January 2025
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  

News Categories

Site search

More About The Peru Gazette

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.

Comment Policy

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.

Recent Comments

Viewing eclipse brought friends and families together

Peru, NY – April 8, Total Eclipse 2:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Rulf’s Orchard and Heyworth-Mason Park. The Gazette spoke to more people. We added Connecticut, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia to our visitors’ list of states. Many people said our area is terrific, and our people are very friendly. Our visitors are also very friendly.

Your solar eclipse glasses can have a second life after April 8

A collection drive will send protective eyewear to people who may not have easy access to view future eclipses

Click here for the MYNBC5 news story 

We have people here from all along the east coast

Peru, NY April 8, 2024, 
If you’re at the Route 22- Route 22B intersection, you’d never know there’s something special happening today, but if you stop at Rulfs Orchards, Ausable Chasm, Ausable Point, and even Heyworth-Mason Park, you’ll change your mind. Between 10:15 and noon today, the Peru Gazette talked to people from Saratoga, Albany, the Hudson Valley, Ithaca, NYC, New Jersey, Southeast PA, Baltimore, Rockville, MD, and Tampa, FL. Almost all of them are total eclipse veterans, having traveled to see the 2017 total eclipse in places like Tennessee and Kentucky.
Many also have something else in common—they love Rulfs donuts! We hope they stay in our area for a few days. They’ll love it.

Sunday, April 7: Thousands take to the streets of Burlington the day before the eclipse

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

2024 solar eclipse: When the eclipse begins, ends in New York and Vermont

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

NY schools have to electrify buses by 2035. Here’s how one district is making the switch

Click here for the NCPR story 

59,000 Northern New York Homes Could Lose Access to Affordable Internet

Click here for the New York Almanac story 

Suspect arrested in arson at Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Burlington office

Click here for the VTSDigger story 

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, April 10, 2024

A single serving of freshly made meat and cheese lasagna.

Lasagna
Vegetable
Bread
Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972

All are invited and welcome!

CVAC, MVAC unveil winter 2023-24 scholar athletes

Congratulations Ophelia Breen and Mark Dubay

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Arson attack damages Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Burlington office, police say

Click here for the VTDigger story 

North Country is alive for the total eclipse

2024 solar eclipse cloud cover forecast: Burlington, Plattsburgh mostly sunny

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Engineering the Future – A weekend-long celebration of creativity and ingenuity!


PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts is proud to announce Engineering the Future: a weekend-long celebration of creativity and ingenuity produced by the Strand and Plattsburgh Robotics. The weekend, April 13-14th consists of three events, challenging participants of all ages and backgrounds to create something truly remarkable! The three events include the ADK Coast 3D Print Sprint: 24-Hour 3D Printing Challenge, Robot Rampage: 24-Hours of Byte-Sized Challenges, and Make it AWESOME: Maker Community Challenge.
“This is a great opportunity to flex that creative muscle and apply it to a STEAM-related project for many ages!” — Dove Phillips, Event Co-Organizer, Plattsburgh Robotics
For the third year in a row, the Strand Center for the Arts is hosting the 24-hour 3D printing challenge ADK Coast 3D Print Sprint. Students, in teams of 2-4, are presented with a challenge to complete in 24 hours while locked in the arts center. The ADK Coast 3D Print Sprint is open to students in 8th grade through college.
“I have had the pleasure of being on-site the past two years for this event and it truly is incredible to see the creativity and ingenuity of these students. I‘m proud we‘re able to host such a unique event for our region here at the Strand and it’s exciting to see this event evolve.” — Megan Charland, Artistic Programming Director
The first Adirondack Coast 3D Print Sprint event was held in spring 2016 at the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum. In 2022, the event moved to the Strand Center for the Arts.
Between the Strand’s growing MakerSpace programming and ongoing commitment to supporting youth in the community, hosting this event was an easy choice. As co-producers of the event, the Strand’s education team has assisted the event organizers in expanding the event to celebrate these students’ creativity.

Read more »

Female Voices Perform Medieval Plainchant and Polyphony

Hildegard von Bingen and other medieval women composers

Ensemble Scholastica performs in concert on Sunday, April 14 at 3:00 pm at the historic Church of the Assumption in Redford, New York.  There is a pre-concert talk at 2:00 pm by ensemble director Rebecca Bain about the medieval period and the culture of the cloister. General admission at the door: general $20; seniors $15; and students $5.

