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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.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Peru HS Senior Class Parade – June 15, 2024

Sons of the American Revolution recognize Rulfs Orchard Patriotism

L-R Bill Fergerson, Amanda Whisher, Shannon Rulfs Wilkens, Riley Wilkens, Charlie Mitchell

In honor of Flag Day, 14 June, the Valcour Battle Chapter Sons of the American Revolution presented a Certificate of Commendation to Rulf’s Orchards in Peru. The certificate reads, “In recognition of Exemplary Patriotism in the display of the Flag of the United States of America.” Representatives from Rulf’s Orchards accepted the award from Charlie Mitchell, president of VBC SAR(Valcour Battle Chapter Sons of the American Revolution) (Right) and SAR member Bill Ferguson (Left).

Peru Summer 2024 Concert Schedule

Mike Collin named 2024 “Spirit of Ianelli” Award Honoree

Former Luck Bros. superintendent continues to lead Beartown Ski Area into a strong future

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Over $4.7M in eclipse visitor spending across North Country

Direct spending in Lake Placid over $2.7M

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Free event features 200+ skaters from the Northeast and Canada

Lake Placid Figure Skating Championships return June 19-22

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Plattsburgh Mayoral Candidate Dan Lennon Shares His Top Issues for the City

Plattsburgh Mayoral Candidate Dan Lennon Shares His Top Issues for the City

Mayoral Candidate Wendell Hughes on His Vision for the City of Plattsburgh

Mayoral Candidate Wendell Hughes on His Vision for the City of Plattsburgh

DEC Announces 2024 First-Time Camper Program

Interested Campers Encouraged to Enter Lottery Open June 13 to 20

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the return of the popular First-Time Camper Program for the 2024 season. New York families that have never experienced camping will have the opportunity to try camping and other recreational activities in the great outdoors by registering for a fully stocked campsite at a select DEC-operated campground for a designated weekend this summer.

“DEC’s introductory program for first-time campers is back and I am honored to welcome even more New Yorkers to check out great campgrounds in the Adirondacks and Catskills,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “The First-Time Camper Program is an excellent way to get more New Yorkers outdoors and introduce them to the Empire State’s unparalleled natural beauty with the help of Camping Ambassadors who assist new campers with all the basics. The program gives those who have never camped before the opportunity to sleep under the stars, as well as experience myriad outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, birding, and more.”

New York State’s First-Time Camper Program makes camping easy by providing a turnkey camping experience for families, especially those from underserved communities who may be unfamiliar with camping and the planning and supplies required to ensure the most enjoyable experience.

DEC will provide camping parties with a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, a lantern, and firewood for a weekend of fun. Bathrooms and hot showers are a short walk from the campsites. A Camping Ambassador will meet participants at the campsite and help set up camp with a camping 101 lesson. To make the weekend getaway even more enjoyable, campers will have an opportunity to learn from experts how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle, and more, all while having fun and making memories to last a lifetime.

Learn more from just a few of the hundreds of campers who have previously participated in the First-Time Camper Program by viewing videos on the DEC website.

Potential first-time campers are encouraged to enter the lottery beginning June 13 until June 20, 2024. Participants will then be randomly selected to fill camper slots. More information on the program can be found by visiting DEC’s website.

Those entering the lottery must choose one facility from the participating locations in the Adirondacks and Catskills:

  • North South Lake Campground (Catskills) – July 12-14
  • Ausable Point Campground (Adirondacks) – July 19-21
  • Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) – July 26-28
  • Cranberry Lake Campground (Adirondacks) – August 2-4
  • Northampton Beach Campground (Adirondacks) – August 9-11
  • Mongaup Pond Campground (Catskills) – August 16-18
  • Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Catskills) – August 23-25

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC’s website, or call DEC’s Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the NY State Parks ReserveAmerica website.

The First-Time Camper Program is offered through DEC’s Adventure NY initiative and Division of Operations, which support making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active, outdoor recreation; connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors; protect natural resources; and boost local economies. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative on DEC’s website.

Video: Peru Town Board Meeting of June 10, 2024

Growing SUNY Plattsburgh North Country scholarship program inspires students, donors

Support for the North Country Scholarship Program by businesses, alumni, community is rising

CLICK HERE FOR THE SUN COMMUNITY NEWS STORY 

Elmore SPCA officials discuss future of animal shelter

The Peru-based animal rescue is set to stop providing services to seven out of ten communities in Clinton County within the next 90 days

CLICK HERE FOR THE MYNBC5 STORY 

Chem/Biochem Fun Day lures high schoolers to SUNY P’burgh

Faculty opened its labs, shared microscopes for North Country students

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

2024 Applefest will be Saturday, September 21

Spread The Word!
The 2024 St. Augustine’s Applefest will be held on Saturday, September 21, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Grounds will open at 10:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the Peru Elementary School.
The Applefest Committee is already working to make the 46th Annual Applefest one of the best. Our Applefest Committee Members are Rev. Scott Seymour, Rev. Lukas Gruber, Judy Akey, Pam Ballantine, Dawn Bronson, Carrie Beattie, Mike Lawliss, Diane Natishak, Mary Nisoff, Cormac O’Callaghan, Karen Ricardelli, Jean Ryan, John Ryan, and John Theisen.

