The Peru Gazette

Peru, NY, September 5, 2025 – St. Augustine’s ‘Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Financial Secretary Greg Hart recently presented a $1,000 council donation to JCEO Chief Executive Officer Nicole Laurin on behalf of his brother knights. The Peru Knights know the great work the JCEO Peru Outreach Center does at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Council 7273 has made an annual contribution to JCEO for many years.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced employer contribution rates for the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026-27. Employers’ average contribution rates will increase from 16.5% to 17.6% of payroll for the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and from 33.7% to 36.5% of payroll for the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS).

NYSLRS is made up of these two systems, which pay service and disability retirement benefits to state and local public employees and death benefits to their survivors. There are nearly 3,000 participating employers in ERS and PFRS, and more than 300 different retirement plan combinations. In the SFY that ended March 31, 2025, NYSLRS paid out nearly $16.8 billion in benefits.

“Turbulence in the financial markets along with benefit and salary changes will impact rates for SFY 2026-27,” DiNapoli said. “Our prudent management and long-term investment strategy coupled with these rates will help ensure public employees and their families receive the retirement benefits promised to them. New York state’s pension fund continues to be one of the strongest and best funded in the nation.”

Employer rates for NYSLRS are determined based on investment performance and actuarial assumptions recommended by NYSLRS’ actuary, who is required to review the actuarial assumptions and experience and to issue an annual report. The recommendations are reviewed by the independent Actuarial Advisory Committee and approved by the Comptroller. In addition to investment performance, other factors that impact rates include higher salaries, recent legislative changes (including reforms to tier 6), and member retirement rates.

In 2012, DiNapoli began providing employers with access to a two-year projection of their annual pension bills. Employers can use this projection in the preparation of their budgets. Projections of required contributions vary by employer depending on factors such as the types of retirement benefit plans adopted, salaries paid, and the distribution of employees among the six membership tiers.

Payments based on the new rates are due by Feb. 1, 2027, but employers receive a discount if payment is made by Dec. 15, 2026.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund’s long-term assumed rate of return will remain at 5.9%. DiNapoli has been a leader in the trend of public pension funds lowering their assumed rates of return to better enable New York to weather volatile markets. The median investment return assumption for public pension funds was 7% in July 2025, according to the National Association of State Retirement Administrators. The Kentucky Employees Retirement System was the only state with an assumed rate of return lower than NYSLRS.

DiNapoli also announced that NYSLRS had a funded ratio of 92.2% as of March 31, 2025. NYSLRS is consistently one of the nation’s best funded retirement systems. A high funding ratio means NYSLRS has the funds available to pay out retirement benefits to its more than 1.2 million members, which includes over 735,000 current and former state and local government employees and more than 525,000 retirees and their beneficiaries.

Report
Annual Report to the Comptroller on Actuarial Assumptions

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Thomas DiNapoli

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that William Storrs, the former chief and treasurer of the Marbletown (in Ulster County) Volunteer Fire Department, was sentenced to four months of weekends in the Wayne County Jail and five years of probation for stealing more than $101,000 from the department. He was also ordered to pay a total of $101,394.50 in restitution.

“William Storrs abused the trust of the community he was sworn to serve and protect by stealing over $100,000 in fire department funds for his own profit,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to our partnership with the New York State Police and District Attorney Callanan, he has been held accountable for his crimes and the money he stole will be recovered.”

Callanan said, “Public funds exist to serve the community, not to line the pockets of those in power. Mr. Storrs’ theft was a serious breach of duty, but today he has been held to account and ordered to repay every dollar he stole. Let this outcome serve as a warning: anyone who abuses their position for personal gain will face consequences, and the resources they took will be restored to the people they belong to.”

James said, “Fire chiefs take an oath to place the well-being of others above themselves, and as such, are held to a high standard. Mr. Storrs had no regard for the department or community and knowingly took advantage of a position he was entrusted in and promised to uphold. I thank our State Police members and partners at the Comptroller’s Office and Wayne County District Attorney’s Office for their diligent work on this case.”

DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police launched a joint investigation into the Marbletown Fire Department in 2024, looking into allegations of theft. They found Storrs used his position as treasurer and then later as chief to steal $101,000 over four years. From January 2020 to July 2024, he made numerous personal purchases with the fire department’s debit cards and made direct payments from the department’s bank accounts to his personal accounts. He also made payments to his wife’s credit card and purchased items from various retailers.

