The Peru Gazette

Motorized vehicles, including golf carts, are not allowed to use the Little Ausable River Walking Trail.  On Wednesday, March 9th, a Peru resident accompanied by two young children was encountered driving a golf cart on the trail.  A motorized vehicle also damaged the grass field leading to the trail from the Heyworth-Mason stone building.  It’s a wonderful trail. Let’s keep it that way!

Agri-Mark to Expand Cheese Production Operations, Retaining More Than 100 Jobs in the North Country

Empire State Development announced today that dairy cooperative Agri-Mark, Inc. will invest nearly $30 million to expand its cheese manufacturing facility in Franklin County and retain 106 jobs in the North Country Region. The expansion will enable Agri-Mark to continue to thrive and support future generations of New York dairy farmers.

“Agri-Mark’s investment to expand and modernize their Chateaugay facility is a win-win for the Upstate economy,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “The expansion will retain over 100 jobs in the North Country, allowing for the continued support of Agri-Mark’s 600 New York dairy farms across the state.”

The expansion and restoration of Agri-Mark’s Chateaugay facility in Franklin County involves rebuilding the current 110,641 square-foot manufacturing facility, reengineering the layout of the facility, and purchasing new machinery and other equipment. Empire State Development will support the dairy co-op with up to $6 million in funding, including $4 million in Economic Transformation Program funds to retain 106 full-time jobs and modernize its Chateaugay operations. Read more »

PLATTSBURGH — The annual Clinton Community College Technology and Career Fair will take place Wednesday, March 9, at Clinton Community College, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Source: CCC to host technology, career fair – Sun Community News & Printing

‘It’s pretty clear we’re headed for trouble’

Source: As shortage looms, state rethinks how it recruits and treats its teachers | POLITICO

The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host its Annual High School & Middle School Exhibition this April and is looking for student artists. This year’s exhibition will be held at The Strand Center Main Gallery at 23 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh. The exhibition will open on April 1^st and run through April 30^th 2016 with the opening reception on Friday, April 1^st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Homeschooling parents and local art teachers in Essex, Clinton, and Franklin counties are invited to submit their students’ works in this juried show. The HS/MS Exhibition features work from local students in 6^th through 12^th grades.

Awards will be given to students winning first, second, and third places in the media categories of drawing, painting, sculpture (3D), ceramics, mixed media (2D), photography, graphic design, and printmaking.

Artwork drop-off dates for teachers start on March 18^th until March 25^th and entries must be registered before this deadline. Interested homeschooling parents and local art teachers are encouraged to review the submission guidelines at www.strandcenter.org under Exhibitions and Upcoming for details. Contact The Strand Gallery Coordinator to register at gallery@plattsburgharts.org or by calling 518-563-1604.

Hospitals in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties will add medical villages, provide new services.

Source: North Country health facilities win millions in state funds | News | pressrepublican.com

L-R Tony Andrews, friends Christa Covel Reyell and Keith Kemp

By John T. Ryan

At 7:45 a.m. (PST) today Peru resident Tony Andrews entered Sony Studios, in Los Angeles, California to compete on the Wheel of Fortune. The program will be aired between mid-April and late-May; Andrews is legally committed to keeping the outcome secret. Aware that many people will be attempting to read his mind Andrews said, “I’ll have to put on the biggest poker face of my life!’

Andrew’s journey to the Wheel of Fortune began last June 27^th when he and about 250 others auditioned in Burlington, Vermont.   On September 27^th, Andrews and about 60 others returned for a second audition. Two weeks later he was notified by phone that he would be appear on the show. A few days ago he was able to announce that taping would take place on March 3rd.

Known for his witty word associations, Andrews seems to be an ideal Wheel of Fortune contestant. Andrews said, “I often thought that if a game show opportunity ever came to this area, I’d give it a try. If I was lucky enough to be selected that would be great. If not, it would be a good experience.”

The Burlington audition included solving 16 puzzles in five minutes. Andrews said he solved eight. He’s also been watching the show to see if he can beat the contestants in solving the puzzle. Yes, he does usually beat them!

Andrew’s many friends have been wishing him well in person, by phone and on Facebook. Last weekend the St. Augustine’s parish community, led by his friend Lana Knight, the Catholic Daughters and the Knights of Columbus, raised a few extra dollars to ensure that Andrews has an enjoyable trip.

