The Peru Gazette

Worked at Titus Mountain, single father of four children

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By John T Ryan 

At the Thursday, January 25 town baord meeting Supervisor Brandy McDonald  reported that the town received $329,465 in Clinton County Sales tax monies. The board included only $60,000 in its 2024 budget; therefore, $269,465 will be available for unanticipated 2024 expenses. 

The bad news relates to mandated and desired wastewater treatment plant upgrades. McDonald stated that in the best-case scenario, financing the project would cost each sewer district household roughly $530 annually over the next 30 years. The town’s engineering firm, AES Northeast, made the $530 estimate. Since Thursday’s meeting, the Peru Gazette, has questioned McDonald regarding the $530 estimate. He admitted the cost per household will not be uniform. Many factors will also play a role, such as a property’s assessed value, contractors’ bids, and what upgrades the board decides to include in the project. The town will not levy any tax increase until contractors complete the project in 2026 or 2027. 

AES Northeast’s best-case scenario is contingent on the USDA Rural Development Program (WEP) awarding Peru an $11 million hardship grant, which would pay 50% of the project cost and enable Peru to borrow the remainder at 0% over 30 years. McDonald said, “If we don’t get the $11 million grant, we’ll have to scale back the project as much as we can.” McDonald said AES Northeast thinks there’s a good chance that Peru will qualify. AES applied for a USDA WEP grant in 2023; however, one document did not reach USDA; hence, Peru did not qualify. Fortunately, USDA’s grants awarded in 2024 will pay 50% of a project’s cost, double last year’s 25%.  Click here for a previous, more detailed Peru Gazette story 

Other Water & Sewer Department News

The town’s large water tank on Cross Street needs painting inside and out. Water Superintendent Courtney Tetreault recommended that the board explore the financing required to complete that project, which will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Tetreault also recommended that the board qualify a second engineering firm to design and supervise future water-sewer projects. Tetrault didn’t say he’d like to replace AES Northeast. He said he would like to have additional options available. 

Highway Department News 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and Deputy Superintendent Tyler Jarvis reported that town plow operators worked 24 consecutive hours during the January 24 snowstorm. Parts shortages have sidelined two plow trucks, and a third truck broke down Wednesday night; fortunately, personnel fixed it a few hours later. Covid also sidelined two personnel. Fortunately, parts for one truck should arrive soon, and the used truck the town purchased in Vermont should be in place by mid-February. Jarvis said highway department crews are doing their best to clean the roads. 

Zoning/Planning/Codes News 

In other news, Zoning/Codes Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup said he anticipates resignations from the Planning Board. He asked the board and the Peru Gazette to publicize the need for volunteers.

Noting two recent severe home fires on River Road and Telegraph Road, Guynup said this is a good time for everyone to check their smoke detectors. 

Guynup also reported that the Planning Board would like the board to invoke a moratorium on self-storage units. He did not give details. Supervisor McDonald said he would research the request before taking any action. 

Seasonal nonstop service to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and one-stop service to Jacksonville, Florida.

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Chicken & Biscuits 

Coleslaw 

Fruit 

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 welcome. We’re looking forward to seeing you! 

Plattsburgh, NY  The North Country Chamber of Commerce enjoyed hosting their 112th Annual Awards Dinner on January 26th at the West Side Ballroom in Plattsburgh. This year’s event was a sold-out event, selling out in less than two hours and with more than 375 attendees. 

This year’s theme was “Viva Las Vegas”, featuring all the glitz and glam of The Neon City. The Chamber encouraged the attendees to dress the part channeling their inner flair, from sequins and glitter to casino flair all to honor the 2024 Business of the Year, Businessperson of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Trailblazer Award. The Chamber also thanked the 2023 Chamber Board Chairperson, Alex Baire, for her work on their behalf. 

“I believe the Chamber has once again selected and honored an outstanding group of regional business leaders,” says Chamber President Garry Douglas. “From regional to small businesses to individuals, they have all made a positive difference in the North Country economy and are continuing to do so. We applaud and congratulate each of them.” 

