The Peru Gazette

Grand Isle, VT – NEIWPCC has named Mitzi Johnson as director of its Lake Champlain Programs Division and Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program, effective October 13. Johnson brings more than two decades of public service, nonprofit leadership, and organizational strategy experience to the role.

NY DEC Region 5 Regional Director Joe Zalewski said, “DEC is thrilled to welcome Mitzi Johnson to her new role at NEIWPCC. The Lake Champlain Basin Program brings together New York, Vermont, and Québec’s local, state, and federal agencies along with a multitude of watershed partners to support the basin and the plants, animals, and people that rely on it. Read more »

Senior Planner, Jessica Kogut, AICP was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the Town of Plattsburgh at the annual conference in Albany on October 15th.

October 19, 2026 – PLATTSBURGH, NY- The Town of Plattsburgh Town Board is pleased to share that the Town has received the 2026 Best Practice Award (Gold Level) from the NY Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association for the C.H.A.M.P. (Creating Housing Acceleration Measures for Plattsburgh) Local Law which was adopted in 2025.

The Best Practice Award is presented annually for a specific planning tool, practice, program, project, or process. The award emphasizes results and demonstrates how innovative and state-of-the-art planning methods and practices help to create communities of lasting value.

The C.H.A.M.P. Local Law was adopted in early 2025. It was introduced at a press conference held last spring at Emerson Place, a new multi-family housing development on the corner of Kansas Ave and New York Road, which was co-hosted by the owners/developers, K&M Taylor Properties, Inc.

Since adoption of the C.H.A.M.P. Local Law, the Town hasreviewed and/or approved more than 600 new units of single and multi-family housing. Senior Planner, Jessica Kogut, AICP was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the Town of Plattsburgh at the annual conference in Albany on October 15th.

Town Supervisor, Chuck Kostyk commented, “On behalf of the Town Board, I want to thank the NY Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association for this recognition. We are honored and proud of the work we have done as a community to support housing development. The Town of Plattsburgh will continue to build upon these efforts through planning, partnership, and policy.”

Senior Planner & Department Head, Trevor Cole, AICP, commented, “It is always an honor to be acknowledged for our planning efforts, but it is even more meaningful to be recognized for the results. Community planning and zoning should be intentional, solve problems, and create great places to live. We are grateful to receive this best practice award.”

Earlier this year, the Town received the Pomeroy Award for Zoning Achievement from the New York Planning Federation for the C.H.A.M.P. Local Law.

If you have any questions about the award or the Town’s C.H.A.M.P. Local Law, please contact the Town of Plattsburgh’s Planning & Community Development Department: (518)-562-6850

 Click here for the Mountain Lake PBS story 

Click here for the Mountain Lake PBS story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

L-R Chuck Minster and Herbie Malpin

L-R Tim Cavemen, Jacob Martin, Clark Forster, Cody Coss

Town of Ausable, Route 9, October 18, 2026 – Six members of Free and Accepted Masons, Ausable River Lodge 149, Keeseville, are enjoying this beautiful day picking up litter along Route 9 for 2.5 miles, from near the Carpenter’s Flat Bridge to Keeseville.  They have done this two to three times a year for the past three years. Three Cheers to all the Lodge 149 volunteers!

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

HEMMINGFORD, QUÉBEC – October 17, 2026 – A symbol of friendship and cooperation took root Saturday morning as representatives and residents from the Village of Champlain, New York, the Village of Hemmingford and the Township of Hemmingford gathered at the Hemmingford Recreation Centre for a special Friendship Tree planting ceremony.

The event celebrated the longstanding connections between communities on both sides of the Canada–U.S. border and reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining strong relationships, regardless of political or economic challenges.

The initiative was spearheaded by Village of Champlain Mayor Janet McFetridge, who envisioned creating a lasting symbol of friendship between Canadian and American neighbors. With the support and collaboration of Phillip Fortin of Destination Hemmingford, that vision became a reality, bringing together municipal leaders, community partners and residents from both sides of the border.

In a significant demonstration of cross-border solidarity, the municipal councils of the Village of Champlain, the Village of Hemmingford and the Township of Hemmingford have each adopted a formal Resolution of Friendship. The resolutions recognize the importance of mutual understanding, cultural exchange and cooperation, while expressing a shared commitment to strengthening relationships through educational, cultural, economic and social initiatives.

The tree, generously provided by the Village of Champlain, was planted near the bicycle path at the Hemmingford Recreation Centre, where it will serve as a living reminder of the bonds that connect these neighboring communities for generations to come.

Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the North Country Chamber of Commerce, attended the ceremony, reinforcing the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to strengthening cross-border relationships.

