The Peru Gazette

Recent State changes mean local assessors can no longer process STAR applications, and homeowners must now work directly with New York State to register or update their STAR information.

Clinton County, NY, Feb. 25, 2026 – The Clinton County Legislature, working with the Clinton County Treasurer’s Office and the Clinton County Real Property Office, is reminding homeowners that the deadline to act on the School Tax Relief (STAR) program is March 2 this year, as March 1 falls on a Sunday.

Recent State changes mean local assessors can no longer process STAR applications, and homeowners must now work directly with New York State to register or update their STAR information.

“Property taxes are one of the biggest expenses many families and seniors face, and programs like STAR can make a real difference in whether those costs are manageable,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry. “With the State changing how this program is administered, it’s critical that residents understand what’s different, what they need to do, and when they need to do it. The Legislature wants to make sure people don’t lose benefits simply because the process changed or a deadline was missed.”

New York offers STAR in two forms: the STAR credit, which is a check or direct deposit to help pay school taxes, and the STAR exemption, which reduces the school tax bill directly. Homeowners who have received the exemption since 2015 may continue for the same primary residence, but new homeowners must register for the STAR credit.

There are two benefit levels: Basic STAR, available to eligible homeowners with no age requirement, and Enhanced STAR, which provides a higher benefit for seniors age 65 and older who meet income limits. For the 2026 benefit year, eligibility is based on 2024 tax return information. Enhanced STAR is available to seniors with incomes of $110,750 or less. Basic STAR income limits are $500,000 for the credit and $250,000 for the exemption.

“STAR and local exemptions can make a real difference in a household budget,” said Finance Committee Chair Rob Timmons. “We’re encouraging people to take a few minutes now to make sure they’re properly registered and not leaving money on the table.”

“While the State now administers STAR, our goal locally is to make sure taxpayers aren’t left guessing,” said Clinton County Treasurer Randy Lozier. “We want residents to understand what’s changed, where to go for help, and what steps they need to take before the deadline.”

“Because local assessors can no longer process these forms, it’s especially important that residents don’t wait until the last minute,” said Tammy Lacey of the Clinton County Real Property Office. “Seniors in particular should review the exemption options that may be available to them under the State’s updated system.”

In addition to STAR, homeowners may also qualify for local property tax exemptions, including the Senior Citizens Exemption and the Limited Income Disability Exemption, with income limits that vary by taxing jurisdiction. For questions about local exemptions, residents should contact their local assessor or the Clinton County Real Property Office at 137 Margaret Street, Suite 210, or call 518-565-4760.

For STAR registration or updates, residents must contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-2036 or visit https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/

The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, Champlain Centre, Champlain Watershed Improvement Coalition of New York, and NEIWPCC welcome the public to celebrate World Water Day on Saturday, March 21, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh, New York. This event is hosted in partnership with the Champlain Basin Education Initiative (CBEI).

Mall guests can view a gallery of student art, media and writing that celebrates the waters of the Lake Champlain Basin. More than 30 scientists, historians, artists, and other water quality experts will be on hand to share their work and answer questions. 

Visitors of all ages will be able to learn about water quality and ecosystem concerns that affect water bodies in our region through a variety of activities and exhibits. Visitors can:

• Explore how rivers flow and streambanks erode during flood events through a hands-on model.

• Complete quests on a giant Lake Champlain watershed floor map.

• See fly tying demonstrations by expert Trout Unlimited anglers.

• Learn how a small fish poses a major threat to Lake Champlain.

• Explore lake and soil-friendly lawn care practices.

• Use microscopes to examine aquatic insects

“We are excited to return to the Champlain Centre alongside many partners in celebration of World Water Day,” said Stephanie Larkin, Outreach Specialist for the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program and NEIWPCC. “These organizations work hard year-round to improve water quality, steward ecosystems, interpret our region’s history, and expand access to recreation across the Lake Champlain watershed. We all look forward to this celebration of our shared waters.”

World Water Day was initiated in 1993 to draw attention to the issues and threats surrounding the world’s water resources. CBEI has been hosting a local World Water Day Celebration for more than a decade to share student work about water resources from more than a dozen classrooms. Champlain Centre has helped expand the event by providing a large display space and inviting more public participation and partners into the celebration.

