By John T. Ryan
October 28, 2025 – Plattsburgh – If you or someone you know has received a dire health diagnosis or is facing a terminal illness, The Wish Fund is here to help. Established in 2016 by the Adirondack Champlain Valley REALTORS (ACVR) to honor realtor Mary Fry, The Wish Fund grants wishes valued up to $5,000.
Sarah Stansbury, Chair of the ACVR Wish Fund Committee, explained, “We need to get the word out. Some people are hesitant to apply, but everyone deserves this opportunity. It doesn’t matter what your income is; we want to help fulfill your wish.” Wishes granted in the past include trips to Dollywood and Disney World, hosting a pig roast, and even enjoying a cold beer surrounded by nurses at the patient’s bedside. To be eligible, applicants must have a dire health diagnosis or terminal illness that limits life expectancy and reside in Clinton, Essex, or Franklin Counties. A person cannot apply on behalf of someone else.
ACVR partners with the CVPH Foundation, which manages the funds and the application process. To view an application click here. For any questions please contact the Foundation at 518-562‐7169. Send completed applications to: Email: foundationofcvph@cvph.org Mail: The Foundation of CVPH, 75 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.
ACVR conducts an annual fundraiser to support the program. This year, a charity auction will take place on November 6 at Olive Ridley’s in downtown Plattsburgh.
Posted: October 28th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Charity Events, City News, Community Events, General News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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“…the Living Donor Support Program, which will reimburse organ donors up to $14,000 for their medical expenses and recovery-related costs, such as lost wages and childcare. Both the donor and recipient must be New Yorkers.”
Click here for the NY Focus Story
Posted: October 28th, 2025 under Heathcare News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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Nation-Leading Program Awards Revolving Loan Funds To Unlock Up to 1,800 New Homes Statewide
Albany, October 27, 2025 News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Housing Acceleration Fund, a $215 million first-of-its kind program to speed up construction of shovel-ready mixed-income residential projects across New York State. One of the Governor’s key housing proposals from her 2025 State of the State, the Housing Acceleration Fund is part of her all-of-the-above approach to increasing housing supply to address acute housing needs, and accommodate job growth statewide. Too often, communities do not have tools to create mixed income rental housing, leaving many developments permit-ready, but unable to secure financing. New York’s Housing Acceleration Fund will help address this vital need and spur the development of new housing statewide. The fund is catalyzed by the Governor’s $100 million investment secured in the FY26 Enacted Budget and matched with $115 million from awarded participating lenders.
“To combat the housing crisis in New York, we’re leaving no stone unturned,” Governor Hochul said. “This new, innovative loan program is a powerful new tool to help jumpstart the construction of mixed-income housing in communities across the state. These new resources are just one more way for us to help build more housing opportunities for our families, seniors and young adults.
The Housing Acceleration Fund awards announced today are expected to result in approximately 1,800 new homes statewide. The awardees are:
- Community Preservation Corporation: $45.5 million
- Merchants Bank: $42 million
- Enterprise Community Partners: $7.5 million
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation: $5 million
Half of the State’s $100 million investment is appropriated for projects within New York City and half is allocated to projects throughout the rest of the state. Awardees will provide $115 million in additional capital, bringing the total amount of funding for projects within New York City to $100 million and the amount for projects throughout the rest of the state to $115 million.
The Housing Acceleration Fund, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), will provide low-cost, construction loans to fill financing gaps in the construction of mixed-income housing developments. The Fund is designed to utilize public capital to leverage private capital investment in mixed-income multifamily rental production. The Fund is estimated to generate upwards of $1 billion in new housing investment throughout New York State.
The revolving loan fund model complements other HCR programs to enhance housing production and will speed up production of new rental housing beyond reliance upon limited resources dedicated to the creation of 100 percent affordable housing such as tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits. The program is designed to self-sustain over time through loan repayments once projects convert to permanent financing once the project is complete. To learn more about the New York State Housing Acceleration Fund program, visit the HCR website.
Posted: October 27th, 2025 under General News, State Government News.
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Legislation S.8047/A.3628 Prepares For Implementation of Potential Constitutional Amendment To Sustainably Develop the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex While Adding At Least 2,500 Acres to the Adirondack Forest Preserve
Albany- October 27, 2025 News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.8047/A.3628) implementing the potential constitutional amendment authorizing continued use and improvement of the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County. This landmark legislation secures New York’s Olympic legacy by allowing essential upgrades to world-class training facilities, while simultaneously expanding and protecting the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve with the addition of at least 2,500 acres of new public lands.
