The Peru Gazette

Click here for the NCPR story 

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – The Peru Town Board hired Bob Guynup as the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) just over nine years ago on May 23, 2016. At its meeting on Monday, August 11, Supervisor Craig Randall announced that Guynup is retiring, effective September 30. With leave taken into account, his last work day is September 22. The town board accepted Guynup’s resignation. Supervisor Craig Randall commented, “I express the board’s appreciation. You did the job to the best of your ability.” Following an Executive Session, the board voted to advertise the CEO position. 

Bob Guynup reported that the seven-member board may soon be short two members.  On January 1, newly appointed Planning Board Chairman Justin Wilson will depart for a one-year National Guard assignment. That news, combined with the resignation of longtime board chairman Richard Williams, will result in the board being two members short. Other current members include Mark Hamilton, Peter Stone, Jerry McGovern, Allison Webbinaro, and alternate Mark Robinson. Ideally, the board should have seven regular members and two alternates.

Ironically, at the August 11 meeting, former Mariner Bar and Grill operator Brandon L. Way presented a Notice of Claim that he said he would be filing within the next 30 days related to the Clinton County Supreme Court case, Lake Champlain Transportation, DBA Lake Industries, v. B.L. Way, LLC, DBA The Mariner Bar and Grill. Bob Guynup testified in that proceeding. Brandon Way is seeking $7.5 million in damages under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Fourteenth Amendment, alleging violations of equal protection under the law and due process of the law.

AES Northeast engineers Nathan Bull and Michael Metcalf reported that the wastewater treatment upgrade project is progressing according to schedule. Metcalf commented, “We have about sixty cubic yards of material that have to come out of there and thirty cubic yards going in. There’s been a steady flow of trucks.”  To date, most work has been taking place in the lagoon, bringing the subgrade up to grade. Metcalf said the contractor should pour the footings for the preliminary treatment administration building and water-sewer garage during the week of August 18.

The board authorized payment of four invoices related to the WWTP project. Payment #1 to Murnane Building Contractors in the amount $184,129; Payment #2 to John W. Danforth Co. for $14,250; Payment #1 to K & L Plumbing and Heating for $20,496.25; and Payment #3 to Triangle Electrical Systems for $14,129.76. 

Supervisor Randall reported that there was no apparent progress in resolving the issue with the Telegraph Road closure. NYSEG must relocate two power poles to make room for a construction crane; however, it hasn’t reached an agreement with either of the two nearby property owners. 

The board agreed with Michael Farrell’s recommendation that the Allen Hill Road and River Road should be next on the town’s 2025 paving schedule. 

The 2026 town budget development process is in place. Following past practice, the board scheduled a public hearing on a Local Law to exceed the NYS-imposed 2% tax cap, if necessary. Supervisor Randall commented, “We’ll try not to exceed the cap as we always do, but with increasing costs, it’s becoming more and more difficult.” The board scheduled the tax cap public hearing for September 8 at 5:45 p.m. 

Budget Workshop and Meeting Schedule – (All are open to the public)

• Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 5:30 p.m., Highway Culvert Workshop for Bonding 
• Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 5:30 p.m.   Highway Budget Workshop (Downstairs)
• Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m.   Water/Sewer/Valcour Workshop 
• Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 5:30 p.m.   Salaries/General Workshop
• Thursday, October 2, 2025, 5:30 p.m.   Special Meeting to Present Tentative Budget 
• Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 5:30 p.m.   Budget Review Workshop (Downstairs)
• Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 5:30 p.m.   Budget Review Workshop (if needed)
• Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 5:30 p.m.   Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget
• Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m.      Special Meeting to Adopt Final Budget

Peru, NY – Bring summer to a close on Saturday, September 20, at a North Country tradition, the 47th Annual St. Augustine’s Applefest. Each year Peru residents and people from near and far enjoy the community parade, craft fair, food treats, live music, chicken BBQ, games, and raffles. Activities at St. Augustine’s Parish Center begin at 10:30 a.m.

