The Peru Gazette

Source: Plattsburgh Housing Authority hopes to rehab, reuse dilapidated properties | NCPR News

The Strand Center for the Arts is holding a Preview Party for the Tri-County ARTSMAP – a web-based interactive map of the region’s artists, individuals and cultural organizations.  The ARTSMAP Preview Party will be held on the Strand Center for the Arts’ lawn from 1 – 4, Saturday, November 18, 2017. The ARTSMAP will be on display for public preview with a reception and remarks in the Gallery at 1:00 – 1:30. Community members are invited to participate throughout the afternoon with the creation of an art installation on the Brinkerhoff Fence.  The installation “Oculi” by Beverly Eichenlaub is envisioned as the first in a series of art installations featuring local artists invited to embrace and promote the existing fence as a community asset.

Artist, individuals and cultural organization can elect to be located on the ARTSMAP as part of completing the ongoing information surveys available at ARTSMAP.net.  The Tri-County ARTSMAP Arts and Cultural Asset Mapping Project is being conducted by the Strand Center for the Arts, in partnership with SUNY Plattsburgh.  The project is funded by a grant from New York State Council on the Arts, managed by Premises Architecture PLLC, and supported by the City of Plattsburgh and North Country Chamber of Commerce.  For information, visit ARTSMAP.net or contact artsmap.net@gmail.com

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The charges against Michael James of Peru remain outstanding. James appeared in Peru Town Court on Tuesday, November 14th represented by his attorney David Albers. Assistant Clinton County District Attorney Tim Blatchley represented the people. Judge Lawrence Cabana set the next court date for December 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. and told the Albers and Blatchley that if a settlement is not reached by December 12th, he will set a trial date.

James was arrested in connection with the September 20th dog attack on his neighbor Mrs. Loretta Timmons. Mrs. Timmons suffered severe injuries when attacked by James’ three dogs. In 2016 the Town Of Chesterfield Town Court found one of those dogs to be dangerous and ordered James to permanently confine the dog. That dog was euthanized the day after the Timmons incident.

James is charged with Class A misdemeanor charges of Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree and an unclassified misdemeanor under the NYS Agricultural and Markets Law. He also faces nine town law violations related to the September 20th incident.

At a previous hearing Judge Cabana issued an Order of Protection directing James to stay away from Mrs. Timmons at her home or at any other location. He further directed that James not walk his dogs south in view of Mrs. Timmons’ property. He released James on his own recognizance.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Based on Supervisor-elect Brandy McDonald’s statements at the Monday, November 13, 2017 town board meeting, Peru residents will not find McDonald at his town hall desk until about 4 p.m. most weekdays. McDonald said that he completes his full-time job daily at 3:30 p.m. and will report to the town hall immediately thereafter. He stated that he plans to appoint town counselor Jim Douglass as deputy town supervisor and asked that the supervisor’s salary be decreased by $3,690 (from $24,900 to $20,910) and the deputy supervisor’s salary be increased by $3,690 (from $1,310 to $5,000). McDonald said, “We will have better coverage. Everyone knows I have a full-time job. That was no secret during the election. I’ll be here right after I get done work and as needed after work and on weekends. There’s no set time for a supervisor.”

In mid-October McDonald responded to a Peru Gazette questionnaire stating, “My employer is fully aware of my political position and potential increase in responsibilities if elected. To make sure I was accessible, I have continually listed my personal cell phone number on the Town of Peru’s website. I pride myself in having a proven record of availability and approachability.” Since McDonald did not specify what hours he would be in the town hall, the Peru Gazette followed up by asking exactly what hours he would be at his town hall desk. McDonald responded, “My availability to perform the Supervisor position if elected, will be conducive to the current town hours and extended when required…” The town hall is currently open to the public from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.

