The Peru Gazette

6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing of September 9 and Regular Meeting of September 9, 2024. 

5. Community Input. 

6. DISCUSSION:  Highway Culvert Project Presentation by Engineering Ventures.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Casella Long Term Residuals Management Contract.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Transfer of Storm Drain Reserve Money for Culverts.

9. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

10. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: September 2024 Bills.

12. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

13. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

14. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Peru Central School District will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, from approximately 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a public information session regarding an upcoming October capital project vote.

All residents of the District are welcome to attend.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing on the district’s website.

Sept. 18, 2024 Press-Republican story: “Big changes are coming for many Medicare beneficiaries, and in some cases, people will need or want to enroll in a new plan,” Louise Norris, a health policy analyst for medicareresources.org, said.

“So, it’s more important than ever to pause before tossing out what you think is junk mail. A deluge of Medicare-related mail is on its way, and it won’t all be marketing promotions from insurers. Pay close attention to mail from Medicare and your current plan provider.”

Click here for a story on the changes. 

Sept. 18 Press-Republican story 

On Sept. 12 at 8:15 a.m., New York State Police (NYSP) notified Ray Brook Dispatch that they had found a vehicle at the Cold Brook Public Use Area belonging to a 29-year-old subject from Wisconsin who had been reported missing by his family on Sept. 9. They had not heard from the subject since Aug. 31. He failed to report to Columbia University after enrolling for the fall semester. Over the next four days, 34 Forest Rangers joined Environmental Conservation Police Officers, recruits from the Forest Ranger Academy, NYSP, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Clinton County Office of Emergency Services, multiple fire departments, Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK), Adirondack Mountain Rescue, Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue, Community Search and Rescue (COMM SAR), New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and Clinton County Technical Rescue in the search. Drone crews covered 89 acres. NYSP and Rangers conducted two aviation flights. Search crews covered 240 miles of linear searches via ATV and foot and 466 acres by foot. The search included hiking trails and the areas with the best views where an accidental fall is most likely. On Sept. 15 at 1 p.m., crews located the subject deceased in a thick, swampy area and turned him over to the Clinton County Coroner.

Arrangements for Michael M. LaPierre will be announced in the coming days

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Now faces up to 25 years to life for murdering Lisa Dashnaw-Tyrell

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Here is the Sept. 9, 5:45 p.m. public hearing on Local Law #1 authorizing the town to exceed the tax cap. Three or four residents, including John Roberts and Jonathan Whitmarsh, asked probing questions, and the hearing lasted about 24 minutes.

Hearing Minutes Added 1/19/25 – Minutes 2024-09-09-PH

By John T Ryan

Because of my busy personal schedule, I will not be reporting the details of this meeting. After a public hearing, the board passed Local Law #1, permitting the 2025 town budget to exceed the state-imposed tax cap. Passing a law at this point is a town requirement. Supervisor Craig Randall emphasized that the board doesn’t plan to exceed the cap; however, it will only decide once it formulates the 2025 budget.

Budget workshops are open to the public. Here are the times and dates.

Wednesday, September 18, 5:30 PM – Highway Budget Workshop

Wednesday, September 25, 5:30 PM – Water/Sewer?Valcour Workshop

Wednesday, October 2, 5:30 PM – Salaries/General Workshop

Thursday, October 3, 5:30 PM – Special Meeting to Present Tentative Budget

Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 PM – Budget review Workshop (Downstairs)

Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 PM – Budget Review Workshop (If Needed)

Wednesday, November 4, 5:30 PM Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget

Tuesday, November 14, 5:30 PM, Special Meeting to adopt Final Budget

The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) will host “It’s Called Rhetoric,” a public speaking workshop on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m.

This workshop is designed to help attendees become more critical listeners and effective speakers. It is free and open to all experience levels; teens are welcome alongside adults. Learn more and register for this event at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/event/its-called-rhetoric.

“To get our vote, today’s politicians give speeches almost every day,” says Jerry McGovern. “How can we judge the truth of what they say? In this workshop, we’ll explore the principles of rhetoric which give us the tools to analyze these speeches and find the truth.”

