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Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates new bridge and viewing platform made possible through community partnerships

ESSEX, NY — October 7, 2026 — Champlain Area Trails (CATS) will celebrate the completion of the new Black Kettle Bridge by the Adirondack 46ers with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, at 3:30 p.m.

The beautifully constructed bridge and viewing platform gives hikers a new way to experience a special riparian landscape within the Champlain Valley. Spanning the creek and wetlands, the bridge provides an easy and welcoming destination for people of all ages and hiking abilities, while offering an opportunity to pause and take in the surrounding landscape.

The area is home to an active beaver population and a diverse community of songbirds. Although the creek is currently dry following a prolonged lack of rain, the landscape transforms into a lush, vibrant wetland environment in wetter seasons. Read more »

Join us one week for our Meet & Greet! Mingle with neighbors, hear from candidates, and enjoy some tasty snacks on Tuesday, Oct 13th at the Peru VFW (710 NY22). We’ll be there from 5:30 – 7:30. Bring neighbors and friends! Share our poster with anyone you’d like to invite!
>
> Extra info:
> ⭐ We’ll be accepting non-perishable food items for donation to the JCEO food pantry.
> 💪 Bring a sheet of postcard stamps (or donate $13 to cover the cost of a sheet) and take home one of our “Voted” buttons as a thank you.
> 🇺🇸 Support the VFW by purchasing beverages at the bar.
>
> It’ll be great to see you there!
> Marque Moffett
> Chair
> Peru Democratic Committee

The Town of Beekmantown and the Clinton County Historical Association presentMoses Hazen, Clement Gosselin, and Congress’s Own Canadian Regiments: Their Personal Contributions in Winning the War for Independence

Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM, Beekmantown Town Hall, 571 Spellman Road, West Chazy, NY 12992

Most people probably have never heard of the Canadian Regiments that played a most important role in winning our nations independence during the American Revolution. Thaddeus Booth Trudo and Gary VanCour will present the historical, cultural, and military background leading to the formation of the Canadian Regiments serving in the Continental army. Often known as Congress’s Own, this presentation will feature the vital part that these Regiments and their veterans played both in the American Revolution and in early settlement of Clinton County. Although their life stories are somewhat varied, both Moses Hazen and Clement Gosselin are excellent examples of dedicated patriots who suffered severe sacrifices which their wartime service cost them in supporting the American dream of freedom from the British crown.

Presenters: Developing a passion for history from a very early age, Thaddeus J. Booth Trudo received a BA from Norwich University in Studies in War and Peace and an MA in History Museum Studies through SUNY Oneonta. He has served as a volunteer at the Clinton County Historical Museum and has presented several topics as part of the America 250 speaker series. Gary VanCour has always been fascinated by the stories of the people in history and the commonalities that we all share. Upon receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh, he pursued an innovative career in education as a social studies teacher for over thirty years. Although now retired from the classroom, he is currently the Historian for the Town of Beekmantown and continues to discover new pieces of our past to share with the public.

Contact Helen Nerska at director@clintoncountyhistorical.org or Gary Van Cour grvanc@aol.com for more information.

Plattsburgh, NY (October 8, 2026) — The North Country Chamber of Commerce has earned a Gold Award in the 2026 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for its “We Know Canadians As…” campaign, recognized in the Travel Destinations – Marketing – Promotions with Purpose category.

The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards are among the travel industry’s premier honors, recognizing outstanding design, marketing and services across the travel industry, including destinations, hospitality, cruise lines, airlines and airports, tour operators, travel agencies and more. The 2026 awards drew hundreds of entries from across the United States and around the world, with Gold and Silver honors recognizing work that meets Travel Weekly’s established standard of excellence. Read more »

PUBLIC NOTICE

Date: October 5, 2026

From: The Town of Peru Planning Board

Position: Alternate Planning Board Member

The Town of Peru Planning Board is currently seeking a civic-minded resident to fill a vacancy for an

Alternate PLANNING Board Member. This is a vital role that ensures our town’s land-use, zoning, and development reviews continue smoothly when regular board members are absent or recused due to conflicts of interest.

