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In recognition of George Washington’s birthday, on February 22, the Valcour Battle Chapter SAR conducted our 2nd annual book donation to expand local public library collections of Revolutionary War scholarship. Local author Don Wickman’s book Strong Ground: Mount Independence and the American Revolution, published in 2017, was this year’s selection. Located on Lake Champlain in Orwell, Vermont, the American army constructed extensive fortifications on the Mount’s Promontory in 1776 and 1777 to stop a British invasion. The Peru Free Library was chosen as the recipient library since the Battle of Valcour was fought in the Town of Peru. This book, autographed by the author, is accessible via interlibrary loan to all patrons served by the Clinton Essex Franklin library system. Peru librarians Becky Pace and Stacey Bousquet accepted the 2023 book donation from Chapter President Craig Russell.
Peru resident and Peru Gazette Editor John Ryan addressed three issues.
Issue #1 – The final cost of Phase #1 of the sewer system upgrade project. Ryan would like to publish a project cost breakdown, including breakouts for contractors, design, engineering, and any other costs, the tax impact, the final interest rate and the bond term. Backed up by Town Attorney Matt Favro, Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald told Ryan that the town would have to review piles of documents to get the requested information. Favro told Ryan to file a Freedom of Information Request (FIA). Ryan said he isn’t looking for each invoice, just a project cost broken down by contracting, engineering, other costs, the final amount borrowed, interest rate, and impact on the taxpayer. He said he was surprised that the town board hadn’t compiled this formation. (Following this meeting on April 26, Ryan asked for a meeting with Supervisor McDonald to discuss the issue. McDonald replied that once an annual disclosure filing and a project audit are complete, he would have Confidential Secretary Pam Barber “pull everything and one day we can sit down.” He did not set a date for the meeting.)
Issue #2 – Stating that he hasn’t formed an opinion on affordable housing, Ryan asked board members if they have considered encouraging affordable housing development in Peru. He mentioned that the Woodland Drive and Orchard View (Washington Street) developments are at a standstill, and Ormsby Circle has few remaining lots. Ryan mentioned two large projects in the Town of Plattsburgh (Ampersand Drive and behind the CVPH Medical Plaza), saying that today’s affordable housing is more attractive than it once was. McDonald said he has heard that the Orchard View development may be sold; however, neither McDonald nor any board member commented on affordable housing. (After the board meeting, counselor Rick Barber emailed, “l feel we have been very proactive in our affordable housing endeavor. We, as a board, changed the zoning on the piece of property off Dashnaw Road. We, as a board, are very pro-construction if done the right way anywhere in Peru. We have been talking to the property owner off Dashnaw Rd. about taking over his private water and sewer lines, but there were a few things we wanted from him, and we have not heard back. Washington St. is a matter of patience. We need to let them work it thru with the Army Corp. Buttonwood has it all (the utilities), but Swain (the developer), in my view, has lost the fire to keep pushing it forward. We as a board would be glad to entertain any new ideas for new development.”)
Issue #3 – Ryan mentioned an email from Elm Street resident Jennifer Madore addressed to the Peru Gazette, Supervisor McDonald, and the Peru School Board. Mrs. Madore stated that the town storm pipes transport stormwater from Peru Central School into a State Route 22B drainage ditch, under Route 22B, down a hill to Elm Street, where it crosses the street and floods a portion of her and a neighbor’s property. She stated she has asked for help; however, the school blames the town and the town blames the school for the problem. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell believes the school or NYS DOT is responsible for the drainage issues, not the town. Town Attorney Matt Favro advised the board not to get involved and suggested that Madore pay for a survey to determine the cause of the problem. Later in the meeting, Ryan suggested that the three parties meet to discuss the issue.
Elm Street resident Patricia Laduke told the board that a two-inch lip on Elm Street’s new sidewalk makes it very difficult for a person who uses a wheelchair to cross the street in front of her home. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell indicated he would fix the problem.
In other news – Recreation Director Kristen Marino wants to bring pickleball to the community. Councilman Rick Barber said he thinks Sullivan Park would be an ideal location to construct two pickleball courts. Several years ago, the board considered starting pickleball at the Jenkins Street tennis courts but decided against it when Mike Farrell determined repairing the courts would be expensive.
Barber also suggested that the town sell the Jenkins Street property, a 40+ acre parcel adjacent to Brand Hollow Road, and a small lot at the school end of Woodland Drive. Matt Favro will investigate the actions required to sell the town properties.
The board also declared a 1984 Model 1710 Ford Tractor as surplus equipment and set a bid date of May 22 at 10 a.m.; approved the purchase of a Model 4044M John Deer Tractor for the Water/Sewer/ Parks Department under state a state contract price of $35,629.82; approved sale of 2001 International Model 2674 dump truck on the Auctions International website; accepted a $20,000 bid for demolition and disposal of a 5 School Street structure and bids totaling $3,080 to K&S Environmental Science for site-specific variance and air-monitoring services at the site; approved the Water/Sewer/Parks Department request to hire a temporary laborer.
