The Peru Gazette

Tips for getting started with simple greenhouse structures

Click here for the Adirondack Explore story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

The Adirondack Park Agency board will discuss the proposal to test-fire howitzers at its Nov. 13-14 meeting.

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

Albany, NY – Npvember 7, 2025 – “After weeks of the Trump administration putting millions of New Yorkers through chaos and confusion, following guidance from USDA, I’ve directed state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for November. We expect the first New Yorkers to begin having access to their benefits starting Sunday.

“Let me be clear, President Trump is hellbent on preventing millions of Americans from putting food on the table. He’s made decision after decision to withhold funding that feeds families, seniors and children — and continues doubling down on this cruelty by challenging the courts’ clear orders. It’s senseless and un-American and I’m working tirelessly to bring this uncertainty to an end for the nearly three million New Yorkers who rely on this program.”

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of October 27; Public Hearing for Local Law #2 of 2025 of November 5, and Public Hearing for Preliminary Budget on November 5, 2025 

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: To Approve 2026 Relevy List. 

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Work Change Directive E-PR.01 Feeder Modifications.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Work Change Directive GC-CD.02 Clearance Conflicts with PTA Bldg. Floor Hatch 

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Work Change Directive GC-CD.03 Remove/Replace Foundation Insulation; Natural Gas Relocation; Seeding/Mulching Credit; Explosion Proof Motor Enclosure.

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #4 for Peru WWTP Project. 

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #4 for Peru WWTP Project. 

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of K & L Plumbing & Heating Systems Pay App. #2 for Peru WWTP Project. 

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Sign 2025-2026 & 2026-2027 Clinton County Snow & Ice Agreement. 

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Install a Three-way Stop at Rockwell Rd & Blake Rd.

16. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Financial Audit Agreement. 

17. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Health Insurance Self-Pay Program Option From Excellus by the Town.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Resignation of Deputy Town Clerk as of Dec 22, 2025. 

19. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Authorizing the Peru Town Court to Apply for a JCAP Grant for the 25-26 Grant Cycle.

20. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments

21. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.

22. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

23. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay November 2025 Bills.

24. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

25. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

26. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.       

Clinton County Republican Chairperson Jerika Manning is not included in Stefanik’s list  

State Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today issued the following statement in response to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announcing her candidacy for Governor of New York State:

“I was the first state legislator to endorse Elise Stefanik when she ran for Congress in 2014. Since that time, as an Assemblyman and Senator with districts that are wholly encompassed by her Congressional District, I’ve worked directly with Congresswoman Stefanik and seen firsthand the qualities that have made her a national leader.

“Congresswoman Stefanik is a tenacious advocate on behalf of her constituents and improving their quality of life. She’s hardworking and knowledgeable on all the important issues facing our state and nation – from affordability to the economy, immigration, the ongoing crises inside our correctional facilities and public safety – and puts the needs of our families ahead of political gain. Time and again, I’ve seen Congresswoman Stefanik work with a variety of stakeholders in order to achieve solutions that will have a lasting, positive impact on our communities.

“That approach and dedication is needed now more than ever. Governor Hochul and New York City-based Democrat leaders have enacted a spate of policies that have our state spiraling in the wrong direction. With the election of Zohran Mamdani as next Mayor of New York City, it’s almost certain the governor and Democrat Legislative leaders are going to push for further taxes that drive up the costs of living and working here, further criminal justice reforms that punish law enforcement and law-abiding families and further out-of-touch policies that fail to meet our current needs.

“As the next Governor of New York State, I believe Elise Stefanik will provide the vision, determination and follow-through needed to turn our state’s prospects around. We can count on her to push for desperately needed tax relief and to address the illegal immigrant crisis that’s impacted our Northern Border and cities across the state. As our next governor, Elise Stefanik will provide the strong leadership that’s sorely needed if New York State is to reclaim its status as the Empire State.

“I’m proud to endorse Elise Stefanik for Governor of New York State. I look forward to running for re-election to the state Senate, so I can help our next governor pass and enact an agenda that will Save New York.”

Click here for the New York Focus Story 

New York is one of the leading states in terms of EV ownership, but adoption has been slow overall

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac Story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Successful recruitment of providers from a wide range of specialties strengthens regional access to primary, specialty care

Burlington, VT, Nov. 6, 2025– Thirty-three health care providers from various disciplines have joined University of Vermont Health supporting the regional health system’s commitment to strengthening access to primary and specialty care for the communities it serves.

