The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY –  The verbal volley between Theresa Larson and the Peru Town Board continued at the Town Board’s June 22nd Meeting. In June 2024, Lake Champlain Transportation (LCT) purchased six parcels, including the former Snug Harbor/Olde Valcour Marina, the Mariner Restaurant, which Larson co-operated, a dive shop, a campground, and properties directly across Route 9. Larson questions the legality and the precedent of the agreement the town reached with LCT. The agreement suspended the February 27 Cease and Desist Work Order issued by the Peru Code Enforcement Officer for alleged failure to obtain several building permits and a site plan approval. 

The agreement permits LCT to apply for building permits post-construction and to acquire temporary Certificates of Occupancy for work already performed, provided the work is brought into compliance. A June 10 deadline related to work at the dive shop and electrical work at the campsite was part of the agreement.  Larson asked about the June 10 deadline and said she can’t get answers to her questions from either the town’s attorney or the supervisor. Supervisor Craig Randall repeated what he said at previous meetings, “The matter is under consideration by the town counsel.” Larson responded, “We’ve been pretty patient about moving forward with a lawsuit, but at this point our hands are tied. We don’t want to put this burden on the town…” At this point, Councilman Kregg Bruno stated. “You keep threatening; you just come here every month saying the same thing over and over. Why don’t you just go ahead with it?”  After a few more comments, Larson and the person accompanying her exited the meeting. 

Town of Peru – LCT Agreement

Other Issues: 

The board discussed creating a place for young people to ride e-bikes and pedal bikes on the town-owned 100+ acre property north of the walking trail. Town Attorney Matt Favro will review the purchase contract to determine whether the town has the right to use the property for this purpose. If not, would the seller agree to modifying the contract to permit the proposed use? At the Board’s last meeting, Councilor Rick Barber said the town purchased the land utilizing a grant that may restrict the property’s future use. Attorney Favro said someone should also check the impact on the town’s liability insurance cost. 

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell requested and received permission to use plastic liners to repair two culverts on Lapham Mills Road. Farrell said the work can be done in one day with no traffic stoppage. The Precision Group will inspect, video, pressure-clean, and install the liners for a cost of $52,851.50. 

Councilman Rick Barber reported that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approved the town’s erection of an American Flag at the Peru Dock, provided it is illuminated at night. Barber said a solar-powered light is acceptable to DEC. 

The board thanked Rulfs Orchard for donating 18 hanging flower baskets for use at Little Ausable River and Heyworth/Mason Park. It also thanked Kevin Soucy, owner of Signs and More on Mason Street in Morrisonville, for his no-charge replacement of all the exterior town hall lettering. 

Helen Nerska said her office will be selling Peru’s America 250 T-shirts at the June 27 town market at $15 each. Nerska also reported that the June 13 Lapham Mills Road history walk, narrated by Bob McGee, was informative and well received.  

Pam Barber reported that the summer concerts at Heyworth Main Park begin on Sunday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m. 

The Board Approved: 

A Change Directive with Murnane Building Contractors at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade involving chimney and roofing repairs at the existing  materials handling building on a time and materials basis. Murnane will submit tracking documents for board approval. 

A Change Directive with K&L Plumbing at a total cost of $$8,828 involving application of epoxy coating to heaters and ductwork changes.  

A Change Directive with Triangle Electrical Systems providing for equipment and wiring to maintain power to the critical system during the transition to the new utility service.  Time-and-material tracking documents will be submitted for approval. 

A Resolution authorizing the hiring of Brandon Barnaby as a part-time seasonal worker in the water/sewer/parks department at an hourly rate of $18.29 with a June 30 start date. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette Meeting video 

LAKE PLACID, NY (July 6, 2026) – The 27th Ironman Lake Placid will take place on Sunday, July 19; its course defined along roads throughout Lake Placid, Keene, Jay, Upper Jay, Au Sable Forks and Wilmington. There will be a number of road closures throughout these communities.

The public should expect road closures and associated traffic delays beginning shortly after 5:00 a.m. that day. Traffic pattern changes and delays will impact communities along the bike and run course.

In Lake Placid/North Elba:

• Cummings Rd. will be closed from 4:00 a.m. until midnight.
• Mirror Lake Dr. from Northwood Rd. to Main St. in Lake Placid – closed from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on July 20.
• Northwood Rd. from Rt. 86 to Mirror Lake Dr. – closed southbound from 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Parkside Dr. in Lake Placid – closed from Mirror Lake Dr. to Main St. from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on July 20.
• Colden Ave. from School St. to Mill Pond Dr. – closed from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
• Main St. from the Post Office to Station St. – closed from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on July 20.
• Rt. 73 from Mill Pond Dr. to River Rd. – closed from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m on July 20.
• River Rd. – closed from 11:00 a.m. until midnight.
• Bobsled Run Ln. – closed in both directions from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Parking will not be permitted overnight on Saturday, July 18 on Mirror Lake Dr. in front of the tennis courts, nor on Parkside Dr. from Main St. to Mirror Lake Dr. Parking on Main St. from Parkside Dr. near the post office south is also prohibited overnight on Saturday, July 18.

