Albany, April 21, 2026 – “Every state employee deserves a safe workplace. There is a systemic problem within our correctional facilities. We continue to face a staffing crisis. We continue to face a contraband crisis. These problems are not isolated: They are persistent, escalating, and unacceptable. NYSCOPBA’s assessment reflects what staff on the ground have been saying for far too long. We cannot normalize conditions that place correction officers, civilians, and incarcerated individuals in harm’s way. These challenges continue to languish without the level of urgency and coordinated action they demand, and it is long past time that state leadership steps in. I unapologetically echo their calls for real solutions.”

Click here to view NYSCOPBA letter.

NYSCOPBA to Hochul: State prisons in ‘systemic emergency’ amid surge in violence, contraband

Click here for the Spectrum 1 News story which includes NYSCOPBA’s letter to Governor Hochul

Local youth leaders partner with 20+ organizations to tackle food waste and environmental conservation through interactive learning and mural art.

PERU, NY, April 20, 2026 –  – On Thursday and Friday, April 23rd and 24th, the Students Against a Vanishing Environment (SAVE) will host Earth Fest 2026, a massive educational summit designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Bringing together over 20 regional organizations, the event will transform the school day into an immersive forum for climate action, waterway management, and sustainability.

Peru Earth Fest 2026 invites Peru students and staff grades 3-12, providing them with direct access to experts in fields ranging from microplastics research to food waste reduction. The event aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world environmental impact.

Innovative “Food Is _________, Waste Less” Mural Project

A centerpiece of this year’s festival is the launch of the “Food Is __________, Waste Less!” mural project. In collaboration with the Peru Lions Club, and the Peru PTO, and local muralist and teacher Greg Badger, SAVE is leading the creation of seven 4’x8’ educational panels.

Throughout the day, every student in grades 3–12 will contribute their fingerprint to the artwork, symbolizing their personal commitment to the environment. These murals will be installed in the School Cafeterias to serve as a permanent reminder of the school’s goal: reducing food waste and supporting future composting initiatives.

Event Highlights & Activities

• Interactive Exhibits: Over 20 North Country environmental organizations providing hands-on demonstrations.

• Actionable Insights: Presentations on climate action, lake management, and Peru’s specific food waste reduction programs.

• Networking: Opportunities for students to connect with professionals and explore careers in environmental science.

• Community Collaboration: A multi-generational effort involving students, local artists, and civic organizations.

“This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from experts and start shaping our future,” says the SAVE leadership team. “Whether you’re curious about your impact on the world or looking for inspiration to make a difference, this event is designed to ignite student potential.”

About SAVE – Students Against a Vanishing Environment (SAVE) is a student-led organization at Peru Central School District dedicated to environmental advocacy, local conservation efforts, and sustainability education.

SAVE – Students Against a Vanishing Environment

Peru Central School District

SAVEClub@perucsd.org

https://sites.google.com/perucsd.org/saveclub

Instagram: @perucsdsaveclub

Facebook: Peru CSD SAVE Club

Click here for the NCPR story 

PLATTSBURGH, NY, April 20, 2026 – The Town of Plattsburgh (Town) and Clinton County American Legion (Legion) are proud to announce the groundbreaking of Phase 2 of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway park. Phase 2 includes the Remembrance Plaza, an architecturally striking multi-purpose pavilion and plaza, designed by the talented team at AES Northeast. Local contractor, Luck Bros. was awarded the construction contract, and a groundbreaking ceremony is being held on April 23rd at 10 a.m. Phase 2 is funded by the Town of Plattsburgh and a $300,000 allocation from the NYS Assembly through DASNY.

The Town and the Legion are also excited to share that we have partnered with AES Northeast and Earthscape Play to develop plans for Phase 3, the Children’s Adventure Playground. The Town will be seeking construction funding for the playground through the 2026 NY PLAYS grant. The plans for the playground have been partially funded through community donations, including funds raised by MichiganFest in 2025.

