The Peru Gazette

Family and friends gathered to remember the fascinating photographer Nathan Farb who died in March. 

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“Five state troopers assigned to Troop B in the North Country have been suspended since July…”

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By the end of next year, New York could pay over $1 billion a year to keep SNAP running.

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Peru, August 25, 2026 – Three cheers to Addison Caron for picking up trash that appeared to have fallen off someone’s vehicle at the corner of Barney Downs Road and Old Town Road. Addison saw the trash while riding by with her mom. She returned of her own initiative to pick it up. Addison is in Peru High School’s Junior Class. Thank you, Addison, for setting a great example!

Peru Gazette File photo

Investment To Help Clinton County Transform a Major Public Asset, Support Workforce Housing and Protect Its Long-Term Fiscal Health

August 21, 2026 – CLINTON COUNTY, NY – Clinton County has been awarded $1 million through New York State’s County Infrastructure Grant Program to advance the redevelopment of the former Clinton Community College campus.

Announced today by Governor Kathy Hochul, the funding will support the planning, design and construction of essential water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, along with roadway improvements needed to make portions of the property development-ready. The improvements are expected to support a proposed 96-unit workforce housing development while laying the groundwork for additional investment across the campus.

The award represents an important step in the County’s effort to transition the property from a publicly maintained campus into a productive, mixed-use asset. Preparing the site for redevelopment will help reduce the risk that the property becomes a long-term financial burden while creating opportunities for housing, private investment, job creation and an expanded tax base.

“Since Clinton Community College relocated, the County has been responsible for maintaining a large and complex property while working to determine its best future use,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy). “Our goal is to ensure the campus does not become a long-term expense for taxpayers. This $1 million award helps us begin converting the property from a County obligation into an asset that can support housing, private investment and new tax revenue.” Read more »

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of August 10, 2026 and Special Meeting of August 14, 2026. 

5. Community Input. 

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive No: P-CD.03 from J. W. Danforth Company. 

7. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #13 for Peru WWTP Project. 

8. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #13 for Peru WWTP  Project.

9. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of K & L Plumbing & Heating Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP        Project

10.  RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Money Transfer from General Savings to Pay H33 Project Bill

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval 2027-2029 Contractor Agreement with Clinton County Assessment Services.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Memo of Understanding with Clinton County for WIC Clinic Services.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Money Transfer from Water Debt Service to Pay H34 

                          Water Project Bill.

14. DISCUSSION: AES Northeast Peru Wastewater Treatment Plant Progress Meeting Notes.

15. DISCUSSION: Barton & Loguidice Water System Improvement Monthly Project Update.
16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Councilmen

17. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads 

18. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

19. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – August 2026

20. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

21. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

22. MOTION:  Adjourn Meeting.

Must Make a Reservation. Click here to Register. 

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TOWN OF PERU 

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of August 2026 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC HEARING
6. APPLICATIONS:
   1. File # P-2026-009 – Minor 2-Lot Subdivision – Parcel ID# 278.-1-2.7 – 292/384 Patent Rd. – Chip & Stephanie Blair – SEEKING TO DEVELOP A 2.789 ACRE PARCEL AT THE CORNER OF PATENT ROAD AND MANNIX ROAD FOR A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING. **CONTINGENT ON APA APPROVAL**
7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
8. CEO REPORT for August 2026
9. ADJOURNMENT

“The life of a paramedic is hectic to say the least, but amidst the chaos of it all, Cushing has found his passion in helping others.”

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Read more »

Additional $50 Million for Third Round Included in FY 2027 Budget

August 20, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $38 million has been awarded to 49 projects across New York State through the County Infrastructure Grant Program. First launched in November 2024 and administered by Empire State Development, the program provides grants to support small- and medium-sized county-led infrastructure projects. To date, more than $74 million has been awarded to nearly 100 projects throughout the state. Modern infrastructure directly impacts New York State’s economic vitality, and the County Infrastructure Grant Program helps the state remain competitive and generate new economic growth, while supporting Governor Hochul’s bold housing agenda.

