The Peru Gazette

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers continue the search for two hikers from Niskayuna, New York. Blake Alois, 20, and Madison Popolizio, 19, both of Niskayuna, NY, left the Adirondak Loj Trailhead on Sunday morning (12/11/16) to hike to the summit of Algonquin Mountain in the High Peaks Wilderness, Town of Keene, Essex County.

At 5:42 pm on Sunday DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a phone call from concerned family members reporting that they had not received any communication from the hikers since approximately noon. They had provided photos and videos of their hike at that time in which both appeared in good condition and wearing winter clothing.

DEC Forest Rangers located the pair’s vehicle and began searching the trails to Algonquin Mountain and to Lake Colden until 3:45 am.

On Monday, more than 20 Forest Rangers, searched the trails and drainage systems in the area around Algonquin Mountain. Snow, clouds and winds prevented the use of any aviation resources and made for difficult search conditions.

Today, two dozen Forest Rangers, accompanied by members of the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team, are continuing the search, along with State Police Aviation Units joining the search this morning.

Searchers face below freezing temperatures, wind chills below zero, and three feet or more of snow.

An Incident Command Post has been set up on the grounds of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s Adirondak Loj property where the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is assisting with communications.

At this time, due to the adverse conditions DEC Forest Rangers are not seeking additional assistance from the friends and family members of the lost hikers as this could only add additional risk to the searchers and divert resources from finding the missing hikers. DEC will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Starting next fall, new science learning standards will roll out in New York classrooms that are focused on better preparing students for higher education and careers in fast-growing science, technology, engineering and math fields. The learning standards, which set out what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade, include a keener emphasis on hands-on learning opportunities and projects that engage students with natural science phenomena. Over the next year, the State Education Department will develop a comprehensive implementation plan to help districts with the transition, which involves educators becoming familiar with the new standards, developing curricula that aligns to them, professional development in instruction techniques, and support in the form of materials and resources. The department is also hoping to build a so-called Statewide Science Education Ecosystem Network, made up of various STEM “assets and initiatives” across the state that would support collaborations and partnerships with school districts, higher education institutions, professional organizations, informal science institutions, business and industry, and local and regional science groups.

Source: Science class to become a hands-on experience – Times Union

The state Board of Regents will ask state lawmakers for a $2.1 billion increase in school funding next year, a figure members admit is on the high side but say was driven up by the growing number of needy students statewide. Meant to ensure equity across the districts by sending more funds to districts with high needs, the aid was frozen during the post-2008 recession and eventually cut to help the state make up a budget deficit. “While total state spending has been held to 2 percent annual growth and most state agency budgets have remained flat, school aid has increased by 27 percent over the last five years, proving that it’s already a funding priority,” said state Division of Budget spokesman Morris Peters. The Regents are requesting that the state instead transition to using “direct certification” data, which counts students who are automatically eligible for free lunch based on their participation in other programs such as Medicaid and food stamps.

Source: Board of Regents seeks $2.1 billion school aid boost – Times Union

The North Country Chamber of Commerce and Manpower are proud to announce a new opportunity for emerging leaders in our region. Through a series of Community Exploration sessions, participants will learn about the challenges facing our region and how they can get involved to make the North Country stronger than ever. Professional Development sessions will be included to help build the skills necessary to take their careers to the next level.

This program is perfect for new employees, those who are new to the North Country Region, or people who wish to take on future leadership roles. Sessions include Government Affairs, Tourism, Economic Development, Networking, Meeting Management, Leadership Strengths, and more. Visit www.northcountrychamber.com to see a complete schedule of sessions, dates, and times.

The four month program begins in January and is open to Chamber & Partner members for $100 per person. This includes the Welcome Reception, Admission to Business After Hours each month, and 7 Training Sessions. Non-members may participate for $200 based on availability. Pre-Registration is required.

Discover how you can play a vital role in our community, take the next step in your career development and make valuable connections that will last for years. Visit Northcountrychamber.com or call the Chamber at 518-563-1000 for more info.

PERU — Last month, town officials received $7,880 from Clinton County to complete the Lyon Street School roof replacement.

