The Peru Gazette

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik will host a  “Coffee with your Congresswoman” event at the Peru Town Hall this Friday, June 19th from 1 to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome.

The planter in the foreground has no flowers at this time. (2014 photo)

By John T. Ryan

If you’ve driven by the Peru Town Hall recently you may have noticed that the planter next to the sidewalk is in desperate need of plants/flowers. The Town Board is seeking a company or a volunteer to take on the project. The plants would definitely beautify our Town Hall entrance area. Please call Supervisor Peter Glushko at 643-2745, Extension 5 if you have ideas.

The Clinton County Highway Department will conduct a Public Information Meeting tonight (June 15th) to discuss the proposed replacement of the Arthur Jarvis Road Bridge over the Little AuSable River in the Town of Peru. The meeting will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at the Peru Town Hall, located at 3036 Main Street, Peru, New York.

Clinton County Highway Superintendent Al Rascoe told the Peru Gazette that the project is in the design study phase. Preliminary sketch plans will be presented at tonight’s meeting. State and federal approval should be obtained over the winter months with construction is planned for next summer. The Jarvis Road between Route 22B and the Union Road will be closed for the approximate four-month construction period.

The project is being progressed as Project Identification Number (PIN 7753.53), by the Clinton County Highway Department, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Representatives from the Clinton County Highway Department, NYSDOT and Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. will be available at the meeting to answer questions and obtain comments on the proposed project from individuals, groups, officials and local agencies.

Questions regarding this meeting may be addressed to Mr. Al Rascoe, Superintendent, Clinton County Highway Department at (518) 565-4040.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo plans to announce an investigation by the state inspector general into how two convicted murderers escaped the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y.

Source: Cuomo to Announce Investigation of Prison Escape – NYTimes.com

Democratic Party Town of Peru will have a Caucus at 7:00PM on Wednesday, June 24th, 2015 in the Peru Town Hall. All persons in attendance must arrive and be signed in prior to 7:00PM.

Immediately upon completion of the Caucus, there will be a regular “Peru Democratic Party meeting”

The regular Peru Democratic Party meeting that was previously scheduled for June 25, 2015, has been rescheduled to be held after the Caucus on June 24th. 2015.

I look forward to seeing you at the caucus.

Thank you for your support.

Brandy McDonald
Chairman

Joyce E. Mitchell, a civilian employee at the Clinton Correctional Facility in northern New York State, brought the men hacksaw blades, chisels, a punch and screwdriver bit, according to a criminal complaint.

Source: Prison Worker Who Befriended Killers Is Accused of Providing Tools for Escape – NYTimes.com

From the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik  

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) voted in support of H.R. 1314, the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015. This legislation reauthorizes Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and establishes a process for negotiating and considering trade agreements that is needed in order for U.S. trade negotiators to get the best deal possible by giving our trading partners confidence to put their best offer forward.

“From day one, my key priority in Congress has been to help our economy grow and to help North Country families find good, high paying jobs,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. Read more »

Homesteading and Woodworking Weekend at the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum – June 27- 28, 2015 – Hours 10am – 4pm. Woodcarving demonstrations by Champlain Valley Woodcarvers.  Other demonstrations include the shingle mill, antique chain saw, composting, container gardening, grub control, goat soap making (special demonstration on Sun. at 1pm), and basic chainsaw safety/protective gear (special demonstration at 2pm).  Hands-on activities include using a washboard and vintage ringer washer.  Visit the herbal and vegetable garden.  Picnic area available…bring your own lunch….beverages and chips for sale on site.  Lunch will also be available from Kat’s Katering.

By John T. Ryan

Marge Swain retired on May 19^th; nevertheless, a familiar person will still be greeting customers when they enter Swain’s Wine and Liquor in Peru’s Tops Plaza. Longtime employee Bonny Trost is the store’s new owner and operator.

A first-time business owner, Trost is enthusiastic about the opportunity. She explained, “I don’t plan on changing the store’s name or making any major changes. It’s a profitable business in a good location. I’m comfortable here!” Several years ago Marge Swain talked about retiring and asked Trost if she might be interested in buying the business. When Swain finally decided to retire, Trost was ready to make her life-changing decision.

