The Peru Gazette

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Short-staffed since a strike this winter, the prison system is keeping people locked in their boiling cells and dorms for upwards of 21 hours a day.

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Hamburg & Gravy on Mashed Potatoes

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!

August 1, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the first Empire AI supercomputer projects from the University at Albany. Stemming from a partnership between UAlbany’s world-renowned RNA Institute and their partners at the University of Rochester, the newest member of the Governor’s Empire AI Consortium, researchers will now have access to New York State’s Empire AI supercomputer housed at the University at Buffalo.

“Empire AI is an incredible tool that allows us to harness the power of technology and innovation to change lives for the better,” Governor Hochul said. “By bringing together researchers from UAlbany and the University of Rochester and the power of Empire AI, we are paving the way to unlocking treatments for devastating diseases. This is not just research, it’s proof that New York is building a brighter and healthier future for everyone.”

The UAlbany work is the latest in a series of research projects that are up and running at the first “Alpha” phase of the Empire AI computing center. UAlbany researchers will work with UR colleagues to use computer vision and AI to analyze the recorded movements of patients with neuromuscular diseases like myotonic dystrophy (DM), the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. Researchers hope to use the Empire AI system to develop innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like DM, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and spinocerebellar ataxias.

The work will be funded by approximately $230,000 in matching grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to UAlbany and UR, along with more than $2 million from the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense.

Empire AI is now backed by more than $500 million in public and private funding and is made up of 10 member universities and research institutions. Governor Hochul secured funding in May to expand access for SUNY researchers at UAlbany, Binghamton University, the University at Buffalo (which houses Empire AI), and Stony Brook University, and support the addition of new members including the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. They join the seven founding members of Empire AI, SUNY, CUNY, Columbia University, Cornell University, NYU, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Flatiron Institute. Empire AI is the Governor’s nation-leading initiative to advance AI research for the public good, led by an independent consortium of members and Empire State Development.

Eligible Farmers May Now Apply for Reimbursement for Overtime Paid Since January 1, 2025

Friday, August 1, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that eligible farm employers may now apply for the Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance program and receive reimbursement for eligible overtime paid to employees since January 1, 2025. Now in its second year, the Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance program is a part of Governor Hochul’s plan to support New York’s farmers through a series of new and increased tax credits and other initiatives and helps to ensure that farm employers can continue to support their workers while reducing their tax burden.

“Our farmers and farm workers are the backbone of New York, and I’m doing everything in my power to ensure that they can thrive in their essential work of bringing fresh, local products to communities across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance is a big part of that, reducing the tax burden for our farm businesses while helping them to continue supporting their hardworking staff, caring for animals and harvesting perishable products. I encourage all eligible farmers to learn more about this program and submit their applications now for a certificate of advance payment.”

The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a refundable tax credit available for farm employers who pay overtime wages, based on the phase-in of an overtime threshold in New York State. Beginning today, farm employers may submit an application to the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid between January 1 and July 31, 2025 so they can receive reimbursement from the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).

Farms that used a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in 2024 may also apply for certification for eligible overtime paid between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted to AGM by September 30. After eligibility review, AGM will issue a certificate of payment to each approved farm employer. With a certificate of advance payment, the approved farmer or business owners (for example, partners or shareholders) can then request their share of the payment from the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF). This request must be made no later than November 1, using the online services account at DTF’s website.

Farmers can apply for this refundable credit if they or their business:

• is/are an eligible farmer; and
• directly employ eligible farm employees that were paid eligible overtime or indirectly pay eligible overtime via the services of a PEO.

The deadline to apply for an advance credit certificate from AGM is September 30, 2025. Farmers are encouraged to reach out to FarmOTAdvance@agriculture.ny.gov with any questions. More information about the program, including guidance documents, is available on AGM’s website at agriculture.ny.gov/farming/farm-employer-overtime-credit-advance.

AGM hosted a special webinar in July to help eligible farmers prepare for the launch of the program. A recording of the webinar is available on AGM’s YouTube page.

New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Farm labor is a critical issue, and we are working hard to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to support their workforce while meeting their food production goals. Last year, the Overtime Tax Credit initiative had a great start, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow the program and make sure that our farmers and farm workers have the support they need.”