For further information about the event, contact Stephanie Larkin, Lake Champlain Basin Program at slarkin@lcbp.org or call 802-372-3213.

NYS Real Care photo

Albany, February 27, 2029, News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a public awareness campaign to educate New Yorkers on regulations that improve access to mental health and substance use disorder care. The ‘Real Care, Real Access to Behavioral Health Services’ campaign highlights regulations that give New Yorkers with qualifying health plans access to initial outpatient appointments for behavioral health care within ten business days of the request and require insurers to help insured individuals access the care they are entitled to receive. The campaign also includes a new website with information about patient rights and how to file a complaint if those rights are violated.

“Every New Yorker deserves to have access to the care they need, and it is crucial now more than ever that the State continues to expand services,” Governor Hochul said. “By launching this public awareness campaign, more people across the state will be able to know their rights when it comes to behavioral health treatments and find more affordable options for providers.”

Led by the State’s Department of Financial Services and Office of Mental Health, the statewide public education campaign is aimed at encouraging more New Yorkers to access in-network mental health and substance use disorder care and understand their rights under these rules. Through June, multi-lingual ads will be featured on multiple digital and out-of-home platforms, including social media; transportation signage and digital kiosks; traditional television and radio; and on other digital platforms, including search and streaming services.

The campaign highlights the pillars of New York’s behavioral health regulations, including:

Timely Appointments

New Yorkers covered by individual and group health insurance policies that are subject to New York law, including policies purchased through the New York State of Health Marketplace, Medicaid Managed Care, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan, are entitled to see a mental health or substance use disorder provider within ten business days for initial outpatient visits, or seven calendar days for a follow-up after being discharged from a hospital or emergency room.

Help Finding Providers

Health plans must post on their websites an accurate and up-to-date directory of their health care provider network, including the provider’s city/town and zip code, telehealth options, languages spoken if the provider is a health care professional, any restrictions concerning the conditions treated or ages served, and any affiliations the provider has with participating facilities, among other information.

The regulations also require health plans to have dedicated employees who can help their insureds find an in-network provider that treats the insured’s specific behavioral health condition. Additionally, the health plans must provide a list of in-network providers available to treat the insured’s specific behavioral health condition within three business days, following the request of an insured or the insured’s designee.

Out-of-Network Care

If an insured is unable to schedule an appointment with an in-network behavioral health care provider within certain specified wait times because there is no such provider available, then the insured, or the insured’s designee, may submit an access complaint to the health plan. The health plan has three business days from receipt of the access complaint to locate an in-network provider that can treat the insured’s behavioral health condition and is able to meet the appointment wait times.

If no in-network behavioral health care provider is available after an insured or the insured’s designee files an access complaint, the health plan must approve care from an out-of-network provider that can meet the appointment wait times. To ensure cost is never a barrier to getting care, if an out-of-network provider is approved because in-network care is not available, the insured only must pay the in-network copay, coinsurance, and deductible.

BHSN STOP DSV Program Director Tiana Barten at center with Sheriff’s Department team members (Photo provided) 

Plattsburgh, NY, February 26, 2026, News Release – Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) has partnered with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department to host a training this week through BHSN’s STOP Domestic & Sexual Violence Program. The training was conducted for 30 members of the Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday, February 25, and Thursday, February 26. STOP DSV Program Director Tiana Barten and four additional staff members conducted the training on Intimate Partner and Gender Based Violence.

“The goal is to create lasting relationships, to connect, and enhance mutual understanding on a number of topics,” said BHSN STOP DSV Program Director Tiana Barten. “Our team highlighted the significance of Domestic Incident Reports, the WHY behind the interviewing, and furthered our partnership. It’s imperative to understand why survivors often recant, why they are afraid to share information or ask for help, and why the role of officers is so crucial in identifying power and control.

Clinton County Sheriff David Favro stated, “The members of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office are excited to partner with BHSN and STOP Domestic & Sexual Violence. Working together, we can gain valuable knowledge to empower those in a critical time of need. Prompt, accurate reporting is invaluable to those who have already been victimized and are skeptical of the system.”

