Officials plan to apply for grant funding to help further revitalize downtown

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Plattsburgh course set to open on April 11

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BOE looking to exceed tax cap by 12%, transition sixth-grade into the middle/high school

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Plattsburgh Walmart supports annual commemoration with $1,000 donation

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DEC grant program will release more than $46 million to support tree production and forest management

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Click here for the NCPR story 

The city could lose $239 million from the policy, which is supported by business groups while unions remain on the sidelines.

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New Application Round for K-12 STEM Teachers and K-12 Counselors Now Open

Albany, March 30, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced applications are open for the Master Teacher Program and Master Counselors, which recognizes more than 1,600 outstanding public school teachers and counselors throughout the state. Those selected for the program serve as mentors for students and early-career teachers and counselors. New York State’s teachers may apply at suny.edu/masterteacher and the deadline to apply is May 21, 2026.

“I am grateful to our state’s exceptional teachers and counselors who dedicate their careers to inspiring and educating the next generation of New Yorkers,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “By promoting these outstanding individuals through the Master Teachers and Master Counselors Program, I hope more New Yorkers will celebrate the teachers from every corner of our state who have stepped up and excelled in their roles as educators and mentors.”

The Master Teacher Program is hosted at nine State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to leverage the expertise of SUNY faculty and existing educator preparation programs. Additionally, SUNY faculty and staff regularly collaborate with local STEM career and industry experts. Read more »

Grants Provide Critical Support to Ecosystems Impacted by Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

U.S. Forest Service researcher speaks to efforts to combat hemlock woolly adelgid and what they could mean for the Adirondacks

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New York State is home to approximately 180,000 Vietnam Era Veterans and their families, and the names of 4,119 New Yorkers who died during the war are included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Albany, March 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, and directed 15 landmarks across the state to be illuminated in green, yellow and red the evening of Sunday, March 29 in recognition of the day and to honor the service and sacrifice of the state’s Vietnam veterans and their families. The date marks the solemn anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.

“Today, New York State landmarks will be lit in green, yellow and red — the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal — to recognize New York’s Vietnam Veterans and to honor those who died while serving their state and nation,” Governor Hochul said. “Many who served in Vietnam did not receive the appreciation and respect they had earned when they returned home. That is why today, and every day, we take the time to honor their courage and thank them for their service.”

These landmarks will be illuminated in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “On Vietnam War Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice and enduring strength of All Who Served during one of the most challenging chapters in our nation’s history. For far too many Vietnam Veterans, the recognition and respect they deserved did not come when they returned home – but today, New York stands united in gratitude and remembrance. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and steadfast commitment to ensuring that All Who Served are seen, honored and supported. As our landmarks shine in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal, may they serve as a visible reminder that their service is never forgotten, and that in New York, we proudly say what should have always been said: Welcome home.”

Full Text of the Proclamation is Available Online

Michigans 

Baked Beans 

Salad 

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!

Clinton County Sheriff’s said they arrested 59-year-old Hilary Davis, of Peru, on Thursday morning

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

According to Clinton County DA Andrew Wiley, the two men were neighbors.

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Young couple with two young children work to make their 60-cow dairy farm succeed 

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Part of America250 display at CCHA museum

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The Police Benevolent Association of New York State says staff shortages for forest rangers and ECOs will lead to strained wildfire responses

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The Foundation of CVPH’s 2026 Stepping Out For Your Heart raised $33,000, helping the organization reach its $1.37 million campaign goal to fund the CVPH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in late summer.

Community support helps complete CVPH cardiac rehab campaign

Plattsburgh, NY, March 27, 2026  – The 250 community members who participated in the 11th Annual Stepping Out For Your Heart helped shine a light on heart disease and women in the North Country while putting the capstone on The Foundation of CVPH’s $1.37 million fundraising campaign in support of the new CVPH Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. The Foundation of CVPH’s 11th Annual Stepping Out For Your Heart Event was held February 26 and in conjunction with the Foundation’s Wear Red day, raised $33,000.

“The generosity of everyone who participated and contributed to Stepping Out helped us reach our fundraising goal and we are so grateful to have such a generous and engaged community. It was amazing to see so many people coming together to learn more about heart disease and to support those in the community who are impacted by it,” said University of Vermont Health Network –Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Associate Vice President of Philanthropy Kerry Haley. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and many of those deaths, according to the American Heart Association, can be prevented through greater awareness of cardiovascular health, symptoms, risk factors, and lifestyle changes. According to Events and Special Projects ManagerMichelle Senecal, the goal of Stepping Out For Your Heart has been to increase the community’s understanding of heart disease especially in women and to highlight the nationally recognized CVPH cardiology team providing exceptional care to the region.

