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Editorial»
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Our reporters talk about what it was like on the front line PAGE 6
A Denton Publication
Always remember
Saturday, July 4, 2015
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COnGRatuaIOnS!
This Week PERU
PHS class graduates with fond memories, friendships By Teah Dowling teah@denpubs.com
PLATTSBURGH — Always remember, class of 2015. The PHS commencement took place Saturday, June 27 at the SUNY Plattsburgh Field House at 2 p.m., focusing on a very familiar word to the school: remembrance. As the seniors walked in two-by-two and took their seats in the front of the class, Superintendent James Short introduced the class of 2015 and held a moment of silence for a classmate not present: Michael Lawson. “Although he is not standing here beside us, Michael is still graduating with us today,” Salutatorian Alexander Webber said. “We carry him in our hearts and he will never CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Peru grads told to live in the moment PAGE 2 SARANAC
Beekmantown class of 2015 graduates Matthew Butler, left, and Marie LeClair head to their seats during the June 26 commencement ceremony. Butler, who also spoke during the event, is in the National Honor Society and LeClair a member of the CVTEC National Technical Honor Society. Turn to page 5 for more on the Beekmantown commencement. Photo by Teah Dowling
Superintendent, eleven others placed on leave By Pete DeMola
PAGE 9
pete@denpubs.com
Clinton Correctional Facility, located in the heart of Dannemora, in the days following the escape of Richard Matt and David Sweat. Three high ranking officials, as well as nine staffers, were suspended Tuesday in connection with the June 6 escape. Authorities did not provide any more details.
DANNEMORA — Three high-ranking offi cials from Clinton Correctional, including the superintendent, have been placed on administrative leave alongside nine security staffers, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision revealed on Tuesday. Their leave is part of review associated with the June 6 escape, said spokesperson Linda Foglia in a statement. While the suspended personnel were not named, the statement said Assistant Commissioner for Correctional Facilities James O’Gorman will oversee the prison as the new leadership team transitions this week. “Staffi ng for the security positions will be addressed through procedures outlined in the union contract,” said Foglia. Steven Racette, of Saranac Lake, serves as the prison’s superintendent. Reached by phone on Tuesday, Cherrie Racette, his wife, confi rmed that her husband is on administrative leave. ”We have no comment,” she said. Racette, a second generation superintendent, has worked in CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
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PRISON BREAK
From manhunt to the battle in the courtroom PAGE 14
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Saranac grads begin the next chapter
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