The Peru Gazette

Capitol Confidential » Cuomo’s convict higher ed proposal React-O-Mat™.

Capitol Confidential » Big TZ bridge project comes with improper commuting bills.

NY eighth-graders’ math scores trail peers in Japan, Russia | New York Post.

Matt Doheny during a February 2012 visit to Peru

WATERTOWN – Matt Doheny today announced his bid for New York’s 21^st Congressional District seat. “I was honored that more than 120,000 voters chose me to represent them during the last election,” said Doheny. “Many told me they appreciated my real-world experience in tackling tough problems and working together with competing interests to find common ground.  That approach and real-world experience is sorely needed in a Congress too full of career insiders.”

“My parents taught me the value of hard work, and I owe my success to the North Country values they instilled in me,” said Doheny. “While I had to leave the North Country for a time to continue my career, this will be my home for the rest of my life; and I’m committed to helping the next generation – including my seven-month-old son, Declan – follow their dreams right here at home.” Read more »

Mission of Hope nears Nicaragua » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Learn About Maple Sugaring at Wild Center This Weekend – The Adirondack Almanack –

Watertown Daily Times | Hogansburg Akwesasne fire captain accused of theft of department funds.

Buffalo Republican opposes Cuomo’s college plan for prisoners – Politics on the Hudson.

A higher goal for prisons – The Observation Deck.

State mental health official cited on suspect expense reports – Times Union.

Capitol Confidential » Q Poll: New Yorkers are totally OK with weed.

NY State suspends driver’s license of 7,850 tax deadbeats | New York Post.

Cuomo wants to bring back college courses for convicts in prison – NY Daily News.

Will Big Blue fade to dark in Albany? – Times Union.

Debate builds on need for local mental health services – Times Union.

Cuomo plans re-election without de Blasio, NYC Dems | New York Post.

50 years of firefighting » Local News » Press-Republican.

An Invitation from the Peru Drama Club

Come one come all down to Peru Jr/Sr High School auditorium on March 6th & 7th at 7:30pm and March 8th at 3:00 and 8:00pm. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. Tickets can be purchased at Peru Pharmacy (518-643-6499 ext. 5184), perudramaclub@gmail.com , or at the door. The event page on Facebook can be found using this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/250379798472975/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

Travel back to the 1950’s when Conrad Birdie, a national icon comparable to artist Elvis Presley, is confronted with the apprehension of being drafted into the army. Albert Peterson, Conrad’s manager, is now stuck between a rock and a hard place. Albert is struggling to further his relationship with his secretary and girlfriend Rosie Alvarez, and is conflicted with his mother Mae’s own sentiments. Rosie devises an ingenious strategy to get Conrad into the army, with expectations of decreasing the tension on Albert. One fortunate teenager, Kim MacAfee is chosen at random to receive “One Last Kiss” from Conrad Birdie on the Ed Sullivan Show, bidding him goodbye into the army. Being a teenage girl, Kim MacAfee has numerous decisions to face between Conrad Birdie, her envious steady boyfriend Hugo Peabody, and a typical disagreeing father. In the heat of things, Albert Peterson gets the MacAfee family time on the Ed Sullivan Show in an effort to straighten out controversy in the MacAfee house. What happens that night on the Ed Sullivan Show is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! So, come on down to Peru Jr/Sr High School and watch this spectacular show.

With a book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams, BYE BYE BIRDIE is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time.A satire done with the fondest affection, and full of musical theatre classics, it is the tops in imagination and good old fashioned fun.

Hannah Osborne, Co-Director

Christopher Urban, Co-Director

Todd Pray, Music Director

Meg Matthews, Choreographer

Amber Arnold, Costume Designer

Nikki Hilchey, Stage Manager

Kali Dorey, Assistant Manager

The Cast: Read more »

Storm brings numerous cancellations » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Council holds first meeting since being awarded a Top Performer in Round 3 of the Regional Council competition 

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) today held its first public meeting of 2014 at SUNY Plattsburgh.  The council met to provide an overview of last year’s presentation to the Strategic Implementation Assessment Team (SIAT) and its Strategic Plan reviews and awards.  The North Country was named a “Top Performer” in December 2013 as a part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council and Consolidated Funding Application initiative, and was awarded $81.3 million for 70 projects across the seven-county region. In addition, the Councildiscussed next steps in 2014, including restructuring of the group and the launch of additional council initiatives going forward to grow the North Country economy and create jobs.

During the meeting, the NCREDC’s Work Groups updated the council on their continued progress and Co-Chair Garry Douglas introduced an additional Work Group, Global North Country, which will focus its efforts on implementing the Governor’s new Global NY initiative into the region’s Strategic Plan.  Global NY will link the Governor’s Regional Council and START-UP NY initiatives to accelerate the state’s success in growing exports and attracting foreign direct investment.     Read more »

Watertown Daily Times | Who is Aaron Woolf? And why is he running for Congress?.

Watertown Daily Times | SUNY Canton, Potsdam react to indictment of shared vice president.

