The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.
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Johnston brothers’ mom Anne traveled from Peterborough, Ontario.
Chris Johnston
Chris Johnston and his boys
Chris Johnston learns he’s #2, not #1.
Ed Loughran holds two of Monday’s catch
The Lake Champlain Bassmaster Elite is Loughran’s biggest tournament win.
#3 Robert Gee
Plattsburgh, NY, August 12, 2024 – Ed Loughran III of Richmond, Virginia, was the top finisher in Lake Champlain’s August 8-12 Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite fishing tournament. During the tournament’s four fishing days, Loughran landed 80.12 pounds of small and largemouth bass, just one more than second-place finisher Chris Johnston. The one-ounce difference met an additional $65,000. Loughran won $100,000 vs. #2 Chris Johnston $35,000. Third-place finisher Robert Gee ($30,000) brought in 80 pounds 9 ounces, Matt Robertson #4 ($25,000) landed 79 pounds 3 ounces, while Chris Johnson’s brother #5 Cory Johnston ($20,000) landed 78 pounds 9 ounces. It was a big day for the Johnston family, with several family members, including Chris’ two boys, who traveled from the Toronto, Canada, region.
One hundred one fishermen competed on August 8 and 10. Bad weather forced the cancellation of Friday’s competition. On Sunday, fifty competed, and the ten competed on Monday. The next Bassmaster Elite tournament is only two hours away, in Waddington, NY, on the St. Lawrence River (August 15-18).
Plattsburgh, August 12, 2024 – 6:30 a.m. Greg DiPalma, a Top 10 Lake Champlain Bassmaster Elite fisherman from Millville, NJ, told the Peru Gazette how he feels about the Lake Champlain Region.
Plattsburgh, 7 a.m. August 12, 2024 – Last Wednesday, the Lake Champlain Bassmaster Elite Tournament had 101 fishermen. Yesterday, there were 61; today, there are only ten remaining. They’ll return to the Dock Street Marina at 3 p.m. for weigh-in. The winner’s prize is $100,000. $700,000 will be split among 70 fishermen.
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);
MOTION:Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of July 29, 2024.
Community Input.
DISCUSSION:Update on Telegraph Rd. Project.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:Appointment of Craig Randall as Interim Town Supervisor.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:Appointment of Lucas Tooker as Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
MOTION/DISCUSSION:Approval of Cook Rd. Project Payment to Ed Garrow & Sons.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:Approval of MOU from Clinton Co. Health Dept. for WIC Clinics.
NWS tallied up the rain from the past two days. Most rain fell along Route 11, causing widespread flooding in the difficult-to-flood St. Lawrence Valley. The Little Salmon River at Bombay reached a record crest before flatlining from debris, besting March 31st, 1998.
Plattsburgh, 3 PM, August 10, 2024— Watching the boats arrive and weigh in Bassmaster Elite boats at the Plattsburgh Dock Street Marina was great fun. Most fishermen caught between 15 and 20 pounds today and about the same yesterday. The top 50 will compete tomorrow. Fishing will go into Monday because of yesterday’s bad weather cancellation.
This is a big-time competition, with national TV coverage and kids and adults asking for photos and autographs. The winner will receive $100,000, with a total purse of $700,000. There’s a $5,000 entry fee per boat.
The Peru Gazette talked with friendly, joyful competitors and family members from Alabama, Maryland, Idaho, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Texas, and even one from Australia. The morning’s completion began with a beautiful prayer and our National Anthem.
Photos were taken between 6:30 this morning and 3 and 4 this afternoon.
Peru, NY, August 9, 2024—Peru has another restaurant. On August 8, Roma Pizza opened at 2937 Main St. in the building once occupied by Pasquales Take-Out Pizzeria. The Peru Gazette hopes to write an in-depth story soon. A few restaurant and menu photos are attached. Roma’s phone number is 518-420-8005. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays.
Note – Days and Hours of operation updated 8/9/24 at 5 PM.
We’re preparing for the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring heavy rain, potential flooding, and possible severe weather to our entire NYSEG service area on Thursday and Friday.
Our teams have been closely monitoring weather forecasts, strategically planning and readying our crews and equipment. To prepare, we have pre-staged approximately 170 additional line crews and 80 additional tree crews across the state to assist with restoration efforts should outages occur.
We urge you to monitor weather forecasts and prepare as well.Here are some easy ways to stay informed:
Sign up for My Account to manage your account preferences including Outage Alertsto stay informed and receive automatic text, email or phone updates if the power goes out. If we have a current cell phone number associated with your account, and you have not previously opted out, you will receive outage alert texts automatically.
