A free community news service for Peru, NY
Joshua Snide was sentenced to the maximum term for causing the death of Theresa Rinn
Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Social Issues.
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Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, City News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Veterans' News.
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Unions want state leaders to sweeten their retirement packages. What would it cost, and what would it achieve?
Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News, Statewide News.
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Governor moves to amend NY Climate Act as legislative leaders signal opposition to rollbacks
Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Environmental News, General News, National News, Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News.
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From grand hotels to mountain bike trails: The evolution of the Adirondacks’ new “hometown”
Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Arts and Entertainment, Business News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Opinion, Peru/Regional History, Recreation opportunities, Upstate New York.
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Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Education News, General News, National History, National News, Peru/Regional History, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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Sunday April 12th, 3pm. Doors open at 2:30pm, The Strand Theatre, 25 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh NY 12901.
TICKETS: http://strandcenter.vbotickets.com/event/hill_and_hollow_music_presents_kiran_ahluwalia/183585
EXPERIENCE KIRAN’S TINY DESK CONCERT HERE!Two-time JUNO (Canadian Grammy) winner Kiran Ahluwalia’s open-hearted vocals have established her as one of global music’s most compelling cross-pollinators. Her six-piece band is led by ace guitarist Rez Abbasi whose accolades include the Guggenheim Fellowship and frequent appearances on the Top Ten Guitarists of Downbeat’s International Critics Poll and is rounded out by drum kit, table accordion and organ.
Kiran and Rez are a real-life couple, one born in India, the other in Pakistan. Having grown up in the diaspora they crossed ethnic and religious lines between their two warring motherlands to forge a musical and life partnership. Together they craft songs that are equal parts reflective and groovy and bring together the disparate traditions of Indian music, West African Blues and Jazz. Three continents come together in these songs so organically that they sound like nothing else: ethereal, raw, urgent and elegant at the same time. Over the course of eight albums, Kiran’s work has featured collaborations with leading musicians from the Celtic and Fado worlds, as well as Malian supergroup Tinariwen. Her reworking of the classic Qawwali tune Mustt Mustt has amassed over 3 million views online and the inspiration that drove her to create it continues to inform her music today.
We look forward to seeing you on April 12th in the historic Strand Theatre. For more information on all the upcoming shows, please visit hillandhollowmusic.org.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.
Hill and Hollow Music proudly announce the appointment of Tom McNichols to the role of Executive Director, succeeding founder Angela Brown after 30 years. Weatherwatch Farm • 550 Number 37 Road • Saranac NY 12981. 917.435.0420 • tom@tommcnichols.com • www.hillandhollowmusic.org
Posted: March 25th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Arts and Entertainment, City News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Things to do in & near Peru.
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Click here for the IRS website that list federal tax certified tax preparers
Times-Union reports, “For starters, make sure to use a trustworthy tax preparer, one that was willing to sign their name on the tax return and provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Avoid tax preparers who charge a fee based on your refund amount or who promise they can get you a larger refund than anyone else. Don’t sign off on a blank tax return that has not been filled out, and make sure refund money is always directly deposited into your bank account — the IRS and Treasury have phased out of issuing paper checks. Lastly, ignore social media influencers who encourage you to falsify your tax returns.”
Posted: March 25th, 2026 under General News, Law Enforcement News, National News, Northern NY News.
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Posted: March 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Social Issues, Sports News, Statewide News.
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New York is now one of two U.S. states to approve a climate education requirement for students across the state
Posted: March 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Environmental News, General News, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Posted: March 24th, 2026 under Corruption in Gov't., Education News, Heathcare News, Law Enforcement News, National News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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District Attorneys, Sheriffs and Police Chiefs from Across New York State Support Governor’s Proposals Albany, NY , March 24, 2026 – Governor Hochul today was joined by district attorneys, county sheriffs and local police chiefs to highlight growing support among law enforcement for her proposals to strengthen New York’s nation-leading gun laws. Introduced as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, the proposed legislation would require guns sold in New York to be designed so they cannot be easily modified into illegal machine guns and would establish criminal penalties for the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms as well as the distribution of the digital code used to 3D print firearms. The proposed legislation would also create a working group to develop minimum safety standards for 3D printer manufacturers to block the production of firearms and firearm components and require police departments and sheriffs’ offices to report recoveries of all 3D printed guns to the state. These measures build on Governor Hochul’s efforts to get guns off the streets, reduce firearm deaths, and combat gun violence in New York State — efforts that are delivering historic results.
