The Peru Gazette

The Peru Democratic Party meeting will be held on Thursday January 26th, 2017 at 7:00PM.
The location will be the Peru Town Hall.

This will be our first meeting for the year 2017.

Some of the items that will up for discussion;

· Progress on ticket sales for the April raffle. People who have sold tickets can start turning in the money to Jean Schiffler treasurer.
· Town of Peru positions that will up for election in November will be discussed, with regard as to who will be filling them.
· Discussion of plans for the summer.

We look forward to seeing you at our meeting. Your support and input is needed. Bring a Democratic friend to the meeting.

Packaged with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget proposal released on Tuesday night are school aid runs, which detail how much funding the executive proposes for each of the state’s s…

Source: How much funding is Gov. Cuomo proposing for your school district? – Capitol Confidential

At least one restaurant, new access road planned in Plattsburgh, opening up future prospects.

Source: Development proposed on high-profile lot | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru has a new gas station-convenience store-deli. JAX has opened at 3384 Route 22 in Glenwood Plaza. Jeremy Lowther, an AuSable Valley Central graduate, and his wife Jacqueline operate the store. JAX is, in fact, named after Jacqueline. The Lowthers reside in Keeseville with their four children.

What distinguishes JAX from the competition? Jeremy Lowther explained, “We have the kitchen and the food is awesome. It’s all handmade – the JAX wings, soups and pizza. When you walk into most convenience stores you get a piece of frozen pizza. Here it’s all fresh. That’s what separates us from anybody who was here before. We’re getting a lot of repeat customers.”

The Sunday 18” pizza special priced at $10 plus $.75 per topping is very popular. Huge pizza slices sell daily for only $2.50. Daily specials include choices such as tacos, lasagna, macaroni and cheese balls and grilled macaroni and cheese sandwiches. This week the specials include boiled ham and cabbage, carrots, etc. and sloppy joes. Lowther said, “The specials have been good sellers for both lunch and dinner.”   

Customers also appreciate JAX’s Green Mountain Coffee, candy (priced about $.30 less than the competition), the New York State Lottery tickets and a wide beverage selection including the popular national, regional and local beers.

VP Racing Fuels, a gasoline new to the North Country, is sold at JAX’s brand new pumps. Lowther explained, “We try to keep our gas prices low. Today’s regular is $2.52. Everybody else is $2.55 or higher. (This was verified by the Peru Gazette). The pumps accept all the popular credit cards.

Anyone entering the store can’t help but be struck by its spaciousness and cleanliness. Lowther said, “We spent two months installing new flooring, cleaning and painting the store prior to opening in August.” Jeremy and Jacqueline Lowther look forward to their children working in the store. They’re a little young now at ages 2 months, 6, 8 and 12.

Reach JAX by calling 643-5700. JAX delivers to Peru, Plattsburgh and Keeseville.

Click here to view a complete menu

Click here to see all our Peru Gazette photos. 

PAUL SMITHS, NY (01/18/2017)– Grace Mayhew of Peru, N.Y., graduated from Paul Smith’s College in December 2016. Mayhew earned a degree in environmental sciences from Paul Smith’s, which is located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York.

About Paul Smith’s College

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.

Budget should include middle-class tax cuts and increased education aid.
“As the budget process goes underway, I’ll fight for a budget that will help North Country families succeed right here at home. We must ensure a fair budget that includes tax relief for middle-class families, an increase in education aid for North Country schools, a plan to combat the heroin epidemic and investments in our local economy. I’ll also look to ensure that these important initiatives are fully funded and don’t burden local taxpayers.
“Tax relief will go a long way toward helping North Country families keep more of their hard-earned money. In addition, increasing Foundation Aid for our schools will ensure all of our children have access to a top-notch education. I’ll also hold the governor to his word to bring broadband internet access to all New Yorkers by 2018. It’s time rural North Country communities and businesses had broadband access so they can better compete in the 21st-century economy.
“Additionally, we must commit ourselves to fighting the heroin epidemic and improving community safety. This epidemic has claimed too many lives and it’s clear we need more funding to properly address this crisis.”

Source: Guatemalan workers on North Country farm tell Trump, “look into your heart” | NCPR News

Source: If Trump builds a wall, will there be anybody to milk the North Country’s cows? | NCPR News

What’s so special about Thursday, January 26, 2017? It’s the 7th DINE UNITED – an event designed to bring the restaurants of Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties together in an effort to help the people of our community. As we all know, times are tough. There are citizens right here in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties struggling to keep their jobs, pay their bills and maintain a decent quality of life for their families. But there is hope! Through United Way and its affiliated agencies, restaurant staff and their patrons can help fellow residents with critical needs such as food, clothing, shelter, child care, safety from domestic violence, help for Alzheimer’s and much more.

