Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

January 3, 2026 Peru Gazette photo

Peru, NY, January 3, 2026 – The Peru Gazette confirmed today that Ledge Hill North Cidery and Pub on Bear Swamp Road is closed and the future of the location is uncertain. Ledge Hill North also posted “permanently closed” on its Facebook page. The restaurant held its Grand Opening on May 24, 2024.

Operator Matt Brankman is continuing to operate Ledge Hill Brewing Company in Ticonderoga. On December 28, Brankman commented on the Brewing Company’s Facebook Page, “As we move into 2026, my focus and commitment are fully devoted to this brewery and the community of Ticonderoga. This is where Ledge Hill Brewing Company belongs, and this is where my time, energy, and creativity will be centered going forward.” Brankman did not have a comment for the Peru Gazette today.

April 24, 2024 Peru Gazette story below.

A new brew pub comes to town

Click here for the WCAX News story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Includes $516,000 for North County Communities

Albany, NYS DEC News Release of Jan. 2, 2026 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced $22.7 million in Climate Smart Communities Grant awards for 43 projects to help municipalities take action to address climate change. This year’s funded projects reduce flood risk by retrofitting or relocating critical infrastructure, support decreasing transportation emissions through cycling and walkability projects, reduce emissions from food waste and landfills, and undertake engineering feasibility studies to advance future climate projects, among many other actions.

Funding for the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant Program is supported by the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, which was increased to a record $425 million in the 2025-26 State Budget. Since the program’s inception in 2016, DEC awarded more than $109 million to municipalities through the CSC Grant program in support of local climate mitigation and adaptation projects.

As part of the CSC Grant Program, municipalities are required to provide a local match of 50 percent of the total costs for most projects. Last year’s New York State budget made grants more accessible to more communities by authorizing DEC to provide up to 80 percent of the cost for municipal projects that meet criteria for financial hardship and for projects located in disadvantaged communities.

The full list of grant awards include:

NORTH COUNTRY 

Lewis County – $129,048 – East Martinsburg Road Flood Study

Lewis County will complete an engineering study for a repetitive flood area along East Martinsburg Road. The study will evaluate options to reduce the risks of flooding, enhance community safety for residents, first responders, and the surrounding sensitive wetland area, as well as improve water quality and habitat along the Black River.

and -$60,028 – Dam Analysis for Flood Resilience 

Lewis County will conduct an engineering study on two small local dams to determine the existing conditions and viable alternatives for reuse and rehabilitation. Flooding in summer 2024 renewed community concerns about the longevity of these dams. The feasibility study will assess the possibility for rehabilitating the structures for mechanical or hydroelectric power generation and fire suppression water supply.

Town of Plattsburgh – $100,000 – Comprehensive Plan with Sustainability Elements; Evaluate Policies for Climate Resilience; Plan for Biking and Walking

Plattsburgh will develop a comprehensive plan with sustainability elements. As part of this effort, the town will also evaluate policies for climate resilience and prepare a plan for biking and walking.  The plan will provide a foundation for updating zoning, implementing policies to expand housing availability, multi-modal transportation and address community health and equity issues.

Warren County – $74,927 – Climate Resilient Rural Stormwater Management

Warren County will conduct a culvert assessment and inventory for its local municipalities. The assessment will focus on high-priority flood-prone areas, identified using federal, state, and county flood data with input from municipal Highway Superintendents. The result will be a centrally managed GIS database housed and maintained by the Warren County GIS program. This shared platform will enable strategic, data-driven decision-making across jurisdictions, helping municipalities prioritize rural stormwater projects through the lens of resiliency.

Village of Saranac Lake – $72,000 – Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Climate Adaptation Plan 

Saranac Lake will create a climate vulnerability assessment and climate adaptation plan. Climate change threatens the town’s outdoor-focused tourism economy, economic wellbeing, public health, and long-term sustainability. These plans will be created to bolster climate preparedness, social cohesion, and economic longevity.

Village of Canton – $50,000 – Climate Adaptive Stormwater Conveyance System Upgrade Study

Canton will complete an engineering feasibility study to assess and plan upgrades to its stormwater infrastructure. The village’s stormwater system is aging, fragmented, and undersized for today’s more frequent, intense storms. The study will use hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to analyze sub-catchments, identify capacity issues, and estimate pollutant loads.

Town of Colton – $50,000 – Wastewater Infrastructure Resiliency Upgrades 

Colton will line all sewer system manholes located along Gulf Road in the Raquette River floodplain. This will prevent stormwater intrusion into the sewer system and the amount of water flowing to the wastewater treatment plant. The project helps reduce or prevent sewer overflows, the risk of water quality violations, and damage to the Raquette River ecosystem.