“New Yorkers will have the opportunity to decide whether to move forward with this important constitutional amendment,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this legislation, we’re ensuring that if voters approve the measure, the State will be ready to implement it immediately, allowing New York to strengthen its Olympic legacy at Mount Van Hoevenberg while protecting the Adirondack wilderness that defines who we are as New Yorkers.”
Environmental Protection and Balance
If the Constitutional Amendment is passed by the voters, under this new law, the State is authorized to use a limited portion of Forest Preserve lands at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex for the operation and maintenance of Nordic skiing and biathlon trails and their necessary facilities. To offset this use, the legislation requires the State to acquire at least 2,500 acres of true forest land within the Adirondack Park for inclusion in the Forest Preserve.
State Senator Dan Stec said, “The legislation implementing the constitutional amendment authorizing continued use and improvement of the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County is vital to our region. It resolves a longstanding issue for the county, ensures our Olympic facilities remain state-of-the-art and protects the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve. I’m pleased that the governor has signed it into law.”
Sustainable Legacy for the Adirondacks
The Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex, located in the Town of North Elba, is home to world-class Nordic skiing, biathlon and bobsled facilities. It has hosted Olympic and World Cup events and serves as a year-round training site for athletes from around the world. The legislation, which becomes effective if the amendment to allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land also referred to as: Proposal 1 — Use of Mount Van Hoevenberg Sports Complex Land and Acquisition of 2,500 Acres for Adirondack Park Amendment (2025) Proposal 1 is adopted, ensures that all development at the complex will conform to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and be authorized through a Unit Management Plan under state environmental law.
The legislation would build upon New York’s leadership in protecting the Adirondack Park’s over six million acres of public and private land that form the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. The legislation would only become effective if Proposal 1 is adopted. Information can be found here.
Posted: October 27th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Environmental News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Recreation opportunities.
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Albany, October 27, 2025 – Governor Hochul today rallied with New Yorkers impacted by devastating cuts to health care, food assistance and other critical programs. With nearly three million New Yorkers at risk of losing the food assistance they receive from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1 due to the GOP’s federal government shutdown, the Governor also announced that she is fast-tracking $30 million in State funds to support over 16 million meals. This additional funding follows Governor Hochul’s announcement last week of more than $11 million to support local emergency food relief. The Governor’s funding announcements come as federal administrators at the USDA have refused to unlock the federal funding needed to ensure SNAP recipients receive their November food assistance. This would mark the first time in U.S. history that a federal administration has stopped food assistance during a government shutdown.
Additionally, Governor Hochul today launched a new website where everyday New Yorkers can share their personal stories about the devastating effects of Washington Republicans’ cuts to health care, food assistance and other critical programs. The new website — ny.gov/federalcuts — breaks down the impacts on regions across the state and includes relevant resources available to New Yorkers affected by these cuts.
Posted: October 27th, 2025 under Congressional News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Social Issues, State Government News, Statewide News.
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October 27, 2025 Saranac Lake — The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) Dive Team has concluded another successful season of aquatic invasive species (AIS) management at Follensby Clear Pond, marking significant progress in the effort to protect the Upper Saranac watershed.
Expanded invasive management efforts at Follensby Clear Pond in 2024 and 2025 were made possible through a $46,380 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The funding supported nearly 800 diver harvesting hours targeting the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. Since USF began management efforts at the site in 2020, more than 8.7 tons of the invasive plant have been removed.
“This grant expanded our AIS management to a critical headwater of the Upper Saranac watershed,” said USF Executive Director Guy Middleton. “The additional resources enabled more rigorous efforts to address the spread of invasive plants from this upstream source — a key strategy in safeguarding Upper Saranac Lake.”
As part of the DEC grant, USF partnered with Adirondack Research, which conducted independent surveys to assess the project’s progress. At the conclusion of the 2025 season, no aquatic invasives were detected in Follensby Clear Pond or its neighboring waters — Polliwog, Horseshoe and Green ponds.
“It’s rewarding to see how our monitoring contributes to understanding the health of these lakes and the success of ongoing management efforts,” said Ezra Schwartzberg, director of Adirondack Research.
