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A few years ago, the future of baseball in Burlington was uncertain. In 2020, Major League Baseball shrunk its minor league circuit, and teams like the Lake Monsters were left on the outside looking in.
Mountain Lake PBS Report – July 17, Congress voted to rescind previously approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a move that eliminates nearly $1 billion in support for local public media stations across the country.
For Mountain Lake PBS, that means an immediate cut of approximately $950,000. More than a third of our annual budget.
This is a devastating outcome for our nonprofit organization and the communities we serve. Every part of our operations will feel the impact. We face extremely difficult decisions.
For nearly 50 years, Mountain Lake PBS has been here to inform, educate, and connect people throughout the North Country, the Champlain Valley, and southern Quebec. We’re a trusted source of news. A partner in education. A window into arts and culture. And we’ve always been here because you value what public media makes possible.
Let’s be clear: Mountain Lake PBS will not go dark. Our mission is unchanged. We believe this region deserves quality public media, and with your support, we’ll continue delivering it. This isn’t a defeat. It’s a challenge, and we’re determined to meet it.
Federal funding has long been a critical part of how we operate, especially in rural and underserved communities. We’ll keep working with public media stations across the country to push for that support to be restored. At the same time, we’re seeking new sources of funding at the state and local level, and from people like you, who believe in the work we do.
Our focus remains on what matters most — making a positive impact in the lives of the people and communities we serve.
“Average annual overtime hours per Corrections employee grew 26.3% from 2023 to 325 annual overtime hours in 2024, with the increase coinciding with a workforce reduction of more than 1,000 in that year.”
New York State agency overtime costs increased 10.2% in 2024 for a total of $1.3 billion, while the number of overtime hours increased by 7.8%, or 1.8 million hours higher than the previous year, according to the annual reportissued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli examining state agencies’ overtime and workforce trends.
After a long-term decrease in staffing levels, the size of the state workforce, not including SUNY and CUNY, grew from 2023 by 3.7% in 2024, or 5,330 positions, to an average annual total of 151,309. This was the second year in a row the workforce increased, but headcount is still below where it was in 2019 and markedly lower than 15 years ago when it was over 177,000.
“Overtime continued to grow in 2024 despite increases to a workforce that remains below pre-pandemic staffing levels,” DiNapoli said. “New York needs to continue to attract and retain a range of diverse employees, and agencies need to ensure the use of overtime hours is justified and services are delivered safely and effectively for residents.”
Key Findings:
The number of overtime hours increased for the eighth consecutive year in 2024, as overtime earnings increased for the eighth time in a ten-year period after a decrease last year.
Three agencies accounted for about two-thirds of the state’s overtime in 2024. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (Corrections), the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and the Office of Mental Health (Mental Health) comprised 23% of the workforce but accounted for 66.7% of the overtime hours and 64.5% of the overtime earnings logged by all state agencies in 2024.
In the 2015 to 2024 period, Corrections, OPWDD, and Mental Health experienced greater-than-average workforce reductions of 22.7%, 5.7%, and 3.5%, respectively. Average annual overtime hours per Corrections employee grew 26.3% from 2023 to 325 annual overtime hours in 2024, with the increase coinciding with a workforce reduction of more than 1,000 in that year.
Of the major agencies with overtime costs, most had increases in overtime hours and earnings in 2024, including growth of about 11% or more at eleven major agencies. Along with the increase of almost 1.3 million hours at Corrections, there were major rises in the number of hours at the Department of Transportation (241,000), State University of New York (226,000), Division of State Police (190,000), Mental Health (107,200), the Unified Court System (101,000) and the Office of Children and Family Services (98,500). There were also high proportional increases at the Department of Labor (435%), and New York State Veterans’ Homes (30.7%).
Two agencies saw notable declines in overtime hours worked: OPWDD (-652,900) and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (-25,300).
2023 was the first year new hiring outpaced attrition in the state workforce in over a decade. In 2023, there were 17,504 new hires, the highest in the 10 years covered by this analysis, while attrition declined by 9.5% to 14,699. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, attrition from the workforce has been driven largely by people leaving rather than retirement. In 2023, the State launched the NY HELPS program, temporarily allowing State agencies to make appointments to positions typically filled on an open-competitive basis to candidates meeting the minimum qualifications of the position.