Founded in 2008, Ensemble Scholastica is Canada’s only female vocal ensemble specializing in the performance of Gregorian chant and medieval polyphony (c. 800-1300 AD). Ensemble members are professional vocalists from Montréal’s thriving early music community, some playing medieval instruments. Leading medievalist Rebecca Bain has been the Director of Scholastica since 2012. Read more »

DEC Announces Launch of New Podcast: ‘DEC Does What?!’

Biweekly Podcast to Spotlight DEC Experts Working to Protect New Yorkers and the Environment
Premiere Episode Focuses on Impact of Upcoming Solar Eclipse on New York Wildlife
New Yorkers Reminded to Plan Ahead for Safe Viewing Experience During 2024 Solar Eclipse
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) launched a new podcast, “DEC Does What?!” Each episode will feature conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. The first episode of “DEC Does What?!” is streaming on the DEC website. All episodes will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music and all other major podcast services in the coming weeks.
“From DEC’s social media feeds and updated website to our press releases and Conservationist magazine, DEC is continuously exploring new ways to communicate with the New Yorkers we serve,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC’s new podcast will feature incredible employees from the agency’s regional offices and divisions across the state, all committed to protecting our natural resources and public health. Whether DEC experts are talking about the eclipse, mitigating climate change, cleaning up legacy pollution, or encouraging responsible recreation, our team is at the forefront of efforts to address the evolving environmental challenges facing our state. Tune in to learn something new during DEC Does What?!”
The first episode of “DEC Does What?!”—featuring biologists Dr. Angelena Ross and Dr. Dan Rosenblatt, both with DEC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife—focuses on the potential effects of the April 8 solar eclipse on New York wildlife, work underway to protect endangered wildlife, and how different species adapt to changes in their habitat caused by climate change and other factors. Hosted by Executive Deputy Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald, the bi-weekly podcast also includes an update on environmental news and recent DEC initiatives.
For more information on “DEC Does What?!,” visit our Podcast webpage.https://dec.ny.gov/news/podcast

An earthquake centered between NYC and Philadelphia rattles much of the Northeast

Click here for the AP News story 

CVPH to hold Flag Ceremony in Honor of Organ Donors

April 10 event to include family, friends of local donor 

PLATTSBURGH, NY (04/5/2024) — A flag ceremony in honor of North Country residents who have selflessly given the gift of life takes place Wednesday, April 10 at 4 p.m. on the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) front lawn as part of the hospital’s recognition of Donate Life Month.

Serving as a display of unity, remembrance and hope, a Donate Life flag will be raised and flown in tribute to organ donors and their families. The family of donor Christopher Freeman will be CVPH’s special guest, and Donation Specialist Nicole Caracci will represent the Center for Donation and Transplant Donation (CDT). A small reception will be held immediately following.

So far in 2024, three North Country families have said “yes” to organ donation and three lives have been saved through these gifts of organ donation.

The Center for Donation & Transplant (CDT) is one of 58 federally designated non-profit organ procurement organizations in the United States.

Regardless of age, pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle or religion, organ donation registration is encouraged and welcomed.  Register to be an organ donor with the Department of Motor Vehicles at RegisterMe.org or using the iPhone Health App. Remember to share the decision with family and friends.

Inmates at New York prison will get to watch eclipse after all

Click here for the NBCNews story

April 5, 2024, Peru, NY, 33 degrees, 8:30 a.m.

Essex County, New York declares State of Emergency ahead of solar eclipse

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

National Weather Service Forecast Eastern Clinton-Eastern Essex-Grand Isle-Western Franklin-

National Weather Service Forecast
Eastern Clinton-Eastern Essex-Grand Isle-Western Franklin-
Western Chittenden-Western Addison-Western Rutland-
Including the cities of Champlain, Plattsburgh, Port Henry,
Ticonderoga, Alburgh, South Hero, St. Albans, Swanton,
Burlington, Shelburne, Middlebury, Vergennes, Fair Haven,
and Rutland
231 PM EDT Thu Apr 4 2024
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 5
inches for a storm total of 10 to 18 inches.
* WHERE…The Champlain Valley of New York and Vermont.
* WHEN…Until 6 AM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Scattered to widespread power outages will continue,
with areas of difficult travel through tonight.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Localized snowfall rates up to 1 inch per
hour will be possible at times tonight.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Please allow extra time if travel is necessary.

