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Lane Closures Suspended from Friday, August 29 at 6:00 a.m. to Tuesday, September 2 at 6:00 a.m.
Motorists Urged To Slow Down and Move Over for All Vehicles
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, to ease travel throughout Labor Day weekend. Suspension of roadside construction during a weekend of increased traffic also helps protect the safety of highway workers, including those in organized labor, during a holiday that honors the ideals of the labor movement.Read more »
Gov. Hochul Press Release – August 27, 2025– The Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) surpassed $3.4 billion in executed financial assistance agreements for 328 local water infrastructure projects across the State during State Fiscal Year 2025 — a 55 percent increase in year-to-year funding. This record investment is making crucial projects affordable for New Yorkers and empowering local communities to undertake critical drinking water and sewer projects. These projects improve water quality, safeguard public health and the environment, support local economic growth, and contribute an estimated 30,000 good-paying jobs. These numbers reinforce EFC’s critical role as New York State’s water infrastructure bank.
“With EFC’s record $3.4 billion investment, along with millions in additional State funds from partner state agencies, New York is delivering on its promise of affordable, reliable and safe water for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re transforming communities, protecting public health and ensuring every New Yorker can count on clean, safe water without breaking the bank.”
EFC’s historic investment was made possible by Governor Hochul’s continued grant funding commitments for clean water, and federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This financial support bolstered the State Revolving Funds and accelerated progress on essential clean water and drinking water projects, supporting public health, environmental protection and resilience in communities statewide.
The State Revolving Funds are New York’s primary financial mechanism for advancing its clean water goals, providing financing and grants to local governments. State Revolving Fund interest rates are below market rate, and with long repayment periods, communities may save significantly on debt service compared to traditional financing. Repayments of principal and interest to EFC provide recurring revenue to EFC so it can offer financing to additional communities to rehabilitate, replace and modernize aging infrastructure in the State.
EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Surpassing $3.4 billion in financial assistance this year reflects the leadership of Governor Hochul and EFC in delivering high-impact, cost-effective solutions for New York’s water infrastructure. Our ability to turn every federal dollar into three dollars through strategic leveraging means we’re not just investing more — we’re making projects affordable for communities, accelerating progress, and delivering lasting results across the state.”
Through strategic, innovative financing, EFC delivers a 300 percent return on investment on the federal capitalization grants to the State Revolving Funds. For every federal dollar invested, New York turns that into $3, through state matching funds, bond sales, and loan repayments — maximizing federal impact and fast-tracking progress toward clean, resilient communities.
Fully funded State Revolving Funds are necessary for New York to be prepared to meet the ongoing need for communities to repair, rehabilitate and modernize aging infrastructure in the future. Access to affordable financing increases investment in water infrastructure, which can prevent costly catastrophic system failures and alleviate pressure on utilities to raise rates, providing relief to many families already struggling to pay their water bills.
This record-setting $3.4 billion investment reflects the cumulative impact of project funding announcements made by Governor Hochul following each meeting of EFC’s Board of Directors from April 2024 through March 2025. These regular milestones marked key moments of progress, authorizing municipal access to funding. Each project was added to EFC’s Project Impact Dashboard upon execution of a funding agreement, allowing the public to track local benefits.
EFC’s annual Program Metrics Report highlights the impact and momentum toward the Governor’s clean water goals, ensuring that communities across New York are empowered to deliver safe, affordable, and modern water infrastructure for generations to come. Highlights of this year’s report include:Read more »
Area businesses, organizations and donors integral to maintaining adequate blood supply
Plattsburgh, NY –With the tremendous support of many area businesses and organizations, the Adirondack Blood Center, a program of the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) has planned several blood drives in September in support of its mission to maintain an adequate blood supply for the North Country.
Patients at CVPH, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, Elizabethtown Community Hospital (including Ticonderoga) and Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake benefit from the generous donations collected at these drives and at the Adirondack Regional Blood Donor Center. The donor center is located at 85 Plaza Blvd. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Walk ins are welcome.
