The Peru Gazette

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, May 18, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region. Your neighbors need your support.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates the blood drive.  

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

$160K+ spent on salt reduction and monitoring equipment this past winter

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

PERU, NY, May 14, 2026  — Heart Well Homestead is inviting runners, walkers, families, and community supporters to suit up for the Superhero Strides 5K on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Rulfs Orchard. This fun-filled event will raise funds to support Heart Well Homestead’s mission of providing safe housing and essential support for unstably housed pregnant and parenting mothers and their children throughout Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to walk or run the scenic 5K course through Rulfs Orchard while dressed as their favorite superheroes. The morning will also feature a Kids 1K Fun Run, family-friendly activities, face painting, prizes for race winners and best costumes, commemorative T-shirts, and food from Adirondack Food Therapy.

“Every step taken in this race helps us move closer to opening our maternity home and providing hope and stability to mothers and babies in need,” said Anthony Garami. “We invite the entire community to join us, have fun, and make a meaningful difference.”

Event Schedule

• 10:00 a.m. – Registration Opens
• 10:30 a.m. – Kids 1K Fun Run
• 11:00 a.m. – Superhero Strides 5K Run/Walk Begins

Registration Information

• 5K Registration: $30 in advance ($35 on race day)
• Children 12 and Under: Free

Registration is now open at RunSignUp. For more information, contact Anthony Garami at (518) 578-3263 or hwh.chair@gmail.com.

About Heart Well Homestead

Heart Well Homestead is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting unstably housed pregnant and parenting mothers by providing safe housing, compassionate care, and essential resources to help families build brighter futures. Event details, schedule, and registration information are available through the official race page

Village of Coxsackie – Treasurers’ Records and Reports (Greene County)

The treasurers did not maintain complete, accurate and timely records and reports or adhere to generally accepted accounting principles. Auditors identified transactions totaling $420,215 that were not recorded, $236,921 that were incorrectly recorded and $91,741 that were recorded twice in the accounting records. As a result, the board’s ability to properly and effectively monitor and manage the village’s financial operations was reduced. Additionally, the board did not annually audit the treasurers’ records to ensure they were accurate, complete and maintained in a timely manner.

Midway Fire District – Claims Auditing (Albany County)

Although required, the board did not thoroughly and deliberately audit all claims during the audit period. Auditors reviewed 71 claims (57 disbursements) totaling $542,613 and determined that 26 claims totaling $123,874 were not always adequately supported; included sales tax that should not have been paid, unnecessary charges including potentially inappropriate gift cards; or were not audited and approved by the entire board prior to payment. The lack of a proper audit of claims increased the risk that claims for inappropriate purposes could be paid, or that irregularities could go undetected and uncorrected.

Town of Morehouse – Transparency of Fiscal Activities (Hamilton County)

The board did not conduct or provide for an annual audit of the supervisor’s financial records and reports for fiscal year 2024 in accordance with state law. In addition, although the supervisor prepared and filed the 2024 annual financial report (AFR) with the Comptroller’s Office, as required by state law, the supervisor did not provide the board with complete monthly financial reports.

Saranac Fire District – Board Oversight (Clinton County)

The board did not adequately oversee the district’s financial operations related to maintaining accounting records, preparing bank reconciliations, submitting monthly and annual financial reports, performing annual audits, receiving state contract pricing for purchases and auditing and approving claims. As a result, the board’s ability to effectively manage the District’s financial condition, make sound financial decisions and ensure that the district only incurred necessary costs and paid for goods and services that were for appropriate district purposes were impaired. In addition, the district faced an increased risk of theft, waste and abuse of district resources.

Town of Steuben – Transparency of Fiscal Activities (Oneida County)

The board did not conduct or provide for an annual audit of the supervisor’s financial records and reports for fiscal year 2024 in accordance with state law. In addition, the supervisor did not file the 2022 through 2024 AFRs with the Comptroller’s Office within 60 days after the fiscal years’ end, as required by law. Furthermore, the supervisor did not properly maintain financial information recorded in the accounting records, provide the board with all necessary monthly financial reports, and ensure town employees were paid in accordance with board-approved pay rates.

South Butler Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Wayne County)

An audit released in April 2021 determined that the board did not provide adequate oversight of the district’s financial operations and did not adopt or enforce key financial policies. In a follow-up, auditors found that of the audit report’s 14 recommendations, the board implemented five, partially implemented one and did not implement eight.

