The Peru Gazette

DiNapoli: Job Gains Slow for IDA-Supported Projects, 5/13/14.

DiNapoli Expands Anti-Corruption Initiative, 5/12/14.

From the Office of NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

The former bookkeeper in the town of Altona in Clinton County altered cash receipts in order to embezzle $23,500 in public funds, according to an audit and investigation released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “This individual controlled town finances with little oversight and had no difficulty in pocketing public money,” said DiNapoli. “Unfortunately, my office continues to uncover instances such as this where local officials are taking advantage of lax financial controls and helping themselves to the money in the public till. We have referred our findings to Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie.”
DiNapoli’s audit revealed that, between 2009 and 2013, town officials could not account for all moneys remitted to the bookkeeper and ensure they were deposited and properly recorded in the accounting records.

Auditors found that the bookkeeper – Danielle Peryea, 34 – Read more »

Joseph Kelley (Right) and Escort Jeff Pescia

Peggy Eisele escorted by her son Ed Eisele

By John T. Ryan

A Peru resident and the mother of a Peru resident are among the fifteen veterans participating in the North Country Honor Flight today. Joe Kelley and Ed Eisele’s mother Peggy Eisele both served in the U.S. Navy. Joe Kelley (1943-46) served in the Philippine Theater as an Executive Officer on a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI). Peggy Eisele served in administration as a Navy Wave from 1943 to 1945.

The Honor Flight send-off began at 7:15 AM at the U.S. Oval with a Flag Ceremony and remarks by Plattsburgh Mayor James Calnon and main speaker WPTZ New Anchor George Mallet. Police and motorcyclists led the motorcade to Plattsburgh International Airport where a large crowd applauded as the veterans entered the terminal. The flight was scheduled to takeoff at 9:30 AM.

This afternoon the veterans will visit the National World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Monument if time allows. At 5:30 PM they will stop at VFW Post #8097 in Jessup, Maryland for dinner. They are scheduled to arrive back in Plattsburgh at 10:45 PM.

Click here to see a slideshow with music for a desktop computer. Click here to see individual ceremony photos.

The veterans being honored today include:

• Rolland O. Barre, Malone, NY, U.S. Army 1943-46, escorted by Kim Drzymala
• Joseph J. Demarco, Jay, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Patrick Perry
• Clarence E. Duquette, Cadyville, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Debra Varin
• Florine “Peggy” Eisele, Saranac Lake, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-45, escorted by Ed Eisele
• James J. Fleming, West Chazy, NY, Army of Canada, escorted by Kelly Roberts
• Francis F. Karl, Onchiota, NY, U.S. Air Force 1950-54, escorted by Barbara Ellen Hlat
• Joseph W. Kelly, Peru, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-46, escorted by Donald “Jeff” Pescia
• Victor E. LaFountain, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Army 1945-47, escorted by Terri Mumley
• Arthur L. LeFevre, Morrisonville, NY, U.S. Army 1946-47, escorted by Stephen LeFevre
• Robert S. Mullady, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-45, escorted by Mike Mumley
• Stanley A Ranson Jr., Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Army 1946-78, escorted by Cliff Sterling
• Sandy F. Romeo, Massena, NY, U.S. Marine Corps 1942-45, escorted by Sandy Romeo Jr.
• Lorn J. Snow, Ausable Forks, NY, U.S. Navy 1943-47, escorted by Kyle Brister
• Robert E. Stoneberger, Plattsburgh, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Richard Cutting
• John E. Sweet, Port Henry, NY, U.S. Navy 1944-46, escorted by Janice Sweet.

Watertown Daily Times | Clarkson soccer coach Hillary arrested in Garrett Phillips murder (VIDEO).

Bruno acquitted of political corruption charges – Times Union.

By John T. Ryan

Peru Charter Communications customers may be forced to change cable providers. At the Monday, May 12, 2014 Town Board meeting Supervisor Peter Glushko stated that Charter Communications is considering turning over Clinton County service to the Comcast Corporation. The two companies are negotiating an exchange agreement whereby each company would turn over cable service to the strongest provider in a given region. The change would not take place until 2015. Since Peru’s cable franchise agreement is up for renewal, Glushko said he hopes to get cable access for more Peru residents. Under the existing agreement cable service has to be offered when there are more than 20 customers per mile. In February 2014 Comcast announced its intent to purchase Time-Warner, the company that provides cable service in the northern regions of Clinton County. It appears that Comcast could end up with a Clinton County monopoly.

Two issues arose during the pubic comment portion of the meeting. Robin and Chuck Callioras informed the Board that they have taken over the operation of the car wash in Tops Market Plaza. Last July Robin Callioras took over the operation of the Village Laundry, which is located in the same plaza. Chuck Callioras said, “We want to know if there is any way water/sewer rates could be reduced. We’ve cleaned up the car wash. We no longer use recycled water like the previous operator, but the water rates are killing us.” Supervisor Peter Glushko and Counselor Kregg Bruno said the Board would look into the issue.

The Town of Plattsburgh, which sources its water from drilled wells and has many more users to pay the cost, reportedly has one of the lowest water-sewer rates in the country. It’s quarterly water-sewer charge is based on a 7,000 gallon minimum charge of $59.00. A Peru district user would be charged $113.00 for 7,000 gallons water-sewer usage. The City of Plattsburgh has a surface water system similar to Peru’s. 7,000 gallons of quarterly water-sewer service in the City would cost $223.92. None of the communities gives commercial users a preferred rate.