Jerry McGovern was an instructor in the SUNY Plattsburgh Communications Department for more than 30 years. He taught Public Speaking, Argumentation/Critical Thinking and Small Group Communication. He also writes reviews of books relevant to Adirondack audiences for the “Read in the Blue Line” column for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise.

The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words together for 25 years through provocative events and meaningful programs. For more information about ACW, visit adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Clinton County experienced moderate growth in visitor spending in 2023, reaching $193 million, according to the latest Adirondacks Tourism Economic Impact Report. This growth is attributed to targeted marketing efforts in Canada and the county’s increasing reputation as a premier destination for professional bass fishing tournaments.

The report, released by Tourism Economics, highlights that Clinton County’s tourism success is largely driven by strategic cross-border outreach, including a substantial digital streaming campaign aimed at Canadian markets in Quebec and Ontario. With Canada as one of the county’s largest tourist segments, these initiatives have effectively increased visitor volume and spending, particularly in the lodging and food & beverage sectors, contributing $70.5 million and $53.7 million, respectively, to the local economy.

Clinton County’s reputation as a host for professional bass fishing tournaments has also played a pivotal role in boosting tourism. These events, attracting competitors and spectators from across the country, have contributed to local businesses, particularly in hospitality, dining, and retail.

Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing for the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, a division of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, credited the growth to the county’s strategic marketing push and its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.

“This report shows the strength of Clinton County’s tourism sector, with the impressive numbers reflecting the effectiveness of our marketing and group-driven strategies,” said Kennedy. “Seeing nearly $200 million in visitor spending and strong contributions across lodging, dining, and recreation truly showcases our appeal as a destination. These numbers highlight the hard work of our entire tourism industry and reinforce that we’re on the right path for continued growth.”

Key Highlights from 2023 Clinton County Tourism Report:

• Visitor Spending: Reached $193 million in 2023
• Local Tax Collection: $12.3 million
• State Tax Collection: $10.2 million
• Lodging Sector: Contributed $70.5 million to the county’s economy
• Food & Beverage Sector: Generated $53.7 million in spending
• Seasonal Second Homes: Added $23.3 million, highlighting the economic impact of part-time residents
• Tourism Jobs: Supported 2,096 jobs in 2023

“Our Adirondack Coast team continues to do extraordinary work promoting our area,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “From attracting our Canadian neighbors in large numbers once again to effective marketing to the south and from attracting and conducting eight highly successful fishing tournaments to the success of our eclipse-related efforts last spring, we are punching above our weight in drawing visitors and spending. They have mastered social media, made us the experts in Quebec outreach, and developed important niches such as biking. With our Clinton County partners’ strong support and collaboration, we can all be proud of their success, with great plans already in place for 2025. Onward and upward!”

Clinton County’s tourism success in 2023 is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between local businesses, regional partners, government entities, and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.

The full report can be found here.

Saturday, Sept. 14

10:00 am – 01:00 pm    Exhibits in City Hall – 2nd floor – Anchor, Murals, USS Henley display Self-Guided Tour- (maps at location)   

10:00 am – 07:00 pm    Information Booth/Souvenirs – City Hall Place

10:00 am – 09:00 pm    Food Court & Exhibits – Trinity Park

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Children’s Old Time Village Fair – Macdonough Monument grounds – Chateau Ramezay Museum Guides  from Montreal, Alice T. Miner Museum, Point Au Roche State Park Nature Study, Bookburgh Books, Journey into Reading, Face Painting 

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Monument Challenge – Thomas Macdonough Monument (closed during the parade)

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Kids’ Games – City Hall lawn (Kids’  Muster & Parade starts at 12:00 pm)

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Museums – Downtown & Old Base Museum Campus & Chazy

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Old Post Cemetery – Self-Guided Tour- (maps at location)

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Champlain Valley Amateur Radio-Trinity Park

