The Peru Gazette

Cuomo admin promises ‘every precaution’ on oil train safety | Capital New York.

NYS primary date is $50M issue – Times Union.

Legislation would give Canadian retirees more time to visit, spend money in U.S. 

WASHINGTON—Today, Representative Bill Owens announced he will co-sponsor H.R. 3768, the Promoting Tourism to Enhance Our Economy Act. If passed, the legislation would increase the number of days retired Canadians could spend in the United States each year.

“Canadian tourists and part-time residents are vital parts of New York’s economy,” Representative Bill Owens said. “Extending the number of days Canadians can spend in the U.S. could mean more Canadian visits in the summer, more spending in local economies, and, most importantly, more local jobs.” 

The legislation would extend the amount of time retired Canadians older than 55 years could stay in the country from 182 days within a 12 month period to 240 days.

A recent article in  USA Today explained how Northern New York stands to gain if the legislation passes. According to the article, Canadians who live near the U.S.-Canadian border often exhaust their current allotment of 182 days during winter stays in southern U.S. states including Florida and Texas. That means they cannot cross the border again for short trips to New York and other northern states in the summer months. Extending the amount of time Canadians can stay to 240 days allows retirees to spend a full winter in the South and then make short trips across the border in the summer, where they spend money on things like hotel rooms, rounds of golf, goods in local shops and visits to other tourist destinations.

“Anything that increases the time that our Canadian friends can be in the U.S. is clearly to our benefit,” Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce said. “This would eliminate impediments to additional back-and-forth visits to the North Country for all of those snowbirds going south in the winter. And, of course, we’re also increasingly servicing this back-and-forth travel via Plattsburgh International Airport. This just makes sense and is a positive additional step toward further encouraging cross border travel and commerce, the single greatest force in the current and future economy of the North Country.”

New York is a top destination for Canadians visiting the United States. In 2012, Canadians made more than 4.2 million visits to New York and spent more than $1.5 billion. During his time in Congress, Representative Owens has focused on increasing Canadian trade and tourism in the United States. He is the co-chairman of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus. Earlier this month, the House passed an amendment Owens wrote that essentially kills a proposal for a land border crossing fee, which Owens believes would have threatened New York jobs and wasted taxpayer money.

ITHACA, NY – Nicholas Uliva a resident of Peru, NY, and a sophomore Sport Management major in Ithaca College’s School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester.

From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 400 graduate students.

Donah’s ex-girlfriend testifies about abuse » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

Three Rep. Owens-authored provisions included in final bill 

WASHINGTON—Today, Representative Bill Owens voted for the Agricultural Act of 2014, commonly known as the Farm Bill, which passed the House by a vote of 251-166. “Passage of the Farm Bill provides farmers the long-overdue certainty they deserve and contributes significantly to deficit reduction,” Representative Bill Owens said. “I am confident this bipartisan agreement will help New York agriculture thrive.”

The Farm Bill combines an overhaul of the nation’s agricultural commodity programs with a package of reforms that will produce an estimated $23 billion in 10-year savings. Three provisions drafted by Rep. Owens were included in the Farm Bill:

Apple Exports to Canada Read more »

By John T. Ryan

Dog Control was the primary subject at the Monday, January 27, 2014 Peru Town Board meeting. The Board passed a revised Dog Control Law. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said the new law incorporates changes in New York State’s Agricultural and Markets regulations and a few other minor items into Local Law #1 of 2014. Click Here to the 2014 Dog Control Law

The Town of Peru contracts annually at a cost of $6,474 with the Elmore SPCA to maintain a shelter for dogs seized within the Town by the Dog Control Officer (DCO).  The Board voted to approve a 2014 contract at its January 13^th Organization Meeting.  However, at Monday’s meeting SPCA Board Secretary Carol Solari-Ruscoe read a letter from Board President Laurie Parsons stating that the Town had not provided the SPCA with prior notice regarding several changes in the 2014 contract between the parties. Parsons asked for a meeting with the Town Board. Town Attorney Donald Biggs responded saying that he had drawn up a new contract based on contracts being used by other communities and had tailored the new contract to the Town’s past experience with the SPCA. Following more than 20 minutes of discussion, the Board scheduled a workshop for February 4th at 6:30 PM. SPCA representatives and the general public are invited to attend that workshop. ELMORE SPCA 2013 CONTRACT. The 2013 contract remains in effect until a new contract can be negotiated.

