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More About The Peru Gazette

The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Plattsburgh Hannaford undergoing major remodeling

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

 Assemblyman Billy Jones Announces $4.5 Million for the New Plattsburgh YMCA Alongside Speaker Heastie 

June 25, 2025 Assemblyman Billy Jones News Release – Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was joined by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie at the future site of the Plattsburgh YMCA on Tuesday morning. Jones announced that $4.5 million would be put toward the project’s completion during the visit. 

“The Plattsburgh YMCA is a community project that we all want to see complete,” Jones said during a press conference. “Constructing this new state-of-the-art facility and renovating the location’s pool are much-needed upgrades that will allow our community to have more recreational opportunities for our community. Many of our hardworking families in the North Country continue to struggle to find child-friendly recreational opportunities, but the YMCA remains a critical resource for accessible after-school care and year-round offerings. From children to seniors, the new YMCA facility will be able to provide countless educational and recreational opportunities for all residents of the area. By investing in their growth, we can ensure that the YMCA has all the tools they need to continue providing for our community.” 

“The YMCA provides critical access to recreational, community programming, and childcare for families all across our state,” Speaker Heastie said. “Expanding the opportunities they have to continue providing such an incredible service to this community is a must, and I’m honored to be able to visit the future site of this exciting development.” 

Justin Ihne, the CEO of the Plattsburgh YMCA, accompanied the pair alongside multiple community organizations and individual donors. 

“This is not just about building a building, it’s about building a community resource,” Ihne said. 

Upon the completion of the project, the YMCA building will expand to total nearly 50,000 square feet: Adding a second floor that will house a new fitness center, completing the necessary renovations to the pool area, and creating new classrooms and community learning spaces. Upon its completion, community members of all ages will be able to partake in various learning opportunities, including kitchen safety and cooking courses, swimming lessons, water safety courses, and more. 

“I can’t thank the YMCA’s community partners enough,” Jones said. “Every business, organization, and individual that has donated, I would like to take a moment to recognize and appreciate their generosity and dedication to improving the lives of our community and children.” 

Construction is expected to begin later this year. 

From summer camps to car searches, how the North Country experienced the Dannemora prison escape

Click here for the NCPR story 

Power line relocation issues could delay work on the Telegraph Road culvert/bridge

June 23, 2025, Peru Town Board Meeting – Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported electric line relocation issues related to the closed Telegraph Road culvert/bridge that could delay the project. The large crane required to install  the heavy box culvert needs a wide-clearance space, resulting in the relocation of power poles. Thus far, neither of the two nearby property owners has agreed to grant an easement for the poles. Mike Farrell will look into burying the power lines or temporarily relocating the poles. The discussion takes place between the 26 and 33 minute marks of the meeting video. 

Farrell is collaborating with the town’s supervising engineering firm, Engineering Ventures, to prioritize the replacement of the culverts on Telegraph Road, Lyons Road, and Westcott Road. Farrell said his priorities are Fuller Road and Lyons Road.  Farrell said Engineeriug Ventures has many projects on its work schedule.

The Highway Department repaired Telegraph Road shoulders. Paving will begin when Noel J. Burnell Paving is ready to go. Burnell is handling all the town’s paving due to persistent maintenance and parts availability issues with the town paver.

Town Historian Helen Nerska conducted a “History Chat” with members of the Peru High School Class of ’57 on June 23. She will conduct a Peru Walking tour on Saturday, June 28.

The Board:

Authorized signing a real estate sales contract with ReMax Realty for the sale of the town’s tennis court property at 7 Jenkins Street for $60,000.

Approved the August 9, 2025, use of Heyworth Mason Park for a fundraiser to benefit the North Country Honor Flight. The organizer, Amanda Garner, said she hopes to have 40 to 50 vendors, a classic car show, and two food trucks on site. The board emphasized that she must comply with all health department, waste disposal, insurance, and parking requirements and work closely with the town.  Because the event will benefit the Honor Flight, the board will refund the rental fee if the user leaves the park in good condition.

Approved Adirondack Regional Theater’s application to use Heyworth Mason Park on August 8, 2025. Shakespeare’s Mid-Summer Night’s Dream is on the program.

Accepted with regret and appreciation Richard Williams’s resignation as Chairman and member of the Peru Planning Board. Williams served on the board for about 24 years, with about fifteen years as Chairman.

Appointed Justin Wilson as the new Planning Board Chairman for the remainder of Richard William’s term of office.

Appointed Allison Webbinaro as Planning Board Vice-Chairman to complete Justin Wilson’s term as Vice-Chairman. 

Approved an agreement with Fiscal Advisors’ Financial Services to oversee the financing of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project (WWTP).

Approved Credit Order Change #1 on the WWIP.  Because the contractor is using a smaller pipe, the price declined by $22,015.

Champlain border crossing down 31% compared with 2024

June 25, 2025, North Country Chamber of Commerce – Border crossing numbers from Canada at our Champlain Port of Entry were down 31% in May compared to 2024. This compares to a 31% figure for March and 26% in April, likely attributable to the Easter holiday falling in April this year.

