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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Chazy named top school in region; Peru ranked #10

CCRS named top school in region » Local News » Press-Republican.

Town Board Will Hold Regular Meeting Tonight

Regular Mtg Agenda Oct102013

Owens Joins Bipartisan Group to Tell Congress to “Stop Fighting. Start Fixing.”

NoLabelsWASHINGTON—Today, Representative Bill Owens joined 51 of his Democratic and Republican colleagues and called on Washington’s leaders to stop fighting and start fixing the problems that led to the government shutdown and currently threaten to cause the U.S. to default on its bond payments. The event participants were members of No Labels, a group of Republicans and Democrats focused on engaging in a new politics of problem solving.

At the event, Jonathan Crane, the Director for Research for the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, outlined the consequences of failing to raise the debt ceiling. “A bona fide depression would be a definite possibility” if the nation defaulted on its bond obligations, Crane warned.

After the event, Representative Owens made the following statement on the government shutdown: “Every Member of Congress needs to move beyond political bickering and focus on the people they represent. Our constituents deserve a functioning government that can pay its debts,”  Representative Owens said. “This morning’s event was about moving beyond the partisan divide that led to the shutdown.” 

Fire Department’s Proposed 2014 Budget Published

The proposed 2014 Peru Fire Department Budget totals $586,903 which equals the Department’s 2013 budget. A Public Hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2013 from 7 PM to 8 PM at the Peru Fire Station. Click here to view the Department’s Proposed 2014 Budget

Wine Tasting Friday Night

Title: Autumn Wine Tasting Tonight
Location: Peru Free Library
Description: Autumn Wine Tasting ( wines will be brought in from California and Europe)
Friday, October 11
6:00-8:00pm
Tickets $10.00
Tickets may be purchasesd or pre-ordered at the library.

Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2013-10-11
End Time: 20:00

Important Town Board Dates

Town Budget Workshops – all times 6:30-8:30PM:
October 9 – Highway
October 16 – Sewer/Valcour
October 21 – Water
October 29 – Salaries
October 29 – If Needed

                    – Town Board Meeting scheduled for Monday October 28, 2013 7:00PM

                    – Public Hearing on New Zoning Law scheduled for Monday Oct. 28 at 6:30PM

Author Matthew Ryan at the Peru Free Library

Title: Author Matthew Ryan at the Peru Free Library
Location: Peru Free Library
Description: Book talk with local author Matthew D. Ryan
Friday, October 18 at 7:00pm
Matt will discuss his new book Drasmyr and the role that
“world-building” plays in the Fantasy novel.
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2013-10-18
End Time: 20:30

Tonight’s Planning Board Agenda Includes a 7-Lot Quaker Highlands Subdivision and a Route 9 Brewery

Planning Board Agenda 100913

An Opportunity to Meet, Greet and Support Republican Candidates

Rep

Wildlife and People: The Bear Facts

Wildlife and People: The Bear Facts – The Adirondack Almanack – The Adirondack Almanack.

State Police issue ‘field guide’ for N.Y.’s gun law

State Police issue ‘field guide’ for N.Y.’s gun law.

Cuomo’s Office Is Said to Rein In Ethics Board He Created

Cuomo’s Office Is Said to Rein In Ethics Board He Created – NYTimes.com.

Pulled Pork Dinner to Benefit Mission of Hope and Jamaica Project

The Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273 in Peru, NY will hold a Pulled Pork Dinner on Sunday, October 13th from noon until 4 PM at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center.  Proceeds will go to The North Country Mission of Hope and The Peru Community Church’s Jamaica Project.

Participants in the Walk of Faith which also happens on Sunday will receive a dinner discount. The adult dinner cost is $6 for walkers and $8 for non-walkers. Dinners for children under 12 are $3 for walkers and $4 for non-walkers. Adult guests will get a plate full of pulled pork, corn on the cob, baked beans, salad and rolls. Beverages and dessert come with the meal.

For more information please contact Christa Reyell at 566-6404.

7th Annual Walk of Faith Set for Sunday, October 13th

walkThe Catholic Community of St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s Parish, The Peru Community Church, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Monica 2598 and Knights of Columbus Council 7273 in Peru will hold its 7th Annual Walk of Faith on Sunday, October 13th at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine (behind St. Augustine’s Church). The event is free and will be held rain or shine. Donations will be accepted the day of the Walk for The North Country Mission of Hope and the Peru Community Church’s Jamaica Project.
Early registration begins at 11:45 AM and the Opening Ceremony begins at 12:30 PM.  The Walk covers a 2.7 mile route through the Peru hamlet. For more information please contact Christa Reyell at 566-6404.

