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Starting August 3rd, Road Resurfacing operations will begin on the following streets.
Court Street – between Oak Street and Beekman Street
Wells Street – between Brinkerhoff Street and Cornelia Street
Couch Street – between Oak Street and North Catherine Street
Helen Street – between Broad Street and Brinkerhoff Street
Protection Alley – between Marion Street and Oak Street
Elm Street – between Margaret Street and Miller Street
Work will consist of storm and sanitary structure rehabilitation, milling of road surfaces and repaving (it does not include curb, sidewalk or driveway apron work).
Work will commence in this order and will be continuous between the hours of 7am to 7pm, Monday thru Friday.
On street parking will be prohibited during working hours.Please use caution and follow directions of the flag persons!
“Key changes include making public participation and Tribal consultations discretionary, limiting the scope of protected properties, and replacing the step-by-step review framework with an agency-certified report.”
“A lower share of the state’s energy production is carbon free today than in 2019. This is when lawmakers passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act…”
Peru, NY – Appointing a deputy town clerk and approving a new building permit fee schedule were the major topics at the Peru Town Board’s July 27 meeting.
On March 23, the Town Board appointed part-time Code Enforcement Secretary Taylor Jo Swan to the deputy town clerk position at a pay rate of $1,250 per year. Subsequently, the council learned that NYS town law requires deputy town clerks to reside in the town where they hold office; however, boards have the authority to pass a local law permitting someone who is a non-resident to hold the position. Swan resides in Keeseville. Town Supervisor Craig Randall said several area communities have made similar changes and that it’s good to have the deputy working at the town hall if the town clerk is unavailable for a short period of time. The public will have an opportunity to comment at a public hearing scheduled for August 10 at 5:45 p.m.
The board approved the building permit fee schedules that were the subject of the public hearing preceding this meeting. At that hearing, CEO Duane Bibeau explained that the new fees are commensurate with a project’s complexity and size. Larger jobs require more inspections. Bibeau and Planning Board Chairman Garrett Mastic suggested the changes. Many fees are not being increased.
When the board hired Duane Bibeau as Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) effective February 1, 2026, it agreed to increase his annual salary from $56,000 to $63,000 when he passed the State’s CEO’s Principles and Practices exam. Bibeau passed the exam recently so the board approved granting the salary increase. When the board hired Bibeau, it also retained its Acting CEO, Town of Plattsburgh CEO Steve Imhoff, to work a few hours weekly to assist and train him. At this meeting Bibeau told the board he currently sees Imhoff at least twice a week and talks with him three to four times daily, and while he’s passed the required exam, he doesn’t have experience with large jobs such as the Peru Fire Station upgrade project. Citing core and safety inspections, Bibeau would like to keep Imhoff on staff for 90 days. The suggested pay rate is $750 per week. Counselor Melvin Irwin said this is the first time he’s heard about this idea and asked if Imhoff could be employed on a per diem basis rather than a flat weekly rate. Irwin motioned that the issue be tabled; the board approved. (Counselor Kregg Bruno was not present at this meeting.)
At its last meeting, the board tabled a resolution to purchase a $5,700 roadside sign for the town’s Route 22 disc golf course pending a determination if the town could seek sponsors. At this meeting, Supervisor Craig Randall said there is sufficient money in this year’s budge to pay for the sign. The board voted to purchase the sign from Signs Now with the possibility of getting sponsors and donors next year. Located near a dip in the highway, the course’s entrance road is very difficult to see. Drivers sometimes stop quickly, resulting in what some people regard as a traffic hazard.
The board also:
Approved three work change directives requested by Murnane Building Contractors related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.
Approved hiring a diver to inspect and remove sediment at the town’s Cross Street and Reservoir Road water tanks for $8.700.
Approved transferring funds from general savings to pay Luck Brothers for work performed at the Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook project.
In other business:
Counselors Irwin and Rick Barber said five paintings will soon be installed in the window casings at Hayworth-Park’s historic stone building, completing the goal of filling all the window casings.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that work on Lyon’s Road 17-foot box culvert is underway. Earlier in the week, Farrell published a notice stating that the road would be closed from July 21 to approximately September 21. Residents have access from Rock Road and South Junction Road.