Bonny Russell Trost has many Peru ties. She is Peru High School graduate as is her daughter Vicki Owens and grandson SUNY Plattsburgh student Alexander Owens.

Swain’s Wine and Liquor will maintain the same hours: 10-6 Monday-Thursday, 10-8 Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 5 on Sundays.

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) will hold a Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) workshop for potential applicants to learn more about Round V of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s initiative to stimulate job creation and economic growth through the Regional Economic Development Councils. 

What:         Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Workshop

Who:           All individuals, businesses, organizations, labor, and education  representatives from the North Country Region are welcome to attend.

Where:       Clinton Community College, Stafford Center Building, 36 Clinton Point Drive,          Plattsburgh, NY 12901

When:        Thursday, June 11, 2015, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

By John T. Ryan

Marge Swain has a broad smile in the accompanying photo and for a good reason. On May 19^th, she retired as owner and operator of Swain’s Liquor and Wine Store. She explained, “I decided to sell the store. I’ve been here for almost 42 years. It was time!” Nevertheless, there is one aspect of retirement Marge is not looking forward to. “I’m going to miss all my customers. I miss them already. I just enjoyed them and that’s the truth,” she said.

When Marge and her husband Don purchased the business in August 1973 it was located on Main Street in the building currently occupied by Dr. Thomas Lamar. They had four children at the time and Marge was expecting, so the family needed the extra income. She recalled, “The store helped us financially. If we bought a new chair or something of that nature, it came out of the store.” In 1976, she decided to move the business to its current location at the Grand Union/Tops Plaza.

There have been significant changes in the alcoholic beverage industry over the past 42 years. Marge said, “In 1973 we stocked about eight different wines – ports, Chablis and one German wine for a local family. Now the store stocks over 100 wines.” Peru’s white wine drinkers favor white zinfandel, chardonnay and pinot grigio. Merlot and cabernets are best red wine sellers. As for distilled spirits Marge said, “At one time whiskey was the biggest seller. Today, it’s definitely vodka.”

Marge Swain may have sold the business, but that doesn’t mean she’ll be just sitting back in an easy chair. Her son John and his wife Elaine recently purchased the 22-unit Inn on the Hill Resort in Lake George. Next summer Marge plans to be living in an apartment at the Inn, helping out at the front desk and checking rooms to make sure they’re properly prepared for customers.

The Peru Gazette wishes Marge Swain a happy future. She has been a businesswoman who adapted to changing industry trends and who always focused on her customers. She obviously possessed the formula for business success!

The Peru Gazette is preparing a story on Bonny Trost, the store’s new owner and operator.

The Peru Gazette took advantage of the June 7th Museum Day to visit the Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum. The museum is interesting, especially to someone who is familiar with people who have lived or worked in Lyon Mountain. The people staffing the museum were very welcoming.

Click here to view our photos 

Source: Female worker probed as possible accomplice in prison break | New York Post

Peru Student Angler Open Meeting: For anyone age 11 years to 17 years who is interested in fishing competitively on a team. Must still be in high school in order to join.

Meeting is at the Peru Town Hall on Thursday, June 11th from 7 pm to 8 pm.

There is a fee of $30.00 annually plus a club fee that will be established by the members of the club. The NYS State TBF President, Bobby Williams, will be in attendance at the meeting to answer questions and assist with the formation of the club.

The Student Angler Federation is the high school division of fishing that falls under the umbrella of FLW Outdoors. If anyone has questions, they may call or text Laurie Marvin at 518 534-4878.

New York National Guard troops will be giving free disaster preparedness classes at Northeastern Clinton Central High School at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 11.

The event is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s continuing Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program, which gives citizens the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Working with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and local emergency management personnel, troops are conducting these training events across the state.

The training will be in the high school’s Frances “Bud” Moore Auditorium. Citizens should register for the event at www.dhses.ny.gov/aware-prepare/nysprepare/registration. Read more »

Father’s Day Prime Rib Dinner with baked potato, cole slaw, fresh vegetables and dessert.
Only $20.
Music for listening & dancing by Pure Country 1-4 p.m.
June 21, 2015 Noon – ????