Source: County chips in funds for Lyon Street School restoration – Sun Community News & Printing

Clinton County

• 46,203 registered voters
• 24,188 women
• 22,015 men

35,340 Clinton County voters are affiliated with a political party.
10,863 Clinton County voters are not affiliated with a political party.
17,006 (26%) are Registered Democrats.
14,270 (30%) are Registered Republicans.
10,863 (24%) are Non-Affiliated Voters.
3,243 (7%) are Registered Independence Party Voters.
3% are registered in other third parties.
Peru has 4,305 registered voters
1,638 (38%) Registered Republicans
1,292 (30%) Registered Democrats
954 (22%) Non-Affiliated Voters
339 (7%) are Independence Party Voters
3% other third parties
Clinton County registered voters by age group:
(45-54) 8,324
(65-74) 6,593
(25-34) 6,767
(35-44) 6,347
(75 & over) 4,925
(22-24) 1,870
(21) 583
(20) 530
(19) 450
(18) 423
Final Election Results:

34,536 (75%) of Clinton County’s registered voters cast ballots for President of the United States

3,070 (71%) of Peru’s 4,305 registered voters cast ballots

President of the United States
Hilary Clinton 1,203 (Peru) 14,488 (Clinton County)
Donald Trump 1,486 (Peru, 14,449 (Clinton County)
Gary Johnson 133 (Peru), 1,312 (Clinton County)
Jill Stein 46 (Peru), 613 (Clinton County)
United States Senator
Charles Schumer 1,636 (Peru) 18,955 (Clinton County)
Wendy Long 1,214 (Peru) 10,802 (Clinton County)
NYS Supreme Court Justice
Mark L. Powers 776 (Peru) 10,383 (Clinton County)
Timothy J. Lawliss 2,157 (Peru) 19,941 (Clinton County)
Representative in Congress
Mike Derrick 1,224 (Peru), 13,426 (Clinton County)
Elise Stefanik 1,719 (Peru) 17,702 (Clinton County)
State Senator
Elizabeth Little – 2,230 (Peru), 23,656 (Clinton County)
Stephen Ruzbacki 237 (Peru), 3,266 (Clinton County)
Member of Assembly
D. Billy Jones 1,326 (Peru), 16,238 (Clinton County)
Kevin A. Mulverhill 1,603 (Peru), 14,451 (Clinton County)
County Court Judge
Keith M. Bruno 1,877 (Peru) 19,588(Clinton County)
Mark E. Anderson 1,071 (Peru) 11,168 (Clinton County)
Surrogate Court Judge
Catherine Paul – 1,335 (Peru) 13,665 (Clinton County)
William A. Favreau 1,618 (Peru) 16,627 (Clinton County)
The Peru Gazette is grateful to Kara McBrayer of the Clinton County Board of Elections for her assistance.

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 6:00 PM at the school district’s Community Room, adjacent to the main entrance of Peru Jr/Sr High School. An executive session associated with particular personnel matters will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start. The school board is slated to reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. Anticipated topics include:

· Smart Schools Project
· Capital Project Update
· Peru 2020 Sustainability Committee
· Professional Development
· Policy Development

The full Board agenda is available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.
All are welcome.

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING – December 12, 2016, 7:00 PM

Call Meeting To Order; Pledge of Allegiance; Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Special Meeting of November 17, 2016
on the 2017 Final Budget and the Town Board Regular Meeting of November 28, 2016.

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: Military Turnpike/Mannix Road Update.

DISCUSSION/MOTION: December Meeting Changes.

DISCUSSION: Changes in Water Sewer Rates and Charges.

DISCUSSION: Water and Sewer Repair/Install Permits.

DISCUSSION: Reduction in Zoning Board of Appeals Manning.

DISCUSSION: Town Attorney.

DISCUSSION: Town Computer Situation Update.

DISCUSSION: Town Hall Renovations.

DISCUSSION: Town Court Move Update.

DISCUSSION: Peru Youth Program.

DISCUSSION: Main Street Project Update.

DISCUSSION: Comptroller Tax Cap Review.

DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Fund Transfers

Other Business.

AGENDA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2016 @ 7:00 PM TOWN OF PERU
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of November 16, 2016 minutes.
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

1. Continuation of a Public Hearing Z16-0016: Juilo Lemos
Continuation of a Public Hearing-Appealing the decision of the CEO to allow a structure
28 Twin Creek Dr.
Peru, NY 12972
2. Continuation of a Non-Conforming Use Z16-0014 Regan Pray
Continuation of a Non-Conforming Use – Allowing for the replacement of a Single Wide Manufacturing Home
264 Sullivan Rd.
Peru, NY 12972
ANY FURTHER BUSINESS: Appointment for New Chairman
Appointment for Tom Fusco
CEO REPORT:
ADJOURNMENT

By John T. Ryan

Editor’s Note – Phone & Fax Numbers Corrected 

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 – Today is an important day in Peru’s history. At 2 p.m. the first scheduled Peru Town Court session convened at 22 Davey Drive in the building formerly owned by the Peru Federal Credit Union. The court actually began conducting business at the new location on December 1st, but today is the first scheduled court session. Prior to December 1st, Town Court was conducted at the Peru Town Hall.

