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The Town of Peru Highway Department announces that Garrow & sons will be closing Lyons Road between Rock Road and South Junction Road on Tuesday, July 21st until aprox Monday, September 21st, 2026 for a large box culvert project.
There will be NO threw traffic including emergency vehicles during the closure.
When traveling on Rock Road going North on Lyons Road you can access the road up to house # 225.
When traveling from South Junction Road traveling South on Lyons Road you can access up to house #232
Former Peru Central School teacher Janet Kokoszka passed away on March 27, 2026. Janet’s caregivers are conducting a celebration of her life on Sunday, July 26 at 1 p.m. at 863 Route 374 in Cadyville. Friends and family members are invited to share stories and pictures of Janet’s life. For more information, contact Nancy Taylor at 518-578-3062.
L-R Omar Myres, Shane Miller, Franklin Johnson, Alphonso Merchant, Stephen Grant, O Wayne Dunkley, Jayvion Francis, Wayne Bonnick, Front Row – Miguel Hutchinson
L-R Seth Forrence, Seth’s son Mason, Alphonso Merchant, Mason Forrence.
By John T Ryan
Peru, NY, July 20, 2026 – When people think of Peru, they often think of its beautiful orchards and the Jamaican men who work in the orchards and shop in local businesses. One of these men knows Peru better than perhaps any of the others. Alphonso Merchant has been working at Forrence Orchards for fifty years, first coming here in 1976 at age 22. He’s known four Forrence generations – Roger, Mason, Seth and now Seth’s son Mason. Seth Forrence, who manages the orchard today, was 6 months old when Merchant first arrived in Peru. Merchant has never worked at any other orchard. He said, “The Forrence farm is clean, and they treat people good.” He respects his boss, saying, “Seth is a good businessman. Little Mason is a good worker too.”
Merchant grew up on a farm north of Kingston, Jamaica, where bananas, corn, and coffee were the primary crops. In 1969, he moved to Kingston, which he calls home today. He recalls, “I came to Peru for the experience and for the money. This is a great opportunity for Jamaicans. I wish more would come to get the experience.”
The men Merchant works with value his presence. Franklin Johnson said, He’s willing to work, and he has a lot of experience. When we have questions we go to him. He’s a good guy.” Wayne Bonnick added, “He teaches us a lot.”
Even though Alphonso leads the Jamaican men in seniority, he doesn’t want any special treatment. He stated, “I’ve said ‘no’ to any special treatment. I love what I’m doing. We work together. Nobody’s better than anyone else.”
Merchant has a family. He married in 2003 and has two adult stepchildren. His wife lives in New York City. In December, they return to Jamaica for two months to visit family and friends. Nine years ago, he became a United States citizen, so he has options when he retires, though he says he hasn’t considered retiring. “I have a regular paycheck. Not doing anything would be boring.”
Alphonso Merchant is one of 30 Jamaicans who arrived at Forrence Orchards in March. Currently, they’re cutting branches and leaves that shield apples from sunlight, which is vital for growing red apples. When harvest time arrives in late August and early September, 164 more Jamaican men will arrive at Forrence Orchards. Will any of those men ever top Alphonso’s 50 years?
Patients praise Christina Rumyantseva’s compassion, advocacy and care
Plattsburgh, NY, July 20, 2026 – A hospital stay can be frightening. Patients are often in pain, worried about what comes next and far from the comfort of home.
For many patients on R6 at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Christina Rumyantseva, RN, helps ease those fears.
Colleagues say that with a calm presence and a listening ear, Rumyantseva has earned a reputation for making patients feel safe, supported and understood during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether she is helping a patient navigate a new diagnosis, answering questions late in a shift or simply sitting at the bedside to listen, she approaches every interaction with the same goal: treating people with dignity and compassion.
“Among the many dedicated nurses on our unit, Christina stands out as someone who truly embodies the spirit and purpose of nursing,” says Erica Brooks, RN, nurse manager of R6. “Patients, families and staff repeatedly mention her when they talk about care that goes above and beyond.”
For more than nine years, Rumyantseva has cared for patients on the medical-surgical unit. Colleagues know her as someone who arrives early, prepares thoroughly and never stops looking for ways to improve a patient’s experience.
Brooks says consistency is one of the qualities that defines Rumyantseva’s approach to nursing.
“Her peers often describe her as someone who is always working,” Brooks said. “That isn’t because she stays busy. It’s because she feels deeply responsible for every patient entrusted to her care.”
One patient, who has spent years receiving medical care for chronic health issues, offered praise that left a lasting impression.
“Christina Rumyantseva was the best nurse I’ve ever had – truly,” the patient wrote in a survey she was sent following her care. “I’ve been going to hospitals due to my health problems since I was 12, seeing doctors nearly weekly. Words cannot describe how much she helped me emotionally the first few days.”
For Brooks, feedback like that is not unusual.
“Her patients feel seen and valued,” Brooks says. “She forms genuine connections during moments of fear, pain and uncertainty. She doesn’t just care for their medical needs. She cares for the person.”
