The Peru Gazette

Peru – Pancakes Plus Breakfast, Sunday, OCTOBER 11, served by the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 11; children under 5 are Free. Take-outs are $10. ALL are WELCOME! 

The menu includes Pancakes, French Toast, Strawberry Sauce, Sausage, Bacon, Scrambled eggs, home fries, Real Maple Syrup, Coffee, Orange Juice, and Milk.

Photo Provided

Photo Provided

IAM Facebook Page Photo

Plattsburgh, NY (September 29, 2026) — The North Country Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at Clinton Community College are celebrating the latest graduating class of the North Country Welding Academy, while looking ahead to continued training opportunities designed to strengthen the region’s manufacturing workforce.

Nine participants recently completed the intensive three-week Welding Academy, which began September 9 and included fullday training Monday through Friday. The program provides participants with hands-on instruction and practical skills aligned with the needs of manufacturers and other employers throughout the North Country. This was the 3 round of welders to graduate from this program.

Training includes welding safety and symbolization, measurements for fabrication, blueprint and shop drawing reading, MIG welding on carbon and stainless steel, Flux Core Arc Welding on carbon steel, welding inspection and equipment troubleshooting.

This class also marks the first Welding Academy graduating under IAM Welding Instructor Bill Giovacco, who will continue leading welding training as the Chamber and IAM expand the program.

“Our Welding Academy continues to be a great collaboration between the North Country Chamber and the IAM at Clinton Community College,” says Garry Douglas, President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “It is a direct response to the needs of our manufacturers, providing skilled workers for our employers while enhancing career opportunities for many North Country residents. We congratulate the latest cohort of graduates while thanking two special partners: State Senator Jeremy Cooney, Senate Transportation Chair, for continued funding of the training program, and retired State Senator Neil Breslin, who provided funding through our Chamber to update the IAM’s welding equipment. We look forward to carrying on with future sessions while soon accessing further funding for other manufacturing-related training. Onward and upward!”

The partnership has also benefited from important investments in the equipment and resources necessary to provide handson training. Before leaving office at the end of 2024, former State Senator Neil Breslin provided $50,000 in workforce development capital funding to the North Country Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber directed those funds to the IAM, where they were used to purchase three new welding machines to support the Welding Academy and future training programs.

Additional support from State Senator Jeremy Cooney helped fund the current Welding Academy and supports the continued delivery of workforce training opportunities in the region.

“The North Country Welding Academy offers a dynamic learning structure to train individuals in basic and cutting-edge welding techniques and to provide them with the advanced skills needed in today’s manufacturing industry,” says Billy Jones, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Workforce Development at IAM. “The Academy also provides career pathways for individuals in welding and machining through our partnerships with several businesses in the region. I want to thank the North Country Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration and continuing this important partnership, which benefits our region’s workforce, businesses and overall economy.”

The Welding Academy was developed in response to an ongoing need for skilled welders among manufacturers and businesses across the North Country. By combining intensive hands-on instruction with industry partnerships, the program is designed to prepare participants for employment while helping area employers develop the skilled workforce needed to grow and remain competitive.

The September graduates are just the beginning of the partnership’s next phase. The Chamber and IAM are planning at least four additional Welding Academy sessions over the next 10 months, with the next three-week Academy scheduled to begin October 19.

The North Country Chamber and IAM will continue working with regional manufacturers and workforce partners to identify training needs and develop programs that connect North Country residents with career opportunities while helping employers fill critical skilled positions. 

Data points to strong numbers of local riders, walkers alongside visitors

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Protect the Adirondacks sent out a non-partisan questionnaire to federal and state candidates to gauge where they stand on issues

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By John T. Ryan 

September 28, 2026 – Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and voice opinions about the town’s 2027 budget potentially exceeding the 2% tax levy increase limit at last evening’s Public Hearing. Two people asked questions.

State law requires towns to hold hearings of this nature if they may exceed the tax levy cap. Town Supervisor Craig Randall explained, “Given ongoing cost pressures, the town board has requested the authority to exceed the levy limit for several years. The 2026 budget was the first recent year that we actually exceeded the limit. Sometimes, it’s needed; sometimes it isn’t; you never know.” 

A gentleman who did not identify himself asked if Randall had an idea what the percentage of increase might be. Randall responded,  “This year, frankly, I like to say we can stay under 2%, but the same pressures that are affecting us in our homes are affecting the town as well.” He mentioned fuel, heating costs, water and sewer, and highway department costs. Randall continued, “It’s too early for me to say we will stay under the cap. We’re in the budget season right now. We’re learning department needs. Then we’ll be working on formulating the budget.” 

