The Peru Gazette

Green Party candidate Steve Ruzbacki, opponent to Betty Little, charged with marijuana possession.

Source: State Senate candidate arrested in Tupper Lake | Local News | pressrepublican.com

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers are asking hunters in northeastern Warren County to be alert for any signs or clues of the whereabouts of a hunter from Troy who went missing last November.

Thomas Messick was last seen on Nov. 15, 2015, while hunting a short distance from Lily Pond Road near Brant Lake in the town of Horicon. Despite a massive two-month-long search effort by Forest Rangers, Environmental Conservation Officers, State Police, other state and county agencies, and hundreds of volunteers, no sign of Mr. Messick or his belongings has been located.

Anyone hunting in the general area between State Route 8 and State Route 9N and State Route 8 and Schroon Lake is asked to be especially alert. Hunters have been helpful in the past locating and reporting signs of lost or missing persons in the woods. Hunters typically seek game in areas that most people do not enter and are keen observers of the landscape.

Forest Rangers and the Messick family are still searching for Mr. Messick under a limited continuous protocol. Mr. Messick, 82, is 5-foot-10 and weighs 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket, coveralls, and a red and black plaid hat.

Hunters who find any evidence of Mr. Messick are asked to contact DEC Ray Brook Dispatch at 518-897-1300.

Dave Drollette and his sidekick Hank

By John T. Ryan

When Dave Drollette became Peru’s Dog Control Officer (DCO) in September 2014 there were 845 licensed dogs in the town. Today 1,098 dogs are licensed, a 36% increase. Drollette’s enforcement activities undoubtedly motivated several people to bring their dogs to the September 6th rabies vaccination clinic at the Peru Fire Station. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn reports that 39 dog licenses were either issued or renewed in the week following the clinic.

Drollette tells everyone he loves his job. Drollette explained, “I’m available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I try to immediately respond to a phone call. If they call me at midnight or early in the morning, I’ll get up and do what I have to do.” He typically travels about 300 miles each month performing his DCO duties. (Click here to view the September DCO Report)

A phone call often results in the discovery of several unlicensed dogs. A few days ago a lady called to complain about two barking dogs outside a neighbor’s home. DCO Drollette discovered that neither of the barking dogs were licensed and the lady who reported the barking dogs was also found to possess two unlicensed dogs.

Drollette works closely with Town Clerk Kathy Flynn, the town’s dog licensing official. He said, “At the end of each month Kathy gives me a list of the dogs licensed that month and a list of the licenses that haven’t been renewed.” Drollette tries to assist first time violators rather than issue a ticket. He explained, “I give people a dog census form and 10 days to license the animal.” Anyone with a second violation can expect to receive a ticket.

Stray dogs are a continuous problem. Drollette said, “ If I capture the dog and I can’t locate the owner I bring the dog to Elmore SPCA which charges $50 the first night and $25 a night thereafter. After 7 days, Elmore SPCA owns the animal. They have it checked by a veterinarian, neutered if necessary and put it up for adoption.” Over the past two years Drollette has brought 67 dogs to the Elmore SPCA.

Combating animal abuse is an important part of the DCO’s job. Last winter Drollette found a dog tied up outside and restrained by two short chains that were frozen into the the ice. The dog was seized and eventually adopted by a caring person. The guilty party was fined in Peru Town Court.

People sometimes ask why dogs need to be licensed. There are several reasons: #1 It’s the law; #2 If a dog goes missing having him/her licensed drastically improves the chances of getting him/her back; #3 Licensing lets people know that your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. It’s very disconcerting for someone to be bitten by a stray dog and not know if the dog has been lawfully vaccinated.

Dogs four months of age or older (there are exceptions) must be licensed. A license costs $9.50 per year ($5 for seniors 65 and over) and $17.50 for non-spaded or non-neutered animals.

Drollette believes that there are still many unlicensed dogs in the community. Town Clerk Flynn has requested funds to conduct a town-wide dog census. If that’s approved, every resident can expect to receive a dog census form. The DCO can be reached at 578-2217.

Click here to view Peru’s Dog Control Law. 

Due to a conflict in scheduling, the Salaries Budget Workshop has been changed from Tuesday October 18th to Wednesday October 19th at 6:30 downstairs.