“Every donation of blood to our program makes a life-saving difference to patients – people who are our friends and neighbors – in the North Country,” explained Laboratory Manager Shannon Nutbrown.
The Sept. schedule is as follows:
Tues., Sept. 2, Brushton-Moira American Legion, 26 Sayles Rd., Moira, 4 to 7 pm
Wed., Sept. 3, Essex County Sheriff’s Department 702 Stowersville Rd., Lewis,
1 to 4 pm
Thurs. Sept. 4, North Country Community College, Ticonderoga Campus,
11 Hawkeye Trail, Ticonderoga, 11am to 3 pm
Monday Sept. 8, St. Augustine Parish Center, 3035 Main St., Peru, 3 to 6:30 pm
Tues. Sept. 9, American Legion Chateaugay, Route 11, Chateaugay, 4 to 7 pm
Wed. Sept. 10, Alice Hyde Medical Center, 133 Park St., Malone, 11 am to 3 pm
Thurs. Sept. 11, Beekmantown Fire Department, 6978 Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm
Tues. Sept. 16, St. Edmunds Church Hall, Route 11, Ellenburg Depot, 4 to 7 pm
Wed. Sept. 17, Franklin County Court House, 355 West Main St., Malone, 10 am to 1pm
Thurs. Sept. 18, Cumberland 12 Cinemas, 18 North Bowl Lane, 4 to 8 pm
Mon. Sept. 22, West Chazy Fire Department, Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm
Tues Sept. 23, St. Lawrence County Human Services Center, 80 Highway 310, Canton, noon to 3 pm
Wed. Sept. 24, FCI Ray Brook, 128 Ray Brook Rd., Ray Brook, 12:30 to 4 pm
Thurs. Sept. 25, Altona Fire Department, Devils Den Road, Altona, 4:30 to 8:30 pm
Fri., Sept. 26, Clinton County Government Center, First Floor Meeting Room, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Mon., Sept. 29, CVPH, Medical Arts Building, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 214 Cornelia St., 7 am to noon
Blood donors must be at least 16 years-old (16- and 17-year-old donors must have written parental/guardian consent), in general good health and weigh at least 110 lbs. A screening questionnaire addressing personal medical, social and travel history is completed prior to donating and a donor card or another form of valid identification is also required. Donors must wait 56 days between donations.
Learn more about the Adirondack Regional Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call 518-562-7406.
POTSDAM, NY (08/27/2025)– Clarkson University’s Rocketry Team achieved an impressive 21st-place finish out of more than 90 universities at the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC).
The team’s rocket reached an altitude of 10,350 feet, surpassing the competition’s target of 10,000 feet. This milestone demonstrates both precision engineering and the dedication of the students involved.
Team members include Matt Barnhart of Dover, MA; Sigmond Kukla of Pittsburgh, PA; Coby Roberts of Buffalo, NY, Morgan Mitskovski of Orchard Park, NY, Alex Rosmarino of Gloversville, NY; Dan Galko of Austin, TX; Anthony Halliday of Kattskill Bay, NY; Hailey Meagher of Harrisville, NY; Lucas Monroe of Walworth, NY; Fred Beck of Peru, NY; Elena Goldman of North Tonawanda, NY, Levi Stauffer of Nicholville, NY, and Alex Black of Alexandria, VA.
IREC brings together university teams from around the world to design, build, and launch high-powered rockets, testing engineering skill, teamwork, and innovation. Clarkson’s strong showing highlights the university’s commitment to hands-on learning and student-driven research.
Clarkson University is a proven leader in technological education, research, innovation and sustainable economic development. With its main campus in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Clarkson faculty have a direct impact on more than 7,800 students annually through nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate STEM designated degrees in engineering, business, science and health professions; executive education, industry-relevant credentials and K-12 STEM programs. Alumni earn salaries among the top 2% in the nation: one in five already leads in the c-suite. To learn more go to www.clarkson.edu.
The cuts meant 13 staffers lost their jobs, according to CEO Vijay Singh. He called the layoffs “heartbreaking” but necessary for the station’s survival.
