The Peru Gazette

July 8 Event part of centennial celebration

Plattsburgh, NY, June 29, 2026  – A special gathering for retirees of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) will take place Wednesday, July 8, from 10 am to noon in the CVPH Boardroom as part of the hospital’s Centennial Celebration.

Retirees are welcome to stop in the boardroom to reconnect with former coworkers and colleagues, share stories, and reminisce. Light refreshments will be served. Read more »

PLATTSBURGH, NY- July 2026 marks the sixth annual Michigan Month in the Town of Plattsburgh. As part of this annual celebration, the popular Michigan Passport program is back for the FIVE Michigan restaurants in Plattsburgh (Gus’ Red Hots, Ronnie’s Michigan Stand, Clare & Carl’s, McSweeney’s Red Hots, and NEW this year, Michigans Plus. To pick up your passport, stop by Town Hall, City Hall, the North Country

Chamber of Commerce, or any of the participating restaurants. The first 25 passport holders to complete and return their passport to Town Hall will receive a free limited edition Michigan Month T-Shirt. The passport program opens at 8am on July 1st and runs through the end of the month. All participants who return their passport will receive a Home of the Michigan bumper sticker and will be entered to win a gift certificate from a local Michigan stand. The Town has both 2025 and 2026 T-shirts as well as Home of the Michigan pennant flags available for purchase at Town Hall Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm while supplies last.

The 2026 t-shirt design will be revealed on July 1st at 10am at Town Hall at the Michigan Month Kickoff press conference, co-hosted by the Town of Plattsburgh and MichiganFest.

The second annual MichiganFest is taking place this year on August 1st at the Clinton County Fairgrounds to round out the 2026 Home of the Michigan celebration. Proceeds from Michigan Month and MichiganFest will benefit the Battlefield Memorial Gateway project.

For more information about the kickoff, passport program, or the Battlefield Memorial Gateway please contact Senior Planner Jessica Kogut, jessicak@townofplattsburghny.gov

For more information about MichiganFest, please contact pbgmichiganfest@gmail.com

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On June 21 at 10 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a nine-year-old and an 11-year-old separated from their hiking group on the Marcy Dam Truck trail. The children were last seen an hour earlier. Five Forest Rangers and one Assistant Forest Ranger responded. Rangers assigned to the Marcy Dam Outpost began searching trails. At 10:40 a.m., Rangers found the children and reunited them with their family at the trailhead.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On June 21 at 9:50 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a concerned family member reporting a 24-year-old hiker overdue in the Johns Brook Valley. Last cell phone coordinates place the subject on the Hopkins Trail junction at 7 p.m. The caller was concerned the subject did not have an adequate light source or proper layers. Rangers located the subject’s vehicle at the Garden parking lot. The hiker signed into the trail register as hiking Big Slide. At 11:05 p.m., Rangers located the hiker and assisted them back to the trailhead.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

Applications for Dairy, Livestock, Specialty Crop and Aquaculture Producers Now Available

Albany, June 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of the $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program for New York agricultural producers. The program, first announced in the Governor’s 2026 State of the State address, will help offset rising costs and market loss that New York farmers faced in 2025 because of federal tariff policy. Applications for dairy, livestock, specialty crop and aquaculture producers are now available here.

“The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are reckless and damaging to so many of our industries, including our agricultural producers, who rely so heavily on the forces of international markets.” Governor Hochul said. “I promised to stand up and fight for our farmers and I’m proud that our Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program will provide the much-needed relief to New York’s farmers who feed our communities.”

With an estimated 20 percent of a farmer’s income on average dependent on export markets of their product, the federal tariffs instituted in 2025 and resulting market instability are creating economic hardship for New York’s agricultural producers. In addition, farmers are facing the escalating costs imposed by tariffs on essential imports like grain, feed and other inputs. Over 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports originate from countries that were subjected to U.S. tariffs, making it difficult for farmers to secure alternative sources.