Outside Lake Placid:

• Rt. 86 southbound to Lake Placid from Wilmington and Jay closed from 7:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
• Rt. 9N closed northbound from Keene to Glen Rd. in Jay from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Stickney Bridge Rd. – closed north and east bound from Glen Rd. to Rt. 9 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m; detour traffic is permitted in the opposite lane to access Jay and Keene.
• Rt. 9N southbound – closed from Stickney Bridge Rd. to the Rt. 86 intersection from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Bilhuber Rd. will be closed to traffic from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
• Haselton Rd. will remain open from Bilhuber Rd. to the Town of Black Brook; no vehicle travel south of Bilhuber Rd. until 4:00 p.m.
• Rt. 73 south/eastbound from Lake Placid to Keene begins at 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Read more »

Fiscal watchdog says independent oversight is needed to avoid waste and fraud.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole 

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!

Fire towers in the Adirondacks offer breathtaking views, but often times can be hard to access, due to their remote locations 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

When given an excessive amount of plastic trash, what do you do with it? How about…turn it into a bench?

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

A new educational program invites participants to tour Lake Champlain from the water and learn about the area’s environment

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

The hospital said it would expect to save $19 million dollars each year, but staff are skeptical of the long-term costs.

Click here for the vtdigger story 

If Handling Legal Sparkling Devices, Priority Number One is Fire Safety

Albany, July 3, 2026 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prioritize safety as they prepare for the July 4th holiday and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Fireworks pose a significant risk, causing thousands of injuries each year, particularly among young people. These accidents are most common in the weeks surrounding the July 4th holiday.

Common causes of fireworks-related injuries are:

• A firecracker with a fast fuse explodes before it can be thrown.
• A misguided rocket strikes a bystander.
• Someone approaches a firecracker when it has not yet exploded.

In 2024, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started more than 34,000 fires, including 3,246 structure fires, 857 vehicle fires, 29,517 outside fires, and 459 unclassified fires. These fires caused $98 million in direct property damage.

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday May 28, 2026 at the

Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Richard Barber, Jr.,

Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman and Mrs. Christine

Crawford, Town Clerk. Also present was ; Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent.

Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mr. Michael Farrell,

Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Ms.

Kristen Marino, Recreation Director were excused. Absent were Mr. Tyler Jarvis, Deputy

Highway Superintendent; Ms. Helen Nerska, Historian, Mr. Duane Bibeau, Codes and Zoning

Officer and Mr. T’chaka Sikelianos, Dog Control Officer.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance. Read more »

A Special meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Peru Town

Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Richard Barber, Councilman; Mr.

Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town

Clerk. Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; was excused.

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr.Weaver to Open the Special Meeting.

Ayes 4, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Weaver to Adjourn to Executive Session at 9:33 AM.

Ayes 4, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Barber to Return from Executive Session at 9:48 AM.

Ayes 4, Noes 0

Motion Carried

RESOLUTION NUMBER:26.05-22.01

A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE HIRING OF SPECIAL OUTSIDE COUNSEL OF COSTELLO, COONEY & FEARON, PLLC FOR LAND USE MATTERS AND AUTHORIZES THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE ATTACHED ENGAGEMENT LETTER.

MOTION: Mr. Weaver SECOND: Mr. Barber

WHEREAS the Town Board has found that in the best interests of the Town, we are in need of outside counsel that specializes in land use matters.

WHEREAS, the Board has in front of them, the basic Terms of Representation from Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC.

WHEREAS, according to those terms, the Town of Peru agrees to pay an upfront retainer fee of $2,500.00 to cover initial costs and hourly fees will vary from $225.00 to $425.00 per hour with specific rates reflecting the knowledge, experience and expertise of each individual assigned.

THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, said proposed authorization is approved and the Supervisor is hereby directed to execute the engagement letter attached.

AND, BE IT

RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Roll Call: NO

Richard Barber x

Mel Irwin x

Nick Weaver x

Kregg Bruno Carried:4 Ayes;0 Noes

YES Excused

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Weaver to adjourn the Special meeting at 9:55AM

Ayes 4, Noes 0

Motion Carried

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday May 11, 2026 at the

Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Mel Irwin,

Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk. Also

present were Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer

Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential

Secretary to the Board; Ms. Helen Nerska, Historian and Mr. T’chaka Sikelianos, Dog Control

Officer. Absent were Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. Tyler Jarvis, Deputy Highway

Superintendent and Ms. Kristen Marino, Recreation Director.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the Regular

Meeting of April 17, 2026.