Major Nicholas Leon stated, “It was an excellent opportunity for the members of the Sheriff’s Office to hone their skills to look deeper into the potential lethality of intimate partner violence. The time spent in this joint venture has better equipped the members of the Sheriff’s Office to serve the public and find assistance for those in the darkest of times who may feel trapped by intimate partner violence. We are very thankful to STOP Domestic & Sexual Violence for coming to the Sheriff’s Office to be a part of our monthly in-service training calendar.”

New Yorkers could see new benefit cards in 2027 as officials pledge to prioritize a long-awaited upgrade.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

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New York State Police are investigating the death of a 51-year-old man forest rangers found in a lean-to in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Beta also has a facility in Plattsburgh 

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New York Families Have Paid An Estimated $1,751 Per Household Due to Tariffs Since They Were Enacted Last Year

Albany, NY – Feb. 24, 2026 NYS Press Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today called on the Trump Administration to refund the estimated $13.5 billion in tariff payments for New Yorkers, following the recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Trump tariffs. Based on estimates by the Yale Budget Lab, the average New York household has faced an estimated $1,751 in added costs due to tariffs since they were enacted last year, for a total estimated $13.5 billion statewide impact.

“These senseless and illegal tariffs were just a tax on New York consumers, small businesses and farmers — and that’s why I’m demanding a full refund,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting for New Yorkers, and that means staying focused on putting more money back in your pockets — not ripping it away.”

In addition to the impact of Trump tariffs on millions of consumers, Governor Hochul has also highlighted the harm caused by tariffs on New York’s small businesses and particularly farmers across the state. As part of her 2026 State of the State, the Governor proposed $30 million in tariff relief to help support impacted farmers across the state. Even with the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning Trump’s tariffs, for many farmers the damage has already been done – with farmers across New York facing higher equipment and supply costs and other major challenges.

Tariffs add a layer of costs and uncertainty that make planning and future investment more challenging for farmers.

• Over 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports come from countries facing tariffs of 10 percent or more. Farmers will have trouble finding other suppliers to avoid tariffs due to the high concentration of imports from high-tariff countries.
• Farms statewide face higher expenses for fertilizer and equipment, with some farmers indicating that their businesses face increases up to $20,000 annually, while milk exports have fallen 7 percent.

In response to these negative impacts, Governor Hochul in January announced a proposal for $30 million in tariff relief for New York farmers as part of her 2026 State of the State.

This plan will deliver direct payments to New York specialty crop growers, livestock producers, dairy farmers, and aquaculture farmers to help address the challenges faced by impacted farmers across the state.

Additional proposed initiatives in this year’s State of the State are also geared towards supporting our agricultural industry, including another round of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program and extending the refundable investment tax credit to give farms the time and certainty needed to modernize operations and complete major projects.

North Country

• Town of Moriah $150,000, Essex County
• Town of Plattsburgh $160,545, Clinton County

Funding Will Help Certified Communities Design and Adopt Pro-Housing Policies Such as Zoning Analysis, Streamlining Building Permits and Master Planning

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the state has awarded $5 million in technical assistance grants to help certified Pro-Housing Communities undertake activities to increase housing supply. Communities applied to receive up to $250,000 to help in their efforts to create master plans, conduct market studies and zoning analyses, streamline building permits and assist with implementing similar actions that improve their ability to cultivate a pro-housing environment.

“The Pro-Housing Communities Program is a true partnership between the State and localities that tackles the housing shortage, makes it possible for people to live in the communities of their choice and serves as an effective vehicle for aligning housing and local economic development,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why we are making additional resources available to the 400-and-counting certified Pro-Housing Communities that will help them succeed in creating the housing New Yorkers want and need.”

Governor Hochul signed Executive Order 30 in July 2023 creating the Pro-Housing Community Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. Under the Program, which is administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), local governments that are taking action to support housing growth to address the housing shortage throughout the State can apply to become certified. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, these state funds support up to 20,000 more homes statewide.

The FY25 and FY26 Enacted Budgets strengthened the Program, which has grown to over 400 certified communities. More than 550 communities from across the state have submitted Letters of Intent to join the Program.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The Pro-Housing Communities Program is an innovative and effective housing initiative that continues to grow as more and more localities join the Pro-Housing movement. This funding will ensure local officials have the tools and support to effectively strategize how they can achieve housing growth.”

