The Peru Gazette

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

November 4, 2025 – These totals are unofficial and DO NOT include 270 Early Voting Ballots, Affidavit Ballots, and Absentee Ballots.  

Peru voters cast 1,704 in-person ballots today.

Town Supervisor 

Republican Craig Randall – 752

Write ins – 2

Superintendent of Highways

Democrat Chip Blair – 482

Republican Michael Farrell – 562

Write ins – 2 

Town Board

Democrat Nick Weaver – 506

Republican Melvin Irwin – 661

Republican Dwane Bast – 500 

Town Clerk/Tax Collector 

Democrat Dianne Miller – 503

Republican Christine Crawford – 553

Write-ins – 1

Town Justice 

Democrat Sarah Mitchell – 725 

Write-ins – to be clarified. Initially reported at 63.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Peru, NY, November 4, 2025 – As of 12:11 p.m. voters had cast 711 ballots at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. The Clinton County Board of Elections reports that 270 Peru voters participated in Early Voting.

The Peru Gazette plans to post in-person voting results as soon as possible after the polls close at 9 p.m.  The Clinton County Board of Elections usually posts its results on its website by 10:30 p.m.

Peru’s in-person voting takes place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972. 
Voters cast ballots for several NYS Supreme Count, NYS Assembly. Clinton County, Town of Peru Elective Offices and for a NYS Constitutional Amendment on the reverse side of the ballot. 

Here are Peru’s sample ballots posted by the Clinton County Board of Elections. 

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Cyclists on the newly completed section find serene scenery with wetlands teeming with bog-loving plants

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, November 17, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region.  Your neighbors appreciate and need your support.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates the blood drive.  

Chicken’n Biscuits 

Salad 

Fruit 

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!

The four massive chip factories Micron plans to start building this year in the town of Clay, NY could cost $100 billion and one day produce billions of chips.

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Locals share their fears, strategies of survival without SNAP

This story may not be visible to people who do not subscribe to the Press-Republican. It connects the political budget impasse to our neighbors.

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $135 million was made available to help communities across the State affordably undertake critical water and sewer infrastructure improvement projects. The Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved low-cost financing and State and federal grants that empower local governments to advance crucial upgrades — such as replacing lead service lines and removing emerging contaminants from drinking water — without passing high costs on to ratepayers. These investments protect public health and the environment, reduce future risks, and support good-paying jobs

“From the water we drink to the places we swim, New Yorkers rely on strong and reliable water systems,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments keep our water clean, our communities safe, and our costs low while building more sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the future.”

The funding approved today includes a $19 million federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant for the Town of Southampton’s new wastewater collection system and treatment plant in Riverside. The grant reinforces the State’s commitment to safeguarding Long Island’s sole source aquifer system, the Peconic Estuary, and other water bodies.

The funding also includes a State grant under Governor Hochul’s $100 million Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) program. EFC’s Board approved $2 million in LIFT and IIJA funding to replace lead service lines in the Southern Tier’s Village of Bath. It’s part of a broader $469 million Statewide effort to get the lead out. Bath is one of 13 communities receiving these loan forgiveness grants to help cover costs not fully paid for by federal grants, minimizing the financial burden of these vital projects on local ratepayers. Read more »

Comptroller DiNapoli and District Attorney Hoovler Announce Arrests in Investigation Into Fraudulent Billing by Medicaid Transportation Providers Accused of Stealing $2.9 Million

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that  on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Rohail Raja, age 45, and his wife, Sharma Alam, age 45, both of the Town of New Windsor, were arrested and charged with Grand Larceny in the First Degree in connection with a scheme to defraud the New York State Medicaid program of millions of dollars.

Raja and Alam were arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Part on a felony complaint which alleges that between February 1, 2020 and August 30, 2024, in the Town of New Windsor, and elsewhere in the State of New York, the defendants stole over $2,900,000.00 in Medicaid funds from the New York State Department of Health. The thefts are alleged to have occurred through fraudulent claims submitted by two Medicaid transportation companies owned by the defendants. The complaint alleges that the defendants acted in concert with each other in stealing the funds through two fraudulent billing schemes.

A joint investigation was conducted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the New York State Comptroller, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County White Collar Crimes Taskforce. They were assisted in the investigation by the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center. Based upon information developed during the investigation, the District Attorney’s Office applied for a search warrant which was executed at the defendants’ Town of New Windsor residence by investigators of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Office, who were accompanied by investigators from the Office of the State Comptroller.