While the broader financial impact of tariffs on New York agricultural producers is still being calculated, many commodities have already reported financial burdens. For example, New York’s wine industry, which is the third largest in the nation, supports tens of thousands of jobs and New York’s grape growers, has seen significant impacts. Canada is the largest market for U.S. wine exports, including New York, and last year New York exports to this bordering country were down 77 percent, a major market loss at a time when the U.S. wine exports decreased 33 percent overall.

The Governor’s tariff relief program will provide direct payments of a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000 to eligible producers. Distribution of funds will be determined through two tracks:

• Track 1: Cow Dairy Farms
• Track 2: Livestock, Livestock Products, Specialty Crops, Aquaculture

Eligible applicants must fill out a general application, provide agricultural sales or milk production data and meet specific criteria, including:

• Applicants must have at least two-thirds of federal gross income in excess of $30,000 derived from agricultural activities, as defined by New York State Tax Law.
• Applicants must produce eligible crops within New York State.
• Eligibility and production data must be certified by a qualified financial professional.
• All applicants must provide a complete substitute W-9 form, necessary for payment.
• Dairy farm applicants must sign a records release form, allowing confirmation of milk production data.

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Albany, June 26, 2026 – To mark the end of the school year, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 396 million free school meals have been served in schools statewide. Governor Hochul’s Universal School Meals Program, launched last year, guarantees every student in New York State access to a healthy breakfast and lunch at participating schools, helping them thrive in and out of the classroom. By eliminating any financial requirements to receive this benefit, New York State has leveled the playing field by taking the burden off of families.

“It’s simple: No kid should go hungry, which is why we introduced free school meals statewide,” Governor Hochul said. “Making sure students have access to healthy meals improves their mental wellbeing and their academic performance. At a time when families are concerned about the affordability of everyday items, New York is proud to support our children’s success and bring down costs for families statewide.”

For the 2025-2026 academic year, New York has:

• Delivered more than 396 million free school meals to New York students
• Helped families statewide save up to $450 million per month on grocery costs

The FY27 Enacted Budget included $395 million for school meals, a $55 million year-to-year increase, requiring all school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools that participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students regardless of their families’ income. Under this program, the State will pay the student’s share of costs for all meals served to students not already receiving free meals.

Move will connect more students to civic and career preparation

Albany, June 26, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Empire State Service Corps will double in size, growing from 500 to 1,000 available spots and will include new program areas to meet New York’s most pressing needs. This expansion was proposed in Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Agenda to increase capacity and to assist in new areas such as disaster recovery. Demand for the program has significantly outpaced the number of available spots, with applications exceeding the number of campus spots 4:1. Growth will help SUNY meet the widespread demand for paid service opportunities, and these positions will be distributed to every corner of the state, including areas that traditionally have had few AmeriCorps opportunities.

“The Empire State Service Corps supports local communities across New York State, while engaging students in meaningful paid service opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “With the expansion of the SUNY Service Corps, even more students will have the ability to give back to local communities and secure life-changing experience and on-the-job training as they prepare for a wide range of careers.”

Students participating in the Empire State Service Corps dedicate at least 300 hours to engage in paid community service and convene regularly to share and learn from each other’s experiences. As New York State’s largest AmeriCorps program, participating students who complete 300 service hours also receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of up to $1,400 for their service.

SThe Empire State Service Corps was launched in Fall 2024, thanks to Governor Hochul’s investment of $2.75 million allocation included in the FY25 Enacted State Budget. The first cohort of Empire State Service Corps and Empire State Summer Service Corps members logged a combined 102,343 service hours during the 2024-25 program, serving 74,638 New Yorkers. Empire State Summer Service Corps members also supported 200 new SNAP application submissions during the Summer 2025 session. Doubling funding in the FY27 Enacted State Budget to $5.5 million, Governor Hochul will ensure that the Empire State Service Corps has 1,000 available spots for SUNY students to give back to their communities in a variety of service-focused opportunities.

