The Peru Gazette

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

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Freezing rain is expected in portions of eastern Vermont tonight with total ice accumulations ranging from a glaze to around one tenth of an inch. Winds are also expected to gust as high as 25-45 mph late tonight into Friday. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Thursday, April, 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., The Strand Center Theatre

RSVP: Admission is free & open to the public; registration is required at wpbstv.org/events

The Clinton Essex Franklin Library System (CEFLS) and Mountain Lake PBS invite the public to attend a free Indie Lens Pop-Up screening ofThe Librarians during National Library Week. The film screening will be followed by a moderated community discussion and audience Q&A.

Simultaneous watch‑party screenings will also be held at participating CEFLS member libraries, including Keeseville Free Library, Keene Valley Library Association, Mooers Free Library, Paine Memorial Free Library in Willsboro, Schroon Lake Public Library, Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay, and Westport Library Association. Additional watch parties are available at libraries across the North Country. See a full list at wpbstv.org/event/national-library-week-free-screening-the-librarians/.

“Then-Vice President Roosevelt was hiking up Mount Marcy in September of 1901 when word came that President McKinley had died of a gunshot.”

Click here for the NCPR “North Woods” story 

Michelle LaBounty, Sandra Lashua and Tina Potter honored at April 30 North Country Celebration

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Proceeds help fund scholarships, graduation caps and gowns and the senior banquet.

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DEC releases long-awaited study of visitor use in the High Peaks Wilderness

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Adirondack Land Trust announces protection of 321 acres in Schroon

Avoid the mud and ride the sand at Ausable Chasm

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Photo Provided L-R Garry Douglas, Betsy Vicencio, Matt Boire

April 3, 2026 – Editor’s Note – I missed the email with this Chamber of Commerce news release. I know Betsy. She is a very nice lady who truly deserves this recognition. 

Plattsburgh – (3/17/2026) | The North Country Chamber of Commerce continued a beloved community tradition this morning as it hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, welcoming a sold-out crowd to West Side for a lively and entertaining celebration.

Honoring the 2026 Irish Person of the Year: Elizabeth “Betsy” Vicencio

A highlight of the annual breakfast is the presentation of the Chamber’s Irish Person of the Year Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to volunteerism and service through business, community, or civic leadership. This year’s honoree was Elizabeth “Betsy” Vicencio, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Northeast Group and MHAB Life Skills Campus.

Adirondack born and raised, Vicencio found her professional and community home in Plattsburgh along the shores of Lake Champlain through her work with The Northeast Group and, more recently, MHAB. For more than fifteen years as Vice President and CFO of the family organizations, she has brought both strong financial leadership and a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in the North Country. Her passion for making things better each day, paired with her ability to turn ideas into action, has made her a valued partner in many important initiatives.

Vicencio has been a member of the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club for much of her adult life and currently serves as its President. Living by Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” she has devoted countless hours to community initiatives locally and internationally. Whether organizing events, mentoring new members, or stepping forward wherever help is needed, her commitment to service is evident.

Her dedication to the region also extends to healthcare. Vicencio has been a long-time board member of UVM Health Network CVPH, working alongside fellow leaders to address key healthcare challenges in the region. She has been particularly passionate about strengthening access to care through the recruitment of healthcare providers and advocating for women’s health throughout the North Country.

Within the business community, Vicencio has also been an active and valued member of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a Chamber Ambassador and was a founding supporter of the Chamber’s Celebration of Women in Business Event, which has grown into one of the organization’s most popular and impactful programs supporting professional growth and connection across the region.

Vicencio also played an instrumental role in the development of the MHAB Life Skills Campus, helping to bring the organization’s vision to life. The campus has become an important resource for individuals in recovery, providing support, skills, and opportunities for those rebuilding their lives while helping reduce stigma and strengthen understanding around recovery in the community.

“Betsy is a great combination of exemplary business acumen and success coupled with an unbridled commitment to our community, providing leadership to good causes and endeavors,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Her very positive imprint can be found on initiatives and services as varied as MHAB, the UVM Health Network, Scouting, Clinton Community College and Rotary among others. I extend my congratulations but most of all words of thanks. Onward and upward.”