It is also undoubtedly a memorable day for Town Justice Jim Kirby. His persistent requests (supported by Judge Larry Cabana) persuaded the Town Board to move court proceedings out of the Town Hall. On July 20th the Board voted to purchase the credit union building at a cost of $115,000 plus 2016 taxes due. For the past three months Judge Kirby and his brother Ben (general contractors by trade) have donated their time and talent to convert the building into a structure suitable for town court. Click here to see all our Peru Gazette photos) 

Ben Kirby and Town Justice James Kirby

Convert it they did and at less than $10,000 for materials – a cost which is expected to be paid by NYS grants. Where a series of offices once stood, there is now an expansive courtroom that can seat 35 in addition to the prosecution, a defense attorney and defendant, the judge, court clerk and a seven-person jury. Judges Kirby and Cabana sit at an elevated judge’s bench surrounded by impressive stone masonry. The solid-looking prosecution and defense tables were hand-made by Jim and Ben Kirby. LED lighting illuminates the front of the room and lights inherited from the credit union illuminate the rear. Judge Kirby purchased the 35 used theater seats at a downstate auction and had them commercially cleaned after they arrived in Peru.

Court Clerks Christine Crawford and Holly Stone with Judge Kirby

Court offices are adjacent to the court room. Court Clerk Holly Stone and Assistant Court Clerk Christine Crawford transact business through a window facing the court room and through the drive-in window that was once used by the credit union.

A dual use conference/break-room, a large office space, a bathroom, storage room and a holding cell are also adjacent to the court room. Prisoners enter the holding cell through a rear entrance and sit on a bench outfitted with shackles. Judge Kirby said the bench can accommodate four prisoners.

In June 2016, the Peru Gazette reported, “Peru Town Court has the third highest caseload in Clinton County. Since January 1st Justices Kirby and Cabana have conducted over 100 off-hour arraignments. Over the first five months of this year they presided over 136 criminal cases (358 in 2015), 20 civil cases and processed 1,058 traffic violations. Many, if not most, of the criminal cases require multiple conferences or proceedings. In 2015 the Town Court revenue totaled $143,809 while operating expenses totaled $103,773.”

To reach the Peru Town Court call 518-643-4187. Fax 518-643-4188. Davey Drive is located off the Bear Swamp Rd. between McDonald’s and Langley Insurance.

Peru Town Court, 22 Davey Drive, Peru, NY

The Peru Gazette couldn’t resist separately posting our photo of Courtney Tetrault, Kaitlin Tetrault and their 22 day old baby Keira Lee Tetrault. They were patiently waiting for Santa at the Fellowship Center last night. We wish we were present when they finally reached him. Courtney’s Water and Sewer Department staff decorated the Gazebo and the Christmas Tree.

Owner Ray Aley and Store Manager Deannie King

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Dunkin Donuts owner Ray Aley is excited about this restaurant’s new Bear Swamp Road location. At today’s Grand Opening he stated, “Business has been fantastic so far.” The fact that Aley direct mailed 11,000 coupons to everyone in the Peru, Keeseville and nearby Adirondack zip codes undoubtedly attracted many customers. That’s his customer base, along with thousands of I87 travelers.

L-R John Winch, Howard Plumadore and Debbie DiFulvio enjoy the lounge

At about 2,800 sq. feet the Peru Dunkin Donuts is the largest of Aley’s seventeen Northern New York restaurants. Anyone entering the building can’t help but notice the immense amount of natural light, large dining area, comfortable lounge with a large screen TV and the colorful serving area. Free of charge high-speed internet will be installed next week.

Down the hallway there’s a community meeting room which Aley said will be available free of charge to community groups. It will accommodate about 12 people. Outside, during warm weather customers should enjoy the comfortable patio. Aley’s wife Cheryl, a Master Gardener, has been responsible for the extensive landscaping.

The building was designated “DD Green” meaning it was built to sustainable, energy efficient standards incorporating the latest heating/air conditioning technology, in-floor heating,LED lighting and other energy saving technologies.

