The Peru Gazette

PB Minutes Feb 2026

Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the High School Cafeteria. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perunighthawks.org.  

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed. 

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.  

Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.  

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than noon on Tuesday, April 14. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Budget Workshop #3

• Personnel Appointments

• Internal Audit & Corrective Action Plan

• SEQR Resolution(s) 

• Property Tax Report Card

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (www.perunighthawks.org).

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Peru Gazette January 5, 2023 photo

Peru, NY, April 9, 2026  – Doug was an amazing man who Peru will truly miss. Most recently, he was Grand Marshal of the 2025 Peru Tractor Parade. Click here for a link to the latest Peru Gazette story on Doug Brown. There have been several Doug Brown stories over the years.

Click here for Doug’s obituary. 

Town leaders hope WiFi plus a new visitors’ center and EV chargers will result in more tourists stopping as they pass through.

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Fans and community members shared their experience from the cross country skiing FIS World Cup in Lake Placid

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Peru Gazette file photo

Peru Gazette file photo

One of the area’s local luminaries will be honored at a special service on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Harkness United Methodist Church.

This year’s annual recognition of Dr. Georgia Harkness will celebrate not only her birthday, but also the dedication of an official marker naming the church a Methodist Historic Site. The worship service begins at a special time of 10am and will conclude with the marker dedication.

A reception with cake and ice cream will follow at approximately 11am in the adjacent Church Hall. The public is warmly invited to attend. The church is located at 780 Hallock Hill Road, Peru.

Methodist Historic Sites are locations tied to significant events, developments, or individuals in the history of the United Methodist Church. Harkness United Methodist Church became the newest of 16 Historic Sites in New York State after receiving conference approval in 2025. As a designated Historic Site, the church offers tours by appointment.

Dr. Georgia E. Harkness (1891–1974), born in Harkness New York, became a leading figure in Methodism. She was a scholar, activist, clergy member, and prolific author of books and poetry. Her writing helped inspire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She also helped pave the way for women’s ordination in the Methodist Church and became the first female professor of theology at a U.S. seminary. Her legacy continues today through several initiatives, including scholarships for women over age 35 who are studying to become Methodist clergy.

Using proceeds from last fall’s Chicken and Biscuit Dinner as seed money, Harkness United Methodist Church has launched a challenge to raise $5,000 to fully fund one scholarship in Dr. Harkness’s honor. The goal is to reach the target by May 17, the date of the first “Michigans for Mission” fundraiser of the year for the Harkness Church. During her career as a theologian, professor and writer, Dr. Harkness was a strong supporter and proponent of conferring full clergy rights for women in the Methodist Church. This effort also marks the 70th anniversary of achievement of that goal. 

Donations may be made by check payable to Harkness United Methodist Church. Please include “Georgia Harkness Scholarship” on the memo line. Contributions may be mailed to: Harkness United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 720, Peru, NY 12972.

Sarah Graves photo.

Sarah Graves photo

Sarah Graves photo

By John T Ryan

Peru, April 8, 2026 – Though some people may not know him by name, almost everyone residing in or near the Peru hamlet is familiar with Art Graves. Graves has been running along Peru’s streets and roads for as long as most people can remember. A few years ago, a Jamaican apple picker shouted to Graves, “Hey, Mon, are you still running? I’ve been coming here for more than 20 years. You’re always out there.” Yes, Art has been “out there” through all kinds of weather since he and his wife, Sarah, moved here in 1971. 

Now, at age 85, Graves runs three miles or more at least three times a week. He tries to leave his Woodland Drive home between the morning school bus runs for a three-mile, one-hour run. What would motivate a man his age to do this? Graves explained, “I don’t need a lot of motivation. I like exercise. I played basketball and tennis every weekend. Once you get started, you don’t want to quit. You like it, and it makes you feel healthy.” Being healthy includes reducing stress. He said, “After running three, or five, or six miles, when you get back, you’re too tired to be stressed.” 

Accidental injuries not related to running, including a shattered ankle and a full knee replacement, didn’t stop Graves’ running routine for long. Some people, including this story’s author, noticed he had slowed down. Sarah Graves remarked. “Do you know how many people stopped Art along his route and asked, ‘Do you need a ride?'” 

Sarah also pointed to another important aspect of running. “We’re very much a family. Running is something you can do anywhere, anytime. When we went on vacation, Art could run. He would fit it in. Running is flexible enough, there aren’t any major expenses, and it’s not so time-consuming that it would take him away from the family.”  The Graves have two children, Art Jr. and Spencer, both of whom inherited their father’s love for physical activity. St. Lawrence University awarded Art Jr. a running scholarship, while Spencer played soccer and baseball, and is a physical education teacher at Northeastern Clinton Central. 

A Plattsburgh native, Graves played high school baseball at St. John’s Academy. “I was too short for basketball,” he recalls. His running began at Canisius College (Canisius University) in Buffalo, where he captained the cross-country team and ran middle distances during the indoor track season. 

