The Peru Gazette

L-R Geoff’s sister Stephanie, daughter Samantha, daughter in-law Sara, son Ian, wife Dr. Anne Marie Spear, daughter in-law Katie, son Taylor with Geoff’s granddaughter Olivia.  Not shown in the picture is Geoff’s youngest son, Tanner.

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – On Friday, June 5, the Board of Directors of Apple Valley Senior Housing dedicated a maple tree to honor Geoffrey Spear, who served on the Board from 2020 until he passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2025, at age 62. 

Former Apple Valley Senior Housing Manager Kathleen Flynn was the event’s primary speaker. Addressing Geoff Spear’s family, friends, and Board members, she recalled that after Geoff’s passing, the Board of Directors (Tina Calkins Covey, Kevin Manchester, Eileen Roach, Sue Wagner, Deb Daly, John Guynup, Nancy McDowell, Christine Peters, and Ruth Hamilton) wanted to memorialize Geoff. Flynn said, “Together, they decided to purchase a tree and plant it along Bear Swamp Road for all to see and allow a fond memory of Geoff to pass through their minds.” 

Flynn described Geoff Spear as a “true civic-minded person who always showed up. The only time he didn’t put commitments first was if he had an event with his kids…or soccer. Other than that, if you knew Geoff, you knew he was going to be where he was needed and wanted.” Geoff Spear devoted his life to serving youth through college, high school, and youth soccer coaching. He also served as a 20-year member of the Peru Youth Commission. 

Geoff’s wife, Anne Marie, chose Geoff’s favorite tree, Flynn said. She chose the maple tree, because it symbolizes his qualities of strength, endurance, and adaptability. It also represents the beauty of change. 

L-R Principal Matt Berry, Jennilee Corrow, Simone Lutz and Alison Brown from RENY

Peru, NY, June 15, 2026  — Peru Central School District is proud to announce that Jennilee Corrow, a special education teacher in the high school, has been awarded the Northeastern Zone (NEZ) of Retired Educators of New York Kramer Memorial Educator Award for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

The grant will fund Corrow’s innovative new project, “Virtual Reality for Real-Life Readiness,” which brings cutting-edge technology directly into the classroom to support student independence.

With the grant funding, Corrow plans to purchase a Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset. The technology will allow students to practice critical, real-world skills, such as cooking, driving, and automotive maintenance, in a safe, controlled, and highly interactive digital environment. Recognizing the widespread impact this technology can have, Corrow plans to share the device across multiple classrooms, benefiting students from grades 6 through 12.

“Our organization aims to support active educators, like yourself, in the work you do every day,” the NEZ Selection Committee stated in its award letter. “We have been in the classroom and know the challenges you face, both financially, with budget constraints, and socially, with ever-changing concerns and demands from the communities in which you work and live.”

The NEZ Kramer Memorial Educator Award is highly competitive, recognizing area educators who design outstanding projects aimed at enhancing student achievement or supporting specific social, academic, or physical needs. The committee noted that Corrow’s application stood out exceptionally due to its focus on life-long learning skills, innovative use of technology, and hands-on opportunities and direct connections to daily living.

“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Corrow for her dedication to finding creative, modern solutions that empower our students,” said High School Principal Matthew Berry. “This virtual reality tool will bridge the gap between classroom learning and daily independence, giving our students the confidence they need to succeed in the real world. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Retired Educators of New York for their continued support of active teachers.”

Amid the gesture of local friendship, many Canadians still won’t travel to Vermont. It continues to take a toll on the state.

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Plattsburgh, NY, June 15, 2026 – The Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance (ACCA) hosts the 17^th Annual Museum Day throughout Historic Clinton County on 20 June 2026, inviting visitors and residents to “be a tourist in your own backyard” and explore the area’s wealth of museums, galleries, and cultural organizations. For one day participating locations will offer demonstrations, tours, exhibits, hands-on activities, and more.  Admission fees will vary from venue to venue.  Area museums rely on generous donors to survive and promote our rich history.