She adds that Rumyantseva serves as a steady presence for her colleagues, leading by example, supporting teamwork and willingly sharing her knowledge with others.
Honoring an Extraordinary Nurse Because of her extraordinary commitment to patients and the nursing profession, Rumyantseva was recently recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. She received the honor during a surprise ceremony attended by colleagues and hospital leaders. During the award presentation, Rumyantseva received a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse. Like all honorees, she also received a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-cared by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Read more »
Several of Noah’s works are on display today at the Old Stone Mill including his Ausable Point painting.
By John T Ryan
Keeseville, July 17, 2026 – Congratulations to Noah Bonesteel for winning the 3rd Place Plein Artist Award at Keeseville’s Community Arts Festival. Earlier this week, the Peru Gazette photographed Noah painting a Lake Champlain scene at Ausable Point. Later, he moved to Wickham Marsh in Port Kent, where he incorporated the marsh’s mystery and beauty, along with his talents, into his winning painting.
One of Noah Bonesteel’s other works brightens the Peru Free Library entrance room. The library featured Noah’s works at an exhibition. A patron bought the painting and donated it to the library.
Noah Bonesteel is a 2025 SUNY Plattsburgh Fine Arts graduate who works at the Strand Center for the Arts.
Forty artists from all over the Northeast submitted many paintings in the Plein Air competition. Their artistry is on display and for sale today (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at the Old Stone Mill, 126 Ausable St. in Keeseville.
On Oct. 24 and 25, Fort Ticonderoga’s penultimate Signature Reenactment of 2026, “Hold the Line for Liberty” will dramatically recreate one of the greatest Continental Army victories of 1776
Albany, July 16, 2026 – State tax receipts totaled $37.2 billion through the first quarter of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027, $2.4 billion higher than Division of the Budget (DOB) estimated in the SFY 2027 Enacted Budget Financial Plan. State tax collections were also $4 billion higher than the first quarter of 2025, according to the monthly state cash report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
“Tax collections for the state were higher than projected, primarily reflecting strong business tax collections,” DiNapoli said. “However, caution is warranted as geopolitical conflicts and changing trade policies have contributed to higher inflation, financial market volatility, and slowing employment growth.”
Personal income tax (PIT) receipts totaled $20.9 billion and were $654.2 million above DOB’s financial plan projections through the first quarter. However, PIT receipts were $1.7 billion higher than the same period in SFY 2026, reflecting, in part, the 6.5% increase in collections from the settlement of the 2025 tax year.
Business taxes, which include collections from the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), totaled $9.4 billion, $1.9 billion higher than through June in the prior fiscal year and $1.6 billion higher than DOB’s financial plan projections. This reflects an increase in corporate franchise tax and PTET collections of 34.7% and 23.7%, respectively over last year. Read more »
L-R Ron Deragon, legislator, Peru’s Lauren Davey, Beekmantown’s Loghan Strickland, Mark Henry Chairman, Mark Lavigne Ex Director MEGA, Kim Kinblom deputy county administrator and MEGA board member. Photo provided
CLINTON COUNTY, NY, July 16, 2026 – – The Clinton County Legislature is proud to announce that outstanding students from the Peru Central School District and Beekmantown Central School District have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA) Member Scholarship. Peru’s Lauren Davey and Beekmantown’s Loghan Strickland have each received $3,000 toward their college freshman year expenses.
MEGA is a non-profit local development corporation that provides stable, competitively priced energy supply to local governments and school districts across New York State. This is the second year of the annual MEGA Member Scholarship, which supports graduating high school seniors from member communities who demonstrate academic achievement and plan to pursue studies in STEM or public policy at a college or university in New York State.
“The Clinton County Legislature is proud to celebrate Loghan Strickland’s selection as a recipient of the 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship,” said The Honorable Mark R. Henry (Area 3-R, Chazy). “Loghan’s hard work, academic achievements, and commitment to his future have earned him this recognition among students from across New York State. Scholarships like this help open doors for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and public servants, and we look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the years ahead.”
MEGA received several outstanding applications from across New York State, reflecting the strong talent, ambition, and community-minded spirit of students in its member municipalities and school districts.
After reviewing applications from across its 250 member communities and school districts, MEGA selected Lauren Davey and Loghan Strickland as two of the 2026 scholarship recipients. Their achievements, dedication, and future aspirations reflect MEGA’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in energy, innovation, and public service.
“I am honored to recognize Lauren Davey for earning this prestigious scholarship and for representing our community so well,” said The Honorable Ron E. Deragon, Jr. (Area 8-D, Plattsburgh). “Lauren’s dedication to her studies and her future aspirations exemplify the talent and determination we see in so many of our young people here in Clinton County. Congratulations to Lauren and to all of the scholarship recipients on this outstanding achievement.”
“On behalf of MEGA, I congratulate Lauren and Loghan on this well-deserved recognition,” said Mark LaVigne, MEGA Executive Director. “Their dedication to their educational pursuits is inspiring, and we wish them the very best as they continue their studies and work toward a brighter future for New York State.