Town of Jay – $30,000 – Complete Streets Policy and Planning for Biking and Walking

Jay will develop a complete streets policy and a biking and walking plan to improve transportation safety, accessibility, and sustainability. The project will be conducted townwide.

CAPITAL DISTRICT

Town of Niskayuna – $500,000 – Sidewalks to School – Birchwood and Hillside  Read more »

Average Increase of Nearly $1,400 for Individuals and $3,000 for Couples Per Year

Albany, NY NYS News Release of Jan. 2, 2026 – Governor Hochul today slammed Congressional Republicans for failing to extend the existing enhanced premium tax credits, which expired on December 31, 2025. Due to Washington Republicans’ failure to take action, health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 38 percent for New Yorkers receiving subsidies, putting affordable coverage out of reach for many working families. 140,000 New Yorkers will now face steep health care costs surging to unaffordable rates starting as early as yesterday, January 1.

“As we enter the New Year, thousands of hardworking New Yorkers face skyrocketing healthcare costs at the hands of Washington Republicans,” Governor Hochul said. “Their inaction is a disgraceful representation of failed leadership and now their constituents will quite literally pay the price. New York’s Republican members of Congress must do the right thing and extend these credits, thousands of New York families rely on them.”

Regional Breakdown of Increased Monthly Health Care Costs:

Governor Hochul remains committed to ensuring New Yorkers can continue to access affordable health care coverage, but no one state can backfill the immense losses felt from federal funding reductions enacted under H.R.1. These include significant federal health care cuts impacting New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid and the State’s Essential Plan. Nearly 450,000 New Yorkers in the Essential Plan expansion population are at risk of losing their current coverage as early as July 2026 due to HR1 funding cuts, and thousands more Medicaid members may also lose coverage due to new, burdensome HR1 requirements.

Despite the severe impact of these federal changes, Governor Hochul has taken decisive action to shield New Yorkers from these devastating coverage losses. In response to deep federal cuts to the Essential Plan under H.R.1 — which reduced the program’s funding by approximately 50 percent — Governor Hochul directed New York State of Health to submit a formal request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to revert the program back to a Basic Health Program to preserve coverage for approximately 1.3 million lower-income New Yorkers.

Even in the face of these federal setbacks, the New York State Department of Health continues to serve New Yorkers through its dedicated call centers and extensive enrollment assistor network. Consumers with questions about their coverage options, anticipated premium changes, or eligibility can call 1-855-355-5777 or visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

For detailed information on cost impacts by congressional district, visit: info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-connected.

January 8^th, 2:30 pm, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh. The Extraordinary Life of Champlain’s Jehudi Ashmun (1794 – 1828). Born and raised in Champlain, New York, Jehudi Ashmun went on to help the American Colonization Society successfully establish Liberia. The story of his journey from Champlain to Liberia is the story of the life of an extraordinary man from the North Country.

January 13, 6:45 pm, Lake Forest Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh. Redford Glass Uncovered. The presentation will take participants back to a period more than 200 years ago to learn about the short-lived history of the Redford Glass Company.  Although the company was in business for only 20 years they produced products that demonstrated unique skilled craftsmanship that survive to this day.  By the end of the presentation participants will see how the Company, that was once famous and esteemed for its crown glass windowpanes, has become synonymous with unique and priceless glassware.

January 16, 12:30, Plattsburgh Senior Center. 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. The Extraordinary Life of Champlain’s Jehudi Ashmun (1794 – 1828). Born and raised in Champlain, New York, Jehudi Ashmun went on to help the American Colonization Society successfully establish Liberia. The story of his journey from Champlain to Liberia is the story of the life of an extraordinary man from the North Country.

January 22, 6:30, Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. The Golden Age of the Cigar Trade in Downtown Plattsburgh – photos and stories of the families who generated this prosperous local industry.

January 29, 1:30 pm, Champlain Valley Senior Community, 10 Gilliland Lane, Willsboro. A Photo Peek at Old Plattsburgh. Using photos from the CCHA collection, see ‘then and now’ photo comparisons of landmarks in downtown Plattsburgh.

Please contact Helen Nerska, Director, Clinton County Historical Association for more information. All events are free and open to the public.  

Middle Class Tax Cut Beginning on January 1 for More Than 8.3 Million New Yorkers

Minimum Wage Increasing Statewide on January 1

Largest Child Tax Credit Expansion in New York State History Beginning in 2026

Albany, NYS News Release of Jan. 1. 2026 – With the new tax year beginning January 1, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul is informing New Yorkers about a number of tax relief and affordability measures that will begin in the New Year. The Governor is also announcing that in her upcoming FY2027 Executive Budget proposal, she will put forth legislation that eliminates state income taxes on up to $25,000 of tipped income in tax year 2026, which follows federal guidance. This effort is a continuation of the Governor’s Affordability Agenda. Since taking office, the Governor has advanced policies that have put over $9 billion back in the pockets of New York households through tax relief efforts.