Garry Douglas and John Howard, Stewart’s Senior District Manager

2024 Business of the Year: 

Stewart’s Shops 

Established in 1945, Stewart’s Shops originated when the Dake brothers purchased a small dairy and ice cream business in Ballston Spa, evolving into the first Stewart’s ice cream shop. Today, with over 350 locations in New York and southern Vermont and a workforce exceeding 5,000, our success is anchored in vertical integration, employee ownership, and strong values. Led by the second and third generations of the Dake family, including Chairman Bill Dake and President Gary Dake, the company thrives as both a family business and an employee-owned entity. 

Garry Douglas, president/CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce commented, “Stewart’s is an incredible upstate success story, playing a huge and positive role in the daily needs and lives of communities across the North Country, including a major charitable commitment to many local causes. And they never rest on their laurels, continuing major investment in new and upgraded stores across the landscape. We thank them for their broad and deep role in building the North Country economy and their exemplary commitment to the region and its needs!”

Robbie & Michelle Timmon with Steve Cacchio, Chamber of Commerce Board President

2024 Small Business of the Year: 

Black Brook General Store 

Robbie and Michele Timmons, Owner 

The Black Brook General Store, nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, occupies a converted church turned into a delightful deli. The establishment boasts a full-service deli offering morning delights like egg sandwiches, savory slices of pizza throughout the day, iconic Michigans, and a daily rotating soup selection. Beyond the culinary offerings, they stand as a quintessential general store, providing a diverse range of products including hardware, groceries, gifts, and seasonal items. 

Garry Douglas, introduced Robbie and Michele stating”Robbie and Michele Timmons have exemplified the spirit of entrepreneurs, creating a great new business from an historic church building in the Adirondacks and doing it in the midst of a pandemic. Their commitment and determination have made the Black Brook General Store an instant landmark as well as an exemplary small business success story. This was a very easy and well-deserved choice for Small Business of the year!” 

L-R Matt Boire and Garry Douglas

2024 Businessperson of the Year: Matt Boire, Broker/ Owner CDC Real Estate 

Matthew T. Boire, President of CDC Real Estate Inc., brings over 30 years of award-winning expertise in facilitating U.S. expansion for Canadian companies. As a New York Licensed Real 

Estate Broker since 1992, he’s played a pivotal role in the sale or lease of millions of square feet of commercial/industrial space, particularly in Upstate New York. Beyond real estate, Mr. Boire’s impactful journey includes serving as Vice President of Crossborder Development Corporation until 2008. Now, he collaborates with CDC Real Estate Inc. and Crossborder/CDC Immigration, offering consulting services to companies expanding into the U.S., showcasing his global influence. 

“Matt continues to be an indispensable figure in our area’s connection with Quebec and all of our economic development endeavors. Not to forget his great performance as the new lead in our annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. He’s a model business leader and it’s a pleasure to recognize him,”  stated Garry Douglas.

Alissa Moment and Steve Cacchio, Chamber Board President

2024 Trailblazer Award: 

Alissa Momot – Twinstate Technologies 

Alissa Momot, a dynamic third-generation team member, adds her drive to the remarkable and compassionate group at Twinstate Technologies. Committed to making substantial impacts on organizations in our service areas, Alissa infuses a touch of joy into the workplace, often accompanied by our playful office pup, Ayla. For Alissa, digital marketing is not just a profession; it’s a source of enjoyment. Whether crafting engaging campaigns or implementing innovative strategies, she finds joy in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. 

Outside the digital realm, Alissa’s sense of fun extends to the great outdoors. Embracing the beauty of nature, she finds delight in outdoor activities that balance her vibrant professional life. 

In essence, Alissa Momot embodies a blend of enthusiasm, dedication, and a penchant for joy—both in the digital landscape and the natural world. 

Kristy Kennedy, Vice President Marketing & Business Development for the North Country Chamber commented, “I was delighted to learn that Alissa has been selected as this year’s Trailblazer. While being part of a family-owned company, Alissa brings a fresh perspective, challenges conventional norms, and refuses to accept the status quo—all done with a quiet confidence. It’s not easy to carve out a distinctive path while following in someone else’s footsteps, but Alissa has taken the reins and is making things happen in her own unique way. For these reasons and more, she is the perfect recipient of the Trailblazer award.” 