The theft was discovered when a member of the fire department attempted to make a purchase with the department’s debit card and it was declined due to lack of funds. Fire department officials then reported the unauthorized activity to the State Police who partnered with DiNapoli’s office. In July 2024, Storrs was replaced as chief and suspended from the fire department.

Storrs was sentenced before Judge Richard M. Healy in Wayne County Court.

Town of Peru
Clinton County
Law Enforcement:  On Aug 26 at 5:45 p.m., an off-duty Environmental Conservation Police Officer received a call about a subject who had taken a shot at a blue heron at Ausable Point Campground. Forest Ranger Praczkajlo responded and issued tickets to the 33-year-old subject from Hudson Falls for disorderly conduct, disturbing wildlife, and possessing and discharging a firearm in a campground. The heron was not found. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement will work with the Division of Forest Protection in the ongoing investigation.

Town of Lake Luzerne
Warren County
Wildland Fire: On Aug. 25 at 9:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Donegan, Morehouse, and Thompson assisted the Corinth and Lake Luzerne Fire Departments with locating a wildland fire reported at the Hudson River Special Management Area. Firefighters worked into the night on suppression and containment efforts. The following morning, seven Rangers joined other firefighters and achieved 50 percent containment on the two-acre fire in Eddy Swamp. On Aug. 27 at 6:40 p.m., firefighters fully contained the fire and determined it started from a lightning strike the week prior. Video of the fire is available to download (19 MB).

Lake Luzerne fire

Lake Luzerne fire

Lake Luzerne fire

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 30 at 8:40 p.m., Forest Ranger R. Praczkajlo responded to a call for three hikers on McKenzie Mountain without any light source. Ranger Praczkajlo reached the unprepared group, provided headlamps, and escorted them back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 10:20 p.m.

Town of Chesterfield
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 31 at 11:30 a.m., Forest Rangers Bode and Holdridge responded to a call for a hiker who collapsed while hiking Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain. At 1 p.m., Rangers reached the 30-year-old from Plattsburgh who was conscious, breathing, and able to walk. Rangers ensured the hiker made it to the trailhead. The subject refused further medical assistance.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 1 at 10:33 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting they were lost in the woods. Dispatch directed the hiker to call 911 so they could obtain coordinates. Coordinates placed the 69-year-old from Camillus in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness. At 12:05 a.m., Forest Rangers Corey and Foutch reached the subject and assisted them to the trailhead where they were met by Lake Placid Ambulance. The ambulance transported the patient to the hospital for evaluation.

L-R Assemblyman Billy Jones, Former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, Michael Cashman (Photo provided)

PLATTSBURGH, NY — In a powerful show of bipartisan unity, Assemblyman Billy Jones and former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey formally endorsed Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman in his campaign to represent New York’s 115th Assembly District.

“When I decided to step down, I thought there was one person that would be great at this job, and that’s Michael Cashman,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones. “He would be a great voice, and is a great voice for the North Country. He has done extraordinary things.

“We have a lot of issues here. We have a lot of issues that affect people’s day to day lives, just a couple of them that were mentioned before housing, infrastructure, people dealing with everyday problems and you have to deal directly with the constituency to do that, and Michael has already proven that he can do that. We need a leader like this in Albany. We need someone that will go down there and fight for the North Country.”

“With Michael’s leadership, Clinton, Franklin, and Essex County can be confident their constituents will have exemplary leadership and commitment,” said former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey. “Michael has a unique blend of policy, experience, empathy, dedication, and honesty.”

Cashman, joined by family, friends, and neighbors, thanked both Jones and Duprey for their decades of service and for their confidence in his candidacy.

“Thank you both for your kind words, your support, and for your decades of service to the North Country,” said Michael Cashman. “I’m honored to have your confidence, and I’m inspired by the examples you both have set. I am proud to call both Billy Jones and Janet Duprey friends, and two leaders who set the standard for accessible, community-focused service in the North Country.”