“When I became Governor, I promised to do whatever it took to confront the gun violence epidemic head on. By investing over $3 billion in public safety, doubling funding to combat gun violence, and strengthening our State’s gun laws, we’ve successfully taken on the iron pipeline in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Now, we’re going after the plastic pipeline. To address the rapidly growing threat of DIY machine guns and 3D-printed ghost guns, I am working to ensure our laws remain the strongest and safest in the nation.”
Cracking Down on DIY Machine Guns
Certain types of pistols can easily be converted into DIY machine guns using a small piece of plastic or metal commonly known as a “Glock switch.” Modified pistols equipped with these devices have become a weapon of choice for criminals and have been recovered or used in crimes across New York State, including in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, New York City, the Hudson Valley and Long Island. Between 2019 and 2023, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recovered 11,088 Glock switches. In that period, Glock switch recoveries increased by 784 percent with 5,816 recovered in 2023 alone.
Glock switches are currently illegal to possess under both federal and New York State law, but they are frequently obtained through illicit online purchases or produced using 3D printers at home. Their small size — approximating a Lego brick — allows these switches to be easily obtained or trafficked into the state.
To address these public safety threats, Governor Hochul has proposed legislation that will strengthen product safety standards and protect New Yorkers by requiring firearm manufacturers to design pistols in a way that prevents quick and easy conversion into DIY machine guns.
Stopping the Spread of 3D-Printed Ghost Guns
Governor Hochul is also working to combat the spread of 3D-printed ghost guns with proposals that will:
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “These proposals give law enforcement the tools needed to address the growing danger posed by 3D-printed and illegally modified firearms. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, the New York State Police and our partners are working to stay ahead of the bad actors who are using new technology for nefarious purposes, and keep our communities safe.”
Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon said, “Governor Hochul’s proposal attacks this issue at the source: requiring that pistols sold in New York be designed so they cannot easily be converted and criminalizing the digital blueprints used to manufacture these weapons and components. Clear, enforceable laws like this are exactly what prosecutors need.”
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane said, “I am extremely grateful to the Governor for her support of public safety initiatives. State funding has enhanced the collaborative efforts of prosecutors, law enforcement and our community partners to achieve unprecedented low levels of gun-involved crimes. We must also strengthen laws in New York State as technology evolves. Individuals who manufacture 3D-printed firearm components or profit from sharing digital instructions must be held accountable. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and collaboration as we work together to protect the safety of all New Yorkers.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. said, “With rapid technological advances, 3D-printed guns are fueling gun violence in New York and are a widening threat to public safety. Bad actors are exploiting any loophole possible to manufacture their own weapons, and we must crack down on their ability to do so. The Governor’s commonsense proposals will help prevent these dangerous weapons from being printed in the first place, and I am grateful for her continued leadership to address gun violence in all its forms.”
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn has reached record lows in shootings and homicides through focused enforcement and strong gun laws, but untraceable 3D-printed guns and illegal conversion devices imperil our progress. Governor Hochul’s proposals will give law enforcement critical tools to confront evolving threats, and I commend her for her leadership on this important issue.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Gun violence causes devastating consequences and takes a profound toll on our communities. Governor Kathy Hochul has been at the forefront of the fight against illegally manufactured guns and the violence they wreak, advancing policies that strengthen public safety and protect New Yorkers. My office is grateful for the tools provided to us and we continue to use every method at our disposal to combat this epidemic, including enforcement, prosecution and hosting community gun buyback events. Our efforts are paying off, as Queens currently accounts for an aggregate of 35 percent of all personally-manufactured ghost gun recoveries citywide over the past five years — an indication of both the scale of the challenge and the focus of our enforcement efforts. These proposals will allow us to initiate investigations sooner and stop gun violence before it starts. I thank Governor Hochul for being a champion of common-sense gun control measures that will save lives.”
Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said, “While Staten Island and New York State as a whole witnessed record lows in shootings and acts of gun violence last year, the threat posed by ghost guns and DIY machine guns has never been more serious. With the ability to transform handguns and semi-automatic firearms into functional machine guns, “Glock switches” and ghost guns are increasingly being used across our State to commit heinous acts of violence. And while my office has successfully investigated and prosecuted countless ghost gun manufacturers, existing loopholes and shortcomings in our laws must be addressed to ensure the safety of all who call New York State home. As criminals and their tactics evolve, so too must the strategies of legislators and law enforcement and I strongly urge our State legislature to put public safety first, and include Governor Hochul’s full gun safety package in this year’s State Budget.”
Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji said, “There can be no legitimate purpose for such modification, often done in the privacy of the basement or garage by someone possibly motivated to inflict the most serious damage on their intended target. This proposal is about prevention which is critical in reduction of violent crimes in communities across the state.”
Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said, “In my years in law enforcement, I have watched the weapons on our streets evolve and the proliferation of DIY machine guns is among the most alarming developments I have seen. Governor Hochul’s proposal puts the obligation where it belongs: on the manufacturers who design pistols that can be converted into illegal automatic weapons with minimal effort. I am proud to stand with law enforcement across this state in support of this common-sense legislation.”
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said, “Illegal machine gun conversion devices have no place in our communities, and the ease with which certain firearms can be modified into fully automatic weapons presents a serious and growing public safety threat. Requiring that pistols sold in New York be designed to prevent these dangerous modifications is a smart, proactive step that will help keep our law enforcement officers and residents safe. Governor Hochul’s proposal reflects a commonsense approach, targeting the mechanics of how these weapons are misused while respecting lawful gun ownership, and it is exactly the kind of measured, preventative policy we should be advancing.”
Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said, “We commend the Governor for pushing forward a proposal that directly addresses the growing threat posed by firearms that can easily be converted into fully automatic weapons. At times, law enforcement is overwhelmed by new technology, and devices entering into our communities that make us less safe, less safe for our residents, our children, and our police officers. Prohibiting the sale of firearms that can be readily converted into a fully automatic weapon is a proactive and necessary step to address those challenges. While we continue to see a decrease in gun violence, we must do more to ensure our communities remain safe.”
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams said, “We have made real progress reducing gun violence in this state, but DIY machine guns are a direct threat to that progress. One converted weapon in the wrong hands can generate mass casualties in seconds. Governor Hochul’s proposal requiring gun manufacturers to design their pistols so they cannot be quickly and easily turned into machine guns is a meaningful product safety standard. Our communities have earned the progress we have made. This legislation helps us protect it.”
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. said, “Safer communities start with getting illegal guns off our streets. These DIY firearms are unlawful, designed with criminal intent in mind and pose a serious threat to public safety and to law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day. I commend Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to public safety and taking action to keep our residents safe.”
Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs said, “Illegal firearms are a growing threat to public safety across the state. These weapons are untraceable and too often up in the wrong hands. I support Governor Hochul’s efforts to close gaps in legislation and give our law enforcement agencies the tools they need to respond. Holding manufacturers accountable, establishing clear penalties, and setting safety standards for this type of technology are practical steps that reflect the reality we are facing. Our public safety response must evolve as the challenges in front of us change. In Albany, my Administration’s priority is keeping residents safe, and that means supporting policies that help prevent illegal guns from reaching our streets in the first place.”
Posted: March 24th, 2026 under County Government News, General News, Law Enforcement News, National News, Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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2025 Season the Safest on RecordNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced another year of safe hunting. Hunting remains one of the most popular forms of wildlife-related recreation in the state with nearly 600,000 New Yorkers participating annually, helping achieve State wildlife management objectives and safely enjoying time outdoors.