Focus areas Empire State Service Corps members traditionally work in include: Read more »

Click here for this New York Focus story 

Mexican Beef & Rice Skillet 

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!

The aviation company wants to build a Vermont empire. 

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Click here for the NCPR story 

Harkness, NY June 25, 2026 – Eighteen years ago, Art Ford dug his shovel into a hillside known as Serenity Garden on Clintonville Road, about 1.4 miles west of Harkness four-corners. Last Sunday, June 21, Ford opened a new chapter in the garden’s history by moving Serenity Garden to Clintonville, adjacent to the Methodist Church Thrift Store and in sight of the Ausable Valley School District offices. 

Last Sunday, Ford erected a sign at the Garden’s former location that reads: “No Trespassing, Due to extreme theft and vandalism, Serenity Garden has moved to Clintonville. The Food Stable will be at the Serenity Garden Greenhouse. Hope to see you there. Art.” 

Ford explained, “We started fixing the garden up for the spring. We’ve always lost stuff over the years. These last few years have been worse. This year, they really ramped it up. When we put plants down by the Cross, in two days they took almost every plant we put in.”

Ford said, “No matter what happens in your life, you’re going to have things happen to you. You’ll have things on the good side and on the bad side. If you dwell on the bad side, you’ll miss the good side. It’s not like the Garden has ended. The Cross is here, food staple is running, flowers are here, the angel is here, the same as always. People can still get involved in this garden and become a part of it.” 

Ford said people donated virtually all the flowers and hardware in his old garden, adding, “They want you to make something out of it. I never know what I’m doing. The Lord’s always doing his thing. It’s not like it’s a bad thing for the garden to move. It was time to move it anyway, to make something cool.” 

A logger by profession, Ford is using an excavator and brute strength to make space for a new Serenity Garden. A high rock wall made from rocks he unearthed with the excavator is a testament to the hard work he’s put in. People have already donated hand-painted rocks. There are a few changes: hanging plants are for sale in a greenhouse. Nearby perennials surround the Cross and there’s a beautiful mountain view in the background.  Beginning on Monday, June 29,  Art plans to be selling fresh cake donuts from his food truck. He also hopes to have his soft ice cream machine operational soon. 

The word “serenity” is defined as a state of calm, peace, and untroubledness. Speak to Art Ford, you’ll sense that state, and it will likely rub off on you. Please react to this story positively. That’s the reaction Art wants you to have. 

Click here to read our September 1, 2024 story on Serenity Garden  

Click here to read our September 4, 2021 story on Serenity Garden

Click here to read our May 19, 2014 story on Serenity Garden 

June 24, 2026 – The City of Plattsburgh is proud to announce that this year’s Fourth of July Parade Marshals are G&G Tire and Warren Tire, two longtime North Country businesses whose dedication to customer service, community involvement, and local pride have made a lasting impact on the region.

G&G Tire

For more than 60 years, G&G Tire has been a trusted part of the Plattsburgh community, building lasting relationships with generations of local customers. As a family-owned business spanning three generations, G&G Tire’s longevity reflects not only business success but also a deep commitment to the people and families it has proudly served throughout the region. For the Gonyo family, the business represents both a family legacy and a longstanding connection to the City of Plattsburgh.

Over the years, G&G Tire has celebrated numerous milestones, from expanding its operations and adapting to changing times to successfully transitioning leadership across three generations. Among the company’s proudest accomplishments are the relationships it has built within the community, taking pride in knowing many customers by name and supporting local organizations and events whenever possible. These achievements reflect a legacy of trust, service, and dedication that has endured for decades.