About the Role:

As an alternate member, you will participate in monthly meetings, review project applications, and stay informed on local planning initiatives. When activated, you will hold full voting privileges. This position offers an excellent opportunity to learn about municipal government, shape the future growth of our community, and give back to the Town of Peru. Planning Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 6p, given there are applications submitted the previous month.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Must be a legal resident and registered voter of the Town of Peru.

• Must have a strong interest in community planning, zoning, and sustainable local development.

• Ability to attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings and occasional special workshops.

• Willingness to complete New York State-mandated municipal training hours annually (training is provided

and funded by the town).

No prior experience in municipal planning or law is required—just a commitment to fair decision-making and the long-term well-being of our town.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals should submit a brief letter of interest and a resume outlining their background and why they wish to serve. Please submit your application to:

Town of Peru Codes & Zoning Office

3036 Main St.

Peru, NY 12972

Email: zoningsecretary@perutownny.gov & peruzoning@perutownny.gov

The Town of Peru is an equal opportunity employer and encourages residents of all backgrounds to apply. Codes Officer: peruzoning@perutownny.gov ~ Codes Secretary: zoningsecretary@perutownny.gov

Copied from the Town of Peru Website: A Resolution will be considered by the Town Board of the Town of Peru, Clinton County, New York on October 15, 2026 to authorize the reconstruction of the Lyons Road and Westcott Road culvert crossings at an estimated maximum cost of $4,334,157 and authorizes the levy of a tax for the project in an amount not to exceed $4,334,157 which shall be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Town Board and that in anticipation of the collection of such tax, bonds and notes of the Town are authorized to be issued at one time, or from time to time, in the principal amount not to exceed $4,334,157 and a tax is authorized to pay the interest on said obligations when due.  Under the Local Finance Law, the Project has a period of probable usefulness of thirty (30) years.  This meeting is open to the public and will take place at the Town of Peru Town Hall, 3036 Main Street at 6PM.

ALTONA, N.Y. — The Town of Altona will officially break ground on its new Town Hall on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at 3124 Miner Farm Road.

The new facility will provide a modern, accessible and efficient space for town government and community services. Plans include seven designated office spaces, a separate modern courtroom, a dedicated Town meeting room and a versatile community outreach office designed to better serve residents.

The building has been designed with both staff and the public in mind, incorporating shared spaces where practical while improving the functionality of municipal offices and public
meeting areas. The entire facility will be ADA compliant and will include updated safety and security features.

The project was initially put out to bid earlier this year with an original design estimated at approximately $4 million. Following additional review, public meetings and community
conversations, the Town undertook a redesign that brought the project cost to approximately $3.2 million — a savings of nearly $800,000.

“We took a thoughtful look at the project and were able to reduce the cost significantly while still creating a modern, accessible and secure Town Hall that will better serve our staff and residents for years to come,” said Brady Smart, Interim Town of Altona Supervisor.

The new Town Hall represents a significant investment in Altona’s municipal infrastructure, providing updated spaces for day-to-day Town operations, court proceedings, public meetings and community outreach.

Community members are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and mark the beginning of construction on the new facility.

Town of Keene, Essex County

Wilderness Rescue: On September 29 at 8:25 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting their hiking partner missing on the Van Ho Trail. Forest Rangers Curcio and Foutch spoke to the caller at the Adirondak Loj and learned that the two separated at Indian Falls. The caller turned back while the partner continued to the summit of Mount Marcy. Rangers learned a pair of hikers saw the 30-year-old from Walworth at the summit but did not see the hiker again on the Van Ho Trail. Ranger Curcio searched the Marcy Dam truck trail and Ranger Foutch searched the Van Ho trail from the Loj parking lot. Just before reaching Marcy Dam, Ranger Foutch encountered the subject and a good Samaritan hiking out. The good Samaritan located the lost hiker in the woods in the dark near Indian Falls. Rangers escorted the hikers to Marcy Dam. The incident was clear at 11:35 p.m.

Town of Santa Clara
Franklin County
Wildland Fire: On October 3 at 12:16 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a wildland fire on Horseshoe Pond in the Saint Regis Canoe Area. Forest Ranger Ordway determined the fire was less than an acre. Ranger Ordawy used hand tools and by 7:14 p.m., declared the fire extinguished.