Quaker Street Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Schenectady County)

An audit released in December 2021 found that the board did not provide oversight to ensure purchases complied with the district’s procurement policy, claims were adequately reviewed, and financial reports were filed. Of the audit report’s seven recommendations, the board partially implemented one and did not implement six.

Caledonia Joint Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Livingston County)

An audit released in November 2024 determined that the board and district officials did not properly plan for long-term financial and capital needs. Of the audit report’s two recommendations, the board and district officials fully implemented one recommendation and partially implemented one recommendation.

Albany, May 14, 2026 – Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Karen McMahon today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation to strengthen support for volunteer firefighters across the state (A.6790, McMahon). Editor’s Note – Th law must still be passed by the NYS Senate and signed by the Governor.

“The Assembly Majority will always have the backs of our volunteer firefighters,” said Speaker Heastie. “This bill is critical for strengthening volunteer firefighter retention and recruitment and ensuring they have the support they need as they serve our communities throughout the state.”

“Volunteer firefighters and emergency workers answer the call at all hours and put their personal safety on the line to protect our communities,” said Assemblymember McMahon. “At a time when departments across New York State are facing serious recruitment and retention challenges, increasing this tax credit in a fiscally responsible way is an important and appropriate way to recognize their service and help ensure local fire departments and ambulance services remain fully staffed. I was proud to sponsor this legislation with Senator Martinez, and I thank my colleagues for their recognition of its importance and necessity.”

This legislation will increase the volunteer firefighters’ and ambulance workers’ personal income tax credit from $200 to $800 for eligible individuals and from $400 to $1600 for eligible married joint filers. Additionally, this bill will now allow eligible recipients to receive this personal income tax credit and the existing partial real property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers concurrently, instead of having to choose one or the other.

There are 20,000 fewer volunteer firefighters today than there were in New York State 20 years ago. Raising this tax credit is an essential recruitment and retention tool for our local fire departments across the state. It also recognizes the invaluable service these men and women provide to our citizens and communities.

This bill follows the recommendations of the Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Task Force convened by the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services in 2022. This tax credit has not been raised since its enactment, and volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers have never been able to receive the tax credit and property tax exemption together.

Albany, May 14, 2026 – The board did not adequately oversee the district’s financial operations related to maintaining accounting records, preparing bank reconciliations, submitting monthly and annual financial reports, performing annual audits, receiving state contract pricing for purchases and auditing and approving claims. As a result, the board’s ability to effectively manage the District’s financial condition, make sound financial decisions and ensure that the district only incurred necessary costs and paid for goods and services that were for appropriate district purposes were impaired. In addition, the district faced an increased risk of theft, waste and abuse of district resources.

Click here to view the Comptroller’s Detailed Report 

The prison system often postpones or rejects incarcerated people’s requests to be closer to their children, jeopardizing family ties.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

From silvopasture to advanced nuclear reactors, ANCA’s annual climate and energy conference tackles key challenges to decarbonizing the grid

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Elizabethtown, NY, May 12, 2026 — A long-overdue honor will soon be restored to a local War of 1812 soldier who gave his life during the Battle of Plattsburgh. Private Ansel Holcomb, a member of Captain Calkin’s Company, was wounded during the battle on September 11, 1814 and succumbed to his injuries on September 13. Despite his sacrifice, Holcomb’s gravestone at Boquet Cemetery in New Russia, New York has been missing for generations—either never installed or lost over time.

Holcomb was one of two local soldiers from Captain Calkin’s Company killed in action during the Battle of Plattsburgh. Private Isaac B. Toms fell on September 11, 1814, while Holcomb died shortly after from his wounds. Both men are recognized as local heroes whose service helped secure one of the most decisive American victories of the War of 1812.

For the past six years, Maggie Bartley, Director of the Elizabethtown Museum, has worked persistently with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in an effort to secure a government-issued replacement gravestone for Holcomb. Despite extensive documentation and repeated submissions, the request has not been approved.

In response, Boquet Valley American Legion Post 551 has stepped forward to ensure Holcomb receives the recognition he deserves. Legion member Newman Tryon has personally purchased a new gravestone—valued at $1,400—from J.C. Memorials of Ellenburg Center. Community members wishing to contribute toward the cost of the gravestone or support the September ceremony may contact Post 551 directly.