Plattsburgh, NY – 8/27/2025 – The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that Clinton County’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate its strength and importance to the regional economy, according to the newly released Economic Impact of Tourism in New York 2024 report prepared by Tourism Economics for I Love NY.
In 2024, visitor spending in Clinton County reached $205 million, representing a 6.5% increase over 2023. Tourism supported 2,144 local jobs across sectors such as lodging, dining, retail, recreation, and transportation, and generated $23.6 million in state and local tax revenues.
“Tourism is a pillar for Clinton County’s economy, fueling small businesses, supporting jobs, and contributing to the vitality of our communities,” said Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. “This growth reflects the ongoing impact of strategic marketing efforts, events like bass fishing tournaments, and our strong relationship with Canadian and regional visitors.”
The report highlights that Clinton County led the Adirondack region in year-over-year growth, outpacing neighboring counties with a 6.5% increase in visitor spending compared to the Adirondack regional average of 4.5%.
Key 2024 Highlights for Clinton County:
$205 million in direct visitor spending
6.5% year-over-year growth, the highest in the Adirondack region
2,144 jobs supported by tourism (6.7% of total county employment)
$23.6 million in state and local taxes generated, saving each household an estimated $710 annually
Key 2024 Highlights for New York State:
315.4 million visitors statewide, up 3.0% over 2023
$94.0 billion in visitor spending statewide, a 6.7% increase from 2023
$145.2 billion total economic impact after accounting for indirect and induced effects
741,852 jobs supported by the tourism industry across New York
$11.4 billion in state and local tax revenues generated, saving each household an average of $1,490
“Every dollar spent by visitors multiplies through our local economy—supporting restaurants, hotels, attractions, and shops across the county,” added Kennedy. “As we continue investing in tourism marketing, we look forward to building on this momentum.”
The full 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism in New York report was prepared by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, for Empire State Development / I LOVE NY.
Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in coordination with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for projects that interpret, highlight, and showcase human interaction with the natural world.
Awarded projects should highlight the Conservation & Community Interpretive Theme as described by the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) Management Plan, as well as support the “Biosphere in Your Backyard” campaign developed by the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network (CABN).
The CVNHP is particularly interested in projects that focus on any of the following topics:
Natural Heritage and a Sense of Place: Natural Communities of Plants and Animals, Soils; Perceptions of Wild and Settled Lands
People on the Land: Towns, Villages, Hamlets, and Rural Settlement; Agriculture and Farm Life
A Changing Landscape: Forests and Forestry, Industrial Growth, Sheep Farming Boom, Dairy Industry, Post War Development, Skiing
Conservation Lands Movement: State Parks, Adirondack Park, Green Mountain National Forest, Farm Bureaus, Watershed Associations, Land Trusts
Modern Markets: Contemporary Agriculture and Forestry, Farmer’s Markets, Local Foods Movement
Sustainability: From Subsistence to Specialization, Energy Conservation, Greening of the Economy, Habitat Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry
“Our region is rich in stories of human connection the landscape, both past and present,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the CVNHP and LCBP. “The Conservation & Community Interpretive Theme and ‘Biosphere in Your Backyard’ campaign provide a framework for interpreting the many ways in which people have interacted with the land and waters of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Area.”
Approximately $40,000 in funding is available to support awarded projects, and grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization. Read more »
L-R JoAnne Beaudry, educator at the RISE Center for Success, (middle), and Simone Lutz (left) and Alison Brown (right), Co-chairs of the Educator Awards Committee (Northeastern Zone RENY).
This past June, the Northeastern Zone of the Retired Educators of New York (RENY) awarded theHudson-Kramer Memorial Grant to JoAnne Beaudry for her project, “Intensive Therapeutic SupportProgram Snowshoe Teambuilding”. This $2000 award will be used to purchase a class set ofsnowshoes which will be used by some of the high school and middle school students at the RISE Center for Success at CVES in Plattsburgh.
