The Peru Gazette

The Inevitable Climate Catastrophe – The Chronicle Review – The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Adirondack Events This Weekend (May 31) – The Adirondack Almanack – The Adirondack Almanack.

Governor in town to tout tax-free plan » Local News » Press-Republican.

Nurse charged with morphine theft » Local News » Press-Republican.

Watertown Daily Times | Fort Drum remembers two soldiers killed in Afghanistan in April.

By John T. Ryan

The Wednesday, May 28, 2013 Town Board meeting started off on a good note with town resident Jim Earle praising Town Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell for his department’s fast reaction to Earle’s report of a 2.5 foot  x 3 foot wide, 3 foot deep, sink hole on a Fuller Rd. just south of the Sullivan Road intersection. Earle said, “Mike and his men had it fixed within an hour. It could have resulted in a fatal accident.” Unfortunately town engineers estimate that replacing two culverts below the sink hole may cost as much as $250,000. A repair, which may not not solve the problem, was estimated to cost approximately $50,000.

Farrell told the Board that two 10 foot diameter culverts were installed following the 1996 flood and were damaged and repaired at the time of the 1998 flood. He said he had talked to town engineers about several solutions. Farrell is worried that portions of the culverts which are out of sight may have been washed out. Farrell said, “We’ve got to do something. We’re going to be playing Russian roulette because we don’t know what’s gone.” Read more »

Don’t miss this Carl Heilman photo 

Memorial Day Frost And Snow Covered High Peaks – The Adirondack Almanack

Museum Days to feature 16 museums and galleries » Local News » Press-Republican.

Jury finds Rivers guilty » Local News » Press-Republican.

Inside the Backyard Poultry Craze | Seven Days.

Canton, NY – The Cornell Cooperative Extension associations of Northern New York are bringing respected stockdog trainer Barbara Armata of Taravale Farm Kennels to Canton for a two-day training workshop for handlers and their dogs June 22 and 23.

Barb has been training working and competitive Border Collies since 1974 and breeding, training, and competing with the livestock herding breed since 1990. Barb and her husband, Bernie, have competed successfully throughout the East Coast region and Canada. Barb has qualified four and run three dogs in United States Border Collie Handlers Association competition finals. All the dogs she has competed with, Barb has trained herself.

In Canton, Barb will work with up to a dozen dogs and their handlers each day. Read more »

State faults village over computer skills, policies – Times Union.

Feds fault Albany schools in race-bullying response – Times Union.

New York State plans to close two upstate juvenile jails, even as alternative program is criticized   – NY Daily News.

Saratoga casino to expand – Times Union.

Life in the North Country? Yup, it’s hard. « The In Box.

Obamacare grows up « The In Box.

No defense witnesses in Rivers trial » Breaking News » Press-Republican.

Regular Mtg Agenda 05292013

Examining the Medicaid IG – Times Union.

Chinese hackers breach key US weapons designs | The Ticket – Yahoo! News.

Local WWII veterans honored » Local News » Press-Republican.

By John T. Ryan

Peru residents interested in agriculture may have noticed a plant peeking through the corn stubble this spring. If things go as planned, they’ll see even more of this crop next year. On April 24^th, several farmers gathered at Dimock Farms on Route 22B to hear agriculture and water pollution experts describe the benefits of planting and harvesting Winter Rye. Peter Hager, a Clinton County Cornell Cooperative Extension educator, said that North Country farmers have never planted many cover crops, but his agency and USDA are encouraging them to give it a try.  If successful, farmers will enjoy increased profits and the non-farmers will enjoy an improved environment.

Peter Hager – Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator

Cover crops like winter rye reduce erosion, retain nutrients not utilized by the summer crops, add organic matter to the soil and improve soil health. They also compete with weeds, reduce pests and improve water infiltration. Farmers can reduce pesticide and herbicide applications, which ultimately lessens ground water, river and lake pollution. Winter Rye can also be harvested in the spring to provide additional feed.

Bruce Dimock (right) farms 500 acres and milks 240 cows

Bruce Dimock was one of the first local farmers to planted Winter Rye. Dimock explained, “I planted 50 acres. I’ll harvest it in May and feed it to my dry cows and heifers.”

Environmental Analyst Myra Lawyer demonstrated the tangible benefits of Winter Rye

Cooperative Extension and USDA are hoping that 1000 acres will be planted countywide this year.  USDA is even offering to share the cost of aerial seeding into standing corn or soybeans.  The Soil and Water District also has a no-till drill which can be rented and used to establish Rye into corn stubble without tillage. Click the following for more information. NNY-Farms-Successfully-Growing-Cover-Crops-For-Dairy

As is the case in any business endeavor, Winter Rye’s success or failure depends on its benefits versus cost. Our short growing season can make growing cover crops challenging. If this program is successful, it would be a win, win situation for farmers and non-farmers alike – increased productivity, reduced costs, greater profits and improved water quality in streams, rivers and our precious Lake Champlain.

Whiteface gets 3 feet of snow – LakePlacidNews.com | News