The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan (Published 9:37 PM and updated with totals 9:42 PM)

Bonnie Berry and Jill Folsom easily won election to the Peru Central School Board of Education. Incumbents Donna LaRocque and Genie Denton were third and fourth respectively. The budget, capital spending and school bus propositions passed by wide margins.

Totals received from Peru Central:

Budget Proposition #1 Yes – 693 No – 247

Capital Project Proposition #2 Yes – 648 No – 282

Bus Proposition #3 Yes – 661 No – 246

Board Member 7/1/14-6/30/19 Term Bonnie Berry

Board Member 5/21/14-6/30/15 Term Jill Folsom

What Elise Stefanik’s Harvard writings tell us about her politics | News from North Country Public Radio.

NY21: Is Elise Stefanik a fresh new voice or a carpetbagger? | News from North Country Public Radio.

Peru – Fun for the whole family! Museum Days at Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum, 250 River Road on June 7-8, 2014 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Exhibits, live demonstrations, hands-on fun for the kids – grind corn, collect “eggs”, milk a cow, take a stagecoach ride, pet the animals.

The Peru SPCA will be at the museum with several animals (potential pets). Please consider leaving a donation to help this wonderful local organization.  Picnic area available…. bring your own lunch or hotdogs, michigans, chips, soda and baked goods will be available for purchase.

Former Plattsburgh man fatally shot in California » Local News » Press-Republican    Editor’s Note: Pat Gregory was married to Peru native Dorothy Lacombe.  Pat and Dorothy were in Peru last year to attend Dorothy’s 50th Peru Central School Class Reunion. They were vacationing in California.

Here is a link to the story in Pat’s hometown newspaper in Martha’s Vineyard.

http://www.mvtimes.com/2014/05/17/pat-gregory-murdered-while-hiking-in-california/

4 seek 2 Peru School Board seats » Local News » Press-Republican.

School budget, board voting today » Local News » Press-Republican.

By John T. Ryan

Most local residents know the Harkness to Clintonville Road as a short cut to AuSable Forks and the Adirondack Region. Many people think of it as a lonely highway known for the blueberries on the Clintonville Plains. But for past the few summers, passersby have noticed a thing of beauty about two miles west of the Harkness Methodist Church. Flowers of every sort are rising from a terraced rock garden overlooking a quiet pond. Some people can’t believe their eyes and reverse direction. If they do they’re likely to find Art Ford, a professional logger from Clintonville. 

Ford was working in the garden yesterday May 18^th.  He explained, “I own the property. About three or four years ago beavers built a large dam here and I had to come in and cut the trees. After I cut the trees it started to be something different.” Ford returned again and again after he finished his workday in the woods and on weekends. When people see him working they stop by and others stop when he’s not there. Ford says, “I hope people stop by and think about something other than what’s going on in the world today.” When people ask what he’s named this people place he says, “Sometimes I think “Serenity” would be a good name, but I really don’t have a name.” A Christian cross surrounded by beautiful tulips overlooks the peaceful pond. Ford said he hopes people to take time to think about God when they visit. He remarked, “I say I’m trying to get into heaven on a maintenance visa.” 

Ford has hauled the hundreds of rocks from Au Sable Forks. Visitors have donated birdhouses and other items. His friend Denise Leiper plants and takes care of the flowers. Tulips and daffodils are in full bloom, but many more varieties will be planted though the summer. Ford remarked, “New people stop by every day. They’re very respectful of the property. Sometimes I forget tools here and they’re always here when I return.” 

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

WASHINGTON—In recognition of National Small Business Week this week, Congressman Owens is highlighting the economic importance of small businesses and entrepreneurs. This year marks the 51st annual National Small Business Week honoring the vital role of small businesses and the passion of U.S. entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are critical for U.S. economic growth and job creation, especially for middle class families that count on them for employment and a steady salary,” said Rep. Owens. “These businesses also drive innovation and export growth, ensuring long-term U.S. global competitiveness. Supporting local businesses means supporting local jobs, local innovation and economic growth in our communities. I encourage everyone to join me in recognizing small businesses throughout our region this week.”

