The Peru Gazette

Brooks was allegedly beaten by corrections officers at the Marcy correctional Facilty 

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Hostile work environment alleged 

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Also, it temporarily suspends aspects of HALT and announces no disciplinary action stipulations

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By John T. Ryan

February 20, 2025, Peru, NY –  John “Jack’ Coste is a popular man at Elmore SPCA. As of last November, the 89-year-old Morrisonville resident had collected $100,000 of refundable beverage containers, with all the proceeds benefitting the SPCA. On January 31, he reached $106,047. When Jack started in 2020, a big month totaled $1,200. Last November, he received $4,324 for containers he brought to the Morrisonville Redemption Center. Today, many people call him “Bottleman Jack.” He’s earned the title.

Why put forth all this effort? Jack explained, “I knew I had to keep busy after I retired. My brother-in-law Mike Parsons asked me to accompany him on a pickup run, which I liked. I wanted to do something for animals. It really upsets me when somebody mistreats an animal. I can’t go inside the shelter because I want to take them all home.”

Like most achievements, Jack’s accomplishment took hard work and persistence. He commented, “I pick up containers at five collection boxes daily, no matter the weather, even if it’s cold like today. (4 degrees). I also paint and refurbish the collection boxes every year.”

Jack has an excellent support team. His wife, Sue Ellen, tallies the numbers and travels with him on Saturday. John McCarty at the Morrisonville Redemption Center counts the containers and puts the proceeds aside for Jack. Mike Parsons substitutes when Jack takes time off for appointments and helps him refurbish the collection boxes when needed. Laurie Parsons, Mike’s wife, the Elmore SPCA President, handles publicity, which she increased as Jack’s total neared $100,000. 

Jack’s lifetime experiences undoubtedly contribute to his success. A Plattsburgh native and M.A.I. graduate, Jack served three years in the Marine Corps and four years in the Marine Corps Reserves. He recalls, “After high school, I needed to learn discipline. I got that in 1953 at Parris Island boot camp. It was good for me. It taught me that if you have a job, get it done and do it right.”  The Parris Island 1953 lettering on Jack’s cap reflects his Marine Corp. pride.

Jack spent 30 years working in the construction industry as a member of Laborers Local 186, shooting high-pressure concrete, often atop high scaffolding, constructing new dams, and rebuilding old dams in New York and New England. Sometimes, he was out of the area for up to three weeks. For 40 years, he had time to join the Saranac Lake and Lake Placid bobsled teams, drive a two-man sled, and eventually serve as a race director and international judge.

A Dave Brubeck Quartet jazz tune started playing during our interview at Rulfs Cafe. Jack perked up, saying that after active Marine Corps duty, he played drums in New York City jazz bands for three years. Back home in the North Country, he played in local bands and productions. For years, Jack operated Penalty Box Sports Bar and Pappy Jack’s Pub on Route 9 north of Plattsburgh. Following that, he performed insurance company liability inspections for eighteen years.

Now that Jack’s surpassed the $100,000, he’s not ready to stop. He said, “You can’t do enough for animals. I’ll keep collecting as long as I can. It keeps me busy, and it keeps me young. When I turned 80, I celebrated by jumping out of an airplane. We’ll have a little party on June 11 if I make 90. The doctor said the only way I wouldn’t make 90 is if a truck hit me.”

There are two container collection boxes at the SPCA. Others are located at Lucky’s on the Irish Settlement Road, Tails of the Adirondacks on Route 3, and Penny’s Homestyle Cooking on the Tom Miller Road.  

Town of Santa Clara
Franklin County
Snowmobile Accident: On Feb. 14 at 1:26 p.m., Forest Rangers Corey and Ordway responded to a call for a snowmobile accident at Little Rainbow Pond on the rail trail. At 1:41 p.m., Rangers arrived and brought a Saranac Lake Paramedic to the patient. The 38-year-old snowmobiler from Mooers indicated she hit a large depression in the trail and lost control, causing the snowmobile to roll and land on top of her. The patient reported an unstable ankle injury and shoulder pain. Rescuers secured the subject in a rescue sled and transported her to an awaiting ambulance. Resources were clear at 3 p.m.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Feb. 15 at 11:40 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker stating her partner was having a medical emergency while descending Phelps Mountain. Forest Rangers Bowler, Lewis, Martin, and Praczkajlo responded. Due to the location and the patient’s condition, at 12:17 p.m. New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation responded to assist Rangers with a hoist rescue. NYSP Pilot Engel and Ranger O’Connor lowered Ranger Adams to the subject. Ranger Adams harnessed the 54-year-old from Quebec and at 2:10 p.m., the patient was hoisted into the helicopter and transported to Adirondack Medical Center. Rangers assisted the rest of the hiking party back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 3:50 p.m. 

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Architects of a bold new Irish musical landscape for over 25 years, the renowned Irish band LÚNASA performs on Sunday, March 9 at 4:00 pm at the Strand Theater in Plattsburgh, New York.  Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival honoring the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 with members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade.  From the start, the band’s complex arrangements and unique sound reshaped the boundaries of traditional Irish music and energized audiences the world over.  An early review from Folk Roots magazine described the band as an “Irish music dream team.” 

More critical acclaim followed, The Irish Echo describing the band as the “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet.” MOJO magazine named the band “the new gods of Irish music,” adding that “nobody since the Bothies has wielded such a thrilling rhythmic underlay.” Billboard raved that “anybody who listens can’t help but find them contagious.” Having since sold over a quarter of a million records and performed over 2,500 shows across 36 countries, Lunasa has won multiple awards and become one of the most influential bands in the history of traditional Irish music.

Reserved-seating tickets are available online at strandcenter.org or in person at the Strand Center for the Arts box office during regular business hours (open Wednesday through Saturday). For further information, please telephone 518-293-7613, e-mail ambrown.hillholl@gmail.com, or visit hillandhollowmusic.org.

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Updates at Dodge Memorial Library will provide space for public events and more

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Historic Strand Theatre anchors vibrant Arts Center on Brinkerhoff at Margaret

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Stec, Jones and Simpson call on the state to address ongoing staffing and safety concerns

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‘It’s not safe in there.’

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Peru—St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus will serve a “Pancakes Plus” Breakfast on Sunday, March 9, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The menu includes Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Fruit Sauce, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Home Fries, Real Maple Syrup, Coffee, Orange Juice, and Milk. 

$10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 11; children under 5 are Free. Take-outs are $10.

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