Garry Douglas and Alex Barie

2023 Chairman’s Award: Alex Baire

Baire & Co and CDC Real Estate

Garry Douglas stated, “I have genuinely enjoyed the leadership and collaboration of many great Chairs in my 31 years with the Chamber, and Alex is definitely one of the most committed and supportive. And the first of the new generation of area business leaders to follow those who were the leaders when I began, her father Mark having been my second Chair back in 1993. We are indebted to her not only for her year as Chair but for all her past and ongoing commitments to the Chamber’s work. Onward and upward!” 

The North Country Chamber is fortunate to have several sponsors who have come on board to help support this event, we’d like to thank the following businesses. 

Gold Level Sponsors: 

• Stafford Owens 

• Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company 

• Monaghan Medical 

• Schluter Systems 

Silver Sponsors: 

• Casella Waste Systems 

• Hurdle Group 

• NBT Bank 

• TD Bank 

• UVHN-CVPH 

• UFirst 

Bronze Sponsors: 

• Adirondack Economic Development Corporation 

• Agency Insurance Brokers 

• Boire Benner Group 

• Brennan Buick/GMC 

• Champlain National Bank 

• Commercial Sales Business Supply 

• Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group 

• LayerEight 

• Triangle Electric Systems, Inc / Zafra 

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@NYSDEC
The NYS Dec family is mourning the passing of Lt. David McShane who succumbed to a 9/11 illness contracted during his service at Ground Zero. Dave was a dedicated public servant and a brave leader. Our thoughts are with Dave’s wife, children, and loving friends.

Police are still looking to arrest him

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Both will graduate in 2025

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Joseph Donnery

Graham Niles

Molly Ryan

PLATTSBURGH, NY (01/25/2024) — With a wealth of experience and a commitment to the health and wellbeing of the North Country, three new members of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Board of Trustee begin their three-year terms this month.

Joining the 12-member board are Executive Director of Clinton County Industrial Development Agency Molly Ryan, Graham Niles of Niles Wealth Management and Joseph Donnery, DPM of Plattsburgh Podiatry.

“The energy, enthusiasm and expertise of our three newest members will truly benefit our mission to ensure high quality health care for our community,” said CVPH Board President Elizabeth Vicencio.

Ryan, Niles and Donnery replace outgoing Trustees JoAnn Gleeson-Kreig, PhD, Paola Fedi, MD, and Lee Ann Pray. Both Gleeson-Kreig and Fedi served for nine years, the maximum allowed by the Board’s bylaws and Pray served a full three-year term.

“It has been a privilege to work with JoAnn Gleeson-Kreig, PhD, Paola Fedi, MD, and Lee Ann Pray.  On behalf of the entire board, I thank them for sharing their time, energy and expertise,” Vicencio said.

Molly Ryan

Ryan assumed the role of executive director at the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency in January 2022. Prior to that, she was New York State Assemblyman Billy Jones’s Chief of Staff and a constituent liaison for Congressman Bill Owens. In addition to also being a licensed realtor, Ryan was CVPH’s Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Outreach Manager.  With a lifelong connection to Clinton County, Ryan is deeply committed to contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity.

Graham Niles

Niles oversees the Plattsburgh office of Niles Wealth Management overseeing the investment and risk analysis for bank and credit union clients. Additionally, he conducts research for the wealth management division.

Joseph Donnery, DPM

Donnery has practiced as a podiatrist for more than 35 years and previously served on the CVPH Board from 2013 to 2021 where he was an active member on a number of committees including Quality, Physician Recruitment, Building and Planning and the CVPH Executive Committee.  He currently maintains a part-time practice at the Plattsburgh Podiatry Center.  His experience in healthcare governance and policy decision-making will be valuable assets in his role as the new Board Vice Chair, a seat left vacant by the departure of Fedi.

Ryan, Niles and Donnery will join Trustees Linda Bourgeois (Secretary), Elizabeth Goerlitz-Coryer, Kelly Donaghue, Neil Fesette, Richelle Gregory, John McAuliffe, MD, Thom Recny (Treasurer) and Richard Webber.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of January 10, 2024 minutes
OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
APPLICATIONS:

P2023-012;Final Site Plan Approval with SEQRA
Leon Blair, 280.1-8-67; 817 Union Rd

P2024-001 Merge, Megan Liechty, Michael Durso
279.-3-100 & 279.-3-101, 22 Morgan Dr

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Messner has been a fixture at Centennial Field since retiring from NBC5

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