Farrell received a complaint that snow plows are pushing sand and salt through the Peasleeville Cemetery fence, damaging gravestones. Farrell reported the situation to Clinton County Highway,which is responsible for the road.
Farrell is anxiously awaiting the salt prices that are expected on July 29.
The Lapham Mills Road paving will exhaust Peru’s 2026 paving budget, so that will be the last road paved this year. The project’s flaggers encountered lawless and rude drivers. One driver sped through the work zone at very high speed and ignored flaggers on at least one other occasion. Other motorists raised a middle finger to the flaggers. Farrell said he told the men, “All I need is a license number!”
Historian Helen Nerska said 14 people participated in the July 18 Peasleeville History Tour. On July 20, Nerska participated in the Battle of Valcour Bay cannon fragment unveiling at the Peru Dock. On August 15, her office will host an Open House at the Lyons Street School. The school’s interior will be set up with desks and other early 20th-century schoolhouse memorabilia.
Recreation Director Kristen Marino said the baseball-softball season is done. Basketball is underway, as is tennis, pickleball, and arts and crafts. Soccer registration is underway with 201 youth registering, including 81 peewees, 72 mites, and 41 mini-mites.With numbers that large, Marino is looking for a soccer program assistant.
CEO Duane Bibeau reported that three new residential structures are underway and four more are pending.
WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 27, 2026, the Town Board duly passed resolution 26.07-27.01, to call for a public hearing in accordance with Town Law to change the residency requirements for the Deputy Town Clerk
NOW, THEREFORE,
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Peru will hold a Public Hearing in the meeting room at the Town of Peru Town Hall Building, 3036 Main Street, Town of Peru, New York(Clinton County), on the 10* Day of August, 2026 at 5:45 O’clock P.M. to view documents and consider said change.
PLATTSBURGH, NY – Get ready for one of the most exciting weekends of the summer! The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and the City of Plattsburgh are thrilled to welcome East Coast Watercross back to Plattsburgh City Beach from July 31-August 2, 2026, bringing three days of adrenaline-pumping jet ski racing to the shores of Lake Champlain.
Watch as some of the East Coast’s top watercross racers fly across the waves, battle for position, and launch into thrilling turns just offshore. Whether you’re a longtime racing fan or simply looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend a summer weekend, this event delivers excitement from start to finish.
Best of all, admission is free for spectators, and regular City Beach parking fees will be waived throughout the event, making it easy for everyone to experience the action.
Event Schedule
📍 Plattsburgh City Beach
4 Beach Road, Plattsburgh, NY
Friday, July 31
Practice Day | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 1
Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 2
Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Be sure to stop by Saturday and Sunday to check out an exciting Powersports display from Taylor Equipment Sales & Powersports, featuring Kawasaki Jet Skis, Ridge side-by-sides, Mule utility vehicles, and motorcycles.
When you need to refuel, make a stop at 1 Up Arcade & Pub’s beach location, open all weekend with cold drinks, great food, and the perfect spot to take a break while staying close to all the action. On Sunday, you can also grab a bite from The Dog Father Food Cart, serving up crowd-favorite eats throughout lunch.
“Events like East Coast Watercross showcase the Adirondack Coast in such a unique way,” said Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing for the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. “There’s nothing quite like watching elite racers compete against the backdrop of Lake Champlain. It’s an incredible weekend for visitors and locals alike, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to the Plattsburgh City Beach.”
Bring a lawn chair, your sunscreen, and your sense of adventure—the beach is about to come alive with speed, spray, and summer excitement.
Plattsburgh Public Library continues its monthly speaker series, Lifelong Learning for All, held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the library auditorium on the second floor. The series brings local experts to the library to share their knowledge with the community. All are welcome. Each session includes a half-hour presentation followed by Q&A/discussion.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., Dr. James Lindgren will present “Exploring Plattsburgh’s Point.”This presentation examines the historic East End of Plattsburgh, tracing the development of the area’s architecture and the many styles of buildings that contribute to the city’s extended historic district. Attendees will learn about the significance of these structures, their role in Plattsburgh’s history, and ongoing efforts to preserve this important part of the community’s built heritage.
About the Speaker:
Dr. James M. Lindgren is Emeritus Professor of History at SUNY Plattsburgh and an internationally recognized scholar of historic preservation and museum movements in the United States. He is the author of several books, including Preserving Maritime America and Preserving Historic New England, as well as more than sixty publications. During his thirty-seven years at Plattsburgh State, he taught courses on historic preservation, history museums, and historic sites, and received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship.