On Thursday, January 26, 2017 restaurants in all 3 counties will be participating in Dine United by either donating a percent of their proceeds, a percent of the wait staff tips or a straight donation to the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.

The public can help too by simply dining out at one of the participating restaurants! Start your day with a breakfast treat, then visit one of your neighborhood restaurants for lunch… finally, go home and grab the family for a delicious dinner at any participating restaurant. Be on the lookout for Dine United restaurants near you and on January 26tht, 2017 remember to DINE UNITED for United Way. Mention to the participating restaurants that you are there to Dine United and enter into the drawing for raffle prizes that have been donated to the United Way.

The mission of United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. is “To be a leader in community partnership building and to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another. The money raised from this event will go to help fund the 44 partner agencies that help the community in a variety of needs.

Peru Central School Budget Advisory Committee

For the past eleven years, Peru CSD has organized a Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) that has served to inform and promote school-community discussion concurrent with the school district budget development process.

The BAC typically meets in order to develop an understanding of revenues and expenditures, components of a balanced budget, and particular challenges that face the school district. Traditionally, the BAC has formulated recommendations for Board consideration to assist the Board and administration.

At this time, the BAC is scheduled to meet at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 16th and Wednesday, March 15th. In addition to these informational sessions, the BAC will be invited to share their recommendations with the School Board during a public budget development workshop, tentatively set for Tuesday, March 21st.

If you wish to participate in any of the meetings of the BAC, please register by calling 643-6004. Thank you.

The Peru Knights of Columbus Bingo scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, January 17th is cancelled because of impending snow and possible sleet. The Knights apologize to their faithful customers for having to cancel for three consecutive weeks. This has never happened before and hopefully, it will never happen again. Thank you!

PLATTSBURGH — The Lake Champlain Chapter of Trout Unlimited will again provide scholarships for interested young men and women 11 to 17 years old to attend DEC’s popular summer camp program.

Source: DEC camper scholarships now available – Sun Community News & Printing

By John T. Ryan

There was an excellent turnout of local government and law enforcement dignitaries for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today at Peru’s new Town Court Building. Judge Jim Kirby and Judge Larry Cabana joined Town Supervisor Peter Glushko, Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass and Counselor Jim Langley in the ceremony. 4th Judicial District representative Matt Chivers joined Judges Kirby and Cabana for a ceremonial photo.
The Court will host a Community Open House tomorrow, Saturday, January 14th, from 9 a.m. to noon. All are welcome!

Click here to view a previous Peru Gazette story on the Court Opening. 

Judge Kirby, Matt Chivers of 4th Judicial District and Judge Cabana

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Town Supervisor Peter Glushko included some of his 2017 priorities on the Town Board Monday, January 9th Agenda.

Moving forward on sewer system upgrades is definitely priority #1. Glushko requested and received the Board’s permission to contact the town’s bonding attorney to initiate long-term financing of the $4 million+ project. Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault commented, “Grants and low-interest loans aren’t available today, but they should be coming up.” Glushko said, “We’ll have to set priorities and do the project in phases. We’ll have to look everywhere for grants. Fortunately, we will qualify for more grants based on the recent community survey. “ Counselor Jim Langley said, “Governor Cuomo has been stressing infrastructure investments. The timing may be very good for us.” Click here to see a Peru Gazette story on the income survey and the needed upgrades. 

Glushko would also like a long range plan formulated for the stone building at Heyworth/Mason Park. He stated, “We need to think about what we want to do with that building. Are there minor things we can do so it doesn’t look like an abandoned building?” The fact that the building lies in an EPA designated flood plain inhibits first floor options. Glushko said, “We have to check out what we can legally do.”

Town Historian Ron Allen remarked that ideas have included creating office space on the second floor and a museum on the third floor. Glushko commented, “There is grant money available for museums.” Using the first floor as a community meeting room has also been suggested. When Glushko asked for someone to head up a committee no one volunteered. (Counselor Donald McBrayer was excused from this meeting) Ron Allen said he believed McBrayer and Adele Douglas would be willing to work on a committee.

Courtney Tetrault reported that the Health Department’s recent water system inspection was successful. The Health Department recommended that water be sampled twice annually for lead and copper and that fire and security alarms be installed at the water plant. Tetrault said, “Overall the Health Department is very happy.”