This grant honors Ross Hudson and Florence Coulter Kramer, dedicated and devoted members ofRENY. This $2000 award is offered by RENY every other year to area educators in public schools inthe Northeastern Zone’s region, which includes school districts in Clinton County, NY, and parts ofEssex County, NY. The Northeastern Zone also offers the Kramer Memorial Educator Award of $1000in alternating years. Information about these awards may be found on the NEZ website (https://www.renynez.com). Application information is sent to eligible districts in early March.
Peru, NY – The Peru Town Board conducted a brief 35-minute meeting on Monday, August 25. Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass chaired the meeting.
The board authorized spending just over $242,000 in the town’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) monies to pave the Allen Hill Road from the Rod and Gun Club to the River Road sharp corner, and 4,000 feet of River Road to Donahue Road.
After Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that NYSEG continues to study the Telegraph Road power pole relocation issue, the board expressed its frustration. They can’t comprehend why NYSEG is resisting temporarily relocating the poles, given that the road has been closed for months, and two involved property owners are open to temporary relocation. Town Attorney Matt Favro recommended that the board request that NYSEG send a representative to a town board meeting to explain the situation. The board concurred with Favro’s recommendation.
Dog Control Officer T’Chaka Sikelianos commented on the dog tethering controversy in our region. He stated that he opposes laws such as the one recently approved by the Town of Plattsburgh, believing that existing laws addressing animal cruelty and negligence are more effective than tethering laws. He noted that the American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes arbitrary tethering bans. No board member voiced disagreement with Sikelianos’ comments.
Greg Badger, the artist who created the Peru history artwork at Heyworth Mason Park, informed the board on August 24 that he had learned $5,000 in New York State grant money is available for similar community art projects; however, the town would have to apply by August 31. After a lengthy discussion, the board authorized Pam Barber to determine if she has time to complete the application process before the deadline. Greg Badger said he believes similar grants will reopen in the not-too-distant future.
In other actions, the board:
Approved hiring Rosenbaum and Culling to appraise the property that the town purchased as a staging area for the wastewater treatment plant project. The Environmental Facilities Corporation will reimburse the town at the certified appraised property value. The town paid $65,000 for the property. Its assessed value is $48,000. The appraisal will cost $1,700.
Approved renewing its MOU with the Clinton County WIC Program.
Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for projects that improve water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin.
The intent of this funding opportunity is to improve water quality through the planning, design, or prioritization for future water quality improvement projects, or the implementation of projects that will directly result in the reduction of water pollution in Lake Champlain and its tributaries.
Proposals for grants will fall into one of three categories:
Clean water: small grants for implementation
Clean water: large grants for implementation
Clean water: grants for planning
“These grants will help communities and organizations advance clean water in Lake Champlain and its tributaries,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “By supporting both on-the-ground projects and the planning that makes them possible, this funding opportunity provides the tools needed to reduce pollution, restore healthy waterways, and protect the lake for future generations.”
Eligible organizations must be located in the U.S. and able to conduct work within the Lake Champlain Basin, and include colleges and universities; nonprofit organizations; for-profit companies (may only apply to categories 1 and 2); New York Soil and Water and Vermont Natural Resource Conservation Districts; and non-federal, non-state government agencies, including municipalities.
Approximately $680,000 in funding is available to support awarded projects. Grant request limits vary by grant category. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization.
The awarded projects will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on September 29, 2025. An informational webinar covering clean water, healthy ecosystems (large and small), and aquatic invasive species (AIS) grants will be offered on September 9, 2025 at 12:00PM (register for the Zoom webinar at this link). Please note that healthy ecosystems and AIS grant opportunities will be released under a separate Request for Proposals, but the informational webinar will cover all of the above grant categories. Awarded clean water projects are targeted to begin work in May 2026 and must be completed by June 2029.
More information, including grant guidelines and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants.
August 25, 2025 MYNBC5 Facebook Post – Notice the low Lake Champlain water level this past weekend? It is now the lowest for this point in August since 1950, a whopping 75 years ago. A challenge for some backyard boat docks! More typical of a fall level. This happened more frequently prior to 1965.