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AFC Photo

Wilmington, NY – Ausable Freshwater Center (AFC) is providing streamside property assessments as part of the Stream Wise initiative in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Stream Wise is a nonprofit program that provides resources for landowners adjacent to streams and rivers in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. This marks the fourth year that AFC is the local host organization for landowners in the Ausable and Boquet River watersheds and will be the primary contact and resource for all things Stream Wise.

Healthy streams are not only beautiful, they are home to diverse fish and wildlife, provide vital drinking water, and create recreation and relaxation opportunities. Historically, streams and rivers have often been impacted by various land uses that disturb the native vegetation along their shores, put water quality at risk, and can increase flood potential. AFC’s Stream Wise assessments provide landowners the tools they need to better understand their stream buffer and to take steps to improve and protect it with confidence.

“We love working with streamside landowners to protect their yards, their streams, and the places they care about most,” said Carrianne Pershyn, AFC Biodiversity Research Manager. “Stream Wise is a great way to learn about your property in a new way, and how small changes can make a big difference for your stream and your community.”

If you own land that abuts a stream or river in the Ausable or Boquet River watersheds, email marque@ausablecenter.org for more information or to sign up for a free property assessment from AFC’s Stream Wise team.

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WHAT: The final round of the East Coast Watercross Triple Crown is making waves on the Adirondack Coast! From August 1–3, 2025, Plattsburgh City Beach will host over 100 top jet ski racers from across the U.S. and Canada as they battle it out on a challenging 30-buoy course for championship glory and a $25,000 prize pot. Expect adrenaline-pumping race action, a freestyle demo show, beach vibes—and plenty of photo ops.

WHEN:

• Friday, August 1 – Practice Day | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, August 2 – Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday, August 3 – Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Bonus: Grab lunch from the Adirondack Food Therapy food truck on Sunday!

WHERE:
Plattsburgh City Beach
4 Beach Road, Plattsburgh, NY

DETAILS:

• Free for spectators (regular beach parking rates apply)
• Limited-edition event merch available on-site

WHY: This is the final stop of the Triple Crown Series—after earlier rounds in Alabama and Michigan, it all comes down to this! Whether you’re a motorsports junkie or just looking for a high-energy summer event, this is your chance to catch the action up close on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Telegraph Road Culvert: Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that NYSEG is conducting a study on accommodating the massive crane needed to install the road’s new culvert.  Farrell did not know how long NYNEG would take, but said that it’s less and less likely that the project will begin this year. The town was planning to advertise for bids on August 15. 

Highway Paving: Farrell also stated that he still has $198,000 in highway paving funds. However, as of Monday, he hadn’t decided which roads he would pave. Farrell said Noel J. Burnell’s highly automated paver uses much less asphalt than the town’s broken-down paver. 

Hit & Run: A motorist left the scene of the accident after striking a highway vehicle’s mirror.  Fortunately, witnesses saw it happen, resulting in the State Police apprehending the motorist.

Pilot Study Underway: Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetreault reported that contractors are beginning a pilot filtration study at the Reservoir Road water filtration plant.  They will attempt to find the best filters for Peru’s water conditions.

Vandalism at Heyworth-Mason Park: Vandals damaged the portable potties at Heyworth Mason Park. The town notified the NYS State Police and requests that park users keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the area.

History Chat and Cemetery Tour on Town Historian’s Agenda: Town Historian Helen Nerska reported that she will conduct a History Chat on August 4 with several members of Peru High School classes of 1957 and 1958.  Plattsburgh Air Force Base opened during their high school years, resulting in class sizes doubling. Nerska thinks there will be an interesting discussion.

On August 16 at 10 a.m., the historian’s office will conduct a tour of the cemetery behind TD Bank and God’s Acre Cemetery on Locust Drive.

The board also: 

Authorized applying for a Lake George Regional Planning Board/NYS Smart Growth Program grant to assist in funding an update to the town’s almost 20-year-old Comprehensive Plan. Supervisor Randall said he wants to appoint a committee if the grant is received.

Approved a shared services agreement with the Town of Jay.

