The Peru Gazette

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Program Increases Cap From $250 to $5,000 After Successful First Year

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today he is returning even more lost money to New Yorkers through his fast-track program and is raising the payment cap from $250 to up to $5,000.

“Speeding up the return of lost money is priority of mine, and my office worked with the State Legislature in 2024 to create a way to fast-track money to people,” DiNapoli said. “After a successful first year, we are increasing the threshold up to $5,000. In these challenging economic times, every little bit helps as the cost of gas, groceries and everyday essentials rise.”

Launched by DiNapoli in January 2025, the Expedited Payment Program has increased the speed and scale at which the State Comptroller’s office can return certain unclaimed funds, while ensuring such funds go to their rightful and verified owners. Over 210,000 expedited checks have been issued so far, totaling $48 million, with an average payment of $229. DiNapoli now returns on average over $2 million in unclaimed funds each day.

Unclaimed funds are turned over to the State Comptroller’s office and can include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance refunds, utility deposits, stock certificates or unused gift cards. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits, religious institutions, schools or municipalities could have unclaimed funds.

The law provides the State Comptroller’s office with the discretion to increase the amount that can be returned without the filing of a formal claim, contingent upon rigorous verification of rightful ownership.

Before a check is issued, the State Comptroller’s office sends a notification letter to let recipients know a check is coming, followed by the check itself. Recipients are encouraged to open the letter and cash the check promptly. If anyone is unsure about a check received in the mail, they can verify it by entering the Claim ID at: osc.ny.gov/verify. There is never a fee to collect or search for unclaimed funds when claimed through the Comptroller’s office, and the accounts never expire.

Not all unclaimed funds qualify for expedited payment, such as estate claims. Individuals and organizations can search for and claim their funds at any time:

• Online: osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds
• By phone: (800) 221-9311, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• In person: at outreach events held across the state

Peru Gazette August 20, 2020 file photo

This is the Town of Peru 2026 highway paving schedule established by the Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and the Peru Town Board.

Garrow Rd,

Mud Pond Rd. 

Donahue Rd.

River Rd. from the Donahue intersection to Calkins Rd.

Lapham Mills Rd. from just east of the intersection with Henri Sr. Drive and ending at I-87 overpass bridge

The Town of Peru announces the Department Workshop Dates as follows:
All times are at 4:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall.
May 5, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
July 7, 2026
August 4, 2026
September 1, 2026
October 4, 2026
November 3, 2026
December 1, 2026

Hochul’s counter would limit informal collusion with ICE only in civil matters.

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Hopes to fill gap left by closure of Y’s Bright Beginnings

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Albany, April 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new, decade-long survey effort designed to assess gambling behaviors of New Yorkers and evaluate where additional problem gambling-related services and supports may be needed. New Yorkers in all areas of the state will be contacted to promote participation in the surveys, the results of which will be used to inform enhancements and expansions to gambling services across New York. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is administering and overseeing the survey effort.

This 10-year study will target adults 18 years and older, and data collected will help OASAS understand trends and viewpoints associated with gambling harms, the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling disorder, and community awareness of risks associated with gambling. It will also assist in continued planning and implementation of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services within communities throughout New York. Questionnaire-based surveys as well as interviews and focus groups will be conducted through this initiative. More information about the survey effort can be viewed on the OASAS website. Read more »

February 2026 Minutes

March 2026 Minutes

Fire Commissioners were present to answer questions. Fire Dept. photo taken at the Gazette’s request.  The Gazette was present from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with a video camera ready to go 

Peru, NY – Only one fire district resident attended the Tuesday, April 28, Peru Fire Department Public Hearing on its plans to finance the fire station expansion. The man asked a few questions, then took a station tour. Several firefighters were present to answer questions.

Click here for the April 17 Peru Gazette story with more details. 

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Last Saturday, April 25, Unitary America, alongside volunteers Garrett Monette, Colin Clancy, Elias Cross, Omar Fathi, Ethan Breen, and Dennis Ivanov, removed roughly 500 pounds of garbage from alongside Route 11 in Champlain, New York, with efforts concentrated at the Route 11-Interstate 87 intersection, and the surrounding areas. A significant part of the garbage was single-use plastics, food packaging, cardboard, alcohol containers, and a smaller quantity of environmentally-toxic chemicals, including antifreeze, motor oil, and hydraulic fluid. The group also removed a large, discarded electrical wire.