Managing AIS in upstream waters like Follensby Clear Pond is essential to preventing the spread of invasive species throughout the Upper Saranac watershed and to neighboring waterbodies. The project aligns with the USF’s 2022 Watershed Management Plan, which integrates prevention, monitoring, control, and education to safeguard water quality, native species, and recreational value.
“Over the last two decades, the USF and its partners have made tremendous progress restoring the Upper Saranac watershed,” Middleton said. “Upper Saranac Lake is now nearly free from Eurasian watermilfoil and should remain that way thanks to ongoing monitoring and management. Our focus now extends to neighboring waters like Follensby Clear to ensure invasive species don’t return downstream.”
Follensby Clear Pond is a 495-acre public water body within the Saranac Lake Wild Forest in the town of Santa Clara. Adjacent to Fish Creek Public Campground, it’s a popular destination for both motorized and non-motorized recreation, with numerous campsites and navigable connections to nearby waterways. The USF’s long-term goal is to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil from Follensby Clear Pond and prevent future infestations throughout the Upper Saranac watershed.
To learn more about USF, visit usfoundation.net or contact Middleton at lakemanager@usfoundation.net.
Posted: October 27th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Environmental News, General News, Northern NY News.
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Federal executive action has resulted in the termination or pause of a range of federal support including grants, contracts and other types of assistance, affecting research activity at institutions of higher education (IHE) in New York and elsewhere. One example is the cancelling of over 1,800 grants by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through June 2025. Recent court action has restored only a portion of these grants. Total research and development expenditures by New York IHEs in 2023 were $9.1 billion, second only to California.
Provisions in Public Law No: 119-21, enacted in July, will impact college affordability and choice for many students by reducing students’ access to grants, amounts and types of loans, options for loan repayment and potentially, programs of study. Most provisions will become effective as of the 2026-27 academic year, impacting the thousands of New York post-secondary students that take out and pay back federal loans, including graduate students for whom loan options will become more limited.
International Students
In academic year 2023-24, there were 135,813 international students in New York, second in the nation. There were 22 IHEs in New York out of a total 238 nationwide hosting 1,000 or more international students, 11 of these in New York City. SUNY reports that 5.7% of its total Fall 2024 enrollment was composed of international students, 21,436 total, an increase of 1,118 from the prior year and almost 4,000 from Fall 2020.
A range of executive actions have affected international student enrollment in New York and across the country, and may be poised to have a chilling effect on future applications and enrollment. This includes temporarily pausing new interviews of student visa applicants for review of their social media accounts and restricting the entry of nationals from 19 countries. International students pay full tuition and other costs; as such, their payments are an important source of revenue for universities and colleges.
DiNapoli said limitations to aid and loans, particularly in graduate study, may make the pursuit of higher education unaffordable to some, which is especially concerning since higher education costs in the state, apart from tuition at four-year public IHEs, are higher than the nationwide average. This challenge will be compounded by potential declines in international students whose full tuition payments act to subsidize charges paid by New York residents.
Report
Federal Impact on Higher Education
Related Reports
Higher Education in New York
Economic Impact of Higher Education
Federal Funding and New York – Online Resource
Posted: October 27th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Congressional News, Education News, General News, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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Michigans
Salad
Fruit
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: October 27th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News.
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As the Erie Canal Begins its Third Century of Operation, Focus is on Maintaining a Safe, Resilient, Navigable Waterway that Supports Economic Development, Accessible Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Sustainability
NYS News Release, October 26, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today marked the 200th anniversary of the opening of the original Erie Canal in New York City with the arrival of the Buffalo Maritime Center’s Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. The boat is a replica of the original vessel Governor DeWitt Clinton traveled on from Buffalo to New York City in 1825. The current voyage began September 24 in Buffalo. The Seneca Chief made 28 stops along the Erie Canal and Hudson River before ending its journey at Pier 26 at Hudson River Park in New York City on October 26.
Today’s Erie Canal is now part of the 524-mile New York State Canal system managed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York State Canal Corporation. As the Erie Canal enters its third century of operation, it has primarily become a recreational and cultural destination, with a focus on arts and culture, sustainability, and accessibility, while still moving cargo too large for other means of transportation.
“For two centuries, the Erie Canal has been a symbol of ingenuity and perseverance, shaping the economic and social landscape of New York and the United States,” Governor Hochul said. “As a Buffalo native, I have logged hundreds of hours on the canals and know first-hand of the impact and beauty. As we celebrate this incredible bicentennial milestone, we look forward to the Canal’s third century of operation and are committed to ensuring a resilient and accessible Canal system for all New Yorkers for centuries to come.”