Town Historian Helen Nerska reported that the town would display several historical artifacts at Babbie Museum this summer.
Councilman Rick Barber reported that Rick Arnold would like to custom-make a cover for the new Heyworth-Mason Park bell tower.
Legislators and the Governor were able to reach an agreement on changes to bail reform and ultimately rejected the housing proposals in the Executive proposal. State legislators fought back against the proposals to raise taxes and were able to include record amounts of funding for K-12 education. Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) expressed his disappointment with some of the policy included in the final budget but noted the critical funding that will help the North Country.
“After numerous debates and late nights in Albany, we have finally come to an agreement for the final budget,” said Jones. “We made some changes to bail reform to provide clarity for justices as well as allocated funding for training. Although I was disappointed by the Governor’s proposal for changes to Medicaid reimbursement to counties, the Governor already had the ability to do this by policy, but my colleagues and I were able to negotiate a 3-year offramp to help counties transition. I am disappointed that reissuing licenses to charter schools was included in the final budget, but I am pleased that my colleagues and I secured important funding for education, including fully funding foundation aid and critical funding for SUNY campuses and community colleges. My colleagues and I also increased funding for hospitals and nursing homes, but I realize that the funding is not nearly enough. Our hospitals need more help and I will continue to push for more funding. While I have my concerns about some of the policy included, I am proud to have secured funding that will help North Country residents including support for Senior Planet and overuse in the Adirondacks.”
Jones is also excited about the funding he was able to secure for volunteer fire departments. The final budget included his bills to create a $25 million capital fund (A4929) and a $6.5 million training fund (A3242) for volunteer fire departments which will help struggling volunteer fire departments throughout the North Country stay afloat and recruit new members.
“Volunteer fire departments are at a crisis and need state support,” said Jones. “We rely on them to be there during emergencies and the state needs to step up and make sure that fire departments have the resources they need to keep our communities safe. I introduced these bills last year because of the many heartbreaking conversations I had with volunteer firefighters across the North Country about their deteriorating facilities, outdated equipment, and dwindling membership and including $31.5 million in the budget for capital projects and training will help these fire departments tremendously.
Jones noted that his bill to allow firearms at historic battle re-enactments (A4133), which was an issue during the Battle of Plattsburgh events last year, was also included in the final budget. “I am happy that re-enactors and the history community can finally rest easy knowing that they are officially allowed to carry firearms during historic battle re-enactments,” said Jones. “These events not only bring tourists from all over including Canada, but they are an important part of our communities and preserving our local history.”
The final budget made additional changes to the concealed carry law passed last year including clarifying language to allow military salutes during funerals and other celebrations, and qualified law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms. Funding for district attorneys and prosecutors to help address crime was also included.
In addition to funding for volunteer fire departments, Jones secured the following budget items for the North Country:
$200,000 for Senior Planet (Older Adults Technology Service);
$225,000 for the North Country Chamber of Commerce;
$100,000 for the Adirondack North Country Association and $420,000 for their Adirondack Diversity Initiative;
$250,000 for the Paul Smith’s Visitor Information Center;
$8 million to address overuse in the Adirondack and Catskills Parks;
$2 million for a Survey of Climate change and Adirondack Lakes Ecosystems (SCALE);
$100,000 for the Adirondack Mountain Club for a High Peaks Visitor Center;
$125,000 for North Country veterans;
$225,000 for the Maple Producers Association;
$300,000 for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program;
$3.45 million for the Local Tourism Matching Grants Program.
“Between the funding for volunteer fire departments, education, the Adirondacks, and numerous North Country community organizations, this year’s budget provides critical funding for our region and will help local residents get the resources they need,” said Jones.
“The state budget makes important investments in education and health care, including mental health care, and provides significant, recurring funding to the MTA that will help close budget gaps. The Governor has stated that reserves will equal 15% of State Operating Funds, consistent with recommendations I have long advocated. The budget also makes statutory changes that increase the allowable deposits and balances of the state’s rainy day reserves. The state should put this authority to use by relying more on statutory, rather than informal, reserves. This will help New York catch up with other states in preparing for economic and budgetary risks.
“With an end to federal pandemic aid approaching and the possibility of an economic downturn, it is unclear how recurring obligations will match recurring revenue in the years ahead, which could mean outyear budget gaps that put future funding of critical programs in jeopardy. There is still too much spending through lump sums without details, and the budget still lacks much needed transparency. Provisions were included that appear to exempt approximately $5 billion from Comptroller oversight. There is also a significant increase in capital projects funding which will place more burden on the state’s remaining debt capacity and New York’s already high debt levels.
“My office will review the final enacted budget and release an analysis in the coming weeks.”
Thanks to Small Dog Electronics, the Peru Gazette returns to operation today. It will take a couple of days to catch up on local news.
The iMac’s hard drive lasted six years, but it finally crashed after being burdened with thousands of files, 77,000 photos, and 1,100 videos. Small Dog Electronics in Burlington did a great job replacing it quickly and at a reasonable price!