Certain chemicals, especially motor oil and antifreeze, are highly toxic if they are discarded  into the environment, and can pollute hundreds of thousands of gallons of groundwater alone. The plastics and food packaging can release countless microplastics, which have direct environmental and human health-related impacts. Said plastics can additionally release PFAS compounds, which have been linked to significant health risks. Some of the trash removed was embedded in layers of soil, or had degraded into smaller pieces of plastic. These efforts of “Cleaning up litter and dump sites like the one Garrett and his team found are incredibly important. In this case, the crew found numerous old, leaky jugs of hazardous materials like motor oil. Not only is it illegal to wrongfully dispose of those materials by dumping them on the ground, but even small volumes of automotive fluids can degrade water quality for downstream users,” cites Curt Gervich, a professor of environmental science at SUNY Plattsburgh. Garrett Monette, leader of Unitary America, states that “Unitary America is committed to helping improve the North Country’s environment, promote water quality, and help ensure that our communities are healthy. If we want to create a cleaner future, then we need to get involved in projects like this that have a real impact on our watershed, our towns, and our futures. Action, not words.”

Unitary America is holding another trash cleanup focusing again alongside the Saranac River, on Saturday, May 2nd, from 9:30 to 3:00, meeting by the footbridge at the end of George Angel Drive in Plattsburgh (at the junction with the Saranac River Trail). All community members and college students alike are welcome. The organization is also holding a mental health seminar Saturday, May 2nd, from 1:00-2:00, at Gem Goddess Emporium in Plattsburgh, held by a licensed therapist. The organization has surged to almost 160 registered supporters, with over 40 volunteers as of April 25th, allowing it to develop more programs and impact more communities. More information can be found at unitaryamerica.org.

#222#
COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS
SATURDAY, MAY 2
TRASH CLEANUP – Unitary America is hosting its second trash cleanup at the Thelma I Douglas Footbridge, at the end of George Angell Drive in Plattsburgh, New York, between 9:30 am. and 3:00 pm. Those who want to make a real impact on their environment, care about their community’s health, and want to encourage environmental stewardship, are encouraged to attend. For those with questions, please visit unitaryamerica.org, or send an email to contact@unitaryamerica.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 2
MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR – Unitary America is hosting its first mental health seminar as part of its Caring America program, designed to help raise awareness about mental health, promote knowledge of coping techniques, and provide ways for local community members to find the help they need. All those in need are welcome to come, free-of-charge, to the Gem Goddess Emporium, in Plattsburgh, NY, between 1:00-2:00 pm., on Saturday, May 2nd. For those with questions, please visit unitaryamerica.org, or send an email to contact@unitaryamerica.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 9
FOOD DRIVE – Unitary America is hosting another food drive, its first food drive outside of the immediate Plattsburgh area, on May 9th, at the Peru Free Library, between the hours of 11:00 am. and 1:00 pm., in Peru. All those who need food are welcome to come, while supplies last. Food at the drive has been sourced from local North Country businesses and supporters. For those with questions, please visit unitaryamerica.org, or send an email to contact@unitaryamerica.org.

Centennial event celebrates generations of care

Plattsburgh, NY – A special gathering for retirees of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) will take place Wednesday, May 13, from 10 am to noon in the CVPH Boardroom as part of CVPH’s Centennial Celebration.

Centennial Committee Chair Kent Faus said the committee hopes retirees will drop in to reconnect with former coworkers and colleagues, share stories, and reminisce. Light refreshments will be served.

“Our industry has changed dramatically over the past century, and we’ve grown and evolved with it thanks to the hard work and commitment of generations of employees who set high standards for the care of their North Country neighbors. Honoring those who came before us and carried the organization forward is an important part of our 100th Anniversary Celebration,” said CVPH President Michelle LeBeau who encouraged retirees to attend the event.

The gathering is part of CVPH’s year-long celebration to commemorate a century of caring at 75 Beekman Street. Other events include a reenactment of the 1972 transport of patients from Champlain Valley Hospital to CVPH Medical Center, a carnival on the hospital front lawn, and a celebration of Alice T. Miner’s birthday at the Miner Institute. Learn more at UVMHealth.org/CVPHCentennial.

Future retiree gatherings are planned for Wednesday, July 8, Wednesday, September 9, and Wednesday, November, from 10 am to noon in the Boardroom.

Eric Duquette – Peru Gazette file photo

Peru, NY –   At its April 27 meeting the Peru Town Board accepted Eric Duquette’s resignation from the board effective Wednesday, April 27. Duquette cited an increasingly busy professional and personal schedule and his inability to give the position the position the dedication it deserves as the reasons for his decision. The resolution stated that the board “sadly” accepted Duquette’s decision. Councilman Kregg reacted, stating, “It’s too bad that frivolous articles are being placed in front of him that kind of forced his hand to retire early. He made a great contribution to the town board, and the taxpayers will suffer not having him on here.” Councilman Melvin Irwin said,”The taxpayers will suffer a lot by not having his oversight and input on several projects. A case in point is the water-sewer project, where we’re considerably under budget.” Supervisor Craig Randall said Duquette’s knowledge and background have been extremely helpful. When it came time to accept the resignation, Councilman Nick Weaver voted, stating,  “Reluctantly yes.”  Voters elected Duquette to the office in November 2024. Later in the meeting, Councilman Kregg Bruno tried to introduce a motion to have former councilman Rick Barber fill in for Eric Duquette on the board.  Councilman Melvin Irwin told him to “wait.” (See the Peru Gazette video at the 17:28 mark for the resignation resolution.) 

