The Peru Gazette

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Boat Stewards to Conduct Boat Inspections and Educate Recreating Public at Boat Launches Statewide Beginning Memorial Day Weekend

More than 14,000 Detections of Aquatic Invasive Species Intercepted by Stewards in 2021

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded everyone to clean, drain, and dry boats and trailers and disinfect fishing gear before recreating in New York’s waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Starting Friday, May 27, watercraft inspection stewards, AKA boat stewards, will be stationed at more than 225 boat launches throughout the state to educate and assist the public in cleaning their equipment. Identified by their blue vests, boat stewards can provide a refresher on how to inspect boats and gear and offer information about AIS in New York.

“New York’s abundant lakes, ponds, and streams are vital to the state’s ecology and economy, which is why DEC and our partners are helping protect against the impacts of aquatic invasive species,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Recreating responsibly in New York waters is a critical component for preventing the spread of invasive pests and our dedicated boat stewards will be working hard to protect New York’s waters for the benefit and enjoyment of all. I’m asking New Yorkers to follow their useful instructions to help prevent aquatic invaders.”

Boat stewards are volunteers or paid members of the community who help protect New York State’s waters. Since 2008, the number of watercraft inspection steward programs is steadily increasing. Last year, DEC stewards provided courtesy inspections for more than 240,000 boaters and intercepted over 14,000 AIS, including zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and curly leaf pondweed, which could have potentially established new populations as equipment was moved from waterbody to waterbody. Read more »

Story broadcast May 7, 2023

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Check out the Davern and Union Roads in Peru today if you have time. Farmer Mel Irwin’s tulips are a highlight. Spring has sprung. The apple trees will be in full blossom soon. Tulips and dandelions are reining at the moment. Peru’s beautiful soil is also on full display.

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Senior Planet and Clinton County Health Dept. grow the program

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Town of Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, Wilderness Recovery: On May 5 at 4:19 a.m., Forest Rangers joined Environmental Conservation Police Officers in the search for a 22-year-old college student who reportedly jumped from a bridge into Norwood Lake and was swept away by the currents. Potsdam Fire set up a staging area. The Rangers and ECOs joined New York State Police (NYSP) dive teams, Potsdam Police, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s, and five fire departments in the search. The search didn’t yield any results until the following afternoon when a member of the NYSP dive team found the subject’s body in approximately nine feet of water a short distance below the dam. Resources were clear at approximately 4:30 p.m.

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Albany, N.Y. – Price Chopper/Market 32 launched its two-month-long “Fill A Glass with Hope/Fill a Plate with Promise” campaign in partnership with the Northeast American Dairy Association, Garelick Farms, and local food banks. From May 1 to June 30, customers will be given the opportunity to round up their totals at the register to help provide local food banks with the means to purchase milk and other nutritious foods for the families they serve.

      Summer is about fun and freedom, which to most kids means months filled with playing outside, swimming, or tossing a ball around in the park. However, when school lets out, more than 22 million children lose access to free or reduced-price meal programs. For many children in need, even basic staples like milk – and the nutrients like protein that help power the simple joys of summer – are missing. Participating in this campaign will help get milk and food items to those who may miss it most. Read more »

Senator Dan Stec (R, C-Queensbury) today welcomed several Adirondack businesses and organizations to the well of the state Legislative Office Building in Albany for Adirondack Day. The event, which the senator co-sponsored, highlights the region’s diverse economy and tourism opportunities. Stec joined Lieutenant Governor Delgado and state DEC Commissioner Segos in speaking at Adirondack Day and appreciated being able to help showcase the region.

“It was an honor to co-sponsor this year’s Adirondack Day and I enjoyed visiting with some of the community leaders and businesses that attended,” said Stec. “But more importantly, I was very proud to see them showcase the many wonders of the Adirondacks. Our region is home to great opportunity and potential, and Adirondack Day allowed all our lawmakers and state officials to see just how unique the Adirondacks truly are.”

