarters, and the New York State Police Troop B headquarters. Read more »

A North Country Landmark

L-R Field Manager Richard Howard, Bakery Manager Riley Wilkins, Business Manager Shannon Rulfs, Office Manager Amanda Rulfs Whisher, Founder Bob Rulfs, Retail Manager Linda Hatch, Cashier Abbie Barber, Greenhouse/Produce Manager Jordan Bever

Peru – Rulfs Orchard is #11 in our Peru Gazette series featuring the people who make Peru a great place to live. Opened by Bob Rulfs in 1952, it has become has become a North Country landmark. The farm stand moved to its beautiful new building in September 2016.

Located at 531 Bear Swamp Road, Rulfs is open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. through Oct., then 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the winter months. Call 643-8636.

Frontier Town proposal deadline is moved back – Times Union

Source: Frontier Town proposal deadline is moved back – Times Union

PCS’s Campus – Beautiful!

Peru Central School Campus. Thanks to Vicki Defayette for posting the photos. I believe they were taken today. Love those drones!

Adirondack mountains were “the playground” for new FBI director | NCPR News

Source: Adirondack mountains were “the playground” for new FBI director | NCPR News