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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

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The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Upcoming programs at our little library, the Peru Free Library!

North Country at Work: Building a ‘third space’ around ceramics in Keeseville

Click here for the NCPR story 

Federal changes to SNAP have New York taxpayers facing significant new costs

Click here for the NCPR story 

Celebrations continue as Fort welcomes record-breaking numbers of visitors

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

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

New vet clinic to open in Au Sable Forks

Owner hopes to open Valor Mountain Veterinary Services by early fall

Click here for the Sun Community News Story 

Severe thunderstorm risk through Thursday night

DiNapoli: Business tax receipts drive higher collections in the 1st quarter

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 »

Clinton County Students From Peru and Beekmantown Picked for 2026 MEGA Member Scholarship

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.

A busy week for DEC Forest Rangers

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.

Helicopter flying over trees
Mount Marcy rescue
Forest Ranger climbing down rocks
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.

Forest Rangers on rock cliffs over water
Fawn’s Leap rescue
Forest Rangers on cliffs and one hoisting down
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 »

Albany Has Let Disability and Mental Health Oversight Boards Wither Away

Boards of Visitors are supposed to oversee state-run disability and psychiatric programs. Almost none of them have enough members.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Keeseville Arts Festival’s Plein Air Show is a North County Summer Highlight

Noah Bonesteel

Ausable Point Beach

Noah Brownsteel

Mary Freida

Mayr Freida

Stone Mill, 126 Ausable St., Keeseville

By John T Ryan

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.

North Country Community College names spring 2026 honor students

Read the full list of President’s List and Vice President’s List honors students for NCCC’s spring 2026 semester

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

City of Plattsburgh announces Summer and Fall Movie Night Series

(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.

Invasive Species and Water Quality Walk at Heyworth/Mason Park

Three invasive species events planned in Clinton County

Two guided walks and a water chestnut pull scheduled for July, August

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

DiNapoli releases report on SFY 2025 state budget and financial plan

Albany, July 15, 2026 – The estimated $277 billion Enacted Budget for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 is an increase of 7% from SFY 2026 with the state Division of the Budget (DOB) projecting that disbursements will exceed receipts in each year of the Financial Plan, raising questions about long-term fiscal sustainability, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

The Financial Plan reveals the impact of current pressures on state finances, with DOB projecting that cumulative out-year budget gaps have increased since January and now total $31.8 billion. Despite this growth, no increases were made to the state’s total reserves. In addition, the state is anticipating drawing down on $1.3 billion in General Fund balance by the end of SFY 2027 to help balance the budget.

“The state’s finances remain highly exposed to federal actions and potential economic downturns,” DiNapoli said. Read more »

DiNapoli: Tax Cap remains at 2 percent for 2027

Albany, July 15, 2026 – The 2027 property tax levy growth will be capped at 2% for local governments that operate on a calendar-based fiscal year, according to data released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This figure affects tax cap calculations for all counties, towns and fire districts, as well as 44 cities and 13 villages.

“For the sixth consecutive year, the allowable tax levy growth will be limited to 2%,” DiNapoli said. “Local governments are tasked with the difficult challenge of delivering essential services efficiently while managing higher costs of goods and services, as well as the persistent threat of destabilizing federal actions. My office offers technical assistance for those that need it and provides transparency to the public so they understand the fiscal pressures facing local governments.” Read more »

Three reported dead after plane crash near Saranac Lake

Click here for the WTEN story 

New Semi-Conductor manufacturing workforce tax credit program

Program Will Help Connect Workers to Opportunities in America’s Fastest Growing Semiconductor Ecosystem

Albany, July 15. 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program, designed to connect workforce training programs to careers in the state’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry sector. The new program, administered by Empire State Development, supports eligible semiconductor manufacturers and manufacturing businesses by offsetting the costs of training employees for high-demand manufacturing careers, helping companies build the skilled workforce needed to support continued industry growth across New York State.

“New York is making historic investments to become the nation’s premier destination for semiconductor manufacturing, and that means investing in people just as much as projects,” Governor Hochul said. “This new workforce training tax credit will help manufacturers develop the highly skilled workforce they need while creating new opportunities for New Yorkers to build careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.”

The program supports employer-led training that addresses specific business needs, enhances employee skills, improves productivity and creates opportunities for career advancement. Eligible training may be provided directly by employers, third-party providers or New York State Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Tax credits can cover up to 75 percent of eligible training costs, including employee wages during training, curriculum development, instructor costs and qualifying wraparound services, up to $25,000 per employee receiving eligible training. Eligible semiconductor manufacturing businesses may receive up to $5 million in credits over the life of the program, while other eligible manufacturing businesses may receive up to $1 million.

To qualify, businesses must operate in New York State as eligible semiconductor manufacturing or manufacturing businesses, submit an approved workforce training plan before training begins, and demonstrate compliance with worker protection and environmental requirements. Applications are now being accepted through ESD. Additional program information, eligibility requirements and application materials are available here.