Peru Memorial VFW
710 Pleasant St, Rte 22B
Peru, New York

               AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, June 8, 2015,  7:00 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Town Board Regular Meeting of May 11 2015 and the Town Board Regular meeting of May 27, 2015.

5. 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)

6. Community Input 

7. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Sidewalk Repair Agreement.

8. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Guardrail Proposal. 

9. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Single Audit Engagement Letter 

10. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Acceptance of Engineering Ventures Highway Dept. Proposals 

11. DISCUSSION: Holden Avenue Repairs. 

12. DISCUSSION: Jarvis Road Repairs. 

13. DISCUSSION: Employee Handbook Update. 

14. DISCUSSION: JP Morgan/Chase Accounts. 

15. DISCUSSION: Judges Chambers. 

16. DISCUSSION: Fireworks Sales. 

17. DISCUSSION: Unison Consideration. 

18. DISCUSSION: International Peruvian Festival II Update. 

19. DISCUSSION: Town Hall Front Steps Area. 

20. DISCUSSION: Peru Youth Program Opening Festivities.

21. Community Input on Agenda Items.

22. Motion to Adjourn.

Source: History of Clinton CF – NYS’ largest & 3d oldest prison

The New York State Police said the inmates had escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, a maximum-security prison about 170 miles north of Albany near the Canadian border.

Source: With Power Tools and a Ruse, 2 Killers Escape New York Prison – NYTimes.com

This is the methodology for the school rankings — a complete explanation of the formulas for all district, school, subject and specialized ratings.

Source: Here’s how the Business First school rankings are generated – Buffalo – Buffalo Business First

Here’s a bottom-to-top slideshow of the 22 school districts in the Plattsburgh Area.

Source: Here is a quick rundown of the 2015 Plattsburgh Area school district rankings – Buffalo – Buffalo Business First

On Sunday, June 7th join SUNY Plattsburgh Biologist Michael B. Burgess for a casual walk along Little Ausable River Trail in search of blooming wildflowers and other botanical highlights. The walk will emphasize identification of common plant species and discussion of the various habitats found along the trail. All ages are welcome. Meet at Heyworth/Mason Park at 1:30 p.m. The walk should conclude about 3:30 p.m.

Peru Gazette File Photo

By John T. Ryan

A location for Peru Town Court is on the Town Board’s Agenda again after Councilman Kregg Bruno raised the issue at the Monday, May 27, 2015 Town Board Meeting. Bruno said, “Before I left (Bruno was excused from all meetings beginning December 31st through April 27^th) we talked about moving the judges’ chambers and I wonder where we stand on that? I know there were sixty people in this room the other day for court. There are twenty here tonight and we’re packed… We said we would look at it again after the holidays.”

In late 2014, the Board discussed moving town court to the Town Hall’s lower level and relocating the Town Historian’s office to the judges’ chambers on the main floor. Overcrowding was not the primary issue in previous discussions; holding court in the midst of the Town Hall’s main room while it was open for public business was the primary concern. After reviewing renovation costs and after learning that Town Historian Ron Allen did not believe that the judges’ chambers would meet his needs, the Board decided against making any changes. At the Board’s December 22^nd meeting Mr. Bruno stated, “The taxpayers I’ve spoken to are not happy over having to spend money on this.” At a December 31, 2014 meeting the Board decided to close the Town Hall for public business at 1 p.m. on the Tuesdays when court is in session.

Monday night Bruno strongly advocated moving Town Court downstairs and maintained that the current judges’ chambers would be a larger and more visible location for the Town Historian. Judge James Kirby, who favors relocating court to the lower level, suggested that volunteers would probably be willing to move the historical records and artifacts upstairs. Mr. Allen would not have to do the hard lifting. Counselor Bruno said Allen might like being upstairs after he moves into the new office and sees increased interest in his historical materials. He remarked, “It will be easier access for him and people will actually be able to see his stuff.” Counselor Bruno said he would talk to Ron Allen. He emphasized that the relocation decision is up to the Town Board.