“The historic low number of incidents observed in 2025 demonstrates that hunting is safe and is getting safer thanks to the efforts of DEC’s Hunter Education Program, volunteer instructors, and the vigilance of New York’s hunters,” said Commissioner Lefton. “In addition to being safe, hunting is ecologically important, helping manage wildlife populations, promoting conservation-related behaviors, and providing a local, affordable food source. I am proud of our team’s efforts to grow New York’s hunting community.”
The 2025 hunting season was the safest in New York’s recorded history. The total number of hunting-related shooting incidents (HRSI) in 2025 was seven, five of which were self-inflicted and two involved more than one person. One incident involved an unlicensed individual who was hunting illegally. Fortunately, there were no HRSI fatalities.
Many, if not all, HRSIs can be prevented if people follow the primary rules of hunter safety:
DEC also documented nine falls from tree stands or elevated platforms, including one fatality. Like HRSIs, elevated hunting incidents (EHIs) can be avoided by following simple safety measures. Hunters can prevent severe injuries or death due to falls from tree stands or elevated platforms by wearing and properly using a fall-arrest system (FAS). A FAS keeps a hunter attached to the tree from the time they leave the ground until they get back down. A harness only works if it is attached to the tree the entire time the hunter is off the ground.
A FAS includes:
DEC encourages all New York hunters to Strap Up before you Go Up.
For more information on hunter education courses and hunting safety statistics, visit Hunter Education Program webpage.
Posted: March 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Plattsburgh, NY – March 24, 2026, Press Release – Plattco Corporation, a leader in industrial valve and flow-control engineering, is advancing manufacturing innovation in the North Country with the launch of EVA™ (Electric Valve Actuator), a state-of-the-art patented system designed to replace traditional compressed air actuation in the most demanding industrial environments.
The EVA™ launch demonstrates how regional manufacturers can lead in high-tech industrial solutions while supporting local economic growth. By modernizing valve operation and eliminating the need for compressed air infrastructure, Plattco is helping businesses in cement, bulk material handling, and renewable energy industries improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and operate more sustainably.
“EVA™ is a major step forward for industrial operations in the North Country,” said Kevin Guay, VP of Sales and Engineering at Plattco. “It not only enhances performance for our customers but also strengthens the local manufacturing ecosystem, supporting jobs, supply chains, and regional economic development initiatives.”
Regional and Industry Impact:
● North Country Growth: Adoption of EVA™ supports local suppliers, creates skilled manufacturing jobs, and positions Plattsburgh as a hub for industrial innovation.
● Industry Relevance: EVA™ provides reliable, precise control for sectors such as cement production, bulk material handling, and renewable energy, areas critical to both regional and national infrastructure.
● Operational Advantage: Performs reliably in extreme temperatures, abrasive material conditions, and environments where air-based systems fail, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
EVA™ is retrofit-ready for existing valve installations, enabling regional operators to modernize without major redesigns, while delivering long-term cost savings and measurable efficiency gains.
Plattco’s innovation illustrates how manufacturing excellence can drive both economic development in the North Country and competitiveness in key industrial sectors worldwide.
About Plattco
Plattco Corporation engineers flow-control solutions for the most demanding industrial environments. Focused on bulk solids handling for high-temperature and abrasive applications, Plattco designs products where failure is not an option.
Posted: March 24th, 2026 under Business News, City News, General News, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Regional NY-VT News, Statewide News.
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April 9th – 2:30 pm, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh A Virtual Tour of the Old Base Oval with Helen Nerska showing photos of the original buildings and the histories associated with each.
April 11th – 10 am to 3 pm, Clinton County Historical Association & Museum, 98 Ohio Avenue, (Old Base) Plattsburgh. Celebrating Slow Art Day. Share your thoughts and inspirations as you join CCHA Board member Karin Thone for tours of the museum and its art treasures. Special tours are scheduled for 11 am and 1 pm.
April 17th, 12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. Town of Peru Settlers before the Revolution – Not Just William Hay in 1772. People and Stories never before revealed with David Glenn.
