A Special meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Peru
Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman;
Mr. Eric Duquette, Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman and Mrs. Christine Crawford,
Town Clerk. Councilman Mel Irwin was excused. Also present were Mr. Matthew Favro, Town
Attorney and Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board.
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
RESOLUTION NUMBER:26.03-20-01
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE HIRING OF SPECIAL OUTSIDE
COUNSEL OF BOND, SCHOENECK & KING FOR LAND USE MATTERS AND
AUTHORIZES THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE ATTACHED ENGAGEMENT
LETTER.
MOTION: Mr. Weaver SECOND: Mr. Bruno
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 Bond,
Schoeneck & King, 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 $315.00 to $475.00 per hour with
specific rates reflecting the knowledge, experience and expertise of each individual assigned.
AND, BE IT
RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Roll Call: YES NO
Kregg Bruno x
Eric Duquette x
Mel Irwin Nick Weaver x
Craig Randall x
excused
Carried: 4 Ayes 0 Noes
Motion by Mr. Weaver; seconded by Mr. Bruno to adjourn the Special meeting at 5:03p.m.
Ayes 4, Noes 0
Motion Carried
Posted: March 31st, 2026 under Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.
Comments: none
The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday March 9th
, 2026 at the Peru
Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman ;
Mr. Eric Duquette, Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town
Attorney and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk. Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault,
Water/Sewer Superintendent, Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent, Mr. Duane Bibeau,
Codes Enforcement Officer.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Duquette to Accept Reports from all Departments:
Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning;
Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; JCEO and Banking Reports. Read more »
Posted: March 31st, 2026 under Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.
Comments: none
The city could lose $239 million from the policy, which is supported by business groups while unions remain on the sidelines.
Click here for the New York Focus story
Posted: March 30th, 2026 under Business News, National News, Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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New Application Round for K-12 STEM Teachers and K-12 Counselors Now Open
Albany, March 30, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced applications are open for the Master Teacher Program and Master Counselors, which recognizes more than 1,600 outstanding public school teachers and counselors throughout the state. Those selected for the program serve as mentors for students and early-career teachers and counselors. New York State’s teachers may apply at suny.edu/masterteacher and the deadline to apply is May 21, 2026.
“I am grateful to our state’s exceptional teachers and counselors who dedicate their careers to inspiring and educating the next generation of New Yorkers,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “By promoting these outstanding individuals through the Master Teachers and Master Counselors Program, I hope more New Yorkers will celebrate the teachers from every corner of our state who have stepped up and excelled in their roles as educators and mentors.”
The Master Teacher Program is hosted at nine State University of New York (SUNY) campuses to leverage the expertise of SUNY faculty and existing educator preparation programs. Additionally, SUNY faculty and staff regularly collaborate with local STEM career and industry experts. Read more »
Posted: March 30th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru School News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced more than $5.1 million to reduce the negative impacts of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species on natural resources, infrastructure, agriculture, and local economies. The 51 awarded projects will strengthen prevention, early detection, rapid response, management, and restoration efforts statewide, supporting long-term ecosystem health, economic stability, and community wellbeing.
North Country
Essex County
- Paradox Lake Association: $112,491––Project will utilize boat stewards for a spread prevention initiative targeting the region’s highest risk entry points for AIS.
Franklin County
- Town of Tupper Lake: $75,000––Project will involve treating terrestrial invasive plants, primarily Japanese knotweed, at more than 130 sites on private properties in the Adirondacks.
- Upper Saranac Lake Foundation: $81,026––Project will focus on re-establishing native submerged aquatic vegetation in Follensby Pond to restore ecological function, stabilize sediment, and increase resiliency to protect against re-infestation by invasive macrophytes.
- Upper Saranac Lake Foundation: $61,496––Project will advance the Upper Saranac Foundation’s ongoing efforts to remove, control, and prevent the spread of Eurasian and variable-leaf watermilfoil within DEC’s Fish Creek Public Campground.
Jefferson County
- City of Watertown: $80,000––Project will involve continued invasive species control in conjunction with the restoration of site habitats by planting tree and shrub seedlings and wildflower seeds.
Posted: March 30th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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U.S. Forest Service researcher speaks to efforts to combat hemlock woolly adelgid and what they could mean for the Adirondacks
Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story
Posted: March 30th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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New York State is home to approximately 180,000 Vietnam Era Veterans and their families, and the names of 4,119 New Yorkers who died during the war are included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Albany, March 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, and directed 15 landmarks across the state to be illuminated in green, yellow and red the evening of Sunday, March 29 in recognition of the day and to honor the service and sacrifice of the state’s Vietnam veterans and their families. The date marks the solemn anniversary of the withdrawal of the last 2,500 American troops from South Vietnam in 1973.
