February 2025
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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.

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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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Hochul calls for statewide audit of utility companies

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Chazy man indicted for smuggling undocumented immigrants

Bailey Burger allegedly smuggled four Indian nationals across the U.S. border

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD EMERGENCY MEETING FEBRUARY 12, 2025 1:00 PM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call 
  1. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.
  1. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION: If Needed.
  1. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

CEO of Albany law firm dies while skiing at Gore Mt.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Monday, Feb 17, CVPH Peru Blood Donor Drive

Peru—CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive will be held on Monday, February 17, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. All donors are eligible for a monthly $50 gift card drawing. St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the drive.

HamilSun Solar: What we learned on Saturday

Additionally, any household that has qualified for Section 8, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or HEAP benefits automatically qualifies.

On Saturday, February 8, the Peru Free Library conducted the first of its 2025 Community Learning Series programs. Mark Hamilton described the HamilSun Solar Project and its many benefits, especially to low—and moderate-income households. Thank you to Marque Moffit, the library’s Community Learning Series Coordinator, for the following narrative.

Back in 2015, after having spent time evaluating existing power supplies and infrastructure, NY State officials passed legislation that allowed the development of community solar farms (CSFs) as part of their efforts to diversify NY’s power sources and build an energy system robust enough to handle the growing needs of citizens. CSFs start when landowners receive a letter from a developer interested in leasing land for a solar farm. Landowners who enter into these agreements turn over control of the leased land to the developer and the community solar project moves forward.

A few years ago, one such letter set the Hamilton family on a path to creating a different type of CSF. Rather than leasing their land to an outside developer, the Hamiltons spent several years crafting a plan that would allow them to keep control of their land and bring savings to their community. Ultimately partnering with RER Energy Group to design and build the solar array and with Neighborhood Sun to organize and maintain subscriber services, the Hamiltons now have a product they are excited to share with everyone in Peru: HamilSun Solar.
Located on their property on Mannix Road, the array consists of 5217 solar panels mounted on a single-axis tracking system that will enable the panels to follow the sun across the sky. By maximizing sun exposure in this way, the 2.6-megawatt facility is expected to generate roughly 4,131,000 kWh annually—enough to cover the electrical consumption of 400 – 500 homes yearly! Believe it or not, all of this is taking place on a 10-acre parcel of land that has always been too wet to use for planting.
Now that HamilSun is about ready to go live, the Hamiltons and their partners are excited to share another perk of their unique solar farm project. Unlike typical CSFs with subscribers from around NYSEG’s territory, HamilSun is first opening its registration to locals. This is great news for community members because it means we will get dibs on all subscribers’ guaranteed savings: a 20% discount on our NYSEG bill.
The Hamilton family has deep roots in Peru. While creating and building HamilSun Solar, they have worked hard to make a product that would benefit the local community. In addition to developing a program with built-in guaranteed savings, they are reserving the first 50% of membership slots for low- to moderate-income households. The full list of income ranges is attached to this email. Additionally, any household that has qualified for Section 8, SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or HEAP benefits automatically qualifies. Slots are limited, so interested parties are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Every Clinton and Essex County NYSEG customer is eligible to apply.
Interested in learning more? You can see detailed articles on HamilSun’s Facebook page. Registration information is easy to find at www.neighborhoodsun.solar/HamilSun. Pro tip: have your NYSEG bill handy when signing up.
With thanks from Marque Moffett and on behalf of Peru Free Library, stay tuned for more details about our next event in March.
Peru Gazette added, “Every Clinton and Essex County NYSEG customer is eligible to apply.” at 7:25 p.m. on Feb. 10.

 

Free Beginner Cross-Country Ski Lesson Offered in Cadyville by Champlain Area Trails During February School Break

2024 Photo Provided

CADYVILLE NY – Champlain Area Trails (CATS), an accredited land trust established in 2009, is dedicated to creating and maintaining trails, protecting land, connecting people with nature, and promoting economic vitality in the Champlain Valley. For the second consecutive year, CATS is offering a free beginner cross-country ski lesson during the school winter break.