Farrell explains why he doesn’t anticipate a portion of Telegraph Rd. reopening until July 2026

Monday, June 10, 2024 – Peru Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell recently indicated that the bridge close to Telegraph Rd would not reopen until about July 2026. At the town board meeting on Monday, June 10, Town Attorney Matt Favero said a concerned resident had called him about the issue. Farrell explained his reasoning by citing the slow DEC and the Army Corps of Engineers permitting process. Later in the meeting, the Peru Gazette asked why the town didn’t replace the bridge when it closed the road to replace the culvert at Telegraph Road- and Sullivan Rd intersection. The fact that there are three homes between the culvert and the bridge is a primary reason. Farrell also hoped to get a Bridges, NY grant. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear the town will qualify for a grant. Replacing the bridge is estimated at $1.5 million. The culvert job cost the town an estimated $2 million without grant funding.

 

Peru JCEO Outreach moves to St. Augustine’s Parish Center

Peru—On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Peru JCEO Outreach Center departed Peru Town Hall for a nearby location: St. Augustine’s Parish Center at 3030 Main St. Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald noted the change at the Board’s Monday, June 10 board meeting.

JCEO’s Director of Community Outreach, Lisa Goodrow, told the Peru Gazette that the primary reason for the move is more functional space. “Now, we’ll be able to have a separate walk-through food pantry and more office space. The new space is also much better for food delivery. The town hall’s ramp is steep and challenging to navigate.”

Breana Warren staffs the JCEO Outreach Office Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4 p.m. Ms. Warren checks the old phone, 518-643-8455, several times daily. JCEO is working to get her an office cell phone.

Burlington mayor to outline plans for waterfront homeless encampment

Click here for the WCAX story 

We asked dads what Father’s Day gifts they actually want: Here are their (surprising) answers

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Street drug ‘Super Mario’ hits Syracuse. It contains opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

‘The Adirondacks are becoming more appealing’ in a warmer world

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Lawmakers adjourn without acting on amendment to free closed North Country prison land

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

ADK Amtrak line now suspended through September

Original six-week construction delay now anticipated through the summer

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Elmore SPCA Forced to Cancel Municipal Dog Control Contracts

Peru Gazette March 2024 file photo

Peru Gazette March 2024 file photo

Peru Gazette March 2024 file photo

Seven of ten municipalities received a 90-day cancellation notice

Sheltering legislation due to go into effect in December 2025 has forced Elmore SPCA to make some difficult decisions regarding services provided to Clinton County municipalities.  In a recent New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF) consultant review of the Elmore facility and its operations, it was made clear that immediate action was necessary to show a good faith attempt to move towards compliance with the new regulations.

  • Reduce its animal population
  • Eliminate use of some areas of the shelter
  • Reduce dog control services for future population control

The Elmore facility is of our greatest concern. The new law specifically addresses shelter space and the shelter facility environment for both dogs and cats.  Left unaddressed Elmore SPCA closure by NYS Agriculture & Markets is certain.

With less than an 18-month deadline, some at NYSAPF and NYS Agriculture & Markets are indicating shelters working towards compliance will not likely be immediately shut down, but no one knows what facility or time allowances will be given.

Elmore has concerns that some NYS shelters will resort to euthanasia to be operationally compliant with the new legislation, as the short-term holding of animals has more facility leniency.  Elmore is steadfast in our commitment against euthanasia as a solution.

Our board and shelter employees are prioritizing and moving to take appropriate action to get our current facility to operate within guidelines, even though it means that we will have to greatly reduce the number of animals we will be able to help.  Areas of concentration will begin with modification to existing kennel space, HVAC system, emergency power availability and noise controls.

All municipalities will continue to provide dog control services, unfortunately Elmore SPCA is no longer able to continue to be the shelter service provider at these locations.

  •             Town of AuSable
  •             Town of Beekmantown
  •             Town of Champlain/Rouses Point
  •             Town of Chazy
  •             Town of Dannemora
  •             City of Plattsburgh
  •             Town of Plattsburgh

Northern New York manhunt with armed suspects ends in arrests of four teens

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Dairy Days at the Babbie Museum on June 22 and 23