Horseshoe Pond fire 

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On October 3 at 2:02 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a stranded hiker at the climbing area above Chapel Pond. The hiker planned to hike Giant Mountain but started on the wrong side of the road and accidentally began hiking towards a climbing area. At 4:22 p.m., Rangers reached the hiker and assisted them out of the woods.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On October 3 at 4:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call regarding a hiker at the summit of Big Slide Mountain who was vomiting, shaky, having trouble breathing, and couldn’t move. New York State Police (NYSP) Pilot Engel flew Forest Rangers Curcio and Ezumah to the scene. Ranger Curcio lowered Ranger Ezumah to the 23-year-old subject. Ranger Ezumah harnessed the hiker, and Ranger Curcio successfully hoisted the patient into the helicopter. NYSP Pilot Engel flew them to the Lake Placid Airport where they met a Lake Placid Ambulance. The incident was clear at 6:10 p.m.

Big Slide rescue

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On October 3 at 10:23 p.m., Forest Rangers Ezumah and Foutch responded to a call for two hikers who became separated while hiking the Great Range. Ranger Foutch spoke to one of the hikers at the trailhead, but the other was still on the W.A. White Trail and didn’t have a headlamp. Rangers located the 33-year-old and assisted them back to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 7 a.m.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On October 4 at 7:02 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received an SOS beacon activation on Mount Jo. The subject appeared to be approximately 25 feet off the trail. Ray Brook Dispatch texted with the subject who said they were having a heart attack. Assistant Forest Ranger Hodgson, Rangers Curcio, Foutch, Quinn, Lieutenant LaPierre, and Lake Placid EMS assessed and treated the 48-year-old from Pennsylvania. They carried the patient to the trailhead where they were met by a Lake Placid Ambulance, which transported the subject to a Life Net helicopter. The incident was clear at 10:23 p.m.

Mount Jo rescue 

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On October 4 at 11:36 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for a hiker with a knee injury near the summit of Seymour Mountain. Forest Ranger Curcio spoke to the 18-year-old from Massachusetts and determined the injury was non-weight bearing. New York State Police (NYSP) Pilot Sergeant Beck flew Rangers Curcio and Ezumah to the scene. Ranger Curcio lowered Ranger Ezumah to the subject. Ranger Ezumah splinted the injury and harnessed the patient. Ranger Curcio successfully hoisted the patient into the helicopter and NYSP Pilot Sergeant Beck flew them to the hospital. The incident was clear at 12:53 p.m.

Seymour Mountain Rescue

Town of Minerva
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On October 4 at 1:04 p.m., Forest Ranger Jeffery was off duty and paddling in the Hudson River Gorge when he came across an individual separated from their group on the Blue Ledges Trail. Ranger Jeffery and the 41-year-old from Lima searched and located the group. Ranger Jefferey hiked with them out to Northwoods Club Road and met up with additional Rangers, who then escorted the subject back to their vehicle. The incident was clear at 2:25 p.m.

Town of Moira
Franklin County
Wilderness Search: On October 4 at 8:31 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from an ATV rider lost behind their residence. Cell phone coordinates placed the subject between Sayles Road and Broad Road north of the Little Salmon River. At 10:27 p.m., Forest Ranger Russell located the subject and escorted them out of the woods.

Town of St. Armand
Franklin County
Motor Vehicle Accident: On October 5, Forest Ranger Captain Booth responded to a motor vehicle accident and determined the driver was in cardiac arrest. Captain Booth began CPR, applied an AED. The patient regained a pulse and respirations. Saranac Lake Rescue Squad transported the patient to the hospital. New York State Police, including an off-duty Trooper, and other Rangers assisted.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.

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, 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.

Read more »

SARANAC LAKE, NY –- The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) will
present its 22nd annual High School Writing Retreat on Thursday, Oct.
29, and Friday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at Paul
Smith’s College.

With two full days learning creative writing through workshops,
activities and readings, the retreat is open to students from across
the North Country in grades 9-12, including public, private and
homeschool students; there is no cost to attend.

