The Peru Gazette

Peru Central student arrested in connection with bomb threat – Press-Republican: News.

By John T. Ryan

Ambit Energy will soon become the Town of Peru’s energy suppler. The Peru Town Board authorized a switch from NYSEG to Ambit Energy at its Monday, January 26, 2015 meeting. The Board expects to save a minimum of 2% annually compared to NYSEG, plus because the town has 15 or more accounts Ambit will not charge for electricity used at the town’s largest consuming facility – the water treatment plant. Counselor Brandy McDonald expressed the Board’s consensus opinion saying, “We have a lot more information than we did two years ago. I feel very comfortable with this decision now that we know more.” About two years ago an out of town Ambit representative made a less than impressive presentation to the Board. On December 8^th Ambit Business Consultant Colleen LaFountain, who resides in Peru, conducted an informative presentation for the Board.

The Board launched a second attempt to implement its $235,000 Safe Routes to School grant.  Last July, the Board rejected project bids when they came in $50,000 higher than estimates. At Monday’s meeting the Board authorized advertising for bids. The project includes a pedestrian activated crosswalk light across Route 22B and construction of on campus sidewalks. There also is an educational, in-school component, designed to encourage safe walking and biking to school. The New York State Department of Transportation and the Clinton County Health Department are assisting in the program implementation. The Health Department has agreed to provide bike racks at the school entrances.

The Town continues to expand sharing of services with other government and educational entities. The Peru Central school busses have been refueling at the Town Highway Garage for the past 18 months. The Peru Fire Department has followed suit. Town Attorney Donald Biggs will be drawing up a formal contract between the Town of Peru and the Peru Fire Department.

According to County Legislator Peter Keenan. Clinton County 2014 sales tax totaled about $36 million, $1.4 million less than collected in 2013. Peru will receive about $21,900 in sales tax revenue to apply to its 2015 general budget. The vast majority of sales tax collections reduce the county tax on individual taxpayers’ bills. Keenan makes periodic reports to the Town Board to keep the Board updated on Clinton County business.

Counselor Donald McBrayer, the Board Liaison to Town Court, reported that Peru’s two town justices are concerned about the penalties levied for violation of the Town’s Dog Control Law. Section 22 calls for misdemeanor charges and penalties of up to $1,000. Counselor McBrayer said the judges are concerned about having to charge a violator with a misdemeanor and enforcement costs to the town, which could include having to pay for legal representation for an indigent defendant. The Board will discuss Section 22 at its Wednesday, January 28^th 6:30 p.m. workshop. Counselor Donald McBrayer also reported that he completed the state mandated audit of Peru Town Court. He stated, “That office runs a tight ship. The office files were up to date and were extremely well organized.

Repairs to the historic Lyon Street Schoolhouse should begin as soon as weather permits. The Board accepted the $7,600 bid proposal received from Donald Bell. Town Historian Ron Allen told the Board that he talked to Bell’s references and they have been very satisfied with his work. Bell will level the floor, install a 6’x6’ beam in the center of the floor and repair the stone foundation. Two bids were received for the project. Bell submitted the low bid.

The Board approved the reappointment of Richard Williams as Chairman and Ben Wright as Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board and Robin Bashaw as Chairman and James Falvo as Vice-Chairman of the Zoning Board.

Bids will be solicited for the Highway Department’s 2005 pick-up with a bid opening on February 9^th at 10 a.m. The truck sustained serious damage after being stolen several months ago. The Highway Department performed repairs before determining that engine repairs would cost more than the truck is worth. The insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss.

Judge James Kirby told the Board he would like to get professional technical advice prior to purchasing a computer server for the Town Court office. Debbie Flemming, the town’s contract technology provider, will be contacted.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell told the Board that a large group of town officials should go to Albany on March 4^th to lobby for Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) money for the Highway Department. CHIPS monies help finance the highway-paving program.

Water-Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons told the Board that “Town of Peru” decals have been applied to all of his department’s vehicles.