The moderator of a Monday 21st Congressional District debate has donated $650 to Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik over the past two election cycles, campaign cash which drew a rebuke from Democrat Mi…

Source: NY-21 debate moderator donated to Stefanik campaign – Capitol Confidential

Source: Adirondack Park wilderness expands, but critics see missed opportunities | NCPR News

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties helped well over 4,440 individuals and families last year get their taxes done for FREE. This program counts on volunteers! Over $6,000,000 in refunds was seen in the three counties. The Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition of the Adirondack chaired by Kathy Snow, Director of Development of the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc., is seeking volunteers for this program for the upcoming 2017 tax season.

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns, including the elderly, the disabled, and those in rural communities.

Kathy Snow stated that “If you ever wonder how to make a difference and help people in your community, then becoming a tax volunteer may be just right for you.”

Volunteers assisting with the VITA Program come from all walks of life: retirees, college and high school students, and people who just want to help in their communities. They do not need to have experience in taxes. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare tax returns. Online training is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via IRS.gov and allows volunteers to take courses and obtain certification at their own pace. Supplemental classroom training on tax law and using tax preparation software is also offered.

If you do not know that much about taxes, don’t worry, you will get specialized training. You can also choose a volunteer role that doesn’t require tax law certification. There are two volunteer roles that are needed at the FREE tax preparation sites, Greeter/Screener and Tax Preparer.

In Essex and Franklin Counties, we are seeking volunteers for four locations: Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. in Elizabethtown, Port Henry Town Hall in Port Henry, Malone OneWorkSource in Malone, and the Mohawk Indian Housing Corp in Akwesasne.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced the arrest of Lisa Dillon after an investigation with the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office found the former town of Norfolk justice court clerk misappropriated nearly $10,000 in court fees paid by defendants.
“Ms. Dillon was entrusted with collecting the fines and surcharges imposed on defendants by the court for a variety of cases; instead she abused that trust by pocketing thousands of those dollars and falsifying records in a vain attempt to conceal her crimes,” DiNapoli said. “The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office was instrumental in helping my staff bring this individual to justice. We will continue to work with law enforcement across the State to protect taxpayers’ money.”
Dillon, 36, was charged yesterday with third degree grand larceny, third degree corrupting the government and first degree tampering with public records, all Class D felonies. She is also charged with offering a false instrument for filing, a Class E felony, and public corruption.
As a court clerk, Dillon was responsible for collecting court fines and surcharges and recording the receipts in the court’s official paper and electronic record systems. She also prepared deposits for the justices, reported applicable court transactions to the state Department of Motor Vehicles and prepared monthly Justice Court Fund reports, which are submitted to the Comptroller’s office. The investigation revealed that money was collected but never deposited and that Court records had been altered to hide the missing funds. Dillon, an employee at the Justice Court since August 2013, admitted some of her wrongdoing and resigned on Jan. 11, 2016 after two judges confronted her about the shortages.
The matter was referred to DiNapoli’s Division of Investigations by the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office after the Justices reported their findings. DiNapoli’s office discovered several thousands of additional misappropriated dollars as well as Dillon’s falsification of various court records.
Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse.
New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at investigations@osc.state.ny.us, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 14th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

SARANAC — Town officials are discussing a possible shakeup of the town’s administrative structure.

Source: Saranac considering adding town manager position – Sun Community News & Printing

Peru’s Dog Park adjacent to Heyworth/Mason Park is almost ready to open. The Freedom Fence Company installed 450 linear feet of fencing and a 4′ gate early this week at a cost of $9,305. A dog waste bag dispenser is on order and two maple trees will be planted in the next few days. Signs with the park rules are being made and a water tray will be placed in front of the water hand-pump.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host the October installment of its lunchtime music series in the Strand Center Gallery. This concert features a select group of SUNY Plattsburgh student performers, Drew Caico (guitar), Sean Houlahan (guitar), Rachel Hurtt (piano), Ryan Mahony (piano) and Trevor White (clarinet). It will take place in The Strand Center Gallery on Friday, October 21 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Gallery Director, David Monette said of SUNY Plattsburgh student involvement with the concert series, “I’m thrilled to be working with the folks at the college to put on this show. Whenever we feature students in past shows, it’s always a great success, with an incredible turnout by the community.”

