The Peru Gazette

Jails and prisons across the state are facing many crises. Someone should tell the Commission of Correction

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Health officials are urging Vermonters to protect themselves from mosquito bites, warning that Eastern equine encephalitis, while rare, can be serious and deadly to humans.

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All Counties Outside of New York City to Receive At Least $1 Million Through Noncompetitive Grant Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $85 million in grant funding has been allocated to county level primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and primary PSAP backup centers to prepare for the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) in 57 counties across the state. The NG911 Grant Program is specifically to support call handling equipment to include interfaces and software applications needed for agencies to receive and process incidents with the goal of increasing statewide capabilities to accept NG911 calls in accordance with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) i3 standards. All eligible counties received a base amount of $1 million in funding and the remaining funds were allocated based on population.

“Public safety is my number one priority, and that means ensuring that we have the technology and equipment in place to support our first responders and their quick response to emergency situations,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will ensure that our 911 systems are operating effectively and efficiently when any New Yorker reaches out for emergency assistance in their time of need.”

In January, Governor Hochul awarded $55 million statewide to enhance emergency communications systems, including $10 million awarded under the Public Safety Answering Point Grant Program, which encouraged the development of NG911 technologies and the Geographic Information System (GIS) data needed for NG911.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Governor Hochul understands that our 911 systems are key during any emergency, and this grant funding will help New York communities across the state prepare to implement NG911. The professionals who take emergency calls and dispatch responders are our first line of assistance and this funding will help support them with new equipment and software to increase their capabilities.”

New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “The transition to Next Generation 911 technology will significantly enhance our counties’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. This $85 million commitment ensures that New York’s counties can implement the digital infrastructure needed to improve response times, enhance caller location accuracy, and ultimately save more lives. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s continued leadership in preparing our state for the future of emergency communications.

The NG911 Grants awarded today are:

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Harvest Weekend
Oct. 11th & 12th
10am – 4pm

•Demos include: cornharvesting & storing of corn, hit & miss engines, sawmilling, blacksmithing
•Kids games, corn box search, pumpkin making, butter making
•Popcorn and Cotton Candy
•Ride the stagecoach, antique fire truck and Thomas the Train
•Snacks and beverages available in the museum store
250 River Road, Peru,NY
518 • 643 •  8052

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today that the former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department, Kimberly Simchik, pleaded guilty to stealing over $92,000 from the fire department over a seven-year period. As part of the plea, she will pay restitution of just over $92,000 and faces 1 to 3 years in jail at sentencing.

“Kimberly Simchik diverted fire department resources to bankroll her personal life, betraying the trust of the community she served,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Oneida County District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their partnership in holding her accountable.”

Carville said, “The Oneida County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the New York State Police and the New York State Comptroller’s Office for their assistance in bringing the defendant to justice. This reprehensible act has no place in our society.  Stealing from our volunteer service, the great men and women who dedicate their time and talent to the Durhamville Fire Department, is wholly unacceptable and inexcusable.  I would like to thank my Assistant, Assistant District Attorney Kurt Schultz, for holding Ms. Simchik accountable for her actions.” Read more »

New Yorkers Urged to Conserve Water During Ongoing Dry Conditions

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions 

Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, today announced a drought warning was issued in 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions and a drought watch was expanded to include six counties in the Susquehanna region. New York State is encouraging all residents, including those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. 

“The less-than-normal amounts of rain have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in the Adirondacks and Southern Tier counties being elevated to drought warning status and Susquehanna counties elevated to drought watch,” Governor Hochul said. “While New York State experts continue to closely monitor the data and conditions on the ground, we are taking proactive steps to support communities, farmers and local water suppliers. At the same time, we are urging everyone to do their part to conserve water so we can reduce stress on our resources and prevent more severe impacts in the weeks ahead.”

A drought watch or warning is now in effect for the entire state except for New York City and Westchester County. Drought conditions in this region are determined by New York City in close coordination with DEC. There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. There are no mandatory State restrictions under a drought watch or warning. A warning declaration is a notice of impending and imminent severe drought conditions and includes increasing public awareness and voluntary water conservation. Public water supply purveyors and industries are urged to continue to implement local drought contingency plans.

The counties under the drought warning are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chemung, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, Steuben, St. Lawrence, and Warren. The counties added to the drought watch are Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego, Madison, and Tioga.

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Land Bank plans to add 32 CrossMods over the next 2 years

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How to go about addressing EV charging gaps?

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Officials acknowledge lack of DEC permit, promise restoration after mountain bike races conclude

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Help addressing medical debt, insurance enrollment available

Plattsburgh, NY – Medical bills can feel overwhelming and even with insurance, costs like deductibles or services that are not fully covered can add up quickly. To help, the Financial Counselors at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) are available every Wednesday from 7:30 am to 4 pm at the CVPH Diagnostic Center, 89 Plaza Blvd. No appointment is necessary. Clients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Counselors will also offer guidance and resources to assist those who are un-insured find health care coverage.

“There is assistance available for those with medical bills that are difficult to pay and for people who have no insurance. Our team is here to provide help and answer questions,” explained Melissa LaMountain, regional director of patient access.  “It can get overwhelming – especially if you unable to work while you are recovering. We’re hoping that by offering this additional opportunity to meet with our financial counselors, we can help ease some stress, prevent their debts from growing and hopefully make sure financial worries don’t stand in the way of recovery.”