Freezing rain and extreme cold have resulted in hazardous sidewalk conditions throughout the North Country. The Board received a petition from several people requesting that the Town improve sidewalk maintenance. Town Supervisor Glushko explained that the Town of Peru plows sidewalks as a courtesy to its residents. New York State law requires that property owners, not town or city governments, maintain sidewalks and driveways. Glushko said that Town staff had made a special effort during the past several weeks, but the thickness of the ice made removal almost impossible. Town Attorney Donald Biggs said he would research a Town’s responsibility once it undertakes a courtesy plowing program. It would be extremely expensive for the Town of Peru to salt, sand and remove ice from its sidewalks.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell will initiate the bid process for a 2015 tandem axle dump truck (frame and chassis). Farrell hopes to open bids on February 24th at 10AM and have the Board select the winning bidder at its February 24th evening meeting. In November, the Board authorized purchase of a $71,000 plow package for the new truck.

The Board declined Donald Green’s offer to grant an easement to the Town for a park near the entrance to Quaker Highlands. Supervisor Peter Glushko expressed the view that the Town has enough parks. The Board members expressed similar sentiments and voted unanimously to decline Green’s offer.

Richard Williams and Benjamin Wright were reappointed as as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board and Robin Bashaw and James Falvo were reappointed as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Zoning Board.

Water Superintendent Greg Timmons reported the that Clinton County Health Department recently tested town water and that the results were good. The Town has until December 31, 2014 to bring its water system into total compliance.  Water test results are computed on a twelve-month average, therefore, it will take several months to bring the town’s system into compliance.

In other actions/news:

• The Town’s sub-division regulations will have to be rewritten. They were not included in the new Town Zoning Law.
• Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that as of two weeks ago his Department has used more sand and salt than it used in all of last winter. Supervisor Glushko noted the recent highway drifting saying that expansion of cultivated fields and the associated tree removal may be partially responsible for the drifting. Snow fences would help, but at least one large farmer would not agree to have snow fences erected on his property.
• Highway Department employees Chad Frechette and Tom Rock came to the aid of a lady who had fallen on the ice on Elm Street. Supervisor Glushko commended the men for their efforts.
• Counselor James Douglass reported that Mrs. Ken Edwards complimented the Highway Department for the excellent road conditions during this difficult winter season.
• During the next several days the counselors will be performing required internal audits of each town office.
• The Board will be updating the Town’s procurement policy to comply with changes in state and federal laws and regulations.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 invites the Peru and North Country community to enjoy its baked ham dinner on Saturday, February 8th at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center.  The dinner featuring baked ham and scalloped potatoes will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 PM for only $7.50 per person, $3.50 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under.  Take-outs are available.

 Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday, the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, and Black History Month, four Plattsburgh-area institutions are joining forces to present four documentaries with riveting footage illustrating the history of civil rights in America.

Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle, is being co-sponsored by the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System and the Plattsburgh Public Library.  A grant to the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System from the National Endowment for the Humanities will fund the five-part film series, featuring community discussions after each movie, beginning Feb. 1.

All films and community discussions are free and open to the public.  They will be held Saturdays at 1 p.m. at the Public Library, 19 Oak St.

Saturday, Feb. 1

 “The Abolitionists.”  Part One.Synopsis:  A small group of reformers in the 1830s launched one of the most ambitious social movements imaginable: the immediate emancipation of millions of enslaved African Americans.