Marathons were popular in the 1970’s when Art and Sarah moved to Peru. Art recalls, “I competed in the first Champlain Valley Marathon. I ran in Converse sneakers. The following year, I was smart enough to borrow running shoes.” Since then, he’s competed in about 25 marathons, as far away as Prince Edward Island, Ottawa, Canada, and Niagara Falls, NY.  Graves fondly recalls long-distance weekend runs with friends like Jerry Shpur, Dick Sabourin, Scott Woodward, and John Adams. He said, “We were known as Adirondack Harriers. 

May Art Graves continue to be “always out there” and an inspiration to us all. If you see him on June 4th, wish him Happy Birthday! 

The most far-reaching study in 40 years aims to track impact of changing climate on Adirondack waters

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac Story 

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL December 2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC HEARING

6. APPLICATIONS:

   1. File # Z-2026-111 – Area Variance – Myles Tallada at 771 Bear Swamp Road – Parcel # 280.-1-28.2 – Requesting to remove an existing 10’X10′ shed and replace with a new 14’X30′ shed that will encroach 5 ft. into the required 15 ft. side yard setback with only 10 ft. Provided.

   2. File # Z-2026-112 –Commercial Special Use Permit – Justin & Kristie Hugus at 741 Allen Hill Rd. – Parcels 290.-1-26.21 & 302.-1-11 – Owners seek to engage in agri-business, including events that promote the sale of agricultural products, weddings, and auctions. Requesting Site Plan Review and Commercial Special Use. 

1. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
2. CEO REPORT
3. ADJOURNMENT

Plattsburgh, NY – Nearly 100 tenth-grade students from seven area schools participated in TDC’s 4^th annual Manufacturing Experience Day on Tuesday March 31st, where they toured local manufacturers and explored the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at Clinton Community College. The immersive experience provided the students with valuable insights into the world of manufacturing and higher education, inspiring them for future career paths. TDC, Brilliant Pathways, and Clinton Community College joined together to partner on this STEM career-exploration event that engaged students from Northern Adirondack, Northeastern Clinton, Chateaugay, Keene, Moriah, Chazy, and Beekmantown.

Every student participated in two one-hour tours of manufacturing facilities such as Norsk Titanium, W Schonbek, MRP, Beta Technoloiges, Monaghan Medical, Alstom, BCI Lakeside and Schluter Systems. They were able to witness firsthand the intricate processes involved in manufacturing and learn about the cutting-edge technologies used in the production of various products across North Country industries; and were able to interact with engineers and technicians to gain a deeper understanding of the manufacturing industry. 

 The other half of the day was spent at Clinton Community College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. Here, the students participated in hands-on circuit board activities, virtual reality welding and Oculus career exploration provided by NYS Department of Labor, heard from a manufacturing careers panel comprised of young professionals from CV-TEC’s New Visions Applied Engineering program and Holly Black, CEO of Crossborder Development Corporation, and explored the IAM production floor, with support from IAM staff, SnapOn representatives, TDC staff, and CV-TEC young professionals. 

“Part of TDC’s mission is to attract and retain quality jobs within our industrial parks; part of that is making sure the community (including the next generation) understands what kind of opportunities are present here. We are so grateful to the employers that enthusiastically participate in events like this and open their doors to students, demystifying what a career in STEM could look like,” said Dani King, President and CEO, TDC.

“We at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College were excited to welcome tenth graders back to the facility for Manufacturing Experience Day. This type of hands-on experience not only brings awareness to the state-of-the-art facility right in their backyard here at the IAM, but also draws the connection between the educational and career pathways available in modern manufacturing,” said D. Billy Jones, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at Clinton Community College. “It is a wonderful opportunity to introduce North Country students to different careers and future prospects in a variety of North Country industries.”

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Protect the Adirondacks offers a response to an Adirondack Almanack piece about how to use certain parts of the Forest Preserve

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac commentary 

Plattsburgh,  April 7, 2026 – “Should the Enemy come up the Lake…you will act with such cool determined valor, as will give them Reason to repent their Temerity.” With Ed Scollon, Co-founder and Co-principal of the Valcour Bay Research Project.

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 Island 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.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. Call Helen Nerska at 518-561-0340 for more information.

Opening doors to the past and building our future.

Click here for the NCPR story 

New FAFSA Dashboard Provides an Interactive Snapshot of the FAFSA Completion Status and Financial Aid Navigator Helps Students Maximize New York State Financial Aid

Albany, NY, April 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Financial Aid Awareness Month in New York State, reaffirming the state’s commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education. This year’s campaign, titled “You Belong,” aims to equip students and families with the tools and resources needed to navigate the financial aid process, emphasizing that there’s a college for everyone in New York State.“

New Tools and Support Help Students and Families Navigate Financial Aid

Throughout April the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will host over two dozen events to help students and families understand the financial aid available to them and navigate the FAFSA and TAP application processes. These events will provide one-on-one support, expert guidance and resources to maximize financial aid opportunities. CUNY launched a Financial Literacy Video Series for Students and the student financial services resource centers across CUNY campuses are open to provide one-on-one in-person or virtual assistance.