Each museum has a unique story to tell and most operate with only volunteers.  Museums are only possible because of the dedicated staff and volunteers at each venue.  Please take some time to support our local history on Museum Day and throughout the summer.  Check the Adirondack Coast Arts & History Guide for more details.  The Guide is available at all venues and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau (North Country Chamber of Commerce) located at 7061 US Rt. 9 in Plattsburgh, open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Participating museums, cultural centers and historic sites, with their respective opening hours for Museum Day are:

Alice T. Miner Museum, Chazy (10 am–4 pm)

Anderson Falls Heritage House Museum, Keeseville (11 am-3 pm)

Clinton County Historical Association & Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3 pm)

Dannemora Village Museum, Dannemora** (10 am-2 pm)

Heart’s Delight Farm Heritage Center at Miner Institute, Chazy (9 am-4 pm)

Kent-Delord House Museum, Plattsburgh (11 am-3 pm)

Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum, Lyon Mountain (10 am-2 pm)

Northern New York American-Canadian Genealogical Society, Dannemora** (10 am-2 pm)

North Star Underground Railroad Museum, Au Sable Chasm (11 am-4 pm)***

Old Post Cemetery, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh (Open, please be respectful)

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3)

Plattsburgh State Art Museum, SUNY Plattsburgh (Call the Kent Gallery 518/564-4813 to arrange your visit)

Rouses Point History & Welcome Center, Rouses Point (10 am–2 pm)

Samuel de Champlain History Center, Champlain (10 am-3 pm)

The Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh (10 am-3 pm)

War of 1812 Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3 pm)

The Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum is open on varying weekends during the summer for special events.  Check their Facebook page for details.

*Located on the Old Base Museum Campus (Former Plattsburgh Air Force Base)

**Located in the Village of Dannemora Community Center, 40 Emmons St.

***The North Star Underground Railroad Museum is celebrating Juneteenth. 19-21 June.  See the CCHA Facebook page for details.

Always double check opening times as most museums are managed by volunteers and sometimes there are last minute changes to schedules.

This year’s event coincides with the first of two New York State “Path Through History” Weekends 20 & 21 June 2026. Check the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance Facebook page and ACCA Website – www.adkcoastcultural.org for more information.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Agreement With PEF Covers 60,000 New York State Employees

Albany, June 12, 2o26 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that her administration has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Public Employees Federation, PEF, for a five-year term running until April 1, 2031. The agreement is subject to ratification by union membership, which includes approximately 60,000 New York State employees in a wide variety of professional, scientific and technical titles.

“We are pleased to come to this fair agreement with the hard-working members of PEF, and I appreciate the union leadership for working toward this deal,” Governor Hochul said. “We value our dedicated public service professionals here in New York State, and this agreement reflects my administration’s commitment to them and their contributions to the Empire State. I thank the members of PEF for putting their talents and expertise to work to deliver for New Yorkers all across this great state.”

Shepherd’s Pie

Salad 

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!

A lobbyist who has been romantically linked to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie led a rally opposing the legislation a week before the speaker declined to bring it to a vote.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y., June 12, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) announced today that he secured $50,000 for the North Country Honor Flight. The funds will go toward flight and programming expenses.

            “The North Country Honor Flight is an incredible program that I am proud to support,” Cashman said. “Our veterans deserve the upmost respect and honor for their service and sacrifices to our country, and the Honor Flight is just one way the North Country shows up for these incredible individuals. One of the greatest honors of my life was serving as Flight Leader for flight #27 and showing our local veterans around the monuments dedicated to their service down in Washington, D.C.. I encourage all to attend our great honor flight ceremonies and look forward to the rest of this year’s flights.”

            North Country Honor Flight Executive Director Barrie Finnegan shared a statement regarding the announcement. “North Country Honor Flight is thrilled with the announcement of funding from Assemblyman Cashman,” Finnegan said. “Michael has been a long time supporter and volunteer for NCHF for many years. Michael was even a flight leader, which is the hardest job yet most rewarding of all Honor Flight functions. At a time when everything is so expensive, this funding is crucial for us. Thank you Assemblyman Cashman and staff.”

            The funds were allocated during one of the final votes of the 2026 legislative session. The next North Country Honor Flight is scheduled for Saturday, June 20.

Facility to offer an estimated 150 childcare slots at Air Industrial Park 

Plattsburgh, NY – June 12, 2026 – TDC NNY, Inc., a key driver of economic growth and business development in the North Country, is thrilled to announce plans to construct a new childcare facility to be sited in the heart of Air Industrial Park, supported with a $1 million grant awarded by the Northern Border Regional Commission. The building, design plans for which are underway, will offer an estimated 150 childcare slots to be operated by a New York State-certified and registered childcare operator. 