The concert will be in The Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh on October 21, 2016 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Those who attend the concert are encouraged to arrive early and bring their lunches along with them, as café seating will be available to enjoy the music and the artwork. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on these exhibits, upcoming events, concerts or classes happening at The Strand Center for the Arts please call 518-563-1604 or visit strandcenter.org.

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING –  October 13, 2016,  7:00 PM

Call Meeting To Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of September 26, 2016, the Emergency Board meeting of September 29, 2016, the Emergency Board Meeting of September 30, 2016 and the Special Board meeting of October 3, 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: Rounds Drive Water Survey.

DISCUSSION: Military Turnpike/Mannix Road.

DISCUSSION: Town Dog Park Update.

DISCUSSION: Workman’s Comp for Elected Officials.

DISCUSSION: Hamilton Half Marathon Support

DISCUSSION: Welcome to Peru Sign Replacement.

DISCUSSION: Harassment/Workplace Violence Training.

DISCUSSION: PESH Complaint Investigative Board

DISCUSSION: Background Investigations for Summer Hires.

Other Business.

Community Input on Agenda Items.

Motion to Adjourn.

Plattsburgh plant gets orders from San Antonio and Houston.

Source: New Nova Bus orders total 525 buses | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Michelle, Darin, Conner and Ryleigh Perrotte

By John T. Ryan

Peru – The Town of Peru Christmas Tree has a special meaning to Darin Perrotte. He was about 9 years old when his grandfather, Lee Perrotte, asked if he would like to help plant a Christmas Tree at Little Ausable River Park. Lee Perrotte, a well-known local contractor, owned a powered spade needed to plant the tree.

The Town Board decided to replace that tree which had grown very tall, had dead branches and was difficult to decorate. When Darin learned about the need for a new tree, he let it known that he wanted to participate. As the owner of Hilltop Custom Landscape and Design) he also has the proper equipment.

Early this afternoon Darin and his wife Michelle planted a beautiful 12-foot balsam fir as their children Conner (9) and Ryleigh (5) played at the nearby playground. Councilor Donald McBrayer was on hand to observe and assist.

The Perrotte family donated the tree and they’ll will be stopping by periodically to see that it is properly pruned. Michele added, “Please don’t judge the tree right now. It will take about two weeks to spread out and look its best. We’’ll b back to spread it out!”

Peru’s parents and children can rest easy. Peru will have a beautiful tree for this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

Peru Central’s Board of Education launches its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 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:

· NYS Assessment Performance
· Sports Merger
· Corrected Tax Rolls
· Leadership/Captainship Training
· Appoint Personnel
· Facilities Use Requests

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

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will hold two Public Information Meetings on October 13, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the proposed nYS rulemaking to amend Part 830 of Title 6 of the Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of New York to upgrade the classifications of certain surface waters in the Lake Champlain drainage basin. The meetings will be held at the Town of Plattsburgh Town Office Meeting Room, 151 Banker Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. The purpose of both meetings is for DEC to provide the public with an overview of the proposed rulemaking.

Public comments on the proposed rulemaking will be accepted through 5:00 PM on November 7, 2016. A Public Hearing will also be held on November 2, 2016. View the September 7 Environmental Notice Bulletin for instructions on how to comment and for more information about the Public Hearing. The rulemaking documents are available on DEC’s Proposed Regulations webpage.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Thanks to health research and business trends locally produced and fresh fruits and vegetables are more popular than ever. Peru residents are little spoiled because we have two excellent family-owned and operated farmstands, Rulfs and Northern Orchards. Rulfs has been in the news since the September 28th opening of their beautiful new farmstand and the Northern Orchards Farmstand operated by the Mulberry family continues to be a frequent stop for many Peru and regional shoppers.

One of the first things anyone stopping at the Northern Orchards Farmstand notices are the large apple crates filled with beautiful apples. As Jenna Mulberry stated, “We pick the boxes right out of the field and bring them to the stand. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.” Yesterday’s offerings included Macintosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Silkin and Cortland. Fuji will be harvested soon. Twenty-five apple varieties are typically sold over the course of a harvest. Shoppers simply pick up a bag and fill it with their favorite, moderately-priced apple. Yesterday, Honeycrisp apples were priced at $2.00 a pound.