Peru has a remodeled, modern, feature-packed laundry

Laundry 1

TV winner Helen Kellas (left) and Robin Callioras

By John T. Ryan

Peru’s Village Laundry continued its Grand Opening Celebration this morning when Robin Callioras, the laundry’s new owner, presented a new 39” flat screen television to Helen Kellas of Elm Street in Peru.  Kellas is one of the many customers who have discovered the Village Laundry’s major improvements. Since August 1st customers have been enjoying 13 new washers, 12 new dryers, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable television and a security system.

A Peru native and resident, Robin Leahy Callioras is a 1982 graduate of Peru Central.  She explained that she came to the laundry a few months ago to wash a rug for her daughter Kristen’s college dorm room. She found a facility in need of a major facelift with 70’s era machines and a dark and gloomy atmosphere. There also happened to be a “For Sale” sign in the window.

Callioras assumed ownership on July 1st and the remodeled and new machines were installed in time for an August 1st opening. Today the laundry features high capacity and efficient Wascomat washers and Electrolux dryers. Callioras explained, “I did a lot of research, talked to people in the industry and decided that these are the best washers and dryers in the market.  The washers have 30, 45 and 65 pound capacities. The only problem we’ve had is that a few people have used too much soap in these efficient machines. You only need one-third of a cup.”

Launrdy 2The machines are also cost efficient. People who monitor their budget closely have told Callioras that the efficient washers and dryers have reduced their laundry cost by as much as 25%.  She stated, “The fast spin washers remove so much water that they cut the drying time in half. It also takes much less time to do a family laundry. You have more time to spend with your family.”

Asked about the laundry’s business potential Callioras explained, “We have many local customers, but we’re also seeing people from AuSable Forks, Keeseville, Willsboro and Port Henry. I think people have been looking for a comfortable and secure place and we’re open from 7 AM to 10 PM.”  It’s also conveniently located in the Peru Shopping Center adjacent to Aubuchon Hardware.

The laundry is not staffed fulltime, but Callioras stops by two or three times daily to make sure that everything is clean and in working order.

An Appeal from the United Way of the Adirondack Region

Dear Editor,

The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. is dedicated to helping people in our community by focusing on Education, Income and Health.  As our 2014 Campaign begins we want to first thank you for your previous support.  It is only through your generous contributions that the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. has been able to accomplish its goals.  Together, we can make a difference in our community.  When you bring together the strength of our entire community, it is amazing what can be done! Unfortunately, in our community there are families struggling to feed their children, victims of domestic violence and children in need of positive adult mentors.  These are real needs, people who need help every day.  You can help – creating real change.  Together we can inspire hope and opportunities for a better tomorrow.  When a volunteer makes a call at your business remember that Together we can make a difference.  Give to the United Way campaign and discover what it means to be part of lasting change. That is what it means to Live United.

Thank You

Kathy Snow

United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc.

Plattsburgh, NY

The NYCO Amendment and Forest Preserve Value

The NYCO Amendment and Forest Preserve Value – The Adirondack Almanack 

Local Bat Proposed for Endangered Species Protection

Local Bat Proposed for Endangered Species Protection – The Adirondack Almanack – 

Conservation Development in the Park: The Default Option

Conservation Development in the Park: The Default Option – The Adirondack Almanack 

Medical marijuana grow-op strikes deal at Smiths Falls’ former Hershey plant

Medical marijuana grow-op strikes deal at Smiths Falls’ former Hershey plant.

Government shutdown: Impact for NY

Government shutdown: Impact for NY.

Paul Taylor found guilty on all charges

Paul Taylor found guilty on all charges » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Six Peru Athletes to Join Hall of Fame

Story updated to include biographies 

The Peru Athletic Hall of Fame will have six new members on October 12th. This year’s inductees are Matt Bezio, Elmer Duprey, Mike Hogan, John Neyenhouse, Steve St. Clair and Scott Woodward.

The Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Keeseville Elks Lodge. The social gathering begins at 6 PM, dinner served at 6:30 PM followed by the awards ceremony.  To make reservations contact Cathy Phillips by calling 572-1235 or emailing Cathy at sullyspinecones@yahoo.com by September 27, 2013

Matt Bezio

Matt Bezio – 2003

Matt graduated from Peru High School in 2003.  Matt participated in three sports at Peru Central School, football, basketball and baseball. In basketball Matt was a second team all-star in 2001-02 and 1st team all-star in 2002-03.  Matt participated in baseball in 2000 and 2003.