The North Country was awarded more than $3.7 million for six projects:

• Clinton County – $1 million: City of Plattsburgh – This project involves the redevelopment of the former Clinton Community College site. Funding will be used to plan, design, and construct essential water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, as well as to implement road improvements required to make these parcels development ready for 96 units of planned workforce housing. Enhancements will improve access to the site while addressing aging utilities, limited sanitary capacity, low water pressure, stormwater constraints, and inadequate internal circulation that currently prevent redevelopment. Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry said, “This $1 million award is an important step toward transforming the former Clinton Community College property into a productive community asset. The County has been deliberate in planning for the future of this site, and this investment will help us address the infrastructure challenges that must be overcome to support much-needed workforce housing and broader redevelopment. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for recognizing the potential of this property and investing in Clinton County’s future.”

  Clinton County IDA Executive Director Molly Ryan said, “The CCIDA funded the feasibility study because we understood that realizing the full potential of this property would require a thoughtful, realistic plan supported by further analysis and investment. This award demonstrates the value of doing that work. By beginning to address the site’s water, sewer, stormwater and transportation infrastructure, we can move the property closer to development readiness and create opportunities for workforce housing, private investment and long-term economic growth.”

• Essex County – $246,701: Town of Ticonderoga – Program funding will be used to upgrade sewer and stormwater systems on Champlain Avenue and McCormick Street to meet Department of Environmental Conservation standards. These infrastructure improvements will stop wastewater treatment plant overflows and expand the sewer district, directly paving the way for 60 new multi-family homes at Fireman’s Field Apartments. 
• Franklin County – $500,000: Town of Malone – Funding will be used to modernize the Franklin County Emergency Services’ infrastructure by replacing outdated radio equipment at the Reynoldson, Mount Pisgah, and Mount Morris sites. This project will eliminate Canadian signal interference and radio frequency overlaps, enhance response times, and ensure a reliable communication grid for public safety.
• Jefferson County – $1 million: Village of Clayton – This project involves the design and construction of vital utility extensions intended to support the development of up to 20 new workforce housing units. This grant directly finances the expansion of approximately 1,000 linear feet of municipal water and wastewater lines to the residential site. Funding will be used for engineering, heavy site preparation, grading, stormwater management systems, and a dedicated municipal access road essential to making the parcel build ready.
• Lewis County – $500,000: Village of Port Leyden – This project targets extensive civil work along West Main Street and Elm Street. Funding will be used for comprehensive roadway reconstruction, sidewalk replacement, and the installation of a brand-new storm drainage system. By layering these surface and drainage improvements directly over the freshly completed waterway installation, the county eliminates duplicate excavation and mobilization costs. This synchronized approach dramatically lowers deployment costs and protects the long-term structural integrity of the newly laid pavement. These enhancements will modernize Port Leyden’s urban corridor through enhanced drainage, dedicated walkways, and improved vehicle lanes, reinforcing the village’s commercial zone and providing a durable foundation for surrounding private investments.
• St. Lawrence – $500,000: City of Ogdensburg – This project includes the construction of a new, heavy-duty covered pavilion and a centrally located, ADA-compliant restroom facility at Morrisette Park. These additions will directly resolve longstanding structural deficiencies at one of the city’s most heavily frequented recreational assets. Enhancements will address the park’s severe utility and facility gaps by establishing a permanent, weather-protected gathering space and modern sanitation infrastructure allowing for ease of access by seniors and individuals with mobility limitations. This civil project transforms the park into a fully inclusive, accessible hub for all visitors. This structural investment secures the park’s capacity to host large-scale community events and long-term waterfront recreation.

August 20 at 9 p.m.  – Story updated to include statements by Mark Henry and Molly Ryan 

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“Out of its population of 50 to 60 international students, SUNY Canton lost 12 last academic year due to changes in immigration policy.”