While being a game show winner would be wonderful, Andrews seems almost equally excited about being reunited with college friends who are traveling from Washington, DC and South Carolina to join him in Los Angeles. Twenty years ago, while students at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, they traveled to Florida together. Andrews refers to this week as “The Ship of Fools Reunion.”

Andrews’ friends everywhere are extending wishes that he has luck with “the wheel” and a fantastic reunion with his friends.

The Wand’ring Minstrels The Pirates of Penzance and An Evening of G&S Favorites

PLATTSBURGH, NY – On Saturday, March 12, 2016, The newly renovated Strand Center Theatre presents an evening celebrating the legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan in musical theatre. The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will perform the first act of Pirates of Penzance to be followed by a Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire including audience requests.

Pirates of Penzance is story about a young man named Fredric who is released from his apprenticeship to a band of soft hearted pirates on his 21^st year. He soon meets Mabel, the daughter of a Major General, and they instantly fall in love. A cruel twist of fate reveals that Fredric was indeed born on February 29^th making his birthday fall on a leap year therefore he is bound to his contract to remain with the pirates until his 21^st birthday in another 63 years. Due to his sense of loyalty and duty he reluctantly rejoins the pirates as Mabel promises to faithfully wait for him.

All the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players are uniquely skilled in the Gilbert & Sullivan (G&S) style, presenting satirical, sentimental, and rousing Gilbert & Sullivan favorites with style and flair. Costume elements, props and choreography provide the visual pop which turns each event into a celebration, with the camaraderie and spontaneous banter of the Wand’ring Minstrels adding an extra measure of froth to the proceedings.

Each of the Wand’ring Minstrels is a leading performer from the acclaimed New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players company with a long list of G&S roles in repertory. This provides the flexibility to perform varying programs and the ability to rise to the challenge of surprise requests from the audience, a tour-de-force featured segment in most programs of this lively ensemble. This wonderful opportunity allows audiences to make requests of personal favorites from the G&S repertory while performed entirely impromptu!

Date & Time

Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 7:30pm

Place

The Strand Center Theatre, 23 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh, NY

Cost/Admission

$20.00 – General Seating; $30.00 – Preferred Seating; $40.00 – Premier Seating.

Ticket Information

BOX OFFICE: 518-324-2787
BOX OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday to Friday, 1pm – 6pm Saturday, 10am – 4pm Sunday and Monday, Closed

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. According to the National World War II Museum, 430 World War II veterans pass away each day, making now the time to honor our veterans.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s public relations campaign class has teamed with North Country Honor Flight to honor North Country WWII and Korean War veterans.

On Wednesday, March 9, SUNY Plattsburgh public relations students and North Country Honor Flight will host a fundraising event from 4 to 9 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings in Plattsburgh, New York.

The event is part of Operation: Greatest Generation, a public relations campaign that aims to assist North Country Honor Flight’s mission to fly World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C., to see their respective war memorials free of charge.

Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 10 percent of dine-in purchases, alcohol excluded, when patrons mention North Country Honor Flight, during an evening also designed to inform community members about Honor Flight and locate WWII veterans who have not gone on an honor flight.

North Country Honor Flight Director Barrie Finnegan sees the event as a great aid to the organization’s mission.

“Being a fundraiser, it is going to help us put those planes in the air, which is a very expensive proposition to begin with,” says Finnegan, who also noted the event can serve as a great opportunity to boost community awareness of North Country Honor Flight.

Clinton County Senior Computer Club meetings and classes are held at the Senior Citizens Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Classes by: Len Wood

List of classes being offered on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The Peru Drama Club will perform A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum on March 10th, 11th, and 12th at 7:30 pm with a special matinee performance on Saturday, the 12th, at 2:00 pm. Performances will take place in the Peru Senior High auditorium. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 in advance. You can purchase advanced tickets at the Peru Pharmacy, the Corner-Stone Bookshop, as well as by email (perudramaclub@gmail.com) starting February 15th.

This hysterical comedy and tragedy show placed in Ancient Rome is anything but traditional. The young Hero has found love in a beautiful courtesan named Philia but the odds are stacked against them and the family slave Pseudolus must fight to get Hero his love and earn his freedom. Audiences will laugh until they cry and be amazed by the talented student body that is putting on this production. This is not a show you want to miss! For any questions call 643-6499 extension 5184.

PLATTSBURGH — The Development Corporation (TDC) announces the expansion of Québec-based Delastek into TDC’s Air Industrial Park.