Later in the meeting, the same gentleman asked what the town is doing to attract more businesses to increase the tax base. Supervisor Randall said the town has applied for a grant to update the Comprehensive Plan, which hasn’t been updated for about 20 years. Changes in the Zoning Law might result; however, Randall cautioned that updating the Comprehensive Plan is a long process.

Board member Melvin Irwin commented, “Another example is the price of salt. We’re facing a roughly 30% increase. Plus, there’s the fuel to drive those trucks. Everybody is being challenged….Real-world living expenses have gone up about 4.3%, but we’re stuck with that 2%. There’s also uncertain sales tax revenue.” 

Board member Kregg Bruno interjected that the town is saving some money by participating in a community solar program. 

School Board member Bonnie Berry asked Randall for the 2026 increase percentage. She read that the levy increased by $150,000. What percentage did that work out to be? Randall did not know that number, but he said he would find out.  Berry said it would be good to have the same percentage for the 2027 budget. 

Randall outlined the budget process schedule. On October 5, the board will present the consolidated budget. On November 5, the board will conduct a public hearing on the Preliminary Budget to give the public a chance to ask questions and comment. If necessary, the board will hold two budget review sessions. Then,  on Thursday, November 19, the board will adopt the Final Budget. 

Randall closed the Public Hearing, saying the board will also include any comments received in writing in the official record. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette video of the public hearing. 

5:00 pm – October 9, 2026, West Side Ballroom, 253 New York Rd, Plattsburgh, NY 12903

Clinton County Historical Association is commemorating the 250^th Anniversary of the 1776 Battle of Valcour Island with three consecutive days of events from October 9 to 11. The Signature Weekend opens with a dinner honoring the members of the Valcour Bay Research Project (VPRP). The VBRP was an archaeological survey of Valcour Bay conducted by local divers and archaeologists from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum between 1999 and 2007. The October 9^th dinner event begins with cocktails at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 at the West Side Ballroom, 253 New York Road, Plattsburgh.  Special guests will include the VBRP team members and speaker Edwin Scollon, co-principal investigator of the Team. Dinner choices are: Benedict Arnold’s Herb-roasted chicken named for the Commander of the American Fleet at Valcour Island in 1776; Jean Laframboise’s Cider-glazed pork loin named for the Revolutionary War Veteran and early Chazy settler whose fruit-bearing trees became Clinton County’s First Orchard; Haudenosaunee Maple-ginger salmon inspired by their introduction of maple to early settlers; and Thomas Jefferson’s Macaroni & cheese, a reminder that Jefferson developed a taste for macaroni and cheese while in France and later helped popularize the dish in America.  For dessert we’ll have Ida Ostrander’s Apple Crisp in honor of the first child born in Plattsburgh. 

Reservations for dinner are $55 per person and must be made by October 2nd.  Call 518-561-0340 or visit the Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh to reserve your seat. 

Click here for the NCPR story 

September 28, 2026 – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, and Acting Medicaid Inspector General Frank T. Walsh, Jr. today announced that two brothers pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree for using three Medicaid transportation companies to systematically defraud the program out of more than $1.6 million. Jawad Choudhary, 44, and Junaid Choudhary, 45, both of Clifton Park, will pay full restitution.

“Jawad and Junaid Choudhary sought to defraud New York’s Medicaid system out of over $1.6 million by billing for non-existent services, inflating charges, and paying kickbacks,” DiNapoli said. Read more »

Last seen on teh Durgan Road south of the Peru Hamlet

Last seen on the Durgan Rd., Route 22 south of Peru Hamlet

He’s a male black cat around 1-2 years old, reddish belly and tail, sunburn on his back legs, he’s not fixed yet as we had taken him in just a month ago when he was a stray cat, has a crooked tail and he was last seen on Durgan Rd (which is near ADK farms) in Peru, NY on Monday 9/21 around 8pm. He did slip his collar too so the markings on his legs along with his crooked tail would be the easiest way to see if it’s him. His name is Binx and he is very friendly and vocal! Thank you so much i appreciate it!!