Highway Superintend Michael Farrell reported that he has found a less expensive method of repairing the Parsons Road culvert. A Vermont firm will weld the culvert’s studs at a cost of $4,300 and a concrete base will be laid. The total cost should be considerably less, though not as long-lasting as a slide-in liner. Neither the Army Corp of Engineers or the DEC would approve the liner.

In other actions the Board approved a seven-year reappointment of Tom Fusco to the Zoning Board and a seven-year reappointment of Allison-Hulbert Brice to the Planning Board.

As part of the Peru School District’s Strategic Plan, the Peru 2020 Connections Committee is looking at ways that the District can use social media to increase communication with community members, develop better partnerships with parents, and increase the districts role as a cornerstone of the community. Please join us on Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 PM in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room to share ideas and provide input on how the district can use social media to connect with parents, students, and community members.

All are welcome.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – If outdoor temperatures dip again, Peru residents will have a skating rink adjacent to Town Park Road. A few days ago Parks Department personnel laid down a 65 ft. x 120 ft. liner and flooded the rink. The Sullivan Park location is large enough to accommodate the rink and several parked cars. A nearby fire hydrant will facilitate flooding and a street light will illuminate the area. Ice rink location

Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said his personal will do their best to keep the rink in good shape and he would welcome assistance from Peru Youth Commission volunteers. Tetrault’s personnel leveled the rink area last winter, but the warm weather discouraged its use.

Ice thickness, quality and maintenance combined with safety issues associated with sleds entering the rink at high speed convinced the Town Board to move the rink from the Little Ausable Park pond.

PLATTSBURGH — Former Seton Catholic and Lake Placid Athletic Director Matthew Walentuk has been named as the new Interscholastic Athletics Administrator for Section VII.

Source: Walentuk takes the helm of Section VII sports – Sun Community News & Printing

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Fee Information session on January 23rd for the newest travel option – River Cruise on the Danube.
Join at the Chamber of Commerce (7061 Route 9, Plattsburgh) from 5:00 – 6:00pm to learn more or log on to the webinar from home. RSVP required. Call 563-1000 or register online at www.northcountrychamber.com.

Cruise down the Danube from November 27th – December 5th while stopping to visit the amazing Christmas markets along the way. Highlights include Vienna, Vienna Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Wachau Valley, Glühwein Party, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Rothenburg, & Würzburg. Prices start at $3289 including air, cruise, some meals, and much more!
The Chamber is also offering a trip to the Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion National Parks, and more in October. Starting at $1895 including flight, hotel, and much more. Learn more on our website. Info session will be held soon.

The Chamber’s travel program offers amazing trips at affordable prices. There are 3 options for 2017. You do not have to be a member to participate. Learn more about these adventures at www.northcountrychamber.com.

The IRS is delaying tax refunds for millions of low-income families as the agency steps up efforts to combat identity theft and refund fraud

Source: IRS to delay tax refunds for millions of low-income families

​Funds announced during New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address Wednesday in Albany

Source: Plattsburgh International Airport awarded $38M for expansion plan

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The Peru Town Board conducted its 2017 Organizational Meeting on Monday, January 9th. Items approved included: Salaries for Elected Positions; Appointees, Appointee Salaries; Department Liaisons; Meeting Dates and Times; 2017 Contracts. Mileage will be reimbursed at the rate of 53.5 cents per mile (1 cent less than last year). The TB Bank will be the Town Depository. The Press Republican will the official Newspaper. Rules of Order and procurement policies were also approved.

Click Here for Details  

39 North Bend Street Property

The Peru Town Board has given a 39 North Bend Street property owner until April 3rd to demolish or correct deficiencies on their property. The Board authorized the action following a January 9th Public Hearing. The property owner Rose Simpson Rodriquez did not appear nor did anyone on her behalf appear at the hearing.

The property has been deemed in violation of Local Law #2 (UNSAFE BUILDING DEMOLITION LAW). Any demolition costs will be charged to the property’s tax bill. click here to see Local Law #2

Code Enforcement Officer Robert Guynup reported that the structure’s roof has three substantial holes and has deemed it unsafe. In an effort to immediately protect public safety the Town will install yellow caution tape on the property and board up the roof holes.

Source: Cuomo looks to counties to solve high property tax rates | NCPR News

Money will pay for new cargo center and general aviation customs facility.

Source: State awards $38 million to Plattsburgh Airport | News | pressrepublican.com