April 15th – A Beautiful Day to Experience Peru’s Walking Trail
Posted: April 15th, 2017 under General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Things to do in & near Peru.
Comments: none
Fire Damages Reservoir Road Home
By John T. Ryan
Peru – The Peru Volunteer Fire Department extinguished a dangerous brush and shed fire at 39 Reservoir Road this afternoon. The flames damaged the rear wall and deck of the large manufactured home. Property owner Joelynn Stickney used a fire extinguisher to douse most of the deck flames prior to the department’s arrival. The firefighters subdued the fire around the home, sprayed foam to ensure there wasn’t a restart, saved the nearby shed and kept the fire from advancing through the woods to a nearby home.
Deputy Clinton County Fire Coordinator, Greg Timmons said there was at least one and possibly more other brush fires ongoing in other local communities.
Outdoor burning is prohibited in New York State from March 16 through May 14 due to the increased risk of wildfires.
Posted: April 15th, 2017 under General News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments.
Comments: none
Clear plastic bags required at NY prisons
Posted: April 14th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none
St. Augustine’s Church Services
Holy Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday Passion of Our Lord 3 p.m.
Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 8 p.m.
Easter Sunday Mass 9:30 a.m.
All are Welcome!
Posted: April 13th, 2017 under General News, Peru News, Religious News.
Comments: none
Assemblyman Jone’s 2017 Women of Distinction Announced
From the Office of Assemblyman Billy Jones
Throughout the month of March, Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) received almost 100 nominations in honor of Women’s History Month for his upcoming 2017 Women of Distinction Awards. Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony this weekend.
Jones noted, “This event will serve as a great opportunity to support and honor the selfless actions of North Country women. Together, we can celebrate the incredible women who are dedicated to bringing lasting progress to our community.”
The Women of Distinction Awards recognizes women who have made an impact in fields such as education, business, health care, volunteerism, military service and community service. All of the winners reside in the 115thAssembly District, which includes Clinton and Franklin counties, as well as the towns of Brasher, Lawrence, Piercefield and Hopkinton in St. Lawrence County.
“After careful review and much deliberation, I selected seven winners for six categories, with one category being shared by two constituents for their partnership in community service over the last 40 years,” said Assemblyman Jones.
Winners by Category:
Law Enforcement: Jessica Facteau
Education: Susan Kenoyer
Health Care: Ellen LaMora
Community Engagement: Janet McFetridge
Crusader: Rebecca Preve
Volunteerism: Sue Stubbs and Judy Austin
The winners will be recognized at the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony, held on Saturday, April 15 at 11:30, in the rotunda of Plattsburgh City Hall, 41 City Hall Place. The event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served.
Assemblyman Jones is also happy to announce that Linda Bourgeois, President and CEO of UFirst Federal Credit Union, will be Emceeing the event.
For more information, contact Assemblyman Jones at 518-562-1986 or jonesb@nyassembly.gov. To learn more about these amazing women and their service to our district, visit facebook.com/events/1853614244915815/
Posted: April 12th, 2017 under Business News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Legislator News.
Comments: none
‘Raise the Age,’ Now Law in New York, Is Still a Subject of Debate – The New York Times
Posted: April 12th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none
America’s Best Bass Fishing Lakes and Ponds – Lake Champlain is #1
Posted: April 12th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none
Anti-hunger groups praise NY farm-to-foodbank tax credit | NCPR News
Posted: April 11th, 2017 under General News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments: none
NY makes tuition free, but students must stay after college | NCPR News
Posted: April 11th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: 1
Little Says Budget Funds Issues Important to the North Country
From the Office of State Senator Betty Little
State Senator Betty Little today said the newly approved 2017-18 state budget provides funding for many programs and services identified as North Country priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Little said the new budget makes the largest investment in clean water infrastructure in state history, enacts workers’ compensation reform to reduce costs for businesses and brings ridesharing services to upstate.
“It took a little longer to reach an agreement than I wanted,” said Little. “The disagreements were substantial and the compromises reached in many areas reflect the challenges of governing in a diverse state. Overall, this budget accomplishes a lot of good.”
One key appropriation secured by Little in a budget bill approved today is $2 million for repairs to the Whispering Maples Memorial Gardens mausoleums in the towns of Plattsburgh and Ellenburg. Read more »
Posted: April 10th, 2017 under General News, Northern NY News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
Comments: none
Assemblyman Jones: Budget Works for North Country Families, Economy
From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he helped pass a $153.1 billion 2017-18 state budget that will improve North Country roads and bridges, invest in public education and close the skills gap to get people back to work.