Download our mobile app at the App Store and Google Playto report an outage and access Outage Lists and Maps. Or textAPP to 697348 to receive a downloadable link.
Learn more about our preparations by visiting Outage News. You can also find updates throughout the event on our website and media channels (Facebook and X).
If your power is interrupted go to NYSEG’s Outage Central. Report outages and view estimated restoration times and outage mapsat Outage Central from your computer or smart phone.
How we restore power: Our first priority is your safety. In the case of a large interruption, we first repair the main facilities (transmission lines, substations) that bring electricity to your neighborhood. Learn more
If someone in your household uses electrically powered life-sustaining equipment enroll in our program at 800.572.1111 to be updated on power restoration efforts if the duration of an outage extends beyond 24 hours.
To report a life-threatening electricity emergency, call us at 800.572.1131 or call 911. To report a natural gas emergency or if you smell a natural gas odor, call us at 800.572.1121 or call 911.
This morning, it became clear that the path and pace of Tropical Storm Debby had changed. The window of clearing that had been forecast yesterday had significantly shrunk, and the time that the effects of the tropical storm are going to hit our region is early afternoon rather than late evening.
As I said in yesterday’s email, it was our hope that we would be able to hold the tournament as scheduled; however, we no longer believe this can be done safely.
After discussing several alternatives, we have made the difficult decision to cancel today’s tournament. We understand the disappointment this may cause and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
Where does that leave you?
We encourage you to join us at the Barracks Club House between 11:30 and 1. If you have participated in the Mission tournament previously, you know that McSweeny’s always delivers wonderful gifts to all the players. We also have over 30 beautiful gift baskets for raffle, 100 plus gift cards between $25 and $50 in our balloon pop game, and a 50/50 raffle. McSweeny’s famous Michigans and sides from the Barracks will also be available.
As an additional incentive, we will put the names of all teams and individuals, by category, who donate their registration fees in a raffle for the prizes that would have been awarded to winning teams and contest winners.
We will also be available to provide either full or partial refunds of your registration fees if that is your wish.
If you want to avoid venturing out and would like a full or partial refund of your registration fees, please email me your information so I can mail you a check.
Thank you for your unwavering support of the North Country Mission of Hope feeding programs for the past 20 years. Your dedication has made a significant impact, enabling the Mission to provide over 1,000,000 meals from your donations. You are truly valued, and we are grateful for your support.
This year, our board chose to celebrate you and all the golfers and volunteers over the past 20 years. You have made an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of people.–
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The meeting will be recorded and available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.
The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.
Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:
First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Individuals who cannot attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, August 13th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.
Anticipated topics include:
Code of Conduct
Personnel Appointments
Tax Information – Levy, Rates, Rolls, and Warrants
Emergency Response Plan
Education & Improvement Plans
The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (perucsd.org).
The Run for Jon is an annual cross-country race and walk. It raises money for the families of local children with serious medical problems and honors the memory of Jon Evans.
In 1990, 13-year-old Jon Evans was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Soon after his diagnosis, two long-time friends of the Evans family, Mark Elmore and Scott Woodward, organized the first Run for Jon to raise money to help pay for expenses. Just two weeks before the 2nd Run, Jon passed away. Every year since then, family and friends have held the Run for Jon to raise money for the families of local children with serious medical problems.
The race course winds through 2.5 miles of Forrence Orchards in Peru, NY. The walk portion of the event is approximately 1 mile and there is a short fun run for the kids. The event attracts approximately 300 participants each year and raises $4,000.
Plattsburgh, August 8, 2024 – The Peru Gazette was at the Plattsburgh City Marina this morning to witness the start of the August 8-11 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament. One hundred of the world’s top bass anglers are vying for the $100,000 first-place prize and a share of the $771,000 total purse.
Family members, friends, and a few locals watched as the announcer introduced the anglers passing by the dock. Our visitors come from all over the U.S. and Canada. The Gazette spoke to a young woman from Toronto who accompanied her boyfriend and an Idaho mom as she watched over her three young children. Her husband left his boat and climbed onto the dock to say goodbye. They’re staying in this area this weekend and then traveling to Waddington, NY, for an August 15-18 St. Lawrence River Tournament.
The action starts bright and early at 7:00 AM from the Plattsburgh City Marina at 2 Dock Street in Plattsburgh, with daily weigh-ins beginning at 3:00 PM. The full roster of anglers will compete for the first two days, with the field narrowing to the Top 50 on Day 3 and the final 10 duking it out on the last day.
