The Peru Gazette

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Planning Board Meeting

Wednesday, August 12^th, 2026 

Call to Order at 6:01 PM

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of June 10^th, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Comments: Garrett Mastic shared with the Board the minutes from the last meeting.

Mr. Mastic asked if the other Board Members had any changes, correction, deletions or additions. The Board Members did not have any suggestions on this matter.

Motion: Peter Stone made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Garrett Mastic and the motion carried with 6 votes.

Roll Call: Garret Mastic, Chair – Y; Peter Stone, Vice Chair – Y; Daniel Hamilton – Y; Robert LePage – Y; Jerry McGovern – Y; Alison Webbinaro, Alt. – Y

Open Floor to Public Hearing

There was no public comment at this time.

Applications: Read more »

1. File # Z-2026-111 – Area Variance – Myles Tallada at 771 Bear Swamp Road – Parcel ID# 280.-1-28.2 – Requesting to remove an existing 10’X10′ shed and replace with a new 14’X30′ shed that will encroach 10 ft. into the required 15 ft. side yard setback with only 5 ft. provided.

Read more »

Gathering part of CVPH’s Centennial Celebration 

Plattsburgh, NY –Retirees of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) are invited to a special gathering Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 10 am to noon in the CVPH Boardroom.

Part of the hospital’s year-long celebration of 100 years of caring, the event is an opportunity to connect with former coworkers and colleagues, share stories, and reminisce.

Throughout 2026, CVPH has marked its 100-year milestone with a number of celebrations – each designed to celebrate the dynamic team of caregivers, support staff, volunteers and providers who proudly serve this community and honor the generations of health care professionals who have made the organization what it is today.

In January of 1926, a new era of health care began in the North Country when Physicians Hospital welcomed the first patients to its new facility on Beekman Street. Patients expected and received high-quality care delivered by a team dedicated to excellence and proud to be part of something truly special. It was a standard set by hospital benefactor William H. Miner whose vision of health care in the region came to life with the opening of the state-of-the-art, 212-bed facility.

By John T. Ryan

Cybersecurity improvements, two Town Court clerk resignations, a damaged highway monitoring camera, and preparations for the 2027 budget highlighted the Peru Town Board’s recent meeting.

2027 Preliminary Budget Hearing November 5

Supervisor Craig Randall reported that the board is preparing its 2027 Preliminary Budget for presentation at a public hearing scheduled for November 5 at 5 p.m.

Town Invests in Cybersecurity Protection

Recognizing the growing threat of cyberattacks, the town is moving forward with a cybersecurity assessment funded by a $20,000 grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.

The board approved a contract with Suozzo, Doty & Associates for up to $20,000. The firm will conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment, identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, recommend corrective measures, develop security policies, prepare a compliance readiness report, inventory town assets, and provide training materials.

Telegraph Road Culvert Project Completed

In other positive news, Randall reported that the Telegraph Road culvert project was completed on budget.

The Gazette will follow up on its request for the project’s total cost, including design, planning, and engineering expenses.

Changes to Board and Court Personnel

The board reappointed Garrett Mastic as Planning Board Chairman for a full seven-year term beginning January 1, 2027, and reappointed Mark Hamilton to the board.. It also accepted Robert LePage’s resignation due to his moving out of the area.

Town Court clerks submitted resignations.

Holly Stone, who served as court clerk for 15 years, submitted her resignation effective October 19. The board accepted her resignation and thanked her for her long and dedicated service.

Andrew Bizga, the court’s second clerk, submitted his resignation in a letter dated October 2. The board also thanked him for his service.

To fill the vacancies temporarily, the board hired Pamela St. John as a temporary court clerk, effective October 26, at $35 per hour. She will also assist in training the new clerks. Supervisor Randall said the positions would be advertised very soon.

Town Attorney Matt Favro noted that St. John retired from the Town of Plattsburgh approximately six months ago after roughly 35 years of service. He strongly endorsed her hiring, stating, “You could not have found a better person. Keep her on board as long as you can.”

Highway Monitoring Camera Damaged

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that a vandal or vandals damaged one of the Highway Department’s road-monitoring cameras.

The cameras monitor winter road conditions during the November 1 through April 1 winter season. Farrell emphasized that these are not the Flock cameras used for license plate recognition, distinguishing them from other camera systems.

Farrell also reported that the Highway Department is outfitting its trucks with snowplows. He encouraged residents to check the stability of their mailboxes before winter arrives. Snow pushed by highway plows can easily damage or knock over improperly secured mailboxes.

Recreation and Historian’s Activities

Recreation Director Kristen Marino reported that basketball registrations are underway. The program typically attracts between 80 and 110 children in grades 3 through 6. Marino is still seeking an assistant for the basketball program.

Town Historian Helen Nerska reported on several recent and upcoming activities.

On September 26, she organized a tour of the Old Peru Village Cemetery, located behind TD Bank, focusing on Revolutionary War veterans buried there. She also helped organize the October 10 Battle of Valcour ceremonies associated with the unveiling of the Peru Dock Interpretive Center panels. Town Supervisor Craig Randall was the Master of Ceremonies at the Peru Dock event.

In October, Nerska conducted a Lapham Mills History Chat featuring several people who grew up near the area’s historic mills. When the mills were operating, Lapham Mills served as Peru’s downtown.

Upcoming events include a December 9 History Chat with Peasleeville residents and a Holiday Open House at the Historian’s Office on December 14.

Nerska also noted that the New York State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing the Battle of Valcour’s important role in the American Revolution. The resolution will be framed and displayed in an appropriate location in Town Hall.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

The board approved three contract directives submitted by Murnane Builders in connection with the ongoing Wastewater Treatment Plant project.