For questions or to inquire about presenting in the series, contact Library Director Ben Carman at 518-536-7442 orcarmanb@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov.
Albany, July 27, 2026 – An audit released today of the New York Access to Home for Heroes/Veterans Program found inadequate oversight and poor outreach delayed the distribution of funds for home and accessibility repairs for veterans with disabilities, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Auditors determined that only 36% of the program’s $3.3 million in recent contract funding was spent, while some counties with the largest populations of disabled veterans were not aware of the program or did not apply for funding.
“Affordable, accessible housing remains out of reach for many of New York’s veterans,” DiNapoli said. “This program is supposed to deliver critical home repairs, but poor oversight and weak outreach left veterans waiting for help. Our recommendations will help the state fix this program and better assist the men and women who served our country.”
New York is home to around 173,000 disabled veterans. The Access to Home for Heroes/Veterans Program helps low- and moderate-income veterans with disabilities remain safely in their homes by providing financial assistance for emergency repairs, accessibility modifications or to fix code violations. The program is administered through the Office of Community Renewal (OCR) within New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
Each year OCR accepts applications from local governments and nonprofit organizations, known as Local Program Administrators (LPAs) to administer the program in specific regions or counties. LPAs receive funding on a reimbursement basis for project costs incurred, with individual projects generally capped at $25,000. During the audit period of April 2022 through December 2025, the audit found that only 14 LPAs applied for funding and 12 LPAs received funding.
Only Fraction of Program’s Money Spent
Of the $3.3 million awarded during this three-year audit period, only $1.2 million, or 36%, was spent as of October 2025. In total, 81 projects were completed in 15 of New York’s 62 counties. Since the program’s creation in 2015, only about 31% of the $19.6 million allocated to the program has been spent, averaging 33 projects annually statewide.
Oversight Shortfalls
Auditors found OCR did not effectively monitor contractor performance or adequately identify or conduct outreach to underserved regions with high disabled veteran populations. OCR relied too heavily on local providers to market the program without sufficient oversight. The audit also identified repeated failures by LPAs to meet project milestones, follow competitive bidding rules and comply with conflict-of-interest requirements.
Among major findings:
Seven LPAs missed at least one major contract milestone 80% of the time, delaying assistance to veterans when auditors reviewed 10 contracts. Two LPAs missed a key milestone by almost three years.
Two of 10 contracts failed to submit required initial project reviews despite being 10 months into the contract term.
Seven of the 10 reviewed contracts contained incomplete or inaccurate records, raising concerns about improper use of funds.
Auditors identified questionable bidding practices in multiple contracts, including sharing the bid of one contractor with another.
Some LPAs failed to comply with conflict-of-interest requirements (2 of 10 contracts), including one instance in which an administrator hired a relative.
Outreach and marketing efforts were far from adequate, with only two of nine LPAs advertising the program in accordance with their marketing plan.
Immigration agents charged with boosting arrests are targeting a Sungrow greenhouse and packing facility 20 miles outside of Rochester, prompting workers to flee.
Albany, July 25, 2026 (Gov. Hochul News Release) – Governor Kathy Hochul today launched a new website with resources for the Venezuelan community and their allies across New York. One month after the country’s devastating earthquakes, Venezuela still faces a dire situation and Governor Hochul continues to urge New Yorkers to support recovery and relief efforts. Understanding New York’s deep ties with the Venezuelan community, she is partnering with the Hispanic Federation to provide resources in support of humanitarian aid efforts in the region while warning about potential donation scams.
“One month after the devastating earthquakes, thousands of Venezuelan families, including many here in New York, are still grappling with unimaginable loss and uncertainty,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage New Yorkers to continue showing the generosity that defines our state by supporting trusted humanitarian organizations providing relief on the ground. If you choose to donate, please remain vigilant against scams, ensuring every dollar reaches the people and communities who need it most.”
As Venezuela continues to recover from this devastating disaster, Governor Hochul has reiterated her support for Temporary Protected Status for eligible Venezuelans, recognizing that people should not be forced to return to countries facing humanitarian crises.