Responding to McDonald’s proposal, Supervisor Peter Glushko asked, “Why didn’t you bring this up during the budgeting process?” McDonald responded, “Why would I bring it up when we didn’t know who was going to win the election?” Glushko was clearly skeptical about an appointed person (the deputy supervisor) conducting traditional town supervisor duties. He said, “A deputy supervisor takes over if the supervisor is unable to function as supervisor.” Glushko also related how many years it took for the board and the public to accept increasing the supervisor’s salary rate to its current level. He did not want to see the salary decreased for McDonald’s successor. Counselor Jim Douglass agreed that a fair salary is necessary to attract people to the supervisor’s position. He proposed modifying McDonald ’s resolution to include a statement that the the supervisor’s salary will return to the current level, plus any cost of living increases, at the end of McDonald’s term of office.

When councilman Donald McBrayer asked town attorney Matt Favro for his opinion, Favro suggested that the budget approval be delayed to give him time to do additional legal research and to give the board time to think about the issue. The board responded by scheduling a special board meeting for Wednesday, November 15th at 7 p.m. NYS law requires that the budget be approved by November 20th.

The Town of Peru will be holding a Special Meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 7:00 PM.  The purpose of the Special Meeting will be to accept the final budget for 2018.

Kathleen Flynn

Town Clerk

Town of Peru

Source: A look at the impact of GE’s new vision on Schenectady, region – Times Union

L-R Judith C. Kelsey, AKC Judge, Maggie Pyne with her dog Am/Can Champion Cimmaron Northern Lights aka “Mario”

Maggie Pyne, a senior at Peru High School, won “Best Junior Handler” at the annual Central New York Shetland Sheep Dog Club Show held this past weekend in Syracuse, NY.

As a seasoned Jr. Dog Handler, Maggie has won numerous titles in the US and Canada including the 2015 NYS Fair 4-H Grand Championship. Her years of experience in the dog show arena helped her edge out her competition this year which included other juniors that will be competing at the upcoming Westminster Dog Show.

Hunters Encouraged to Pass on Shots on Young Bucks

With the start of New York’s most popular big game season slated for Saturday, Nov. 18, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos is encouraging hunters to be safe, enjoy the natural beauty of the environment, and consider passing up shots on young bucks.

“New York has some of the best hunting opportunities in the nation, and our ongoing conservation efforts and hunter safety programs are providing ample opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy all New York has to offer,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Deer and bear hunting is also an important tool for New Yorkers to assist our wildlife management efforts and critical for controlling populations especially in areas and habitats where deer overabundance are causing ecological damage. The opening of the Southern Zone regular season is a cherished tradition for many families, drawing friends and relatives together for a weekend afield. I wish all hunters a safe and successful season.”

Deer hunting has been changing in New York, with more hunters opting to voluntarily pass up shots at young, small-antlered bucks in favor of letting them grow to be older, larger bucks. DEC is encouraging hunters to make a difference for the future of the deer herd and increase their likelihood of seeing older, larger bucks by choosing to Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow.

Regular Firearms Season for Deer and Bear Begins Nov. 18
The 2017 regular deer and bear hunting seasons in New York’s Southern Zone begin at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 18, and continue through Sunday, Dec. 10. Read more »

Source: GE planning $1 billion in cuts at Schenectady-based unit – Times Union

Click here to view a Mountain Lake ETV Program on the history of Plattsburgh Air Force Base

L-R Linda Baker (Owner), Crystal O’Jida-Blair and Cheryl Rock

The New Impressions staff is #22 in the Peru Gazette’s photo series of people who make Peru a wonderful place to live.  Linda Baker opened her business at 6 Mason St. in Peru’s former post office building in 2003. She describes New Impressions as a family salon with all the latest techniques in color, cutting and styling.  Services include spa manicures & pedicures, tanning, waxing and foiling.  She also said New Impressions is a fun place to be. After speaking with Linda, Crystal and Cheryl for a few minutes we’re sure their patrons have reached the same conclusion. Phone 643-0881.

Click here to view a 31 minute video of today’s VFW Post 309 Veteran’s Day Service. 

Celebrate Veterans Day at the Peru VFW Post 209, 710 Pleasant St., Peru, NY. Service at 11 a.m. on Saturday. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. A complimentary lunch will be served. 