In 2024, total state payroll costs were $21 billion. Overtime earnings comprised 6.3% of total payroll spending in 2024, higher than the 5.4% average from 2015 through 2023. Overtime earnings as a share of total payroll grew from 4.6% in 2015 to 6.3% in 2024, as total overtime hours increased over this time by close to 7.7 million hours, or nearly 46%. Pay rates increased from 2015 to 2024 contributing to a growth of 85% in overtime earnings, from $716 million in 2015 to $1.3 billion in 2024, or an 8% average annual increase.
L-R Mrs.Jason Trombley, Deb Defayette, Greg Stanley, Jennifer Duell Stanley, Allison Stanley, Holly and Ken Besaw
Will Aubuchon Thanks Store Manager Jason Trombley and the store team.
Benjamin Moore and other product reps are on-site
Will Aubuchon ready to cut the 37th ribbon in the last 17 months.
By John T. Ryan
Peru, NY, July 18, 2025 – Customers of Aubuchon have noticed many changes taking place in the store over the past few weeks. Today, the much-anticipated Grand Reopening of Aubuchon Ace Hardware has arrived. Excitement filled the air this morning among the Aubuchon staff and everyone in attendance.
Aubuchon CEO Will Aubuchon paid tribute to Steve Duell, who passed away earlier this year. Addressing Steve’s family, Aubuchon stated, “I’m sure Steve is here in spirit. He managed this store for 43 incredible years and treated it like his own. He loved the store, his team, and his community.” Aubuchon also expressed gratitude to the store team, led by Jason Trombley, who kept operations running smoothly during the transition. Meanwhile, Aubuchon’s transition team worked diligently to remove walls, reorganize the layout, paint, and install new flooring.
Mr. Aubuchon shared his family’s long history in the hardware business with the Peru Gazette: “In 1908, my great-great-grandfather bought the store where he had been working in Pittsburgh, MA. Five years later, his brother joined him, and nine years after that, they opened their second store. Today, we operate 130 stores across 10 states, from Virginia to Maine.”
Aubuchon explained that Ace Hardware Corporation is a retail-owned cooperative and that Aubuchon is now one of its member retailers. “As an Ace member, we can buy from a much larger distributor network and take advantage of Ace’s strong marketing. It’s a way for the ‘little guys’ to compete against the big guys,” he noted.
Customers can expect subtle variations between different Aubuchon Ace stores, as Aubuchon emphasized that each community’s needs differ. What sells well in Saratoga may not sell in Peru, so Aubuchon Ace tailors its inventory accordingly. Ace Hardware brings a rich selection of outdoor grills and power tools, featuring brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Craftsman. The reorganization of the store has led to a significant increase in product inventory.
In total, 75% of the company’s will adopt the Aubuchon Ace name, while 25% will continue to operate under the Aubuchon name due to the presence of another Ace dealer in those markets. Over the past seventeen months, similar “reopening” events have been held at thirty-seven stores.
The Grand Reopening event is happening until 7 p.m. this evening, 7:30 a.m. tp 6 p.m. on Saturday, and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thera-Pets, a Peru-based animal-assisted therapy program, will be serving hot dogs and burgers on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m. The little goats from Thera-Pets bleated their approval throughout today’s ceremony.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Republican Chairwoman Elise Stefanik released the following statement:
“Today I voted to save the American taxpayer $9 billion of unobligated bloated spending via a rescissions package including defunding NPR, a promise I vowed to deliver to #NY21. Promises made, promises kept.
NPR and NCPR-affiliated reporters continually publish false and defamatory stories. In 2022, NCPR falsely reported that I contributed to the attack against Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul.
In 2021, North Country Public Radio’s former News and Public Affairs Director Martha Foley used her taxpayer-funded email account to campaign for Democrats in #NY21 district, a violation of journalist integrity NPR claims to hold.
NPR also infamously published false claims in a book review of Hunter Biden’s memoir that his laptop was Russian propaganda. It was forced to issue a correction, referencing the now-debunked Politico story on October 19, 2020, which used “dozens of former intel officials” to push a false and misleading narrative about the origins of Hunter’s laptop.