Source: Aerospace supplier Delastek moves to Plattsburgh – Sun Community News & Printing

Annual St Patrick’s Dinner sponsored by the Court St. Monica, Catholic Daughters of the Americas

3030 Rt. 22 Peru at St Augustine’s Parish Center

March 12, 2016

3:30-6:30 p.m.

Adults $10, 4-12 $5

Corned Beef or Ham dinner with all the trimmings

Irish Dancers, Traditional Irish music performed by Elizabeth Churchill and George Shnob, 50/50 raffle and take out available.

Funds will be used to further charitable actions of the Court St Monica Catholic Daughters’ of the Americas group. 

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AGENDA PLANNING BOARD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016 @ 7:00 PM – TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of November 18^th, 2015 and February 10^th, 2016 minutes.
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. 2 Lot Minor Subdivision with Merge & SEQR: Karen Bulson-Pray

2 Lot Minor Subdivision with Merge

637 Telegraph Rd.

P-2016-004

2. 2 Lot Minor Subdivsion & SEQR:                   Frank Irwin

2 Lot Minor Subdivision

291 Clark Rd.

P-2016-005

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
8. CEO REPORT:
9. ADJOURNMENT

• Highway Department: Town Hires Labor Relations Attorney
• Providing information requested by the Peru Gazette 
• Intersection Safety: Issues Still Under Review
• Bear Swamp Road: Sidewalk Plan Under Development
• Sand-Salt Shed: Repair Alternatives Being Explored
• Town Hall: Basement Cleanup Initiated

By John T. Ryan

In addition to the proposed changes in Peru’s Dog Law other business was conducted at the Peru Town Board’s Monday, February 22, 2016 meeting.

In summary:

The Public Employees Review Board (PERB) in Albany is processing the Peru Town Highway employees’ application to be represented by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). At Monday’s meeting the Board approved hiring the law firm of Stafford Owens Pillar Murnane & Trombley, PLLC to represent the town in its labor relations matters. Jacqueline Kelleher, Esq. will be the lead attorney.

In response to a question from the Peru Gazette, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell stated that improvements to traffic safety improvements at the Brand Hollow Road-Military Turnpike intersection are still being researched. The Highway Department has cut intruding brush and installed stop bars and new stop signs. The State Police and Sheriff’s Department have been asked to increase surveillance. Another serious collision occurred at the intersection in late January. Several Board members have stated cost is not a consideration when it comes to saving a life. The matter has under consideration for at least 12 months.

Responding to a Peru Gazette request Supervisor Peter Glushko asked Zoning-Planning Office Liaison Donald McBrayer to acquire copies of the Zoning-Planning Office’s 2015 and 2014 reports. On January 15^th, the Peru Gazette asked the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) for planning-zoning data for 2014 and 2015. No CEO response to emails or phone calls was received. Subsequent to Monday’s meeting the 2015 Zoning-Planning report was furnished. It did not include all the information requested. Information Requested

A master plan for future sidewalk construction on the Bear Swamp Road is being developed. The need to devise a plan became apparent when Dunkin’ Donuts presented its plan to construct a freestanding restaurant adjacent to Langley Insurance. Peru’s new zoning law requires that any new business plan include a sidewalk. If Dunkin’ Donuts constructed a sidewalk it might be a sidewalk to nowhere because the Town has not decided if sidewalks will be required on one or both sides of the road. Counselor Donald McBrayer reported that the Town’s contract engineer Peter Gibbs has developed a few concepts. River Street Planning and Development, the firm developing Peru’s Man Street improvement plan, was also consulted.

Alternatives for repair of the Highway Department’s sand-salt storage building are being explored. Counselor Jim Langley reported that Jeffords Steel is estimating the cost of replacing corroded sections of the structure rather than replacing the entire structure. A new fabric top/roof will have to be purchased.

Counselor Donald McBrayer initiated a Town Hall basement cleanup project. Obsolete computers will be removed and McBrayer will work with Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn to dispose of outdated town records.

By John T. Ryan

Peru – If history is a guide, when a matter involving Elmore SPCA is included in a Peru Town Board meeting agenda, a controversy is likely to ensue. The Monday, February 22, 2016 Board meeting was no exception.

During the “Public Comments on Agenda Items Only” portion of the meeting, Elmore SPCA Board President Laurie Parsons asked why the Board was proposing to take on the burden of providing the SPCA with a detailed dog licensing report when only 32 Peru dogs were redeemed in 2015. Parsons expressed frustration that the Town Board had not communicated with the SPCA Board about the change saying that she learned about the proposal from a newspaper reporter.

