The Peru Gazette

A Message from the United Way of the Adirondack Region
January 24, 2017 (Plattsburgh) A new online resource is available to help Clinton County residents and their healthcare providers find programs focusing on different aspects of health improvement. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) has collaborated with United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. to create a directory of health improvement and lifestyle change programs. The directory is housed on the existing Adirondack Region 2-1-1 website (www.211adk.org), serving Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties. Read more »

Peru – The Peru Knights of Columbus bingo scheduled for this evening (Tuesday, January 24th) is cancelled due to the hazardous road conditions.

Hopefully a miracle will occur and next Tuesday will be bright an sunny!

OSWEGO, NY (01/23/2017)– SUNY Oswego has named high-performing area students to the President’s List for fall 2016 for earning grade point averages of 3.80 and above on the 4.00 scale.

Mary Catherine Mazzella of Pinewood Drive in Peru, a senior human development major

David M. Passino of Fairway Drive in Peru, a senior sociology major

About SUNY Oswego

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2017, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2017 college guidebook “The Best Northeastern Colleges” and in its national list of “Green Colleges.”

A 156-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Visit oswego.edu for more information.

In Plattsburgh Monday, he promoted budget proposals that would benefit the North Country.

Source: Governor proposes improvements, new lift, zipline for Whiteface | Local News | pressrepublican.com

The Peru Central School District Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for potential candidates. The District Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact on our school or achieved an outstanding contribution(s) to society as a graduate of Peru CSD. The candidate must have attended, been employed, served or contributed to Peru CSD in some capacity and must have been retired for at least five (5) years.

The following criteria will be used when considering an individual to the Hall of Fame – outstanding contributions to Peru CSD, outstanding contribution to society, outstanding career, participation and/or leadership in community activities, and a significant impact on an individual’s life while associated with Peru.

Deadline for applications will be March 22, 2017. Applications may be picked up at the Jr/Sr High School office or downloaded from the District web site at http://www.perucsd.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=21.

The state’s tax cap law, enacted in 2011, was designed to rein in out-of-control property taxes by limiting any increase to the local property tax levy to either 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. Increasing the tax levy is a common method of making up budget holes after state aid and other revenues are applied. Districts can override the cap if 60 percent of voters approve their budget, but the mere act of proposing a spending plan that would override the cap is risky enough to prevent most districts from trying.

Source: Dinapoli: New York schools must limit property tax levy to 1.26 percent – Times Union

From the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Hunters are invited to submit recommendations to regional Waterfowl Hunter Task Forces to help set the dates of the fall 2017 duck hunting seasons for each of the state’s waterfowl hunting zones by Feb. 19, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.

DEC evaluates Waterfowl Hunter Task Force recommendations in setting waterfowl seasons, which must comply with federal rules. New York is divided into five waterfowl hunting zones: Western, Southeastern, Northeastern, Lake Champlain, and Long Island. DEC appointed task forces for each zone (except Lake Champlain) are soliciting recommendations for the fall 2017 hunting seasons, including opening and closing dates, split seasons, and a special hunting weekend for junior hunters (hunters ages 12-15).

Each task force includes representatives from the New York State Conservation Council, established waterfowl hunting organizations, and individual waterfowl hunters who provide input representing diverse points of view.

Waterfowl seasons in the Lake Champlain Zone will continue to be set by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Management Board with input from DEC and waterfowl hunters in New York and Vermont. Although there is no formal task force for this zone, hunters can send their suggestions to any DEC season-setting Task Force member (see below).

The recommended season dates must be within federal guidelines established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). For fall 2017, DEC expects the USFWS to allow a 60-day duck season, split into no more than two segments per zone, opening no earlier than Sept. 23, 2017, and closing no later than Jan. 28, 2018.

In an effort to encourage input from the public, DEC developed an on-line input tool for hunters to provide opinions on waterfowl seasons. The feedback received will be summarized and shared with the task forces at their annual meetings in March. The task force uses this feedback, as well as feedback received from other sources to develop season date recommendations.

There are three ways for interested hunters to provide their opinions on future waterfowl seasons:

Via DEC’s on-line hunter input tool.
Directly contacting one of the Task Force members in the hunter’s zone. The list of members can be found online at the Waterfowl Season Input web page on DEC’s website.
Sending an e-mail to the Waterfowl Season Input mailbox (seasonwaterfowl@dec.ny.gov). Suggestions sent to this mailbox will be forwarded to all of the task force members in the zone.
Descriptions of New York State’s waterfowl hunting zones can be found on the DEC website and are listed in the annual New York Hunting and Trapping Guide. The final waterfowl hunting season dates will be posted on DEC’s website and announced by news release in mid-summer.

NEW YORK FARM BUREAU NAMES NEW PRESIDENT AND DISTRICT 7 DIRECTOR
During the New York Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting in December, voting delegates elected David Fisher, a dairy farmer from St. Lawrence County as the new president of the organization. Fisher and his family have operated Mapleview Dairy in Madrid for four generations. David has served on the New York Farm Bureau State Board of Directors for five years and has held numerous leadership positions in the agricultural community. To fill the vacancy left by David Fisher, delegates from St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, and Essex County Farm Bureaus, unanimously voted to nominate Tony LaPierre of Clinton County to serve on the New York Farm Bureau State Board of Directors. Tony LaPierre and his family run Rusty Creek Farm, a sixth generation dairy and beef farm in Chazy. Tony currently serves as the President of Clinton County Farm Bureau and is looking forward to continue to serve the agricultural community of Clinton County and New York in his new role as New York Farm Bureau District 7 Director.
Boost Post

Call Meeting To Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the December 30, 2016 Regular Board Meeting, the Minutes for the January 9, 2017 Public Hearing, the Minutes for the January 9, 2017 Town Organizational Meeting, and for the Minutes of the January 9, 2017 Regular Board Meeting.