“This event is for any high school student who is interested in
finding their voice and exploring what really matters to them,” said
ACW executive director, Nathalie Thill. “Some students come already
identifying as writers, others are just curious and open to the
experience. They all leave with a new appreciation for creative
writing, tools to develop their own voice, and they get to meet other
students from all over the region all the while working with some of
the most exciting writers and educators in the country.”

This year’s retreat will be led by four instructors: Noah Arhm Choi,
author of CUT TO BLOOM and winner of the 2019 Write Bloody Prize;
Denice Frohman, award-winning poet and performer; Jon Sands, National
Poetry Series winner; and Lauren Whitehead, writer, performer and
dramaturg.

Teachers and parents can learn more about this year’s High School
Writing Retreat and register students at
adirondackcenterforwriting.org/highschool.

Please note that schools and/or parents are responsible for
transportation to and from Paul Smiths each day and students are
expected to bring their own lunch or bring funds to purchase lunch
from the Paul Smith’s College cafeteria. Due to new capacity
regulations this year, each day will be capped at a total of 150
students. Registrants must register separately for each day.
Registration will be first-come first-served.

In addition to the retreat, ACW will host Poetry On Broadway at 7 p.m.
on Thursday, Oct. 29, where this year’s writing retreat instructors
will share their work with the general public. This event is free and
open to all; register online at
adirondackcenterforwriting.org/event/poetry-on-broadway-2026.

Since 2005, the Adirondack Center for Writing has hosted its annual
High School Writing Retreat, and each year brings in more talented
local teen writers. This year’s retreat is generously supported by
grants from Cloudsplitter Foundation, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Lake
Placid Education Fund, and Saranac Lake Public School Education Fund.

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

Plattsburgh, October 6, 2026. As we enter respiratory illness season, the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is reminding residents to practice good health habits and take precautions to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy. Respiratory illness season typically lasts through the end of March but varies season-to-season.

Respiratory illnesses are spread through the air and affect the nose, throat, and lungs, often causing cold and flu-like symptoms. These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Every

year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. Other respiratory illnesses include adenovirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus, parainfluenza and parvovirus B19 (fifth disease). “These respiratory viruses can cause symptoms in the upper respiratory tract (the vocal chords and above) and the lower respiratory tract (below the vocal chords),” explained Nichole Louis, Director of Health Care Services at CCHD. “Some viruses also affect the nose, throat and lungs, and can lead to serious lung infections, like pneumonia.”

Symptoms of respiratory viruses include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Cough

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Decrease in appetite

• Sore throat

• Vomiting

• New loss of taste or smell

• Headache, muscle or body aches

• Diarrhea

• Weakness

“The good news is that we have more tools than ever to help people protect themselves, their families, and the community from severe respiratory illness,” added Ms. Louis.

These strategies include:

“Persons who have any physical mobility or other needs, call the telephone number above to arrange for accommodations”• Staying up to date with immunizations. Safe and effective vaccines exist for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Discuss which of these are appropriate for you with your health care provider.

• Avoiding close contact with sick people.

• Staying home when you’re sick. If you or your child gets sick, stay at home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine (e.g., Tylenol or ibuprofen). If you must leave the house when you are sick, wear a well-fitting mask and distance yourself from others.

• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your elbow) when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away after use.

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects at home, work or

school, especially when someone is ill (e.g., doorknobs, keyboards, phones).

• Practicing good health habits. Stay smoke-free, eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of fluids, stay active, manage stress and get enough sleep.

“If you develop a respiratory illness, seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment,” urged Ms. Louis. “If you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.” To learn more ways to protect yourself during respiratory illness season, visit the North Country Health

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Hunters Reminded of New Regulations to Increase Harvest of Antlerless Deer

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today reminded big game hunters that a variety of New York State deer and bear hunting seasons begin in October.

“Each year, New York’s big game hunters highly anticipate the October start of deer and bear hunting seasons,” said Commissioner Lefton. “There are several changes to deer hunting regulations in place for the 2026 hunting seasons and I encourage all hunters to review the new regulations before heading safely afield this fall.”

