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Peru, NY May 11, 2026 – Highway Superintendent MIchael Farrell wants people to know that roadside mowing will begin Tuesday, May 12. In the interest of operator safety and productivity, highway personnel will remove any sign erected in the road’s right-of-way, up to 15 feet from a road’s edge
Peru, NY – On Tuesday, May 12, at 7 p.m., the Peru Central School District is scheduled to conduct its 2026-27 School Budget Public Hearing. Then, on May 19 at the high school community room, from 1 to 8 p.m., voters will cast ballots on the budget, two open school board positions, and the purchase of up to three school buses.
Plattsburgh, NY – With original bluegrass and country tunes, Missisquoi River Band from Enosburg Falls, VT paint a vivid picture of love, life and loss in the Green Mountains. Patrick Murphy, Cindy Humiston-Weed and Jim Weed – all veteran performers – promise a fun-loving, inspiring night of music. Plattsburgh United Methodist Church chapel, 127 Beekman Street in Plattsburgh NY (north entrance) this Friday 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. No admission fee, but free will donations make this live music series possible.
Contact Peter Cadieux with any questions here or at 518-569-2188. This show concludes season 11 of Wood, Wire and Voice and we will resume in October.
LINCOLN, NE (05/11/2026)– Kathryn Ku’uleilani Bowman of Peru was among a record 3,762 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during commencement exercises May 8-9.
Bowman earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with high distinction from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
The graduates are from 61 countries; 45 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; and 230-plus Nebraska communities.
The statewide residential brush burning prohibition began on March 16 and continues through May 14.
Albany, May 11, 2026 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.
Town of Queensbury Warren County Wildland Fire: On April 28 at 3:45 p.m., two Forest Rangers responded to a brush fire that damaged multiple structures including a child’s playhouse. Firefighters from Bay Ridge, Queensbury Central, South Glens Falls, South Queensbury, and West Glens Falls Fire Departments contained the fire to 0.5 acres. Rangers issued a ticket for leaving a fire unattended.
Queensbury fire
Queensbury fire
Queensbury fire
Town of Cambridge Washington County Wildland Fire: On April 29 at 10:30 a.m., two Forest Rangers responded to a brush fire at the intersection of Content Farm Road and Little Colfax Road. By 12 p.m., Rangers and firefighters from Arlington, Buskirk, Cambridge, Cossayuna, Easton, Greenwich, Hoosick Falls, North Hoosick Falls, Salem, Schuylerville, Shushan, and White Creek Fire Departments contained the fire to 0.8 acre. One shed and four scrap vehicles were damaged in the fire. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement handled the charges for illegal debris burning.
Town of Elizabethtown Essex County Wildland Fire: On April 29 at 5:16 p.m., six Forest Rangers responded to a brush fire on Lincoln Pond Road. A bus on the property was damaged by the fire. By 8:55 p.m., Rangers and firefighters from Crown Point, Elizabethtown, Essex, Keene, Keene Valley, Lewis, Mineville/Witherbee. Moriah, Westport, and Whallonsburg Fire Departments controlled the 2.4-acre fire. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement was called in to address the illegal burning of garbage.
If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.
POTSDAM, NY (05/11/2026)— The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2026 during the College’s 206th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16.
During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year. To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.
This year’s local candidates for graduation include:
This year’s local candidates for graduation include:
Ethan Luoma of Peru, NY, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education
Madison Tromblee of Peru, NY, who is set to graduate with a Master of Science in Education degree in Literacy
Sarrah Zagrodzki of Peru, NY, who is set to graduate with distinction with a Master of Science in Education degree in Literacy
To learn more Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.
Despite median household incomes increasing in every county from 2019-2024, they did not keep pace with the cost of living when adjusting for the 23.1% inflation during that time period, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
“Household incomes for too many New Yorkers have not kept pace with the stubborn inflation we continue to feel today,” DiNapoli said. “When real incomes decline, people struggle to maintain the same quality of life. Continued focus on addressing the state’s affordability challenges, as well as efforts to increase the growth of well-paying jobs across the state, are needed to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to thrive.”