State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to supporting communities across New York to do their part to address our housing shortage by giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed. Too often, municipalities that want to build more housing face real obstacles, from limited planning capacity to complex zoning and permitting challenges. These technical assistance grants help reduce those burdens by providing access to expert support that can streamline development, strengthen local planning efforts, and remove barriers to building affordable homes. I commend Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas for continuing to invest in programs that help communities all across New York create more housing opportunities and move urgently needed projects forward.”

Pro-Housing Communities receiving technical assistance awards:

Long Island

• Town of Babylon $119,600, Suffolk County

Mid-Hudson

• Village of Ellenville $200,000, Ulster County
• City of New Rochelle $250,000, Westchester County
• City of Mount Vernon $250,000, Westchester County
• Town of Greenburgh $160,000, Westchester County
• Town of Rochester $167,000, Ulster County
• Village of Nyack $200,000, Rockland County
• Town of Saugerties $115,750, Ulster County
• Town of Kent $108,000, Putnam County

Capital Region

• Town of Greenwich $67,200, Washington County
• City of Rensselaer $250,000, Rensselaer County
• Warren County $230,000
• Columbia County $247,250

Mohawk Valley

• Village of Newport $150,000, Herkimer County
• Village of Boonville $215,000, Oneida County

North Country

• Town of Moriah $150,000, Essex County
• Town of Plattsburgh $160,545, Clinton County

Southern Tier

• Town of Ithaca $243,000, Tompkins County
• Village of Johnson City $80,000, Broome County

Western New York

• City of Jamestown $250,000, Chautauqua County
• Chautauqua County $250,000
• Town of Amherst $250,000, Erie County

Central NY

• Town of Owasco $250,000, Cayuga County
• City of Oswego $60,000, Oswego County

Finger Lakes

• City of Geneva $250,000, Ontario County
• Village of Avon $196,500, Livingston County

Through this new grant funding, eligible cities, towns and villages will also receive assistance that can be used to procure planning, engineering or other professional services that can provide the needed expertise and best practices for a variety of housing growth activities.

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Zoning analysis reports;
• Streamlining and accelerating building permitting services;
• Evaluation of publicly-owned properties for development;
• Request for Proposals preparation;
• Housing needs assessments; and
• Impact studies on proposed housing projects.

To learn more about the Program, including how to become Pro-Housing certified, please visit the Pro-Housing Communities Program website.

Todd Clowney and one of the Trail Finder’s Utility Task Vehicles (UTV)

The groomer Clowney pulls

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY, February 23, 2026 – Remember the days when it seemed like almost every local family owned a snowmobile. Reduced snowfall has resulted in fewer people enjoying the activity; nevertheless, many families still do. In New York State, people register up to 130,000 sleds each year to travel over the state’s over 10,000 miles of trails. Todd Clowney, president of the local Trail Finder Snowmobile Club,  explained, “The best thing about snowmobiling is the camaraderie. People stop to talk along the trails and form friendships. It’s a great family activity. Many young moms and dads bring their kids. This has been one of the best snowmobiling years in at least five or six years. We haven’t experienced a warm spell. Today,  I saw at least 25 sleds go by our house.” (Todd lives just off the Allen Hill Road). 

None of this fun would be possible without the Trail Finders. Formed in 1975, the club is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Members dedicate their evenings to grooming over 100 miles of trails between Route 374 in the north and Union Falls in the south.  Clowney explained, “If we didn’t groom, moguls would form, making for a very unpleasant and unsafe ride. We run five groomers a combined 5,000 hours weekly when snow conditions are good.” Club members also work hard during the off-season, putting up, taking down, and replacing trail signs, cutting brush that encroaches on trails, and ensuring that culverts and bridges are safe. Throughout the year, they work with private property owners who are kind enough to allow trails to cross their land. 

The 250 snowmobile clubs in the state are members of the New York State Snowmobile Association, which coordinates club activities, promotes snowmobiling, and distributes funds derived from NYS’s snowmobile registration fee. The clubs use that money to pay for equipment and fuel. All club members are unpaid volunteers.

Trail Finders’ current officers include Todd Clowney (President), Sean Bedard (Vice President), Kayla Reeves (Treasurer/Secretary), Jared McKee (Trail Coordinator), and Chris Reeves (Groomer Coordinator).

