The Peru Gazette

Farm cideries get boost in NY.

Moreland co-chair received donations from intel-gathering contractor | Capital New York.

A low-cost, easy-to-implement on-farm solution for controlling a highly destructive alfalfa pest is now expected to pay off for New York strawberry growers. The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) has granted funds to Cornell University entomologist Elson Shields to evaluate the use of alfalfa snout beetle-controlling nematodes to manage two strawberry crop pests.  Read more »

Title: A LIVE RADIO MYSTERY THEATER PROGRAM
Location: Peru Free Library
Description: Monday, October 28th at 7:30pm.

Fifteen members of the community, 55 and older, have been rehearsing with a theater professor from SUNY for the last eight weeks. Three short radio plays will be performed, complete with sound effects. Free and open to the public. Please join us for a highly entertaining event. Guaranteed to be an evening that you won’t forget!

Start Time: 19:30
Date: 2013-10-28
End Time: 21:00

Empire State Development’s Board of Directors met today in New York City and approved $6.1 million in funding for projects that will create more than 70 new jobs and retain nearly 300 jobs throughout the Empire State. This funding will leverage over $244 million in additional investments to support business growth and lay the groundwork for future economic growth and job creation.

“The funds approved by the Board today support projects that are creating and retaining hundreds of jobs and helping to further grow our economy,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership and commitment to a business-friendly environment, the Regional Councils are reaching new heights and we look forward to their continued efforts that have a real impact in our communities throughout the state.”

The Board approved the following Downstate Revitalization Fund grant:  Read more »

Feds: Wormuth took $7,500 to write MMA letter – Times Union.

Correction 10/17/13: Corrected to read “Hazard Mitigation.” First post read “Flood Hazards.” 

By John T. Ryan

The Peru Town Board has a full schedule this month as it formulates its 2014 fiscal year budget and holds its regular meetings and a public hearing on changes in the zoning law.

At the Monday, October 14^th meeting the Board approved expenditure of up to $8,000 for engineering and application expenses related to hazard mitigation grants offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The competitive grants would pay for 75% of the project costs with the Town of Peru incurring the remaining 25%.  Water-Sewer Superintendent Greg Timmons presented priorities including a reservoir sediment trap, a Maiden Lane pump station and emergency generators. Councilman Brandy McDonald cautioned against having to increase water district tax rates. Supervisor Peter Glushko said one water district bond would be retired in 2014. Click here to see the town’s Top 10 Hazard Mitigation Priorities

Town employees will have to change health insurance carriers in 2014 because the Town’s insurance carriers have discontinued the current programs. The Board will explore alternatives. Town costs are not expected to increase.

The Board briefly discussed the planned walking trail including returning grant monies and not constructing the trail. After conferring with Grant Writer Adele Douglas, Supervisor Glushko told the Peru Gazette that it would cost more to stop the project than to complete it.  When the project was proposed it was believed that town departments could construct most of the trail. Glushko said grant construction standards and requirements are more complex than anticipated.  The availability of Highway Department and Water-Sewer Department equipment and personnel is also uncertain.

The Board continued its longtime discussion on repair or replacement of the Town Hall entrance steps. The Board has not reached a concept decision; therefore, bids cannot be solicited.

Construction of a new playground area and installation of equipment at Laphams Mills Park continues to be delayed because of incomplete project specifications and questions on workman’s compensation coverage. The new equipment has been in the town’s possession for several months.

A 2014 sand purchase agreement with Patrick and Shauna Remillard at a price of $2 per cubic yard was approved along with a $12.50 per parcel assessment contract with Clinton County.

Nine contractors have picked up bid information for the Fuller Rd. culvert repair project.  Given the number of interested contractors, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said, “I’m looking for a good bid.” Bids will be opened at 10 AM on Friday, October 18^th at the Peru Town Hall.

Farrell would also like to purchase a tandem truck-snowplow costing approximately $200,000 in 2014.  Farrell would have to cut back on overtime and highway paving to finance the purchase. Proceeds from selling a crusher would also help finance the truck.

The water quality improvement project equipment is up and running.  Project engineers hope to schedule a public information meeting in the near future.

FEMA monies related to Hurricane Irene repairs in the amount of $30,669 have been received.

Town Attorney Donald Biggs has prepared a revised Dog Control and Leash Law for Board consideration. Biggs said it corrects errors in the current law.

The New York State Association of Towns will conduct town board and town official  training in January.

An Elm Street resident wrote a letter to the Board stating that Elm St. is being reduced to one lane when cars are parked on both sides of the street. Supervisor Glushko said the Board would investigate the issue.