From the office of Cornell Cooperative Extension

Canton, NY On Saturday, February 7, Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a regional training workshop to help small livestock farmers reduce and manage the parasites that affect pastured sheep and goats.

The 10am-3pm training is offered as a regional program for producers across the Northern New York region. Read more »

A message from the Peru Central School

Please note that the event below has been postponed until February 12th.
Thank you and please accept our apology for the short notice.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, Peru Central School District will be presenting its second workshop of a four part series titled ‘Empowering Parents.’ This second workshop will focus on ‘CRUTCHES: A Parenting Framework That Parents Can Lean On’, and hopes to provide parents with tips for managing the challenges of parenting and life circumstances, attaining balance amidst trying times, and discussing the ABC’s (aka, Awareness, Balance, and Control) of being an empowered parent.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Peru Jr/Sr High School and is open to all families within the school district.

From the office of the North Country Regional Economic Council

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) held a public meeting on Friday at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid. The meeting, attended by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, provided the Council the opportunity to kick off its planning for 2015, report on progress to date and begin discussions on new initiatives as proposed in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Opportunity Agenda and Executive Budget, including the Upstate Revitalization Fund and the New NY Broadband Fund.

In addition, the Council welcomed three new members—Joseph Lightfoot, Chair of the St. Lawrence County Legislature; Robert Lenney, Location Manager for Alcoa-Massena Operations; and Joseph Giroux, Owner of Giroux’s Family Farm. Read more »

U. S. Navy Seabee John Lawliss 1951-55

NYS Trooper John Lawliss – 1957

Troop B Commander John Lawliss – 1983-1987

Jack Lawliss at his Peru home – January 20, 2015

By John T. Ryan

Longtime Peru resident John “Jack” Lawliss feels and looks good these days. And he’s relaxing! That’s a relief to many people who were thinking of and praying for Jack as he battled tongue cancer. Last spring his cancer treatments forced him to resign from his Peru Town Justice position. Jack explained, “I just couldn’t handle the job. I had to take radiation. Rather than just sit and draw my pay I resigned.”

Jack Lawliss has earned the right to relax. He’s been hard at work since joining the U.S. Navy in 1951. When he returned home in 1955, he worked construction for a few months at the new Plattsburgh Air Force Base. In October 1955 he began a career that he loved as a member of the New York State Police.

Over the next 33 years Jack Lawliss rose to become Troop B Commander responsible for leading 260 sworn officers and 40 support personnel in enforcing the laws in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, St. Lawrence and Hamilton Counties. After retiring in 1989, he operated a Plattsburgh investigative agency for ten years before becoming Clinton County Sheriff in 1999. He became a Peru Town Justice in 2004.

On January 20^th, The Peru Gazette interviewed Jack Lawliss with a goal of learning more about the man and his distinguished law enforcement career.

You served in the New York State Police, as Clinton County Sheriff and as Peru Town Justice. Which job did you enjoy most? “My first love was the State Police. I grew up in it. It was like family to me. I knew what I was doing there. It takes a while to learn the job of sheriff. As a judge it takes a long time to learn the job. You’re always learning something, laws change every year and you have to be up to date on the laws and the recent court decisions.”

What personal qualities do you believe are necessary for success in law enforcement? “You have to be dedicated. You have to persevere in your work; you have to work hard and you have to put the job first. My wife used to get quite annoyed with the long hours I had to work.” Jack recalled when he was in the Bureau of Investigation (BCI) in Plattsburgh. “I was in Plattsburgh for four years. You had to work all the time. You had daytime duty, stakeouts at night. I loved it! You have to enjoy your work to be successful.”

Who had the most influence on your career? “John Snell (Plattsburgh attorney Jack Snell’s father). He was a BCI Sergeant in Port Henry who was known as ‘Mr. State Policeman of Essex County.’ He took me under his wing and I tried to emulate him. He was a great mentor and taught me the ropes.”

