The Assembly speaker says sports games are great fundraisers. But campaign finance records tell a less convincing story.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

November 13, 2026 – DEC is seeking information on water wells across the state to expand existing data collection efforts and learn more about local conditions.  Water well owners, well drillers, and environmental professionals are encouraged to use DEC’s Dry Water Well Reporting Form to report low or no water in a water well, or other water well issues like water quality problems.

Since New York has been experiencing increasing instances of drought, the occurrence of dry wells may be increasing. Federal assistance to help individuals with dry wells or other water quality problems is currently inadequate. By submitting a reporting form each time you encounter a dry or problematic well, DEC can collect the data necessary to demonstrate to officials that additional federal assistance is needed. Please take this opportunity to share information on local conditions with DEC.

Albany, November 13, 2026 – If you plan to fertilize your lawn this fall, remember that it is against New York State law to fertilize lawns between December 1 and April 1. The law does not apply to agricultural fertilizer or fertilizer for gardens. Some areas also have local laws about selling and using lawn fertilizers. Lawn fertilizer can have unnecessary phosphorus that runs into waterbodies. Excess phosphorus in freshwater lakes and ponds can cause algae overgrowth, with serious impacts to the environment and public health. Choose a lawn fertilizer with no phosphorus to help reduce your impact.

$400,000 in funding is available to support projects

November 13, 2026 – Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, will fund large education and outreach projects that help members of the public better understand and take action to protect Lake Champlain and its watershed.

Projects should support the Informed and Involved Public goal outlined in the LCBP’s management plan Opportunities for Action. Grant activities can include communications materials and public programming for a variety of audiences including children and adults. Previously funded work has included publications and exhibits, school and camp programs, community outreach initiatives, and field-based learning and stewardship opportunities. Read more »

Improves the Renewal Process for More Than 300,000 Cosmetologists, Nail Specialists, Hair Dressers, Estheticians and Barbers

November 12, 2026, News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of Click to Renew, a nation-leading tool to simplify professional licensing across New York State. By launching an easy-to-use digital platform, Click to Renew allows New Yorkers in a wide range of licensed professions to renew their licenses quickly and securely. Since its soft launch in October, nearly 5,000 licensees have successfully renewed with this new system. On average, licensees using Click to Renew complete the process in under 4 minutes, a 91 percent reduction from the previous average renewal time of over 45 minutes. The improvements are already delivering a better customer experience, with a 96 percent approval rating by users on the platform. More than 300,000 license-holders will benefit from the initial launch of this new tool, with further plans to bring the ease and convenience of Click to Renew to additional license types in the near future. Read more »

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

First place was awarded to the Northeastern Clinton students representing Jeffords Steel: Brienne Rabideau, Jacob Martin, George Chaney, Cobe Lafountain, Logan Dragoon and Anna Racine.

(Photos Provided) Plattsburgh, NY – November 10, 2026 – TDC, in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College and regional workforce and education partners, hosted North Country Manufacturing Day on Thursday, November 5. More than 200 eighth-grade students participated in the event, exploring local manufacturers, manufacturing technology, and career opportunities in the North Country.

Students from Beekmantown, Boquet Valley, Chateaugay, Keene, and Northeastern Clinton school districts participated in activities at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, including virtual reality welding, a Snap-on interactive activity, a facility tour, career exploration through virtual reality, and a hands-on STEM activity. Students also visited booths representing eight North Country manufacturers.

High school students from Beekmantown, Northeastern Clinton, Keene, Northern Adirondack, and CV-TEC’s Automotive Technology program developed the booths, creating displays and activities to introduce younger students to local manufacturers. CV-TEC’s Construction Trades students served as the “general contractors” for booth construction, creating items that included a ring toss game for the Rockit Motors booth.

Young professionals from the CV-TEC New Visions Applied Engineering program and SkillsUSA served as group leaders, guiding eighth-grade students through the facility for the day’s activities.

Eighth-grade students voted for their favorite manufacturing booths. First place was awarded to the Northeastern Clinton students representing Jeffords Steel: Brienne Rabideau, Jacob Martin, George Chaney, Cobe Lafountain, Logan Dragoon and Anna Racine. Each winning team member received a $500 scholarship to attend Clinton Community College, sponsored by the College Foundation. The team also received a trophy and a pizza party sponsored by TDC.

Second place went to Northeastern Clinton students representing Norsk Titanium and third place went to Beekmantown students representing Plattco. Both teams received certificates and pizza parties sponsored by TDC.

“North Country Manufacturing Day is a great example of what can happen when our regional schools, manufacturers, and workforce partners come together,” said Danielle King, President and CEO of TDC. “Students had the opportunity to learn about the companies that call our region home, experience modern manufacturing technologies, and see firsthand how the skills they are developing today can translate into meaningful careers. We’re especially proud of the students who brought these manufacturing booths to life and the young professionals who helped make the day such a success.”