“We’re investing in opportunity, supporting those who need a helping hand and securing a brighter future for all New Yorkers,” Jones said. “This budget is really going to move hardworking North Country families forward.”
Spurring economic development in the North Country
A key feature in the final state budget is the Empire State Apprenticeship Program, which helps young adults become skilled workers in high-demand fields such as nursing, agriculture, advanced manufacturing and information technology. This will help young people launch careers, while also closing the skills gap that is creating a critical workforce shortage for businesses. It helps solve several major issues, including high young adult unemployment and poverty rates, and a persistent skills gap, Jones noted.
“The North Country has good-paying jobs that can lift New Yorkers out of poverty,” Jones said. “But we have a severe shortage of qualified candidates. This apprenticeship program funnels young adults who have in-demand skills into businesses who desperately need them. It’s a win-win.”
The budget includes $100 million in capital funding for SUNY campuses, including SUNY Plattsburgh. This funding will go a long way toward sparking economic growth and creating better facilities for students.
In addition, the budget includes $140,000 for the North Country Chamber of Commerce for operation costs. It also provides $200,000 for the chamber toward the North American Center for Excellence in Transportation to help produce railcars and buses, which creates jobs in Plattsburgh and Champlain.[1]
Further, the budget also includes $70 million for the I Love New York program. This will help promote state attractions, such as Adirondack State Park, which brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to our area every year for hiking, skiing, camping, kayaking and dozens of other recreational activities.
“Our mountains, lakes and streams are truly world-class,” Jones said. “It’s important that we take advantage of all they have to offer and encourage others to do so as well.”
Bringing ride-hailing to the North Country
Companies such as Uber and Lyft will now be able to start operating in in upstate New York starting in July, which will be a huge step forward for the North Country’s transportation needs, Jones noted. Expanding ride-hailing is anticipated to bring in $16 million in revenue for the state general fund through a 4 percent tax.
“There is a huge demand for ride hailing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, in the North Country,” Jones said. “It’s convenient for residents, helps hardworking families earn a little extra money, boosts our economy and could even reduce the number of DUIs we see.”
Improving roads, bridges and water infrastructure
“Our infrastructure is at the heart of the North Country community and economy,” Jones said. “This budget makes significant investments to protect the safety and reliability of our roadways and bridges so people can go about their daily lives safely.”
The budget increases funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Program (CHIPs) and Pave NY by $65 million to help local governments pay for road and bridge improvements without burdening local taxpayers. This will help ensure the safety and reliability of our infrastructure as well as create good-paying jobs in the North Country.
The budget also provides $2.5 billion for water infrastructure, including:
· $1 billion for the 2015 Water Infrastructure Improvement Act;
· $150 million for inter-municipal infrastructure grants;
· $245 million for water quality improvement grants;
· $75 million for septic and cesspool replacement; and
· $100 million for municipal water quality infrastructure programs.
Investing in agriculture
As a former dairy farmer, Jones understands how important the North Country’s agricultural industry is. The final budget includes a 25 percent tax credit for food farmers donate to food banks, which helps them save money while giving local families in need access to local, healthy food.
Jones also fought to restore $215,000 to promote maple syrup. This will be a boon to Clinton County, which is the leading producer of maple syrup in the state.
“Agriculture is a vital part of the success of the North Country economy,” Jones said. “That’s why I’m making sure we support our farmers, preserve farmland and encourage folks to eat healthy, local food.”
Giving direct care workers a much-needed raise
Direct care workers are carefully trained to help the most vulnerable members of our community. They devote themselves to others, working tirelessly day in and day out to help individuals with developmental disabilities live better healthier lives. Unfortunately, many are forced to leave the field and the people they so nobly care for due to low wages.
The Assembly fought to ensure that the final state budget dedicated $14 million in 2017-18 and $146 million in 2018-19 to fund a two-year, living wage initiative for direct care workers with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services.
“This is critical for the North Country, which is predominately rural and struggles to retain its workforce,” Jones said. “Direct care workers often leave for better paying jobs, or to industries where the pay is the same but the work is easier. This will help reduce turnover, fight a staffing crisis and make sure the families who depend on it get the care they need.”
