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In PHOTO SPREAD | pg. 2
One Question: Did you vote?
Check out photos from political events last week
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In NEWS | pg. 10
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In NEWS | pg. 3
Wind energy City mayor project expanding running again More turbines to be added in northern towns
James Calnon hopes to be re-elected
NY organizations call for federal oil rail transport ban
Advocates say crude oil transported by train endangers Lake Champlain, neighboring communities By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
PLATTSBURGH — A coalition of environmental groups and public officials gathered last week to call for a federal ban of oil transport by trains along the shorelines and communities of Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. Up to 30 million gallons of explosive crude oil is transported by train through New York communities and along the shores of Lake Champlain each week. Several organizations, businesses, foundations, cities and community leaders signed a letter to the state’s senators and
PlantingÊ together
representatives revealing the dangers of transporting this substance. “I feel this is a bold action,” Plattsburgh City Councilor Rachelle Armstrong said. “We need to stand up.” Explosive crude oil is a danger in itself and can cause “massive damage,” said Jim Murphy, senior counsel for the National Wildlife Federation. Outdated rail cars and aging infrastructure are other concerns. A number of tanker cars date back to the post-Civil War era, each carrying about 30,000 gallons of crude oil, accompanied by up to 100 other cars. Each train carries more than 2 million gallons of oil. “The trains snake miles over Lake Champlain,” said Lori Fisher, executive director of the Lake Champlain Committee. >> See Train Rally | pg. 9
Peru Central plans on hiring more staff District will see $800,000 in GEA restoration. Taxes are anticipated to remain the same for 2016-17 fiscal year, says superintendent
Student-run Peru Elementary Garden promotes sustainability, teamwork PERU — Last week, Peru Elementary students experimented how many of them could fit into their new compost bin at one time. Apparently, five kids can, said Greg Badger, Peru Elementary art teacher. Teah The bin is the school’s newest addition Dowling Writer to its Elementary Garden. Badger, who’s also the overseer of the garden, said over 40 of his fifth and sixth grade students help upkeep the garden on a weekly basis during recess. Some students, like sixth grader Molly Martineau, participate to promote going green. “I want to help the environment,” she said. Other students, such as sixth grader Abigail Bruce, like feeling dirt in between their fingers. “I really like gardening,” she said. >>See Elementary Garden | pg. 18
By Teah Dowling
teah@suncommunitynews.com
Sixth graders Abigail Bruce and Molly Martineau enjoyed their new compost bin they just received for their Elementary Garden last week. Apparently, five kids can fit in the bin. Photo by Teah Dowling
PERU — The Peru Central School District approved their spending plan Tuesday, April 12. Almost $800,000 in Gap Elimination Adjustment funds have been restored to the district this year, said Superintendent Patrick Brimstein. The district plans on using the funds, in part, to hire more staff, including a first grade teacher to accommodate the influx of graduating kindergartners next year. Doing so will allow the district to add an additional classroom to reduce the number of students in the current kindergarten class, which holds 128 students. Teachers will also be added for a number of extracurricular classes, including technology, music and art for almost $200,000. Several permanent and temporary teaching aides will be hired, as well, for over $300,000. >> See Peru Budget | pg. 18