“As we welcome in the New Year, affordability remains my top priority and I am doubling down on my commitment to put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “Starting today, tax rates for the vast majority of lower and middle-class New Yorkers will be cut, families with children will see a sweeping increase in the child tax credit, and minimum wage workers across the state will see their wages go up. I’m kicking the new year off with a proposal of no state income tax on tips, continuing my efforts to make New York more affordable for hard working New Yorkers.”

Over the last 5 years, the costs on everyday essentials like groceries, insurance, utility bills, and goods and services has increased significantly, and Governor Hochul has heard directly from New Yorkers how difficult it can be to make ends meet. As a result, the Governor created her Affordability Agenda, which has delivered over $9 billion in tax relief to New York’s individuals and families since taking office. This most recent proposal of No Tax on Tips, is the latest in a series of efforts to put money back in New Yorkers pockets.

Middle Class Tax Cuts

In the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured a middle class tax cut, which, beginning January 1, 2026, will deliver nearly $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8.3 million New Yorkers. This will provide savings to taxpayers earning up to $323,000 for joint filers. When fully phased in, the middle class tax cut will deliver hundreds of dollars in average savings to nearly 77 percent of filers — representing three out of every four taxpayers.

Sweeping Increase in Child Tax Credit

In the FY2026 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul continued her efforts to expand New York’s child tax credit, providing critical financial support for more than 2.75 million children statewide. This latest expansion doubled or in many cases, tripled the current credit, offering up to $1,000 annually per child under four and up to $500 per child aged four to 16. This latest expansion marked the largest increase in the credit’s history, significantly surpassing the previous maximum of $330 per child. The expansion will be phased in over two years, with New Yorkers receiving expanded benefits starting in 2026 for children under four and extending to older children in 2027.

Increasing the Minimum Wage

Included in the FY2024 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul created a transformative plan to help low-wage New Yorkers keep up with the rising costs of living by increasing New York’s minimum wage for three years and tying future increases to inflation. Beginning January 1, 2026, New York State’s minimum wage increased to $17.00 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, and $16.00 per hour in the rest of the state. Starting in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earned and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region — the most accurate regional measure of inflation.

Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda

This announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda which delivered a $2B Inflation Refund program, delivering up to $400 to over 8.2 billion New Yorkers, and universal free school meals, saving parents and families up to $1,600 a year.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Includes Expansion of New York State’s Polystyrene Foam Ban and Restrictions on Hotel Hospitality Single-Use Plastic Bottles

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding businesses, organizations, and consumers of upcoming waste reduction law requirements taking effect on January 1, 2026. The provisions will help reduce pollution by expanding the State’s ban on the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam food service containers to include cold storage containers and further limits the availability of single-use plastic bottles for personal care products at hotels.

New York State continues to advance comprehensive waste management efforts to address the impacts of solid waste on climate change and increase waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices among New Yorkers. Through nation-leading research partnerships and policies that include the plastic bag ban, food donation and recycling law, post-consumer paint collection, and the State’s Solid Waste Management Plan, among many other initiatives, DEC’s ongoing efforts protect water and air quality, improve quality of life for communities, and prevent emissions that contribute to climate change. For more information about waste reduction, reuse, and recycling and steps New Yorkers can take, visit DEC’s website.

Expanding the State’s Polystyrene Foam Ban

Polystyrene foam is one of the top contributors of environmental litter, causing negative impacts to fish and wildlife, waterways, and other natural resources, as well as littering local communities and natural areas. Polystyrene foam is lightweight, breaks apart easily, and does not readily biodegrade. When polystyrene foam ends up as litter in the environment, it can persist for a long time and may also become microplastic pollution. In addition, polystyrene foam containers and packing peanuts are not accepted in most recycling programs in New York State because the foam is difficult to recycle and has a low value.

Beginning January 1, 2026, no covered food service provider, manufacturer, or store will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute expanded polystyrene foam containers in New York State that are not wholly encapsulated or encased within a more durable container, and are designed or intended to be used for cold storage, including, but not limited to, coolers and ice chests. New York State’s foam ban prohibiting the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam disposable food service containers—including cups, bowls, plates, and trays — as well as polystyrene foam packing peanuts, has been in effect since January 1, 2022. The State’s polystyrene foam ban does not include New York City, which implements a separate city-wide ban on these products.

For more information about the new requirements, including affected businesses and organizations, container types, and exemptions and how to submit a complaint, please visit DEC’s Polystyrene Foam Ban Webpage or e-mail foamban@dec.ny.gov with questions.