Football was where Matt left his mark in Peru athletics.  Matt played football from 1999-2003.  In 2000 Matt was named Quarterfinal Offensive Player of the Game, North Country Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and Press Republican Honorable Mention Quarterback.

In 2001 Matt earned a number of accolades which were Press Republican Most Valuable Player/1st team Quarterback, North Country Super Bowl Most Valuable Player of the Game, State Semi-Final Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Game, State Final Most Valuable Offensive Back of the Game, First team All-State Quarterback, NYS Player of the Year, and the Quarter back of the NYS Football State Champions.  Matt’s winning touchdown run against Harrison in the semi-finals is considered one of the greatest individual plays in North Country sports history.

In 2002 Matt was named to Press Republican Most Valuable Player/1st team Quarterback, North Country Super Bowl Most Valuable Player of the Game, State Quarterfinals Offensive Player of the Game, and First Team All-State Quarterback.

NYS records that Matt has been a part of are Most Touchdown Passes/season at 31 touchdowns and top 50 in State All-Time passing yards in Career.  Total yards 5301, completion percentage equals to 313/498 for a .629%, Touchdowns = 70, interceptions = 15, rushing attempts 141 for 926 yards, Touchdowns 15 and yards per carry 6.5. Upon graduation Matt attended St. Lawrence University where he played football.  Matt presently resides in Florida where he teaches special education.

Elmer Duprey

Elmer Duprey – 1958 

Elmer graduated from Peru Central School in 1958.  In his high school athletic career, he played 4 years of Varsity soccer and baseball, 3 years of Varsity track, 2 years of Junior Varsity basketball and 2 years of Varsity basketball.

In track, Elmer qualified for State Championships two years and held the school record in the 220 yard dash for several years. Under Coach Tony Papero, Elmer was a member of the soccer team that won 48 straight games.  He was also co-captain of the undefeated basketball team, coached by John Longware.

As an outstanding baseball player, Elmer batted .486 in 1957 and was 17 for 35 at bat.  As a freshman he began playing on the Peru Town Team in the Champlain Valley Baseball League.  He continued to be active in the CVBL as a player, coach, manager, financial team sponsor and Commissioner until 1986, in addition to playing baseball on the Peru Varsity High School team.

While operating the Rustic Inn in Peru from 1967 to 1980, Elmer was responsible for providing the opportunity for many Peru athletes to continue playing sports by sponsoring youth teams as well as a CVBL baseball team.

Elmer served the Town of Peru as Highway Superintendent for 22 years before his retirement.  He also served as a volunteer Peru Fire Department Commissioner for 20 years.

One of 14 children in the Duprey Family, Elmer is the oldest of the 7 Duprey boys all who are outstanding athletes.  When asked about Elmer’s nomination, two of the younger brothers commented: Jimmy called Elmer the best athlete in the family and Harry said ‘he certainly set the bar very high for the rest of the Duprey boys’.

Elmer has been married to Janet (Lacy) for 46 years. Their son John and his wife Michelle have a daughter Alyssa and a son Jeremy.  Their daughter Michelle and her husband Robbie Timmons have two daughters, Lacy and Allie.

Mike Hogan

Mike Hogan – 1976 

Mike, a 1976 graduate of Peru High School, has had many accomplishments in the sport of wrestling. He was Peru’s first four-time sectional finalist, winning the title three times. Mike placed sixth at the state tournament in 1976 and was a member of Peru teams that won the CVAC four times and the sectional title two times.

After graduation, Mike went onto wrestle at Tabor Academy, where he won the New England Prep School Championships and was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. He then took second in the National Prep School Championships.  In 1978, Mike entered Hofstra University and while there, he became a three-time NCCA Division I qualifier and was also a three-time East Coast Conference Champion. He had the honor of being elected captain of the 1981 Hofstra wrestling team.

Mike became the Saranac High School wrestling coach in 1985 and coached there until 1998. During his 13 years at Saranac, he took a sport that was on the verge of being dropped and turned it into the number-one ranked team in New York State for small schools in 1994 and 1995.

Mike came to Peru in 1998 and began the wrestling season as co-head coach. Currently, he has coached 11 teams to sectional titles and has had 116 individual sectional champions as well as 40 state place winners. In addition, Mike has coached eight wrestlers to become NYS champions. This includes four-time state champion Arik Robinson who was also the 2012 NYS outstanding wrestler. Mike has also had the pleasure of coaching his son Patrick Hogan, a three-time state place winner at Peru, now wrestling Division 1 at Harvard University. Mike is vice president of J. Hogan Refrigeration & Mechanical Co. Inc. in Peru, and lives in Peru with his wife Julie, sons Patrick and Colin, and daughter Anna.