It remains important that we recognize that a 31% decline still means a 69% continuation, reinforcing the importance of heightened hospitality for our Canadian visitors. All businesses are encouraged to visit our website at www.northcountrychamber.com to access tools and suggestions. And to let us know of “specials” you are able to offer to attract and thank our Canadian customers this summer.

The Chamber also continues to message actively, both privately and through bi-national media, to help to address feelings and to highlight tariff and other impacts.

Fourth of July Celebration returns to Downtown Plattsburgh

This year’s event includes a parade, free concert, downtown food court and fireworks

Click here for the Sun Community News services 

Governor Hochul announces $24 million in new funding for abortion care services

Funding Awards Issued to 49 Health Care Facilities Across New York State

Video Remarks From Governor Hochul on Third Anniversary of Dobbs Decision

June 24, 2025 – Gov. Hochul News Release – On the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, which ended the constitutional right to an abortion in the United States, Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $24 million in State grants made to organizations in New York State to fund abortion health care services under the New York State Abortion Access Program. The Program provides financial support to health care providers across New York State ensuring that patients can access safe and supportive abortion services within their communities.

“Abortion is health care and I will always fight to protect reproductive rights for all New Yorkers and anyone receiving health care in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “As we face anti-choice extremists in leadership who aim to roll back these hard fought for rights, we will always fight to ensure access to reproductive care is protected here in New York and ensure that this state remains a safe harbor for those in need of abortion care.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “This funding is critical for clinics across the state to continue offering abortion care and to expand the range of reproductive health services they provide. As other states strip away protections, New York’s commitment to reproductive freedom has never been more important. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, we will continue ensuring abortion care is affordable, available, and accessible to anyone who needs it.”

Since taking office Governor Hochul has taken significant steps to expand access to reproductive health care in New York and nationwide. Key actions include:

  • Dedicating hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to support abortion providers and reproductive healthcare statewide, with additional funding in the FY26 Enacted Budget to help providers adapt to current challenges. This includes additional funding for medication abortions and for capital investments that will enable renovations, equipment upgrades, planning and construction to help facilities modernize and secure their operations.
  • Codifying abortion as protected emergency medical care in New York State and requiring hospitals to provide this care, reinforcing access to abortion services when medically necessary.
  • The creation of a standing order that authorized pharmacists to dispense three types of hormonal contraception medication without a prescription, including the Oral hormonal pill, Hormonal vaginal ring and Hormonal contraceptive patches

Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to strengthen New York’s shield law that protects abortion providers from out-of-state prosecution, allowing medical providers to include only the address of the dispensing health care practice on the prescription label instead of the name of the provider or practice and requires pharmacies to abide by a prescriber’s request to remove their name from the prescription label. This legislation built on a law signed by Governor Hochul in January, days after Louisiana officials attempted to extradite a New York-based doctor who prescribed FDA-approved abortion medication through telehealth.

Governor Hochul has also signed additional pieces of legislation to bolster reproductive rights across the State, which include:

In November 2024, voters approved Proposition One, an amendment to the New York Constitution that protects abortion rights and access to reproductive health care. The approved amendment establishes constitutional protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability and sex — including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes and reproductive health care and autonomy. These protections are in addition to explicit protections against racial and religious discrimination that were already included in New York’s Constitution. The amendment went into effect on January 1, 2025.

Abortion access remains safe and accessible for New Yorkers and for those coming from outside of New York State. Medication abortion and in-clinic abortion is also protected in New York. Abortions are legal up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, individuals can still get an abortion if their health or pregnancy is at risk. Learn more about abortion in New York State by visiting the Know Your Rights website.

 

June 23, 2025 set record local highs

Fenton Thompson Obituary

“Fenton proudly served in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957, working in aviation aboard the USS Hornet. After his military service, he continued his aviation career with Grumman in Long Island before taking the New York State Police exam. He was sworn in as a Trooper in the early 1960s and dedicated 35 years to the force, retiring with distinction as a Uniform Captain.”

Click here for Hamilton Funeral Home Obituary 

Few pop-up storms accompany second day of intense heat in Vermont, New York

Temperatures and humidity levels will both fall through the rest of the week

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Town of Jay’s Summer Concerts

Clinton County. receives approval for nursing home sale

Click here for the Press-Republican story 

Here’s an October 2022 background story  

NY to begin mailing 2025 STAR checks: Here’s how to track yours

Click here for the Sun Community News Story 

Lake Placid man charged in major cross-country drug bust 1

8-month investigation culminated in 13 arrests and significant drug seizures

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Plattsburgh set for Toyota Bass-Fishing Series at Lake Champlain

Three-day tournament features a roster of region’s best bass-fishing pros

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

DEC Proposes Changes to Deer Hunting Regulations

Proposed Regulation Changes to Modernize Reporting and Expand Youth Hunting Opportunities

