The Peru Gazette

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 – A typical fall Saturday morning at Rulf’s Orchard. The Woodley family from Champlain stopped by as have many others.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 – A typical ANY Saturday morning at Dunkin Donuts on the Bear Swamp Rd.

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By John T Ryan 

Warning: Some readers and video viewers may find the wording on Mr. Guynup’s shirt objectionable. 

Peru, NY – Following department reports Peru Town Supervisor commented on that the town board’s September 22, 2025 agenda was unusually brief. When he called on Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup the evening’s atmosphere changed. Guynup, who resigned his position effective September 30, stood up, removed an outer article of clothing to reveal a shirt labeled, “It’s OK. I’m  on 500 mg. of Fukitol.”

Guynup stated the following: “Thank you. You’ll get me out of here early. I’ve got some things I’d like to talk about. John, please get a closeup this (pointing to his shirt) OK. Thank you. So you asked me to conduct an exit interview and as we read the handbook it says the confidential secretary should be here. She’s here now so I’m OK with conducting it right now. OK. The first thing I’d like to talk about is I filed a harassment charge against Mrs. Miller back in July of 2024. I got a letter seven months later that said that, nah, we’re ok. Seven months ok! What I’m most upset about is the toxic behavior that’s still present to this day in this town hall and it stinks. A lot of people in the town don’t know about it, but it stinks, but they should know about it. OK. And with that anyone who would like to read the letter and my complaint it’s right here.” (At this point Mr. Guynup made a 15-second personal allegation against Mrs. Miller that is not related to her duties as town clerk; hence, the Gazette deleted his allegation from this story and the video.) Guynup continued, “Harassment doesn’t mean nothing. Good night.”  He then put his chair in the rack and exited the building. 

Asked for a comment yesterday, Dianne Miller stated, “I have sought legal counsel and will continue to review this matter with them and may comment at a later date.” 

Today Town Supervisor Craig Randall commented, “The Town Board acknowledges Mr. Guynup’s dissatisfaction regarding delay in its response to a harassment complaint filed by Mr. Guynup with the Town against its Town Clerk. The board did conduct an investigation of the complaint and took appropriate action based on its findings. The timing of its actions overlapped its former Supervisor and current Supervisor. The Town Board regrets that its action taken failed to resolve the working relationship between the two parties.”

In other meeting news: 

Resident John Kelley expressed concern about rising property taxes. Kelly said he owns five properties, and the taxes could exceed $30,000 if increased in 2026. Supervisor Craig Randall explained the budget formulation process, including board workshops when counselors examine each department’s 2026 spending requests. Randall said that his door is always open to answer questions and the workshops are open to the public. The workshop schedule is ported on the town website. 

A Liberty Road resident inquired about the town’s plans to pave the road, citing the presence of potholes. Superintendent of Highways Michael Farrell said Liberty Road isn’t on the 2026 paving schedule, but agreed to look over the road’s issues. There one home on Liberty Road with a second home under construction. 

Farrell also reported that NYSEG has rerouted electric power on both sides of the closed Telegraph Road culvert. He said the town should advertise for bids very soon, but he doesn’t anticipate construction beginning this year.

Luck Brothers won the bid award for a Fuller Road culvert with a bid $274,650. The culvert is between Lapham Mills and Bear Swamp Road—stakes and a ribbon mark the culvert.

Recreation Director Kristen Marino reported that eight Pee Wee and eight Mite teams are participating in soccer. She had to reduce the number of teams because she didn’t have enough coaches, adding that she will still  find a place for every child.  

The board appointed Daniel Hamilton to be a member of the Planning Board. His term of office ends December 31, 2031.

The Golden Apple Club received permission to meet monthly at no charge in the town hall’s lower floor. The club anticipates that about one-half of its meetings will be at other locations.

Governor Hochul News Release of 9/26/25 – As part of New York’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a coordinated set of actions to accelerate the deployment and construction of reliable and clean energy across New York State that will help stabilize energy prices. Recognizing the near-term need for power to meet increasing electricity demand as well as economic development needs and the importance of adapting to shifting federal policies, Governor Hochul is launching a new solicitation for renewable energy and directing state agencies to work together to responsibly advance shovel-ready renewable energy projects as quickly as possible. These efforts are designed to support New York ratepayers by using sunsetting federal clean energy tax credits to bring down costs.

“While the federal government takes us backward on energy policy, New York will not be thwarted in its commitment to clean energy. By directing our state agencies to move projects across the finish line, we are seizing every opportunity to leverage federal incentives, reduce costs for ratepayers, and build a more resilient, sustainable and reliable energy grid,” Governor Hochul said. “Together, these actions are expected to unlock billions in private investment, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and build a durable energy economy that benefits New Yorkers for decades to come.”

New York’s current pipeline of large-scale renewable energy is comprised of 102 solar, land-based wind, hydroelectric and offshore wind projects operating and under development that will deliver over 9.7 gigawatts of clean power to the grid when completed – enough energy to power over 3 million New York homes. The development of projects as a result of this solicitation is expected to spur over five billion dollars in clean energy investments and create more than 2,500 family-sustaining jobs in the energy economy across New York.

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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