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video. 

Meeting Agenda and Resolutions 102626

East of the River, founded by internationally renowned recorder players Nina Stern and Daphna Mor, explores the virtuosic and haunting melodies of the Sephardic diaspora, the traditions of the Middle East, Armenia, North Africa and the Balkans as well as the timeless gems of the Medieval European classical repertory.  East of the River’s music is arranged and interpreted by musicians steeped in jazz, folk and classical traditions.

East of the River performs a concert on the Hill and Hollow Music series on Sunday, November 15 at 3:00 pm at the historic Saranac Methodist Church on Route 3 in Saranac. Admission is $20, accepted at the door. There are no tickets or reservations. Parking is plentiful and free. Doors open at 2:30. For more information, visit www.hillandhollowmusic.org/

The group has performed on concert series at the National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.), Read more »

Allegedly Billed Medicaid for Phony Rides, Inflated Mileage Using Three Transportation Companies in Schenectady

November 2, 2026 News Release – The owners of three Medicaid transportation companies have been arrested and charged with stealing over $4.7 million from the state’s Medicaid program by allegedly submitting phony bills for service, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced.

Ismat Farhan, of Slingerlands, was charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the First Degree. Farhan’s brother, Effat Rizwan of Schenectady, NY, was charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the First degree and one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and lastly Rizwan’s wife, Fouzia Rizwan, also of Schenectady, was charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the First Degree. All three subjects were charged in the City of Schenectady Court and were arraigned before Judge Teneka Frost. Read more »

Plattsburgh, NY – November 4, 2026, News Release  – TDC, a key driver of economic growth and business development in the North Country, will host North Country Manufacturing Day 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College on Thursday, November 5. The event is held in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College, Brilliant Pathways, the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency, CITEC, CV-TEC, Ready4Real, ETS Staffing, the North Country Chamber of Commerce, North Country Workforce Development Board, NYS Department of Labor, and the Workforce Development Institute.

Read more »

Click there for the New York Focus story which includes the 21st Congressional District 

Read the New York Focus Story 

Peru, NY, November 3, 2026 – 2,003 Peru residents cast in-person ballots today. 785 voters cast Early and Absentee Ballots that are not included in the totals below.

The total votes announced were not broken down by political party: Democratic, Republican,Working Families and Conservative.  Your reporter is not including the totals for Supreme Court Justice positions.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Kathy C. Hochul – 730

Bruce A. Blakeman 1,250

Comptroller

Thomas P. DiNapoli – 994

Joseph Hernandez – 958 

Attorney General

Letitia A. James – 849

Saritha Komatireddy – 1109

Representative in Congress – 21st District Read more »

“Live your purpose, share hope, change your world.”

North Country Mission of Hope announces its inaugural mission trip to the Dominican Republic, scheduled for April 8–15, 2027.

The mission will take place in the Luperón region of the Dominican Republic, where participants will serve local Dominican residents and displaced Haitians, as well as other individuals and families in need. Participants can expect to engage in a variety of activities and projects, working alongside community members.

North Country Mission of Hope seeks to assemble a diverse, intergenerational team bringing different backgrounds, experiences, and talents to this shared service opportunity. Previous mission experience is not required. What matters most is a willingness to serve with an open mind and heart.

The trip has been scheduled to coincide largely with local school spring breaks, making participation more accessible to students, educators, and others who might otherwise find it difficult to participate.

North Country Mission of Hope is a spiritually-based humanitarian organization which is committed to fostering hope and empowering relationships through sustainable programs in education, healthcare, community, and ecological development, and by supporting local, national, or global areas national, or global areas impacted by disasters, displacement and  poverty.

Interested in learning more?

Join us November 14 or 16. Contact Executive Director Deacon James Carlin for an invitation and more information. Inquiries are always welcome.

Visit ncmissionofhope.org

Eligibility requirements for the HEAP program can be found online here: https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-heating-assistance-heap.

PLATTSBURGH, NY, October 2, 2026  — With the winter rapidly approaching and the temperatures dropping, Assemblymember Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) encourages all residents to see if they are eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP is a New York State program that issues heating benefits to help with eligible household’s annual energy costs. The application opens on November 2, 2026 and runs through the winter or until funds run out.

“Nobody should have to choose between heating their home and paying the bills,” said Assemblymember Cashman. “Programs like this help our community members with the rising costs of energy so our neighbors don’t have to sacrifice in other ways. I encourage everyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply.”

“Economic pressures continue to strain household budgets. My team and I will continue to advocate for these programs as well as our fair share of resources in the North Country.

Eligibility requirements for the HEAP program can be found online here: https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-heating-assistance-heap. Applications for HEAP can be found online here: myBenefits.ny.gov or by contacting the local Department of Social Services. If you are currently experiencing a heating emergency, please contact your local Department of Social Services.

• Essex County DSS: 7551 Court St, PO Box 217, Elizabethtown, NY 12932, or by phone at 518-873- 3441

• Franklin County DSS: 184 Finney Blvd, Malone, NY 12953, or by phone at 518-481-1888

• Clinton County DSS: 13 Durkee St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, or by phone at 518-565-3300

Peru, NY, November 3, 2026, Election Day – 300 voters cast in-person ballots at St. Augustine’s Parish Center as of 8:45 a.m. As usual, election workers moved people through the voting process quickly. The Peru Gazette will report Peru’s in-person vote count as soon as possible after the 9 p.m. poll closing.

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the Suun Community News story 

Shepherd’s Pie

Salad 

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!