If found email lyddurgan@gmail.com

NORTH COUNTRY, N.Y. — September 27, 2026 — North Country Honor Flight will honor 30 veterans on Saturday, October 3, as part of Flights 74 and 75, providing another group of North Country veterans with an opportunity to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

The sendoff ceremony will take place at the U.S. Oval in Plattsburgh, New York, on Saturday, October 3, beginning promptly at 7:00 a.m. Don’t miss your last chance to witness the start of the trip of a lifetime. Family members, friends, fellow veterans and community members are encouraged to gather at the U.S. Oval to give these 30 veterans the sendoff they deserve as they begin their journey to Washington, D.C.

Following the ceremony, breakfast will be served at American Legion Post 1619, free of charge to all veterans.

A Community-Supported Mission

Flights 74 and 75 are being sponsored through a partnership between American Legion Post 1619, the Sons of the American Legion, the American Legion Riders, the American Legion Auxiliary, and local business owner Brent Rogers of The Grass Hole.

North Country Honor Flight is grateful for the commitment of each of these organizations and individuals to ensuring that veterans from our region have the opportunity to experience this special journey.

The partnership reflects the continuing commitment of the American Legion family and local businesses to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country.

North Country Honor Flight will also have merchandise available for purchase at the sendoff, giving supporters an opportunity to show their NCHF pride while helping support the organization’s mission through the winter months.

Essex County stands out in number of values-driven farms, direct-to-consumer sales.

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Composting provides communities throughout the Adirondacks with a full circle of growing healthy foods, without wasting scraps

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The tour attracted several people interested in local history. (Chris Mullen photo)

By John T Ryan

If you appreciate the Town of Peru’s history or Revolutionary War history, you would have enjoyed the Saturday, September 26 tour of Peru’s Old Village Cemetery on North Bend Street. Peru Town Historian Helen Nerka, accompanied by military historian Thaddeus Booth Trudo, led the tour. An America250 event, it focused on Revolutionary War veterans buried there. Some veterans’ graves have not been located, but documents indicate they were, or probably were, buried there.

L-R Thaddeus Booth Trudo, Helen Nerska, and cemetery caretaker Darrell Altizer

Thaddeus Booth Trudo described the local militias’ role in the American Revolution and why so many men served. Helen Nerska focused on the veterans’ connection to local families like Fuller, Everest, Clark, Soper, and Allen.

Trudo explained that all men above a certain age were “called up” to serve in militias. Some men volunteered. One man buried here,  John Eells, re-enlisted six times. Another veteran, John Haff, is buried next to Emory Haff, a Civil War veteran. Trudo said some militias threatened the British occupying New York City to the extent that the British could not move south to reinforce other forces, such as those led by General Cornwallis.

Nerska and Trudo believe that it’s very likely other Revolutionary War veterans are buried in this cemetery, but that determination awaits more research. American Revolution veterans are buried in several local cemeteries.

Blanchard, Peter (1746 – June 3, 1838)

Military Service: Continental (Canadian) and Patriotic Service

Find a Grave: no grave photo DOB listed as 30 December 1739 Annapolis County, Nova Scotia Canada, DOD as 1 February 1823 Chazy, Clinton County New York. Burial Peru Cemetery Clinton County New York

Not Listed by Rabideau 

NY Tombstone Project: no record in this cemetery but there are two other Blanchard tombstones. 

BLANCHARD
In Memory of / Alma Blanchard, / Consort of / Rev. Hiram Blanchard, / And Daughter of / Joel & Bathshebe / Ayers, / who died Dec. 2, 1842, / Aged 28 years /
Much beloved and lamented by all /
who knew her. /

BLANCHARD
Departed this / life on the 10 of / April, 1841, Morris / Tilly 2^nd son of Rev. / Hiram & Alma / BLANCHARD, / aged 1 / year, 7 mo. & 22 d’s /
This lovely bud so young & fair /
Called home to early doom /
Just came to show how sweet a flower /
In paradise would bloom /

Comments:  Lots about him in Chazy – his will was signed by Matthew Saxe and Thomas Tredwell – his will said he was a private in the Revolutionary War.

Private Peter Blanchard

• • Enlisted as a PVT in Cpt. Olivie’s Company of Col. Hazen’s 2^nd Canadian (Congress’ Own) Regiment on 12/17/1776 and served until the end of the war in 1783. During this time, he saw action at Staten Island, Brandywine, Germantown, and the Siege of Yorktown. Blanchard seems to have served as a waiter and interpreter assigned to LTG Rochambeau’s Headquarters of the French Expeditionary Force as part of MG Lafayette’s Liasson troops from June to the fall of 1782 before rejoining his unit after the French troops started to return home.

