Peru Gazette May 2023 photo at Ausable Point Campground
Volunteers Help Less-Experienced Campers Enjoy their Stay and Make Lasting Connections with the Outdoors. Applications Due by January 30, 2026
DEC News Release of January 6, 2026 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today the opening of the 2026 application period for the Campground Ambassador program to connect more New Yorkers with the outdoors. Like other campground host programs, volunteer Campground Ambassadors assist DEC campground staff in welcoming and assisting the millions of visitors who vacation in the Adirondack and Catskill parks each year. This program also complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.
“Providing exciting programming for our campers all season long is integral to the ongoing success of DEC’s affordable Adirondack and Catskill campgrounds,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Campground Ambassadors assist DEC staff by enhancing the customer service experience at our facilities and conduct fun, educational, and meaningful activities. We look forward to welcoming back our seasoned campers and introducing new campers to everything our facilities have to offer.”
Ambassadors aid in connecting campers and day users to nature through environmentally themed activities and programming. DEC is encouraging New Yorkers that are passionate about camping and the outdoors to help us introduce new campers to DEC facilities and other outdoor activities through this volunteer opportunity.
Ambassadors will serve two weeks during DEC’s core camping season (July through Labor Day). In consideration for services provided, a campsite will be provided for the duration of their stay at one of the following participating locations:
Adirondacks
Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area
Buck Pond Campground and Day Use Area
Cranberry Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Fish Creek Pond Campground and Day Use Area
Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area
Lewey Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Luzerne Campground and Day Use Area
Meacham Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Moffitt Beach Campground and Day Use Area
Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Northampton Beach Campground and Day Use Area
Rogers Rock Campground and Day Use Area
To apply for the 2026 program please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DECAmb26
Applications must be received by January 30, 2026. Read more »
Posted: January 6th, 2026 under General News.
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Mark Henry continuing as Legislature Chairman
Clinton County, NY News Release of January 6, 2026 – The Clinton County Legislature successfully concluded its annual reorganizational meeting, formally establishing its leadership team for the coming year. The meeting underscores the Legislature’s continued commitment to progress, stability and the well-being of communities throughout Clinton County.
Mark Henry (Chazy, Area 3-R) was re-elected as Chair of the Clinton County Legislature. Francis Peryea (Altona, Area 2-R) was elected Deputy Chair, bringing a strong local perspective and commitment to community service. Rob Timmons (Peru, Area 7-R) will continue serving as Republican Leader, while David Bezio (Plattsburgh, Area 4-D) will serve as Democratic Leader.
As Clinton County looks toward the year ahead, legislative leaders expressed optimism about the opportunities before them.
“I am honored to continue serving as Chair of the Clinton County Legislature,” said Mark Henry, Chairperson of the Clinton County Legislature (Chazy, Area 3-R). “Our focus remains on meeting the needs of our communities while supporting economic development, public safety, healthcare and education. Through collaboration and responsible governance, we can continue strengthening Clinton County for all residents.”
“I’m proud to step into the role of Deputy Chair and to continue serving the people of Clinton County,” said Francis Peryea (Altona, Area 2-R) Deputy Chairperson of the Clinton County Legislature. “This job is about showing up, listening and working together to solve problems. If we keep our focus on our towns, villages and neighborhoods, we’ll keep moving the County forward.”
“I remain enthusiastic about the future of Clinton County and our responsibility to provide strong, effective services for residents,” said Rob Timmons, Republican Leader of the Clinton County Legislature (Peru, Area 7-R). “Collaboration and thoughtful decision-making will continue to guide our work.”
“Constructive dialogue and accountability are essential to good government,” said David Bezio, (Plattsburgh, Area 4-D) Democratic Leader of the Clinton County Legislature. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of county residents.”
The Legislature also recognized Christine G. Peters, Esq. in her new role as County Administrator, overseeing daily County operations and supporting the implementation of legislative priorities.
Click here for a Home Town Cable video of the meeting
Posted: January 6th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, County Government News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News.
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Montreal-based ensemble Cordâme will present a program of reimagined works by Ravel, Debussey and Satie with the works of founder Jean Félix Mailoux on Sunday, February 1st at 3pm at the Methodist Church on Rt. 3 in Saranac. Admission at the door only; General Admission $20, Children and Students $10.