Why were you considered to be a good leader? “When I was appointed Troop Commander I had 27 years of service and worked in every rank in the BCI and uniformed force so I was very familiar with all the state police policies and procedures. My main concern was to have the folks in my command do a good job.”

What was your major challenge when you were a state trooper? “In all three positions I was concerned about making the right decision. As a state trooper it was sometimes a life or death decision and you didn’t want to make a wrong decision knowing the impact that it would have.”

Why do you think the NYS Police are so respected? “They’re always well-disciplined and supervised. They have continuing education with in-service training and various law enforcement seminars.”

When you think about your police career what cases come first to mind? “The Robert Garrow manhunt. Garrow was loose with a rifle in the Adirondacks and had murdered three college students. I was sent by Headquarters with my assigned detail to assist in the manhunt, as I was very familiar with the area. I had worked in Port Henry as a trooper for six years and I had many contacts in that area. Garrow was spotted in Witherbee and had left a stolen car in that area. I obtained information that he was hiding in the woods on the Silver Hill Road behind Wasson St. in Witherbee. I was not in charge of the detail, but I convinced the person in charge of where he was and we reassigned a number of troopers from roadblocks and sent them in with the dogs in the Silver Hill area. We shot him in that area on August 9, 1973. I received a Superintendent’s Commendation for my part in the nine-day manhunt.”

Jack also recalled leading a raid at Akwesasne near Massena. The troopers had been ordered to seize a large number of slot machines. Governor Mario Cuomo was very concerned and did not want a violent confrontation. Jack explained, “On December 16, 1987 I took over 200 troopers onto the St. Regis Reservation at 5 in the morning. It was snowing. My God was it snowing. One man we encountered was distraught and had an AK-47. I went up to talk to him and asked him his name. He said ‘Burns.’ I continued talking to him and the next thing you know I had his gun.” When the raid was over the troopers loaded the 293 slot machines and 30 other gambling devices on seven trucks and left without an injury to anyone. Governor Cuomo called the Superintendent and told him to let me know that he was thankful and that we had done a good job.” Jack received another Superintendent’s Commendation for his leadership role in this raid.

What surprised you most when you became Clinton County Sheriff? “The strict regulations the Commissioner of Corrections had on the operation of jails. It even got to the point where we had to send the inmate meal menu to Albany for approval to ensure that inmates were properly nourished. Also, the amount of money it costs for medical/drug treatment for inmates.”

What was the most challenging part of being a town justice? “There are a lot of defendants’ rights, hearings, motions, dealing with the district attorney’s office, dealing with the county and family court judges, the probation office, sheriff’s office and Office of Court Administration. You have to attend justice school and be certified every year. Today every court session is recorded. There’s a lot to it.”

What is the biggest challenge facing the criminal justice system today? “The proliferation of drugs. An awful lot of crimes are committed to enable young people to get drugs: burglaries, larcenies, forgeries and as a result of being drugged up they are involved in serious car accidents, assaults, domestic violence, etc.”

What advice would you give anyone starting work in today’s world? “Take an interest in your job. Don’t be afraid to take that extra step to get it done right. Your supervisors will notice that. Have a good work ethic, be punctual and treat everyone with respect.”

Who had the most influence on your personal life? “My mother. She was very honest, very religious, a very hard worker and very family-oriented.

What is the best thing about living in Peru? “The people! We have great people here. We have a lot of conveniences. I live a mile from the school, the church, the drugstore, the hardware store, the garage, the supermarket, the town hall and three restaurants. It’s a beautiful area geographically. I love it here.”

Jack Lawliss concluded, “My life has been very rewarding in both my family and occupation. I’ve been blessed with good health. I have four successful children and nineteen grandchildren and I’ve been blessed with the ability to earn a good living.” Jack married Peru resident Gail Prevost in 1958. The couple’s four children Tim, Anne, Michael and Brenda all reside in the Town of Peru.

Capitol Confidential » Bharara: After Silver arrest, ‘stay tuned’ for more.

Standing by their man – Times Union.