April 22, 6:00 pm, Peru Free Library, 3024, N. Main Street, Peru. Town of Peru Settlers before the Revolution – Not Just William Hay in 1772. People and Stories never before revealed with David Glenn.
April 23rd – 6:00 pm, Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel, Old Base, Plattsburgh. “Should the Enemy come up the Lake…you will act with such cool determined valour, as will give them Reason to repent their Temerity.” On October 11, 1776, Commandant Benedict Arnold and his American Fleet literally found themselves in dire straits. Outgunned and out manned, it was a setting of Arnold’s choosing, and one in which he hoped to slow and ensnare the inevitable British advance into the Champlain Valley. Join Ed Scollon as he shares the findings of the Valcour Bay Research Project and the consequences that the Battle of Valcour had for the American Gondola New York, its crew and one of their families. Ed Scollon is a retired NYS Trooper and NYS Underwater Recovery Team Member. A Co-Founder and Co-Principal Investigator of the Valcour Bay Research Project, Ed continues to work as an archaeological diver and researcher, focusing his study on the 1776 Battle of Valcour Island.
Please contact Helen Nerska, Director, Clinton County Historical Association for more information. All events are free and open to the public. Thank you for sharing our history.
Posted: March 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Education News, General News, Lake Champlain News, National History, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History.
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Posted: March 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Border News, Business News, Northern NY News.
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Posted: March 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Charity Events, City News, Community Events, County Government News, General News, Northern NY News, Senior Citizen News, Service Org News.
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that hunters harvested an estimated 1,759 black bears during the 2025-26 hunting seasons. According to DEC’s tracking of the annual bear harvest since 1955 (PDF), the 2025 statewide bear harvest was second only to the 2003 season and Southern Zone estimates set a new harvest record.
“The recovery and growth of New York’s bear population is testament to DEC’s vigilant wildlife management efforts,” said Commissioner Lefton. “New York’s big game management plans help maintain populations at levels that are acceptable for local communities and provide sustainable hunting opportunities.”
Statewide, hunters harvested approximately 4% more bears than the 2024 season and 18% above the 10-year average. The Southern Zone take included an estimated 1,202 bears taken, including the 10 heaviest bears recorded for the year. The Northern Zone harvest estimate of 557 bears was slightly lower than 2024, but still above the 10-year average.
The record-setting bear season in the Southern Zone is the culmination of a long-term pattern DEC documented in New York’s bear populations. In the 1950s, bears only occupied the most remote and mountainous regions of New York, such as the Adirondack, Catskill, and Allegheny mountains. Over the past 70 years, bears gradually expanded their range in the State, and DEC began opening new areas for bear hunting.
Bears now occupy most areas of the state except Long Island and New York City, and all areas of the state are open to bear hunting except Long Island and areas closed to big game hunting. The expansion of bear range was particularly notable in the Southern Zone. The Southern Zone bear harvest exceeded the Northern Zone for the first time in 1998 and accounted for most of New York’s bear harvest for the past 20 years.
While bear populations and hunting opportunities increased in the Southern Zone, the Northern Zone remains a traditional destination for many New York bear hunters. Northern Zone bears typically grow slower in the wilderness ecosystems of the Adirondacks but tend to survive to older ages than their Southern Zone counterparts. All but one of the oldest bears on DEC record were taken in the Northern Zone.
Notable Numbers from the 2025 Bear Season:
Black bear harvest data are gathered from two main sources: harvest reports required of all successful bear hunters, and the physical examination of bears by DEC staff, cooperating taxidermists, and meat processors. Harvest estimates are made by cross-referencing these two data sources and determining the rate at which hunters report their bear harvests in each zone. In fall 2026, DEC will send a commemorative 2025 Black Bear Management Cooperator Patch and a letter confirming each bear’s age to all hunters who reported their bear harvest and submitted a tooth for age analysis.