The Governor was introduced at today’s event by DeWitt Clinton’s 15-year-old great-great-great-great-great-grandson, DeWitt Silber.
The Erie Canal has been a cornerstone in the development of New York State as we know it, and the nation. It has served as a vital connector for commerce, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, and facilitating the movement of goods and people. Over the years, the Canal has played significant roles in major historical movements, including the Underground Railroad, Women’s Right to Vote, the expansion of religions, fostering communities and driving progress. Through their More Voices initiative, NYPA and the Canal Corporation are working to share a more comprehensive narrative of the Erie Canal’s history. Topics include the stories of underrepresented communities including those of African Americans, women, immigrants, and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
To acknowledge the displacement of indigenous people during the building of the Canal, an Eastern White Pine Tree was planted at each stop of the current Seneca Chief voyage that represents the strength of the Haudenosaunee people, as well as a promise for a sustainable future for the Erie Canal. In Haudenosaunee culture, the White Pine also holds significance as the Tree of Peace.
Posted: October 26th, 2025 under Business News, Community Events, General News, National History, National News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Peru Gazette File photo
The 2025 Peru Tractor Parade will be held on Friday, December 5 beginning at 6:15 to 6:30 PM. 105-year-old Doug Brown will be the Grand Marshal. Make plans now! The Tractor Parade is one of Peru’s special events.
It starts at the Irwin farm on Jarvis Road, left on River Rd., right on Laflure Lane, right onto Rt. 22, right over the bridge, right at Liberty’s on Union Rd., left on Cross St, left onto Route 22, back over the bridge to Stewart’s, left on Holden Ave, left on School Street to 22, and done.
Start Time updated 12/4/25 at 9:47 a.m.
Posted: October 25th, 2025 under Agricultural News, Business News, Community Events, Faces of Peru, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News.
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46,212 Citations Were Issued This Time Last Year During the 2024 Halloween Enforcement Period
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols through Halloween, targeting impaired and reckless drivers. The enforcement period, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, runs from Saturday, October 25 through Friday, October 31.
“Halloween should be fun and safe for everyone, regardless of how you choose to celebrate,” Governor Hochul said. “Unfortunately, poor choices behind the wheel can lead to deadly consequences. There is no excuse to drive impaired, drive distracted or speed. The New York State Police and our local law enforcement officers will be out and looking for anyone who makes the decision to jeopardize the safety of others this Halloween.”
Posted: October 25th, 2025 under Law Enforcement News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Join us today from 10am-3pm for our Halloween Artisan Market on the front lawn. Get a head-start on your holiday shopping or grab something special for yourself.
Participating vendors:
Designs By Renee, Half Moon Tarot Readings, Vikki’s Suds & Such, Bit Sized Builds, Upstate Emporium, As You Wish Signs & Gifts by Dina, Marilyn Kretser, SEW Surprised ADK, Molly’s Quilting Blocks, Montana Fancy Jewelry, Mel’s Cakes, Simply Adirondack, Greg Badger Art, Melted Moon Creations, M&S Crafts, JC Textiles, Found and Fiber, Büdév Designs, GD Turnings, Duquette Designs, Sips and Chips, Guynup Family Crafts, Adirondack Food Therapy, AshLeta Designs, Dead Realm Archive, Hardscrabble Heart, Keramik by AC, Winnie’s Whimsies, Black Rabbit Designs, Black Heart Creations, MILA Studio, Kenny’s Tasty Treasures, Silver’s Bakeshop, Made with Love by Bridget, Goodies’ Goodies, The Chickadee Workshop, Dusty Pine Wood Design, Dragonfly Studio, and Maggie’s Mystic Makes & Co.
Posted: October 25th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, City News, Community Events, Northern NY News.
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The law required a state agency to issue major regulations more than a year and a half ago, and it had no excuse not to, the court found.
Click here for the New York Focus story
Posted: October 25th, 2025 under Environmental News, Peru/Regional History, Political News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Necropsy supports DEC’s field observations before staff euthanized the animal in July
Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story
Posted: October 25th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, Northern NY News.
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“Richard’s teams have built nearly 20 homes and are in the planning stages for 45 more in Fairlee alone. The Upper Valley town, a summer tourism hub, has a year-round population of about 1,000 residents.”
Clock here for the VTDigger story
Posted: October 24th, 2025 under Business News, Community Events, General News, Regional NY-VT News, Town Board News, Zoning Board News.