Expanded Restrictions on Hotel Hospitality Personal Care Products in Plastic Bottles 

The practice of hospitality properties providing small plastic hospitality bottles of personal care products in guest rooms and retail shops has proven wasteful in both natural resources and products. Many small, single-use plastic hospitality bottles of personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, and soaps/body wash, are often discarded. Plastic bottles are resistant to degradation and last many years in a landfill. As plastic bottles deteriorate, the residual contents of the products are released into the environment, while the packaging itself can also release micro and nano plastics that can negatively impact humans, wildlife, and local eco-systems.

Beginning January 1, 2026, New York State’s existing ban on the use of small plastic bottles containing personal care products will be expanded to any hotel, apartment hotel, motel, or boarding house with less than 50 rooms. The new provision will prohibit these entities from providing any small plastic bottle containing less than 12 ounces of a hospitality personal care product. A hospitality personal care product is any product intended to be used on the human body for cleansing, conditioning, or moisturizing.

For more information or to file a complaint, please visit DEC’s Small Plastic Hospitality Bottles Webpage or e-mail recycling@dec.ny.gov.

See the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

WAMC Reports 

Tax Law Changes Effective March 1, 2026

NYS News Release of December 31, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of resources aimed at educating young people, caregivers and educators on how to safely navigate digital media content in a way that protects their mental health. Developed by the state Office of Mental Health, digital wellness resources are available on ‘Be Well’ — the ongoing campaign to improve mental wellness statewide — and aimed at helping all New Yorkers develop healthy habits with their digital devices.

“As New York’s first mom Governor, I’m concerned about the mental health of our children and how their struggles with depression and anxiety relate to the digital media they consume at an alarming rate,” Governor Hochul said. “With digital devices being popular gifts during the holidays these resources will help caregivers, teachers and young people themselves embrace healthier habits with their digital devices and to better understand the role digital media plays in their mental wellness along with the steps they can take to protect their mental health.”

The digital wellness section of the ‘Be Well’ site includes information on how to maintain healthy habits with smart phones, tablets, and computers, and how using these devices can impact mental well-being. The content is organized into distinct audiences, including youth and young adults, parents and caregivers, educators, in addition to all New Yorkers.

The additional resources are aimed at helping New Yorkers develop healthier habits when using digital devices, which are popular gifts during the holiday season. Likewise, these tools can encourage families to practice healthier habits with digital media during a time when many young people are on break from primary schools and colleges.

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Digital media is part of our everyday lives and when we use it in a way that feels balanced, it can help us stay connected, informed, and entertained. These resources are designed to help New Yorkers develop healthy habits with technology and avoid the behaviors that can leave them stressed, anxious, and depressed. This content continues Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to protecting youth mental health and ensuring everyone has access to the mental health resources they can rely on to thrive.”

The ‘Be Well’ site now includes general tips on safely navigating digital content, including social media, how to maintain privacy online, steps to counter cyber-bullying, and other educational resources. The new pages also connect with videos and other evidence-based content from trusted organizations. Read more »

Recapping a dry year for the Eastern Adirondacks

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

The mountain’s snow season has shrunk by almost three weeks since 1965, with snowpack onset occurring later in the fall months and disappearing earlier in the spring months, according to National Weather Service data.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

NYS DEC News Release of Dec. 30, 2025 – York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

Town of Schroon 
Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On December 24 at 11:30 a.m., the North Hudson Fire Department called Forest Ranger Quinn to assist with an injured hiker on Crane Pond trail. The 70-year-old from Fort Edward suffered an ankle injury after a fall and activated the SOS feature on a satellite device. Ranger Quinn responded with New York State Police, Schroon Lake Fire Department, North Hudson Fire Department, and Ticonderoga Emergency Medical Services. Rescuers stabilized the injury and used Schroon Lake Fire Department’s tracked utility terrain vehicle to transport the patient to a Ticonderoga ambulance. Resources were clear at 1 p.m. 

Schroon rescue

Schroon rescue

Town of Long Lake
Hamilton County
Snowmobile Accident: On December 28 at 12:19 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office requesting Forest Ranger assistance with a snowmobile accident off Uncas Road in Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Forest Ranger Lieutenant Arnold and Ranger Milano responded with Raquette Lake Fire Department, Raquette Lake and Inlet Emergency Medical Services, New York State Police, and Inlet Police. Rescuers found the 61-year-old from Amityville approximately 10 feet off the trail, in the woods. The snowmobiler had been ejected from the snowmobile while rounding a corner. The patient had unstable pelvis and leg injuries. Rescuers packaged the patient into Raquette Lake Fire Department’s tracked utility terrain vehicle (UTV). The UTV transported the injured snowmobiler to a nearby LifeNet helicopter that flew the patient to the hospital. Resources were clear at 1:50 p.m.

Long Lake snowmobile accident

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.