Supporting Humanitarian Aid Efforts
One month since the devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, New York remains committed to standing with our global neighbors during times of crisis. In our continued effort to support impacted communities, we are sharing resource pathways provided by the Hispanic Federation for those interested in contributing to relief and recovery efforts.
Hispanic Federation – Ayuda a los Pueblos: Venezuela Disaster Relief
Hispanic Federation, the nation’s largest Latino nonprofit membership organization, announced a $100,000 Emergency Relief Fund: Ayuda a los Pueblos: Venezuela Disaster Relief.
Partnering with organizations such as AID for Life and Casa de Venezuela Orlando with strong connections to local groups who are mobilizing immediate humanitarian assistance including food, clean water, emergency shelter and critical supplies across Venezuela.
Aid for LIFE – Venezuela Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund
On the ground team in Venezuela assessing the immediate needs of affected communities in real time, providing food, clean water and medical supplies.
Donations go directly to the team inside Venezuela, who coordinate with local organizations including students at Universidad Central de Venezuela conducting rescues and hospitals and clinics in urgent need of medical supplies.
Casa de Venezuela Orlando – Emergency Relief Response
Partnering with the Network of Venezuelan Organizations in the United States and local groups to deliver continuous, long-term support for communities through providing emergency medical support and supplies and offering emotional support to families inside and outside Venezuela.
World Central Kitchen – Venezuela Emergency Food Relief
By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of food trucks or emergency kitchens, WCK provides freshly made, culturally familiar meals alongside clean water and ice to communities impacted by disasters.
Has served more than one million meals in the weeks following the recent Venezuelan earthquakes, and has supported community kitchens with food supplies, kitchen equipment, infrastructure improvements and culinary training to expand their capacity.
Avoiding Donation Scams
Anytime disasters occur, scam artists prey on the heartstrings of individuals looking to help. The earthquakes in Venezuela provide an opportunity for fraudsters to set up fake charities or pose as compelling war victims. Others design websites to mimic a legitimate charity’s official site to steal unsuspecting donors’ money and/or personal information.
To prevent donation money from falling into the wrong hands, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection recommends taking the following precautions:
Verify the request: Scammers are more frequently posing as friends, family or romantic interests on social media and requesting donations. If you receive an unsolicited request for donation relief online, even if it appears to be someone you know, connect with the person directly through a different communication link to verify the request. Do not click on any links or complete forms before verifying the source. If the request is coming from someone you only recently met online, it is most likely a scam and you should be especially wary.
Be aware of fake charities: Some scammers will create fake “charities” and try to trick you with names similar to well-known charities. Pay attention to the charity’s full name, web address, contact information, etc. Scammers may copy or mimic the name of a familiar, trusted organization to swindle you.
Research the charity: Don’t rely on a charity website alone. Search online before donating to any charity using the name of the group plus search terms like “review” and “scam”. The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking with give.org, charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, or candid.org to see reports and ratings for charities. You can also check with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for verification that a charity is registered. The Office of the Attorney General also recommends reviewing the Charities Registry for financial reports prior to donating to ensure the charity is fiscally sound.
Resist high-pressure tactics: While the situation is urgent, consumers should resist being pressured to donate immediately. Scammers often pressure you to donate immediately, causing you to overlook red flags in their story. Beware of direct e-mails from “victims” and solicitors who employ heart-wrenching stories, insisting that you donate immediately. Do not give money over the phone to unsolicited telemarketers; instead, ask the caller to send written materials about the charity and where to donate, if you choose.
Keep personal information private: Never give your Social Security number, credit card or debit card number, or other personal identifying information in response to an unsolicited charitable request. If donating online, ensure that your internet connection is secure before following through on donation requests.
Ask how your money will be spent: Consumers want to know that their money is going directly to the victims. A genuine charity should be able to let you know how much of your donation will go directly to the program as opposed to administrative fees.
Donate by check or credit card: Never give money using cash, gift cards, crypto currency, or any tender that would be difficult to trace. Give your contribution by check or credit card to ensure that you have a record of the donation. Make checks out to the charity, not to an individual. If you choose to donate via a charity’s website, check that the website is secure and that your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection.