Combating the heroin epidemic
Despite increased media attention and legislative action, the heroin and opioid epidemic continues to rage in communities across New York State and it has hit the North Country hard. The 2017-18 state budget increases funding by $33 million over last year – for a total of $203 million – to fight the heroin epidemic and increase access to treatment for New Yorkers struggling with a substance abuse disorder.
“Our communities have been crushed by the toll of the heroin and opioid epidemic,” Jones said. “We have to get people the help they so desperately need and this funding is a major step forward.”
The funding supports a variety of treatment and prevention programs, including family support navigators, peer supports, recovery clubhouses, community coalitions and 24/7 crisis centers. The budget also includes $10 million in additional capital support to increase the number of beds in in-patient treatment facilities.
Providing funding for local municipalities
The budget includes funding for several programs that have been a top priority for Jones, including $150,000 for services and expenses of a road salt study in the Adirondacks. Many constituents and local officials have expressed concerns that salt has contaminated streams, lakes and water supplies, and this funding will delve into the issue and address concerns.
In addition, Jones secured $250,000 in the budget for Older Adults Technology Services to help seniors use technology to improve their quality of life and become more civically engaged.
$2 million was also appropriated to the Towns of Ellenburg and Plattsburgh to assist with the maintenance and repairs of cemeteries and mausoleums. “Senator Little advocated strongly for this and I was happy to support her initiative in the Assembly,” Jones said. “This much-needed funding will go a long way to help the towns in this effort.”
The budget also includes an increase in funding for Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) funding without the consolidation agreement much to the relief of many North Country residents.
“The North Country spoke up and Albany heard,” Jones said. “But we have to keep fighting to make sure our land is protected, our water is safe and our community is taken care of. That’s a fight I’ll never back down from.”
Posted: April 9th, 2017 under Business News, Education News, General News, Northern NY News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
Comments: none
DiNapoli: Increase in Older Inmates Challenges New York’s Prison System
New York’s prison population is decreasing, but the number of inmates age 50 and over rose 46 percent from 2007 to 2016, according to a report issued today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
While data detailing inmate health care costs by age groups is not readily available in New York, DiNapoli’s report found that overall, such costs rose to over $380 million in 2015-16 State Fiscal Year, an increase of $64.5 million, or 20.4 percent, in the last three years.
“New York must confront the challenges of an aging inmate population,” DiNapoli said. “We need to better understand and study the issues and examine what others are doing effectively to determine an approach that protects taxpayers, keeps the public safe and provides humane care.”
The report notes there are proposals at the federal and state levels, as well as from criminal justice experts, aimed at addressing an aging inmate population. For example, some experts have suggested that because of factors, including recidivism rates that are lower for older inmates than for their younger counterparts, use of early release for older individuals may be an appropriate strategy in certain instances.
DiNapoli’s report suggests the development of more complete data and analysis of the issues stemming from New York’s aging prison population. This information would help policy makers, advocates, and stakeholders identify and assess appropriate measures to address this challenge effectively.
Other findings in the Comptroller’s report include:
- Inmates in the 50 and over age range comprised 19.4 percent of the state’s prison population in January 2016, as compared to 11.0 percent a decade earlier. As of 2016, nearly 2,400 inmates, 4.6 percent of the total, were 60 or older.
- The average age of inmates under custody in New York state prisons was 38.3 years in January 2016, an increase of 1.8 years, or 4.9 percent, since January 2007.
- Over the same decade, New York’s total inmate count fell by nearly 11,000, or 17.3 percent, to around 52,000. Among age cohorts for which readily available data allow comparisons, no other age segment of New York’s prison population increased over the 10-year period.
To read “New York State’s Aging Prison Population,” go to: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/aging-inmates.pdf
For access to state and local government spending, public authority financial data and information on 130,000 state contracts, visit Open Book New York. The easy-to-use website was created to promote transparency in government and provide taxpayers with better access to financial data.
Posted: April 8th, 2017 under General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
Comments: none
Veteran administrator to fill in at Peru Central | Local News | pressrepublican.com
Posted: April 8th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none
Rainbow Falls at Ausable Chasm Today – April 7, 2017
Posted: April 7th, 2017 under Environmental News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none
Know your rights with border & immigration agents – UPDATED 2017 | NCPR News
Posted: April 7th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none
Monday’s Town Board Agenda
AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, April 10, 2017, 7:00 PM
Call Meeting To Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of March 27, 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/MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.
DISCUSSION/MOTION: Return to Regular Session.