John Neyenhouse – 1963

John graduated from Peru in 1963.  At Peru High School, John lettered in football, basketball, and baseball all four years.  He even tried wrestling and track in his freshman year, played in the marching band 3 years and was class president his freshman and senior years.  As a senior, he captained the baseball team, the basketball team and the football team, where he played quarterback, leading the 1962 Indians to a 7 and 1 record.

Upon graduation John attended Ithaca College on an athletic scholarship majoring in Physical Education.  John played football and baseball and was voted “Rookie of the Year” in 1965 for football.  John has the distinction of being a member of the only undefeated football team in the history of Ithaca College.

In 1968 John became the basketball coach and assistant football coach at Peru High School.  He went on to being selected five times as “Coach of the Year” in football and basketball.  His 1968-69 basketball team won the CVAC and Section VII championship.

In 1971 he had a seatbelt installed on the bleacher to help him minimize technical fouls.

John left Peru in 1982 and moved to Florida and became vice president of Tire Kingdom, Number 1625.  John ran in 8 marathons and in one race wore a suit and hat, which attracted attention of the Miami Herald.  Johns hope was to send a message to other MS victims as himself: “someone who has multiple sclerosis might see me and get inspired to do something and say ‘If he can do it, then I can do it’”.

John and his wife Mary are retired and live in the Villages, Florida, where he is still an avid golfer and still lives by the rule,  “The name of the game is a positive attitude. I will always remember the time I spent at Peru as the best years of my life.”

Steve St. Clair photo

Steve St. Claire – 1993

 Steve graduated from Peru High School in 1993.  While at Peru, he played 3 years of Varsity Football and Varsity Baseball, and 2 years of Varsity Basketball.  In 1990 and 1991, Steve was named to CVAC 1st Team All-Stars for Football by both The Press Republican and WIRY.  In 1991 and 1992, he was named to the All CVAC Team for baseball.

Steve’s main accomplishments came in football and in 1992, his senior year; he received many awards recognizing his abilities.  He was a member of the CVAC Section 7 Class B and Regional Super Bowl Championship team (10-1) and was named Peru Indian MVP during this season.  Steve was named the CVAC Offensive Player of the Year by The Press Republican and 1st Team CVAC All-Star as Tight End.  He was also named by WIRY as 1st Team All-Star, MVP, and Defensive Back of the Year.  Steve received state-wide recognition by being named as a 1st Team All-State member as Tight End.

In 1993, Steve was named to the All-CVAC Team for baseball, and was a member of the Section 7 Class B Title team.

Steve graduated from Cortland and works for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.  Steve resides in Syracuse with his wife Kelley, and their two children.

Scott Woodward photo

Scott Woodward – 1973

Hall of Fame inductee Scott Woodward is a 1973 graduate of Peru Central, where he played football and baseball throughout his four year high school career, Scott was second team All CVAC in football in 1971 and batted .382 for his three years on the varsity baseball team.

Scott achieved his Hall of Fame credentials as Head Track and Cross Country coach from 1979-1995.  During this time period the Indians won 51 league and sectional championships under Scott’s leadership.  The most notable achievements of the Indians during this time period were 10 consecutive sectional championships in boy’s track from 1986-1995, and 8 consecutive sectional championships in girls cross country from 1987-1994.  In 1991 both the boy’s and girl’s cross country teams achieved the unprecedented distinction of state number one ranking in the same season, while that same girls team finished second in the New Your State Federation Championship, a feat that has yet to be matched by any team from Section VII in cross country or any other sport.  Scott has coached two individual State Champions along with two runners-up and numerous other medalists.

Scott retired as coach at Peru in 1995.  He then came out of retirement in 2003 to coach the EKMW track program, in which the girls’ team won 6 league and sectional titles from 2004-2006.  Scott retired from coaching a second time after the 2006 season.  Scott currently resides in Port Kent with his wife Sally, and actively supports all of Peru athletics, as he will always bleed Peru Blue.

CVPH on Niagara Health watch list after receiving below-average grades in some patient-care categories

CVPH on Niagara Health watch list » Local News » Press-Republican.

New owners at R.W. Walker Funeral Home

New owners at R.W. Walker Funeral Home » Local News » Press-Republican.