2024 solar eclipse cloud cover forecast: Burlington, Plattsburgh could see clear skies

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY…

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Burlington VT
231 PM EDT Thu Apr 4 2024
Northern St. Lawrence-Northern Franklin-Southern Franklin-
Western Clinton- Including the cities of Massena, Norfolk, Fort Covington, Malone, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Dannemora, Ellenburg, Lake Placid, and Newcomb.
231 PM EDT Thu Apr 4 2024
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 8
inches for a storm total of 10 to 20 inches, with localized
amounts near 2 feet for the northern and central Greens and
eastern Adirondacks.
* WHERE…Portions of northern New York and central, northern,
eastern, and southern Vermont.
* WHEN…Until 6 AM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Scattered to widespread power outages will continue,
with areas of very difficult travel continuing overnight.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Localized snowfall rates up to 1 inch per
hour will be possible at times tonight.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Please allow extra time if travel is necessary.

Peru pledges to be a pro-housing community

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY At its regular meeting on March 25, 2024, The Peru Town Board acted on or discussed several ongoing issues, including affordable housing and water treatment.  

The board took a necessary first step to be named a pro-housing community, passing (5-0) a resolution affirming its wish to address the housing crisis by adopting the pro-housing community pledge. A Pro-Housing designated community will receive funding priority for several state discretionary programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the N.Y. Forward program, and more. Click here to view the resolution

The pledge includes:

  • Streamlining permitting for multi-family housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.
  • Adopting policies that affirmatively further fair housing.
  • Increasing development capacity for residential use.
  • Enacting policies that encourage a broad range of housing development, including multi-family housing, affordable housing, accessible housing, accessory housing, accessory dwelling units, and supportive housing.

Peru’s water treatment plant has issues meeting County Health Department water turbidity regulations before and immediately after heavy rain. The board hired consultants Barton and Loguidice of Albany, NY, to determine what the town must do to bring the plant into compliance. Capital improvements are likely necessary. 

The board authorized AES Northeast to submit a Clean Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) Grant Application for the wastewater treatment plant upgrade. The board rejected a 25% WIIA grant two years ago because it fell far below project cost estimates. Now, it hopes to qualify for a 50% grant. In late March, Courtney Tetrault also submitted information on the upgrade to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for consideration. Hopefully, Congresswoman Stefanik will support the project when the town applies for a federal grant. 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) mandated that Peru officially decommission its unused Brand Hollow Road wastewater bed and the associated cement block building. Courtney Tetrault told the board, “I have the $33,000 engineering cost in my budget.” The board plans to find a solution before its next meeting. 

Peru is considering a shared services agreement with the Town of Ausable, whereby Courtney Tetrault will assist Ausable with its wastewater treatment issues. Tetrault said he would work 30 hours quarterly in Ausable, traveling to and from Ausable in a Town of Peru vehicle. Town Attorney Matt Favro wants a written agreement setting Tetrault’s priorities, especially if a region-wide emergency ever ensues. 

Councilman Jim Douglass conducted an internal audit of the Peru Town Court. Douglass said the court’s records are well organized and things are being done well. He added, “The court is very busy!” 

The board approved the planning board’s recommendation to appoint retired Peru High School teacher Jerry McGovern as an alternate planning board member. The term of office is seven years. 

The Youth Commission has a new member, Adam Senecal. He replaces John Whitmarsh.  

Matthew Burnell will join the Water-Sewer-Parks Department as a part-time seasonal laborer at a $17.26 hourly pay rate. Courtney Tetrault said he received ten applications for the position. 

Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup expects another solar energy project proposal very shortly. The town requires a “public benefit” payment from solar farm developers. Guynup suggested using the public benefit money to hire a professional to help complete the ongoing zoning law update. 

Matt Favro complimented Dog Control Officer T’Chaka Sikelianos for resolving a recent dangerous dog incident. Sikeliaianos said the town needs to identify a facility that is willing to take dangerous dogs. Dr. Erik Eaglefeather of Eagle’s Nest Veterinary Clinic offers the service at $500 annually. The board will contact Dr. Eaglefeather.  

The meeting adjourned to an executive session at 6:56 p.m. to discuss pending litigation and personnel issues. The board did not take any action following the executive session.