This family-friendly event is suitable for participants aged 5 and older and will take place on Wednesday, February 19th, from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Cadyville Recreation Park, located at 114 Goddeau Road in Cadyville, NY. CATS is partnering with the Plattsburgh Parks & Recreation Department to present this exciting free opportunity for the community.

“Cross-country skiing is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months and explore the beautiful trails in our region,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of CATS. “We’re thrilled to offer this free beginner lesson for the second year in a row to help introduce people of all ages to the sport and encourage them to get outside and experience the joys of winter recreation.”

Skiing equipment will be provided, but participants are encouraged to register early due to limited availability. While the event is free and open to the public, pre-registration is required.

Since its founding in 2009, CATS has established and maintained over 100 miles of trails, protected 3,000 acres of land, and hosted hundreds of hikes, outdoor education outings, and volunteer events, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The organization’s mission is to create and maintain trails, protect land, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality in the Champlain Valley.

“Our free cross-country ski lesson is just one of the many ways we’re working to connect people with the natural beauty of the Champlain Valley,” added Arin. “We hope this event will inspire more people to get out and explore our trails, discover the joys of winter recreation, and appreciate the importance of land conservation and outdoor activities in our region and their own backyards.”

To register for the free beginner cross-country ski lesson or to learn more about CATS and its upcoming events, please visit the organization’s website at www.champlainareatrails.com.

DEC urges hikers to use caution during avalanche-prone February & March

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Peru VFW Chicken & Buscuit Dinner

What:  Chicken & Biscuit Dinner
When:  February 13, 2025
                    4:30 p.m. — until 6:30 p.m. or gone.
Where:  Peru Memorial VFW Post # 309
                710 Pleasant St
                Peru, NY 12972
Why:  Proceeds to benefit veterans and their families.

Regular Monthly School Board Meeting February 11

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. An executive session is anticipated immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment:  Related to items on the agenda.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who cannot attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, February 11th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

  • District Goals
  • Immigrant Students
  • Academic Calendars
  • Personnel Appointments
  • Policies
  • Smartphone Use

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

 

Vt. Attorney General sues over federal buyouts

Click here for the WCAX story 

Merciless Philadelphia Eagles dismantle Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl

Click here for The Guardian story 

THE EMERGING FINANCIAL SECURITY CRISIS FACING OLDER ADULTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

Over the past decade, the number of older New Yorkers living in poverty has surged nearly 50 percent, nearly half of the state’s older adults report having no retirement income, and hundreds of thousands lack access to Social Security benefits.

Click here for the Center For an Urban Future report. The report story appeared in today’s Albany Times-Union. 

 

Internet crimes against children sting nets multiple arrests

Four Clinton County men charged after allegedly arranging sexual encounters with underage youth

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Lasagna

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!

Knights thank everyone who attended today’s breakfast and express gratitude to local highway department personnel

Knights thank everyone who attended today’s breakfast and express gratitude to local highway department personnel.

The St. Augustne’s Knights of Columbus are grateful to everyone who supported its Pancakes Plus breakfast, especially since about four inches of snow fell last night. They came for Peru, Schuyler Falls, Morrisonville, Cadyville, Plattsburgh, Dannemora, and other nearby communities.

Peru Highway Department snowplow operator Andrew McLaughlin, his wife Judeva, and their beautiful five children attended. Andrew had completed a plow run and said he’d make a second run after breakfast. Thanks to Andrew, the other Peru Highway Department members, and nearby town, county, and state highway department staff, people can easily travel, attend events, visit family, and enjoy the day.

2/20/25. 8:30 a.m. – Snowfall amount and Schuyler Falls included in the first paragraph.

Snow is forecast to stop at about 7 a.m. At 8:30 a.m. Peru Knights will be ready to serve you.