But that’s not all! The Elite Series Outdoors Expo at the Plattsburgh City Marina opens at noon on Saturday and Sunday. It features the biggest names in the industry, like Bass University, the Toyota Experience, Power-Pole, Garmin, and Yamaha. Nitro/Ranger/Mercury and Skeeter/Yamaha will also offer free demo boat rides!
Saturday honors our heroes with Military/First Responder Appreciation Day, while Sunday is about showing love to B.A.S.S. members. The first 100 attendees each day snag a gift.
Can’t make it in person? Tune in to FS1 on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM for live coverage, or catch every thrilling moment on Bassmaster LIVE streaming on Bassmaster.com all four days.
Former West Carthage Housing Authority Executive Director Jan Hoffman was sentenced yesterday for a scheme that allowed her to steal over $48,000 in WCHA funds, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna S. Mills, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General (HUD OIG) and the New York State Police announced. Hoffman was sentenced to serve five years’ probation. The sentencing of Hoffman’s mother, Katherine (Katie) Pais, who pleaded guilty to aiding in and concealing the scheme, was adjourned to June 2, 2025.
Following their June 3, 2024 guilty pleas and prior to sentencing, the pair paid back $48,930 in restitution to the West Carthage Housing Authority.
“Hoffman and Pais betrayed the public trust in their scheme to steal over $48,000 in funds meant to support seniors and people with disabilities residing in the West Carthage Housing Authority,” DiNapoli said. “I thank Jefferson County District Attorney Kristyna S. Mills, the HUD Inspector General, and the State Police for partnering with my office to hold them accountable for their crimes.”
“The defendants took advantage of their position and violated the public trust by defrauding HUD-assisted housing programs of scarce taxpayer dollars intended to provide housing to individuals and seniors with disabilities,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Vicky Vazquez with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates HUD OIG’s steadfast commitment to working with our prosecutorial, law enforcement and oversight partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “This sentencing should serve as a reminder that those who manipulate innocent victims will be brought to justice. Our joint investigation determined that the suspects in this case violated the public trust by circumventing financial accounts intended to fund safe housing for individuals. I thank the Comptroller’s Office, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Office of the Inspector General for their partnership in this case.”
Hoffman served as the executive director of the West Carthage Housing Authority, a government-funded apartment complex for low-income senior citizens and people with disabilities, from 2016 to 2021. Pais, Hoffman’s mother, was hired as a vendor to act as an accounts payable bookkeeper at the housing authority from 2016 to 2020.
Based upon an anonymous tip, DiNapoli’s Office and the HUD OIG commenced an investigation of all monies controlled by Hoffman and found that she had been making personal purchases with housing authority funds since 2016, her entire tenure as executive director. In total, Hoffman stole over $48,000 from the authority using its financial accounts and credit lines to pay unauthorized personal expenses, including retail and grocery purchases, and to fund her and her family’s personal cell phone expenses. She also submitted over $1,000 in additional false reimbursement claims.
Through her role as the accounts payable bookkeeper, Pais was responsible for reviewing claims and preparing checks for payment. Pais abused her position in order to facilitate her daughter’s theft by making the illicit payments and then falsifying authority records to conceal her daughter’s crimes.
Hoffman was sentenced before Judge David Renzi in Jefferson County Court.
Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton Community College Alumni Association is excited to share that James Jock will be receiving the “Distinguished Alumni Award” for 2024 at the Clinton Alumni Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 17.
Jim, a proud Clinton Community College Class of 1986 member, is a real estate associate broker with eXp Realty. Thanks to his impressive sales and commitment to the company’s core values, he’s recognized as a certified mentor and an icon agent. Locally, Jim serves as co-chair of the Professional Standards Committee and as a real estate mediator and ombudsman for the tri-county board of realtors.
Since 2002, Jim has been a dedicated part of the Clinton Community College Alumni Association, holding roles including treasurer and president. He’s also been an active participant on search committees, capital campaign committees, and other groups representing alumni. Currently, he serves as immediate past president/chair of the CCC Foundation, where he has been a board member since 2020. As chair, he led efforts to update the accounting system and bring in community partners as board members.
Stew
Plattsburgh, 3 PM, August 10, 2024— Watching the boats arrive and weigh in Bassmaster Elite boats at the Plattsburgh Dock Street Marina was great fun. Most fishermen caught between 15 and 20 pounds today and about the same yesterday. The top 50 will compete tomorrow. Fishing will go into Monday because of yesterday’s bad weather cancellation.
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The meeting will be recorded and available on the District’s website at 
Public Invited – It’s a great show!
August 7, 2024
Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton Community College Alumni Association is excited to share that James Jock will be receiving the “Distinguished Alumni Award” for 2024 at the Clinton Alumni Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 17.