“Today, New York State landmarks will be lit in green, yellow and red — the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal — to recognize New York’s Vietnam Veterans and to honor those who died while serving their state and nation,” Governor Hochul said. “Many who served in Vietnam did not receive the appreciation and respect they had earned when they returned home. That is why today, and every day, we take the time to honor their courage and thank them for their service.”
These landmarks will be illuminated in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
- Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “On Vietnam War Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice and enduring strength of All Who Served during one of the most challenging chapters in our nation’s history. For far too many Vietnam Veterans, the recognition and respect they deserved did not come when they returned home – but today, New York stands united in gratitude and remembrance. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and steadfast commitment to ensuring that All Who Served are seen, honored and supported. As our landmarks shine in the colors of the Vietnam Service Medal, may they serve as a visible reminder that their service is never forgotten, and that in New York, we proudly say what should have always been said: Welcome home.”
Full Text of the Proclamation is Available Online
Posted: March 29th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, National History, State Government News, Statewide News, Veterans' News.
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Michigans
Baked Beans
Salad
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!
Posted: March 29th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, Peru News.
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Clinton County Sheriff’s said they arrested 59-year-old Hilary Davis, of Peru, on Thursday morning
Click here for the MYNBC5 story
Posted: March 29th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Agricultural News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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According to Clinton County DA Andrew Wiley, the two men were neighbors.
Click here for the MYNBC5 story
Posted: March 29th, 2026 under Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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Young couple with two young children work to make their 60-cow dairy farm succeed
Click here for a beautiful NCPR story
Posted: March 28th, 2026 under Agricultural News, Business News, Northern NY News, Statewide News.
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“The meeting we had today with our area’s school districts provided firsthand accounts of why one-size-fits-all mandates do not work,” said Stec. “School officials broke down the significant cost barriers in operating electric buses and it became clear that the further north you travel, the less practical using an EV bus becomes. On top of the initial high purchase point for an EV bus, it became apparent that the necessary lead-in time to develop the infrastructure to charge and maintain these vehicles is several years and extremely costly. This discussion today furthered my belief that the EV bus mandate needs to be replaced with policies that reflect the needs, budgets and geography of our school districts.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to see the results that Queensbury and Lake George school districts have had in piloting EV school buses,” said Woerner. “Now that there are districts with experience with the buses, we can have an evidence-based, data-driven policy conversation about whether a mandated transition to battery-electric buses makes sense for all districts,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. “I have introduced A.6760 to modify the requirement to transition to focus on districts where a majority of the routes can be serviced by EV buses, rather than a one-size fits all approach. Today’s presentation provided a helpful analysis of all of the aspects of transitioning to these buses and where the challenges lie. I will bring this back to my colleagues in the Assembly and urge that we take steps to modify or eliminate the requirement to transition to EV buses beginning next year.”
“The work and data collection conducted by school officials responsible for implementing the State’s looming EV bus mandates is insightful, appreciated, and deeply concerning,” said Simpson. “Much of what we learned today reflects the very concerns expressed by many in the lead up to passage of the EV bus mandate, and the time elapsed since.
“Amid ongoing state budget negotiations where school districts throughout the north country and across the state are raising the alarm about program shortfalls and teacher cuts, it is beyond comprehension that the State continues to insist on schools being forced to spend valuable resources to meet electrification mandates over prioritizing those limited resources on better education outcomes for our students,” he continued. “It is my hope that this information reinforces the growing call for a full repeal of this mandate and return our focus on how we can best deliver a quality education for our children.”
Posted: March 28th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Environmental News, Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News, Statewide News.
Comments: none
The Police Benevolent Association of New York State says staff shortages for forest rangers and ECOs will lead to strained wildfire responses
Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story
Posted: March 28th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Grants Provide Critical Support to Ecosystems Impacted by Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive
Queensbury, March 27, 2026 – Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today joined Assembly members Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) and Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) at a forum with Queensbury, Lake George and several other regional school districts to discuss the electric bus mandate for schools. This forum included providing legislators with access to both electric buses and discussing the realities and difficulties in procuring and maintaining these vehicles and building out the necessary infrastructure.