Many of these providers deliver care at one or more the Vermont Health’s partner hospitals.  And while not all are available for direct patient appointments, each plays a vital role in patient care through their expertise and significantly contribute to patient outcomes. Referrals may be required and wait times vary by service.Learn more about these providers and other valued members of the medical staff at Find a Provider | University of Vermont Health.

Please welcome:

Jerry G. Albujar, DPM, Podiatry, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Jonathan Baker, DO, Anesthesiology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Erin Bishop, MD, OB/GYN, University of Vermont Medical Center

Kevin De Boer, DO, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Brendan Campbell, MD, Infectious Disease, University of Vermont Medical Center

Karen Custodio, DO, Palliative Care, University of Vermont Medical Center and Emergency Medicine, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Dimitrios Drekolias, MD, Hematology/Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Amy Fox, NP, Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Kazem Habibi-Tanha, DMD, Dentistry, Alice Hyde Medical Center

Kenneth Hallows, MD, Nephrology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Elizabeth Keller, DO, Family Medicine, Central Vermont Medical Center

Vartika Kesarwani, MBBS, Rheumatology, Central Vermont Medical Center

Reza Ojaghi, MD, Orthopedic Surgery, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Lynda Lee Lapan, NP, Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Lovisa Ljungberg, MD, Neurology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Alexander P. Lukez, MD, Radiation Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Alan Massouh, MD, Interventional Radiology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Jennifer Miller, PA, Occupational Health & Wellness, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Sabawoon Mirwais, MD, Hospitalist, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Mahmoud Nassar, MD, Endocrinology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Wesley Goodman O’Leary, Emergency Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center

Kathryn Oskar, MD, Emergency Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center

Nuria M. Pastor-Soler, MD, Nephrology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Stephanie Pevear, NP, Hematology, Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Andrew Ridinger, MD, Radiology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Jeffery Savarino, MD, Emergency Medicine, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Kristine Schullo, MD, Hospitalist, University of Vermont Medical Center

Jessica Scott, NP, OB/GYN, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Tanner Storozuk, MD, MC, Pathology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Ryan Thomas, MD, Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Joseph (Joey) Tousignant, DO, Family Medicine/Orthopedics, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Marc Vecchio, MD, Gastroenterology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Claire Wendling, MD, Neurology, University of Vermont Medical Center

University of Vermont Health
40 IDX Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403

The RNA Institute Advances Research To Understand, Diagnose and Treat Debilitating and Deadly Diseases Like Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, Alzheimer’s and Cancer 

Albany, NY –  November 6, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $50 million capital investment by New York State to expand the State University of New York at Albany’s RNA Institute. The funding, which was included in SUNY’s enacted 2025-2026 capital budget, will increase capacity at the Life Sciences Research Building to advance the RNA Institute’s world-class research, training, and workforce development, including its work using artificial intelligence to guide innovative approaches to drug discovery.

“Identifying new ways to attack deadly and debilitating diseases will not only ensure the State University of New York at Albany is at the cutting edge of research and technology, it will help New Yorkers live longer, more fulfilling and healthier lives,” Governor Hochul said. “This is an investment in a better future, and it is being developed right here in New York. I am proud to announce this historic investment, and I thank the University for the lifesaving and life-affirming work its researchers do.” 

State University of New York at Albany’s RNA Institute advances basic research to understand, diagnose and treat debilitating and deadly diseases, including ALS, Alzheimer’s, cancer and myotonic dystrophy — the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. 

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “While the federal government is retreating from its historic role spurring cutting-edge academic research, SUNY is on the move and deeply thankful for the commitment and financial support of our Governor and the State Legislature to equip our researchers and students with state-of-the art facilities and resources to drive innovation. The State University of New York at Albany’s RNA Institute is one of SUNY’s premiere research institutions, and we are excited for this investment into the institute so the State University of New York at Albany can continue leading the way in RNA research.” 

Click here for the NCPR story 

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL October 2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. P2025-0018 2-Lot Minor Subdivision, Lauren Waldron, 280.-2-15.1, 637 Telegraph Rd

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
8. CEO REPORT
9. ADJOURNMENT

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

By John T Ryan

New York State’s goal of achieving zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions means significant changes will take effect on December 31, 2025.  There are some exemptions, but they are very few.  

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), signed into law on June 18, 2019, mandates the State achieve a carbon-free electricity system by 2040 and reduce its total emissions 85% by 2050. The New York State legislature enacted the NYS All-Electric Buildings Law in 2024. 