New club members are welcome. Anyone who would like to learn more about the club can attend meetings on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Peru Rod and Gun Club. Call Todd Clowney at 518-645-2334 for more information. 

Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary Trail Finders! THANK YOU for your dedication and community service. 

Click here to view the NYS Snowmobile Association’s interactive trail map. 

Plattsburgh, NY, February 23, Michael Cashman News Release  – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman is marking his first 100 days in office by putting the needs of the North Country front and center. From town halls to district tours and work on the Assembly floor, Cashman has focused on showing up, listening, and delivering practical results for families, businesses, and communities recognizing that meaningful change often requires persistence and collaboration.“Real change takes persistence, coalition-building, and navigating the legislative process,” Cashman said. “From day one, my focus has been clear: affordability that works for you, being serious about safety, and protecting our future. These first 100 days have been about listening, engaging, and delivering practical solutions to real problems.”

Listening and Constituent Engagement

Cashman’s early efforts have emphasized connecting directly with residents to understand their priorities. Over the first three months, he has:

• Held five town halls to hear directly from constituents he serves.
• Participated in 273 stakeholder meetings, community events, and site visits.
• Assisted hundreds of constituents through direct casework.
• Launched the 2026 Constituent Survey, which has already generated hundreds of responses.

Beyond meeting with residents, Cashman has been active in the Assembly, serving on seven committees: Aging; Agriculture; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development; Veterans’ Affairs; and as Chair of the New York–Canada Taskforce. In that leadership role, he convened the Taskforce’s first meeting with the Canadian Consulate General to strengthen cross-border cooperation, an effort critical to the region’s economy.

Legislative Action for the North Country

Building on these discussions with residents and stakeholders, Cashman has introduced 53 bills as the prime sponsor, addressing a wide spectrum of North Country priorities:

• Middle-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to stabilize household energy costs.
• Jamie Rose Care Provider Act to protect nursing home residents from abuse.
• Funding to support law enforcement and firefighters with hiring, equipment, and essential resources.
• Rural Housing Workforce Corps to expand housing supply and workforce capacity.
• Returning Veterans Tax Credit to honor those who have served our nation.

“My portfolio of Bills represent to work support small businesses, agriculture, tourism, veterans, and community development touching every corner of our district,” Cashman said. “They reflect the real needs of our families and communities and ensure that our local priorities are heard in Albany.” Among his early successes, Cashman achieved unanimous passage of A.9513, which gives local health officials timely access to critical health information to prevent injury, disease, and toxic exposure a concrete example of proactive, prevention-focused governance.

Tackling Energy Affordability

Energy affordability continues to be a pressing concern for families and businesses across the district. To address this challenge, Cashman introduced A.09426, a bipartisan measure designed to improve fairness, transparency, and accountability in utility pricing.

The legislation would:

• Cap annual electric rate increases at 2.5%.
• Pause major rate hikes for 180 days pending independent audits.
• Require clear, itemized utility bills with no hidden fees.
• Establish a Utility Accountability and Audit Unit with enforcement powers.
• Create a Community Affordability Protection Program for households under 80% of county median income.
• Prohibit ratepayers from funding executive bonuses or incentives.

“Legislation alone isn’t enough,” Cashman said. “That’s why I’m working across party lines and calling on the Governor to take immediate action. This isn’t partisan it’s about families struggling to pay their bills and keep their homes safe. Every New Yorker deserves clarity, fairness, and accountability from their utilities.”

Looking Ahead

As Cashman reflects on his first 100 days, feedback from town halls continues to shape his agenda. “The message from our town halls from seniors to business owners to working families is clear: New York must stabilize electric costs, protect families, and build a stronger, safer future,” he said. “That’s what drives my work, and that’s what I’ll continue to fight for every day. The North Country deserves a government that listens, acts, and delivers for its residents, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.

North Country representative Assemblyman Michael Cashman hailed the Supreme Court tariff ruling as a positive move

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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole 

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!

Community leaders, educators, faith organizations, etc. needed for July 19-26 week-long event

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Elizabethtown launches new brand and website focusing on serving the community

Click here for the Sun Comunity News story 

Story profiles Sheriff Todd Hood’s rise to prominence 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story