DEC’s 2025 Bear Harvest Summary report (PDF) provides tables, figures, and maps detailing the bear harvest around the state. Past harvest summaries are also available on DEC’s website. DEC’s Black Bear Management Plan (PDF) provides information on how DEC determines black bear population objectives throughout the state.
Posted: March 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Legislator News, Statewide News.
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Posted: March 23rd, 2026 under National News, Regional NY-VT News, Social Issues.
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Elizabethtown, NY, March 23, 2026 – For anyone recovering from an injury or illness, getting therapy at the right time can make all the difference. When care is close by and appointments are available, patients can regain strength, independence and confidence sooner. That’s why University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital opened a new outpatient rehabilitation center today at 78 Park Street.
Hospital officials say the new space – more than double the size of the former rehab area at Elizabethtown Community Health Center – gives patients earlier access to care, increased privacy and advanced technology normally unavailable in many rural settings.
“With expanded space and state-of-the-art technology, we’re raising the standard of rehabilitation available in our region,” says Bob Ortmyer, hospital president. “For a century, Elizabethtown Community Hospital has brought essential health care closer to home. Today’s opening is a continuation of that legacy.”
Meeting a Growing Need
Rehab visits at Elizabethtown Community Hospital have increased steadily, reaching nearly 10,500 visits last year, putting the previous location at almost 100% capacity. The number of visits could surpass 13,000 per year by 2029. Even as the region’s overall population is projected to dip slightly in the next three years, the 65+ population – those most likely to need rehabilitation – is expected to grow by nearly 10%, and they already account for more than half of rehab visits.
The new facility is expected to reduce wait times by approximately 10%, thanks to more treatment rooms, expanded scheduling flexibility and plans to add additional therapists as demand continues to grow.
“The demand is there right now, and it’s only increasing as our population ages,” explains Bill Doherty, Director of Rehabilitation. “This new facility gives us the capacity and the setting we need – not just for today’s patients, but for the growing number of people who will rely on us in the years ahead.”
A Space Designed for Healing
Inside the building, patients will find:
They’ll also be able to use advanced technology like the AlterG anti‑gravity treadmill, LiteGait system and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy. These tools help people move, rebuild strength and return to daily life sooner – all in a setting designed around comfort, safety and results. Additionally, the center supports cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.
“What excites us most is what this means for our patients,” Doherty adds. “Every piece of this space was designed with them in mind. With the technology and room we have now, we can guide people through recovery in ways that are safer, more effective and more personalized than ever. It’s a level of care our community deserves – right here at home.”
A Community Effort – With Gratitude to Donors and Leaders
The project is a $9.5 million investment. A majority of the funding, $6.5 million, comes from the New York State Health Care Facility Transformation Program. Hospital support and generous community donors covered the remaining cost. Elizabethtown Community Hospital recognizes its long-standing partnership with PC Construction and E4H Architecture, whose experience in rural health care brought the design to life. And hospital officials are grateful for the support of local and state leaders who champion investments that improve access to care for the North Country.
Temporary donor plaques will be on display, with permanent recognition to be installed in time for the Community Open House on July 18 to celebrate the hospital’s centennial.
The opening comes as ECH marks its 100th year of serving Essex County — a milestone that underscores the hospital’s decades‑long commitment to expanding access to essential services.
“As we celebrate our centennial, this new center reflects exactly what ECH has always been about,” Ortmyer said. “Listening to our community, identifying what people need most, and building toward a healthier future.”
Facility Snapshot
About Elizabethtown Community Hospital
University of Vermont Health – Elizabethtown Community Hospital is a not-for-profit critical access hospital with locations in Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga and six community-based primary care centers serving Essex County and the Adirondack Park region. As part of a rural academic health system serving Vermont and northern New York, we provide essential emergency, inpatient, rehabilitation and specialty care close to home. Together, we deliver access to leading-edge technology, advanced treatment options and the highest level of compassionate care while addressing the critical needs and unique challenges facing our patients, their families and our employees.
Posted: March 23rd, 2026 under General News.