Last June Heidi Danis of Coastland Drive appeared before the Board to complain that a neighbor was renting his house by the week throughout the summer in violation of the zoning law. Subsequent investigation corroborated her statements and the property owner was forced to cancel several weekly rentals. Peru enacted a new zoning law in late 2013 that does not prohibit weekly rentals. Danis appeared at Monday’s meeting stating that the house is booked again this summer. She voiced the opinion that the rentals typically involve more than one family, hence they violate the law’s definition of a single-family use. She claimed that New York State Courts have backed up this interpretation. Supervisor Glushko and Town Attorney Donald Biggs told Danis to speak with Code Enforcement Officer Frank Slycord and to ask for his interpretation. She promised to video the rental situation and submit the video to the Board. Town Attorney Donald Biggs told Danis she was free to initiate Article 78 legal proceeding if she disagrees with the Code Enforcement Officer’s ruling.

In other news/actions:

• The Board awarded the Town Hall Front Step Renovation Contract to Northern Snow and Dirt Inc. of Plattsburgh in the amount of $95,850.
• The Board awarded the Highway Garage Roof Repair Project to S&R Constriction Inc. of Corinth, NY in the amount of $148,360.
• Awarded the Highway Department clothing cleaning/supply contract to UniFirst for $104.84 per week.
• Declared the Water Quality Improvement Project to be complete. There are a few cleanup items, but they are considered to be guarantee work.

Paul Smiths College eliminates 23 jobs » Local News » Press-Republican.

With legislative vacancies, state pays for empty district offices | Capital New York.

Gun control, residency at issue in GOP battle » Local News » Press-Republican.

Empire State Development’s (ESD) Board of Directors today approved more than $4.4 million to support six economic development projects in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, North Country and New York City regions. The funding will leverage more than $5.6 million in private and additional public investments to support businesses, improve important infrastructure and lay the groundwork for future economic growth and job creation.
“Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, we are making targeted investments that are supporting major economic development projects across New York State,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “From supporting the creation of business parks and technology centers to advancing the manufacturing industry, these projects are creating jobs and building a solid foundation for future growth.”

The ESD Board approved the following Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) grants:

Plattsburgh Airport Water Infrastructure (North Country Region – Clinton County) – $200,000
Clinton County will use a grant of up to $200,000 for a portion of the cost of water supply infrastructure upgrades and improvements to the Plattsburgh International Airport. Clinton County has owned and operated the airport, formerly the U.S. Air force Base at Plattsburgh, as a full-service civilian airport and commercial-industrial complex. The airport’s 60-year-old water supply infrastructure desperately needed to be upgraded, as some areas had inadequate water supply to provide water service for commercial customers and fire protection services. Additionally, the existing mains have exceeded their design lifespan, resulting in frequent ruptures and increasing the financial burden to the taxpayers within the water district.

Read more »

Fred LeBrun: From Bruno, a thing or two for Cuomo – Times Union.

Cuomo girlfriend Sandra Lee skips upgrade permits.

Capitol Confidential » Citing ‘stellar year,’ DiNapoli says pension fund at record high $176B.

Washington County kids face serious mental health, substance abuse problems « The In Box.

The Strand Theatre and North Country Cultural Center for the Arts are pleased to announce Jessica Dulle as their new Executive Director.

Dulle’s experience will lead both the Strand Theatre and the North Country Cultural Center of the Arts as they officially merge under the name The Strand Center for the Arts. Dulle holds a BA in Theatre with a minor in film and broadcasting from the University of Central Missouri and a Master in Business Administration from Stephens College.

Dulle was the Executive Director for the Center for Contemporary Arts in Abilene, TX and, most recently, served as the Executive Director at the Capital City Council on the Arts in Jefferson City, MO. She also has experience working in several theatre positions including as a General Manager and Artistic Director from 2002 to 2006.

When asked about her relocation to Plattsburgh, NY, Dulle states, “I’m thrilled to be the newest member of the Center for the Arts and Strand Theatre. I’m looking forward to meeting several new faces and being an active member of the community.”

“We are very excited that Jessica has accepted our offer and we know she will quickly become a contributing member of our community. She has all the skills that we were looking for to take our organization to the next level.” says Leigh Mundy, Board President of the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts and Strand Theatre.

Dulle will begin her duties on May 15, 2014.

ONEONTA, NY  Charles Remillard, from Peru, NY, was selected to the SUNYAC All-Conference Team for his outstanding performance at the conference championship meet this spring for SUNY Oneonta. Remillard earned first team All-Conference honors.

Remillard captured his first outdoor conference title when he won the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:31.04, which was a personal best mark in the event by 15 seconds.

A liberal arts college with a pre-professional focus, SUNY Oneonta features outstanding and accessible faculty, students committed to academics and community service, exceptional technology, a modern field house and athletic facilities, and a beautiful campus. The college enrolls 6,000 students in its 70 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate programs. Athletes compete at the NCAA Division III Level on 21 teams, and the college is a member of the SUNYAC conference.

SUNY Oneonta ranks 16th among the “Top Public Regional Universities–North” in the 2014 U.S. News and World Report rankings, and has been named to the Kiplinger’s magazine list of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” for eight consecutive years.

LCC: Rail Transport of Oil Poses Lake Risk.

Regular Mtg Agenda 12May2014

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GOP’s view on pot easing – Times Union.

Halfmoon deputy attorney leaves amid ongoing review of land sales – Times Union.

Independent of the Independence Party – NYTimes.com.

Senate committee rejects Reproductive Health Act.

Public pension names public – Times Union.