A message from Empire State Development

The Empire State Development (ESD) Board of Directors met today in New York City and approved $3.4 million in funding for nine projects that are spurring economic growth and opportunity in New York State. These targeted investments will leverage over $19.7 million in private and other public funding to support local businesses, community and downtown revitalization, and projects that are building a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation. The projects will directly create 50 new jobs and retain 409 existing New York State jobs.

The Board approved the following Regional Council award grants: Read more »

On Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, Peru Central School District will be presenting its second workshop of a four part series titled ‘Empowering Parents.’ This second workshop will focus on ‘CRUTCHES: A Parenting Framework That Parents Can Lean On’, and hopes to provide parents with tips for managing the challenges of parenting and life circumstances, attaining balance amidst trying times, and discussing the ABC’s (aka, Awareness, Balance, and Control) of being an empowered parent.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Peru Jr/Sr High School and is open to all families within the school district.

For Further Information, Please Contact Tom Bull @ 643-6304

Regular Mtg Agenda 01262015

FBI raids Essex Town Hall – Press-Republican: Local News.

A message from the Peru District office:

Lock-down procedures were practiced by 7th-12th grade students today. The safety drill that occurred at the Jr/Sr High School was planned months ago. The drill was designed to help students and staff members safely practice emergency procedures.

Student safety represents the foundation upon which learning in school is made possible. Maintaining an environment that secures the physical safety and promotes the emotional well-being of every Peru student is essential to our shared mission. The administration, faculty, and staff of Peru Central School District are dedicated to fostering a safe and stable school climate based on respect and belonging.

Recent events, including bomb threats, at area schools have necessitated building lock down and evacuation procedures at two neighboring school districts this past week. The response in each was admirable, made possible in part by the drill rehearsals that supervising adults and students had practiced together beforehand. Peru CSD received a similar threat yesterday afternoon as students were departing the building.

Emergency drills have also taken place across the campus of Peru CSD in both buildings. These are generally announced earlier in the year and unannounced later in the year as students become accustomed to expectations. Practice drills provide opportunity to step through the sequence of responses that would likely be experienced in an actual emergency.

One such drill occurred in the Elementary School on November 25, 2014. Our younger students were able to ask questions and better understand what they are expected to do during a lock down emergency. Developmentally appropriate responses were provided by their teachers. Adults and students alike were able to benefit from the experience.

On January 23, 2015, secondary students in the Jr/Sr High School experienced a planned lock down drill. This prearranged exercise was coordinated with law enforcement agencies and emergency responders beginning in October, 2014. The exercise was designed in part to allow these community resources to familiarize themselves with Peru safety procedures as well as the physical layout of our buildings.

No advance warning was provided to the adults and students in the building, nor was pre-notification provided to our parent partners at home. The reason for practicing this lock down drill without notice was to simulate conditions of an actual emergency as realistically as possible.

In closing, please rest assured that the administration, faculty, and staff members of Peru CSD are deeply committed to providing a safe environment in which learning can occur and distractions to student growth and development are minimized.

Update as of 4:38 PM 

The Jr/Sr High School has been thoroughly cleared by law enforcement. The building will remain secured until a normal class schedule resumes tomorrow. No one will be permitted into the building until tomorrow morning. District Administrator’s will continue to work cooperatively with law enforcement to investigate this incident. The District greatly appreciates the assistance law enforcement provided and professionalism they demonstrated during this incident.

Jr/Sr High School Building Incident 1/22

At approximately 2:10 p.m. this afternoon a note was turned into the Jr/Sr High School Principal’s Office indicating that the school would be bombed. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and the District is presently coordinating with law enforcement to properly secure the building. Students and adults have been evacuated from the Jr/Sr High School and this building will remain closed until the building has been properly cleared by law enforcement. Additional information will be released as the situation develops.

A message from the Peru Central School

Peru Central School District is taking the lead investigating solar initiatives by hosting a ‘Solar Symposium’ on Monday, February 2, 2015. The meeting will be held in the Jr/Sr High School Auditorium from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and is open to all.