As alleged, each defendant is the owner of record of a company which is authorized to act as a Medicaid transportation company. These two companies are paid by the New York State Department of Health to provide transportation to Medicaid recipients to go to and from approved Medicaid medical service providers.

During the investigation, claims for payments submitted by the defendants’ companies were compared to records from the Medicaid medical service providers named in the claims. An auditor of the Office of the New York State Comptroller discovered that the New York State Department of Health had paid the defendants in excess of $2,008,000 for ostensibly transporting Medicaid recipients to Medicaid health care providers on dates and time when the provider records show that no such visits occurred.

In addition, a review of the claims submitted by the defendants’ companies during that same time period disclosed that the defendants’ companies were fraudulently submitting claims to the New York State Department of Health which falsely indicated that the companies had transported Medicaid recipients separately to medical appointments, when in reality they had transported multiple Medicaid recipients in one trip. It is alleged that the defendants fraudulently billed the Department of Health by claiming that the transport for each Medicaid recipient was a separate trip.  As a result of those false claims the defendants’ companies received more than $895,000 than they were entitled to.

The investigation revealed that through these two schemes the defendants stole in excess of $2,900,000 from the New York State Medicaid Program. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Both defendants were remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of bail set in the amount of one million ($1,000,000.00) cash, or five million ($5,000,000.00) dollars partially secured bond, or ten million ($10,000,000.00) dollars unsecured bond.

The defendants are next scheduled to appear in the Town of New Windsor Justice Court on November 5, 2025.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler said, “This is the largest Medicaid fraud scheme ever prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. I am grateful to Comptroller DiNapoli and his staff for partnering with the District Attorney’s Office and the Orange County White Collar Crimes Taskforce on this important investigation.  The work of the investigators and auditors of the Office of State Comptroller was crucial to this investigation.  I also thank Sheriff Arteta for continuing to partner with my office, and the other members of the White Collar Taskforce for their dedication to investigate complex financial crimes.”

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said, “These defendants allegedly systematically schemed to steal nearly 3 million dollars in much needed funds for the health care of deserving New Yorkers,” said DiNapoli.  “Thanks to my partnership with District Attorney Hoovler they are now being held accountable. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the state to fight Medicaid fraud and abuse and protect our Medicaid system.”

Sheriff Arteta said “This case is a prime example of why the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Orange County DA’s office created the White Collar Crime Task Force. These investigations ensure that we hold the people taking advantage of public funding accountable. The aftermath of these crimes impacts our community in many ways. We need to prevent fraudulent claims from causing a burden on our Medicaid system so that the funding is there for those who need it. A job well done by everyone involved.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda Bettinelli and Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher P. Borek.

A criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at investigations@osc.ny.gov, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – Oct. 31 2025) The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host “Off the Wall, ” an exhibition/gallery fundraiser. The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 14, with a free gallery reception from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibition will remain on display until Saturday, Dec. 15. There will be an open call for work for members of the community to submit up to 5 pieces of their choosing with a max price of $500. Guests are invited and encouraged to not only come to this exhibition to browse the gallery but buy artwork and take it home the SAME day!

With the exhibition starting Nov. 14th and ending Dec. 15th, this gives people the opportunity to find the perfect holiday gift for a loved one, a friend, or themselves. This exhibition is also acting as a fundraiser, with proceeds going towards the gallery for repairs including new lighting and new paint.

Strand Center for the Arts Gallery Hours:

1. Open 1 p.m. —9 p.m. Wednesday
2. ●Open 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday
3. ● Open 10 a.m. —3 p.m. Saturday
4. Closed Sunday—Tuesday

Poster Contest Submissions Accepted Through Jan. 2, 2026

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) today announced the theme for the annual water conservation poster contest for middle school students: “Water Connects Us All.” The 2026 poster theme challenges middle school students to learn about their role in the watershed where they live and the positive actions they can take to conserve, protect, and celebrate our water resources, now and for future generations.

“DEC is excited to launch the 21st water conservation poster contest which, for two decades, helps inspire New York’s next generation of environmental stewards,” Commissioner Lefton said. “The poster contest theme ‘Water Connects Us All,’ encourages young people across New York State to become guardians of their watersheds and helps remind all New Yorkers of the daily actions each of us can take to protect and conserve our precious, connected water resources.”

“This poster contest is one of the things that makes NYWEA members proud of what we do,” NYWEA Executive Director Khris Dodson said. “I am even more proud of all of the watershed champions we now have because of the involvement of the students and teachers who have participated throughout the years.”