The Battlefield Memorial Gateway (BMG) is a lakefront property owned by the Town of Plattsburgh that is planned to be developed into a military remembrance park in partnership with the Clinton County American Legion. Phase 1 was completed in 2023 and construction of the Purple Heart Trail, parking, critical drainage infrastructure as access to the site of the Battle of Plattsburgh, access to Crab Island where American and British soldiers are buried together, the site of the Battle of Valcour, as well as locations of Cold War military activity.

MichiganFest is returning to the Clinton County Fairgrounds on August 1st, 2026 with proceeds supporting the development of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway.

If you would like to learn more about the Battlefield Memorial Gateway project, please contact the Town of Plattsburgh at 518-562-6850.

For more information about MichiganFest, please contact the event committee at pbgmichiganfest@gmail.com

First used by the British, Royal Savage sailed under Benedict Arnold’s command and was sunk during the Battle of Valcour Island

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Mission of Hope Welcomes Volunteers 

Peru, NY, April 20, 2026  – This trip is a remarkable opportunity for adults and students alike to step outside the routine of daily life and discover the profound rewards of serving others. Participants consistently return home with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper faith, and connections forged through shared service that last long after the trip ends. The experience of giving your time and talents to those in need has a way of changing you — often far more than you expect.

This year’s trip runs from July 25 to 31 and is open to anyone 14 years of age or older — making it a wonderful opportunity for students, parents, and grandparents to share together. No special skills are required, only an open heart and a willingness to serve. The work centers on providing critical upgrades to homes damaged by poverty or natural disasters, or in need of modification due to medical necessity. The total cost ranges from $700 to $800 and covers all mission-related expenses. For more information or an application, please contact Deacon James Carlin at 518-593-9718 or jpcarlin1963@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us!

Photos provided by North Country Mission of Hope

Albany, April 26, 2026 – Tax collections for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26 totaled $127.5 billion, $2.3 billion higher than estimates made by the Division of the Budget (DOB) in the 30-day amendments to the SFY 2026-27 Executive Budget financial plan, according to the March State Cash Reportreleased today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Tax collections for SFY 2025-26 were nearly $10 billion higher than the previous year due, in part, to increased Personal Income Tax (PIT) receipts largely reflecting financial market growth in 2025.

“The state’s tax collections exhibited strong growth in the last fiscal year but economic growth, particularly employment, is projected to slow,” DiNapoli said. “Federal actions and geopolitical conflicts are injecting volatility into the economy that may affect future tax collections. State policymakers should utilize caution and ensure that the enacted budget for this fiscal year accounts for these risks.”

PIT collections totaled $67.4 billion, $6.2 billion (10.1%) higher than prior year collections. The increase was primarily attributable to stronger withholding and quarterly estimated tax payments related to the 2025 tax year partially offset by refunds associated with the inflation refund credits. However, PIT collections were $489.1 million lower than Executive Budget Financial Plan projections.

Consumption and use taxes, which include sales tax, totaled $23.6 billion, exceeding the prior year by $1.2 billion, or 5.5%. Collections were $23.2 million higher than DOB’s latest projections.

Business tax collections totaled over $33.2 billion which was $1.9 billion higher than the previous year, Read more »

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Directs Landmarks Across the State to be Illuminated to Honor Individuals and Communities Impacted by Crime, Recognize the Professionals Who Provide Critical Support and Services Statewide

Albany, April 19, 2026– Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation marking Sunday, April 19 through Saturday, April 25, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to coincide with the federal designation of the week, which honors individuals, families and communities impacted by crime and recognizes the professionals who provide critical support and services that allow them to recover and thrive. Governor Hochul also directed landmarks across the state to be illuminated tonight, Sunday, April 19, in this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week colors: Inkwell Blue, Poppy, and Harbor Blue.