Community Input

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Report of Town Court Internal Audit.

DISCUSSION: Town Offices Internal Audit.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Zoning Board of Appeals Manning Reduction.

DISCUSSION: Training for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Members

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approval of River Street Agreement Extension.

DISCUSSION: Main Street Improvements Meeting With DOT.

DISCUSSION: Parson’s Road Repairs Update.

DISCUSSION: Work on Town Hall Conference Room.

DISCUSSION: Municipal Dog Enforcement Officer Agreement.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Sewer Project Update.

DISCUSSION: Water/Sewer Asset Management.

DISCUSSION: Update on Past Park Vandalism.

DISCUSSION: Peru Central School District Budget Advisory Committee.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session.

DISCUSSION: Cyber Security Issues.

DISCUSSION: Other Business.

DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approve/Pay Bills.

MOTION: Adjourn

Two found dead Thursday in Clinton County.

Source: Police: Opiates may be laced with other substances | News | pressrepublican.com

Assemblyman Jones announces committee appointments
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he has been appointed to five Assembly standing committees including Aging, Agriculture, Economic Development, Small Business and Tourism.
“I am honored to be entrusted to serve on these distinguished committees as a newly elected member,” said Jones. “Serving on these vital committees will aid in my pledge to be a strong voice in Albany, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring results to our region.”
Assemblyman Jones noted that his membership on the Economic Development committee will present opportunities to discuss important issues like investing in broadband internet and other vital legislation that can grow the local economy.

Having previously ran his family’s dairy farm, Jones says his membership on the Agriculture and Small Business committees will allow him to be a strong voice for rural communities that face rising operation cost and plummeting milk prices.
As part of the Aging committee, he will fight to make sure our loved ones are well cared for, comfortable and able to afford to age in place.

His membership in the Tourism committee will help him promote the Adirondacks and leverage the parks’ great natural resource as a major economic driver for the region.
“My work in Albany extends beyond the Assembly chamber,” Assemblyman Jones said. “By participating on these committees, I can collaborate with my fellow colleagues to make sure we can build a stronger North Country for generations to come.”

A Message from Sister Debbie Blow follows:
The saying goes that when a window is closed, a door is open…or is the opposite? Whichever the case, we find ourselves in the midst of closing windows and doors, while awaiting an opportunity to open new ones. We have a MAJOR NEED and we hope you can assist.
Our present warehouse (affectionately called MOHtown which stands for Mission of Hope “town”) will soon be unavailable to us. Therefore, for the 6th time in the last 19 years of the Mission, we have to move our equipment, supplies and shipment process to another site.
The challenge is that at present, we don’t have another site. Yet, our Board of Directors recognizes, as does our MOHtown team, that we must seek a permanent solution to this vital aspect of the Mission’s services to those we serve, the poor and disadvantaged. Our shipments include medical equipment and supplies, school equipment and supplies, carpentry, clothing, household and much more, all of which serves the poorest of the poor in Nicaragua. Over the years, we have shipped millions of dollars worth of valuable items, while also providing a quality outlet for folks and businesses who are no longer in need of such items.
In addition, we are often called upon to assist veterans with various needs, as well as victims of local fires, etc. And as most of you know, we’ve given extensive assistance to disaster victims after Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, the Louisiana floods, the Oklahoma tornadoes, Hurricane Katrina and the list goes on and on. We respond as we can, when we can, with what we have.
So, we are reaching out to you and asking you to help us in any of the following ways:
1. Get the word out that we are in need of 4,000-6,000 square feet of adequate and long term storage- a building that would allow for loading of 40 foot containers. Ideally we need an acre or two of land and a building that could accommodate the storage and packing of items we ship.
2. Consider ways you might be able to help us achieve this long term solution.
3. Or if necessary, a short term storage site while we obtain something long term.
After much reflection and discussion and prayer, we recognize that this needs to be the next step in our sustainability plan as a Mission of Hope.
And just in case you are wondering what the 5 storage sites were previously, here’s a synopsis to tweak your interest:
First building was the former MAI/Seton school in Plattsburgh.
Second site was then the old bowling alley (yes with the floor ripped out) on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base.
Third, we then moved to the North Country Shopping Center out at Cumberland Head area.
Fourth, we moved into a building on Sharron Avenue in Plattsburgh and….
Finally, we moved to the present site in Schuyler Falls.
And while we are incredibly grateful to all those who provided these sites on a temporary basis, we now know it is time to put down some roots of our own, as we secure and stabilize this aspect of the Mission going forth.
As the situation unfolds, we will keep you updated on the progress and let you all know how you can help us make this permanent home a reality.
We ask for your prayers, your ideas and insights, and any leads you may have for us. Please contact Chair of the search committee, Paul Green, at 572-9766 or via email at paulegreen1@gmail.com.
If ever there was a time that we need to “Live and be Hope” (as I often say), this is one of those times. We hope to hear from you and we encourage you to forward this to anyone you know.
Thanks.
Sr. Debbie Blow, OP
Executive Director
North Country Mission of Hope
PO Box 2522
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Cell: 518-570-5443
Office: 518-561-2599

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