The bill will now go to President Trump’s desk, fulfilling his mandate to rein in reckless spending and cut waste, fraud, and abuse.”
Hikers Advised to Use Extreme Caution on All High Elevation Trails and Trails that Cross Rivers and Streams
Trail to Avalanche Pass Remains Closed Due to Landslide
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued a hiker safety advisory following recent heavy rains that caused major and minor landslides across the Adirondack High Peaks region. DEC advises hikers to recreate safely and reduce negative impacts on all trails to help protect natural resources throughout the Adirondacks during this time.
Landslide activity occurred over the last week from heavy rain, creating hazardous and unstable conditions in high terrain. Avalanche Pass trail in Keene remains closed from the intersection with Lake Arnold Trail to the southern end of Avalanche Lake. DEC staff are working to assess the damage and condition of the area impacted by the mud and rockslides. Hikers should avoid the area until DEC announces that the trail has reopened. Impacted routes include the passage south to Lake Colden area from the Adirondak Loj, and loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondak Loj through Avalanche Pass.
In addition, a slide on the southeast side of Mount Colden into Feldspar/Lake Arnold trail in Keene, Essex County, resulted in trail blockage. A short bushwhack around debris is necessary to continue on the trail. Hikers are encouraged to take extreme caution if seeking alternate routes or navigating debris.
Thunderstorms are predicted to continue throughout the remainder of the week and are expected to produce more heavy downpours and potential landslide activity. Visitors to the High Peaks are advised to check the weather for the day of, night of, and day after their trips in case of an unexpected overnight. Storms can emerge suddenly and quickly in high elevations.
Water levels rise rapidly in heavy rains and can become impassable within minutes. Visitors should avoid getting caught on the wrong side of a stream and turn back at the sign of changing weather conditions.
Hypothermia can occur even in the summer months and especially during times where very wet conditions are present. Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Stay warm and dry by packing extra layers in a waterproof bag within your pack. Pack extra socks to keep your feet dry and change them often. Carry plenty of food and water. Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.
Hikers are advised to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for weekly updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information for the Adirondacks.
View the HikeSmartNY webpage for detailed information on safety and preparedness and what to do in case of an emergency in the backcountry.
Love Our New York Lands to help all New Yorkers and visitors access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. Follow the Hiker Responsibility Code, practice Leave No TraceTM principles, and consider visiting trails less traveled.
July 14, 2025 Peru Town Board Meeting – Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell shared updates on the Telegraph Road culvert and bridge project, presenting both good and bad news. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved the town engineer’s plans. However, there is an issue with power lines near the existing culvert that will interfere with the large crane necessary to lift the new culvert into place. NYSEG would like to install new poles in a suitable location; unfortunately, property owners on both the east and west sides of Telegraph Road are not interested in selling or granting an easement and NYSEG isn’t entertaining a temporary pole relocation. Counselor Kregg Bruno offered to speak with a property owner again, and Michael Farrell will contact NYSEG to pursue a feasible solution. The town’s engineering firm, C&S, had previously stated that the project should be ready to advertise for bids by August 15, but it remains uncertain if that timeline will be met.
Additionally, Michael Farrell reported that the town generated $12,300 from the auction of surplus equipment from the highway department.
Resident Karyn Langlais inquired if there has been any consideration underway to change an elected town office to an appointed position. Councilman Kregg Bruno and Supervisor Craig Randall acknowledged that some individual board members have discussed this topic, but the board as a whole has not yet addressed any potential changes.
Recreation Director Kristen Marino announced that 236 boys and girls have signed up for soccer, including mini-mites almost 300 participate in the program indicating a positive future for the sport. She also mentioned that assigning children to soccer teams based on their school grade level rather than by age in under consideration following he Clinton County Youth Commission’s practice.
Town Historian Hal Nerska stated that a Peru Walking Tour is scheduled for October 18, starting at the Peru Community Church instead of the town hall. Nerska is also planning a walking tour of the Peru Cemetery and God’s Acre Cemetery on August 19th starting at 10 am at the Peru Cemetery.
On August 4, Nerska will conduct a History Chat involving the Peru High School classes of 1956, 1957, and 1958. John Ryan will video the chat.
Courtney Tetreault reported that trucks are currently hauling dirt out of the wastewater treatment facility, and heavy-duty work is in progress.