October Big Game Season Opening Dates
Throughout most of the Southern Zone, the Early Bowhunting season for deer began October 1 and runs through November 20. The Early Bowhunting season for deer in the Northern Zone opened on September 27 and will run through October 23. The Early Muzzleloading season for deer in the Northern Zone opens on October 17 and runs through October 23. Lastly, the Regular Firearms season for deer in the Northern Zone opens on October 24 and runs through December 6.

Throughout most of the Southern Zone, the Early Bowhunting season for bear opened October 1 and runs through November 20. In the Northern Zone, the Early Bowhunting season for bear opened on September 19 and will run through October 23 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 6A, 6G, 6K, and 6N. The Early Muzzleloading season for bear opens on October 17 and runs through October 23 in WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, and 6N. The Regular Firearms season for bear opened on September 19 and runs through December 6 in WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, and 6J, and opens October 24 and runs through December 6 in WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K, and 6N.

Visit DEC’s hunting and trapping seasons web page for full season information.

Youth Firearms Hunt
New York’s 2026 Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt (Youth Hunt) occurs October 10–12 for youth hunters aged 12–15. The Youth Hunt takes place throughout the State, except in Suffolk and Westchester counties and bowhunting-only areas. Licensed 12- to 13-year-old hunters may only participate in counties that passed a local law allowing such participation. All youth hunters must be accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. A map of county participation for 12- and 13-year-olds and additional rules for the Youth Hunt can be found on DEC’s Youth Big Game Hunting webpage.

New Regulations to Increase Harvest of Antlerless Deer  Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Ella Monahan

By John T. Ryan

Plattsburgh, October 3, 2026 – Last Saturday morning, after attending the Honor Flight ceremony, I was traveling home when I noticed a group of adults and kids outside a building on Sharron Avenue that I still think of as Plattsburgh Bowling Lanes, not as an ice rink. I felt compelled to check it out.

Today the building is the Ameri-Can North Sport Center. One of the adults said they were waiting for someone to come along with a key. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young girl approaching with a huge hockey equipment bag over her shoulder and a drink in both hands, followed by her dad. It took me only a split second to realize that I had to take a photo. I grew up before this area had organized youth hockey. Seeing a young girl with such energy and enthusiasm was something special! 

11-year-old Ella Monahan plays on the Junior Cardinals 12U coed team. Her dad, Stephen Monahan, said Ella has been playing since she was four. When I asked what she likes about hockey, Ella responded, “I don’t know, I just like it.” Ella’s team practices twice on weekdays and plays games on Saturday and Sunday. She attends Stafford Middle School.

Stephen Monahan said youth hockey is alive and well, with about 220 kids participating in Plattsburgh Youth Hockey, plus there’s Chazy Youth Hockey and North Country Youth Hockey in the Champlain-Rouses Point area.

I enjoyed speaking with Ella, her father, and the other adults Saturday morning. As someone who loves photography and takes photos almost every day, Ella’s was a photo I had to take. Thank you, Ella and Stephen Monahan, for your cooperation.  Who knows, I may become a hockey fan!

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Performing in Plattsburgh – October 10^th and 11th

The Navy Band Northeast’s Pops Ensemble will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Giltz Auditorium at Hawkins Hall on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. The performance is part of the weekend commemorating the Battle of Valcour Island.

The 30-member ensemble brings together Navy wind and percussion musicians for a concert spanning patriotic favorites, traditional wind band music, and Broadway selections. Its public concerts feature narration and typically run 60 to 90 minutes.

The ensemble will also provide music for the Saranac Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s 131st Battle of Valcour Island Commemoration, which immediately proceeds the narrated reenactment of the Battle of Valcour Island. These events begin at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, October 11, at the Plattsburgh City Beach.

Both days’ events are free and the public is welcome! 

Check the battleofvalcour.com and clintoncountyhistorical.org/america250 for weekend events.

Peru, NY, October  7, 2026 – Paving the closed Telegraph Rd. bridge is taking place today and tomorrow. The inspector on the scene said the bridge will remain closed until a subcontractor installs guardrails during the week of October 19. Hopefully, the bridge will reopen on Thursday or Friday of that week.