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ADK Action Photo
Keeseville – 10/25/26 ADK Actions Reports: AdkAction is saddened to share the news that the Keeseville Pharmacy is closing on October 25, following the recent closure of Cornerstone Drug Store in Rouses Point. Both stores, owned by longtime AdkAction supporter Dan Bosley, have been important centers of care and community for years. Each also housed a “Farmacy,” an innovative partnership with AdkAction designed to improve access to healthy, local food in rural towns.
The first Farmacy opened in Keeseville in 2017, after the community lost its only grocery store. By adding a farm grocery section to the existing pharmacy, the project made it possible for residents to shop for local produce, meat, and dairy while picking up prescriptions. The idea quickly spread to Cornerstone Drug Store in Rouses Point. Both locations embodied the belief that “good health starts at the table,” and that access to nutritious food is essential to overall wellness.
The Farmacy helped bring fresh, local food from nearby farm stores and regional producers into the heart of Keeseville, where residents with limited transportation could easily access it. That same spirit lives on in the recently opened Keeseville Grocery, which continues to include local products alongside traditional grocery items. While these developments have eased the community’s former food desert, the loss of Keeseville’s pharmacy now leaves a different kind of gap in community health. Pharmacies in our small Adirondack towns provide far more than prescriptions; they are often trusted sources of advice, support, and connection.
The Farmacy model continues to thrive at Mountain Weavers’ Farm Store in Port Henry, a partnership between AdkAction and Mountain Lake Services that combines local food access with meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This project continues to build on the Farmacy’s legacy and demonstrates how rural businesses can serve community needs in creative ways.
AdkAction is deeply grateful to Dan Bosley and his team for their years of service and for their pioneering work in launching the Farmacy concept. Their innovation has shaped how we approach food access and community health across the Adirondack region.
Posted: October 24th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Upstate New York.
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Grants Will Modernize Campuses, Enhance Student Experiences and Drive Statewide Economic Growth
Full List of Awardees Available Here
NYS News Release – Oct. 24, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $49 million in capital grants for 35 colleges and universities across New York State through the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap). The funding supports projects that will upgrade facilities, create modern laboratory and research spaces, and invest in cutting-edge instructional technology and equipment — ensuring that New York’s higher education institutions remain at the forefront of innovation and opportunity.
“New York’s independent colleges and universities are engines of innovation that prepare our students for success and strengthen communities in every region of the state,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in modern classrooms, laboratories and facilities, we’re ensuring that students have access to the tools and environments they need to thrive. These projects stand for our ongoing commitment to keeping New York at the forefront of education and economic opportunity.”
Under the Governor’s leadership, HECap grants continue to enable campuses statewide to make critical investments in their infrastructure and equipment while creating construction jobs and supporting regional economic development. Campuses that receive HECap grants are required to invest at least $3 of their own funds for every $1 in state funds received.
When combined with the colleges’ matching funds, more than $195 million will be invested in New York’s higher education communities through this round of awards.
Selected Award Amounts Include:
- Clarkson University: Phase One Renovations to the Engineering and Science Complex, $5 million
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges: Construction of a New Science Building and adjacent science facilities, $5 million
- D’Youville: Renovations to a building to support The College of Osteopathic Medicine, $5 million
- Molloy University: Construction of the Center for Workforce Development in Applied Laboratory Sciences, $5 million
- Marist University: Construction of New Athletic Fields and Track, $2.8 million
- Russell Sage College: Renovations to Russell Sage Hall, $2.7 million
- St. John’s University: Renovations to Marillac Hall to create a Technology Hub, $1.85 million
- Cornell University: Library Renovations, $1.75 million
- Long Island University: Construction of a Lab for Immersive and Experiential Learning, $1.5 million
The funds were awarded at the October 20 meeting of the HECap Board following a competitive application process. The three-member HECap Board includes one member chosen by the Speaker of the Assembly, one member chosen by the Temporary President of the Senate, and a third member chosen by the Governor. DASNY acts as staff to the HECap Board and administers the program. The HECap Board also approved the release of the Round 8 Request for Applications, which will open on December 12, 2025.
A request for grant applications for the next competitive round was also approved at the meeting. Since its inception in 2005, the State of New York has awarded $369.8 million in funding to 318 projects through HECap, resulting in more than $1.48 billion in total investments in higher education capital improvements statewide.