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Environmental impacts, energy needs of AI weigh on Adirondack residents

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Ham Mac and Cheese 

Vegetable

Bread

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!

A 62-year-old man was killed on Porter Road in Beekmantown, back in May 2025.

Click here for the WPTZ News story

• Au Sable Forks Free Library – 2PM
• Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center – 4PM
• Keene Valley Library –  2PM
• Keeseville Free Library – 6PM
• Peru Free Library – 12PM
• Plattsburgh Public Library – 12PM
• Schroon Lake Public Library – 1:30PM
• Wells Memorial Library, Upper Jay – 2PM

Read more »

Plattsburgh, N.Y. – September 24, 2026 – TDC has unveiled a new large-scale mural in Air Industrial Park created by Plattsburgh native and muralist Brendon Palmer-Angell. The mural spans the north-facing wall of TDC’s building at the corner of Military Turnpike and Industrial Boulevard. The mural can be seen at 1483 Military Turnpike in Plattsburgh, N.Y., with the artwork facing Industrial Boulevard at Air Industrial Park. 

The mural is part of TDC’s ongoing effort to make its industrial parks reflect the character of the communities they serve. Located along one of the park’s most visible corridors, this new artwork brings a prominent piece of public art to Air Industrial Park and adds to the region’s growing collection of murals and creative spaces. 

“Air Industrial Park is home to businesses and people who are an important part of our community, and we want the park itself to reflect the character and creativity of the North Country,” said Danielle King, President and CEO of TDC. “Brendon has made an incredible mark on the region through outdoor art, and we’re excited to add Air Industrial Park to the list of places where his work can be enjoyed.” 

“The Town of Plattsburgh is proud to be the home of TDC’s Air Industrial Park. We are very pleased with the addition of the beautiful mural to their building located on the Military Turnpike. The mural is a true reflection of the Adirondacks as well as the North Country in general and fits well with the town center feel we are working to create. Thank you to TDC for being a great neighbor!” said Chuck Kostyk, Town Supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh. 

Brendon Palmer-Angell, now based in New Orleans, has created murals throughout the North Country and beyond. His regional work includes the Jean Arthur mural in downtown Plattsburgh, the Poets’ mural honoring sisters Lucretia and Margaret Davidson, and “North Country Dream” and “Cardinal Country” at SUNY Plattsburgh. His work frequently draws inspiration from local history, landscapes, and the communities where his murals are located. 

The Air Industrial Park mural pairs a close-up portrait of a great blue heron in profile with a second heron in flight, set against a painted sky and Adirondack mountain landscape that echoes the natural surroundings of the North Country. 

“The great blue heron is an icon for my time growing up in the Adirondacks. It embodies a sense of patience, wisdom, majesty, and quiet strength, and herons are also a symbol of peace in cultures around the world,” said Brendon Palmer-Angell, artist. “At this scale, it becomes a kind of benevolent protector of the space. I hope the mural could also be a reminder of the vibrant life and beauty of our region, our pride in it, and our responsibility to protect it.” 

Funding Supports 352 Healthcare Professionals Committed to Serving Medicaid Members and Uninsured New Yorkers

September 25, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for the Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program, a $48.3 million student loan repayment initiative designed to expand access to care for Medicaid members and uninsured individuals while also attracting providers in critical, high-demand roles across New York State. The HEALR Program provides significant financial incentives to qualifying healthcare professionals who commit to four years of employment serving high-need populations.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live or how much they earn,” Governor Hochul said. “By helping hundreds of healthcare professionals repay their student loans in exchange for serving communities that need them most, we are strengthening our workforce and making it easier for New Yorkers to get the care they need, when they need it.”

A total of 352 providers from across New York State were selected for awards from a pool of nearly 900 applicants based on their specialty, geographic location, ability to provide care in a language other than English and other criteria. The awardee cohort includes 99 psychiatrists, 43 dentists, 76 primary care physicians, and 134 nurse practitioners. Certain specialties, including psychiatrists serving children and adolescents and dentists serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, received added priority. Sixty percent of awardees provide services in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area. Forty-five percent of awardees – representing 29 unique languages – provide services in a language other than English.

All HEALR awardees must make a four-year commitment to serving New York State Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. Maximum award amounts are based on title, with psychiatrists eligible for up to $300,000 in repayment, primary care physicians and dentists eligible for up to $100,000 and nurse practitioners eligible for up to $50,000.