“This award is a momentous step forward for local employers and residents, and its development is a demonstration of TDC’s unwavering commitment to executing our mission of attracting and retaining quality jobs and investments in the region,” said Danielle King, President and CEO of TDC. “For 65 years, TDC has played a critical role in the success of the greater Plattsburgh area as a private non-profit commercial real estate developer, investing strategically and intentionally to attract, retain, and expand opportunities for employment and career growth in our community.”

The project will be built in one of the region’s most employment-rich areas, where the need for quality childcare is felt most acutely. Read more »

Town Supervisor, Craig Randall is calling a Special Meeting for Monday June 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm.  This meeting is to be held to authorize an agreement to upgrade a Wastewater Holding Tank and Pump discharging into the Valcour Sewer System.

Pamela Barber

Confidential Secretary to the Board

By John T Ryan 

Earlier this month, Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that reckless electric bike riders damaged the walking trail. At the Monday, June 8, board meeting, resident Matt Leclair said the riders are typically 11 to 15 years old and asked the board to find a space on town property where they could ride and have fun. Town Supervisor Craig Randall said the board has been discussing the issue. The town owns property north of the walking trail; however, as Councilman Rick Barber pointed the purchase agreement included a prohibition on motorized vehicles. Barber suggested that the former owners, John and Penny Clute, might agree to an amendment permitting electric bikes. Supervisor Randall said he will look into that possibility and check on any insurance impact. The goal is to keep the bikes off the streets and the walking trail, and have them in a safe environment.

Walking Trail perimeter damage

The board then recognized retired Peru Central science teacher Lincoln Sunderland for his work preserving Peru history. Town Historian Helen Nerska said, “We intimated his recognition when, in the historian’s office, we kept referring back to this book – which we began respectfully calling our Peru History bible.” Sunderland has written at least three books compiling Peru’s history.  

L-R Lincoln Sunderland, Town Supervisor Craig Randall (Beverly Sunderland Bortnick photo)

The board also heard from former New York State Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, who used the occasion to recognize Sunderland for his role as president of the leadership group that founded Apple Valley Senior Housing. Duprey said, “We couldn’t have done it without you.” The “We” included Janet Duprey, James Hutchinson, Curtis Shipman and Sunderland. They held their first meeting in 1977, and the beautiful facility opened in 1980. Follow this link to the complete story on these presentations.

The board heard from Engineer Mark Decrescente regarding Engineering Ventures’ design plans for the new Westcott Road bridge, which services four homes on the dead-end road. Engineering Ventures recommends installing a pre-engineered bridge adjacent to the existing bridge. Traffic would continue during construction, and site development costs would be kept to a minimum. Responding to questions from Counselors Kregg Bruno and Melvin Irwin, Nummelin informed the board the new bridge would safely accommodate heavy vehicles logging trucks, although he said he would double-check. He left a packet with the board with project details and anticipated construction costs. He said it take the bridge company about 90 days to fabricate the bridge. 

The board accepted Casella Waste Systems’ proposal to serve as the town’s food waste recycling program vendor for one year. Casella has been conducting a successful trial program and has the capability to store, compost, and process the waste. Supervisor Craig said River Valley Regeneratives LLC also submitted a good proposal. 

The board heard from Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell, who attended a training meeting in Ithaca last week. He said he heard horror stories of state and federal agencies taking many months to approve projects while costs escalated by millions of dollars. He said, “This is the problem with this whole system.” 

Finally, AES Northeast and Barton & Loguidice, the consulting engineers for the wastewater and water treatment plant projects, reported that both projects are on schedule and proceeding smoothly. Contractors discovered that the roof on the existing wastewater treatment building needs to be replaced, so there will be unanticipated expenses.  

The board approved payments to contractors for the wastewater treatment plant project: Murnane Building Contractors, John W. Danforth, K&L Plumbing, and Triangle Electric. 

Historian Helen Nerska, Recreation Director Kristen Marino, Highway Superintendent Farrell, and Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis also gave brief reports. 

Correction made on June 15 at 10:55 AM. The Engineering Ventures engineer was Mark Decrescente, not Marc Nummelin, E.I. T. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette meeting video. 