Beginning on December 31, 2025, the installation of fossil-fuel equipment in building systems is prohibited in any new buildings seven stories or less in height. Commercial or industrial buildings larger than 100,000 square feet are exempt from the prohibition until 2029. As of January 1, 2029.

There are exemptions from the fossil fuel prohibition in new building systems, including for use in:

• The generation of emergency back-up power and standby power systems
• Manufactured homes (as defined by NYS Executive Law § 601(7) (The Gazette interprets this to mean mobile homes). 

Buildings or parts of buildings used as manufacturing facilities, commercial food establishments, laboratories, car washes, laundromats, hospitals, other medical facilities, critical infrastructure (including but not limited to emergency management facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and water treatment and pumping facilities), agricultural buildings, fuel cell systems, and crematoriums.

A building owner or applicant may also receive an exemption if they receive a written determination from the local utility indicating that the grid cannot reasonably provide new or expanded electric service. On October 28, the Peru Gazette emailed NYSEG asking if it might grant some exemptions in Peru. To date, NYSEG has not responded.

Key points for existing homeowners: 

• Existing homes are not affected by the ban on new fossil fuel installations.
• Homeowners can continue to use, repair, and replace their current gas, propane, or oil systems and appliances.
• The law does not require existing homeowners to switch to electric appliances.

Anyone planning to build in 2026 who does not intend to go all-electric must file a “substantially complete” building permit application by December 31. What does “substantially complete” mean? Consult with the Peru Code Enforcement office (518-643-2475 x103) as soon as possible. 

Click here to view an in-depth Albany Times-Union story on the issue. 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Proposition allows the Olympic Regional Development Authority, or ORDA, to continue using protected land at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Peru Gazette Photo

Cherry Hill Farm Photo

By John T Ryan

Peru Gazette Photo

November 5, 2025 , Peru, NY –  By now, many area residents are familiar with the Hamilton family solar farm (Hamilsun Solar) adjacent to Mannix Road. If they have keen eyesight, they probably have observed sheep roaming between the farm’s solar panels. Kristen Carpenter and Keagan Wood, who operate Cherry Hill Farm on Standish Road in Saranac, own the grazing sheep.

Caring for animals comes naturally to Kristen and Keagan, who met while showing animals at the Clinton County Fair. Keegan is a Saranac Central graduate who has always been interested in animals, but cows, not sheep. During high school, he was a member of the Whispering Pines 4-H Club in Peru. Kristen graduated from Northern Adirondack Central School, where she was an active member of the Future Farmers of America. In 2020, she earned a degree in animal science at Cornell University. Part of her studies included assisting in solar grazing research. She commented, “The research pointed to the many positive outcomes of solar grazing. Today, it’s happening all over the U.S.”

Solar grazing is recognized as a source of income for sheep farmers and as a benefit to solar farm operators, as it helps control vegetation that shades the solar panels. Mower and pesticide usage is reduced or eliminated. In addition, sheep dung often contains undigested plant seeds, which can yield a diverse flora that provides a rich habitat for various insects, birds, and small mammals, benefitting both the environment and local wildlife.  Kristen explained. “We’ve had up to 39 sheep grazing here. Right now there are 29. We rotate the sheep among seven paddocks and move the paddocks once a week. We don’t want the sheep to eat too low, damaging the soil and the plants. By next year, we hope to find a beekeeper who would locate hives near the panels.”

Kristen and Keagan also hope to grow their business. They started with only five sheep. Today they have 39.  Eventually, they hope to have many more sheep enjoying life at our region’s solar farms. One of the most satisfying aspects of solar grazing for Kristen and Keagan is the positive experience their son Easton is enjoying. During our interview last Sunday, Easton had an ear-to-ear smile as he encouraged the sheep to run in the solar farm paddock.

Mark Hamilton coordinates the Hamilsun Solar project for his family. Today, Mark commented, “We love the sheep! It’s another way for us to maintain the property in an environmentally friendly manner, and it provides a really healthy experience for the sheep. It’s also been something the community has found interesting and positive, which we appreciate. We are excited to have them back next year!”

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that 21 counties moved from Drought Warning to Drought Watch due to several weeks of consistent rainfall and improving levels of streamflow and ground water. Counties moved to drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Warren, and Wayne. There are now 56 counties in drought watch across New York State.