The Peru Gazette

Winter Recreational Opportunities Abound with Proper Preparation and Precautions 

The recent snowstorm provided great conditions for winter outdoor recreation in the Adirondack backcountry the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports today. Backcountry visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice and cold to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter experience.

 “Now that snows have arrived in the Adirondacks, winter recreationist can take advantage of all that the Park has to offer during the upcoming holiday vacation period,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “However, recreationist must be aware that winter can also present troublesome – even perilous – conditions to the unprepared. Visitors exploring the backcountry should dress for cold weather and use snowshoes and skis to navigate trails.”

Snow depths range from 8 – 20 inches or more. The deepest snows are in the western and southwestern Adirondacks and the thinner depths in the northeastern section. Snow depths are deeper in the higher elevations like the High Peaks and other mountains over 3000 feet.

Read more »

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By John T. Ryan

Culvert repairs and legal expenses and will cost the Town of Peru more than expected. Vandalism also costs the Town both money and employee time.

In action at the Town Board December 9, 2013 meeting, the Board approved a contract change order in the amount of $42,575. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell informed the Board that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had requested amendments to the existing Fuller Road culvert replacement contract with the Fuller Construction Company. Two ten-foot box culverts were going to be installed. The Corps insisted that one larger culvert be used. The change will supposedly improve fish travel up the stream. The total project will cost $235,425 and will be delayed until warmer weather arrives. Truck traffic will continue to be prohibited on that section of the highway.

The Board approved $15,553 of inter-fund transfers including $7,055 into the legal expense account. The additional cost is related to the ongoing dispute between the Town of Peru and Henry and Kevin Dashaw relating to the legal status of Fairway Drive which leads to the Adirondack Golf and Country Club. The Dashnaws claim that Fairway Drive is, in fact, an extension of the Brand Hollow Road. The Town maintains that this section of the Brand Hollow Road ceased to exist over 50 years ago with the construction of the Adirondack Northway.

Supervisor Peter Glushko informed the Board that vandals tore off the Christmas lights at the gazebo at the Little Ausable River Park. Town personnel repaired the lights and had them erected in time for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Town Board has been considering installing a surveillance system at the park.

Glushko thanked John and Kathy Flynn and all the Youth Commission volunteers for all the work they did to make the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony a great success.  This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the late John Roach.

County Legislator Peter Keenan made one of his regular reports to the Board regarding Clinton County Legislature news.  Fiscal year 2013 sales tax collections have been $3 million over projections. More than $1 million of these monies will be credited to local towns and villages.

Keenan said he was proud to co-sponsor a resolution to contribute $30,000 in County tobacco monies to the local Honor Flight Program.

The planned Clinton County Veterans Cemetery will not be located at Macomb Park as Keenan had hoped. Unfortunately, New York State would not give up the land.  Pending soil testing, Keenan said the cemetery will be located on Cumberland Head on 35 acres of land donated by the McDonough family.

Clinton County Airport expansion is progressing. The parking lot will accommodate 4,000 vehicles when complete. A $55 million main building expansion will begin when the parking lot is complete. One or more hotels are also expected to be constructed on Arizona Avenue in the City of Plattsburgh.

Region chosen as Innovation Hot Spot winner » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

The Peru Central School District Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for potential candidates.  The District Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact on our school or achieved an outstanding contribution(s) to society as a graduate of Peru CSD. The candidate must have attended, been employed, served or contributed to Peru CSD in some capacity and must have been retired for at least five (5) years.

The following criteria will be used when considering an individual to the Hall of Fame – outstanding contributions to Peru CSD, outstanding contribution to society, outstanding career, participation and/or leadership in community activities, and a significant impact on an individual’s life while associated with Peru.

Deadline for applications will be February 1, 2014.  Applications may be picked up at the Jr/Sr High School office or downloaded from the District web site at www.perucsd.org.

Holiday extravaganza at Strand » Out & About » Press-Republican.

Region receives $81.3 million in funding awards » Local News » Press-Republican.

The United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. is embarking on a new phase of volunteerism: a seven county-wide priority to develop a disaster-specific volunteer program within the North Country Regional Volunteer Center (NCRVC).  The Disaster Preparedness Program will use the existing NCRVC infrastructure to expand and coordinate disaster volunteer resources, and engage New Yorkers to serve in times of need.

“The North Country is fortunate to have so many agencies and individuals who want to contribute,” said John Bernardi, Executive Director of the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. “What we saw during Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene was a very compassionate response from volunteers, and also a need for skilled volunteers who have received disaster-specific training. We want volunteers to be able to contribute to their fullest potential,” said Bernardi. Read more »

The Peru Gazette did not cover the Town Board Meeting of November 9, 2013.   The meeting included  a complaint from Bloomfield Drive resident Lindsey Wendorff regarding her concern about a situation on her street. Here is that portion of the approved minutes.

Lindsey Wendorff – 42 Bloomfield Drive. Ms. Wendorff addresses the board and refers to a letter of concern that she (and her husband) had mailed to all board members.  Members of the board confirmed that they had received her letter and were aware of her concerns.  The letter described their “grave concerns” regarding the snow plow turn-around that is on the back side of their property.  The letter identifies such as a private trash company worker parking in the turn-around and defecating on the asphalt, a local school teacher smoking and leaving cigarette butts on the ground, an old television dumped and left and used condoms and empty beer bottles also found along the road.  They also describe random cars and strangers parking along the road at all hours.  These residents are concerned that their property is being used inappropriately and are asking for assistance from the town for a resolution. 

According to the meeting minutes the Board also authorized the purchase of a snow plow package for the Highway Department at a cost not exceed $71, 231 and appointed Jennifer Madore to the Peru Youth Commission.

Here are the complete meeting minutes.  Read more »

By John T. Ryan

Almost 20% of Peru’s property owners may be paying an additional $566 in school taxes in 2014. As of this morning 295 people had not reapplied for the Basic Star Tax Exemption. In an attempt to curb fraud and abuse, New York State has required that all eligible property owners, including people 65 and over, must reapply for the Basic Star Exemptions no later than December 31, 2013. Even if they have been eligible, property owners must reapply or they will lose the exemption and pay approximately $566 more in school taxes.

Reapply by calling 518-457-2036 or by going to www.tax.ny.gov. It’s very simple online; it should take less than two minutes.

WASHINGTON—Congressman Bill Owens will hold a telephone town hall this Thursday, December 12, 2013, to answer questions about the Affordable Care Act. A representative from New York State of Health, New York’s state-run health insurance marketplace, will join him to answer questions related to the state’s rollout of the Affordable Care Act. The event will occur from 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday evening. Read more »

LeBrun: APA’s timeless gift for all of us – Times Union.

$15,000 sponsorships and face time with public officials – Times Union.

Livingoods re-opens at former Crickets location in Peru – The Burgh.

Buffalo Wild Wings opens Monday » Local News » Press-Republican.