On Wednesday, a jury found Vincent Abrams guilty on four counts, including first and second-degree murder, in the killing of 40-year-old Melissa Myers.
MORRISONVILLE – Four former Clinton County American Legion baseball standouts – Les Fessette, Paul LaRock, Tracy Rotz and John Munson, and former coach Rob Knowles, have been selected for induction into the Clinton County Mariners Hall of Fame later this summer.
Tracy Rotz
Two-year member of Post 20, 1984-85
Team captured District IV title in 1985
Pitcher of the Year, 1984
Most Dedicated Player, 1985
Standout at Peru Central School, 1983-85
1984 CVAC Honorable Mention, 7-3 2 saves
1985 2nd Team All-CVAC, 7-1 with 2 saves
Peru won Section VII Class B titles in 1983 & 1985
Recorded a 15-4 record with 4 saves at Peru.
Paul LaRock
Two-season member of Post 20, 1982-1983
Most Outstanding Pitcher in 1983
Standout at Beekmantown Central, 1981-83
Beekmantown captured Section VII Class C title,1983
Struck out 26 batters in 10 innings to beat Saranac
1981 Honorable Mention
1982 2nd Team All-CVAC: 6-2, 1.04 era, 75 strikeouts
1983 CVAC Most Valuable Player: 5-3, 1.33 era, 105 strikeouts in 54 innings; 1st Team P, 2nd Team 1B, hitting .394.
Finished career at Beekmantown with 17 wins
Played at St. Lawrence University, 1984-85, 87-88
Earned All-Conference at SLU, 1987 & 1988
John Munson
Two-season member of Post 20, 1985-1986
Team captured District IV title in 1985
Most Outstanding Pitcher in 1985
Standout at Beekmantown Central
Honorable Mention All-CVAC in 1984 & 1985
Les Fessette
Member of the E.S. Mason team that represented Plattsburgh, the Clinton County Champion, in 1948 American Legion play
Standout 3-sport athlete at Mount Assumption
Signed with Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950
In 1951 with Hornell (PONY) went 4-5 with a 4.85 era
Was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.Was seriously wounded.
In 1954, he went 22-8 for Asheville
In 1955, he went 8-8 in Elmira
Began 1956 in Topeka went 2-1 and then retired.
Rob Knowles
Coach of the Clinton County Mariners (1999-2005)
Captured District IV Titles (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004)
Compiled a 195-85-2 record
Current members of the Clinton County Mariners Hall of Fame
2012 – Harry Demary, Robert Garrow, Gary Butler
2013 – Joe Staves, Bill Durnin, Tim O’Connell, Mike St. Louis, Pip LaFountain
2014 – Tim McDonough, Jim Shutts, Wally Vanderhoff, Larry Carpenter, Randy Senecal
2015 – John Flynn, Mike Flynn, John Hart, John Rock, Mike Rock, Gerald Burdo
2016 – Jeff Doorey, John Ireland, Paul O’Connell, Dick Denny, Dale Meron
2017 – Jack Daly, Chris King, Stephen Peryea
2018 – John Zerrahn, Peter Proctor, Matt Sames, Tom Neale.
2019 – Jason Miller, Doug Kimbler, Rob Calkins, Todd Wilkinson, Gus Terry, 1969 Team
2021 – Russ Keller, Mark Boule, Neil Stevens, Brian Mehan, Kris Doorey, Bob Way
2022 – Peter Ewald, Chris Pageau, Warren Horner, Scott Baker, Todd LaValley, John Burke, Ron Poland
The ceremony will be held at the West Plattsburgh American Legion during the last week of July.Follow the Clinton County Mariners on Facebook or visit www.leaguelineup.com/ccmariners for more information.
Saturday, April 29, 2023 – There is activity inside and outside the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum this morning. Inside, Curdie Gardner offered a class on making healthy salads and homemade dressings. The ingredients looked tasty. Curdie Gardner operates Curdies Creations in Keeseville. Outside the museum, volunteers were beginning to prepare the museum for its May 20-21 Opening Weekend.
Tomorrow at 1:00 pm, the museum is hosting the talented Jessie Furnia for its monthly Paint & Sip. The cost is $30 and includes canvas, all materials, step-by-step instructions, snacks, and beverages.
Cloudy skies aren’t deterring the Peru Varsity Golf Team from holding its car wash today from 10 to 2 at the Peru Fire Station. A $5 donation is recommended.
These friendly folks will serve you pancakes, bacon, and homefries until noon at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. They also have a silent auction with several great items to bid on. If you’re looking for a good meal in eat-in or take-home, this is the place to be Saturday Morning, April 29, 2023.
A Tesla dealership is coming to the city of South Burlington, and the city expects work to begin at the old Hannaford’s on Shelburne Road before summer.
From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones 
May 3, 2023
These friendly folks will serve you pancakes, bacon, and homefries until noon at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. They also have a silent auction with several great items to bid on. If you’re looking for a good meal in eat-in or take-home, this is the place to be Saturday Morning, April 29, 2023.