DISCUSSION: Town IT Report.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approval of Main Street Project MOU.
DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Fund Transfers.
DISCUSSION: Riley Road.
DISCUSSION: Maiden Lane Lift Station.
DISCUSSION: Heyworth Mason Building Update.
Other Business.
Community Input on Agenda Items.
Motion to Adjourn.
Posted: April 7th, 2017 under General News, Peru News, Town Board News.
Comments: none
DEC Issues Draft Buck Pond Campground Management Plan
| The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the Draft Buck Pond Campground Unit Management Plan (UMP) for review. The draft UMP would guide management actions for the Buck Pond Public Campground over the next five years. The campground is located on County Route 60, also known as Gabriels-Onchiota Road, .4 mile east of the hamlet of Onchiota in the town of Franklin, Franklin County.
This 116-site campground offers hot showers, flush toilets, trailer dump station, recycling center, picnic tables, fire places, boat launch (Lake Kushaqua), car top boat launch (Buck Pond), boat and canoe rentals, and sand beach with bathhouse. Buck Pond offers space to accommodate tents to 30′ RVs and is a day use facility. The campground is located on the western shore of the130-acre Buck Pond. Campsites are large, well forested, and private with a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and hiking. The pond is restricted to non-motorized boats, while Lake Kushaqua is open to all boats. NYS DEC will accept public comments on the draft plan until May 15, 2017, and will host a public availability session on April 27, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office, 1115 NYS Route 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977-0296. The availability session will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposed management actions in the draft UMP and to ask questions about campground management. The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. Please call (518) 897-1248 at least two weeks in advance of the meeting with any specific accommodation requests. The draft UMP plan for the Buck Pond Campground can be viewed and downloaded and proposes the following management activities:
Copies of the Draft Plan are available on computer disc and may be obtained by calling, (518) 457-2500. Public comment can be submitted by mail to: Josh Houghton, NYS DEC Bureau of Recreation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-5253, or by e-mail to:campinfo@dec.ny.gov. |
Posted: April 7th, 2017 under Environmental News, General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
Comments: none
US missiles blast Syria; Trump demands ‘end the slaughter’ – Times Union
Posted: April 7th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none
Champlain Valley BPW Seeking Candidates for Young Careerist Program
Champlain Valley Business and Professional Women have announced that applications are now being accepted for participation in the 2017 Virginia Allan Young Careerist Program to be held Tuesday May 2, 2017 at 5:30pm at Uno Pizzeria & Grill on Route 3 in Plattsburgh. Read more »
Posted: April 6th, 2017 under Agricultural News, Business News, General News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none
Champlain Valley BPW Searches for Business Woman and Employer of the Year
During the month of May, the Champlain Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club will be hosting “A Celebration of Women in Business Event” This event has been created for the purpose of recognizing and honoring the achievements of working women in the Champlain Valley. As part of our celebration, the Champlain Valley Business & Professional Women’s Club is looking for your nominations for “Business Woman of the Year” and “Employer of the Year.” The North Country is filled with outstanding businesswomen of all ages Read more »
Posted: April 6th, 2017 under Business News, General News, Northern NY News.
Comments: none
Peru School District Seeks Board Candidate
The Peru Central School District is seeking candidates to fill one (1) vacancy on the Board of Education, due to the expiration of the term of Ms. Linda Morgan.
The seat is at large for a five-year term from July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2022.
The ‘Petition for Nomination of Candidate’ is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except school holidays, or via the web at http://www.perucsd.org. Petitions must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and shall state the name, residence and phone number of the candidate. Petitions must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 17, 2017.
The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
Posted: April 6th, 2017 under Education News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru School News.
Comments: none
Liberty’s Garage is Still in Good Hands
L-R Todd Martineau, Leo Wood, Karen Champagne, Donna Downs, Robert Desotelle, Donald Westerkamp
By John T. Ryan
Peru – Liberty’s Garage is a Peru institution. Jack Liberty operated the garage for 25 years. In 1995, Chazy native Jim Champagne purchased the business and successfully operated it until cancer took his life on August 31, 2016. Karen Champagne, Jim’s wife of 38 years, faced a life-changing decision. Would she continue her 22-year career as a clinic manager at Eye Care for the Adirondacks? Would she sell the business or would she become a service station operator?