Small businesses are at the heart of the New York State and U.S. economies. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

– Small businesses have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ 48.5 percent of the country’s private sector workforce. More than 99 percent of New York employer firms are small businesses. They also generate 44 percent of U.S. nonfarm GDP.
– 9.1 million veterans are small business owners. Women own more than 7.8 million small businesses and represent a growing share of total business owners.
– New York State has more than 2 million small businesses (7.2 percent of the national total) spread across every region, community and neighborhood in the state.
– Small businesses produce 16 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms. In 2012, New York ranked third in the number of patents awarded in the U.S.
– Small businesses represent 98 percent of all exporters and produce 1/3 of all exported goods. In 2012, New York State ranked third in the U.S. in the value of exports by small businesses: more than $7 Read more »

On May 24th and 25th The North Star Underground Railroad Museum will mini-bus Tour of underground railroad sites in Keeseville and Peru. Spend the morning hearing the stories and learning about the men and women who traveled on the underground railroad and those who provided safe passage to fugitives from slavery. There are several stops including one at the hidden room located in a barn at the former Stephen Keese Smith farm in Peru. Tour leaders are members of the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association. The two hour tour leaves the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, 1131 Mace Chasm Road, Ausable Chasm, NY, at 9:30 sharp. $10 per person. Reservations suggested. Include a visit to the Museum following the tour. Call or email 518‐834‐5180 or ugr@frontier.com.

Click here to view Jim Neyenhouse’s Peru High School Spring Concert Photos 

Please watch as a slideshow on a PC and turn up the music! The music combined with the photos is an emotional experience for me. Zenfolio | Photos | North Country Honor Flight – May 17, 2014.

DiNapoli: Job Gains Slow for IDA-Supported Projects, 5/13/14.

DiNapoli Expands Anti-Corruption Initiative, 5/12/14.

From the Office of NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

The former bookkeeper in the town of Altona in Clinton County altered cash receipts in order to embezzle $23,500 in public funds, according to an audit and investigation released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “This individual controlled town finances with little oversight and had no difficulty in pocketing public money,” said DiNapoli. “Unfortunately, my office continues to uncover instances such as this where local officials are taking advantage of lax financial controls and helping themselves to the money in the public till. We have referred our findings to Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie.”
DiNapoli’s audit revealed that, between 2009 and 2013, town officials could not account for all moneys remitted to the bookkeeper and ensure they were deposited and properly recorded in the accounting records.

Auditors found that the bookkeeper – Danielle Peryea, 34 – Read more »

Joseph Kelley (Right) and Escort Jeff Pescia

Peggy Eisele escorted by her son Ed Eisele

By John T. Ryan

A Peru resident and the mother of a Peru resident are among the fifteen veterans participating in the North Country Honor Flight today. Joe Kelley and Ed Eisele’s mother Peggy Eisele both served in the U.S. Navy. Joe Kelley (1943-46) served in the Philippine Theater as an Executive Officer on a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI). Peggy Eisele served in administration as a Navy Wave from 1943 to 1945.

The Honor Flight send-off began at 7:15 AM at the U.S. Oval with a Flag Ceremony and remarks by Plattsburgh Mayor James Calnon and main speaker WPTZ New Anchor George Mallet. Police and motorcyclists led the motorcade to Plattsburgh International Airport where a large crowd applauded as the veterans entered the terminal. The flight was scheduled to takeoff at 9:30 AM.

This afternoon the veterans will visit the National World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Monument if time allows. At 5:30 PM they will stop at VFW Post #8097 in Jessup, Maryland for dinner. They are scheduled to arrive back in Plattsburgh at 10:45 PM.

Click here to see a slideshow with music for a desktop computer. Click here to see individual ceremony photos.

The veterans being honored today include:

• Rolland O. Barre, Malone, NY, U.S. Army 1943-46, escorted by Kim Drzymala
• Joseph J. Demarco, Jay, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Patrick Perry
• Clarence E. Duquette, Cadyville, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Debra Varin
• Florine “Peggy” Eisele, Saranac Lake, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-45, escorted by Ed Eisele
• James J. Fleming, West Chazy, NY, Army of Canada, escorted by Kelly Roberts
• Francis F. Karl, Onchiota, NY, U.S. Air Force 1950-54, escorted by Barbara Ellen Hlat
• Joseph W. Kelly, Peru, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-46, escorted by Donald “Jeff” Pescia
• Victor E. LaFountain, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Army 1945-47, escorted by Terri Mumley
• Arthur L. LeFevre, Morrisonville, NY, U.S. Army 1946-47, escorted by Stephen LeFevre
• Robert S. Mullady, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-45, escorted by Mike Mumley
• Stanley A Ranson Jr., Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Army 1946-78, escorted by Cliff Sterling
• Sandy F. Romeo, Massena, NY, U.S. Marine Corps 1942-45, escorted by Sandy Romeo Jr.
• Lorn J. Snow, Ausable Forks, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-47, escorted by Kyle Brister
• Robert E. Stoneberger, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Richard Cutting
• John E. Sweet, Port Henry, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Janice Sweet.

Watertown Daily Times | Clarkson soccer coach Hillary arrested in Garrett Phillips murder (VIDEO).