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday May 28, 2026 at the Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Richard Barber, Jr., Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk. Also present was ; Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent. Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Ms. Kristen Marino, Recreation Director were excused. Absent were Mr. Tyler Jarvis, DeputyHighway Superintendent; Ms. Helen Nerska, Historian, Mr. Duane Bibeau, Codes and Zoning Officer and Mr. T’chaka Sikelianos, Dog Control Officer.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting

of May 11, 2026.

Ayes 4, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the Special Meeting of May 22, 2026. Read more »

NYSEG $37.1 million project to bring added power to Town of Plattsburgh 

June 11, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce News – After securing PSC approval last year with strong support from the North Country Chamber and our partners, the major electricity capacity upgrade at Kent Falls is proceeding on schedule. When fully completed in the first quarter of 2029, the $37.1 million project will bring 30 MW of added power availability in the Town of Plattsburgh, supporting economic growth in the years ahead.

Conceptual engineering has been completed and detailed engineering and procurement are underway, placing the project at an estimated 15-20% completion state. We again thank NYSEG, the PSC and Governor Kathy Hochul for moving this crucial power project forward, as well as our partners at the Town, TDC, Clinton County IDA and Empire State Development along with Assemblyman Michael Cashman for their continued support.

Albany, June 11, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that funding is available from the new $10 million New York Providing Local Access to Essential Sustenance (NY PLATES) capital grant program. Governor Hochul secured this funding in the FY 2026-27 Enacted Budget to support food banks and other organizations that provide emergency food assistance in building the modern facilities, equipment, and infrastructure needed to serve more families across the state. NY PLATES will offer competitive capital grants to eligible Food Banks, Emergency Food Programs, and municipalities providing food relief services within New York’s 10 regional food bank territories. Eligible uses include capital costs related to, but not limited to, the design, construction or renovation of eligible program locations as well as for the purchase of equipment such as cold storage, freezers, and food transport vehicles. These investments will increase the capacity of critical food assistance organizations and enable them to safely store, transport, and distribute food to more New Yorkers in need.

“Food banks and pantries across New York are working around the clock to make sure no family goes hungry, and they deserve the facilities and equipment to do that work effectively,” Governor Hochul said. “With NY PLATES, we are making a direct investment in the infrastructure of hunger relief – expanding capacity, modernizing operations, and standing up for New Yorkers at a time when the federal government is turning its back on critical nutrition programs. This funding will help ensure that no community is left behind.”

As part of Governor Hochul’s FY 2026-2027 Enacted Budget and State of the State proposals, NY PLATES provides capital grant funding to design, construct, or reconstruct facilities, make major renovations and infrastructure improvements, and purchase essential equipment such as refrigeration units and food transport vehicles. The Request for Applications (RFA) for NY PLATES has been posted at dasny.org.

The application period for the NY PLATES capital grant program will open on July 8, 2026, and applications must be submitted by August 20, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than October 20, 2026. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of project need, impact, and viability. Not-for-profit entities must receive approved prequalification status in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to the submission of their application and must remain prequalified through the execution of the Grant Disbursement Agreement and payment of all requisitions.

Minutes: Planning Board Meeting

Wednesday, May 13^th, 2026 

Call to Order at 6:02 PM

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of April, 2026 Minutes

Comments: Garrett Mastic, Chair, shared with the Board the minutes from the last meeting. 

Mr. Mastic asked if the other Board Members had any changes, correction, deletions or additions. The Board Members did not have any suggestions on this matter.  

Motion: Peter Stone, Vice Chair, made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Robert LePage and the motion carried with 7 votes.

Roll Call: Garret Mastic, Chair – Y; Peter Stone, Vice Chair – Y; Daniel Hamilton – Y; Mark Hamilton – Y; Robert LePage – Y; Jerry McGovern – Y; Patrick McFarlin – Y   Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Plattsburgh, NY, June 11, 2026 – Today’s Plattsburgh Press-Republican reports that 30 UVM Health Network positions are being cut in Clinton and Franklin Counties. The Blood Donor Center’s responsibilities are being transferred to the American Red Cross. The PR has an in-depth story on the cutbacks.

Overall,  the UVM Health Network is eliminating 142 positions.  Click here for a vtdigger story posted on June 10, 2026. 

Almost 100 workers to lose jobs 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the NCPR story