Since 2004, the annual poster contest encourages middle school students across New York State to learn about their role in protecting local watersheds and how to conserve and safeguard water resources. Previous themes include “Create a Watershed Superhero,” “We All Live in a Watershed,” “Conserve and Protect our Watersheds,” and “The Importance of Wastewater Treatment.”

New York State teachers, schools, and clubs are advised to visit DEC’s website for more information about participating in the 2025-26 school year contest. Poster entries will be accepted through Jan. 2, 2025. The 14 winning posters will be featured in DEC and NYWEA’s 2027 Annual Calendar.

The poster contest helps raise awareness of the importance of natural resources and the DEC programs that help reduce water pollution and improve water quality. DEC is one of several New York State agencies funding projects to protect and restore water quality through statewide grant funding opportunities.

To see if your area is covered by a Clean Water Plan, check out DECInfo Locator under the Environmental Monitoring layer category or visit DEC’s Clean Water Plan page. To learn more about positive actions New Yorkers can take to protect and conserve New York’s waters visit DEC’s Keep Water Clean and Water Quality Management webpages.

Patients from area hospitals benefit every donation collected 

Plattsburgh, NY –Every unit of donated blood can help up to three North Country residents and the Adirondack Blood Donor Center is calling on the community to join them in supporting the health and wellbeing of their family, friends and neighbors by donating or sponsoring blood drive.

Patients at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone and Elizabethtown Community Hospital (including Ticonderoga) along with the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake benefit from the donations collected at drives conducted by the Blood Donor Center team and sponsored by community groups and local businesses. Donors can also donate at the Donor Center, located at 85 Plaza Blvd. and open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

The schedule of community blood drives in November is as follows:

• Monday, Nov. 3, at the Comfort Inn, Route 3 and sponsored by the Plattsburgh Lions Club, 3 to 6 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov. 5, Beekmantown High School, 37 Eagle Way, West Chazy 10 am to 2 pm.
• Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Elizabethtown Fire Department, 22 Woodruff Lane, Elizabethtown and sponsored by the American Legion, 3 to 6 pm.
• Monday, Nov.10, Willsboro Fire Department, 1 Point Rd., Willsboro, 3 to 6 pm.
• Tuesday, Nov.11, Brushton-Moira American Legion, 26 Sayles Rd., Moira, 4 to 7 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov.12, North Country Community College, Saranac Lake Campus, 23 Santanoni Ave., 10 am to 2 pm.
• Thursday, Nov.13, Beekmantown Fire Department, Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm.
• Friday, Nov.14, Shipman Youth Center, 61 Cummings Rd., Lake Placid and sponsored by Lake Placid High School,10 am to 2 pm.
• Monday, Nov. 17, St. Augustine Parish Center, Route 22, Peru, and sponsored by Knights of Columbus, 3 to 6 pm.
• Tuesday, Nov.18, St. Edmunds Church Hall, Route 11, Ellenburg Depot and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, 4 to 7 pm.
• Wednesday, Nov.19, Alice Hyde Medical Center, 133 Park St., Malone, 11 am to 3 pm.
• Thursday, Nov. 20, Cumberland 12 Cinemas, 18 North Bowl Lane, 4 to 8 pm.
• Monday, Nov. 24, West Chazy Fire Department Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm.
• Tuesday, Nov.  25, Chateaugay American Legion, Route 11, Chateaugay, 4 to 7 pm.
• Friday, Nov.  28, Miner Medical Arts Building, 3^rd Floor Conference Rooms, CVPH Campus, 214 Cornelia St.,10 am to 4 pm.

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 Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call 518-562-7406.

PLATTSBURGH, NY — October 31st, 2025 — Dannemora Federal Credit Union (DFCU), UFirst Federal Credit Union, the Town of Plattsburgh, and the local Michigan Fest Committee are proud to announce that the first-ever Michigan Fest, held on August 2, 2025, raised an incredible $19,916.19 in support of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project (BMG).

The idea for Michigan Fest began years ago when Town Supervisor Michael Cashman andthe Town of Plattsburgh envisioned a celebration of community and local flavor. When The Town of Plattsburgh teamed up with Anna Hewitt-Channell of DFCU and Meghan McGee-Pelkey of UFirst Federal Credit Union, the dream quickly turned into reality. Both credit unions helped lift the ideas off the ground and get it started.