Bruno acquitted of political corruption charges – Times Union.

By John T. Ryan

Peru Charter Communications customers may be forced to change cable providers. At the Monday, May 12, 2014 Town Board meeting Supervisor Peter Glushko stated that Charter Communications is considering turning over Clinton County service to the Comcast Corporation. The two companies are negotiating an exchange agreement whereby each company would turn over cable service to the strongest provider in a given region. The change would not take place until 2015. Since Peru’s cable franchise agreement is up for renewal, Glushko said he hopes to get cable access for more Peru residents. Under the existing agreement cable service has to be offered when there are more than 20 customers per mile. In February 2014 Comcast announced its intent to purchase Time-Warner, the company that provides cable service in the northern regions of Clinton County. It appears that Comcast could end up with a Clinton County monopoly.

Two issues arose during the pubic comment portion of the meeting. Robin and Chuck Callioras informed the Board that they have taken over the operation of the car wash in Tops Market Plaza. Last July Robin Callioras took over the operation of the Village Laundry, which is located in the same plaza. Chuck Callioras said, “We want to know if there is any way water/sewer rates could be reduced. We’ve cleaned up the car wash. We no longer use recycled water like the previous operator, but the water rates are killing us.” Supervisor Peter Glushko and Counselor Kregg Bruno said the Board would look into the issue.

The Town of Plattsburgh, which sources its water from drilled wells and has many more users to pay the cost, reportedly has one of the lowest water-sewer rates in the country. It’s quarterly water-sewer charge is based on a 7,000 gallon minimum charge of $59.00. A Peru district user would be charged $113.00 for 7,000 gallons water-sewer usage. The City of Plattsburgh has a surface water system similar to Peru’s. 7,000 gallons of quarterly water-sewer service in the City would cost $223.92. None of the communities gives commercial users a preferred rate.

Last June Heidi Danis of Coastland Drive appeared before the Board to complain that a neighbor was renting his house by the week throughout the summer in violation of the zoning law. Subsequent investigation corroborated her statements and the property owner was forced to cancel several weekly rentals. Peru enacted a new zoning law in late 2013 that does not prohibit weekly rentals. Danis appeared at Monday’s meeting stating that the house is booked again this summer. She voiced the opinion that the rentals typically involve more than one family, hence they violate the law’s definition of a single-family use. She claimed that New York State Courts have backed up this interpretation. Supervisor Glushko and Town Attorney Donald Biggs told Danis to speak with Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord and to ask for his interpretation. She promised to video the rental situation and submit the video to the Board. Town Attorney Donald Biggs told Danis she was free to initiate Article 78 legal proceeding if she disagrees with the Code Enforcement Officer’s ruling.

In other news/actions:

• The Board awarded the Town Hall Front Step Renovation Contract to Northern Snow and Dirt Inc. of Plattsburgh in the amount of $95,850.
• The Board awarded the Highway Garage Roof Repair Project to S&R Constriction Inc. of Corinth, NY in the amount of $148,360.
• Awarded the Highway Department clothing cleaning/supply contract to UniFirst for $104.84 per week.
• Declared the Water Quality Improvement Project to be complete. There are a few cleanup items, but they are considered to be guarantee work.

Paul Smiths College eliminates 23 jobs » Local News » Press-Republican.

With legislative vacancies, state pays for empty district offices | Capital New York.

Gun control, residency at issue in GOP battle » Local News » Press-Republican.

Empire State Development’s (ESD) Board of Directors today approved more than $4.4 million to support six economic development projects in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, North Country and New York City regions. The funding will leverage more than $5.6 million in private and additional public investments to support businesses, improve important infrastructure and lay the groundwork for future economic growth and job creation.
“Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, we are making targeted investments that are supporting major economic development projects across New York State,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “From supporting the creation of business parks and technology centers to advancing the manufacturing industry, these projects are creating jobs and building a solid foundation for future growth.”

The ESD Board approved the following Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) grants:

Plattsburgh Airport Water Infrastructure (North Country Region – Clinton County) – $200,000
Clinton County will use a grant of up to $200,000 for a portion of the cost of water supply infrastructure upgrades and improvements to the Plattsburgh International Airport. Clinton County has owned and operated the airport, formerly the U.S. Air force Base at Plattsburgh, as a full-service civilian airport and commercial-industrial complex. The airport’s 60-year-old water supply infrastructure desperately needed to be upgraded, as some areas had inadequate water supply to provide water service for commercial customers and fire protection services. Additionally, the existing mains have exceeded their design lifespan, resulting in frequent ruptures and increasing the financial burden to the taxpayers within the water district.

Read more »

Fred LeBrun: From Bruno, a thing or two for Cuomo – Times Union.