As the Peru Gazette reported in its coverage of the board’s April 13 meeting, the town has ongoing Code Enforcement issues with Lake Champlain Transportation, DBA Lake Industries, related to its Valcour Island Marina (formerly known as Sung Harbor Marina), the former Mariner Restaurant and Bar, and a nearby campsite. After negotiations, the board reached an agreement with LCT to provide a path for LCT to achieve a timely opening while still complying with the Zoning Law. The agreement rescinded a cease-and-desist order and permits work on the properties to continue, provided LCT brings all outstanding issues into compliance. At tonight’s meeting, former Mariner Restaurant co-operator Teresa Larson asked who drafted the agreement between the town and LCT, and the authority under which the town is granting variances to LCT. Counselor Melvin Irwin said the town’s outside attorney drafted the agreement. Supervisor Randall said he could not answer the authority question. Town Attorney Matt Favro did not attend this meeting. (See Peru Gazette video between 1:48 and 3:53 for this exchange.)

Cory Trombley, owner of three apartments located between the marina and the campsite is concerned with multiple issues related to the town’s enforcement of its building codes and zoning law. He asked when the town or its attorney would respond to the Freedom of Information Act requests he filed 6 to 8 weeks ago regarding his issues. The board did not answer his question. (See Peru Gazette video between the 1:48 and 6:17 minute marks for Larson and Trombley’s remarks)

Other Issues and Department Reports

Councilman Kregg Bruno reported that he saw a near-collision on Route 22 at the entrance to the town’s disc golf course. One vehicle stopped suddenly, causing the two cars behind it to brake hard. He requested that signs be erected to mark the disc golf course entrance. Supervisor Randall said the issue will be investigated.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his staff is replacing a culvert on Mud Pond Road, servicing vehicles, and preparing for a major spring cleanup. He also said that the New York State Department of Labor has a new regulation requiring every contractor working for a town to register online. Farrell believes several contractors may not have applied yet or may not want to go through the hassle of getting one.

Historian Helen Allen reported that Peru’s America250 celebration officially began when she and Craig Randall unveiled an America250 banner on a utility pole in front of the town hall this afternoon. Allen said Peru’s many scheduled America250 events are listed on  the town’s website.

Supervisor Randall conducted an internal audit of Peru Town Court records on April 14. He and the court liaison, Councilman Melvin Irwin, said the records were in excellent condition.

The board approved these resolutions:

• Hiring Arnold Construction in an emergency for $4,350 to clean and inspect by camera the 8-inch main sewer line from Bear Swamp Road to Union Road.
• Transferring $14,800.90 from the debt service account to the Waste Water Treatment Plant to cover payments before receiving New York State grant funding.
• Awarding the portable toilet rental for town parks to Morrisonville Septic, LLC for the 2026 season at $780 per month. Morrisonville Septic submitted the lowest of the three bids.
• Purchasing a used 2015 light tower for emergency use by the highway and water/sewer/parks departments for $3,499. Taylor Rental offered the tower for auction.
• Paying claims, bills, and invoices totaling $1,483,228.39.

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of April 2026 minutes
OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC HEARING

APPLICATIONS:
File # P-2026-005 – Sign Review – Parcel ID# 258.-2-2.3 – 4016 Route 9 – Flip Flop on the Dock – Remove existing sign and build a new 5’X5’ sign on 8ft. posts to advertise for the restaurant, Flip Flop on the Dock.

File # P-2026-006 – Site Plan Review – Parcel ID# 257.-1-10.1 – William Hendrie at 16 Rockwell Rd. – Occupant seeks to operate a motor vehicle repair shop on the 3.54 acre property with a 2’X2’ sign attached to the garage.

ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
File # P-2026-004 – Site Plan Review – Parcel ID#s 290.-1-26.21 (& 302.-1-11) – Justin & Kristie Hugus at 741 Allen Hill Rd. – Owners propose to operate an archery training and practice facility as a major “Home Based Business” as defined in the Town of Peru Zoning Ordinance. Operations will include indoor instruction and outdoor target practice.

Patrick McFarlin – Position Change From Alternative to Full Time Board Member

CEO REPORT
ADJOURNMENT

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, May 18, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region. Your neighbors need your support.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates the blood drive.  

Ham 

Scalloped Potatoes 

Vegetable 

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!

Peru, NY, Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Livations Wines and Spirits is celebrating its 5th Anniversary today. Owners Scott Hite and Mary Ann Cayea are there to welcome you with 30% off wine and 5% of liquors. They are there until 5 p.m. Congratulations to Scott and Mary Ann and all the staff.

Click here to view the Peru Gazette’s 2021 Livations story

In the aftermath of the 30th Annual Conference on the Adirondacks, David Gibson reflects on what more the state could do for the region

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story