The board approved the following items:
Highway Department shared service agreements with the towns of Schuyler Falls and Dannemora.
The Peru Girl Scouts are establishing a Little Lending Library at Lapham Mills Park.
Payment of $35,336.10 to Triangle Electric for contract work completed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.
The purchase of a SCAG Tiger 29HP, 72-inch deck mower for the Water-Sewer-Parks Department from Taylor Equipment of Plattsburgh for $15,219, which is a state contract price.
Declaring the Water/Sewer Department’s 2006 Ford F-350 as surplus equipment. The town will advertise locally to sell the truck.
Accepting Matt Houser’s resignation from the Water/Sewer/Parks Department. The town will advertise the position.
Appointment of Sean Masten as the new town assessor, effective October 1, 2025, for a six-year term. The town contracts with Clinton County for assessor services. Current assessor Jeremiah is transferring to another county position.
Scheduling a board work session on July 22 at 4 pm.
The meeting adjourned to Executive Session to discuss personnel issues at 6:54 pm with no action anticipated following the Session.
left, Jaedan Eilers, Olivia Woods, Haley Hickey, Sam Fath, Megan Derushia, Marley Johnson and Quinn Gowett.
Majority of graduates remain in region to launch rewarding health care careers
PLATTSBURGH, NY – Four of the seven recent graduates of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) School of Radiologic Technology have joined the health system to begin a rewarding health care career in the North Country.
Celebrated at the June 26 ceremonies held at CVPH were Megan A. Derushia, Lisbon, NY, Jaeden A. Eilers, West Chazy, Samuel W. Fath, Colchester, VT, Quinlan G. Gowett, Mechanicville, NY, Haley E. Hickey, AuSable Forks, Marley E. Johnson, Brunswick, GA and Olivia G. Woods, Massena. As graduates, each has earned an associate’s degree in math, science and technology from Empire State College and are prepared to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) examination.
Eilers, Hickey and Woods have joined the CVPH Radiology team while Fath is employed by the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, VT.
The CVPH School of Radiologic Technology is one of many career opportunities offered by the UVM Health Network Center for Workforce Development. The Center is helping to ease the workforce shortage in the region by offering innovative and affordable career advancement opportunities to current health system employees and job seekers. A complete listing of available programs can be found online at uvmhealthnetworkcareers.org/training-programs.html.
Established in 1965, the CVPH School of Radiologic Technology is a two-year comprehensive program that incorporates class time and practical experience to train radiographers dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. It is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and approved by the New York State Department of Health to train radiographers eligible for a New York State license. The school has been recognized for its excellent pass rate received on the examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). For more information, call 518-562-7510 or go online to UVMHealth.org/CVPH.
Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) has written to Derrick Anderson, Acting Secretary of the U.S. Army, requesting that the Army reconsider its move to end Clarkson University’s ROTC program. In his letter, which is included with this release, Stec highlights the importance of the ROTC-Clarkson connection and the crucial role it plays in our national security.
“Clarkson University is one of the foremost engineering schools in the nation,” Stec wrote. “The ROTC program at the university, paired with the school’s engineering focus, serves as a vital pipeline for the Army Corps of Engineers as well as other branches that need their STEM focus in today’s military.
“For the sake of the Army’s mission that needs top technical talent and the dedication of Clarkson, its home community and our military, I request that you reconsider the decision to end the university’s ROTC program,” he added.
DEC Forest Rangers and Lands and Forest Staff Deployed to Two Different Fires
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 11 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers and Lands and Forests staff are traveling to Colorado to support ongoing efforts to contain wildland fires raging in the state. Wildland firefighters were deployed this week for an anticipated two-week assignment.
“New Yorkers are always ready to volunteer when other states need our help,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re fortunate to have well-trained incident command and wildland firefighting experts in New York State to lend emergency assistance and support. I thank all the responders working the fires for their efforts and look forward to their safe return.”
On Thursday, July 17, the Peru Highway Department plans to pave Telegraph Road between the Bear Swamp Road and the road closed barrier. Flag personnel will be in place to keep vehicles moving. Work crews will arrive about 6 a.m.
By John T. Ryan
July 18, 2025 Elise Stefanik News Release 