The new gravestone will be placed before Memorial Day beside the Holcomb family plot, where seven to eight Holcomb relatives are already interred. A formal commemorative ceremony is planned for September, honoring both Ansel Holcomb and Isaac B. Toms, as well as all local soldiers who fought in the Battle of Plattsburgh.

“This is more than a marker,” said members of Post 551. “It is a promise that our community remembers the men who stood in defense of our nation over two centuries ago. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Further details about the September ceremony will be announced in the coming months.

Submissions for the 2026 Peru Athletics Hall of Fame are due May 30th, 2026. To nominate a member, please complete this online application. Those who prefer to mail in an application can print and mail this form to one of the listed addresses. Please note that a full submission includes a cover letter and a comprehensive history of the nominee’s athletic accomplishments at Peru Central School. Please email peruathletichalloffame@gmail.com if you need help or have any questions.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will occur at halftime of the Peru vs. Saranac football game on Saturday October 17th, 2026.

 

Clinton County, NY, May 13, 2026  – The Clinton County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) today announced the approval of the first project under its Workforce Development Program, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the region’s workforce and enhancing its ability to support business growth, attract new industries and employers, and advance job opportunities and economic welfare of the people of Clinton County, New York.

The approved project involves the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at Clinton Community College, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to training and upskilling the region’s workforce in high-demand manufacturing fields.

The project will expand training opportunities in areas such as machining, welding, electrical systems, and industrial technologies, addressing a critical skills gap identified by regional employers. The program is expected to train more than 150 individuals, with a strong focus on connecting participants to employment opportunities within Clinton County, New York.

The Workforce Development Program is a new initiative established by the CCIDA to directly invest in employer-driven training programs Read more »

Albany, May 13, 2026 – New York’s 106 local Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) reported 4,183 active projects with a total value of over $140 billion in fiscal year end (FYE) 2024, an increase of 3.5% or $4.7 billion from the prior year, according to an annual report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“IDAs granted $2.1 billion in tax exemptions in 2024, continuing an upward trend,” DiNapoli said. “The tax benefits provided by IDAs can attract businesses and spur job growth in the communities that they serve, but caution is warranted. Local officials and other stakeholders should monitor the costs and benefits associated with IDA projects to ensure that these investments yield positive results for their residents and deliver on the job creation, retention and other commitments being made.”

DiNapoli’s report summarizes the most recent annual project and financial data reported by IDAs through the Public Authorities Reporting Information System. The data is not independently verified by the State Comptroller’s Office. Highlights of notable IDA activity in FYE 2024 includes:

• Of the 4,183 active IDA projects, 2,624 (62.7%) were county IDA projects, followed by towns (17.5%), cities excluding New York City (12.3%), New York City (6.9%), villages (0.5%) and city-town IDAs (0.1%).
• The number of IDA projects has declined by 8.9% since FYE 2014, while the total value of all IDA projects has increased by 67.6%.
• Project operators estimated that 196,067 jobs would be created by all IDA projects, a decline of 3.3% from FYE 2023. This reflects 6,639 fewer jobs, but the median salary for these jobs increased slightly – from $40,000 in FYE 2023 to $41,065 in FYE 2024.
• The number of net jobs gained (reflecting current jobs reported by project operators minus initial jobs reported before becoming IDA projects) was 204,301, a decrease of 9.9% from FYE 2023.
• Total tax exemptions for IDA projects were nearly $2.1 billion, up 5.2% ($101 million) over FYE 2023. Property tax exemptions represented over 87% ($1.8 billion) of all tax exemptions granted.
• A total of $942 million in payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) partially offset those tax exemptions, resulting in total net tax exemptions of $1.1 billion, up 3.9% from FYE 2023.
• Aggregate IDA revenues totaled $123.7 million, while expenditures totaled $87.8 million. The New York City IDA reported $6 million in total expenditures, the highest of any IDA.
• IDAs reported 187 new projects, of which the Finger Lakes region, for the second year in a row, had the most of any region at 45 projects, followed by the regions of Long Island (39), Mid-Hudson, and Western New York (both 20).
• New IDA projects had a combined value of $4.9 billion. The Mid-Hudson region had the highest aggregate value of new projects of any region with $1.9 billion, followed by the regions of Long Island ($814 million), the Finger Lakes ($555 million) and the Capital District ($262 million). Conversely, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country regions each had under $100 million in total new project value.