Report on low wages brings outcry – Times Union.

Rockland D.A.: 123 property owners came clean in STAR amnesty | The Journal News | lohud.com | lohud.com.

Older state Supreme Court judges no longer able to collect salary and pension simultaneously – NY Daily News.

Tappan Zee Bridge milestone: Permanent work begins | The Journal News | lohud.com | lohud.com.

Moreland panel readies subpoenas for state lawmakers – Times Union.

Afternoon read: High emotion in Common Core debate « The In Box.

Click Here – Zoning Board Agenda of 10-16-13

Terry Schmaltz and Mary Pearl

By John T. Ryan

Peru should be the home of two microbreweries sometime in 2014. Last month Livingood’s Restaurant announced plans to open a restaurant in November and a brewery a few months later. On October 9^th the Town Planning Board approved an application from the Valcour Brewing Company to construct a microbrewery on Route 9, a few hundred feet north of the entrance to Ausable Point State Park.

Mary Theresa Pearl and Terry Schmaltz told the Board that they plan to be brewing beer and hosting beer tastings in 2014. They will not operate a restaurant or pub, but customers will be able to taste their beers inside the brewery and on a large deck overlooking Lake Champlain. The 3,000 to 4,000 square foot building will be constructed on a 2.78 acre commercially zoned property.  Pearl said the building would have a residential look.

Discussing her products Pearl said, “We plan to have four flagship styles (a lager, pale ale, black IPA and a stout), plus seasonal styles.  We’ll have tastings and we plan to work with the tourist industry and local restaurants.” The beer names will be tied to the North Country with names such as Peru IPA, and others that relate to the Battle of Valcour.

A Plattsburgh native, Pearl told the Peru Gazette that she and her husband love this region’s beauty and history and want to be a part of preserving its past and enhancing its future. Mary Theresa Pearl is a graduate of St. John’s Academy and Siena College. Both she and her husband are retired U.S. Army officers.

Media Note: Word of Gas Pipeline Opposition Spreads to New York | Off Message: Vermont News and Politics from Seven Days.

Title: Water Department Budget Workshop
Location: Peru Town Hall
Description: Town Board discusses 2014 Water Department Budget
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2013-10-21
End Time: 20:30

itle: Town Board Sewer Budget Workshop
Location: Peru Town Hall
Description: Town Board to discuss the 2014 department/district budgets.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2013-10-16
End Time: 20:30

Title: Salary Budget Workshop
Location: Peru Town Hall
Description: Town Board discusses 2014 town employee salaries
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2013-10-29
End Time: 20:30

State education commissioner cancels appearances – City & Region – The Buffalo News.

Harvest Weekend at the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum in Peru was a great time for both kids and adults. What a wonderful job the Babbie family and the volunteers are doing. I give the museum a Five Star Rating! Click here for more photos. 

Members of St. Augustine’s Church and the Peru Community Church joined in prayer today in the 7th Annual Walk of Faith followed by a delicious dinner in the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Congratulations to everyone who made it such a success. All funds raised will be donated to the Mission of Hope and the Jamaica Project. Click here for more photos

Dimock Farms in Peru was one of four North Country farms holding an open house today. There was a big turnout to see this very modern, progressive farm. How dairy farming has changed! Dimock’s has been a family-run dairy since 1971 with three generations helping to operate the 600-acre farm with a herd of 270 cows. The farm has earned Super Milk awards for more than 20 years and received the 2007 Agri-Mark Overall Quality Award from among more than 1300 farms. Click here for more photos 

On Sunday October 20th any time between 4:00 and 6:30pm, bring your family and meet your friends at the Harkness United Methodist Church Hall, 776 Hallock Hill Road, Peru (corner of Harkness & Hallock Hill Roads) to enjoy one of the North Country’s most delicious traditions; the Harkness United Methodist Church’s Chicken & Biscuit Dinner. This is the 106th year that the church has presented this mouth-watering feast for fans who come from far and wide to savor the chicken & biscuit meal, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, peas, cole slaw, beverages and dessert.

Last year the church experienced a significant increase in requests for take-out meals, which created a challenge for the volunteer crew and unfortunately, a breakdown in customer satisfaction (long waits for dinners). Thoughtful changes have been implemented this year which should considerably decrease the wait time for those dinners: New strategy for take-out dinner execution; same location, same outstanding supper; same great price! Dinners for Adults are $8.00, Seniors pay $7.00, Children ages 6 – 12 are $4.00, and Pre-schoolers eat free.
If you are able, please bring a donation of non-perishable food for our Food Shelf collection. Last year we collected 105 lbs. in our 105th year of the dinner.