Exploring solar opportunities on school campuses promotes student learning, a commitment to a healthier future, and the promise of a sustainable financial efficiency tool.

Peru CSD is partnering with area organizations to provide school government and business attendees with the information needed to make informed decisions as to whether or not a project of any scale would be advantageous to school districts and the respective community.

Presenters are looking forward to providing ideas and recognized models for leveraging investment dollars in support of solar energy projects on public school property between two or more school districts and/or in cooperation with municipalities.

Reservations are greatly appreciated and should be directed to Kimberly DesChamp at deschamp@citec.org.

A message from Peru United Soccer Club Executive Director Alex Jess

We currently have a U6 (Under-6) soccer program going on in the Peru Intermediate Gym on Fridays starting at 6:30 and running until 7:30P. There are seven more sessions, including 1/23/15. There are still 3 spots available. The cost is $45 and that covers a t-shirt, gym rental fee, and equipment.

We have several U10 (Under-10) slots available too. Their fee is $130, includes 8 practices at the Peru Intermediate Gym (starting Saturday January 31, 2015 and 12:00p to 1:30p), 8 games at the Crete Center (on Tuesday evenings), and includes a jersey.

We are also able to start a another U8 program but would need at least 6 interested players committed by 1/27/15. That is the final date to register a team with the Plattsburgh Recreation Department. Their practice would be Saturday afternoons after the U10 practice.

Lastly, we have an opportunity for town children to burn some energy during February Vacation. We are running a soccer camp that will run Monday through Friday and has two sessions, covering ages 6 to 10 in the morning and 10 to 14 in the afternoon.

We currently have 17 U6 players, 9 U8 players, 16 U10 players, and help another U12 team with equipment and insurance.

Alex Jess
Executive Director – Peru United Soccer Club
(518) 593-1409

U6 Registration

U8-10 Registration

February Futsal Camp

Sheldon Silver, Speaker of New York Assembly, Is Accused of Taking Millions in Graft 

Police: Unattended death related to medical issues – Press-Republican: Local News.

Fun with friends that will benefit our local veterans.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

SUPER BOWL PARTY @ PERU MEMORIAL VFW
710 Pleasant St, Rte 22B
Peru, New York

Munchies and other specials. Multiple TVs.
No cover charge.

Feb 1, 2015 4 p.m. until ?????

Sheldon Silver, New York Assembly Speaker, Faces Arrest on Corruption Charges – NYTimes.com.

UVM Medical Center Has Grown into a Billion-Dollar Monolith | Healthcare | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice.

Man found dead in Plattsburgh yard – Press-Republican: News.

From the Peru School District Office.

For the past nine years, Peru CSD has organized a Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) that has served to inform and promote school-community discussion concurrent with the school district budget development process.

The BAC typically meets 3-4 times to develop an understanding of revenues and expenditures, components of a balanced budget, and particular challenges that face the school district. Traditionally, the BAC has formulated recommendations for Board consideration to assist the Board and administration.

The BAC is tentatively scheduled to meet at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, January 27th, Thursday, February 12th, Thursday, February 26th and Tuesday, March 17th. In addition to these informational sessions, the BAC will be invited to share their recommendations with the School Board on Tuesday, March 24th during a public budget development workshop.

If you wish to participate in any of the meetings of the BAC, please register by calling 643-6004. Thank you.

The Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum, 250 River Road, Peru, NY is proud to announce that on January 12, 2015, they were granted their Absolute Charter by the New York State Board of Regents. The museum was provisionally chartered by the Board of Regents on January 12, 2010. By granting the museum an Absolute Charter, the Board of Regents has certified that the Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum meets their organizational and educational standards and that our museum has a record of financial stability, programmatic accomplishment, and a reputation for excellence.

The museum would like to thank all of our valuable volunteers who helped make this milestone possible. The Babbie Museum is open mid-May through mid- October. For more information, please visit our website at www.babbiemuseum.org and our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babbiemuseum.