“This is where I met my wife, Olivia, my partner in life, in love, and in service to this community. This is where I earned my degrees, built my life, and committed myself to public service. My grandfather used to say, ‘Where you choose to live is a demonstration of your values.’ I chose the North Country not just to live, but to serve.”

Cashman described his working-class family background, the lessons he learned from his parents and grandparents, and how those values shaped his public service. He pointed to his work with veterans, as a leader with North Country Honor Flight and through the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project, and to his record as Town Supervisor delivering bipartisan results for housing, economic development, parks, and infrastructure.

“We didn’t get there by shouting at each other. We sat down, found common ground, and got to work,” Cashman said. “That’s the leadership I’ll bring to Albany: practical, collaborative, and focused on solutions.”

A Platform for the North Country

Cashman outlined clear priorities for the district:

• Affordability for families: Expanding childcare, fighting heating and electricity rate hikes, supporting renters, first-time homebuyers, and seniors, and cutting red tape for small businesses.
• Public safety and accountability: Supporting police, firefighters, correction officers, and EMTs; fixing Raise the Age to ensure accountability; and combating opioids with prevention and recovery resources.
• Investing in the future: Protecting rural healthcare, strengthening education and the trades, rebuilding roads, bridges, and water systems, and expanding affordable broadband access.

“These priorities aren’t abstract,” Cashman said. “They come from living here, listening to you, and delivering as a public servant. Over the next 60 plus days, I will continue traveling throughout the district to listen, to learn, and to continue earning your trust and your vote.”

Cashman closed by stressing that his candidacy is about bringing people together across Clinton, Franklin, and Essex counties.

“This campaign is not about party labels. It’s about people,” he said. “It’s about neighbors. It’s about building a North Country that works for everyone where families can afford to stay, small businesses can grow, seniors can age with dignity, and every child has the chance to succeed. Together, let’s build the future the North Country deserves.”

Click here for the New York Focus Story 

4th Annual Comedy Night featuring Ray Harrington on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 PM at the Strand Center for the Arts (Plattsburgh). Proceeds support local programs for individuals and families in the autism community.

Event at a glance

• What: Comedy Night benefiting Autism Alliance of Northeastern NY
• Headliner: Ray Harrington (with a Vermont Comedy Club-curated lineup)
• When: Thursday, Sept 18, 7:00 PM
• Where: Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh, NY
• Why: Funds raised support resources, connection, and advocacy for our local autism community

New York Had the Second-Lowest Suicide Rate in the Nation in 2023; Is Among the National Leaders in Prevention Efforts

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation today recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month in New York and outlined some of the initiatives that have made the state a national leader in reducing these tragic deaths. Additionally, Governor Hochul directed State landmarks and bridges to be illuminated in purple and teal at dusk today, Sept. 2, to recognize prevention efforts and show solidarity with New Yorkers whose lives have been impacted by suicide.

“Even one suicide is one too many,” Governor Hochul said. “In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, we are redoubling our prevention efforts and raising awareness of the statewide resources available to help those in crisis or anyone who feels like they need someone to talk to.”

September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Month, dedicated to promoting awareness, education, and action to prevent suicide. The recognition honors the lives lost to suicide, supports the survivors of suicide loss, and reinforces New York State’s commitment to mental health and wellness for all.

New York had the second-lowest suicide rate in the nation in 2023, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The State’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also among the most active in the nation, logging more than 43,000 calls in July alone –second only to California.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available any time of the day or night by phone, text, or chat. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has significantly expanded the capacity of 988 Crisis Contact Centers by increasing funding from $35 million in FY 2023 to $60 million annually.

Supported in all 62 counties statewide, 988 provides a connection to trained crisis counselors who can help anyone thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, experiencing a mental health crisis or any other kind of emotional distress to receive personalized support, get immediate help, and connect with follow-up services.

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “No matter what, help is always available and it’s only a simple phone call, text, or online chat away. By calling 988 when you’re feeling troubled or depressed, you can connect with a friendly counselor who is trained to get you the assistance you need. Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to supporting 988 and other suicide prevention initiatives is helping to save lives.”

Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation acknowledging September as Suicide Prevention Month in New York. She also ordered 16 state landmarks and bridges to be illuminated in purple and teal tonight, Sept. 2, including:

• One World Trade Center
• 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
• Niagara Falls
• 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
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

Peru Gazette File Photo

[PLATTSBURGH, NY] – North Country Honor Flight is proud to announce its upcoming flight and ceremony on Saturday, September 6, 2025, honoring 30 veterans from the Vietnam and Cold Wars with a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Washington, D.C.

The day begins with a patriotic send-off ceremony at 7:00 a.m. at the US Oval where family, friends, and community members are invited to gather in support of these heroes. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and take part in this moving tradition.

This flight is made possible thanks to the generosity of American Legion Post 1618 in Saranac, NY and Lake Champlain Transportation Company, who proudly stepped forward as sponsors for this mission.

In a special tribute, nine of the veterans on this flight are members of American Legion Post 1618, making this journey especially meaningful for the community.

North Country Honor Flight is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s veterans by flying them free of charge to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. The trips provide an opportunity for veterans to reflect, remember, and receive the recognition they have long deserved.

The community is reminded that this is one of the last two send-off ceremonies of the season—a chance to come together and show our veterans that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

For more information on upcoming flights, or ways to support the mission, please visit www.northcountryhonorflight.org.

9/3/25, 10:16 AM  – Correction Made. It is American Legion Post 1618.  News release received stated VFW Post 1618. 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, September 8,  from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. There’s a special bonus during September. Every CVPH drive donor will receive a FREE voucher for a pint of Stewart’s Ice Cream Gelato! 

The blood collected by the Donor Center provides more than 95% of the blood used at CVPH and is used to supply other hospitals in Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the drive. 

As we anticipate the upcoming school year, Father Chris Looby, Pastor of St. Alexander’s, St. Augustine’s, and St. James Parishes, included an important message in this weekend’s parish bulletin.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

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Click here for the NCPR story 

Peru Gazette File Photo

“Cashman Brings Experience and Vision to a Race That Will Replace Retiring Assembly Member Billy Jones”

Democratic Party Press Release, August 29, 2025 – Plattsburgh, NY The Democratic Committee Chairs of Clinton, Franklin, and Essex Counties are pleased to announce that Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman has been selected to be the Democratic nominee for the special election to replace Billy Jones in the NY State Assembly.

Cashman, the youngest town supervisor in Plattsburgh’s history, has been in office for 9 years and brings a record of successful governing to one of the largest towns in the district.  He has a record of on-time budgets, that have been under the tax cap.

Cashman’s outreach to business and political leaders in the North Country makes him an effective leader. His openness also brings government transparency to the Assembly race.

Cashman is running on a platform of affordability, job creation and a commitment to protecting rural healthcare. He’s energized and ready to listen to voters across the 115th district. Democrats in Assembly District 115 are energized and thrilled to support Michael Cashman.

“We spoke with several strong potential candidates, but Michael Cashman stood out. He brings the energy, vision, and experience that the North Country needs right now.  He’s ready to bring people together to make sure North Country voices are heard, and we aren’t left behind.”

Jeff Moore:  Clinton County Democratic Chair

Kathy Fleury:  Franklin County Democratic Chair

Maggie Bartley:  Essex County Democratic Chair

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions

Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Conservation, today announced a drought watch has been issued for 20 New York counties. The action was taken after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

“Even with some recent rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the dry conditions we’ve seen most of the summer this year,” Governor Hochul said. “In order to prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen, we could see local water restrictions in the Long Island, Adirondack, and Great Lakes regions of the state.

A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch. The counties under drought watch are Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Warren, Wayne, and the northern portion of Cayuga County.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “While it’s not mandatory, we’re encouraging everyone who lives in the drought watch areas to do what they can to conserve water during this dry weather. DEC will continue to monitor the conditions and work with our agency partners to address these short-term issues as well as the longer-term impacts of climate change.”

While few public water-supply challenges have been reported due to dry conditions, below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low streamflows, and low groundwater levels prompted the need for action to ensure adequate notice to public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.

The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state.

DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. Observed precipitation over the past 90 days has been less than normal across the affected counties. Stream flows and groundwater levels are below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have declined in certain areas and may not recover in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit.

By voluntarily reducing water usage, and being extra careful with fire and outdoor flames, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources during these dry days of summer.