As part of its continued efforts to improve access to financial aid information and support, HESC launched new tools and enhanced services designed to support students, counselors, financial aid professionals and partners. These include:

• Financial Aid Navigator: A step-by-step tool that guides students through a series of questions about their academic plans, residency, and household information to generate a personalized list of New York State financial aid programs they may be eligible for, including grants, scholarships and tuition assistance opportunities.
• FAFSA Completion Dashboard: An interactive dashboard that provides a monthly snapshot of FAFSA completion rates among New York’s high school seniors and serves as a key tool for tracking progress statewide. Users can compare New York’s cumulative completion rate to the national average and explore data at the high school, school district, regional and legislative district levels to support targeted outreach and student success efforts.
• Modernized Call Center: HESC enhanced its call center operations, ensuring students and families have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives, eliminating the need for appointments, and making it easier to get timely answers to financial aid questions. Students wishing to speak with HESC can call 1-888-NYSHESC (1-888-697-4372).

Financial Aid Scholarships Available for Students

Governor Hochul continues her commitment to preparing New York’s future workforce for high-need job areas through scholarship opportunities.

Applications are now open for the NYS Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship as well as the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program for the 2026-27 academic year. These programs aim to support students pursuing careers in education, particularly in math and science teaching fields which are essential to addressing workforce shortages and shaping the next generation of workers. Additionally, applications remain open for the NYS STEM Incentive Program, which is open to eligible students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class who are interested in entering high-demand science, technology, engineering and math professions.

Students attending college for the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years can apply for TAP through June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027, respectively. Students should also complete their FAFSA by the same deadline.

Students who do not meet citizenship or residency requirements can apply for NYS financial aid through the NYS DREAM Act.

Hamburg/Gravy/Mashed 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!

Plattsburgh, April 6, 2026. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is reminding residents that ticks become active for the season as soon as temperatures start reaching 40⁰F and remain active until temperatures consistently drop below that number. Ticks can spread diseases that make people and pets very sick. Diseases or illnesses spread by ticks are called “tick-borne.” Lyme disease, carried by the deer (black-legged) tick, is the most common tick-borne illness in Clinton County, followed by Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. Other diseases spread by ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Powassan virus.

“The first step in preventing tick-related illness is to avoid ticks and the places we know they like to be,”explained Nichole Louis, Director of Health Care Services at the CCHD. “Ticks live in grassy, brushy, orwooded areas, or even on animals. Stay toward the center of the path when hiking, and avoid dense woodsand brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter when possible. But most importantly—make tick checks part of your daily routine.”

The sooner a tick is removed, the lower your risk of developing tick-bone illness. Tick checks should include key areas ticks like to hide, such as under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp. Taking a shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors can also help to wash away unattached ticks. If spending time outdoors, check for ticks frequently so you can remove them before they have a chance to bite you or your family members.

Pets that spend time outdoors can bring ticks indoors, putting you at risk, even if you haven’t spent time outdoors yourself – so include them in daily tick checks.

Other prevention measures include:

• Use an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon, eucalyptus or 2-undecanone.

• Cover your skin as much as possible. Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.

• Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.

• Treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Never apply permethrin directly to skin.

• Cover baby carriers and strollers with mosquito netting.

• Stay away from animal nests and teach children to do the same.

• Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, let them dry completely and then tumble dry for 10 minutes on high heat.

“Persons who have any physical mobility or other needs, call the telephone number above to arrange for accommodations”“If you have been bitten by a tick, be sure to tell your doctor and be on the lookout for symptoms over the next few weeks,” explained Ms. Louis. “The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include: fever, chills, rash, aches and pains.”

Residents can learn more about ticks and tick-borne illness in the North Country Health Effect, at https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/nc_healtheffect/Ticks.pdf.

PLATTSBURGH, NY –The region’s largest Spring Arts & Crafts Fair is back. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Adirondack Coast Craft Fair will once again take over the gymnasium at the former Clinton Community College campus, welcoming hundreds of shoppers and over 100 vendors from across the region.

Presented by Adirondack Coast Events, this highly anticipated annual event has become a cornerstone of the

North Country’s spring calendar—bringing together a curated collection of local and regional artisans offering handcrafted goods that cannot be found anywhere else. Attendees can expect a vibrant marketplace filled with one-of-a-kind creations, including handmade crafts, artwork, home décor, specialty gifts, and more. Every vendor is carefully selected to ensure a high-quality experience that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Adirondack Coast.

“This event continues to grow each year because people are looking for something real—something local,

something handmade,” said event organizer Steve Peters. “The Adirondack Coast Craft Fair is about

showcasing the incredible talent we have in this region while creating an experience that’s fun, unique, and

worth coming out for.” With more than 100 vendor booths filling the gym, the event offers a dynamic shopping experience for visitors of all ages. Whether attendees are searching for the perfect gift, seasonal décor, or simply looking to explore and support local makers, the fair delivers a diverse and engaging environment.

Admission is $5 per person, children under 12 are free.

Event Details:

• What: Adirondack Coast Spring Arts & Crafts Fair
• When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Where: Former Clinton Community College Gym, Plattsburgh, NY
• Who: 100+ local and regional artisans and vendors