Construction of the new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Center in the Miner Medical Arts Building is underway and is expected to be completed in late summer. It offers a larger space on the main campus to house the hospital’s successful Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and add a similar service for pulmonary patients. Cardiac Rehabilitation is a supervised exercise, education and supportprogram focused on returning patients who have had a heart attack, valve replacement, angioplasty or bypass surgery to their optimum level of health. Similarly, Pulmonary Rehabilitation provides patients with chronic lung conditions an individualized program to help them breathe better, build  endurance and improve the quality of their life. Education, support and supervised exercise are also key components of Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Education, Inspiration, Fun & Support

This year’s Stepping Out For Your Heart featured Cardiologists Joel Wolkowicz and Eric Gauthier presenting “The Heart and It’s Care Close to Home” and local heart disease survivor MaryAnn Castine who shared how surviving a heart attack changed her life. Former Foundation Board Member Michelle LaBounty also shared how the loss of her mother at young age to a heart attack fuels her commitment to promoting awareness of heart disease and support of those affected. Guests were encouraged to participate in several interactive stations and could bid on a wide variety of donated items during silent and live auctions. A heart healthy dinner was provided. The evening was hosted by Lee Ann Ruff.

The event was graciously supported by Monaghan Medical Corporation, Liquor and Wine Warehouse, Della Auto Group, Adirondack Elite Aesthetics, Brennan Buick GMC, Community Bank, CVPH Cardiology, Schluter Systems, Plattco and all the generous sponsors. “We are truly thankful for everyone who has helped us bring the new Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab center fundraising effort across the finish line,” Haley said.

$3.3 BILLION IN SALES AND MORE THAN 600 DISPENSARIES 

Albany, March 27, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today marked the upcoming five year anniversary of the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which legalized adult-use cannabis, established the Office of Cannabis Management, and laid the foundation for a regulated, equity-driven cannabis industry in New York. Since the launch of adult-use sales, New York’s cannabis market has generated $3.3 billion in total retail sales and expanded to more than 600 licensed dispensaries statewide, with Pure Blossom on Manhattan’s Upper West Side recognized as the State’s 600th licensed retail location. 

“Five years ago, New York committed to building a cannabis market rooted in equity, safety, and opportunity and today, that commitment is delivering real results,” Governor Hochul said. “We are creating new pathways for small businesses while aggressively shutting down illicit shops that threaten public safety and undermine our legal market. Our focus is clear: protect consumers, support legal businesses, and ensure this industry grows the right way.”

New York State Office of Cannabis Management Acting Executive Director John Kagia said, “New York’s cannabis market is demonstrating that growth and equity are not mutually exclusive. With more than $3 billion in sales, a majority of licenses held by Social and Economic Equity applicants, and a rapidly expanding retail footprint, the State is building a market that is both economically viable and intentionally inclusive. These outcomes reflect a deliberate approach to ensuring long-term stability, accountability, and opportunity across the industry as we continue to strengthen the market and expand access in the years ahead.”

Strong Market Growth and Consumer Participation 

New York’s adult-use cannabis market continues to expand, with strong participation from both businesses and consumers: 

• $3.3 billion in total retail sales generated since market launch 
• 2,161 adult-use cannabis licenses issued statewide
• 610 licensed retail dispensaries now operating across New York

Advancing Social and Economic Equity 

New York continues to lead the nation in building an equitable cannabis industry: 

• 56 percent of adult-use cannabis licenses across the supply chain have been awarded to Social and Economic Equity (SEE) applicants, exceeding the State’s statutory goal
• 57 percent of SEE licenses have been issued to women-owned businesses, and 51 percent to minority-owned businesses 
• 342 Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees have been approved statewide 
• 86 percent of CAURD dispensaries are currently open and operating across New York 

As part of her 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul announced a $17 million investment to expand Social and Economic Equity initiatives and programming, further strengthening support for entrepreneurs from Communities Disproportionately Impacted by past cannabis enforcement. 

Delivering on Justice and Reform 

The Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act continues to advance meaningful criminal justice reform: 

• More than 400,000 marijuana-related convictions are eligible for expungement 
• More than 200,000 convictions have been sealed, with an additional 107,000 suppressed pending sealing 
• No individual in New York State remains incarcerated solely for a marijuana-related offense 
• $10 million in total reinvestment through the Community Grant Reinvestment Fund — $5 million already awarded and an additional $5 million now available, supporting youth development, workforce training, housing stability, and public health initiatives in communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition

Strengthening Enforcement and Public Safety 

New York has taken significant steps to protect consumers and address illicit activity: 

• 2,017 enforcement actions completed statewide in 2025, resulting in more than $20 million in illicit cannabis seized 

• 579 illicit cannabis storefronts shut down statewide 
• 1,481 enforcement inspections conducted statewide to date
• 1,094 Notices of Violation issued to date 
• 581 padlocked locations statewide to date 

Manhattan Pure Blossoms Owner Mike Rodriguez said, “I grew up on this block. I played on these sidewalks, went to school in this neighborhood, and watched Amsterdam Avenue change over five decades. Opening Pure Blossoms here isn’t just about business, it’s about giving back to the community that raised me. I want the kids who grow up on this block to see someone who looks like them, who came from where they came from, building something real and doing it the right way. That’s what this is about for me.”  Read more »