10:00 am– 12:00 pm     History Talks – Trinity Church across from Trinity Park-THREE (3) Thirty-minute talks w/Q&A. Topics: CAPTAIN DOWNIE, THE CONFIANCE ANCHOR, BENJAMIN MOOERS

10:30 am                       Sailing Masters of 1812 – In front of Macdonough Monument 

11:00 am                        Celebrity Bed Race Regatta – City Hall Place & Lower Court St     

11:30 am                        English Tea -Trinity Church

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm    Kids Muster & Parade – City Hall Place

12:30 pm – 01:00 pm    Entertainment- In Front of City Hall – Champlain Valley Irish Dance 

01:00 pm – 02:30 pm    Parade – Theme “Ships, Boats & Buggies” Cumberland Ave, City Hall Place to Durkee Street

02:00 pm – 09:00 pm    “The Tavern” – Enjoy an Adult Beverage Trinity Park tent

02:30 pm – 03:00 pm    Entertainment- In Front of City Hall, Norwood Brass Firemen’s Band

03:00 pm – 03:30 pm    Beat Retreat – Bands play in front of City Hall

03:30 pm – 05:30 pm    Music/Entertainment –Trinity Park – Zip City       

03:30 pm                        English Tea -Trinity Church

07:00 pm – 10:00 pm    Macomb Ball, English Country Dancing – Trinity Park – Israel Green’s Place. No dancing experience is necessary. (Event button required for dancers.)

07:00 pm – 09:00 pm    Concert- “Broken Hearted” – Tom Petty Tribute Strand Theatre, Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh FREE ADMISSION with your Event Button

Sunday, September 15, 2024

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Museums — Downtown & Old Base Museum Campus & Chazy

10:00 am – 04:00 pm    Old Post Cemetery – Self-Guided Tour- (maps at location)

10:00 am – 10:45 am    Tour Chazy New York In1812 – start at Alice T. Miner Museum 

10:50 am                        Bagpipes- In Trinity Park to open the Day’s Events

11:00 am – 12:00 pm    Music/Entertainment – Trinity Park- Israel Green’s Place. US Army Band 10th Mountain Division

11:00 am – 01:00 pm    Champlain Valley Irish Dance Workshop City Hall Stage

11:00 am – 03:00 pm    1814 Reenactor Encampment 19th Century Trades & Military Equipment Demonstrations – Kent Delord House

11:00 am – 03:00 pm    Information Booth/Souvenirs –  City Hall Place

11:00 am – 03:00 pm    North Country Classic Cars – Lower City Hall Place  

11:00 am – 03:00 pm    Food Court & Exhibits – Trinity Park

11:00 am – 03:00 pm    Children’s Old Time Village Fair  – Macdonough Monument grounds – Chateau Ramezay Museum Guides     from Montreal, Alice T. Miner Museum, Point Au Roche State Park Nature Study, Bookburgh Books, Journey into Reading, Face Painting 

11:00 am – 03:00 pm    Monument Challenge – Thomas Macdonough Monument

11:00 am – 03:00 pm    Kids’ Games – City Hall lawn (Kids’  Muster & Parade starts at 12:00 pm)

12:00 pm – 02:00 pm    Exhibits in City Hall – 2nd floor – Anchor, Murals, USS Henley display Self-Guided Tour- (maps at location)  

01:00 pm – 01:30 pm    Plucky Rooster Crowing Contest – City Hall Stage (Prizes courtesy of Champlain Centre Mall)

01:00 pm – 03:00 pm    Music and Entertainment – Trinity Park- Barb Heller & Gretchen Kohler

01:00 pm – 03:00 pm    Plucky Rooster Exhibit- Old Time Village Fair        

02:00 pm – 03:00 pm    Fire Engine Pull – City Hall Place

03:00 pm                        50/50 Raffle Winner Drawing

Click here for the Adirondack Story 

Elizabeth has taken a job as a news editor at the Albany Times Union 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY –  A person familiar to hundreds of Peru and area residents will soon depart from the institution she’s led for the past 21 1/2 years. Becky Pace,  Director of the Peru Free Library, is retiring effective September 25, 2024. Becky considered retiring last spring, but she delayed for a few months. She commented, “I wanted to leave the library when it’s as good as I can take it. We needed to build back after the pandemic, and we did it. We’ve had a lot of new families join. More people are coming in now than there’s ever been.”