The agenda proposal is related to a Christmas Eve 2015 incident. In accordance with its policy, the SPCA asked a stray dog’s owner for a copy of the dog’s license prior to releasing the dog. When the owner could not produce a copy, the SPCA would not release the animal. A relative of the owner asked Counselor James Douglass, the Town Board’s SPCA liaison, for assistance. Douglass contacted Dog Control Officer David Drollette who confirmed that the dog was properly licensed. The SPCA still insisted on viewing the license. The dog was finally released after 4 p.m. when Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn opened her office to provide a license copy to Jim Douglass who brought it to the SPCA manager.

At the Town Board’s February 8^th meeting, the possibility of providing the Elmore SPCA with copies of all licenses or a license list was discussed. Subsequent to that meeting Town Clerk Kathleen Flynn said she could easily generate a Summary Licensing Report containing all the information included on a dog license. That proposal was included on this meeting’s agenda. Dog License Report Format

Laurie Parsons expressed concern that the NYS agency regulating the SPCA (The Department of Agriculture and Markets) would not be satisfied with the town’s proposed procedure. She said, “The listing is not a document we would find acceptable.” Supervisor Peter Glushko reacted saying the Town Board was simply trying to expedite returning dogs to town residents. He cited Section 122 of Agricultural and Markets Law, which designates towns as the official dog-licensing agencies. Glushko said he had conferred with an Agriculture and Markets attorney who did not raise any objection to the proposed procedure. Laurie Parsons said she had talked to an Agricultural and Markets attorney, but he was not willing to put his opinion in writing. The SPCA did not consult its own legal counsel. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said he would research the issue.

Counselor James Douglass apologized for not communicating with the SPCA regarding the Summary Licensing Report. He said, “The SPCA is a great organization. You’re in the Town of Peru. We want to get along.” Douglass promised he would communicate with Laurie Parsons and SPCA Board Secretary Carol Solari-Ruscoe on all future proposals. Solari-Ruscoe commented, “We’re more than happy to work with the town…One thing I would definitely stress is that you communicate with us and not after the fact. That has been a major, major craw in our throats.”

Following adjournment of the Town Board meeting informal discussions continued between Parsons, Flynn, Douglass and other Elmore SPCA Board members. Only time will tell if improved communication actually takes place.

Initiating the Summary License Report requires a change in the Peru Dog Law. A Public Hearing was scheduled for Monday, March 14^th at 6:30 p.m.

A closeup look at the placement of the historic Mason painting in the Peru Town Hall. The wall hanging that was located behind the presiding officer has been moved to a prominent place on the left side of the main room. Click here to view all our Peru Gazette photos. 

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 Mr. Brian Post. The seat is at large for a five-year term from July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2021.

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 18, 2016.

The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Agreement with the New York Attorney General’s Office originated from issues at Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh.

Source: Pyramid settles mall accessibility suit | News | pressrepublican.com

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Served 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru. All are welcome!

• Tuna salad casserole or buttered noodles
• Garden Salad
• Fruit Cocktail
• Bread & Butter
• Apple Crisp
• Beverages

A Message from Democratic Party Town of Peru Chairman- Brandy McDonald 

The next meeting for the Peru Democratic Party will be on Thursday, February 25, at 7:00PM.

Location will be the Peru Town Hall

I am very happy to announce that the schedule of our candidate for Congress, Mike Derrick, is such that he will be able to attend our Thursday evening meeting. He will give an update on his campaign and answer your questions.  Make sure that you don’t miss this opportunity to meet our candidate in his home town setting. This is the time to show our dedicated support.                     

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To those who have been selling the April Raffle tickets, please make arrangements to turn the money collected over to Jean Schiffler. 643-8575 or schiffler-j@charter.net

The next meeting for the Peru Democratic Party will be on Thursday, February 25, at 7:00PM

Location will be the Peru Town Hall

To those who have been selling the April Raffle tickets, please make arrangements to turn the money collected over to Jean Schiffler. 643-8575 or schiffler-j@charter.net

Officers; Chairman- Brandy McDonald

Vice Chairman – Kregg Bruno

Treasurer- Jean Schiffler

Secretary – Ed Schiffler

Freshman congresswoman outlines issues she will be tending to in the year to come and what she hopes will be her second term.

Source: Stefanik discusses her first year in Congress and future | Local News | pressrepublican.com

Mike Derrick says his three decades in the military would serve him well in Congress should he defeat incumbent Republican Elise Stefanik.

Source: Democratic hopeful touts experience | Local News | pressrepublican.com