The Peru Gazette

Albany, News Release Feb. 11, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted her proposals to bring down costs of auto insurance rates and tackle fraudulent claims across New York State. The Governor is taking common-sense steps to battle fraud, limit damages paid out to bad actors and ensure that consumers, not insurance companies, are prioritized. These proposals build on Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to make the state more affordable and put money back into the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. 

“For most people, car insurance isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity, especially here on Long Island where people rely on their cars to get to work, get to school or even go grocery shopping,” Governor Hochul said. “These common sense proposals will crack down on the bad actors that are driving up the cost of car insurance and putting that financial burden on innocent, hardworking New Yorkers.” 

New Yorkers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation — totaling just over $4,000 annually on average, nearly $1,500 above the national average. Car insurance rates are driven up by a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps, with staged crashes and associated insurance fraud inflating everyone’s premiums by as much as $300 per year on average according to some estimates.

Cracking Down on Fraud To Lower Rates for Everyday New Yorkers

Increasingly sophisticated actors stage elaborate accidents, designed to allow for “jackpot” payouts from insurance companies or jury awards, and these scams are becoming more prevalent. In 2023, there were 1,729 staged crashes in New York State, which ranks second highest in the nation for incidents of staged fraud. In total, insurance carriers reported 43,811 incidents of suspected motor vehicle insurance fraud to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Insurance Frauds Bureau in 2025. This is up from 24,238 incidents of suspected motor vehicle insurance fraud from 2020, an 80 percent increase in five years. 

To combat these organized criminal efforts, Governor Hochul is taking a whole-of-government approach to cracking down on auto insurance fraud, including: Read more »

Report highlights $411 million in visitor spending, key community initiatives, and regional promotion effort

LAKE PLACID, NY (February 12, 2026) – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) released its 2025 year-end report, showcasing initiatives that promote the Adirondacks as a premier destination while simultaneously investing in community priorities and sustainable tourism. The report highlights strong economic performance, community-focused initiatives, research efforts, regional marketing campaigns, and a new strategic plan.

As the region’s destination marketing and management organization (DMMO), ROOST’s program of work balances the local tourism economy with community well-being. To achieve this mission, ROOST’s program of work includes efforts in housing, infrastructure, and asset development while promoting the Adirondacks as a premier destination for visitors.

According to Dan Kelleher, ROOST CEO, the organization’s role is comprehensive and includes many initiatives of which the public may not be aware. “ROOST’s work as a DMMO helps to ensure that tourism not only attracts visitors but, more importantly, strengthens the quality of life for our residents,” he said. “Our team is committed to balancing economic vitality with environmental stewardship and community well-being. Looking back over 2025, we are incredibly proud to reflect on a year of progress and collaboration.”

The 2025 year-end report identified that ROOST’s marketing efforts delivered a strong return, directly benefiting local communities and households.

• Visitor Spending: estimated total overnight visitor spending in Essex County reached more than $411 million, with an estimated 3,036,275 overnight visits.
• Tax Relief: tourism-generated tax revenue provided critical support to residents. Without state and local tax revenue generated by travel and tourism, each Essex County household would pay an additional $6,305 per year in taxes; each Hamilton County household would pay an additional $6,213 per year.
• Exceptional ROI: ROOST 2024 Annual Leisure Travel Study revealed an 84:1 return on investment. This result means that for every dollar ROOST spent on marketing, $84 in tourism revenue was generated by visitors within local communities.

ROOST’s marketing activities highlight the Adirondacks as a prominent vacation destination, ultimately driving year-round visitation throughout the area. These activities included:

• Communications strategy, focused primarily on media relations, resulted in feature stories about the region in publications including: USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, AARP, National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, BBC, CBS Evening News, and many more.
• Over 3,500 social media posts, 2,600 YouTube uploads, 12.8 million emails delivered, 230 paid media placements, and 3.1 million unique website visits.
• Completion of a massive undertaking to rebuild the centralized database software powering seven regional websites and six partner sites, enhancing the digital experience for visitors, regional partners, and community members while optimizing for artificial intelligence integrations.

• Launch of the new LakePlacid.com website, which serves over 1.3 million unique users annually with over 3,750 total content pages.
• ROOST also finalized its 2026-2028 strategic plan along with its destination marketing and management plan, setting the stage for future sustainable growth, including the early 2026 debut of the new multi-region Adirondacks, USA website.

ROOST also made significant advancements in destination management initiatives throughout 2025. Highlights of activity include Read more »

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North Country Community College started its seventh consecutive term of enrollment growth with the start of the 2026 semester

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February 13, 2026 

February 13, 2025 

Albany, Feb. 10, 2026, News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Department of Health has officially joined the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), strengthening the state’s role in global public health preparedness and response. 

“New York has always led in public health and safety and now we’re doing our part to protect lives while the federal government puts Americans’ health at risk,”Governor Hochul said. “By joining GOARN, we’re sharing our expertise, laboratories and highly skilled workforce to detect and respond to outbreaks worldwide while helping prevent global health threats from reaching New York State and the United States. Protecting New Yorkers means protecting communities everywhere — I’ll always stand up for the health and safety of our state and country.”