Click here for the Vermont Public story

Click here for the NCPR story 

New Programs Are Part of State’s $320 Million Commitment for Clean Energy Workforce Development and Training

Albany, April 2, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the expansion of New York State’s clean energy workforce commitment with $50 million in new funding to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The new Clean Energy Career Pathways Training and Technical Skills Training and Upskilling programs are part of a $320 million commitment for clean energy workforce development and training and provide funding for projects that develop career pathways training, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives for new and existing workers. Today’s announcement builds on the State’s leadership in growing the clean energy industry and will help expand access to family-sustaining jobs to support New York’s clean energy transition, including in underserved areas of the state. Read more »

Tourism from and Exports to NY’s Largest Trading Partner, Canada, Severely Impacted

New York had one of the steepest drops of any state in international tourism in 2025, with overseas travelers falling 3% — a loss of over 176,000 visitors — second only to California, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The decline is hurting the state’s economy, as fewer visitors means less spending and a smaller number of jobs in hotels and restaurants. The impact is most acute for areas near the Canadian border, where travel from Canada fell by more than 21%, a decrease of nearly 3.6 million visitors. Exports to Canada also declined by $3.8 billion due to tariffs.

“Federal policies are driving foreign travelers away and taking billions in tourism spending and harming our economy as exports substantially decline,” DiNapoli said. “That loss of revenue means fewer jobs in New York and tougher times for those working in the tourism industry. We’re already seeing the consequences, especially in hotels and restaurants in those regions near the Canadian border. New York is a top destination for tourists to the U.S., and policies that welcome and encourage international travel are needed to avoid damaging economic consequences.” Read more »

NY Forward project will include expanded footprint for a new cafe, expanded bulk/produce area and four renovated apartments 

See rendering here

Empire State Development and the New York Department of State today announced the start of construction on a $662,000 expansion and rehabilitation project at Nature’s Storehouse, a full-service natural food store, in Canton. Supported by the state’s NY Forward program, the project will create a seamless floor plan that integrates Nature Storehouse’s current 21 Main Street location with an adjacent historic building at 19 Main Street, adding a new cafe with table seating for customers as well as expanded retail space throughout. Nature’s Storehouse owners Clark and Yen Maine were awarded a $497,000 NY Forward grant in 2025 to facilitate the project, which will complement the store’s long-standing natural food and supplement business.

“The expansion of Nature’s Storehouse serves as a cornerstone of the NY Forward revitalization initiative in Canton and will demonstrate how targeted investments can breathe new life into our rural downtowns,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “By modernizing these historic buildings to include both a vibrant new cafe and much-needed residential units, Clark and Yen Maine are helping to create a more resilient, healthy and walkable community. Empire State Development is proud to support small businesses that anchor our downtowns and drive local economic growth.”

“This expansion represents the kind of community-driven investment NY Forward is designed to support,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “By breathing new life into historic buildings; expanding access to healthy, locally sourced foods; and adding new residential and gathering spaces, this project will strengthen the vitality of downtown while deepening Canton’s connection to the North Country. Investments like this not only support small businesses and local producers, but also help create more vibrant, walkable communities where residents and visitors alike can live, work and thrive.”

“Nature’s Storehouse is driven by a purpose to nurture a healthier, more sustainable North Country,” said Nature’s Storehouse Owners Clark and Yen Maine. “The development of Nature’s Café is a pivotal step toward our ‘Vision 2028’ of becoming the region’s premier health and wellness hub.”

The project removes a party wall between the two historic storefronts; adds ADA-compliant front and rear entrances; modernizes building systems and commercial equipment; constructs the sit-down cafe and expanded bulk/produce area; rehabilitates four upper-story apartments; and restores facades, masonry, signage and energy-efficient windows.

After four years abroad, Clark and Yen Maine returned to their North Country roots in 2022 to raise their family and lead the next chapter of their family business, Read more »

District has healthy unrestricted fund balance

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Nurses secure a contract that ensures staffing, workplace safety, benefits to recruit and retain nurses, and wage increases

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Tips and conditions as trout fishing season kicks off April 1 in New York state 

Click here to view Adirondack Explorer story