Being selected as a Fourth of July Parade Marshal is a meaningful honor for the Gonyo family. They view the recognition as a reflection not only of their family’s commitment to the community, but also of the loyal customers, dedicated employees, and countless supporters who have contributed to the company’s success over the last six decades. Looking ahead, G&G Tire hopes to inspire future generations to stay involved, support local businesses, and continue the tradition of giving back that helps make Plattsburgh such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

Warren Tire

Founded in 1987, Warren Tire has spent nearly four decades serving the North Country while remaining committed to the values that have guided the business from the beginning. As the company transitions into its second generation of family leadership, its focus remains firmly on putting employees and customers first.

With more than 30 employees and a loyal customer base built over the years, Warren Tire credits its continued success to the support of the local community. The business takes great pride in maintaining and improving its downtown Plattsburgh properties, helping contribute to the appearance and vitality of the city’s historic downtown.

Warren Tire is also known for its commitment to giving back. Most recently, the company partnered in the creation of the “You Matter” mural on its Broad Street building, a project promoting mental health awareness and encouraging those in need to seek support. As the business approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, Warren Tire remains grateful for the community that has supported its growth and success over the years.

The company also encourages residents to continue supporting local businesses, recognizing that the success of businesses throughout downtown Plattsburgh and the surrounding area depends on the continued support of the community. Warren Tire extends its sincere thanks to its loyal customers who have helped make nearly four decades of service possible.

Together, G&G Tire and Warren Tire represent the hardworking, community-minded spirit that helps make Plattsburgh such a special place to live and work. Through their commitment to serving local residents, supporting community initiatives, and investing in the future of the North Country, both businesses have made lasting contributions to our community.

The City of Plattsburgh is honored to recognize G&G Tire and Warren Tire as the 2026 Fourth of July Parade Marshals and thanks them for their many years of service to the North Country.

Mayor Wendell Hughes says, “The Fourth of July is one of Plattsburgh’s most cherished traditions, bringing our community together for a day of celebration, entertainment, and patriotic pride. As we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, we are honored to recognize G&G Tire and Warren Tire as this year’s Parade Marshals and thank them for the lasting impact they have made on our community.”

(PLATTSBURGH- June 24 2026) – Our nation will celebrate its 250th birthday this year, and what better way to spend your Fourth of July by joining us in Downtown Plattsburgh at the annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday July 4th 2026! This year’s celebration will feature a parade, free concert, downtown food court and a spectacular fireworks show!

This year’s Fourth of July celebration holds special significance as communities across the nation commemorate America 250, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As our nation reflects on two and a half centuries of history, freedom, and civic pride, the City of Plattsburgh is proud to celebrate this milestone with a day of patriotic festivities, community traditions, and recognition of the local organizations and businesses that help make our community strong.

Schedule of Events

The Trinity Park food court will be open at 12:30PM and feature local food trucks and vendors such as Love, Peace Grilled Cheese, Cousins Maine Lobster, Tammy’s Lunch Box and much more! The Fourth of July parade starts at 2:30PM and will showcase over 50 floats including the North Country Honor Flight, firetrucks and racecars, dance performances and more! The free concert at the Macdonough Park bandstand  will kick off at 5:30PM and the evening will close out with a fireworks display immediately following the performance, at approximately 9:30PM, viewable from Downtown Plattsburgh.

Free Concert at the MacDonough Park Bandstand
Enjoy an evening of genre-blending music at MacDonough Park!

At 5:30 PM, kick off the night with Joselyn & The Sweet Compression, a Kentucky-based soul and funk band known for their powerful vocals, tight horn section, and high-energy performances.

Headlining at 7:30 PM is SHEBAD, a Canadian indie soul and alternative R&B group blending jazz, neo-soul, and electronic influences into a captivating and genre-defying sound.

Bring a chair, gather your friends, and enjoy this free night of live music under the summer sky at MacDonough Park!

Details on Parade Registration:

Space is limited, but floats, vehicles and walking groups are encouraged to sign up until the deadline of 4:00PM Thursday June 25th 2026. Local businesses, schools and all community groups can sign up by completing the online form which can be found at www.discoverplattsburgh.com/events or on the City’s Facebook page. For more information on signing up or to volunteer, email events@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov or call 518-536-7642.