Ayes 3, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Community Input

Marque Moffit gives the Town an update on Library events. She thanks the Town for allowing them to use the park and for waiving the fee. The Library has 2 fundraisers coming up, the annual Book Sale from June 10-13 and a community wall calendar is in the works which will contain photos of the Town of Peru. The Library is also launching a survey to make sure all needs are met. Mr. Randall shares what a great team the Library has, and the Board thanks Ms. Moffit for the updates.

Teresa Larsen questions the town contract with LCT, but will hold her comments for later.

Corey Trombley is still looking for information on the LCT agreement, and he is advised by Mr.

Randall to have his attorney contact the Town’s Attorney for this project.

Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Irwin to table accepting reports from all Departments. Read more »

Click here to view the Induction Program.  Chris Mazzella’s remarks begin at the 10 minute 45 second mark. 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Peru Gazette 2024 File Photo

Lake Ranked No. 5 in Bassmaster’s 2026 Best Bass Lakes – Northeastern Division

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 2, 2026) – The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that Lake Champlain has once again been recognized as one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the country, earning the No. 5 spot in the Northeastern Division of Bassmaster magazine’s 2026 Best Bass Lakes rankings. The annual list recognizes the nation’s top fisheries based on tournament results, fisheries data, angler feedback, and overall fishing quality.

Stretching between New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain has long been regarded as one of North America’s most diverse and productive bass fisheries, offering exceptional opportunities for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Its combination of expansive grass flats, rocky shoals, offshore structure, and stunning Adirondack scenery continues to make it a favorite among recreational anglers and professional competitors alike.

“Being recognized by Bassmaster once again reinforces what anglers have known for years—Lake Champlain is truly a world-class fishery,” said Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing and Tourism for the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. “From first-time visitors to seasoned tournament pros, anglers come here for the incredible fishing, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming communities that make every trip memorable.”

In its 2026 rankings, Bassmaster highlighted Lake Champlain’s ability to consistently produce outstanding tournament weights while offering anglers the opportunity to target both trophy largemouth and hard-fighting smallmouth bass. The lake’s impressive performance during recent Bassmaster Elite Series competition further demonstrated why it remains among the nation’s elite fisheries.

The recognition comes as the Adirondack Coast continues to welcome some of the sport’s biggest events. Throughout 2026, Lake Champlain will host multiple nationally recognized bass tournaments, bringing thousands of anglers, families, and spectators to the region while generating significant economic impact for local businesses.

Beyond tournament competition, Lake Champlain offers exceptional public boat launches, marinas, lodging, restaurants, tackle shops, and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal destination for anglers planning everything from weekend getaways to bucket-list fishing adventures.

Whether chasing trophy bass, enjoying a family fishing vacation, or competing on the national stage, Lake Champlain continues to prove why it is one of the Northeast’s premier freshwater fishing destinations.

To learn more about fishing on Lake Champlain, upcoming tournaments, lodging, and trip planning resources, visit goadirondack.com/bass.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Guidance Requires Auto Insurance Entities To Incorporate Anticipated Savings from Reforms into Current and Future Rate Filings

Albany, nY (July 1, 2026) – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued new guidance to insurers, implementing reforms enacted in the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget to help bring down the cost of auto insurance rates and combat fraudulent claims across New York State.

The enacted budget delivers sweeping reforms to address key factors driving up auto insurance premiums, including insurance fraud and excessive litigation costs. The guidance issued by DFS is an important step to translate these reforms into meaningful cost savings for New Yorkers.

The Department’s guidance outlines expectations for all insurers authorized to write motor vehicle insurance in New York State to update their pricing models to integrate the impact of these reforms in all pending and future rate filings. Reforms addressed in the guidance include:

• Expanded Definition of “Fraudulent Insurance Act”: Prosecutors are now able to seek criminal penalties against all individuals responsible for organizing or facilitating a staged accident, not just the individual behind the wheel.
• Limiting Damages for Individuals Engaging in Unlawful Behavior at the Time of an Accident: Damages are capped for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of an accident to ensure that drivers who violate the law, including uninsured motorists, drunk drivers and drivers in the act of committing a felony, do not receive disproportionate financial recoveries at the expense of policyholders.
• Tightening the Serious Injury Threshold: The enacted budget modifies the definition of “serious injury” so that damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress are reserved for those persons able to objectively demonstrate that they have suffered serious injuries.
• Limiting Damages for Individuals Who Are “Mostly” At Fault in Causing an Accident: Drivers found to be primarily responsible for causing an accident are now unable to sue other parties for outsized damage payments. This change puts New York in line with most other states.
• Updates to Approval Authority Over Auto Insurers’ Rates: New limits have been put in place requiring companies to seek express prior approval from DFS before any upward rate changes.