To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks;
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets;
• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry;
• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly;
• Install water saving plumbing fixtures;
• Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold; and
• Wash cars less frequently.

For more water saving tips, visit DEC’s Water Use & Conservation webpage. For more information about drought in New York, visit DEC’s website.

Private Water Wells

For water wells that may be affected by drought, please see the information and links below. Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for your individual situation.

• Check that the well is dry due to drought and no other issues. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if a well is dry is to measure the water level in the well.
• Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on water wells.
• Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods.
• Clean or redevelop existing wells.
• Deepen existing wells or drill a new well. If drilling a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality.

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the Vermont Public Story 

internet photo

Plattsburgh, August 28, 2025. A positive rabies test result was reported to the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD). A City of Plattsburgh resident contacted the City Police and Animal Control Officer after finding a bat acting strangely in their front yard. The bat was then removed and sent for testing by City personnel. On 8/27/2025 CCHD was informed that test came back positive for the rabies virus, and  immediately contacted USDA and City personnel to investigate. It was confirmed that there were no human or pet exposures in this case. Rabies is a fatal viral infection, usually transmitted by an infected animal’s bite. Humans can be exposed to rabies through a bite or scratch from a bat. The virus is passed through the animal’s saliva.

“If you see a bat enter your home, you can open windows so the bat can escape,” explained Quinn Rufa, Director/Engineer of Environmental Health & Safety at CCHD. “However, if you didn’t see the bat enter, it can be difficult to know if the bat came in contact with a person or pet. Bats can squeeze through very small spaces (1/2 inch thick) and are one of the few wild animals that successfully enter our homes –  potentially bringing the rabies virus with them.”

A person can be bitten by a bat or exposed to its saliva and not know it. Bats have small sharp teeth, which may not leave a visible bite mark, and a bite from a bat during the night may not awaken a sleeping person. You cannot tell if a bat has rabies by looking at it or by the way it acts. The only way to know if an animal has rabies is to send it for testing. In addition to rooms with a person who is sleeping, bats found in a room with an unattended child, someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or someone with a mental disability should also be captured. They might not be able to accurately report if they came into contact with the bat or not. “Though most bats do not have rabies, we know the virus is present in some Clinton County bats,” explained Mr. Rufa. “If a bat is released and not available for testing, we have to assume that it may have been rabid and treat any person or pet who may have been exposed with a post-exposure treatment.”

“For post-exposure treatment to be effective, it must be started before a person experiences symptoms of rabies,” added Mr. Rufa. “We cannot stress enough the importance of capturing the bat.” If you find a bat in your home or camp, and are unsure about whether anyone has come in contact with it, capture the bat without damaging the head and contact your health department. In Clinton County, call 518-565-4870. For a quick video on how to properly capture a bat, visit https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/rabiesprevention.”

Use caution when capturing a bat.

• Close doors, windows and closet doors to keep the bat in the room.

• Turn on the lights if the room is dark.

• Wear gloves (heavy, preferably pliable thick leather) and wait for the bat to land.

• Cover the bat with a coffee can or similar container with a lid.

• Slide a piece of cardboard under the can, trapping the bat.

• While firmly holding the cardboard in place against the top of the can, turn the can right side up.

• Replace the cardboard with the lid (if no lid, tape the cardboard tightly to the can).

• Call your local health department. In Clinton County, call 518-565-4870.

Residents are encouraged to be proactive and take steps to keep bats out of their homes. Most bats leave in the fall or winter to hibernate, so these are the best times to bat-proof your home. Look for holes that might allow bats to enter and seal any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch. Use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics, and ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.

Avoid bat-proofing from May through August. If there are young bats in your attic, many of them can’t fly and keeping the adults out will trap the young who will die or try to make their way into your rooms.

In addition to bat-proofing, it is important to remember that pets, including indoor cats, must be vaccinated against rabies. New York State Public Health Law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets over four months old to be vaccinated. “Vaccinating your pets is one of the best ways to protect your family from rabies,” urged Mr. Rufa. “CCHD offers free vaccine clinics several times each year. To see upcoming clinics visit https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/rabiesclinics.”

For more information on the rabies virus, visit https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/nc_healtheffect/rabies.pdf.

Click here for Leeward’s obituary 

Click here for the NCPR story