• Only three regions – New York City, the North Country and the Capital District – increased their project value compared to FYE 2023. New York City increased from $97 million in FYE 2023 to $595 million in FYE 2024, driven largely by new projects in the category of transportation, communication, electric, gas, and sanitary services.

IDA reform legislation enacted in 2015 requires IDAs to assess the progress of each project annually and develop policies for the discontinuance or return of some or all of the financial assistance provided for a project (known as a claw back) under specified circumstances, such as material shortfalls in job creation or violations of a project agreement. In FYE 2015, 18 out of 109 active IDAs (16.5%) reported that none of their projects had claw back agreements. In FYE 2024, that share had fallen to 10 out of 106 IDAs (9.4%).

DiNapoli’s office examines IDA costs and outcomes in several ways, including performing audits of the operations of individual IDAs, providing training to IDA officials on various topics, and encouraging improvements in IDA procedures and reporting.

Annual Report

Performance of Industrial Development Agencies in New York State – 2026 Annual Report 

IDA Data by Region

Industrial Development Agencies in New York State

Students from across the area were recognized for academic success, perseverance and leadership

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Lake Placid, NY (May 11, 2026) – The Lake Placid July 4th Organizing Committee is inviting community members to take part in the annual Independence Day celebration, which features a parade down Main Street. Organizers are calling on the community to help make this year’s event the most vibrant yet, with all encouraged to participate. The parade will take place on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Businesses, civic groups, school groups, neighborhood crews, clubs (official or unofficial), and individuals of all ages are encouraged to join in the fun, whether by entering a float, marching, dancing, rolling, or walking in the parade. This year’s theme is “Rings of Independence: Celebrating 250 Years and Lake Placid’s Legacy.”  Decorate your floats, vehicles, bikes, etc. to celebrate Lake Placid and its legacy.

“We want this to feel like a true hometown celebration,” said Catherine Ericson, ROOST community liaison and member of the organizing committee. “This parade is about bringing people together in a fun, visible way along Main Street. We welcome everyone from local businesses and scout troops to workplace teams and groups of friends to join in. It’s an opportunity to showcase the creativity, pride, and energy that define this community.”To register, contact Catherine Ericson at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) via email: catherine@roostadk.com. Please include your name, group name, contact info, and note whether you will be entering a float or walking/biking. Registration is due by June 12.

The parade lineup begins at 4:15 p.m. on Parkside Drive. Announcers at Mid’s Park will introduce each group as it passes. Children on bikes should gather behind the Post Office. Parkside Drive will be closed to traffic from 4:15 p.m. until the parade has passed at approximately 5 p.m. Due to safety reasons, if your group will have candy and other takeaways, please have someone outside of your vehicle or float handing items out.

For additional event details and updates on the full day of Lake Placid’s Independence Day celebration — including music, food, family activities, and fireworks — visit: lakeplacid.com/events/lake-placid-july-4th.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a destination marketing and management organization that leads tourism initiatives in Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the Adirondack communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. ROOST’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents by managing and diversifying the region’s tourism economy while promoting sustainable visitation.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – May 12 2026 – The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host “Organic Matter. ” Organic Matter will be a group exhibition curated by Gallery Manager & Associate Curator, Elsa Koop-Angelicola. This exhibition will showcase the artwork of six artists to display the raw beauty of abstract elements as well as the skill of traditional arts to move and present as something far greater than what the eye initially sees. With how quickly technology is advancing, it has begun to cast a looming shadow over the traditional arts and this exhibition also means to make a statement on the power of traditional art and the skills of the artists.The artists that will be featured in this exhibition are Ali Della Bitta, Susan Granfors, Sienna Martz, Peter Russom, Dennis Smyth, and Caro Worley. 

“As human beings, we are innately organic and connected to nature, the earth, and everything in between. Everything in this sense can be considered organic, alive, and a part of the human experience. It is certainly not uncommon for artists to take these organic elements that are found in nature and everyday life, including in our own lives, and turn it into something spectacular. As organic beings, it almost seems innate for humans to be enamored and inspired by the organic parts of nature and life around us, and this can be said for the artwork that will be presented in this exhibition.