DFS-regulated insurers are expected to review the guidance to determine what steps they need to take to comply with the new requirements, including incorporating the anticipated savings from these reforms in all pending and future auto insurance rate filings.

This guidance builds on the Department’s efforts to address property insurance costs, including guidance on mandatory premium discounts, guidance to combat discrimination in affordable housing markets, and DFS’s Insurance Discounts and Savings webpage.

A copy of the guidance can be found on the Department’s website.

$120 Per Child Going to Eligible Families Through 2026 Summer EBT Program

Summer EBT Benefits Expire 122 Days After Being Issued, Recipients Should Use Their Benefits Soon After They Receive Them

Albany, (July 1, 2026) = Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly 1.6 million low-income children have already received summer food assistance totaling $189 million as part of the 2026 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program. The program provides $120 per child to eligible families to help pay for food during the summer, when students lose access to free school meals.

“Making sure every young person has the nourishment they need to thrive is central to my fight to invest in our children’s future and make life more affordable for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “At a time when vital nutrition programs like SNAP face continued attacks in Washington, Summer EBT puts money back in the pockets of New York’s working families, helping them afford to buy healthy food during the summer months when schools are out of session and many children lose access to free school meals.”

Summer EBT benefits began being issued in mid-June and will continue to be sent to families through the summer and to the end of the year. When completed, approximately $240 million in food assistance is expected to be issued to an estimated 2 million school-aged children.

Most eligible children receive the benefits automatically. However, some families may need to apply. New Yorkers are encouraged to learn more about eligibility and apply, if necessary, before the September 8 deadline.

While Washington Republicans have sought to weaken programs designed to help assist those in need, Governor Hochul has remained focused on fighting to make life more affordable for families in New York. Governor Hochul has been laser-focused on protecting the dollars that New Yorkers depend on and ensuring they can access resources necessary to uplift them and their families.

Governor Hochul secured $51 million for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), $15 million to expand HPNAP to regional food banks and pantries, and $55 million for the Nourish NY program in the FY27 State Budget. This is on top of the $65 million announced in October for emergency food assistance that will reinforce New York’s network of vital food bank and pantry partners. Governor Hochul also secured $395 million to reimburse the cost of school meals served in FY 2027, a $55 million year-to-year increase that continues the implementation of the Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) program that was enacted in the FY26 Budget. In addition, with the Governor’s funding commitment, New York becomes one of just a handful of states transitioning to secure chip-based EBT card technology to help protect SNAP recipients from skimming.

Administered by the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Summer EBT is a federally funded program aimed at reducing hunger and food insecurity among children who are unable to access free and reduced-price school meals during the summertime when school is out. Eligible families with school-age children will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child as part of this summer’s program.

Research has shown that providing families with summer food benefits reduces childhood hunger and promotes better nutrition. A demonstration project tested by the USDA found that Summer EBT decreased the number of kids with very low food security by one-third.

Plattsburgh, NY (June 30, 2026) – Michelle LeBeau, president of the University of Vermont Health Network’s Alice Hyde Medical Center (AHMC) and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), issued the following statement about the New York State Nurses Association sponsored community rally for the Adirondack Blood Donor Center:

“Today’s gathering is a testament to the importance of ensuring continued access to lifesaving blood services in our community. Our commitment to providing safe, reliable blood services for our patients will continue by working with the American Red Cross. This collaboration helps ensure a dependable blood supply, preserves access to care for our community, allows us to focus our resources on the essential services our patients rely on, and supports the hospital’s long-term financial sustainability.

“The community’s support today is also a testament to the Donor Center team and their unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care, safety and quality. Through their dedication, they have built an extraordinary legacy by recruiting legions of devoted donors and sponsors whose generosity has made a difference in thousands of lives.

“The economic realities facing hospitals – especially rural hospitals – are challenging us to urgently redefine how care is provided now while securing a strong foothold in the future. Key to our success is ensuring that our most valuable resources – our people – are in positions where they can make the greatest difference for patients. When services are already available through trusted community partners, duplicating them diverts valuable expertise away from direct patient care where it is needed most.

“Each member of the donor center team who chose to stay with our organization has found a position as part of the care team.

“The American Red Cross will continue the great work of the donor team and ensure a steady and readily available supply of blood and blood products for the region. Separate from the Donor Center, our Blood Bank continues to test, screen, store and distribute blood and blood products for patients needing transfusions at CVPH, Alice Hyde Medical Center and Elizabethtown Community Hospital (both Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga campuses). Patients will have the life-saving blood they need, when they need it.
“Collaboration with community agencies and health system partners will play an important role as we continue to advance how care is provided to the communities we serve to meet the needs of our patients today and for generations to come.”

Learn more at uvmhealth.org/NNYToday.

Click to view WPTZ story on the rally.