The Library’s Board of Directors posted a statement online that read in part, “Under Becky’s leadership, solar panels were installed on the roof, professional theatre, storytellers and musicians performed for the children of Peru, art shows were curated that featured local artists; thousands of dollars were raised for the library through various fundraising events, and so much more.”

Becky is proud of those accomplishments but measures her success by how many people enter the library or order books online. During the course of our interview, she commented several times, “I’ve done things, yes, but it’s the people.”  Later, she stated, “Our library tagline is ‘It feels like home.’ The library is a haven. It’s comfortable. We provide space for people.”  We sat in comfortable Queen Anne chairs in the library’s spacious front room for this interview. Nearby, two patrons were viewing paintings that were part of an ongoing art show. They purchased one of the paintings; a portion of their payment will go to the library.

Fundraising is one of a library director’s many responsibilities, accounting for about one-third of the library’s income. Becky successfully applied for grants to fund art and theatrical shows and building upgrades.  A $52,000 grant funded the solar panels on the library’s roof. Some of her other duties include advocating for the library, developing new programs, working with the volunteers whom the library relies on, reading book reviews, ordering books that she believes will appeal to patrons, and interacting with anyone doing business with the library. Chores like cleaning the bathroom and caring for the garbage also fall in her purview. 

What has she liked most about her job? Becky responded, “You never know who will walk through the door. I’ve had some wonderful conversations with people.”  Becky is an empathetic listener, always striving to serve the patrons. As Becky said repeatedly, “It’s about the people.”

Stacey Bousquet, who has been assistant library director for the past eight years, will be the new library director. Becky recommended her for the position. That’s another reason for Becky’s retirement; she’s confident the library will be in good hands.

Becky Pace doesn’t plan to leave Peru. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, she said, “I will be doing dedicated art studio time.” Patrons will undoubtedly hope that Becky’s artwork will be featured in an art show at the Peru Free Library.

BEE Award Nikki Catlin (L) and Nicole Reil

Nikki Catlin Honored for Care Provided to Elderly Patient 

PLATTSBURGH, NY – A meal shared together fills the soul as much as the stomach, and that’s exactly what Nikki Catlin enjoyed with one of her patients.

The kindness and care she provided to a 92-year-old man in need is why she was honored this week with the BEE (Beyond Exceptional Everyday) Award. Catlin was recognized during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH).

She was nominated by Nicole Reil, RN, one of her colleagues who works in the CVPH Heart Center. Reil explains in her nomination that the 92-year-old gentleman comes to the hospital multiple times a month. And he can be difficult to understand, as he speaks with a thick accent.

“Nikki always jumps in to help him,” Reil writes. “It took a while to figure out what he needed. This time, she found out he had not been eating because his teeth hurt.”

Catlin immediately acted, going to the hospital cafeteria to buy soup, a soft sandwich and a drink for the patient for lunch. She sat with him in the breakroom and made sure he ate what he could. And Reil says after Catlin and the staff worked to make sure the elderly patient could receive the additional care he needed, she took him out to his car at his request.

“Nikki went above and beyond to make sure this man was cared for,” Reil adds.

Rebecca Duquette, Practice Supervisor for Interventional Cardiology at CVPH, notes that Catlin previously helped this patient get heat restored to his home and find money that he lost.

“No matter what a patient needs, if Nikki can do anything to help, she will go out of her way and find answers,” Duquette says. “Nikki is truly a very kind person and has a huge heart! She took very good care of this patient, and that is how she is with all of them.”

During the award presentation, Catlin was presented with a certificate commending him for his extraordinary work. She, like all honorees, also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

All CVPH employees who support patient care by working together with physicians and registered nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the CVPH website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.

Click here for the Sun Community News story