The Peru Gazette

Residents raised privacy concerns and criticized how the program was introduced during village board meeting

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AEDA Peru Fire Station drawing

AEDA engineer Michael Coon explains interior work to contractors at March 3, pre-bid meeting.

AEDA engineer Michael Coon explains exterior work to contractors at March 3, pre-bid meeting.

By John T Ryan 

Peru – On September 3, 2024, voters gave the green light to a major investment: up to $5 million for expanding and renovating Peru’s fire station. Fast-forward 18 months, and the Department is now seeking bids for general construction, electrical work, HVAC, and plumbing. Bid proposal must be submitted by March 24 at 2 p.m, when they’ll be opened and read aloud. 

Chad Frechette, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, remarked, “The original plan hasn’t changed much, though we eliminated the glass doors to keep the cost down.” Frechette eagerly awaits the March 24 bid opening, hoping to see construction begin soon after. For the firefighters, new challenges lie ahead as they plan how to keep the department running smoothly during renovations. The target completion date is February 2027, although that date is flexible.

On March 3, local engineers Michael Coon and Jamie Hammaker from Architectural Engineering and Design Associates (AEDA) met with several interested contractors at a pre-bid meeting at the station. The department has saved some funds for the project, with the remainder to be financed through a 25-year bond. At the time of the September 2004 vote, the estimated fire tax increase was $ 0.6683 per thousand dollars of real property value. 

The renovation replaces the wood structural members with steel, extends the truck bays by 40 feet toward Bear Swamp Road, and replaces the bay flooring, roofing, engine bay doors, and most sprinkler, electrical, and HVAC systems. New facilities include an equipment storage area, a fitness room, a locker room, a decontamination room, an updated social room, space for the historic Brockway truck, an expanded EMS area, and larger eastside parking.

Link to Peru Gazette story prior to the vote  

In September, 2024 Greg Timmons explained why the changes are needed 

September 2024 vote results story 

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Young musicians applauded for their talent and hard work

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Evacuations underway along the Saranac River in Morrisonville Tuesday morning

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Clinton County is included in the program 

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New policy builds on last year’s debate over using local resources for immigration enforcement

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Two separate incidents left a child and senior seriously injured

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Peru Historian Helen Nerska talks with Robert, James and Melvin Irwin, owners of Maplegrand Farms and 3rd generation farmers in the Town of Peru

Click here to view the YouTube Video recorded by the Peru Gazette. 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, March 16, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. 

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region.  Your neighbors appreciate and need your support. 

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates the blood drive.

Albany, March 9, 2026 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking licenses for falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these examinations online and free of charge,” DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This process makes it easier for individuals to meet examination requirements, apply for a license, and interact with wildlife safely and responsibly.”

The 2 hour exam can be completed any time between 7 am and 11 pm on the assigned date.

*Please note: Registration for the June, August, and October exams will open the week following the previous exam date.

To register, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit Exams Registration website.

Individuals can apply for more than one license. For each exam, applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the specific exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send the application or license fee prior to passing the exam.

Apprentice Falconry License
Birds of prey are protected species and cannot be possessed without a license or other authorization from DEC. Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American Kestrel or a Red-tailed Hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam;
• be at least 14 years of age;
• possess a valid New York State hunting license;
• maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors; and
• be a resident of New York State.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Falconry License” webpage. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam,
• be at least 16 years of age,
• be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff, and
• be a resident of New York State.

 A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Wildlife Rehabilitator License” webpage. There is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitator license.

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License
Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam, and
• possess a valid New York State hunting license.

 A leashed tracking dog handler study guide is available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Leashed Tracking Dog License” webpage. While the exam is free, first-time license applicants have a non-refundable $25 license application fee. The five-year leashed tracking dog handler license is $50.

For questions or assistance, contact DEC’s Special Licenses Unit:
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752
Phone: 518-402-8985; Fax: 518-402-8925
Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov

“Beta plans to partner with medical helicopter operator Metro Aviation to transport medical equipment across Lake Champlain, among other missions.”

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Macaroni, Cheese, & Ham
Salad
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!

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Click here to view the Peru Gazette video 

Renée Gifford is a local self-taught artist. She is inspired by nature and uses vibrant colors to portray different themes in an abstract, but natural way. Most paintings are very textured and colorful.

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; and Banking Reports, JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing of February 23 and Regular Meeting of February 23, 2026.

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve C & S Engineers Supplemental Consultant Agreement No. 1 for the Telegraph Rd. Over Dry Mill Brook Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Emergency Purchase of a Gould Pump Housing, Impellor and Power for the Peru WWTP.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Resignation from Member of Board of Assessment Review.

10. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP Project. 

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP Project. 

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Change Directive M-CD.01 by K & L Plumbing & Heating.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Highway Dept. to Purchase Computer to Diagnose Trucks.

14. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  C & S – Telegraph Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Update.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Town Board.

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads.

17. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay February 2026 Bills.

19. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

20. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

21. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.