Statewide, the inflation adjusted (“real”) median household income increased by $1,688, or 2%, from 2019 to 2024. However, in 23 of the state’s 62 counties, real median household income decreased. Tioga County had the largest decrease both by dollar amount (-$4,794), and percentage (-6.2%). Rockland County had the second largest decrease by dollar amount (-$4,526), while Chemung County had the second largest decrease by percent (-5.8%).
Greene and Ulster counties had the largest gains in real median household income with Greene County increasing the most both by dollar amount ($11,978) and by percent (18.2%). Ulster County had a $7,132 increase (9%).
DiNapoli’s analysis also found:
Among the five counties that comprise New York City, results were mixed. The real median household income increased in Brooklyn by $6,136 (8.3%) and in Queens by $1,628 (1.9%). It decreased in Staten Island by $3,549 (-3.5%), in Manhattan by $2,590 (-2.4%), and in the Bronx by $661 (-1.3%) between 2019 and 2024.
Other counties that saw a positive percentage change in real household incomes of over 5% included Fulton, Montgomery, Allegany, Suffolk, Schuyler and Franklin.
Three of the ten largest percentage decreases in real household incomes were found in the Southern Tier, including Broome (-2.6%).
Every Western New York county had a positive percentage increase in real household income with the exception of Cattaraugus (-0.7%).
Tickets on sale for Foundation of CVPH’s June 13 gala
Plattsburgh, NY — Tickets are now on sale for the Foundation of CVPH’s Black & White Centennial Celebration, a signature event commemorating 100 years of caring on the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital’s (CVPH) 75 Beekman Street campus.
The celebration will take place on Saturday, June 13, beginning at 5:30 pm, under a tent at the hospital’s Cornelia Street entrance. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring lively music, special announcements, historic retrospectives, silent and live auctions, exceptional food, and signature cocktails.
The dress code is simple and stylish: black, white, or a combination of both. From sleek suits to chic dresses or standout, creative attire, guests are encouraged to express themselves while embracing the classic theme.
Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online at uvmhealth.org/CVPHFoundation. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation of CVPH, supporting its mission to enhance patient care and services across the region.
During the evening, the sixth annual Larry W. Jeffords Legacy Award will be presented to Cindy and James Evans. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment and generosity in support of the Foundation. It was established in 2021 in honor of Larry W. Jeffords, a founding board member of the Foundation of CVPH who gave selflessly to his community throughout his lifetime.
“Cindy and James Evans are true champions of the Foundation of CVPH,” said Kerry Haley, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy at CVPH. “Their dedication and impact reflect the spirit of service and community leadership that this award represents.”
For ticket information and event details, visit uvmhealth.org/CVPHFoundation or call Events and Special Projects Manager Michelle Senecal at 518-314-3359.
Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perunighthawks.org.
The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.
Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:
First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than noon on Tuesday, May 12. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.
Anticipated topics include:
Public Hearing on the May 19, 2026 Annual Budget Vote & School Board Election
Public Hearing on the Code of Conduct
Personnel Appointments
Refuse & Recycling Bid Award
Medical Services RFP Award
The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (www.perunighthawks.org).
$2.5 Million in New Research Grants Now Available To Protect Water Quality and Public Health
Albany, May 9, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced investments to implement watershed improvements and build new partnerships targeting Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) that have surpassed $400 million over her tenure, including a new $2.5 million research grant program now available. The funding milestone complements a comprehensive approach to addressing one of the most challenging water quality issues facing communities across the state, leading to the creation of the State’s new HAB Roadmap to inform short- and long-term HAB management efforts throughout New York, and the new research funding opportunity.
“New York State is making sustained and meaningful commitments to reduce HABs and their harmful impacts on watershed communities and natural resources,” Governor Hochul said. “By supporting the best and brightest minds in this new research effort, we are supporting collaborations that will be instrumental to protecting drinking water, habitat, recreation and local economies.”
Since 2021, New York awarded more than $424 million in grants that support reducing the frequency of HABs by targeting phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, and dedicated more than $6.7 million to research and development, pilot projects and advanced HAB monitoring. Funding to help address HABs is primarily awarded through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) successful Water Quality Improvement Project program, with more than $82 million awarded for HABs-related projects in the most recent round alone. DEC’s next WQIP grant opportunity is expected to open for Round 22 later this month through the Consolidated Funding Application.