Discussion leader:  Dr. J.W. Wiley, Director of the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion at Plattsburgh State University, writer and commentator.

Saturday, Feb. 8
“The Abolitionists.”  Part Two.
Synopsis: A small group of reformers in the 1830s launched one of the most ambitious social movements imaginable: the immediate emancipation of millions of enslaved African Americans.
Discussion Leader: Dr. J.W. Wiley (see above)

Saturday, Feb. 15
“Freedom Riders.”
Synopsis: An inside look at a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights struggle, when a brave band of activists challenged segregation in the Deep South.

Discussion Leader:  Jackie Madison, President of the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association.

Saturday, Feb. 22
“Slavery By Another Name.”
Synopsis: Even after slavery was legally abolished, new forms of forced labor kept thousands of African Americans in bondage until the onset of World War II.
Discussion Leader: J.W. Wiley (see above)

Saturday, March 1

 “The Loving Story”
Film Synopsis: Richard and Mildred Loving were arrested in 1958 for violating Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage. Their struggle culminated in a landmark Supreme Court decision overturning that ban.
Discussion Leaders:  Robin Caudell, reporter, Plattsburgh Press Republican, who has written about the Loving story and other interracial marriages in this area.  Portia Allie-Turco, professor of psychology at Plattsburgh State University, originally from South Africa, where she and her husband wed in an interracial marriage shortly after the end of apartheid.

For more information about attending the series:

–call the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System at 563-5190; email: wever@cefls.org or ugr@frontier.com.

–www.northcountryundergroundrailroad.com

Homeless Count takes place Wednesday » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

How does homeschooling fit into the ed debate? « The In Box.

Wind turbines become insufferable neighbors for some | Burlington Free Press | burlingtonfreepress.com.

Watertown Daily Times | Cutting the cord? Officials say think twice before abandoning landlines.

State to increase scrutiny of oil trains | Capital New York.

State teacher salary up 10% – Times Union.

Capitol Confidential » DiNapoli: State workers rack up overtime record.

Capitol Confidential » King: Annual cost of comprehensive pre-K could be $1.6B.

AGENDA PUBLIC HEARING ON 2014 DOG LAW 

January 27, 2014, 6:30 PM 

1. Call Meeting To Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. MOTION:         To Open the Public Hearing.
5. DISCUSSION:  Community Input and Questions
6. MOTION:         To Close the Public Hearing.
7. MOTION:         Adjourn

EDITORIAL: Cutting from the top is the way to revive New York » Opinion » Niagara Gazette.

NYSUT votes ‘no confidence’ in State Ed. leader John King – Times Union.

Planning Board Agenda Feb. 12, 2014

DiNapoli: DOT Efforts to Police Trucking Companies Falling Short, 01/22/14.

Regular Mtg Agenda 01272014

From the Office of Congressman Bill Owens

Congressman will Continue Fight Against Further CBP Staff Reductions at the Border 

PLATTSBURGH, NY—Representative Bill Owens announced today that he has won a concession from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that will keep an additional helicopter and pilot at the Plattsburgh Air Branch. Owens has been fighting CBP’s plan to reduce staffing along the northern border.

CBP Assistant Commissioner and Major General Randolph D. Alles informed Owens that the agency would add an American Eurocopter AS-350 A-Star and a pilot to the Air Branch. However, even with the addition, the total staff level at the air branch is expected to decline in future years. This news comes despite the inclusion of funds for an additional 2,000 CBP officers that were included in the omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2014, which Owens supported.

“I am encouraged by the news that CBP will keep this aircraft and pilot at the Air Branch,” Rep. Bill Owens said. “I will use every tool at my disposal as a Member of Congress to ensure future government cuts don’t jeopardize national security or impede people and goods crossing the northern border to spend money in our economy and create jobs.”

Owens has been leading a fight to keep the northern border’s security posture strong by maintaining current staffing levels. Read more »

Miner Institute gets grant to study drainage » Local News » Press-Republican.