At 11 a.m., the community parade begins its route down Main Street, from Peru Elementary School. People will fill the grounds looking for the Grand Raffle, apple fritters, fried dough, caramelized apples, hot dogs, michigans, sweet sausages, burgers, chicken BBQ, games, the train ride, face painting,  bounce house, a Grand Raffle, the Pipes and Drums of Plattsburgh, and the On Three Band. Roger’s House and St. Vincent DePaul have sales throughout the day. The Grand Raffle drawing takes place at 4 p.m.

August 18, 2025 For Immediate Release

Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) will hold a public vote on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to authorize the sale of 15 acres of CVES-owned land to Clinton County.

The proposed sale price is $28,000 per acre, totaling $420,000, plus reasonable and customary closing costs and expenses. Proceeds from the sale will be distributed among CVES’s 16 component school districts. The per acre value was determined to be fair market value through an appraisal process.

The land is located at the corner of Military Turnpike and Rugar Street in Plattsburgh, just west of CV-TEC at the CVES Learning Hub Campus.

Voting Information
Eligible voters may cast their ballots at either of the following locations:
CVES Learning Hub Conference Center – 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
CVES Mineville Campus – 3092 Plank Road, Mineville
Proof of residence is required at all polling sites.
Early voting is available by application at cves.org/capital-project. On the application, voters will have the option to have their early vote ballot mailed to them or they can pick up from the district clerk at 1443 Military Turnpike in Plattsburgh.

Voter Eligibility
To vote, you must:
Be a citizen of the United States
Be at least 18 years old
Have been a resident of one of the CVES 16 component districts for at least 30 days prior to the vote date

CVES Component Districts include: AuSable Valley, Beekmantown, Boquet Valley, Chazy, Crown Point, Keene, Moriah, Northeastern Clinton, Northern Adirondack, Peru, Plattsburgh, Putnam, Saranac, Schroon Lake, Ticonderoga, and Willsboro.

For questions about the vote, please contact Katelyn Smart at smart_katelyn@cves.org.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik at the podium

L-R John and Michael Zurlo cut the ceremonial ribbon

Zurlo family following the ceremony

Protesters lined up to about 100 feet of the podium.

Protesters at the corner of Cornelia and Margaret Streets.

County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry

By John T Ryan

August 18, 2025, Plattsburgh – Since opening in 1976, the large office building at 137 Margaret Street has been the Clinton County Government Center. As of about 10:45 this morning, it is the John H. Zurlo Government Center. The Clinton County Legislature has decided to dedicate the building to John Zurlo, commemorating his significant impact on government operations and leadership throughout his distinguished career in public service. When Zurlo passed away on December 11, 2024, he had been serving as County Clerk for more than 20 years. Before that, he served for thirty-four years as a business teacher and department head at Northeast Clinton Central School. His community involvement in Champlain and the Northern Tier was legendary.

This morning, County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry stated, “There is more than just naming a building – it’s about honoring a legacy of public trust. John served with humility, fairness, and a clear sense of purpose, and this dedication reflects the esteem in which he was held across party lines and throughout the county.”

Other speakers honoring John Zurlo included Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Assemblyman Billy Jones, Deb Capezzuti representing State Senator Dan Stec, City of Plattsburgh Mayor Wendall Hughes, Coroner Chad Deans, and John Zurlo’s son, Michael, who recently retired as Clinton County Administrator. Michael thanked everyone on behalf of his mother, Mary, and his brother John. All today’s speakers mentioned John Zurlo’s approachability. He had time for everyone.

Several dozen protesters marred the ceremony’s atmosphere, shouting and booing when Congresswoman Stefanik spoke. After a brief first attempt, Stefanik left the podium when shouts were loudest. After Assemblyman Jones’ remarks, she returned to the podium, speaking through the shouts recalling her friendship and respect for John Zurlo. The protesters were generally quiet and respectful when other speakers were at the podium and applauded after speakers praised John Zurlo.