Read more »

Peru Democrats to caucus on Thursday, June 26

Schuyler Falls Music in the Park begins on Friday, July 18

Peru girls basketball coach Brittany Marshall earns regional coaching honor

Click here for the Sun Community News story

GOVERNOR HOCHUL HIGHLIGHTS $250 MILLION AVAILABLE IN FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR OVER TWO MILLION CHILDREN ACROSS NEW YORK THIS SUMMER

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Reorganization & Regular School Board Monthly Meetings

The Peru School Board of Education will hold its reorganizational and regular monthly meetings on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM.  The meetings will be held in the High School Community Room. The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Anticipated Topics Include:

  • Approval of BOCES Services
  • Officer Elections
  • Appointment of Personnel
  • Board Meeting Dates for 25-26
  • Mileage Rate
  • Substitute Rates

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

1st public comment:  Related to items on the agendas.  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

2nd public comment:  Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, July 1st.  Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

The agendas will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).

A recording of the meetings will be available on the District’s website at perucsd.org at a later time.

Governor Hochul Directs New York Power Authority to Develop a Zero-Emission Advanced Nuclear Energy Technology Power Plant

To Be Built in Upstate New York

June 23, 2025 – Governor Hochul News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to develop and construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York to support a reliable and affordable electric grid, while providing the necessary zero-emission electricity to achieve a clean energy economy. This builds on other opportunities announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State to catalyze nuclear energy development in New York.

“As New York State electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Governor Hochul said. “This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

As a result of economic growth and fossil fuel power plant retirements, New York needs new, clean electricity resources to meet growing power demand from new industrial development, building electrification and electric vehicles. The advanced nuclear plant will complement New York’s ongoing deployment of renewable energy by adding zero-emission baseload power, providing reliable and affordable clean energy to advance the State’s goal to achieve a clean energy economy.

NYPA, in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), will seek to develop at least one new nuclear energy facility with a combined capacity of no less than one gigawatt of electricity, either alone or in partnership with private entities, to support the state’s electric grid and the people and businesses that rely on it.

NYPA will immediately begin evaluation of technologies, business models, and locations for this first nuclear power plant and will secure the key partnerships needed for the project. This process will include site and technology feasibility assessments as well as consideration of financing options, in coordination with the forthcoming studies included in the master plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York, led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and DPS. Candidate locations will be assessed for suitability based on public safety, strength of community support, compatibility with existing infrastructure, as well as skilled labor and land availability.

This initiative also builds on the State’s ongoing financial support to Constellation to pursue an early site permitting process for a new project at its Nine Mile Point Clean Energy Center and will allow for future collaboration with other states and Ontario, building on regional momentum to strengthen nuclear supply chains, share best practices, and support the responsible deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

 

CVPH Blood Donor Drive, Monday, July 7

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, July 7, 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 Peru blood drives.

GOVERNOR HOCHUL DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN 32 COUNTIES FOLLOWING SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND FORECASTED EXTREME HEAT

The State of Emergency includes Albany, Bronx, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Madison, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Suffolk, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Westchester and contiguous counties.

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency in 32 counties in response to severe weather and extreme heat impacting communities across New York. A cluster of severe thunderstorms impacted parts of the North Country, Central New York, Southern Tier, and the Capital District early this morning causing downed trees and power lines, structural damage and numerous power outages. Rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour will continue with additional two to four inches totals likely. The heaviest rain will likely continue to fall over areas in Central New York and Southern Tier that have already seen heavy rain. Flash flooding may extend into the Southern Tier and Mid-Hudson regions, especially from Broome to Ulster/Sullivan Counties. Numerous power outages exist from the North Country to the Southern Tier Regions. In addition, a multi-day heatwave will begin today statewide, with a combination of high temperatures and humidity resulting in feels-like temperatures between 90 to over 100 degrees through Wednesday.

“Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life during last night’s storms, and my administration has been in touch with local elected officials offering support,” Governor Hochul said. “State emergency response personnel are already on the ground providing resources and support as we work to recover from this severe weather and restore power quickly. I urge all New Yorkers to stay weather aware and take precautions to stay vigilant and safe as extreme heat and severe weather are expected to continue impacting the State over the next couple of days.”

The State of Emergency includes Albany, Bronx, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Madison, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Suffolk, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Westchester and contiguous counties.

At Governor Hochul’s direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Enhanced Monitoring Mode to track the storms and damage. They are working closely with local emergency managers and governments to support requests and provide assistance as requested. State agencies stand ready to respond with equipment and personnel. Light towers have been provided to Oneida County and other materials stored in the State’s nine stockpiles including generators and pumps are also available to support local needs.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has activated its Fire Operations Center and can deploy teams, including canine units to provide support. The State’s swift water rescue teams are also prepared to respond.

New Yorkers can sign up for text weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough to 333111.

Microplastics are in Lake Champlain and in us. These scientists want to know their source

Click here for the Vermont Public story