Posted: October 24th, 2025 under Education News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Oct. 22, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected Mr. Ryon O’Connell of Peru High School (Peru, N.Y.) as the Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Week for Week 8 of the 2025 season. The Peru Knighthawks remain undefeated and improved to 7-0 with a 27-0 win on the road in AuSable Valley last Friday night. With an equally potent offense and physical defense, they have outscored their opponents 259-49 so far this season.
The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week Award is part of the Giants’ continuing effort to support local high school football programs. The Giants elected to name the award in memory of former Union High School (NJ) coach, Lou Rettino, for his fine commitment to the game of football, his community, and the betterment of his athletes’ lives. Each week during the high school football season, the Giants selected one area high school head coach as the Coach of the Week winner. The selection is based on the coach’s continuing commitment towards promoting youth football, developing motivated student-athletes, and contributing overall to their community.
In recognition of Coach O’Connell’s selection as Coach of the Week, a $2,000 check will be granted to the school’s football program from The Giants Foundation and Gatorade. He will also receive a certificate of recognition signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll and will be honored at a dinner following the season, as well as a 2026 pre-season home game.
O’Connell serves as a 6th grade teacher in the Peru Central School district and has served as head football coach since 2017. In his 9 years as head coach, O’Connell’s teams have won 5 Section VII class B titles, including three consecutive championships from 2021 to 2023, and advanced to the New York State Class B quarter finals 4 times. He has also had the pleasure of coaching three of his four sons, with oldest son Ryley setting the Section VII all-time passing yardage record in 2018 with 5729 yards, his second son Zach setting the Section VII single season passing touchdown record in 2022 with 34, and 3rd son Brady being honored as a member of the 2024 Heart of a Giant Team, as one of the 11 most inspiring football players in the tri-state area. O’Connell’s youngest son, Easton, is currently a member of Peru’s modified football team. He also serves as the head golf coach and head girls flag football coach at Peru High School. His golf team recently won back-to-back Section VII golf championships in 2023 and 2024. During the summer Ryon coaches in the Clinton County Mariners American Legion baseball program as the 15u head coach.
As testament to the team’s involvement in the community, the Peru High School football team was recognized as one of the Army National Guard’s “Next Greatest Generation Teams of the Year” earlier this year for their “Battle of the Blues” charity flag football game. Peru football alumni played against New York State Police officers to raise money for pancreatic cancer relief and Peru Central School District scholarship funds. The event was dedicated to the memory of New York State Police Captain Chris Garrow, a local hero and Peru alum who died from pancreatic cancer in June 2023.
“I am genuinely humbled and deeply grateful to be named this week’s Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week,” said O’Connell. “While my name appears on this award, I must be clear: this is not an individual award; it is a team award. It is a powerful acknowledgment of the tireless work, sacrifice, and commitment demonstrated every single day by every member of our football program. When we talk about success, we are talking about our players: past, present, and future. They are the ones who buy into
the vision, show up for summer workouts, endure the grind of practice, and execute under pressure. Their resilience, heart, and commitment to each other—not just to the scoreboard—is what truly defines our program. This award also belongs to our coaching staff. They are the backbone of this program, spending countless hours preparing, mentoring, and teaching far beyond the Xs and Os. Their dedication is unwavering, and I am privileged to stand alongside them every day. Behind every coach is a very supportive family and that rings true for me. I want to take a moment to specifically recognize my family. This game requires immense sacrifice—not just from the players and coaches, but from those who support us every day. I would like to thank my wife, Nicole, and my sons for sacrificing evenings, for driving to away games, for providing that essential encouragement after a tough loss, and for allowing us the time needed to grow the program. Finally, we would not be here without the support from our school administration and community. Thank you to our high school principal Matt Berry and athletic coordinator Amie Marshal, who support and guide our student body in the halls of Peru Central School. Football success is built on a foundation of support, and this honor belongs to everyone who fills the stands and believes in what we are building together. Thank you again for this incredible recognition. It fuels our passion to continue building a program anchored in character, discipline, and unity. We look forward to carrying that momentum forward as a team.”
Posted: October 24th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Education News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History, Sports News, Statewide News.
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Thomas H. Mungeer, the former president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, was arraigned on grand larceny charges on Friday in Albany County Court and formally accused of misusing thousands of dollars in funds from the union he headed from 2009 to 2022.
Click here for the Sun Community News story
Posted: October 24th, 2025 under Congressional News, Law Enforcement News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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