“Our relationship with Canada has always been about the people, the friendships and the connections that have brought our communities together for generations,” said Kennedy. “Especially during challenging times, gestures like this remind us that the friendships between our communities remain strong. It’s important that we continue to nurture those relationships on both sides of the border.”

For the North Country Chamber of Commerce, maintaining strong ties with Canadian neighbors remains a priority, recognizing the importance of these relationships not only to tourism, trade and economic development, but also to the shared history, families and friendships that define the border region.

The Friendship Tree represents more than a single ceremony. Organizers hope it will inspire future opportunities for collaboration, including a potential reciprocal tree planting in Champlain and additional cultural, environmental, educational and tourism exchanges.

The North Country Chamber applauds Mayor McFetridge, Phillip Fortin, the participating municipalities and all those who helped bring this meaningful initiative to life.

While an international border may separate these communities geographically, the Friendship Tree serves as a reminder that friendship, cooperation and a shared sense of community know no borders.

Click here for Calvin Castine’s Home Town Cable Network coverage 

Governor Kathy Hochul signs the legislation

October 17, 2026,  PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – This morning, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (A6790A) into law, increasing the volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker tax credit from $200 to $800 annually. The signing comes after statewide calls from legislators, volunteers, and fire associations.

“I am very pleased to see this legislation, which I co-sponsored, get signed into law,” Assemblymember Cashman said. “During my press conference alongside local volunteer firefighters earlier this month calling on the Governor to sign this bill, I was able to hear the stories of some local volunteers and how this tax credit would support them. Volunteer firefighters serve the vast majority of our state, and it is only right that the state gives back to those who give their all for us in our time of need. I will continue to push for measures that support our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, and I look forward to continuing to work with our local volunteers and groups like the New York State Fire Chiefs Association.”

Governor Hochul stated,“Keeping New York safe and affordable is my highest priority. Today, I’m proud to sign into law a bill that recognizes the sacrifices that all volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers make,” Governor Hochul said. “These brave New Yorkers put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors, often sacrificing time with their families and loved ones. This tax credit puts more money back in their pockets and shows our appreciation for the lifesaving services they provide every day.”

“As a board member of the New York Fire Chiefs Association and volunteer firefighter with the Cadyville fire department, this long-awaited tax credit increase is greatly appreciated,” Chuck Kostyk said. “I thank our partners in the legislature and the Governor for getting this measure passed.”

Eligible volunteers will be able to claim this credit beginning in tax year 2027. Married couples filing jointly will also see a reflected increase in their credit, raising from $400 annually to $1600.

10/17/26, 8:03Pm – Story updated to include Governor Hochul’s statement. 

On Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. nationally recognized maritime historian and underwater archaeologist, Arthur Cohn, will be speaking at the Keeseville Country Gardens, 164 Hill Street, Keeseville, NY.                                                                                                                                                        

 The discussion and presentation will center around the important 1776 Battle of Valcour Island. Mr. Cohn is recognized as one of the nation’s premiere experts on the historical significance of Lake Champlain and this promises to be of great interest to all that attend! 

 The event is free and open to the public, but, it’s advisable to call (518-834-7725) to secure a spot in advance due to somewhat limited space. The facility is totally handicapped accessible.

 The event is jointly hosted by the Keeseville Free Library and the Anderson Falls Heritage Society. 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

When is early voting? How do I register? We answer your election questions ahead of November 3.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

October 16, 2026 – State tax receipts totaled $68.5 billion through the middle of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027, $7.3 billion higher than estimates by the Division of the Budget (DOB). State tax collections were also $8.6 billion higher than those through September 2025, according to the monthly State Cash Report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“Higher state tax collections, particularly personal income and business tax receipts, are partially a result of financial market growth,” DiNapoli said. “As noted in my recent report, Wall Street profits have increased significantly in the first half of the year. However, consumer costs keep rising and many families are still struggling. While strong financial market growth bodes well for some, we must ensure the economy works for all New Yorkers.”

Personal income tax (PIT) receipts totaled $36.4 billion and were $2.5 billion above DOB’s financial plan projections through the second quarter. PIT receipts were also $2.9 billion higher than the same period in SFY 2026; all components of the PIT have shown strong growth. Read more »

By John T. Ryan 

October 15, 2026 – Replacing deteriorated culverts and bridges continues to cost Peru many dollars. At its Thursday, October 15 meeting, the town board authorized issuing $4,334,157 in bond anticipation notes to finance the recently completed Lyons Road culvert and the soon-to-be-replaced Westcott Road bridge. No NYS grants are available for either project. 