John and Michael Zurlo cut the ceremonial ribbon. Then they joined their mother and family members for pictures and to greet the many people who attended.

Click here for John Zurlo’s obituary 

Correction – 8/18/25 , 5:55 p.m. Zurlo family member names corrected.

Jonnell Rose, former Treasurer of the Vernon Center Fire Department, pled guilty to stealing more than $300,000 from the department, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today. Rose pled guilty to grand larceny in the second degree.

“Jonnell Rose betrayed his community’s trust and stole over $300,000 meant to protect it,” DiNapoli said. “I thank District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their partnership in holding him accountable.”

Carville said, “This crime is particularly disturbing because of the victims that were targeted, the community and the fine men and women who selflessly give their time and talent as volunteer firefighters. I would like to thank the New York State Police and the New York State Comptroller’s Office for their hard work as well as the efforts of my Assistant, ADA Paul Kelly, who ensured that the defendant was held responsible and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

James said, “This guilty plea demonstrates the vital collaborative work of our law enforcement partners focused on the same goal; holding those who break our laws, accountable. Mr. Rose took advantage of a position he was entrusted in, and stole funds intended to support the Vernon Center Fire Department and the community it serves. I thank our State Police members, the Comptroller’s Office, and Oneida County District Attorney’s Office for their commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who victimize others.”

A joint investigation by DiNapoli’s office and the State Police found Rose, 52, of Vernon, stole $309,000 from the department over a six-year period from May 2018 to May 2024.

Rose wrote fire department checks to cash, which he pocketed, deposited checks written to various legitimate fire department vendors into his personal accounts and deposited checks intended for the department into his own bank account.

A forensic examination by DiNapoli’s office revealed that Rose made numerous personal purchases and payments, including crypto currency transactions, credit card payments, and cash withdrawals with the funds he stole from the department.

Rose pled guilty before Judge Michael Nolan in Oneida County Court to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and will be sentenced on October 28, 2025.

Scams Claim Customer Owes Fines for Traffic Tickets or for E-ZPass Fees

‘Spoofed’ Websites Are Designed to Look Like Official DMV or Toll Collection Web Pages

Governor Kathy Hochul  alerted New Yorkers to the newest efforts to steal their personal information by people pretending to be the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles or tolling agencies. The culprits design phony websites and phishing text messages to look legitimate, all to trick people into providing personal information that can be used to commit identity theft and fraud.

“While I’m working hard to put money in New Yorkers’ pockets, scammers are using deceptive text messages to do the opposite — taking your hard-earned money and your personal information in the process,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m standing up to fight back against these schemes, and I’ll always defend New Yorkers against anyone trying to take advantage of them. Enough is enough.”

Scammers often target older adults and other vulnerable New Yorkers, using urgent language to pressure victims into acting quickly. New Yorkers are urged to check in with relatives, friends or neighbors who may be at greater risk of falling victim to these schemes.

You can find an example of a ‘spoofed’ website here.

The scams claim to be from DMV and that a driver’s license is about to be suspended. A very short window of time is then given for payment. Previous scams have claimed that E-ZPass accounts were about to be suspended. The official DMV website is dmv.ny.gov.

If you did share your personal information, you should also check your credit reports regularly. You can contact any of the three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) to place a credit freeze or fraud alert on your account.

You should also change your passwords, check your computer or devices for viruses, and notify your bank and other companies that you have accounts with.

Phishing texts and imitation websites are designed to obtain data or sensitive personal information to be used to commit identity theft or trick the recipient into installing malicious software onto a computer or mobile device.

DMV created a page on its website about these phishing attacks. You can find examples of the text messages there as well.

The New York State Department of Information Technology Services offers advice on avoiding these phishing attacks.