North Country Manufacturing Day was made possible through the collaboration of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College, Clinton Community College, Brilliant Pathways, the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency, CITEC, CV-TEC, Ready4Real, ETS Staffing, the North Country Chamber of Commerce, North Country Workforce Development Board, NYS Department of Labor, and the Workforce Development Institute.

TDC extends its appreciation to all participating partners, manufacturers, schools, educators, and volunteers. Special thanks to Zuke’s Corner Store & Deli for providing lunch and Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. for donating materials for the STEM activity.

TDC continues to foster an environment where businesses and industrial investment can thrive, creating jobs and supporting sustainable economic development in the North Country. For more information about TDC and its efforts to support local businesses, please visit www.tdcnny.com.

About TDC: TDC is a private not-for-profit company committed to helping businesses grow. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of business and community leaders from throughout Clinton County, TDC develops industrial parks, markets the region for new business, and works to retain and expand the local industry. In addition to leasing and maintaining premier industrial properties in Plattsburgh, NY, they work to connect businesses with resources, suppliers, staff, and financial incentives.

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here to view the NCPR story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the Mountain Lake PBS program 

Click here for the Mountain Lake PBS interview

Anger over energy bills and data centers shot progressive challengers into office. Will they shake up state climate politics?

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Office at U.S. Oval is still open to serve the public 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Paul Smith’s College

SUNY Plattsburgh

North Country Community College

Clinton Community College

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. , November 10, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) visited all four colleges in the 115^th Assembly district today to celebrate First Generation College Graduate Day, recognized nationally on November 8. Each campus was given a copy of a New York State Resolution commemorating the occasion as campus leadership, staff, and first-gen students gathered.

            “As a first-generation college graduate, being able to celebrate fellow first-gen students and recognize the work these incredible faculty and staff perform every day is especially meaningful,” Assemblyman Cashman said. “College is what brought me to the North Country, and it is where I found my community and developed the skills needed to succeed post-graduation. My involvement in TRIO during my college years was just one way that the team at SUNY Plattsburgh helped guide me to graduation, and these programs continue to support the next generations of students today. It was an honor to present each of these campuses with a copy of the resolution I carried in Albany earlier this year marking the occasion.”

            Clinton Community College President Ken Knelly said, “Community colleges are a primary starting point for first-generation students, providing clear academic pathways, focused advising, and affordable tuition and costs. We are grateful for the acknowledgement through this resolution and the continued support of state and county partners who help secure the future for this generation and those to follow.”

            SUNY Plattsburgh Director of Access and Opportunity Programs Shatawndra Lister said, “I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such exceptional students. They are making a difference not only at SUNY Plattsburgh but, more importantly, in their families and communities. As a first-generation college graduate myself, I know how much it means to have people who believe in you and support you along the way. Being able to share what I learned through my own experiences with students today is something I truly value. I am incredibly proud of the work we do through Access & Opportunity Programs and across campus to support our first-generation students. I am also grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for taking the time to celebrate these students and recognize the importance of the opportunities and support that help them succeed.”

            North Country Community College President Joe Keegan said, “We’re grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for his continued support of higher education and for recognizing the achievements of first-generation college students. These students bring tremendous determination, resilience and unique perspectives to our campus communities, often while navigating challenges that others may not fully appreciate. At North Country, we’re proud to help first-generation students find their footing, pursue their goals and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. It’s especially meaningful to have an advocate like Assemblyman Cashman who understands their experiences firsthand.”

            North Country Community College Interim Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Jackie VanBrunt said, “As a first-generation college graduate myself, I know firsthand how important it is to have people and programs in your corner. Without the support I received through the Educational Opportunity Program, I likely would not have made it past my first year of college. That’s why programs like our new Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) initiative are so important. They provide the academic, financial and personal support that can make all the difference in helping students stay on track and earn their degrees. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued investment from New York State and SUNY that makes these resources possible and helps us create opportunities for the next generation of first-generation students.”

            Paul Smith’s College Director of TRIO SSS and HEOP Amanda Laah Vincent said, “Every day, I have the privilege of working with first-generation students who are breaking barriers and creating opportunities not only for themselves, but for their families and communities. First-Generation College Graduate Day reminds us of the importance of providing meaningful support, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating the remarkable achievements of these students.”

            Paul Smith’s College HEOP Student Success Coach Annie Rochon said, “Michael is a role model for first-generation students. He demonstrates that when there is a will, there is a way. We need more leaders and role models like him to inspire our students and show them that a world of opportunities is within their reach. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone who has walked a similar path to believe that those same possibilities are achievable. Our students need to know that their dreams are valid, their potential is limitless, and with determination, hard work, and the right support, anything is possible.”