L-R Mike Hanlon, Courtney Tetrault, Councilman Don McBrayer, Greg Timmons, Councilman Brandy McDonald, Supervisor Peter Glushko

Greg Timmon’s department has received another award. The New York State Rural Water Association awarded the Peru Water and Sewer Department its Waste Water System of the Year Award. Supervisor Peter Glushko, Councilman Donald McBrayer, Water Superintendent Greg Timmons and operators recently attended a two-day training and awards meeting at the Turning Stone Convention facility. Counselor Don McBrayer said, “Greg Timmons is known as the godfather of water.” He is respected by the other towns and vendors. Peter Glushko remarked, “Everyone told us how lucky we are to have Greg.”

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn said she is pursuing the Neighborhood Watch program in her McIntosh Street neighborhood following a few sightings of unknown individuals in backyards and knocks on an elderly  neighbor’s door by an individual asking to use the bathroom. She spoke with Sheriff David Favro who said grant funding might be available to help finance the program that would include increased patrols, signs and training.

The Clinton County Highway Department will be replacing the Jarvis Road Bridge this summer. The Adirondack Farms manure trucks will have to travel through the hamlet during the construction period. A Town Hall informational meeting will be scheduled.

Laurie Marvin told the Board that Peru’s teen anglers have received tremendous community support. Marvin’s son Perry and Alec Morrison, both Peru High School students, will be competing in national championships in Alabama this summer. They set a $4,500 fund-raising goal, of which 75 to 80% has been raised. Forty to fifty businesses have contributed, a bottle drive was conducted and a spaghetti dinner at Murphy’s was very successful. Another bottle drive was scheduled for Saturday, May 30^th. Mrs. Marvin said interest is growing with seven local youth becoming paid members of the Student Angler Federation. She has also contacted several area schools and a June 11^th, 7 p.m. meeting will be held at the Peru Town Hall to answer questions and develop more interest.

The Peru Youth Commission’s summer season will began on Saturday, May 30^th at 10 a.m. A bench donated by the Bill Kivett family was dedicated to the former Town of Peru Engineer.

In other actions the Board:

Agreed to purchase a Dell Server at a cost of $10,852.53 including a three-year guarantee with a 24 hour, seven day, four hour response time. The cost had been estimated at $8,150 but increased because of software loading requirements.

Approved a three-year snow removal contract with Clinton County. Peru plows and sands about 30 miles of Clinton County highways in addition to its own 82 miles. The Town will be paid $112,720 in 2015-16, $114,407 in 2016-17 and $116,116 in 2017-18.

Continued planning for the 2^nd Annual Peruvian Festival scheduled for July19th. Supervisor Glushko said it would include ceremonies, good food and entertainment. Glushko is asking people to take Peruvian visitors in for the weekend. Last year he found the Peruvians to be delightful and informative guests. Having them as a guest offers a host a great opportunity for cultural exchange.

Approved installing a fence along the Walking Trail under the Route 22 Bridge by C& E Fencing at a cost of $3,193.17.

Noted the annual insurance inspection. Supervisor Glushko stated that no major problems were found, but minor corrections were needed in almost all departments.

Passed resolutions relating to the standard workday for NYS retirement for elected employees and appointed officials.

Noted that there is a “Friends of the Little Ausable River Trail” Facebook page. Comments are invited and welcome.

Discussed the Unison site management proposal for the town’s water tower. Unison claims it has the marketing experience to bring additional revenue to the town for rental of space for cell antennas and other communication systems. The Board plans to make a decision at its next meeting.

Democrats and Republicans field team of hopefuls for races in odd-numbered areas of the legislature.

Source: Clinton County Legislature candidates line up – Press-Republican: Local News

PLATTSBURGH  (May 10, 2015)  –Adirondack Regional Theatre (ART) and The Strand Center for the Arts are thrilled to  present Tony  Award winning  composer Jason  Robert  Brown’s powerful  and  intimate musical, The  Last  Five  Years as part of The Strand Presents Series.

The  Last  Five  Years won two Drama Desk Awards in 2002 for Outstanding Music and Outstanding Lyrics .The score is beloved among contemporary musical theatre fans, becoming an iconic piece that has defined a new generation of theatre lovers and artists.

Show dates are Friday June 5 at 7:30pm and Saturday June 6 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm at Plattsburgh’s Historic Strand Theatre. Ticket prices are $18 General Admission, $15 Strand Center for the Arts members, seniors, students and military. Read more »