The Peru Gazette

New Yorkers are waiting for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to clean up Albany, new statewide poll finds | syracuse.com.

State officials spend a ‘startling’ near-$7 million of campaign cash on legal fees in nine years amid cavalcade of corruption scandals – NY Daily News.

Capitol Confidential » Quebec-NYC power line is approved.

Capitol Confidential » Postal workers convicted in UI thefts.

Capitol Confidential » No bull: Dairy herds will be growing.

Three fall through ice » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

Washington, DC – This week, Members of the U.S. Senate introduced the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013,” a bipartisan immigration bill closely watched by agricultural interests across New York.  Congressman Bill Owens, who called for the inclusion of a farm-labor provision in the run up to the bill, applauded the effort and made the following statement on the announcement:“I am pleased to see that farm labor was given full consideration in this bipartisan effort to address immigration,” Owens said.  “This legislation acknowledges the needs of dairy farmers, apple growers and others across the state that depend on immigrant labor to succeed and grow their operations.  I look forward to further reviewing this comprehensive legislation and will continue to advocate for a strong farm labor component as part of the final bill.”

According to a summary of the legislation released this week, a new agricultural guest worker visa program would be established as part of the bill. A portable, at-will employment based “W-3” visa and a contract-based “W-2” visa would replace the current H-2A program. It will provide growers with a streamlined process to petition for help and sunset the current H-2A program as the new guest-worker program comes online.

Poodle killed by larger dog » Local News » Press-Republican.

By John T. Ryan

Two years ago Frank Slycord succeeded Paul Blaine as the Town of Peru’s Code Enforcement Officer. He brought extensive code enforcement training and enforcement experience to his position. Slycord clearly enjoys his job and appreciates its importance to the Peru community. He said, “I work for the people of the Town of Peru. That’s who I work for.”

Most property owners have contact with a code enforcement officer at some point in time. Anyone erecting a structure or performing an interior modification exceeding $1,000 must apply for a building permit. The larger the structure, the more detailed the requirements. An application to construct a 1,500 sq. ft. or larger structure must be accompanied by a plan stamped by a New York State licensed engineer. Smaller structures require a legible drawing, which includes multiple structure views, elevations and a floor plan. If a contractor is involved, proof of liability insurance and workman’s compensation coverage must also be submitted.

Building permits are important because they ensure that Peru’s structures are safe for occupants and are energy efficient.  Safety, energy, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems must comply with the New York State Uniform Building Code.  When Frank Slycord makes a final inspection he insures that such things as balconies and stairs; sidewalks and driveways; metal siding grounding; venting; door installation; heating systems; and smoke detectors comply with state codes.

Slycord explained, “I usually conduct eight inspections during the construction of a site-built home. Smaller projects typically require three inspections: When the footing or foundation is poured; halfway through the project; and at project completion.”

When all the building code requires have been satisfied, Slycord issues a certificate of occupancy. If a person occupies a structure without issuance of a certificate of occupancy insurance coverage could be at risk. Slycord explained, “Some insurance companies will not cover a property which doesn’t have a certificate. I receive inquiries from insurance companies.”

Peru’s Code Enforcement Officer enforces both building codes and zoning regulations. Frank Slycord encourages anyone contemplating a building or renovation project to stop by or to call his office to discuss the project details. He will explain the applicable laws and codes.  If there’s a small problem, he may be able to suggest a simple modification that would allow a project to quickly proceed.

Senate rejects gun amendment compromise | The Ticket – Yahoo! News.

Elizabethtown must cancel bank accounts » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Outdoor dining tabled by city » NEW TODAY… » Press-Republican.

The Gazette previously posted a story on this issue. Brian Mann gives a good summary of the arguments.

Supreme Court won’t hear challenge to NYS gun law « The In Box.

How the North Country experienced the Boston Marathon bombings « The In Box.

Watertown Daily Times | Owens urges missiles for Fort Drum.

Watertown Daily Times | Energy audit reaps savings for farmers.

Watertown Daily Times | Father, daughter to deploy with 10th Combat Aviation Brigade.

‘I felt the ground shake’ – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, 

Tupper Lake school budget likely to dip into reserves and exceed tax cap – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News,

Budget would cut Bloomingdale principal’s job – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

             Sister Debbie Blow, O. P., a co-founder of the North Country Mission of Hope, will be recognized in Albany early next month as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.

            Senator Betty Little has nominated Sister Debbie for the recognition, citing her leadership in organizing a sustained humanitarian mission to Nicaragua that, since 1998, has provided healthcare to more than 60,000 people, educated hundreds of students, constructed more than 500 homes, as well as classrooms, a library and community development center, and fed thousands of malnourished children through the Children Feeding Children Program.

            “Plans for the North Country Mission of Hope’s 50^th mission trip are underway, so this is certainly a fitting time to recognize Sister Debbie for her extraordinary work,” said Little.  “Tens of thousands of lives have been transformed for the better due to her vision and dedication and the more than 1,300 volunteers who have made numerous trips to Nicaragua.  This mission not only has provided Nicaraguans living in poverty critically important tangibles like housing, healthcare and food, but a sense of hope, a remarkable gift.”

            Sister Debbie, O.P., a Dominican Sister of Hope, co-founded the mission in response to Hurricane Mitch, which killed more than 22,000 people in Central America in 1998.  A Nicaraguan student whom Sister Debbie helped rescue  when the family escaped civil war in the 1980s informed her of the storm’s impact on the poverty stricken country.

            The New York State Senate Women of Distinction event will be held in the Legislative Office Building in Albany on Tuesday, May 7.  The annual event honors outstanding women from across New York State for their professional and volunteer work to enrich the lives of others.

            More can be learned about the North Country Mission of Hope at www.ncmissionofhope.org.

Saranac wrestling champ fights cancer » Local News » Press-Republican.

Suicide awareness emphasized » Local News » Press-Republican.

Lawmakers concerned about claims backlog » Local News » Press-Republican.

Rabid fox bites person in Ausable » Local News » Press-Republican.