Source: Legal Marijuana Marketing To Adults Presents New Perils For Kids : Shots – Health News : NPR

Front Row – Town Atty. Matt Favro, Supervisor Peter Glushko, Dep. Supervisor Donald McBrayer. Back Row – Jim Langley, Brandy McDonald, Jim Douglass, Kathy Flynn

By John T. Ryan

Peru -Youth Director John Flynn, Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn, Secretary to the Board Pam Barber, this reporter and the town board were the only people who attended the November 9th public hearing on the town’s 2018 preliminary budget. Peru’s 2018 town tax rates will remain relatively stable. General fund rates will increase from $2.18 to $2.27 per thousand dollars of taxable value while the highway fund tax rate will decrease from $2.58/M to $2.53/M.  Health insurance cost will increase over 11%. Employees will receive a 2% cost of living pay raise and equipment will be replaced as needed.  A resolution the 2018 budget is on the November 13th board agenda.

The town’s taxable property value increased from $419,719,632 to $422,148,732 .  General Fund revenues and expenses increase from $1,399,541 to $1,491,038 (6.5%). Highway Fund revenues and expenses decrease from $1,641,745 to $1,627,153 (.08%).

Click on the second appearing image for a larger view. 

Click here to view 2018 and previous tax rates

Town of Peru 2018 Preliminary Budget for 2018

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Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call.

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Special Meeting of October 30, 2017 and the Town Board Regular Meeting of October 23, 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: Peru Community Church Presentation.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve 2018 Final Budget

DISCUSSION: Highway Culvert Update.

DISCUSSION: Highway Jenkins Street Update.

DISCUSSION: Highway New Hire Update

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Tobacco Free Facilities Resolution.

DISCUSSION: Town Water/Wastewater Projects Update.

DISCUSSION: Sullivan Park Grant Update.

DISCUSSION: Town IT Update.

Other Business.
Community Input on Agenda Items.

Motion to Adjourn.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 14^th at 6:45 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 6:45 PM start.  The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  Anticipated topics include:

• Annual Audit
• Building Goals
• Information Technology Update
• Bid Awards
• Policy Review
• Leadership Academy

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

All are welcome.

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L-R Lindsey Ashline, Owner Jim Kane and RN Pam Courtney

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Peru residents can’t help but be aware of Valehaven Home for Adults. It’s on Main Street at the center of our community. How many of us have ever entered its front doors to find out what’s going on?

Owner Jim Kane and administrator Lindsey Ashline want local residents to know they’re welcome to stop by and learn more about Valehaven. Lindsey Ashline said, “I think people sometimes forget us. The residents especially love to see kids. Our residents have great stories to tell. We’re open to the public. We want people to understand what we do here.”

Valehaven has 23 employees, 16 of whom are full-time employees. Jobs include a registered nurse, certified home health aids, certified personal care aids, cooks, maintenance, activities and transport personnel. Residents can receive help taking medications, bathing, dressing and toileting. Residents must have cognitive ability. Valehaven cannot restrict their coming and going.

Lindsey Ashline is excited about Valehaven’s coming facelift. The main room’s lighting is being upgraded and the walls are being painted in cheerful, joyful colors.  The front yard gazebo, the porch area and a storage building are other recent upgrades.

Several local groups and individuals help make the residents’ lives more enjoyable, but more are needed and welcome. Mountain Lake Services conducts a monthly bingo and Peru High School’s P-Tech students do yard work. Residents love the The North Adirondack Chapter’s “Love on a Leash” animals and the Butternut Ridge Farm’s Therapy donkeys. Local musicians stop by at least twice each week, the St. Augustine’s Church religious education students sing Christmas carols, 4-H members do Christmas activities and the Peru Community Church brings holiday gifts.

Valehaven is one of six licensed adult care facilities Jim Kane owns under the corporate name Adirondack Manor Home for Adults. The others are located in Ticonderoga, Queensbury, Scotia, Utica and Camden, NY. At one time the corporate headquarters were located in Peru in the building currently occupied by the New Impressions Family Salon at 6 Mason Street.

Here are the Town of Peru 2017 election results for the proposals on the back of the ballot.

Proposal #1 for a Constitutional Convention:
1,319 No, 208 Yes

Here are the 2017 Town of Peru Election results for the contested races, not including any absentee ballots.

Town Supervisor:
Brandy McDonald 819 Votes
James Langley 726 Votes