Peru Central School District is seeking a qualified Long-Term Substitute Teacher for Grade 7/8 Mathematics, with an anticipated start date immediately to begin the school year. This position is expected to last for approximately 20 school days, with the potential for extension. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong content knowledge in mathematics, effective classroom management skills, and the ability to support students’ learning and engagement during the transition period. Interested applicants should hold appropriate New York State certification or be eligible for certification in Mathematics. To apply, please visit www.olasjobs.org – Peru CSD is located within the Capital Region.
Peru, NY, August 23, 2025 – Many people supported the 2025 Run For Jon. There’s always a happy atmosphere with kids and adults all having a great time.
Peru, NY Message from Jenna Mulbury – Wildfire Gala harvest has begin today at Northern Orchard. Other early varieties like Zestar!, Ginger Gold, Paula Red, and Premier Honeycrisp will be following soon before the fall McIntosh harvest begins in the early days of September. Customers will soon see our old Model A Ford trucks out with Mums and what pumpkins we’ve been able to grow through the drought. Our harvest team will begin to arrive next week to help us through the apex of the last years’ work. Here’s to a safe and successful harvest! Do a rain dance for us please!
Activities Promote State’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ and ‘Love Our New York Lands’ Campaigns
Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers across the state to give back and enjoy the outdoors in the spirit of Adirondack and Catskill Park Day on Saturday, Sept. 6.The Governor urges New Yorkers to “Get Offline, Get Outside” by participating in service projects at their local parks and recreational areas, including those focused on the preservation and protection of the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, by conserving and enhancing lands for the enjoyment of all New Yorkers.
“Back for a second year, I am inviting the public to Adirondack and Catskill Park Day to help New York State support the environmental and cultural legacy of both regions with a day of stewardship throughout 6.5 million acres of unrivaled lands and forests in these parks,” Governor Hochul said. “Conservation is a responsibility we all share to help protect New York’s outdoor spaces, and I thank those who will give back and participate.”
Adirondack and Catskill Park Day is part of the “Love Our New York Lands” stewardship campaign — a series of themed public stewardship events that encourage year-round volunteerism and highlight the State’s outdoor recreation assets and the need to safeguard these resources. The series kicked off in April with Canal Clean Sweep, followed by I Love My Park Day in May. Adirondack and Catskill Park Day is the next event in this series, followed by Wildlife Day on Saturday, Oct. 4. These days are organized in partnership with Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the New York State Canal Corporation.
Registration is currently open for Adirondack and Catskill Park Day. Participants can sign up for a variety of opportunities to help clean up campgrounds after a busy camping season, maintain flower gardens for wildlife, pick up trash and debris at popular destinations, or help maintain hiking trails to foster safe and sustainable outdoor recreation. Sign up for events to show appreciation for New York’s Forest Preserve.
Peru – CVPH Donor Center will conduct a Blood Drive, on 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 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 other hospitals in Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake, and Glens Falls.
St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the Peru drive.
Fred Beck of Peru, NY is a team member 
Plattsburgh, NY – 8/27/2025
Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in coordination with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for projects that interpret, highlight, and showcase human interaction with the natural world.
August 25, 2025 MYNBC5 Facebook Post – Notice the low Lake Champlain water level this past weekend? It is now the lowest for this point in August since 1950, a whopping 75 years ago. A challenge for some backyard boat docks! More typical of a fall level. This happened more frequently prior to 1965.
Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Peru, NY, August 23, 2025 – Many people supported the 2025 Run For Jon. There’s always a happy atmosphere with kids and adults all having a great time.
Peru, NY Message from Jenna Mulbury – Wildfire Gala harvest has begin today at Northern Orchard. Other early varieties like Zestar!, Ginger Gold, Paula Red, and Premier Honeycrisp will be following soon before the fall McIntosh harvest begins in the early days of September. Customers will soon see our old Model A Ford trucks out with Mums and what pumpkins we’ve been able to grow through the drought. Our harvest team will begin to arrive next week to help us through the apex of the last years’ work. Here’s to a safe and successful harvest! Do a rain dance for us please!
Peru – CVPH Donor Center will conduct a Blood Drive, on 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 donor will receive a FREE voucher for a pint of Stewart’s Ice Cream Gelato!