“There are many unknowns when planning an event like this,” said Anna Hewitt-Channell, Co-Chair of Michigan Fest. “Our committee poured our hearts and souls into planning and executing Michigan Fest. When we heard that over 4,000 people came out to support and check it out, I wanted to cry. It was so exciting and made me love our community even more. I don’t think our team stopped smiling the entire day.”

The Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project is a lakefront property owned by the Town of Plattsburgh that is being developed into a military remembrance park in partnership with the Clinton County American Legion. Funds raised from Michigan Fest will help advance Phase 2 of construction.

The event brought together over 4,000+ visitors and 70+ local vendors at the Clinton CountyFairgrounds to celebrate Plattsburgh’s beloved local delicacy — the Michigan. Veterans from American Legion Post 1619 volunteered their time to help construct and coordinate event logistics. The Clinton County Mariners assisted with parking and the local Boy Scouts spent the day doing trash removal. Rentals were donated by Taylor Rental and Party Plus.Events, and restrooms were generously donated by Drapeau’s Sanitation. The committee wants to express a sincere thank you to the Clinton County Fairgrounds for hosting the large community celebration.

“The Credit Union motto is ‘People Helping People’ — and this credit union partnership is a perfect example of that spirit,” said Meghan McGee-Pelkey. “Both DFCU and UFirst wantedto help move the Battlefield Memorial Gateway into its next phase, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing community response.”

Dannemora FCU & UFirst want to thank all our local vendors that showed up to make the first event a huge success. As we close the chapter on our Annual Michigan Fest’s first year, we are proud and excited to announce we are returning in 2026! Save the Date for Saturday, August 1st, 2026. Details will be announced in the upcoming months.

The Michigan Fest Committee included: Co-Chairs: Anna Hewitt-Channell (DFCU) and Meghan McGee-Pelkey (UFirst FCU) Committee Members: Keith Dyer (Post 1619 & BMG), Alissa Momot (Twinstate Technologies), Jenn Hayes (Taylor Rental & Party Plus), Libby Queguiner (Taylor Rental & Party Plus), Maria Smith (Mountain Lake PBS), Tiffany Garcia (Northern Insuring & Clare and Carl’s), Shelby Gonyo (UFirst FCU), and Michelle Besaw (DFCU), Stephanie Demarais (Rustic Pines).• Honorable Mention: Town Supervisor Michael Cashman for his ongoing guidance and support.

If you are interested in learning more or have questions about Michigan Fest 2026, please send emails to achannell@dfcu.net. 

About the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project: The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is a developing memorial park located on the shores of Lake Champlain in the Town of Plattsburgh. In partnership with the Clinton County American Legion, the site honors the service and sacrifice of local veterans and serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and community pride. You can visit their website and donate here: https://www.townofplattsburghny.gov/home_page/battlefield-memorial-gateway/

May 2025 Peru Gazette File Photo

October 31, 2025, 2:26 p.m. – Alstom updated its news release.

• Wide range of positions available in assembly, welding and painting 
• Full-time, permanent positions with health insurance, 401(k), etc.   
• Job offers expected to be made at job fair Thurs., Nov. 6  

31 October 2025 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has announced that it is seeking to fill nearly 120 positions at its train manufacturing site in Plattsburgh, NY. The company is staffing up to produce 374 state-of-the-art commuter rail cars for NJ TRANSIT, one of its largest customers in North America.

Alstom’s Plattsburgh site will hold a job fair on Thurs., Nov. 6 from 3-7:30 p.m. at its facility, 71 Wall St., in Plattsburgh. Skilled, experienced job-seekers in assembly, crane operations, welding, and industrial painting are encouraged to attend. All positions are full-time and include generous benefits, including health insurance, generous 401(k) contributions, and paid time off. 

Applicants should register beforehand using this link. Managers will interview candidates and expect to make some conditional job offers as soon as that day.

“We are happy to be entering such a strong growth phase and to continue to support the Adirondack region’s economy,” said Jeff Lambert, managing director of Alstom’s Plattsburgh plant. “We offer competitive pay and benefits and the opportunity to build a high-quality product that people will rely on every day. If you have the skills and experience we are looking for, we hope you apply to join our dedicated team.”    

Alstom employs more than 86,000 people around the world, including approximately 350 in Plattsburgh. The company has been named one of the “World’s Best Employers” by Forbes magazine. It is committed to providing employees with training and advancement opportunities. The Plattsburgh plant has played an active role in the Adirondack region since 1995. It is the birthplace of 4,000 cars for the New York City subway; more than 1,000 for the San Francisco BART; and hundreds of others for the Chicago, Maryland and New Jersey transit systems.