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Plattsburgh, NY, March 23, 2026 -— The Plattsburgh YMCA Board of Directors today announced the unanimous appointment of Jeffrey L. Collen as Interim Chief Executive Officer, along with additional leadership steps to support the organization during this critical time.
Collen was identified through YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and selected by the Board for his extensive experience leading YMCA organizations through periods of transition and operational improvement.
Collen brings decades of executive leadership experience within the YMCA movement, having served as CEO and Interim CEO for multiple YMCA associations across the country.
Most recently, he has served in interim executive roles with YMCA associations in Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri, where he has been recognized for strengthening operations, improving program quality, rebuilding community trust, and guiding organizations through complex organizational challenges.
Over the course of his career, Collen has successfully led organizations through financial distress, operational restructuring, and community reinvestment-restoring stability, enhancing member experience, and developing strong leadership teams.
The Board intentionally sought an experienced, external leader to provide an independent, objective, and transparent assessment of operations and to help guide the YMCA forward.
“We are grateful to have someone of Jeff’s caliber stepping into this role at such a critical time,” said Courtney DeLaura, Chair of the Plattsburgh YMCA Board of Directors. “His experience working with YMCAs across the country, particularly during times of transition, will be instrumental as we work to stabilize operations and move forward with a clear and accountable path.”
In addition, the YMCA announced that Stephanie Purcell, currently serving as Membership Director, will step in as Acting Director of the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center.
Purcell brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, youth programming, and YMCA operations. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Cazenovia College and has served in multiple leadership roles within the Plattsburgh YMCA, including Director of the Y’s Time Before & After School Program and Director of Y Wee Care.
In these roles, Purcell has overseen childcare operations, staffing, curriculum development, and regulatory compliance, while building strong relationships with families and the community. Her background also includes experience as a lead teacher and camp director, with a consistent focus on creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments for children.
The YMCA continues to work closely with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), law enforcement, and legal counsel to implement all required corrective actions and safeguards following the allegations of physical abuse in the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center.
“Our focus remains on child protection and accountability,” said Molly Ryan, Vice Chairperson for the YMCA Board of Directors. “We are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center can safely reopen under the strongest possible standards for child safety and oversight.”
The Board emphasized that the organization is actively working to:
The Bright Beginnings Childcare Center will remain closed until further notice. The YMCA will continue to provide updates to families, staff, and the community as progress is made toward reopening.
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Posted: March 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, City News, Community Events, Education News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Recreation opportunities.
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CCC Photo
Plattsburgh, NY, March 23, 2026 — Clinton Community College will host a Nursing Open House on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its new Nursing Suite located on the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital – Vermont Health campus. The suite is situated on the third floor of the 206 Cornelia St. building, which is on hospital grounds.
Posted: March 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, City News, Education News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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Plattsburgh, NY, March 23, 2026 — Assemblyman Michael Cashman (D – Plattsburgh) proudly hosted the 10th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony, recognizing an inaugural class of eight extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and compassion continue to shape communities across the North Country. Each honoree reflected a shared and powerful idea—to inspire by example. The evening’s program was emceed by Linda Bourgeois, herself a former Woman of Distinction honoree recognized by former Assemblyman Jones.
Special thanks were extended to the MHAB Life Skills Campus for graciously hosting the event and for their ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families throughout the region.
“Each of these women leads not just through words, but through action,” Assemblyman Cashman said. “They inspire by example through service, resilience, and a deep commitment to lifting others up. Their stories remind us what’s possible when leadership is rooted in purpose.”
The 2026 Women of Distinction honorees include:
Each honoree received an official New York State Assembly Proclamation from Assemblyman Cashman in recognition of their lasting contributions. Their stories marked by perseverance, leadership, and service serve as a powerful source of inspiration for communities throughout the region.
Assemblyman Cashman also announced that planning is already underway for next year’s Women of Distinction program, building on this year’s momentum and continuing the tradition of recognizing women who lead and inspire by example.
“The North Country is stronger because of these women,” Cashman added. “And this is just the beginning. We look forward to continuing this important tradition for years to come.”
Posted: March 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News, State Legislator News.
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