Town of Keene Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On July 7 at 1 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker who suffered a broken arm on Mount Marcy. New York State Police pilot Beck flew Forest Rangers Rooney and Sabo to the hiker’s location. Ranger Sabo lowered Ranger Rooney onto the mountain. Ranger Rooney splinted the subject’s arm and harnessed them for extraction. Ranger Sabo hoisted the 61-year-old from Nyack into the helicopter and pilot Beck flew them to the hospital. Ranger Rooney hiked out with the remaining members of the subject’s party. Resources were clear at 8 p.m.
Mount Marcy rescue
Mount Marcy rescue
Town of Keene Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On July 8 at 11:30 a.m., Forest Ranger Rooney responded to a call for a hiker with a shoulder injury approximately half a mile from the summit of Upper Wolfjaw Mountain. The hiker indicated a friend was helping on a steep step and pulled the arm and felt their shoulder pop out. The hiker and their party continued hiking to Johns Brook Lodge. Rangers Ezumah and Rooney met the hiker there, treated the shoulder injury, and put the arm in a sling. Rangers escorted the hiking party to the trailhead. The hiker indicated they would seek medical attention on their own. Resources were clear at 3:45 p.m.
Town of Hunter Greene County Rescue: On July 8 at 7 p.m., Greene County requested Forest Ranger assistance with a swimmer and a dog stranded below Fawn’s Leap. The dog went over the edge and was stuck on the other side of the stream. A 29-year-old from Poughkeepsie tried to rescue the dog but also got stuck. Rangers Horn and Jackson assisted the Ulster County Sheriff’s Dive/Swift Water Rescue Team, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens and Hudson Fire Departments, and Twin Cloves Technical Rope Rescue Team with a high-angle rope rescue. Rangers provided a personal flotation device to the swimmer as a rescuer was lowered to attach a harness to the swimmer and the dog. Rescuers raised the swimmer and dog to the top of Fawn’s Leap, where they were assisted across a calmer section of the stream. Resources were clear at 9:15 p.m.
This occurred in a restricted area with warning signage. DEC reminds hikers to follow signs and avoid dangerous locations.
Fawn’s Leap rescue
Fawn’s Leap rescue
Town of Lysander Onondaga County Law Enforcement: On July 9, while on patrol in Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area, Forest Ranger Chappell heard and then observed two people riding electric bikes on the property. Ranger Chappell stopped the two 15-year-old riders. Electric bikes cannot be operated on roads with posted speed limits over 30 miles per hour, are prohibited in any State Wildlife Management Area, and are illegal for anyone under age 16. Ranger Chappell issued the teens a warning and contacted their parents to safely pick up the bikes and their children. Read more »
The Keeseville Community Arts Festival takes place Friday and Saturday, July 17 and 18. There is a long list of community activities, including a clay-bird workshop, a book talk and poetry writing, a paint party and paint workshop, and the Plein Air show and opening reception.
Noah Bonesteel and Mary Freida are two of those artists. This morning, they were working at Ausable Point overlooking Lake Champlain, which so many of us love. Noah Bonesteel is a SUNY Plattsburgh art major and graduate who lives in Saranac Lake. Mary Freida is a longtime plein air participant who lives in the Finger Lakes Region. Both artists used their imaginations this morning when the sun wasn’t visible as forecast.
Friday, at 2:30 p.m., Plein Air judging begins. From 5 to 8 p.m., There’s a public reception and award announcements at the beautiful Stone Mill, 126 Ausable St. The artwork show takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the paintings, including those by Noah and Mary, will be offered for sale at reasonable prices at the reception and the show.
If you’ve never visited the Stone Mill, that alone is reason to go. It’s a very beautiful building on the banks of the great Ausable River.
(PLATTSBURGH- July 15, 2026) – The City of Plattsburgh is excited to announce the return of its popular Movie Night series, bringing free family-friendly entertainment to parks across the city throughout the summer and fall. Last October was the first movie night held at Macdonough Park. Given the success and engagement from the community, the City has decided to plan 3 movie nights in 2026 for all to enjoy.
The first Movie Night of the season will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, on the Plattsburgh City Beach Lawn, featuring a screening of Zootopia 2. The movie was selected through a community vote, giving residents the opportunity to help choose the film shown on the big screen.
Movie Nights are scheduled for:
8PM Friday, July 17, 2026 at the City Beach Lawn
8PM Friday, August 7, 2026 at the MacDonough Park Bandshell
7PM Friday, October 9, 2026 at the Melissa Penfield Football Field
The movies for the August and October screenings will also be selected by the community. Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Plattsburgh’s social media pages and visit the City’s community engagement platform,
My.CityofPlattsburgh-NY.gov, for upcoming movie voting opportunities.
Patients praise Christina Rumyantseva’s compassion, advocacy and care
Albany, July 16, 2026 – State tax receipts totaled $37.2 billion through the first quarter of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027, $2.4 billion higher than Division of the Budget (DOB) estimated in the SFY 2027 Enacted Budget Financial Plan. State tax collections were also $4 billion higher than the first quarter of 2025, according to the 