Cordâme is a Montreal-based ensemble formed in 2004 and led by composer and double bassist Jean Félix Mailloux. The group explores the intersection of classical music, jazz, and world influences, crafting evocative and richly textured soundscapes. For Cordâme’s recent 20th anniversary Mailloux curated a program blending original compositions with reimagined works by Ravel, Debussy, and Satie, including Daphnis et Chloé, Gnossiennes, and Trois morceaux en forme de poires. His own pieces, such as “À vol de colibri”, “Naïve”, and “Plante Caméléon”, reflect Cordâme’s evolving sound while paying tribute to these great masters.
Cordâme has earned critical acclaim with 11 albums, international tours across Quebec, Canada, the U.S., and Asia, and awards including the 2025 Opus Prize for Jazz Concert of the Year in 2025 for Fabula Femina and Album of the Year in 2013 for Lieux imaginés, and an ADISQ (Québec Association for the Recording, Concert and Video Industries) nomination for Da Vinci Inventions. Their Satie Variations tour was a finalist for the 2018 Rideau Touring Award, was the winner of Accès Culture Award 2016-1017 and featured over 55 performances around the province of Quebec.
We look forward to seeing you on February 1st to start our 2026 calendar. For more information on all the upcoming shows, please visit hillandhollowmusic.org.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.
Posted: January 6th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Arts and Entertainment, Northern NY News.
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Peru Gazette October 2017 photo
NYS News Release off January 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a new funding opportunity through the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative, a competitive grant program that will provide $67.5 million in capital funding to help municipalities and nonprofit organizations construct, expand and renovate public playgrounds for all abilities across New York State.
NY PLAYS is part of the Governor’s broader Unplug and Play Initiative, which encourages children and families to put down their devices and engage in outdoor recreation, physical activity and in-person social connection. Research shows that outdoor play supports physical health, emotional well-being and social development, and the NY PLAYS Initiative is designed to help communities advance safe, welcoming spaces where young people can learn, play, and thrive.
“Playgrounds are where kids build confidence, friendships, and lifelong healthy habits,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the NY PLAYS Initiative, we’re helping communities across New York create safe, inclusive outdoor spaces that support physical activity, emotional well-being and real human connection. By investing in playgrounds, we’re investing in the health and happiness of our children of all abilities and the strength of our neighborhoods.”
The NY PLAYS Initiative is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Of the total funding available, not less than $35 million will be reserved for playground projects located in underserved communities, helping ensure equitable access to high-quality outdoor play spaces statewide.
Eligible municipalities and nonprofit organizations may apply for NY PLAYS grants ranging from $100,000 to $2.5 million for the acquisition, design, construction, major renovation or equipping of public playgrounds, along with other related capital costs necessary to complete a project. Grantees must demonstrate a 20 percent match toward total project costs. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Read more »
Posted: January 6th, 2026 under General News.
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Photo provided
NYPD Data Shows 2025 was the Safest Year for Gun Violence in New York City on Record With the Fewest Shooting Incidents And Shooting Victims
Subway Crime Reached the Lowest Level in 16 Years
Peru Gazette Note – Read the stats toward the end of the release; there are still many problems to solve
NYS News Release of Jan. 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch today announced that New York City remains the safest big city in the country. New 2025 data released by the NYPD and detailed this morning during a press conference show that the city is safer above and below ground, with murders, retail theft, robberies, and subway crime continuing to decline. Shooting incidents and the number of individuals harmed by gunfire also reached record lows last year across the city.
“When I became Governor, I made keeping New Yorkers safe my top priority and tackled crime head-on in New York City and across the state. Since then, I have made unprecedented investments in police and public safety – more than $3 billion – to make New York’s neighborhoods and subways safer,” Governor Hochul said. “Our aggressive approach is paying off: crime has fallen to record lows, making New York a safer place to live, work and visit. I look forward to continuing this work with Mayor Mamdani, Police Commissioner Tisch and the brave men and women of law enforcement who sacrifice so much to ensure New York remains the safest big city in the country.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, “Last year, New York City had its safest year for gun violence ever. This achievement—among many others—is a testament to the leadership of Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the dedication of the NYPD, and the tireless work of community-based organizations that help keep our neighborhoods safe. This work, however, is not done. Together with Police Commissioner Tisch and Governor Kathy Hochul, we will continue to drive down crime—addressing the needs of New Yorkers and working with our officers to deliver public safety.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said, “These historic reductions in crime did not happen by chance or accident — they are the direct product of a deliberate, data-driven strategy achieving unprecedented public safety milestones for New York City. The NYPD drove shooting incidents and shooting victims to the lowest levels in recorded history and delivered the safest year on our subway system, outside of the pandemic era, since 2009. These numbers describe an agency that’s firing on all cylinders: taking down violent gangs, removing thousands of guns off the street, and shattering record-low violent crime numbers. New York City is still the safest big city in the country, thanks to the extraordinary work of the women and men of the NYPD who answer the call every day to protect and serve.”