On Sunday, May 14^th bring mom to any Stewart’s Shops for a sweet treat, and she’ll get a single scoop cone for just 99¢, and you can get one too! This Mother’s Day deal is available for everyone, which allows anyone to purchase a single-scoop cone for just 99¢. This sweet deal is available from store open to store close at all Stewart’s Shops locations.

There are now several new seasonal flavors at Stewart’s ice cream counter, including Strawberry Sunrise Sherbet, Brownie Points, Very Berry Shortcake, Daily Grind, Peanut Butter Pie, and Salted Caramel Cheesecake.

Mark your calendars; Stewart’s Shops will also offer 99¢ cones on Father’s Day for everyone to enjoy.

Stewart’s Shops ice cream is made from our award-winning fresh milk from family farms near their plant and dairy. Find more Stewart’s Shops news, specials, and flavors at www.stewartsshops.com.

Grand Isle, VT – The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) seeks public comments on a definition of a “disadvantaged community” that will be used to help prioritize projects for LCBP funding in 2023 and beyond. The LCBP has scheduled a series of meetings to solicit feedback and will accept public comments online through June 9, 2023.

The LCBP released a draft list of criteria to be included in a definition of disadvantaged community for public comment in November 2022. Based on input received, the Lake Champlain Steering Committee approved an interim definition of disadvantaged community centered on a suite of socioeconomic criteria that follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance and align with the mission of the LCBP: Read more »

On June 3, 2023, over twenty-eight local libraries are participating in a Library Crawl in our region. The Library Crawl is designed for local families to (re)discover libraries in our area. Many libraries will have activities targeted at children, while others will be open for participants to visit.

Participants are encouraged to visit as many participating libraries as they would like.  Participants will pick up their “Library Crawl Passport” at the first library they visit.  At each stop, the librarian will stamp the passport, and those who get at least three stamps will be eligible for a drawing with prizes from local authors. Participants can turn in their completed passports at the last library they visit, and all eligible passports will be entered into a drawing on June 24, 2023.

Local libraries are an invaluable resource to our communities. They provide access not only to a wide variety of books but also computer access, programming, and a host of other services that residents in our area rely on. The Library Crawl seeks to highlight the wonderful libraries in our region and encourage residents to visit their local library and libraries throughout the region.

More information can be found on Facebook at tinyurl.com/Library-Crawl.

The current list of participating libraries is listed below.

• Alburgh Public Library, 16 So. Main St. Alburgh, VT 05440
• Akwasasne Library 321 State Route 37 Hogensburgh NY 13655

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Beach access and parking remain free to city and town residents with seasonal permits

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Peru Gazette Sept. 2022 File Photo

Flights 33 & 45 scheduled to take 36 veterans to DC

North Country Honor Flight is ready to take to the skies once again. This Saturday, May 13th, will be flight numbers 44 and 45 taking 36 Veterans on a one-day trip of a lifetime. On board will be one WWII Veteran and One Korean Veteran. Veterans from Vietnam will be the bulk of the passengers, with some guardians serving in the Gulf Wars.

“Thunder in the Burgh” is back as all Veterans and their escorts will assemble in the mall parking lot with their escorts and motorcade down to the Veterans Park at the US Oval.  The send-off ceremony will start at 7 am sharp; each Veteran will be honored by the community for their service to our country.

The motorcade will then travel to Plattsburgh International Airport to prepare for their flight. Lloyd Provost, who arranges all the law enforcement and motorcycle escorts, hopes for 200 motorcycles. All bikers are welcome to take part.

Flight leaders Mike and Laurie Parsons have done a remarkable job getting these 60 passengers ready to fly.
Without our sponsors, these flights would not be possible.

We want to thank everyone at the American Legion Post 504 in Au Sable Forks for sponsoring an entire flight with a donation of $35,000. Unfortunately, Post 504 is closing, but what a great way to honor our Veterans upon closing; even with closing, the great work continues.

We would like to thank Penny’s Homestyle Cooking for being a flight sponsor, Penny’s has done numerous fundraisers throughout last year to accomplish this sponsorship.

The return is scheduled for 8:30, right back at the US Oval. We hope for a nice reception for their welcome home.

The public is encouraged to attend all phases of this operation; all events are free and family-friendly.