New standards should stay – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

The Adirondack Humane Society is Peru’s new Dog Shelter provider. The Peru Town Board voted unanimously to enter into a contract with the Adirondack Humane Society at its February 10, 2014 meeting.  The Elmore SPCA previously these services for many years, but the Town proposed significant contract changes and the two parties could not reach an agreement. The Adirondack Humane Society agreed to the proposed town contract.  Kelly Allen will remain as Dog Control Officer. The Adirondack Humane Society is located at 134 Idaho Avenue in Plattsburgh.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko said Elmore SPCA officials did not feel confortable with the liability portion of the contract. SPCA Board President Laurie Parsons agreed with Glushko’s statement and told The Peru Gazette that the Elmore SPCA will still be present to serve Peru and North County residents.  If an individual wants to surrender a dog or cat they are welcome. The Elmore SPCA will continue to provide shelter services for the City of Plattsburgh and four other towns. ELMORE SPCA 2013 CONTRACT    2014 Contract Agreed to by the Adirondack HS

Mailboxes were on the Board’s agenda. Supervisor Glushko said he has received a few phone calls from residents who stated that Highway Department plows damaged or destroyed their mailboxes. Glushko explained, “The Town can’t be responsible for mailboxes that aren’t installed properly. I’ve looked at every damaged box. It was evident they were not installed according to Postal Service guidelines.”  Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said the damaged mailboxes were either installed at less than the recommended height or they had a 45-degree support arm. Farrell said plow operators try their best to avoid striking mailboxes, but when a plow meets an oncoming vehicle in the vicinity of an improperly installed mailbox, it’s very possible that the plow’s wing will strike the mailbox. Supervisor Glushko stated that the Town would reimburse a mailbox owner if it were evident that the plow operator was at fault.

Responding to a petition asking for improved sidewalk maintenance which was presented at the Board’s January 27^th meeting, Town Attorney Donald Biggs stated that when the Town Board decided to plow hamlet sidewalks “it created a special relationship” meaning the Town could be liable in certain situations.  This winter’s harsh weather and icy conditions have resulted in unusual problems. All the Board members stated that they did not want to stop plowing sidewalks. Water-Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Timmons said the town does have a sander.

The Board scheduled a February 24, 2014 Public Hearing (6:30 PM) related to formalizing best value procurement.  When bids are solicited for a good or service NYS law permits a town to select a bid, other than the low bid, if that bid provides better value to the town. Supervisor Glushko gave an example of an Illinois company submitting the low bid, but a local company being in a better position to provide faster, better service and maintenance.

Clinton County 2013 sales collections exceeded expectations; therefore the Town of Peru will be receiving $104,700. It will be applied to the general fund balance.

The Peru Youth Commission received a donation of $285 from the Jim Reid family.  Reid, an avid Youth Commission volunteer, passed away on November 7, 2013. His family requested that donations in his memory be made to the Peru Youth Commission.

Town Clerk Kathy Flynn reported that 2014 tax collections went more smoothly than in any year in her experience. Over $2.5 million has been collected.

The Board approved two contracts: An accounting services contract with the firm of Conroy, Boulrice, Telling and Trombley at an hourly rate of $95 an hour and a consulting contract with Tedford Consulting at a rate of $65 an hour. Supervisor Glushko said Liz Tedford has been responsible for  the receipt of several grants for Water and Sewer Department projects.

The Board discussed responding to a 2012 State Audit recommendation that the Town project its future cost of employee retirement benefits. Projecting future costs will probably require an actuarial study.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his Department used 5,900 yards of sand in four months: 52 loads in November, 178 loads in December, 85 loads in January and 78 loads in February.  As of January 1, 2014, the Town had used more sand than in it did in all the previous winter.

Budget Highlights Programs that Strengthen US-Canada Trade, Flow of People and Goods at Northern Border

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

PLATTSBURGH, NY—Today, Representative Bill Owens applauded Canada’s proposed 2014 budget, which was delivered to Parliament earlier this week. The proposal outlined Canada’s trade agenda and highlighted its accomplishments over the last year.

“Canada’s proposed budget reflects the ruling party’s strong commitment to our vital trade partnership,” Rep. Bill Owens said. “I applaud Canada’s investments in port-of-entry infrastructure over the previous year and the nation’s future support for programs that speed the flow of goods and people crossing the border.”

The Harper Administration’s budget includes the following items that are relevant to New York’s 21^st Congressional District:

• The budget highlights the completion of the first joint Border Infrastructure Investment Plan and confirmed Canadian border expansion projects. Two of the plan’s projects, which were first announced in 2013, are located directly across the border from the 21^st Congressional District. The first is a $60 million project at the Landsdowne, Ontario crossing, which connects Canada to the United States via the Thousand Islands Bridge. The second is a $47 million project at the Lacolle, Quebec border crossing, which connects Canada and the United States at the Champlain Port of Entry via the Adirondack Northway (I-87).   Read more »