The following data were compiled by the New York City Police Department as of December 31, 2025. Read more »
Posted: January 6th, 2026 under City News, General News, Law Enforcement News, Political News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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First Revised Plan in Nearly Half a Century will Guide Management to Ensure the Future of This Unique Fisheries Resource
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the release of the final Adirondack Brook Trout Pond Management Plan. The brook trout is New York’s state fish and an iconic symbol of the Adirondacks and DEC’s new plan identifies the current risks, challenges, and opportunities that will guide the State’s management actions at Adirondack brook trout ponds for the next 15 years.
“Other than Maine, New York’s Adirondack Park is the only other location in the lower 48 states that supports a significant number of ponded brook trout fisheries, which shape the region’s ecological legacy and future,” Commissioner Lefton said. “A collaborative process guided by the latest science helped create a roadmap to improve the status of these unique fisheries and address emerging challenges to pond-dwelling Adirondack brook trout. DEC appreciates all who helped contribute to the plan’s development and looks forward to implementing the measures that will strengthen brook trout conservation.”
In the United States, pond dwelling populations of brook trout are extremely rare outside of Maine and New York. Brook trout ponds are an important component of the natural heritage of the Adirondacks, providing a unique angling opportunity in an often-secluded location. Once ubiquitous on our northern landscape, up to 90% of brook trout pond habitat has been lost due to anthropogenic factors, including poor silvicultural practices, acid-precipitation, and incompatible and detrimental fish species introductions. Retaining this resource is imperative to preserve our Adirondack natural heritage and a key element of the ecosystem.
It has been 46 years since the original DEC plan for managing pond-dwelling brook trout was created and many factors contributing to the health of the fishery have changed during that time. The final plan was developed based upon an intense review of what fisheries managers have learned over the past four decades, public feedback from three information sessions, input from a focus group of sportspersons and conservation organizations, and feedback received from a 45-day public comment period. Expected benefits associated with the plan include:
- Protection of existing and establishment of new self-sustaining brook trout populations.
- Safeguarded hatchery brook trout production for fishing and restoration purposes.
- Maintenance and expansion of heritage broodstock waters.
- Consistent and standardized data collection and management, and development of a decision support tool for management actions.
- Creation of a citizen science brook trout pond angler partnership program and deployment of a citizen science survey to provide information on angler use, catch, and harvest.
- Uniform fishing regulations.
- Improved management of “put, grow, and take” recreational fishing.
- Increased awareness about the value of ponded brook trout populations and human and ecological threats to the security of those populations.
- Actions to reduce the spread of incompatible and detrimental fish, including baitfish.
- Consideration of climate change in management actions.
A final copy of the plan and more information about Adirondack brook trout pond management can be found on the DEC website.
The plan is just one way DEC’s investments in habitat enhancement, angler enjoyment, and research will help continue to protect brook trout and other Adirondack fisheries. Earlier this year, DEC announced a $100 million investment from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and other capital funds for State hatchery improvements, including enhancements at the Adirondack Fish Hatchery that will help construct a new brook trout broodstock building. DEC also held the “Trek for Trout” citizen science initiative aimed at collecting information from anglers about their fishing trip. DEC and partner organizations Trout Unlimited, NY Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Trout Power, Native Fish Coalition, Paul Smith’s College, and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry posted signs at 148 Adirondack brook trout ponds. In addition to a pond-specific QR code, signs posted by the volunteers for use by anglers include important messaging about the prohibition of baitfish use in brook trout ponds. Watch a video about the Trek for Trout on DEC’s YouTube page.