Named NBT Bank as an alternative depository agency. Supervisor Randall said NBT specializes in municipal financing. He plans to utilize NBT for short-term funding of the wastewater treatment plant project. The town’s bond agent will arrange long-term financing near the project’s completion.

Effluent sent straight to the town treatment plant overwhelming the facility and compromising water quality in nearby Stevens Brook, a tributary of Lake Champlain.

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70% drop in Canadian campers 

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Orchard View is an appropriate name

L-R Ken Silver IIi, Cole Silver, Art Starkę, Lisa Silver, Ken III’s father Ken Silver Jr. Missing – Phil St. Clair who is on vacation.

By John T Ryan (Please Share)

Peru, NY, July 30, 2025 – After an almost eight-year pause, new home construction is underway on Washington Street. Ken Silver III, owner of Silver III Construction, purchased the Orchard View Development in March 2024. He immediately began working on enlarging the drainage basin and reaching an agreement with the Town of Peru to take over the road, water, and sewer services.

Construction on the first new home began about a month ago; work on a second home is ongoing, and work on a third will commence in a few days. And there’s more good news; this morning, a family agreed to buy a fourth home.

Silver isn’t a newcomer to the home construction industry. He worked in the industry for several years before starting Silver III Construction fifteen years ago. When asked why he decided to take on the Orchard View project, Siver said, “I saw an opportunity to work locally and help the Town of Peru grow.'” Silver lives in Schuyler Falls, and his son, Cole, and daughter, Julianna, attend Peru Central School.

Silver describes the new home market as good. He remarked, “There’s not a lot on the market. I had plans to build a spec home, but I won’t be able to do it if customers keep coming.”

The section of the development underway includes thirteen lots; Silver has sold four, leaving nine available. Eventually, Washington Street will make a 180-degree turn and descend down the hill, opening up an additional nineteen lots.

Silver works with a small crew, including longtime crew member Art Starke, and Phil St. Clair, who is on vacation. Ken’s wife, Holly, handles administrative tasks. His son Cole helps out in the summer. His dad, Ken, and stepmom, Lisa, delivered lunch to the crew today.

Anyone interested in learning more about Orchard View should contact Michelle Fowler of Real Broker New York at 518-726-6665.

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“Medicaid provides support to 28% of the population of NY-21—either directly or through the New York State of Health Marketplace, according to the Healthcare Coalition for the North Country”

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Town of North Elba, Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On July 22 at 8:17 p.m., the Marcy Dam Caretaker called Ray Brook Dispatch about a hiker with a knee injury approximately a tenth of a mile from the outpost. At 9:47 p.m., Forest Ranger H. Praczkajlo reached the 71-year-old from Alplaus, provided first aid, and helped them back to Adirondak Loj.

Town of Newcomb, Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On July 22 at 8:37 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received an SOS call from Garmin for a hiker with intermittent fainting spells on the Calamity Brook trail. Two hikers with the 76-year-old also called for help and said they had been hiking since 6:30 a.m., and the hiker was suffering from dehydration and low blood sugar. At 11:50 p.m., four Forest Rangers and an Essex County Paramedic reached the subject and provided medical care and rehydration. The rescuers stayed with the subject overnight at the Herbert Brook lean-to. At 8:30 a.m., New York State Police Pilot Engel flew the patient to the hospital. Video of the helicopter rescue is available to download.

Town of Keene, Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On July 23 at 12:34 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker with an unstable ankle injury on Haystack Mountain. New York State Policed (NYSP) Aviation was approved. Forest Ranger Curcio lowered Ranger Ordway to tend to the patient. At 2:25 p.m., Ranger Ordway harnessed the 25-year-old from New Jersey and Ranger Curcio hoisted the pair into the helicopter. NYSP Pilot Engel flew the patient to the hospital. Video of the hoist rescue is available for download.

Town of AuSable, Clinton County 
Wildland Fire: On July 24 at 5:33 p.m., five Forest Rangers and the Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire caused by a downed power line. The fire spread to 5.5 acres, but no structures were at risk.

“The cuts are largely to positions not involved in direct patient care, specifically in the network-wide finance, human resources and information technology teams.”

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