In January, the Trump Administration withdrew the United States from WHO, compromising the country’s global health safety and preparedness to respond to future pandemics. 

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Joining GOARN shows New York’s commitment to fast, coordinated responses to public health threats. Through this partnership, we will share our expertise, provide laboratory support, strengthen infection control and help manage public health emergencies worldwide.”

GOARN, coordinated by the World Health Organization, is a global network of over 300 technical institutions and networks that provide rapid outbreak detection, verification, and response. It supports countries with technical expertise, laboratory capacity and operational coordination to mitigate public health threats.

The New York State Health Department, established in 1901, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest state health departments, overseeing disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, environmental health, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention and regulation of healthcare facilities. Its Wadsworth Center provides advanced diagnostic testing, genomic sequencing, antimicrobial resistance monitoring and reference services that will now support GOARN operations internationally.

The partnership will enable the Department to provide technical assistance, support capacity-building initiatives, strengthen risk communication efforts, and coordinate with international public health partners.  

This partnership would also provide New York State with earlier access to global outbreak intelligence, enhance workforce expertise through real-world response experience, strengthen laboratory and surveillance capabilities, and improve preparedness for emerging and re-emerging public health threats, further protecting the health of New Yorkers. 

Plattsburgh, NY, News Release of Feb. 10, 2026 – New York State Assemblymember Michael S. Cashman today announced his appointment to two additional New York State Assembly standing committees, the Small Business Committee and the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee.

The Small Business Committee focuses on the small-business aspects of economic development, working to develop practical tools and legislative strategies to promote, support, and foster small business growth throughout New York State. Small businesses are a key driver of local job creation and economic resilience, particularly across the North Country and rural regions like the Adirondacks.

“The Small Business Committee is a welcome and important assignment, especially for the North Country which has such a large and diverse small business economy with special needs in areas like the Adirondacks,” Garry Douglas, President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce said. “We congratulate Assemblyman Cashman and look forward, along with our partners, to actively working with him on behalf of our region’s small businesses.”

In addition to Small Business, Assemblymember Cashman was also appointed to the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, which develops and considers legislation impacting prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals and families statewide. The committee also provides oversight of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to ensure policies and initiatives expand access to vital services across New York. Read more »

 Call for Submissions To Run Through April 3; Submit Recommendations Through New Online Portal 

Albany, NYS News Release of Feb. 13, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of EXPRESS NY (Expediting Processes and Regulations to Enable Streamlined Services), a new statewide effort to make government work better by tackling outdated and burdensome regulations, policies, and practices that stand in the way of delivering for New Yorkers. EXPRESS NY is the next phase in the governor’s 2026 State of the State commitment to cut excessive red tape to speed up government and make it easier, faster, and more affordable to deliver the critical projects and services that New Yorkers need. 

“While Washington Republicans seek to gut government at every opportunity they get, we’re strengthening government in New York through real efficiencies and reforms,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers navigate regulations in ways big and small, from small businesses trying to get off the ground to local leaders trying to build needed housing and infrastructure; today, it is clear toat that it is often too hard and takes too long to navigate red tape and get approvals. I’ve charged my team to slash excessive red tape, and by asking the people who interact with bureaucracy every day for their ideas, we can deliver a more responsive and effective government that supports the dreams and ambitions of New Yorkers and takes this state to the next level.”

In October, Governor Hochul directed state agencies to identify outdated or obsolete regulations and policies. In this initial phase, agencies identified nearly 100 potential regulations and practices in need of reform, modernization or elimination. Opportunities to cut red tape that state agencies have identified include: removing unnecessary fees for small businesses, expediting occupational licensing renewals for workers, digitizing paper-based processes, rescinding unenforced and out of date regulations, and reducing burdensome and unnecessary reporting requirements.

Now, Governor Hochul wants to hear from New Yorkers directly to seek their ideas on cutting red tape and making government work better. The State has launched a new portal for New Yorkers to identify regulations, policies, and practices that add unnecessary process, undue burden, or are simply out of date. Specific areas of focus include recommendations that will: 

• Speed up housing & infrastructure development by addressing obstacles that slow down our ability to build affordable housing and other infrastructure New Yorkers depend on: transportation, child care centers, water infrastructure, parks, community centers, and more.
• Support small businesses by tackling burdensome requirements and fees that make it difficult for businesses to launch, serve customers, or grow.
• Streamline access to services by simplifying complicated processes or removing unnecessary hurdles that prevent families from accessing benefits and services that New York State supports or oversees (e.g., healthcare, child care, nutrition, mental health).

New Yorkers should submit ideas in a new portal that the State has launched here. The call for ideas will be open until April 3. Read more »

Carl Rubino: Who Is This Guy? Carl consistently pens lyrics with characters that come alive in scenes that paint a picture and tell a story, often with an unexpected twist and a dash of emotion.  Carl’s songwriting rule is simple. If you can’t close your eyes and “see” the song keep rewriting or throw it out!  Initially focused on blending contemporary folk and what country music was before it turned into something else, delivered with his gutsy baritone over a melodically fingerpicked acoustic guitar, some of his more recent work fuses elements of contemporary folk or “typical” Americana with jazz that blend elements of jazz composition with his penchant for telling stories in songs.  Many have likened his recent songs to the fell of traditional jazz ballads – picture someone like Tony Bennett singing in a smoke-filled cafe in Paris or New York. He also forays into the blues and even an occasional political satire piece.   Carl is often appreciated by those who are drawn to some of his influences, like John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Bill Morrissey and Steve Earle.   He writes his songs and performs on guitars and keyboard/piano.