Posted: January 5th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Environmental News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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[read complete report – pdf]
We also issued individual reports for the following municipalities: Bayport Blue Point Union Free School District, Chazy Union Free School District, Cheektowaga-Maryvale Union Free School District, Commack Union Free School District, DeRuyter Central School District, East Bloomfield Central School District, Fredonia Central School District, Glen Cove City School District, Germantown Central School District, Harpursville Central School District, Indian Lake Central School District, Johnstown City School District, Moravia Central School District, Oxford Academy and Central School District, Pine Plains Central School District, Poland Central School District, Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central School District, Sullivan West Central School District, Tupper Lake Central School District, Wayland-Cohocton Central School District, York Central School District
Purpose of Review
Using the New York State (NYS) Department of Health’s (DOH) Lead Testing in School Drinking Water Guidance Manual (DOH guidance), we assessed whether the officials at 21 school districts (together, Districts) that had 26,099 enrolled students for the 2023-24 school year:
- Developed and maintained a sampling plan to identify all water outlets for sampling or exemption,
- Sampled and tested all required potable water outlets for lead contamination for Cycle Two,
- Had a remedial action plan detailing which water outlets they exempted from sampling and how they were secured against use and also which outlets exceeded the lead action level and the remedial actions taken, and,
- Reported the testing results to all required parties within the required time periods.
For these 21 Districts we determined:
- None sampled and tested or exempted all required potable water outlets for lead contamination in Cycle Two,
- Only one developed and maintained a complete sampling plan,
- Only one had a complete remedial action plan in place, and
- Just one reported testing results to all required parties within the required timeframes.
Sampling and Testing – Of the 6,431water outlets we identified at select areas within various buildings at all 21 Districts, that students, staff and the public may have had access to and could have consumed water from, we determined:
- 1,867 (29 percent) were not sampled for testing or properly exempted by Districts’ officials, and
- 418 (6 percent) could not be matched to a District test result because records were not available and District officials were not certain whether appropriate remediation was completed. These water outlets were not properly secured against use during our fieldwork.
These conditions occurred because most of the Districts did not develop or maintain a complete sampling plan and did not have or maintain a complete remedial action plan.
Sampling Plans – Only one District developed and maintained a complete sampling plan to identify all water outlets for sampling or exemption, 16 did not have a sampling plan, and four had an incomplete sampling plan.
Remedial Action Plans – Only one District had a complete remedial action plan that detailed which water outlets they exempted from sampling and how they would be secured against use. Sixteen Districts had no remedial action plan and four Districts had an incomplete remedial action plan.
Reporting Testing Results – Only one of the 21 Districts properly reported testing results to the required parties for Cycle Two. The remaining 20 Districts had at least one or more issues with reporting their test results, including no reporting at all, late reporting, no documentation of reporting, no notification to staff, students’ parents and/or guardians in writing, and/or no posting of all test results on the Districts’ websites.
Posted: January 5th, 2026 under Education News, Environmental News, Law Enforcement News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Plattsburgh, News Release, January 5, 2026. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) reminds residents to take precautions to avoid a slip and fall injury this winter. Hazards like black ice and compacted snow, that are often hidden on sidewalks, parking lots, and stairs can increase your chance of a slip and fall. Inadequate snow removal or lighting and wet floors near building entrances can also increase the chance of a fall.
“Anyone can fall on a slippery surface, and winter in the North Country comes with plenty of hazards,” explains Mark Lafountain, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for CCHD. “In the winter you want to slow down and take short steps, with your toes pointed outward like a penguin. Also keep your hands free and out of your pockets to help maintain your balance.”
Other tips to keep your balance and reduce your risk of a fall include:
– Planning your trips in advance.
– Wearing shoes with good traction or consider wearing ice cleats.
– Keeping your driveway and sidewalk clear.
– Staying on cleared sidewalks or paths.
– Paying attention to the surfaces around you.
– Maintaining two points of contact when getting out of your car.
– Dressing warm.
“Cold muscles are tight muscles, and this can affect your balance,” added Mr. Lafountain. “Dress for the weather by wearing layers, with your outmost layer protecting from wind, rain and snow.”
To learn more about staying safe when the temperatures drop, visit
https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/nc_healtheffect/ExtremeCold.pdf.
Posted: January 5th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, County Government News, General News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Upstate New York, Weather News/History.
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Oven Baked Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable
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!
Posted: January 5th, 2026 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru News.
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By John T Ryan
The Peru Town Board’s December 29 meeting included fond and respectful farewells as participants thanked outgoing councilman Jim Douglass and Town Clerk/Tax Collector Dianne Miller.