Multi-agency Swift Water Training – Warren and Oneida Counties
On two separate weekends in April, ECOs participated in multi-agency swift water training exercises.
From April 14-16, ECOs on the Flood Incident Response Strike Team participated in mobilization training on the Schroon and Hudson Rivers in Warren County. The multi-agency training, hosted by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), focused on swift water swimming, throw bag use, rope skills, inflatable boat operation, and animal rescue techniques. Additionally, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team was deployed at various locations during the training and tasked with testing remote area connectivity to the command post and monitoring the safety of the participants. This training is a valuable tool for increasing team preparedness and improving inter-agency operability for future flooding incidents and swift water rescue situations. New York State Police, Forest Rangers, and New York State Park Police also participated in the training. Aerial footage of the training can be viewed on YouTube.
On April 22 and 23, seven ECOs on the Flood Incident Response Strike Team participated in in-service training at the Swift Water Flood Training facility at the State Preparedness Center in Oriskany, also hosted by DHSES. In addition to swimming, wading, and rope skills, the team-based exercises focused on breaching techniques, Search & Rescue Common Operating Platform (SARCOP) utilization, and structure-marking systems. Other participating teams included the New York City Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit, Montgomery Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Team, and Monroe County Special Operations Task Force.
ECOs utilize ropes during multi-agency swift water mobilization training
ECOs enter the water during swift water mobilization training in Warren County
ECOs participate in multi-agency swift water rescue training in Oriskany
ECOs participate in multi-agency in-service swift water training in Oriskany
Trout Stocking – Sullivan and Franklin Counties
On April 15, ECOs in Sullivan County, a world-renowned trout fishing destination, assisted staff from the DEC Catskill State Fish Hatchery with stocking brown trout in Willowemoc Creek. The group began in the Hamlet of Roscoe and distributed approximately 3,470 brown trout, including yearling and two-year-old fish, across multiple sections of the creek.
Willowemoc Creek is one of the Catskill region’s most celebrated trout streams, drawing anglers from across New York State and beyond.
More than 200 miles away in Franklin County, ECOs Garrand and Okonuk joined DEC Fisheries staff and volunteers from the Malone Fish and Game Club to stock nearly 2,000 trout in the Little Salmon River in northern Franklin County, also a premier trout fishing destination in New York.
Trout season opened in New York State on April 1, but stocking continues statewide as DEC works to provide fresh opportunities for anglers to enjoy quality fishing.
Anglers are reminded that a valid New York State fishing license is required. For more details on trout season, visit the DEC website.
ECOs stock brown trout in Willowemoc Creek in Sullivan County
ECOs assist with stocking trout in the Little Salmon River in northern Franklin County
Peru, NY, May 9, 2026 – The thermometer read 26 degrees when Forrence Orchards started the orchard fans early this morning. Hopefully, the fans kept air moving, protecting the buds, which are beginning to open. The focus is on safeguarding the developing crop during a critical growing stage. Seth Forrence said a tractor-trailer load of bees arrived early yesterday morning.
MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports, JCEO);
MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of April 27, 2026.
Community Input.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Suozzo, Doty & Associates’ Cybersecurity Overview SDA Proposal No. 26-037 for Possible Grant.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approving Sending Out an RFP for Food Scrap Collection.
RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Appoint New Interim Code Enforcement Officer to Work on the LCT Project.
DISCUSSION/MOTION:Appoint New Interim Councilperson.
DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #10 for Peru WWTP Project.
DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #10 for Peru WWTP Project.
DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of K & L Plumbing & Heating Pay App. #5 for Peru WWTP Project.
DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Triangle Electrical Systems Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP Project.
Despite median household incomes increasing in every county from 2019-2024, they did not keep pace with the cost of living when adjusting for the 23.1% inflation during that time period, 
Pork Chops
Tickets on sale for Foundation of CVPH’s June 13 gala
Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at 
$2.5 Million in New Research Grants Now Available To Protect Water Quality and Public Health