Click here for the NCPR story 

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Victims identified in separate accidents

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Wild-Words-Book-Launch-2025

The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) is seeking submissions for its fourth annual print publication of its Wild Words Adirondack Teen Writing Anthology.

Teens ages 13-19 living in the North Country of New York State are eligible to submit their creative writing for consideration in the anthology, which will be published in the spring of 2026. A public book launch will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Harrietstown Town Hall in Saranac Lake where copies will be available for a small donation.

“Wild Words is an incredible opportunity for young writers to share their stories, connect with each other, and make their voices heard,” said Obi Taswell, ACW’s program manager. “This anthology celebrates around seventy of the most urgent youth voices in the North Country.”

Interested teens can learn more and submit their poetry, short stories, short memoirs and personal essays at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/wildwords. Submissions are due by midnight on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words together for 25 years through provocative events and meaningful programs. For more information about ACW, visit adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook and Instagram.

As housing construction booms in red states, blue states are falling behind. That will likely boost Republicans in federal politics.

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Grand Isle, VT — The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, in partnership with NEIWPCC, invites the public to Love the Lake 2026, a winter speaker series featuring four presentations on environmental and cultural heritage topics. Free coffee and dessert will be provided. Please note that the location for the February 19^th presentation with Teage O’Connor has been changed to the Rock Point Center in Burlington, Vermont.

February 12: What lives in Lake Champlain? Snorkeling to find out!
Graham Montague, underwater explorer and PhD student at the University of Vermont

February 19: The Connection Between Trees and the Lake
Teage O’Connor, Executive Director of Crow’s Path, in collaboration with the Wild Burlington Society

March 12: Wool and Water: Communicating Science with Fiber Art in the Lake Champlain Basin and Beyond
Michale Glennon, Senior Research Scientist at Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute

March 19: Vermont’s Revolution
Angie Grove, Executive Director of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

All presentations will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 54 West Shore Road in Grand Isle, Vermont, with the exception of Teage O’Connor’s presentation, which will be held at the Rock Point Center in Burlington, VT.

For more information and to register for virtual attendance, visit lcbp.org/events.

-end-

The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Qu?bec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, quality management and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.

Defendant Had Fled Sentencing in June and Was Later Captured in Cohoes With Help of Cohoes Police Department

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that Devin Zielinski was sentenced to serve two to six years in state prison for stealing $230,000 in pension and social security benefits from an elderly victim. Zielinski was also ordered to pay $115,000 in restitution. Zielinski’s partner in the scheme, Amber Diacetis, was previously sentenced to time served in jail, ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution and serve five years of probation.

Zielinski had been sought by police after he failed to appear at his initial sentencing scheduled for June. He was located in Cohoes with the assistance of the Cohoes Police Department and arrested on October 10, 2025.

“Preying on an elderly victim to steal his money and deprive him of his basic needs is simply reprehensible. Devin Zielinski now faces the consequences of his crimes in this despicable case of elder abuse,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Rensselaer County DA Donnelly, State Police Superintendent James, the Schodack Police Department for their partnership in ensuring the victim received the care he needed and holding accountable the criminals who took advantage of him. I also want to thank the Cohoes Police Department for their assistance with locating and capturing Zielinski.”

Donnelly said, “Through strong partnerships with the New York State Police, the Office of the State Comptroller and the Schodack Police Department, we have been able to hold Devin Zeilinski accountable for these criminal actions.  I am pleased that we are able to provide this elderly victim with a measure of financial compensation by requiring that the culpable parties pay restitution.”

“This case is a tragic example of elder abuse and financial exploitation, carried out over several years by individuals who betrayed the trust of a vulnerable victim,” James said. “I commend the outstanding collaboration between the Office of the State Comptroller, the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office, the Schodack Police Department, and our members of the New York State Police. It is through strong partnerships like these that we are able to identify abuse, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and bring offenders to justice.”

Zielinski and Diacetis convinced the 87-year-old New York state pensioner to let them be his live-in caregivers and control his finances. They betrayed his trust, stealing his monthly $3,526 pension and $2,138 Social Security benefits. From January 2018 to August 2023, the two stole $230,000 from his bank account.

Due to their theft, the victim’s mortgage, property taxes and other bills were not paid for four years and the bank foreclosed on his house, power was cut off, and his car was repossessed. The two had their victim living in wretched conditions and in need of care, which he has since received. Zielinski continued to squat in the home after the victim was removed and the foreclosure proceedings began.

Zielinski had pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the third degree in April. He was sentenced before Judge Jennifer Sober in Rensselaer County Court.

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Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by emailing a complaint to investigations@osc.ny.gov or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.