If you suspect that you have encountered a fraudulent attempt to receive donations, you can file a complaint with the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection. Consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
The Division’s Consumer Assistance Hotline is open Monday to Friday, excluding State holidays, 8:30am to 4:30pm at 1-800-697-1220. You can find more information and tips by following the Division of Consumer Protection on social media on X and Facebook.
Town of Piercefield, St. Lawrence County Wilderness Rescue: On July 13 at 1:19 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to a call for a subject who collapsed on the Mount Arab trail in Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. Forest Ranger Shea and Tupper Lake EMS hiked in and located the 75-year-old from Honeoye Falls approximately half a mile up the trail. The hiker was conscious but could not walk and had trouble speaking. Due to the hiker’s condition and location, New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation responded. NYSP Pilot Sergeant Beck flew Rangers Martin and Savarie to the location. Ranger Savarie lowered Ranger Martin to assist harnessing the patient. Ranger Savarie successfully hoisted the subject into the helicopter. Sergeant Beck flew to a nearby landing zone, where the patient was transferred to a Tupper Lake Ambulance. Resources were clear at 3:20 p.m.
Town of Keene, Essex County Wildland Fire: On July 13 at 2:10 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a report of smoke on Sawteeth Mountain. Six Forest Rangers responded to the fire at Marble Point lookout. The fire is approximately 3,549 feet in elevation and measuring approximately 0.25 acres. Rangers worked with New York State Police Aviation in the coming days. The fire continues to smolder in the ground, Rangers are patrolling it daily.
Sawteeth Mountain fire
Sawteeth Mountain fire
Town of Great Valley, Cattaraugus County Law Enforcement: On July 13, while training on State Land, Forest Rangers observed two people on an ATV and a dirt bike, riding without helmets. Rangers tried to stop them, but both subjects pulled off into the woods and ran off. Rangers tracked them to their residence and issued 12 tickets for observed violations.
Illegal dirt bike and ATV use
Town of Harrietstown, Franklin County Plane Crash: On July 13 at 11:40 p.m., Forest Ranger Adams responded to assist Saranac Lake Fire Department with the search for a possible downed civilian aircraft near the Lake Clear Airport. On July 14 at 2:25 a.m., they located the plane on private property adjacent to the Adirondack Rail Trail between Route 186 and McMaster Road. They found three people, ages 70, 33, and 2, deceased. Six Rangers assisted New York State Police (NYSP) with the recovery and carryout of the crash victims. NYSP, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. Read more »
This week late Monday night/early Tuesday morning I lost a woman’s long, wallet between the Dollar General and thrift markets. (The Gazette deleted the color for verification purposes)
If found please email the Peru Gazette at perugazette@gmail.com. …
Ausable Point, Peru, NY – People enjoy Ausable Point in so many ways. This time of year, the campground, especially campsites along Lake Champlain’s shoreline, are occupied. Locals, like myself, enjoy the sights and sounds along the road leading from Route 9 to the campground. Most days, at least two gentlemen are in their pickups, talking about who knows what. Others quietly look out at the lake. One man told me he’s been coming there every morning for years.
In the nearby open water bordering Ausable Marsh, fathers and sons often stand side-by-side fishing. This morning a man and woman fished as Canada goose families swam towards Lake Champlain.
Across the road, overlooking Lake Champlain, a man stood in his boat casting his fishing pole into the reeds. At the small boat launch area, two ladies talked as they launched their canoes for a paddle in the nearby marsh. Not far away, an Osprey mother high atop her utility pole nest was feeding her babies.
Witnessing all this is not a bad way to begin your day.
Peru, NY, July 24, 2026 – On July 13, 2026, the Town Board duly passed a resolution, 326.07-13.07, to amend the building permit fees for residential, commercial, planning & zoning, and miscellaneous fees. The town adopted the existing fee schedule on June 25, 2022. Residents will have an opportunity to comment at a public hearing to be conducted on Monday, July 17 at 5:45 p.m. at the Peru Town Hall.
Today, Code Enforcement Officer Duane Bibeau told the Peru Gazette, “Not all items were increased. We have added minimums for some items to reflect smaller project size accurately. Also, we changed some fees to be based on square footage to help assign fees more accurately to project size. We were missing some area for fees that were previously just listed under another permit class. This will help to clarify when running reports for the state.”
By John T Ryan
Baked Ziti
July 25, 206 – By John T Ryan