• Be cautious about all communications you receive, including those that claim to be from “trusted entities.” Be careful when clicking any links contained within those messages. If in doubt, do not click.

• Do not send your personal information via email. Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through email.

• Keep an eye out for telltale signs: poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, or the URL does not match that of the legitimate site.

• Be wary of how much information you post online. The less information you post, the less data you make available to a cybercriminal for use in developing a potential attack or scam.

Here is an example of what the latest scam text looks like.

In addition, the New York State Thruway Authority and MTA Bridges & Tunnels are raising awareness of scam texts seeking to collect E-ZPass or toll by mail fees. E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail will never send a text or email requesting sensitive personal information. Since the launch of Congestion Relief in January, text messaging scams from “NY Toll Services” or other fictitious names have sought to collect tolls for the Congestion Relief Zone. New Yorkers are advised to not access any links sent within the message or engage with the message. Real communications from E-ZPass New York will only refer customers to the E-ZPass NY website

If in doubt, call E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 or Tolls by Mail at 1-844-826-8400 for assistance.

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), a NEIWPCC program partner, seeks proposals for wetland and floodplain restoration projects in the New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin.

The intent of this funding opportunity is to increase the quantity and quality of wetlands and floodplains in the New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin.

“Wetlands and floodplains provide natural water filtration, wildlife habitat, and flood resilience,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “This funding opportunity will support on-the-ground restoration work in New York that advances our shared vision of a healthy and resilient watershed.”

Approximately $1.3 million in funding is available to support awarded projects. Projects up to $1.3 million will be awarded. Multiple proposals may be submitted per eligible organization or entity.

This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from theInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on September 18, 2025. Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in March 2026. More information, including grant guidelines and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants.

Click here for the NPR story 

Click here for the CTV News story 

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Monday, September 8, 2025, 5:45 PM             Public Hearing to Exceed Tax Cap Local Law

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 5:30 PM   Highway Culvert Workshop for Bonding 

Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 5:30 PM   Highway Budget Workshop (Downstairs)

Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 5:30 PM   Water/Sewer/Valcour Workshop 

Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 5:30 PM   Salaries/General Workshop

Thursday, October 2, 2025, 5:30 PM   Special Meeting to Present Tentative Budget 

   (by Oct 5 – Per Town Law)

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 5:30 PM   Budget Review Workshop (Downstairs)

Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 5:30 PM   Budget Review Workshop (if needed)

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 5:30 PM   Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget

Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 5:30 PM      Special Meeting to Adopt Final Budget

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole 

Vegetable 

Bread 

Dessert 

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972 

All are invited and welcome!

On Saturday August 16th – at 10 am – Join your Peru Historians for tours of two Peru Cemeteries – Peru Village and God’s Acre. The tour will begin at the Peru Village Cemetery behind the TD Bank – please park on the road. Cemetery hosts are Darrell Altizer and Howard Bell. Bring your stories to share. Call Helen Nerska (513-582-7246) or Chris Mullen (518) 335-3639 for more information.

Potluck meal
Vegetable
Bread
Dessert

Served takeout only 430 to 5:30 PM Saint Augustine parish center 3030 Main St., Peru NY 12972. All are welcome! ❤️

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of July 28, 2025

6. Community Input. 

7. DISCUSSION:   AES Northeast to Give Update on the Peru Wastewater Treatment Project. 

8. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approve “GC Contract” Pay Application #1 of Murnane Bldg. Contractors.

9. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approve “P Contract” Pay Application #2 of John W. Danforth Co.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Call for a Public Hearing on Sept. 8, 2025, at 5:45 PM to Pass a Local Law to Exceed the Tax Cap for the 2026 Budget if Necessary.

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Tentative 2026 Budget Schedule. 

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Announcement of Impending Retirement of Code Enforcement Officer.

13. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Culvert Project Engineering Update. 

14. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay August 2025 Bills.

18. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

19. MOTION: Return from Executive Session

20. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.