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Candidate News Release of August 19, 2026 

CLINTON COUNTY, N.Y. — Brent Davison, Republican candidate for Clinton County Sheriff, is continuing his campaign focused on bringing experienced, professional leadership to the Sheriff’s Office while strengthening public safety, restoring trust and accountability, supporting employees, ensuring the safe custody of incarcerated individuals, and leading with integrity.

Davison brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience and a lifetime of public service to the race. His background includes 20 years of service in the United States Army, service with the New York State Department of Corrections, and 29 years with the New York State Police.

Davison retired from the State Police at the rank of Major after serving as Troop B Commander, where he was responsible for operations across much of the North Country and approximately 420 personnel. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

“My campaign is about providing the people of Clinton County with experienced, accountable and professional leadership,” Davison said. “The Sheriff’s Office belongs to the people we serve. They deserve an office that protects their communities, respects constitutional rights, supports its employees and holds itself to the highest professional standards.”

Davison’s campaign is centered on a Five-Point Plan for the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office:

1. Public Safety

Public safety will remain the first and most important responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.

Davison’s plan emphasizes proactive and visible patrols, traffic and school safety, community education, marine patrols, and strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. He also supports community education addressing drugs, alcohol, vaping, internet crimes, online predators and scams.

“Public safety and constitutional rights are not competing priorities,” Davison said. “Good law enforcement protects both.”

2. Restoring Trust and Accountability

Davison believes trust must exist between the Sheriff’s Office and the public as well as within the organization.

His administration would emphasize transparency, accountability and leadership that remains present and engaged throughout the entire term.

“There must be accountability at every level,” Davison said. “Employees deserve a professional workplace where they are treated with dignity and respect, and the public deserves confidence that problems will be addressed.”

Davison has pledged that sexual harassment, threats, retaliation and other conduct that harms employees or undermines public trust will not be tolerated.

3. Supporting Deputies, Corrections, Medical and Civilian Staff

Davison’s plan calls for ensuring deputies, corrections officers, medical personnel, civil employees and other staff have the training, resources, leadership and support necessary to safely and effectively perform their duties.

“Taking care of the people who serve our community is essential to public safety,” Davison said. “Good employees deserve good leadership, the proper tools to do their jobs and an administration that supports them while maintaining high professional standards.”

4. Safe Custody of Incarcerated Individuals

The Sheriff has a significant responsibility for the safety and security of individuals housed in the Clinton County Jail.

Davison’s plan emphasizes safety, professionalism, appropriate medical care, proper supervision, training and accountability within the correctional environment.

“People who are incarcerated are in the custody of the Sheriff, and that carries an enormous responsibility,” Davison said. “They must be managed safely, securely, professionally and humanely while maintaining the security necessary to protect staff, incarcerated individuals and the public.”

5. Professional Leadership and Ethics

Davison’s final point centers on integrity-based leadership and the belief that every division of the Sheriff’s Office plays an essential role.

“Patrol, Corrections and Civil perform different functions, but every one of them is necessary to accomplish the mission,” Davison said. “As Sheriff, I will treat each division equally and lead the entire organization.”

Davison said his approach to leadership was shaped by decades of military and law enforcement service and by leading people from first-line supervision through regional command.

“Leadership is not a title. It is a responsibility,” Davison said. “It means setting the example, making difficult decisions, giving your people credit when things go right and accepting responsibility when they do not.”

Davison said his candidacy represents a continuation of a lifetime devoted to public service.

“I have worn a uniform since I was 17 years old,” Davison said. “From the military, to corrections, to nearly three decades with the New York State Police, my life has been centered around service. I believe that experience has prepared me to lead the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.”

“My commitment is simple: public safety within the boundaries of the Constitution, professional leadership, accountability to the people, and an unwavering commitment to serve all of Clinton County.”

Experience. Integrity. Leadership. Accountability.

Brent Davison for Clinton County Sheriff

Click here to view the Calvin Castine Home Town Cable Video