At this time of year the stand is surrounded by hundreds of pumpkins of all sizes. Inside, shoppers immediately spot the melons and perfectly ripened plums along with a huge variety of squash, ornamental gourds, tomatoes, beets, peppers, garlic, carrots, kohlrabi, and other very fresh vegetables. Mulberry’s three large high tunnel green houses allow them to grow vegetables into late December. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, herbs grow very well in the greenhouses’ protected environment. The stand usually has six to eight tomato varieties. 

Honey lovers appreciate the honey produced just a few hundred feet down the road at the family’s 450 acre orchard. Firewood derived from the orchard’s trees is also sold at the stand. A few items are purchased from other suppliers. McAdam Cheese and Granny Blossom salsa, tomato relish, BBQ sauce and Bloody Mary Mix are very popular.

The Mulberry’s have an interesting philosophy when it comes to the farmstand. Jenna explained, “We’re primarily large commercial apple growers. We see this stand as a way to give back to our community for all they provide to us.” The residents of Peru and neighboring communities are very thankful for their gift.

The Northern Orchards Farmstand is open 10-6, seven days a week. They also have an excellent, constantly-updated Facebook page. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PERU GAZETTE PHOTOS

NCREDC Endorses 27 Priority Projects for Round VI of Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) today announced it recently submitted its 2016 Progress Report to Empire State Development, meeting New York State’s October 3 deadline. The report, which details the Council’s progress implementing its comprehensive Strategic Plan, is entitled Community, reflecting the broad and rural nature of the North Country’s communities, and the projects appropriate to each community’s specific needs.

In furtherance of these goals, strategies and initiatives, this report recommends 27 priority projects to advance the region’s growth objectives. These projects represent a total proposed state investment of $25,000,000 million, leveraging $77,648,870 in private and other funding for total project expenses of more than $102,648,870. Collectively, they support the creation of 213 new jobs, 439 indirect jobs and the retention of 393 existing jobs
“In our sixth year of this new region by region economic development process, we feel the North Country is on the right trajectory, having stabilized many key measures as opposed to continued decline in most rural regions of the country, and now seeing real transformation in places across the region,” said Garry Douglas, NCREDC co-chair and President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “With no metro center and an especially dispersed and diverse economy, we focused from the start on appropriate strategies and sectors in key communities, and from Clayton to Plattsburgh and points in-between, the turnarounds are real. That’s why ‘Community’ is the theme of our 2016 submission, focused on community by community transformation with strategies and approaches that are now proven. We feel very positive about our progress and about our targets going forward.”

“Based on broad public participation from across the region into our strategies, plans and priorities; our communities are working together to drive global recognition of the North Country as one of the special places on the planet to visit, live, work and study,” said Anthony G. Collins, NCREDC co-chair and President of Clarkson University. “Our 2016 submission underscores our commitment to energize and invest in our communities to drive job growth, responsibly steward our natural assets, and create new opportunities to attract and retain our next generation of regional community leaders.”

The report includes the region’s strong performance record in implementing its strategies and projects since the first round of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative in 2011. The first five rounds of funding resulted in $423.2 million Read more »

October 4, 2016

Low water at boat launchDue to the ongoing drought conditions in New York State, many waters are significantly below average water levels for this time of year. While many DEC boat launches are still useable by shallow draft boats, boaters desiring to launch larger, deeper draft waters may have difficulties on many waters. Of particular concern are DEC boat launches on Oneida Lake, Lake Champlain, Great Sacandaga Lake and Chautauqua Lake. On Great Sacandaga Lake, boaters desiring to launch larger vessels should use the Northville ramp which currently provides 4 ft. of water depth at the end of the ramp. On Lake Champlain, which is a foot below normal water level elevations for this time of year, most launches currently provide 3.0 ft of water depth. Exceptions are the Ticonderoga Launch which is currently below this level at 2 ft. Water levels at the Lake Ronkonkoma Boat Launch in Suffolk County, the Redfield Island Boat Launch on the Salmon River Reservoir in Oneida County and many Susquehanna River launches in DEC Region 7 are currently below the concrete launch ramp. Boaters, particularly those desiring to launch larger, deeper draft boats, are encouraged to contact the DEC regional office covering the water they desire to launch their boat onto for updated information.

A Message from St. Vincent de Paul Coordinator Jane Woods. 