Karen reflected for several weeks on her undoubtedly emotional choices. While she had her own career, she had helped Jim save money to buy the business. She knew how much he loved his business, its employees and customers. She said, “I had to decide what path I would follow. The doctors I worked for, Dr. Dahlen and Dr. Vilbert, had sold their practice. I thought about selling the garage, but I just wasn’t ready to let that part go.” On Monday morning December 12, 2016 Karen Champagne walked into Liberty’s Garage as its new operator.
Operating a service station has been an entirely new experience. Karen remarked, “Jim talked about the business at home, but there’s a big difference between talking and doing. Fortunately, the staff welcomed me with open arms. They couldn’t have been more accommodating.” Customers know that humor has always been a welcome commodity at Liberty’s. Karen commented, “There hasn’t been too much laughter with my questions. There’s been a few chuckles, especially about my notes.” Karen appreciates her staff’s patience. When it came time to take a photo for this story she said, “Let’s do our family picture.”
Liberty’s Garage has a long history of success and Karen is working hard to continue that legacy. She said, “We want to continue doing good honest work. I try to put myself in the customer’s shoes. We try to explain a bill so a customer can understand what they are paying for.” Women customers will undoubtedly appreciate Karen’s perspective. She explained, “I think we treat female customers the same as male customers when we explain a bill. I want this to be a place where everyone is comfortable.”
Liberty’s is well known for its experienced, highly trained staff. Shop Manager Robert Desotelle is a National Institute of Automotive Excellence (ASE) Certified Master Auto and Medium and Heavy Truck Technician with 12 years experience. Todd Martineau is a C.V. Tech graduate with twenty-seven years experience. Donald Westerkamp graduated from the Lincoln Technical Institute in Connecticut where he studied automotive technology. Leo Wood is the senior staff member with 17 years at Liberty’s. He is a tire expert and general purpose mechanic who enthusiastically greets almost every customer by name. Donna Downs is the staff accountant and works with Karen to schedule appointments. Gas customers appreciate Donna’s rapid service. It’s rare when any gas customer has to wait more than 30 seconds to transact a purchase.
Liberty’s Garage offers the latest technology and a wide-range of services. It subscribes to online electronics services and recently purchased a high-tech computer diagnostic machine. Tune-ups, brake, suspensions and tire work are the most common shop activities, although Liberty’s will even replace engines and transmissions.
The garage is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 518-643-9016 to make an appointment.
Posted: April 5th, 2017 under Business News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History.
Comments: 4
Peru Home Devastated by Tragic Fire
This is the scene at 13 Haynes Terrace in Peru this afternoon after the home owned by Jason and Amber Keable was destroyed by fire. Peru firefighters were called to the scene about 3:30 p.m. They could see smoke from the firehouse and observed flames shooting from the roof as they traveled closer to the residence. No one was injured in the blaze.
Jason Keable said, “I left with my daughter to pick up my two year old son at daycare. I was only gone about ten minutes. As I drove home I could see the smoke. I thought it might be at the store (Jax Convenience Store at Glenwood Plaza). As I got closer I realized it might be my home.” Keable said the house was constructed in 1990. A new kitchen and bathroom were added about a year ago. It appears all the family’s possessions were lost. Keable said the home was insured.
Posted: April 4th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none
All Welcome as Peru Democrats’ Potluck Social
Democratic Party Town of Peru
Officers
Chairman- Brandy McDonald
Vice/Chairman- Jim Douglass
Treasurer- Jean Schiffler
Secretary – Ed Schiffler
Date and Time: Friday, April 7th, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm,
Location: St. Augustine’s Parish Center, Peru
Come one, come all! Please bring a dish to share and join the Peru Democrats at St. Augustine’s Parish Center as we celebrate our American heritage with a potluck social. Everyone is welcome!
In April 1890, the United States government officially embraced the influx of immigrants by opening Ellis Island. We would like to celebrate our immigrant heritage by encouraging all guests to bring a dish that exemplifies their family’s ethnic heritage.
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
The evening will be a great chance to share food, stories, and laughs with neighbors. Also provided that evening will be a 50/50 raffle and a postcard-writing station where any interested guests can share their thoughts on immigration (or any other issue) with our state representatives.
We hope you can join us!
PS: While it is not necessary to RSVP, it would be most helpful if you if you would give us a heads up that you are planning on attending.
Thanks
Posted: April 4th, 2017 under General News, Peru News.
Comments: none
For schools, state budget extender brings uncertainty – Times Union
Posted: April 4th, 2017 under General News.
Comments: none