The board also approved re-advertising the Westcott Road bridge project, with bids opening Friday, December 11 at 11 a.m. at the Peru Town Hall. This time, the town will seek bids statewide. At the first bid opening, only one local contractor submitted a bid, and it far exceeded the estimates of the town’s contracted engineers, Barton and Loguidice.

Peru’s backup water-supply project plans are changing. The preferred test-well location is in wetlands, so it’s subject to DEC’s cumbersome, slow permit process; as a result, the town’s engineers (Barton and Loguidice) selected a second location outside wetlands. 

Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis attended the recent NYS Road Salt Reduction Summit. Jarvis said Peru is far, far ahead of most communities in implementing a brine salt-reduction program, and other communities are looking to Peru for guidance. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and Tyler Jarvis said they are happy to help. 

Highway Superintendent Michel Farrell also hopes the Telegraph Road culvert/bridge will reopen by early or mid-week of October 19. Guardrails should arrive Monday. 

Farrell also said FEMA will require photos of the inside and outside of all culverts. Without the photos, FEMA will not help towns replace culverts after a disaster. Farrell expects to have more details soon. 

Supervisor Craig Randall said the town board is working to formulate its Preliminary 2027 budget. With most costs increasing, Randall called the budget “challenging.” 

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video

OCT 15 2026 MEETING AGENDA & RESOLUTIONS_261015_181935

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October 15, 2026 – As of May 2026, more than 1.9 million New York students participated in the school lunch program, the third most in the nation, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. However, recent federal changes enacted under H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) in 2025 restricting eligibility to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid in a way that may threaten federal support for the state’s universal school meals program, may decrease the number of students receiving support and increase state costs.

“Hunger should never prevent children from learning in school. The universal school meal program is a great success in New York, but it depends on continued partnership between the state and the federal government,” DiNapoli said. “Changing the law to make it harder to qualify for benefits not only hurts New York’s children, but could also increase state costs to maintain this essential program.”

Federal Funding

Federal funds provide reimbursement for school meals. Over the past 15 years, the availability of free student meals has been expanded through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows schools, groups of schools, or school districts that meet certain conditions to provide free school meals to all students, not just those in households under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Schools in New York became eligible to participate in CEP beginning in School Year (SY) 2012-13, and New York City opted into CEP for SY 2017-18.

In addition to federal funding, New York has strengthened the program by providing subsidies to school food authorities, the entities responsible for operating school meal programs, to help facilitate the availability of school meals. In 2018, public schools with over 70% of students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals were also required to provide breakfast. An additional state subsidy was created for schools that purchase 30% of the total cost of school lunch products from New York state farmers, growers, producers, or processors. In 2019, the state began providing a subsidy to eliminate the charge to students receiving reduced-price meals.

Through this successful state-federal partnership, free meals were available to 90% of students in New York by SY 2025-26. The State Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget proposed to create full universality, expanding free school meals to every school. The Enacted Budget completed the move to full universality by requiring all schools that participate in the federal meal program to provide free meals for all students and included an additional $160 million to subsidize the program. As part of the legislation, eligible schools are required to enter CEP to maximize federal reimbursement, lowering the state cost to subsidize the program. With these changes, New York became the ninth state to institute a universal free school meal program.

Uncertain Federal Landscape

In Federal Fiscal Year 2025, New York received over $1.1 billion in federal funding for its school meal program. However, P.L. 119-21 puts this funding at risk. By tightening SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some individuals, expanding work requirements, and increasing the frequency with which some Medicaid recipients have to renew their coverage, the law is expected to reduce participation in these programs. Because SNAP and Medicaid enrollment are used to determine eligibility for CEP, declines in participation could reduce the number of students who are eligible for free school meals, altering reimbursement rates for the state.

Nationally, there are already signs that SNAP participation is declining. According to data from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the number of New Yorkers receiving SNAP benefits declined by nearly 273,000 between July 2025 and July 2026. If the number of students qualifying for these federal programs drops, the state’s financial responsibility for maintaining universal school meal program is likely to grow.

Report

Let’s Do Lunch: New York’s School Meal Expansion

Related Reports

EPI-Federal-Actions-Threaten-to-Exacerbate-Rising-Food-Insecurity

Nutritional Assistance – Federal Funding and New York | Office of the New York State Comptroller

New Yorkers in Need: Food Insecurity and Nutritional Assistance Programs | Office of the New York State Comptroller

PLATTSBURGH — As the State University of New York expands its Military Tuition Rate Program this year, Clinton Community College is reaffirming its commitment to providing eligible military students with an affordable, accessible pathway to higher education.

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