Jim Douglass, elected in November 2009, served on the board for sixteen years, including several years as deputy town supervisor. He did not seek reelection. Douglass expressed his appreciation to everyone, including his fellow board members. Addressing the public, he said, “You are lucky to have a town board like Peru has.”
Voters elected Dianne Miller as Town Clerk/Tax Collector in November 2018 and 2022. Speaking about Miller, Confidential Secretary/Budget Officer Pam Barber stated in part, ” She has taken care of the townspeople as if they were her own family, and she will be missed by them. Some townspeople came in tears because she won’t be here to help them.” Barber talked about working closely with Dianne Miller, saying they made a great team. Addressing Miller’s successor, Christine Crawford Barber said, “Good luck, I hope to have the same rapport with you.” Craig Randall said, “There’s no question in my mind that your professionalism in terms of your function as town clerk is exemplary, and that’s exemplified by the fact that other town clerks look to you for information quite often. “ Randall said Miller should be proud of her service. Town Attorney Matt Favro cited both Pam Barber and Dianne Miller for going above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of their duties. He said, “Dianne, I tell people you’re the best, if not one of the best, in the state. Other people look to you for guidance.”
The comments regarding Jim Douglass are at the 30:25 – 31:20 minute mark of the Peru Gazette’s video. The remarks about Dianne Miller appear from the 36,35 – 45:01 minute mark. Click here to view video.
Looking to the future, Supervisor Craig Randall said, “We look forward to the new year and creating a new team and making it all come together as it’s supposed to, so the community is well represented.”
Later in the meeting, following a brief executive session he requested, Craig Randall cited Pam Barber for the “incredible number of hours” she put in during 2025 to keep the town’s many operations flowing, to the point that she used very little of her vacation time. Randall asked for an exception to the town’s normal 40-hour vacation time rollover policy, in the form of compensating Barber for the vacation time she would have otherwise taken. The board concurred. A resolution to approve the compensation will be placed on the board’s January 12 meeting agenda.
Youth Director Kristen Marino reported that 137 children signed up for the town’s winter basketball program. The program takes place over eight Saturdays beginning January 24.
In other actions, the board:
Approved its 2026 Meeting Schedule.
Rescheduled the Telegraph Rd. Dry Mill Culvert Bid opening until January 21 at 11 a.m.
Approved the 2026 contract with Essex County to plow the Terry Mountain Road for $70 per visit.
Designated the American Rescue Act $15,592 balance for the ongoing sewer plant upgrade project.
Appointed James Falvo as Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman and James Fracesconi as Vice-Chairman
Appointed Garrett Mastic as Planning Board Chairman and Peter Stone as Vice-Chairman.
Incorporated the AES Engineering Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Report in the meeting minutes.
Appointed Robert LePage to the Planning Board,
Approved two money transfers and five line item transfers to finalize the 2025 budget.
Renewed its Real Estate Contract with Tina Calkins-Covey for the Jenkins Street (Tennis Court) Property.
Approved ordering a 2027 Eastern Start Plow Truck from RR Charlebois in for the amount of $351,927.
Posted: January 4th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.
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January 3, 2026 Peru Gazette photo
Peru, NY, January 3, 2026 – The Peru Gazette confirmed today that Ledge Hill North Cidery and Pub on Bear Swamp Road is closed and the future of the location is uncertain. Ledge Hill North also posted “permanently closed” on its Facebook page. The restaurant held its Grand Opening on May 24, 2024.
Operator Matt Brankman is continuing to operate Ledge Hill Brewing Company in Ticonderoga. On December 28, Brankman commented on the Brewing Company’s Facebook Page, “As we move into 2026, my focus and commitment are fully devoted to this brewery and the community of Ticonderoga. This is where Ledge Hill Brewing Company belongs, and this is where my time, energy, and creativity will be centered going forward.” Brankman did not have a comment for the Peru Gazette today.
April 24, 2024 Peru Gazette story below.
A new brew pub comes to town
Posted: January 3rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History.
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Peru – Pancakes Plus Breakfast, Sunday, January 11, 2026 served by the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus, St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 children 5 to 11, Children under 5 are Free. Take-outs are $10. The menu includes Pancakes,Waffles, Strawberry Sauce, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Home Fries, Real Maple Syrup, and much more.
Posted: January 3rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Charity Events, Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru News.
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