The Peru Gazette

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF MUSIC AT THE LITTLE AUSABLE PARK GAZEBO EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM, JUNE 28 THROUGH AUGUST 23 

• JUNE 28 – LARRY LEE EBERE – CLASSIC COUNTRY, COUNTRY ROCK, NEW COUNTRY
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• JULY 5 – THE BACKROADS BAND – NEW & CLASSIC COUNTRY, 60’S & 70’S ROCK
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• JULY 12 –  FROZEN SUNSHINE – CLASSIC ROCK
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• JULY 19 – incaHOOTS – ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, NEW COUNTRY
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• JULY 26 – THE K.T.K BAND – CLASSIC THROUGH CONTEMPORARY ROCK
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• AUGUST 2 – BOOTLEG BAND – COUNTRY, TOP 40 VARIETY, 60’S ROCK- PRESENT
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• AUGUST 9 – JAM HONEY – ROCK AND POP, 70’S TO TODAY
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• AUGUST 16 – TOWNE MEETING – FOLK, COUNTRY TO ACOUSTIC ROCK
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• AUGUST 23 – TOO TALL STRING BAND – ADIRONDACK, CELTIC, COUNTRY, BLUEGRASS
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• IN CASE OF RAIN, CONCERT WILL BE HELD @ THE PERU COMMUNITY CHURCH FELLOWSHIP CENTER (EXCEPT FOR AUGUST 2)
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•  **BRING CHAIRS & BLANKETS, NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED**
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• BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TOWN OF PERU 643-2745 x 7

Assistant Commissioner for Correctional Facilities James O’Gorman filling Superintendent Steve Racette’s position as new administrative team takes over this week.

Source: 12 Clinton Correctional employees suspended, including superintendent – Press-Republican: Prison Escape

By John T. Ryan

Former Clinton County Legislator James Langley is reentering the political arena as a Republican candidate for the Peru Town Council in this November’s election. Langley, who chaired the county legislature for several years, commented, “I may be termed out as a county legislator, but I still have a lot to offer the community.” A few years ago the Clinton County Legislature voted to limit legislator terms of office to 10 consecutive years.”

Peru native and resident Dwane Bast is the other Republican candidate. Bast, the owner-operator of Adirondack Coffee Roasters, said, “My heart is really into this. I love Peru and want to work hard to keep it a great community.”

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn nominated James Langley and Town Counselor/County Republican Chairman Donald McBrayer nominated Dwane Bast at the June 25^th Republican caucus.

Langley and Bast will oppose Democrat incumbents Brandy McDonald and Kregg Bruno who the Democrats nominated at their June 24th caucus.  The two top vote getters will win the race.

The Peru Gazette will ask each candidate for an interview prior to the November election.

By John T. Ryan

Continuing his effort to move Peru Town Court to the Town Hall’s lower level Counselor Kregg Bruno employed a less strident approach at the June 22, 2015 Town Board meeting. Addressing Town Historian Ron Allen, Bruno stated, “The location of the judges’ chambers all rely on you, sir… you don’t have to move unless you want to. I have a proposal that I’d like you to look at.” Bruno handed Allen a written description of his proposal that he said would result in Allen having added display, storage and cabinet display space. He stated, “It would be a great thing to be able to show your stuff off and we have plenty of help to move anything you want…If you don’t want to move you don’t have to…With all the stuff you collected over the years and everything you’ve done, I think you deserve more than being located in the basement of the Town Hall.” Bruno added that he had never been in Allen’s office until the previous week. He told Allen, “I think it would be great for more people in the town of Peru to see your items.”

Counselor Brandy McDonald asked Bruno Read more »

A week distinguished by DNA discoveries and well-organized sweeps was the final stage of a 23-day slog that was hampered, at times, by missed signals.

Source: Squabbling, Hesitation and Luck Had Roles in Manhunt for New York Prison Escapees – The New York Times

Source: Following the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail | Food + Drink Features | Seven Days | Vermont’s Independent Voice

Captured escapee now at Albany Medical Center.

Source: Sweat still in critical condition – Press-Republican: Local News

The Town of Peru Republican Party will have a Caucus at 7:00PM on Thursday, June 25th, 2015 at the Peru Town Hall, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the two Town Council positions up for election this November.

Only registered Republicans who are in attendance and signed in prior to 7PM can participate in this caucus.

Monday, law enforcement worked to create a perimeter around Mountain View area where fugitives were thought to be hiding.

Source: Timeline shows manhunt progress – Press-Republican: Prison Escape

The Peru Community Church recognized four of their graduating Seniors on Sunday at the annual Baccalaureate Sunday. From left to right: Benjamin Morgan, Kimberly Wagner, Andrew Thew and Hannah Osborne.

St. Augustine’s Church recognized Peru High School graduates Nathan Kennedy and Shauna Fliss.

Regular Mtg Agenda22Jun2015

The Democratic Party of the Town of Peru will have a Caucus at 7:00PM on Wednesday, June 24th, 2015 at 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 24, 2015.

 I look forward to seeing you at the caucus. Thank you for your support.

Brandy McDonald

Chairman

Calling all those over 50. Looking for something fun and fit to do this summer?  Think about participating on the Trailblazer Challenge.  Walk the seven accessible trails in Clinton County by October 13, 2015 and get a Trailblazer T-shirt and, if among the first 50, a pedometer and walking journal.  But the real prize is checking out some local trails with your friends and family.

The seven trails are:

• Hagar Heritage Trail, Plattsburgh
• Heritage Trail/Karen Fleury Memorial Bike Bath, Plattsburgh
• Terry J. Gordon Recreational Path, Plattsburgh
• Point Au Roche Trail, Plattsburgh
• Saranac River Trail, Plattsburgh
• Silver Lake Bog Trail, Ausable
• Little Ausable River Trail, Peru

Two other local trails that can be walked but are not paved and are not part of the Challenge are:

• New Land Trust Trails, Saranac
• Cadyville Park Trails, Cadyville

Please see the Registration Form at www.perutown.com/TrailblazersRegistrationForm.pdfand more detailed information about the trails and the Challenge at www.perutown.com/TrailblazersFlyerHandout.pdf.

The kick-off will be part of the Clinton County’s Health Department’s Longest Day of Play on Friday June 26th. At 8:15am please join us at the Saranac River Trail at the Angel Street entrance.  You don’t need to be at the kick-off to participate in the Challenge but it would be fun to start this off all together.  So talk to some friends and get ready to be Trailblazers this summer.

For more information call the Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Department at (518) 562-6860 x 862 or email aging@clintoncountygov.com.

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