Event Accessibility

Accessibility and inclusivity are important aspects of the Fourth parade so that all residents of Plattsburgh can enjoy the festivities. There will be a designated Accessibility Tent located on the North Lawn of City Hall. This area will provide an unobstructed view of the parade for folks who are wheelchair users or have mobility needs. In addition to the Accessibility Tent, a designated Quiet Zone will be established in front of North Country Home Services (151 Bridge Street) at the corner of Bridge and Jay Street. This area is designated for families and children with auditory sensitivities who require a quiet area to view the parade. Parade participants will not be playing music, blowing horns or sirens in this area.

Other Event details

Thanks to our event sponsors; Schluter Systems, Della Auto Group, Micro Bird Inc, UFirst Federal Credit Union, Dannemora Federal Credit Union, Norsk Titanium, Stafford Owens, Champlain National Bank, Happy Camper Pediatric Dentistry, and Hall Communications for helping to make this event possible. This event is free and public washrooms will be available in Trinity Park behind the Veterans Monument. Parade routes, road closures and all other details about the Fourth Celebration will be posted on www.discoverplattsburgh.com/events.

Kathaleen Kelly Cutone’s life as a skater has led to the upcoming Lake Placid Figure Skating Championships, where she plays an important role.

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

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Paul Smiths, N.Y. , June 24, 2026 News Release – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) hosted Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (D-Bronx) at the Paul Smith’s Adirondack Watershed Institute on Wednesday as part of the Speaker’s annual state tour. During the visit, Speaker Heastie and Assemblyman Cashman announced $1 million for the Adirondack Watershed Institute to acquire additional modernized research and water testing equipment.

“It was an honor to host Speaker Heastie in Paul Smith’s today,” Cashman said. “I am thrilled to share that the Adirondack Watershed Institute will be receiving $1 million to advance their incredible public health and safety work. The Institute does great year-round research that supports the safety of drinking water throughout the Adirondacks as well as the environment at large. The freshwater lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks are some of our most important resources, and the Institute’s work protecting these waterways is critical to protecting our communities long-term. I am proud to have been able to showcase their incredible work, and I thank the Speaker for the $1 million investment to support their acquisition of new research equipment.” Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Nearly Half a Million Dollars in New Funding Will Expand the NYC Hotline’s Capacity To Connect Callers with Abortion Providers and Support Services

NYC, June 24, 2026 – Today, on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in ‘Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization’, which sharply restricted access to abortion nationwide, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced that the New York State Department of Health and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are investing $495,000 to expand the New York City Abortion Access Hub’s referral network. The expansion will allow the Hub to connect callers with a broader network of abortion providers and support organizations outside the five boroughs, helping more people access reproductive health care regardless of where they live.

“As we commemorate four years since the Supreme Court’s disastrous Dobbs decision, New York is sending a clear message to the rest of the country: We’re not going to let Washington Republicans take us backwards,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to our support, we are expanding the reach of this vital resource so more people have access to safe reproductive health care.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said, “Four years ago, the disastrous Dobbs decision stripped away a fundamental right and put reproductive health care out of reach for millions of Americans across this country. Since then, New York has led the fight to protect abortion care. On this anniversary, we are expanding the successful Abortion Access Hub so that anyone seeking care can more easily find it. Together with New York State, we are strengthening a lifeline that connects people to abortion care, medication, transportation, lodging and support. Because abortion is health care. And health care is a human right.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “New York State will continue to fight to protect access to abortion care and reproductive healthcare for anyone in need of these vital services, despite ongoing politically motivated efforts to remove these hard-fought rights. Our partnership with New York City and the expansion of the Abortion Access Hub enables New York State to further protect these fundamental rights and remain a safe harbor for anyone seeking care.”

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story