Who are our Customers?
Parents and Grandparents.
Family and friends who shop for others.
People looking for clothing appropriate for job interviews.
Winter apparel for those individuals working outside.
Jamaican migrant workers.
Individuals with disabilities.
Senior citizens.
Home health aides looking for items for their clients.
The public.
Besides items offered for sale to our customers, items are provided to:
Boy Scouts of America
SPCA
Birthright
Mission of Hope
Valehaven residents
Cotton Material for T-Shirt Dresses for Girls (They recycle shirts, adding cotton material to make dresses for little girls, which are distributed around the country)
Coats, hats, scarfs and mitten for local school.
Families affected by fire, hurricanes and economic reasons.
And much more!

St. Vincent de Paul’s Thrift Store is strictly a volunteer organization which is supported by local people who want to give back to their community. We have a volunteer list of over 30 people, both men and women. We have dedicated volunteers who give of the time and talent to make this a successful operation.
We are always in need of volunteers If you can help, please contact Jane Woods at (518) 834-5324

As you turn your calendar page to October, be sure to mark the date for this year’s Harkness Chicken & Biscuit Dinner! The delicious feast will be presented on Sunday October 16th from 4PM until all are served at the Harkness United Methodist Church Hall, 776 Hallock Hill Road, Peru. We hope you plan to bring your family and meet your friends at one of the North Country’s best church suppers; dinners will be $9.00 for Adults, $8.00 for Seniors, Children of ages 5-12 eat for $5.00, and meals for pre-schoolers are Free. The meal includes chicken and biscuit with gravy, squash, peas, cole slaw, cranberry jell, beverage and dessert; take-outs are also available.
If you would like to help us feed others, please bring a non-perishable item for our Food Shelf collection. This dinner is a popular and revered tradition for many; we hope to see you there!
Contact: Allison Arnold
alpal1023@yahoo.co
643-6690

HARVEST WEEKEND: October 15-16, 2016 – Hours 10am-4pm
$1.00 off admission if you bring a nonperishable item for the Interfaith Foodshelf. Demonstrations of corn harvest, granary, hit and miss engines and blacksmith shop. Let the kids make a corn husk doll, play pumpkin tic- tac toe, paint a pumpkin, try their luck at a coin hunt, visit the animals, take a ride on Thomas the Train and the family can enjoy a ride on the stagecoach, & the hay wagon. Check out our display of antique toys. Bring your lunch and enjoy our picnic area. The Frosty Cow will be here on Saturday.

Marc Chick, Gale McElwey, two children lost everything in blaze.

Source: Help sought for family after fire consumes home | Local News | pressrepublican.com

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – North Main Street residents will see their street undergo significant changes next year if the plan presented at the Town Board’s September 26, 2016 meeting is implemented.  The planner hired by the town described the Phase #1 changes. “The project would eliminate pavement on the shoulder of North Main Street and replace it with grass and street trees to significantly narrow the roadway which will really improve the visual appearance, provide shade for pedestrians over time and likely slow down traffic as Route 22 won’t feel like a four lane highway.”  

If funding becomes available Phase #2 envisions constructing an eight-foot wide multi-use path to replace the sidewalk on the north side of North Main Street.  It would be usable for both pedestrians and bicyclists.  Phase #3 would include constructing a sidewalk on the east side of the Route 22 Bridge and a path to the Little Ausable River Walking Trail on the TD Bank side of the Route 22 Bridge. 

A $25,000 New York Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grant received in 2014 started the planning process.  A Main Street Planning Committee was formed.  In December 2015 a $49,000 grant enabled the town to hire an experienced consultant, River Street Planning and Development, to develop an enhancement plan.  The consultant examined the street and its environs, spoke with local businesses and residents and recommended a three-phase improvement plan.  The Planning Committee concluded that transforming North Main into a tree-lined street could be accomplished within cost and time limits.  It is anticipated that Peru Highway Department personnel will cut the asphalt and lay down the topsoil.  If the project can be accomplished for less than $150,000, money may be available to improve the chaotic Route 22 –Maiden Lane intersection near Stewart’s. 

Peru residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinion. A workshop will be scheduled in late October or early November.  Supervisor Peter Glushko stated that an information packet should be sent to every residence, business or institution bordering North Main Street.