Ray and Cheryl Aley

Aley said the restaurant will be employing approximately 25 full time equivalent employees and is drive-in window open 24-7.  The lobby is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Peru resident Deannie King is the store manager. The store phone number is 643-5525.

John and Katherine Hughes family

The Peru Gazette stopped by Covel’s Christmas Tree Farm on the Mannix Road this afternoon. Trees were being cut, shaken and wrapped for several families including John and Katherine Hughes of Peru. Linda Covel was working on the shaker and showing off her varied and beautiful wreaths.

Saturday December 3, 2016 – There was more happening at Dunkin Donuts this morning than a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Grand Opening. Dunkin Donuts presented a $2,000 check to the Peru Parent Teachers Association for its Playground Fund. L-R Dunkin Donuts Franchisee Ray Aley, Peru Town Counselor Jim Langley, PTO President Kim Chamberlain, Dunkin Donuts Operations Manager Nicole Pecori, Assemblywoman Janet Duprey and Dunkin Donuts Operations Director Lane Rodgers.

Peru – Sat. Dec. 3rd Dunkin Donuts Grand Opening on the Bear Swamp Rd. until 2 p.m. Gifts were being given out this morning. We hope they last till 2.

Peru – Dec. 2, 2016 Click here to see the Peru Fire Department escort Santa to the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo. 

Saturday, Dec. 3rd – Almost every room at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru is filled with beautiful crafts and holiday foods today. The Annual Craft Fair last suntil 3 p.m. PLESE SHARE!

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey was the guest of honor at last night’s tree lighting.  After the tree lighting, a huge number of children were greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. Click here to view our Peru Gazette photos.  

Click here to see the Peru Fire Department transport Santa to the Peru Gazebo tonight. 

Colleagues, officials, constituents recalled Janet Duprey’s help, achievements during career in politics

Source: ‘Truly a Champion’: Retiring Assemblywoman Duprey honored at gathering | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Dylon Bridges hospitalized in Burlington after head-on crash in Chesterfield.

Source: Plattsburgh teen ‘critical’ at Burlington Hospital | News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan

A 39 North Bend Street residence has been deemed in violation of Local Law #2 (UNSAFE BUILDING DEMOLITION LAW). The Town considers the property ot be unsafe as defined in the Local Law. A public hearing has been scheduled for January 9, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Peru Town Hall. Click here to see Local Law #2

The Town Board passed a resolution authorizing the Public Hearing at its November 28th meeting after Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup informed the Board that several notices mailed to the property owner have been returned as undeliverable. The owner is listed on the tax rolls as Rose Simpson Rodriquez who apparently no longer resides in this area. Property taxes have been paid. Any demolition costs would be charged to the property’s tax bill.

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s new Dog Park, equipped with benches, trees, water, a waste station and even a fire hydrant, has been receiving rave reviews. Last week the park was completed when a 24 ft. x 20 ft. small dog/time-out fenced-in area was installed.

The Town of Peru expended just over $16,300 to construct the park. Fencing was the major expense at $11,724. The fine gravel and underlaying fiber material cost $3,515. Other expenses included the trees and signage. The Pyramid Corporation donated the benches and the Highway and Water-Sewer Departments installed the water pipe, hydrant, signage and fine-gravel base.

On November 5th the park was dedicated to Ann and Lynn Wilke. Ann conceived the dog park concept, garnered community support and brought the idea to the Town Board.

Dogs aren’t the only creatures enjoying the park. Residents are forming friendships as they chat and watch their off-leash dogs play at high speed.

On Saturday, December 3rd, the Peru Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary is sponsoring a Pork Loin Dinner in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941 two thousand four hundred two (2,402) Americans died and one thousand one hundred and two (1,102) other individuals were wounded. Forty of the people who lost their lives on that beautiful Sunday morning were New York residents. The dinner will be a win/win/win – Great Food, Great Comradeship, Shared Memories and a donation to the North Country Honor Flight.

Cocktails at 5 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m. $10 per person. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!

The Peru Community Church announces its Advent and Christmas events and services. All are welcome and invited to worship and celebrate the coming of Christmas. Services are held at 8 am and 10:30 am, with nursery care provided, and coffee hour following. Sunday school for all ages (pre-school through adults) is at 9:15 am. Services are in the sanctuary in the stone building at the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets in Peru, at the intersection of Routes 22 and 22B. Other events are held in the church Fellowship Center across the street at 13 Elm Street.

The 4-week Advent season sermon themes selected by Pastor Peggi Eller for this year are Watching / Turning / Seeing / Dreaming, Read more »