            First-Generation College Graduate Day is celebrated annually on November 8, coinciding with the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Investigation Found T-Mobile Was Slowing Customers’ Internet Speeds After They Used 50 Gigabytes of Data and Hiding Affordable Plans From Online Searches

November 9, 2026, News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement with T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile), requiring the company to improve and expand the home internet service it offers eligible New Yorkers under the New York Affordable Broadband Act (ABA). An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found T-Mobile’s offerings did not meet the ABA’s requirements, which mandate that home internet providers offer high-speed broadband to income-eligible households for $15 per month at speeds of at least 25 Mbps, or $20 per month for speeds of at least 200 Mbps. The ABA also requires providers to make reasonable efforts to promote and advertise the availability of these affordable broadband plans. As a result of OAG’s investigation, T-Mobile will end data caps that slowed the internet speeds of customers on ABA internet plans, offer ABA plans to more areas throughout the state and make it easier for eligible New Yorkers to find and sign up for affordable internet plans. Read more »

Our community is full of interesting people, good ideas, accomplishments, traditions and stories — and we’d like to tell more of them.

I’m looking for a few local people who would enjoy occasionally contributing stories to our local news blog.

You don’t have to be a professional writer. If you enjoy talking with people, asking questions, taking photographs, or simply noticing the interesting things happening around town, you may be exactly what we’re looking for.

Stories could be about almost anything:

• An interesting person in our community
• A local family with a story to tell
• A longtime resident with memories of the town
• A student doing something remarkable
• Local clubs, organizations and churches
• Interesting local businesses
• Community events and activities
• Local history
• Hobbies and unusual talents
• Volunteers who make a difference
• Local government and issues
• “People you should know” profiles
• Anything else that would interest our neighbors

There is no required schedule and no minimum number of stories. Write one occasionally, or become a regular contributor — whatever works for you.

This is a volunteer opportunity; unfortunately, I cannot pay for contributions. What I can offer is a place for your stories and photographs to be seen by your friends and neighbors and become part of the community’s record.

If you’ve ever thought, “Somebody ought to write about that,” perhaps that somebody could be you.

Interested? Please send me an email at perugazette@gmail.com.  Include your name and phone number.  I’d love to talk with you.

And please share this post with someone you think might enjoy it.

John Ryan, Editor 

Click here for the Board of Elections Results 

Tractor Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

The Peru Tractor Parade is scheduled for December 4. It will depart from Irwin’s Maplegrand Farm on Jarvis Road at 6 p.m. More details will follow.

The Town’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will also take place on December 4. Details will be announced.

Telegraph Road Bridge

The board approved a resolution to transfer ownership and maintenance of the recently constructed Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook culvert/bridge to Clinton County. The resolution cited the specialized personnel, equipment, and financial resources needed to maintain the structure. To qualify for the ownership change, Clinton County required the town to have an on-site inspector throughout construction.  The county will take ownership of structures classified as a bridge. It will not take ownership of culverts or and certain other bridges such as on Wescott Road where Peru’s next major road project will take place. Bid opening is scheduled for December 11. 

Transferring responsibility and ownership to the county would relieve Peru taxpayers of future bridge maintenance expenses. The resolution authorized Randall to work with county officials and engineers to complete the needed agreements and paperwork.

Junkyard License Application

The board delayed action pending a public hearing on a zoning application filed by Michael Wells, owner of Tired Iron Hauling and Repair at 135 Connors Road. Wells seeks to expand his automotive repair and towing service to include a salvage yard. In 2021, Wells purchased a 14-acre parcel from Michael Relation, owner of Rustic Auto Body and Salvage Yard. Earlier this year, Wells purchased an adjacent parcel from the Relation family estate. The salvaged vehicle area would not be expanded. The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 25, at 5:45 p.m.

Code Enforcement Officer’s (CEO) October Report 

During October, CEO Duane Bibeau reported issuing 21 building permits, collecting $5,449.63 in fees, issuing 12 Certificates of Compliance/Occupancy, completing 49 permit inspections, and performing 6 annual mobile home park/campground inspections (434 site inspections). CEO October Report

Planning Board Reappointment 

Acting on a letter from Planning Board Chairman Garrett Mastic stating that the board rescinded a resolution passed at its last meeting appointing Mastic as chairman. Instead, it reappointed Mastic to a seven-year term as a planning board member. As has been the practice, the board will address the chair position in early 2027.  

Water District Finances

As it does every year, the board voted to levy unpaid water and sewer bills on delinquent property owners’ 2027 taxes. $57,269.67 remains unpaid, a typical amount. 

Joining an Effort to Lower Electric Costs 

Supervisor Craig Randall asked the board to support a petition to state legislators seeking legislation to lower utility costs for North Country consumers. Unitary America, the volunteer group that distributes food and books and performs trash pickup in the area, has had several towns agree to sign. Garrett Monette, the organization’s founder, asked Randall if Peru would join with our neighboring towns. The town board voted to include Peru in the petition. 

Agenda & Resolutions 110926

Click here to view the Gazette’s meeting video. Note, an air fan impacted the video’s sound.