Peru—St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus will serve “Pancakes Plus” Breakfasts on Sunday, February 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. The January breakfast had a record turnout. Let’s see if we can set another record this month.
The menu includes Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, home fries, Real Maple Syrup, Fruit Sauce, Coffee, Orange Juice, and Milk.

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

Over 300 attend Paul Smith’s College Winter Open House

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

School Board Committee Meeting 2/7/25

The Peru CSD Board of Education’s Policy Committee will meet on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 8:00 AM in the District Office, in the High School Building. The meeting is for policy development. Various policies from the 0000, 2000, 7000, 8000, and 9000 series may be discussed.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 10, 2025 – 6:00 PM

Call Meeting to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

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; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2025.

Community Input.

DISCUSSION: C & S Companies February 5, 2025, Project Status Report for Telegraph Rd. Project.

MOTION/DISCUSSION: Letter of Support for Verizon Fios Broadband.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Purchase of 2025 Truck for the W/S/V Dept.

DISCUSSION: Thank You Letter from Babbie Museum for Donation and Sponsorship Card for Town Council.

DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council, Dept. Heads

DISCUSSION: Department Head Comments.

DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay February 2025 Bills.

MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Before the shooting of border patrol officer, visitors took interest in a remote Northeast Kingdom property

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Stand Center Artisan Market 2025 Schedule

Central NY fire department treasurer stole more than $300,000 from department, officials say

Department policies and procedures were adopted too late! 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

NYSUT, Shine On! discuss phone-free schools Discussion centered around severe impacts of constant cell phone and social media use

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Chamber Highlights Area Business Optimism and Position on Key Issues for 2025

L-R City Mayor Wendell Hughes, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, Chamber CEO Gary Douglas, CC Legislature Chairman Mark Henry

The North Country Chamber of Commerce has released the results of its 2025 Annual Issue Survey, defining the position of regional businesses on a number of key issues and expressing expectations for the year ahead.

2025 BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX:

“A year ago, the North Country business community told us they remained generally confident about 2024,” says Chamber President Garry Douglas. “The 2024 Business Confidence Index was 82%, with 60% expecting their business activity to be up and 22% expecting business to remain steady. For 2025, we are at a higher level of 87% with 65% anticipating that business will be up and 22% expecting it to be steady, which is very encouraging for the year ahead.”

At the same time, responses to questions on several key federal and state issues identify concerns, such as possible tariffs on Canada, and matters needing further attention, such as childcare and housing.

FEDERAL ISSUES:

  • 97% call for optimizing the secure flow of legitimate cross-border commerce and travel at our northern border, including adequate staffing at all times.
  • 97% declare that tariffs must be avoided on Canadian goods crossing the border.
  • 81% support making the 2017 federal tax cuts permanent.
  • 78% support federal tax relief for tips and overtime as a means of workforce recruitment and enhancement.

NEW YORK STATE ISSUES:

  • 97% say “affordability” should be a key theme for the state, both for businesses and residents and to help stem out-migration.
  • 80% say the State Budget must be free of any forms of tax increases.
  • 98% say it is important for employment and the economy to enhance the capacity and affordability of child care.
  • 89% call for enhanced support for BOCES and community colleges to assist with workforce needs, including a successful transition for Clinton Community College and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing.
  • 85% agree that the state must address in a major way the growing inadequacy of electricity transmission capacity and access in support of our economy.
  • 95% agree that we must enhance regional availability of quality affordable housing including funding and approaches to scale that can work in the Adirondacks.
  • 81% support the enactment of the pending MTA Capital Plan for the N.Y.C. metro area, recognizing its importance to the North Country in light of our large role in the production of transportation equipment.

The top four priorities for state action are as follows:

#1 – Enacting a new State Budget with no tax increases.

#2 – Regional availability of quality affordable housing.

#3 – Enhanced capacity and affordability of childcare.

#4 – Support for BOCES and community colleges to develop the workforce.

The Chamber’s 2025 Issue Survey results have been shared with federal and state officials and will be used to help guide the Chamber’s advocacy efforts in the coming months in Washington, Albany and elsewhere.