DON’T MISS OUT! REDC Urges Local Organizations to Apply for Share of $60 Million in State Funding Ahead of July 31 Deadline

Businesses, Municipalities, and Nonprofits Need to Submit Consolidated Funding Applications by 4 p.m. on July 31

The clock is ticking for North Country businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits to secure a share of millions of dollars in state economic development funding. The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) reminds potential applicants that the deadline for the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) is Friday, July 31, 2026, at 4 p.m.

This year, up to $60 million in Regional Council Capital Funds—plus additional funding from more than 20 state programs—is available Read more »

Don’t miss the Strawhatter Band Wednesday Night at 7

Show starts at 7PM! The band will be performing a mix of marches, showtunes, swing standards, and patriotic pieces. The concert will be held on the back lawn of the church’s fellowship center, and is free and open to the public.

Champlain Area Trails Celebrates Grand Opening of Mount Inez Trail on August 1

LEWIS, N.Y., July 13, 2026  — Champlain Area Trails invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of the new Mount Inez Trail on Saturday, August 1, honoring the remarkable legacy of Inez Milholland, the women’s suffrage advocate, attorney, and longtime Lewis resident whose name now graces the mountain overlooking the Boquet Valley.

The celebration will bring together community members, local leaders, and project partners to commemorate both a new public trail and the successful effort to rename the mountain in recognition of Milholland’s lasting contributions to the fight for women’s voting rights and social justice. Read more »

1st statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers launched

Policy Outline for Community Investment Framework Available Here    Executive Order Available Here

Albany, July 14, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed an Executive Order to create the nation’s first moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, establishing the strongest standards for data center development and creating a blueprint to support localities. The Governor is temporarily pausing State environmental permits for up to one year in order to build a nation-leading regulatory framework that protects ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid and communities across the state.

“New York has always been at the forefront of innovation and change but we’ve also always guaranteed that New Yorkers benefit. As data center development threatens to hike up utility bills, deplete our natural resources, and create uncertainty for New Yorkers, it’s my responsibility to take action and lead,” Governor Hochul said. “New York will lead the way in creating the strongest standards in the nation for data center development, ensuring that when companies succeed because of New York, New Yorkers succeed too.” Read more »

Free food at the Peru Free Library on Saturday, July 25

Peru, NY Unitary America News Release – Unitary America is holding another food giveaway, on Saturday, July 25th, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the Peru Free Library. Unitary America will give away fresh bread, pastries, and other bakery treats. Food will be distributed as supplies last. If you are in need of food, we encourage you to attend.
Volunteers, please meet before or at 10:30 a.m. at the library to help with event set-up/ tabling. Spread the word, and let’s feed Peru.

DiNapoli release taxpayer migration dashboard

DiNapoli News Release – State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli unveiled a new taxpayer migration dashboard where users can track the number of personal income tax (PIT) filers moving in and out of New York.

DiNapoli has been monitoring taxpayer trends, most recently issuing a report that examined pre-pandemic trends in PIT tax filings and a follow-up report that analyzed changes in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Using data from the Department of Taxation and Finance, this dashboard contains the latest numbers on part-year resident tax filers and will be updated annually to allow the public the ability to analyze trends on taxpayers moving into and out of the state each year.

Part-year resident tax filers made up 2% of New York state filers in 2024. These filers are those whose tax returns indicated they moved into or out of the state during the tax year. Though a small share of all taxpayers, the movement of these part-year residents can affect collections over time—particularly since New York has experienced a net out-migration of resident filers since 2015. However, the net out-migration of tax filers is not equal to state population gained or lost.

“Personal income taxes are New York’s largest tax revenue source, accounting for more than one out of two tax dollars collected by the state,” DiNapoli said. “When personal income taxes drive so much of the state’s revenue, even small shifts in the number of tax filers can have an impact over time. The pandemic caused a large movement of taxpayers out of New York in 2020, but the dashboard shows this was an aberration. Although out-migration has continued, it slowed considerably and was well below pre-pandemic levels in 2024. I remain very concerned about the net loss of married, middle-class filers, and urge policymakers to continue their efforts to improve affordability for New York’s families.”

The interactive chart provides data for tax filers moving into and out of New York in a given year based on part-year resident filers, and allows for analysis based on filing status or income. For example, the dashboard indicates:

  • In 2024 there were 256,164 part-year filers; of these filers, 121,251 moved into New York, while 134,913 left the state, a net out-migration of 13,662 taxpayers—a loss of approximately 1 in 1,000 resident taxpayers.
  • The greatest net loss of taxpayers was among married filers with incomes between $100,000 and $500,000 – a net loss of 8,200, or more than half of the total net out-migration, in 2024.
  • Net out-migration rates increase at higher income levels; in 2024, net out-migration averaged 1 in every 100 resident filers with incomes over $500,000.
  • One positive post-pandemic trend is that there has been a net in-migration of single filers each year since 2022.

Dashboard

Taxpayer Migration in New York State

Related Reports

Moving In or Out? New York State Personal Income Taxpayer Migration Trends

Taxpayer Movement During the Pandemic: Comparing 2020 and 2021 to Pre-Pandemic Baseline