CVPH’s financial assistance programs are designed to help people who do not have the ability to pay the medical bills incurred at the UVM health system’s New York partners.  There are eligibility requirements and an expectation to contribute based on the ability to pay.

Financial counselors are also available at the hospital’s main campus. To make an appointment there, call (518) 562-7075.

Chazy, NY— Champlain Area Trails (CATS), an accredited land trust founded in 2009, announces the grand opening of the Corbeau Creek Trails in Chazy, NY. These trails are part of the CATS network of over 100 trails, connecting people with nature and promoting economic vitality in New York’s Champlain Valley.

The festivities will kick off at 10 AM with a welcome program, light refreshments, and remarks from the Johnson family, who graciously host the trails on their land. Families and nature enthusiasts are invited to partake in a 2-mile guided walk immediately after.

The Corbeau Creek Trails feature two miles of walking trails that wind through a scenic landscape of forests, wetlands, and meadows. Visitors can explore the diverse habitats and enjoy views of Corbeau Creek, a tributary of the Great Chazy River. The trails offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and connecting with the natural world, right in the heart of Clinton County.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the Corbeau Creek Trails, which expands our network of trails and conserved lands into Clinton County,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of CATS. “We are so grateful to the Johnsons for sharing their land with residents and visitors alike, offering more ways to experience the beauty and wonder of this region, and supporting our mission to protect the land, connect people to nature, and promote economic vitality.”

In addition to creating and maintaining trails, CATS has conserved over 3,000 acres of land in the Champlain Valley, ensuring these natural areas remain protected for generations. The organization also hosts a variety of outdoor education outings and volunteer events, engaging year-round residents and attracting thousands of visitors to the region.

The grand opening celebration for the Corbeau Creek Trails is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to explore the new trails and learn more about CATS’ work in the Champlain Valley.

For more information about the Corbeau Creek Trails and the grand opening event, please visit the CATS website at www.champlainareatrails.com or call 518-962-2287.

Westport Marina Owner: “Anecdotally, I’ve only seen one to two Canadian tourists this whole summer, and that is a huge swing from what we’ve seen in summers past.” And there’s much more to read in this story. 

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Peru Gazette file photo

By John T. Ryan

Peru voters will have the opportunity to fill several local elective offices on Tuesday, November 4.

The Peru Republicans have nominated Craig Randall as their candidate for a three-year term as town supervisor. The Peru Democrats do not have a nominee for this position. Randall has been serving as the interim supervisor since August 13, 2024, succeeding Brandy McDonald, who resigned after moving to Plattsburgh.

There are two open positions for three-year terms on the Peru Town Board. The Republicans have nominated incumbent board member Melvin Irwin and Dwane Bast, while the Democrats have nominated Nick Weaver.

For the four-year town justice position, the Republicans have not nominated a candidate. The Democrats have nominated Sarah Mitchell who also appears on the “We Are Peru” ballot line. Incumbent Democrat James Kirby announced several months ago his intention not to seek reelection. Now that he is feeling better, Kirby has launched a write-in campaign.

In the race for town clerk/tax collector, the Republicans chose Christine Crawford as their candidate instead of incumbent Republican Dianne Miller, who is seeking reelection under the Democratic Party line this year. 

Incumbent Michael Farrell is the Republican candidate for Superintendent of Highways, while Chip Blair represents the Democratic Party in that race.

The Peru Gazette is sending a questionnaire to each candidate, with responses due by October 8. We will post the replies after October 8. 

Cheeseburger Casserole 

Salad 

Bread

Dessert 

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. 

All are invited and welcome!

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Another in the Peru Town Historian Helen Nerska’s Peru History Chats recorded by the Peru Gazette. Go to the Town of Peru website to find a link to all the Chats.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Acting Essex County District Attorney Michael P. Langey, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced the arrest of the former Captain of the Town of Moriah Ambulance Squad, Michael Moran, for allegedly stealing over $14,000 from the Town.

“Moran allegedly diverted resources meant to protect his community into his own pocket,” said DiNapoli.  “My thanks to Acting District Attorney Langey and the State Police for their continued partnership in fighting corruption.”

James said, “Mr. Moran violated the confidence instilled in him by the Town of Moriah Ambulance Squad by disregarding the law and allegedly stealing funds he was not entitled to. We will continue to aggressively investigate any case involving public corruption and those who take advantage of their position at the expense of the community. I applaud the work of the State Police members assigned to this case, the Comptroller’s Office, and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office for their perseverance and dedicated work that led to this arrest.”

Michael Moran, 57, served as Captain of the Town of Moriah Ambulance Squad and also worked for Essex County as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).  As Captain of the Squad, Moran was in charge of processing time sheets for payroll, including his own.

After receiving allegations of potential fraud regarding Moran and the Ambulance Squad, the New York State Police contacted DiNapoli’s office and a joint investigation commenced.  A forensic audit by DiNapoli’s investigative team revealed that from December 2023 through March 2025, Moran allegedly inflated the hours he worked for the Squad and also paid himself for nearly 150 hours at the Squad when he had also claimed to be working for the County.  Based upon Moran’s false submissions, the Town overpaid Moran $14,230 for hours not actually worked including $2,816 for overlapping time.

Moran is no longer employed by the Ambulance Squad or Essex County Emergency Medical Services.

He was charged with grand larceny in the third degree and arraigned before the Honorable Richard Carpenter in the Town of Moriah Court. He is due back in court on October 21.

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.