Elsa Koop-Angelicola, Gallery Manager & Associate Curator

Strand Center for the Arts Gallery Hours:

Open 1 p.m.—8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday

Open 10 a.m. —3 p.m. Saturday

Closed Sunday—Tuesday

ADIRONDACKS, USA (May 12, 2026) – Communities throughout the Adirondack region are preparing to welcome local farmers markets this summer and fall. Many markets will begin in late May and continue through mid-October.

With more than 20 farmers’ markets throughout the Adirondacks, the region offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, bread, honey, dairy products, maple syrup, baked goods, handmade crafts, and other locally produced functional items and works of art. These markets take place throughout area towns and villages, including well-established locations in Lake Placid, Elizabethtown, Keene Valley, Saranac Lake, Schroon Lake, and Ticonderoga. Farmers market locations throughout the Adirondack region can be found at: AdirondacksUSA.com/farmers-markets.

Adirondack Farmers Market Cooperative is an organization that supports small farms and local artisans throughout Essex County, enabling local agricultural producers the ability to sell fruits, vegetables, dairy products, bread, flowers and other farm products. It also helps to support the region’s numerous artisans and craftspeople who offer their one-of-a-kind, hand-made creations at farmers’ market locations throughout the area.

According to Adirondack Farmers Market Cooperative President Glen Van Wie, farm products, along with items created by area artisans, provide a variety of items at farmers’ markets. Local production and sales contribute positively to communities in more ways than one. “We are fortunate to have several farms, artisans, local producers of beverages, maple syrup, flowers, honey, and more, all based throughout the Lake Champlain Region and within many of our towns and villages,” he said. “Having access to locally grown, farmed, and hand-made products is something that we don’t take for granted. Additionally, our farmers’ markets allow us to socialize with our neighbors as we browse – by bringing our community members together, the markets offer opportunities for important social connections.”

Adirondack Harvest, another local organization committed to promoting local agriculture, encourages residents and visitors alike to explore their local farmers’ markets. “Farmers’ markets are not only convenient for purchasing fresh, seasonal, and locally-grown food directly from the farmer; they also offer a chance to engage with the people who grow, harvest, and make these products,” said Isabella Susino, Adirondack Harvest program lead. “Agritourism is a wonderful way to learn about local Adirondack agricultural practices, animal care, and land stewardship, which are vital to the region’s economy.”

Adirondack Harvest works to support agriculture throughout the region to increase opportunities for profitable and sustainable production of high-quality food and agricultural products, and to expand consumer choices for locally produced healthy food. The nonprofit connects farmers, producers, and consumers, helping to ensure that fresh produce is accessible to as many people as possible.

It’s also important to note that local, state, and federal programs help provide financial assistance to those experiencing food insecurity, which can often be used at farm stores and farmers’ markets. Adirondack Harvest’s website provides a comprehensive guide to greater Adirondack and North Country farmers’ markets, where you can find out more about market locations and schedules, along with a detailed FAQ page listing food assistance programs available throughout the region.

“Farmers’ markets offer more than just fresh food – they provide a true taste of the Adirondack way of life,” said Susino. “Shopping locally not only supports small farms and reduces environmental impact, but it also strengthens the communities where we live and places that visitors experience while they’re here.”

2026 Farmers’ Markets

• Crown Point: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 2065 County Highway 2, Veterans Memorial Park – July 16  to August 27, 2026, as part of the Crown Point Market & Music series.
• Elizabethtown: Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 7590 Court Street – June 12 to August 28, 2026.
• Indian Lake: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 106 Crow Hill Road – July 4 to September 26, 2026.
• Keene Valley: Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2204 NY-73 Scenic – May 24 to October 11, 2026.
• Lake Placid: Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 2634 Main Street  – July 1 to September 2, 2026.
• Long Lake: Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on South Hill Road – June 25 to September 3, 2026.
• Port Henry: Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 36 Harbour Lane – June 19  to September 4, 2026.
• Saranac Lake: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on River Street – May 16 to October 10, 2026.
• Schroon Lake: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 15 Leland Avenue – June 13 to September 5, 2026.
• Speculator: Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on NY-30 – June 18 to September 3, 2026.
• Ticonderoga: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 3 McCormick St. – July 11 to October 10, 2026.
• Tupper Lake: Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 320 Park Street – June 26 to September 11, 2026.
• Willsboro: Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gateway Park – June 11 – September 3, 2026

Federal officials are hyping a USGS lithium study covering parts of Vermont and its neighbors. Geologists urge caution.

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