The Peru Gazette

Aquatic Invasive Species Protection Includes Boat Stewards and Decontamination Stations to Protect Local Waterbodies New York State is expanding its partnership with Paul Smith College’s Adirondack Watershed Institute Stewardship Program to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) throughout the Adirondack’s waterways through the strategic placement of boat stewards and decontamination stations, Department […]

Assemblyman Billy Jones to host town hall meeting to discuss state budget, address community issues Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he will be hosting an informational town hall meeting to discuss the 2017-18 state budget with residents as well as address local concerns. The meeting will take place on Thursday, May 11, from 4–5 p.m. […]

Assemblyman Jones helps secure funding to deter crime through rehabilitation Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the 2017-18 state budget he helped pass includes $17,500 in funding to create a substance use disorder counselor position at the Clinton County Jail in partnership with the Champlain Valley Family Center. “Time and time again, those struggling with […]

From the Office of State Senator Betty Little State Senator Betty Little today said the newly approved 2017-18 state budget provides funding for many programs and services identified as North Country priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.  Little said the new budget makes the largest investment in clean water infrastructure in state history, enacts workers’ compensation reform to reduce […]

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he helped pass a $153.1 billion 2017-18 state budget that will improve North Country roads and bridges, invest in public education and close the skills gap to get people back to work. “We’re investing in opportunity, supporting those who need a helping […]

New York’s prison population is decreasing, but the number of inmates age 50 and over rose 46 percent from 2007 to 2016, according to a report issued today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. While data detailing inmate health care costs by age groups is not readily available in New York, DiNapoli’s report […]

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the Draft Buck Pond Campground Unit Management Plan (UMP) for review. The draft UMP would guide management actions for the Buck Pond Public Campground over the next five years. The campground is located on County Route 60, also known as Gabriels-Onchiota Road, .4 mile […]

‘WAVE’ Project Connects New Yorkers with Health of Rivers and Streams and Hands-on Training WAVE Volunteer Training Starts in May at Multiple Locations Including Plattsburgh & Willsboro  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that DEC is actively recruiting volunteers for the 2017 summer sampling season to conduct water quality assessments […]

Today, my office issued a report detailing regional trends in education funding, enrollment, and conditions across the state. The report analyzes school district financial and demographic information from nine separate regions outside of New York City. Investments in New York’s public schools are vital at both the state and local level. By examining regional comparisons […]

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that the Assembly’s 2017-18 state budget proposal helps grow the economy, gives North Country communities the resources they need and invests in vital agriculture programs. “During my recent district tour, North Country residents voiced their concerns with many of the governor’s proposals and local officials made it clear that a […]

LITTLE, SENATE COLLEAGUES ADVANCE BUDGET PROCESS Propose tax relief, increased school aid and clean water funds Senator Betty Little today voted in favor of a budget resolution that outlines the State Senate’s response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget and keeps the Legislature on course for adoption of an on-time budget. The Senate proposal calls […]

Office Returned a Nationwide Record of $452 million in SFY 2015-16 *B-roll video available* New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that his office has over $14.5 billion in unclaimed funds and urged New Yorkers to see if any of it belongs to them. In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2015-16, DiNapoli’s office set […]

Despite Four Fatalities, DEC Records Lowest Number of Hunting-Related Shooting Incidents on Record The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the 2016 hunting season in New York had only 13 hunting-related shooting incidents, the lowest number on record since DEC began compiling hunting-related shooting statistics in 1958. “Hunting is a proud tradition […]

From the office of NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli The state Department of Health (DOH) could have saved the Medicaid program as much as $146 million over a six-year period if it had helped Medicaid patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who meet certain eligibility requirements get the Medicare benefits to which they are entitled, […]

BEWARE Peru and possibly regional electric and gas users. A VERY high pressure representative of Just Energy, an Energy Service Company (ESCO), is in town trying to sign people up to very high fixed green energy electric and gas rates. Personal opinion: DO NOT sign-up without extensive research. I called the NYS Public Service Commission. They […]

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that legislation he co-sponsored, to reform the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program to fix changes made in last years’ budget and remove barriers to prompt tax relief (A.5969) has passed the assembly. “The changes made last year hurt middle-class families the most,” said Jones. “Homeowners in the North Country […]

By John T. Ryan Peru – Oftentimes the most interesting part of a Peru Town Board meeting comes up under “Other Business” when Counselor Brandy McDonald reports on what’s going on in and about town. At the Monday, February 13th meeting his subject was coyotes. McDonald reported that about seventy coyotes have been shot in […]

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued a report today detailing regional trends in education funding, enrollment and conditions across the state. The report analyzes school district financial and demographic information from nine separate regions outside of New York City. “Investments in New York’s public schools are vital at both the state and local […]

Empire State Development today announced that 43 businesses will expand in or locate to New York State, partnering with colleges and universities to spur economic growth across the state. These 43 businesses have committed to create more than 640 new jobs and invest more than $15 million statewide. “From life sciences to advanced manufacturing, industrial […]

Exams set for April 7; Registration deadline is March 17 Examinations for individuals seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for Friday, April 7, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) […]

Forest Ranger Actions for 2/6 – 2/12/17 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from New York’s backcountry. In 2016, […]

State government’s 2016 overtime queen is an information technology specialist whose extra pay nearly tripled her regular salary. Source: IT specialist was New York State’s top overtime earner in 2016 – NY Daily News

DiNapoli: Executive Budget Reduces Out-Year Gaps, Diminishes Independent Oversight Federal Funding Questions Pose Increased Risk for State The $162.2 billion Executive Budget includes proposals to address infrastructure needs while reducing out-year gaps, but shifts some spending off-budget and would expand Executive authority to reshape spending and programs without legislative input, according to a report released […]

United Way Officials and the volunteer Campaign Team meet to announce to the media that the Campaign Team raised $725,115.00 for the 2017 Campaign to help with high priority health and human service needs throughout the Adirondack Region. Pictured here at the table from left to right is Assemblyman Billy Jones, Past Campaign Chair and […]

Bear hunters in New York State took 1,539 black bears during the 2016 hunting seasons, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. “New York has excellent bear habitat and vast, accessible public lands that offer exciting opportunities for bear hunting,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Black bears are thriving in New York currently, and […]