“As the proud daughter of a mother who dedicated herself to assisting victims of domestic violence, I remain steadfast in my commitment to ensure that victims and survivors of crime have access to the support and services they need to heal,” Governor Hochul said. “As we observe Crime Victims’ Rights Week in New York State, I ask you to join me in being an ally and amplifying the voices of victims so they know that they are heard, seen and supported.”

The following landmarks will be illuminated to mark the start of the week, the theme of which is Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect Victims, Support Communities.

• 1WTC
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Gavin LaValley of Northeastern Clinton Central School hopes to advance to the next round of the America’s Favorite Student competition. The winner will meet Bill Nye, appear in Reader’s Digest, and take home $20,000. He needs the community’s help to stay in the running and move on to the next round! Everyone has the chance to cast one free vote every 24 hours! Please help this small town kid with big dreams!!

Tricia LaValley (Gavin’s mom)

Click the link to vote http://americasfavstudent.org/2026/gavin-15

Homemade Ground Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup and Spices
** Note: Shallow depth of field

Meatloaf

Potatoes 

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!

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Tens of Thousands of Users Since 2021 Helped Greatly Improve Safety in the Route 73 Recreation Corridor

Peru, NY, April 18, 2026 – Peru, NY, April 18, 2026 – Peru Firefighters are at work this morning hoping to build up the Greg Timmons Memorial Scholarship. Stop by the Peru Fire Department and show your support!!!!!!! They’ll be working until noon.

Hamlet of Raquette Lake
Hamilton County
Wilderness Search: On April 12 at 8 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a lost hiker off trail behind the Burketown neighborhood. Forest Rangers Cleinman, Miller, and Scott responded. At 9:15 p.m., Ranger Miller made voice contact with the 55-year-old and located them deep in a swamp, getting cold in wet jeans. Ranger Miller walked the subject out of the woods. Resources were clear at 10 p.m.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 13 at 12:15 p.m., three Forest Rangers responded to a call to assist three hikers off trail on Haystack Mountain. The hikers said they were lost and unprepared for the weather. Rangers called and using mapping software, led them back onto the trail and then met them to provide food and water.

Rangers suggest checking the weather before hiking. The temperature and conditions at the top of a mountain are often very different from what it is at 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.

Bids came in higher than expected 

Peru, April 17, 2026 – On September 3, 2024, Peru voters approved, by a margin of 121 to 70, the Fire Department’s plan to expand and upgrade its fire station. At the time, Architectural Engineering and Design Associates (AEDA) estimated having to borrow no more than $5 million. However, when contractor bids were opened on April 7, the project cost totaled $6.65 million—significantly higher than anticipated. 

To help cover the gap, the department can use its $710,000 Building Reserve and $340,000 in district funds, but will still need to borrow an additional $600,000. Chad Frechette, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, noted that AEDA now projects a tax rate increase of 51 cents per thousand of taxable value, which is lower than last September’s estimate of 72 cents per thousand dollars of taxable value. Falling interest rates should also help reduce borrowing costs. If the estimates hold, property taxes on a $300,000 home would rise by $153 over the 25-year loan term.

Voter approval is required for the department to borrow the additional $600,000 needed to move the project forward. A special election will take place at the fire station on May 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A public hearing to answer questions will be held on Tuesday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fire station. Frechette said the commissioners will meet before the hearing to discuss whether further cost savings can be identified.

The renovation replaces the wood structural members with steel, extends the truck bays by 40 feet toward Bear Swamp Road, and replaces the bay flooring, roofing, engine bay doors, and most sprinkler, electrical, and HVAC systems. New facilities include an equipment storage area, a fitness room, a locker room, a decontamination room, an updated social room, space for the historic Brockway truck, an expanded EMS area, and larger eastside parking.

Notice of May 5, 2026 vote

Link to Peru Gazette story prior to the September 2024 vote  

In September, 2024 Greg Timmons explained why the changes are needed 

September 2024 vote results story