The Peru Gazette

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Wild-Words-Book-Launch-2025

The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) is seeking submissions for its fourth annual print publication of its Wild Words Adirondack Teen Writing Anthology.

Teens ages 13-19 living in the North Country of New York State are eligible to submit their creative writing for consideration in the anthology, which will be published in the spring of 2026. A public book launch will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Harrietstown Town Hall in Saranac Lake where copies will be available for a small donation.

“Wild Words is an incredible opportunity for young writers to share their stories, connect with each other, and make their voices heard,” said Obi Taswell, ACW’s program manager. “This anthology celebrates around seventy of the most urgent youth voices in the North Country.”

Interested teens can learn more and submit their poetry, short stories, short memoirs and personal essays at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/wildwords. Submissions are due by midnight on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words together for 25 years through provocative events and meaningful programs. For more information about ACW, visit adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook and Instagram.

As housing construction booms in red states, blue states are falling behind. That will likely boost Republicans in federal politics.

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Grand Isle, VT — The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program, in partnership with NEIWPCC, invites the public to Love the Lake 2026, a winter speaker series featuring four presentations on environmental and cultural heritage topics. Free coffee and dessert will be provided. Please note that the location for the February 19^th presentation with Teage O’Connor has been changed to the Rock Point Center in Burlington, Vermont.

February 12: What lives in Lake Champlain? Snorkeling to find out!
Graham Montague, underwater explorer and PhD student at the University of Vermont

February 19: The Connection Between Trees and the Lake
Teage O’Connor, Executive Director of Crow’s Path, in collaboration with the Wild Burlington Society

March 12: Wool and Water: Communicating Science with Fiber Art in the Lake Champlain Basin and Beyond
Michale Glennon, Senior Research Scientist at Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute

March 19: Vermont’s Revolution
Angie Grove, Executive Director of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

All presentations will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 54 West Shore Road in Grand Isle, Vermont, with the exception of Teage O’Connor’s presentation, which will be held at the Rock Point Center in Burlington, VT.

For more information and to register for virtual attendance, visit lcbp.org/events.

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The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Qu?bec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, quality management and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.

Defendant Had Fled Sentencing in June and Was Later Captured in Cohoes With Help of Cohoes Police Department

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that Devin Zielinski was sentenced to serve two to six years in state prison for stealing $230,000 in pension and social security benefits from an elderly victim. Zielinski was also ordered to pay $115,000 in restitution. Zielinski’s partner in the scheme, Amber Diacetis, was previously sentenced to time served in jail, ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution and serve five years of probation.

Zielinski had been sought by police after he failed to appear at his initial sentencing scheduled for June. He was located in Cohoes with the assistance of the Cohoes Police Department and arrested on October 10, 2025.

“Preying on an elderly victim to steal his money and deprive him of his basic needs is simply reprehensible. Devin Zielinski now faces the consequences of his crimes in this despicable case of elder abuse,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Rensselaer County DA Donnelly, State Police Superintendent James, the Schodack Police Department for their partnership in ensuring the victim received the care he needed and holding accountable the criminals who took advantage of him. I also want to thank the Cohoes Police Department for their assistance with locating and capturing Zielinski.”

Donnelly said, “Through strong partnerships with the New York State Police, the Office of the State Comptroller and the Schodack Police Department, we have been able to hold Devin Zeilinski accountable for these criminal actions.  I am pleased that we are able to provide this elderly victim with a measure of financial compensation by requiring that the culpable parties pay restitution.”

“This case is a tragic example of elder abuse and financial exploitation, carried out over several years by individuals who betrayed the trust of a vulnerable victim,” James said. “I commend the outstanding collaboration between the Office of the State Comptroller, the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office, the Schodack Police Department, and our members of the New York State Police. It is through strong partnerships like these that we are able to identify abuse, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and bring offenders to justice.”

Zielinski and Diacetis convinced the 87-year-old New York state pensioner to let them be his live-in caregivers and control his finances. They betrayed his trust, stealing his monthly $3,526 pension and $2,138 Social Security benefits. From January 2018 to August 2023, the two stole $230,000 from his bank account.

Due to their theft, the victim’s mortgage, property taxes and other bills were not paid for four years and the bank foreclosed on his house, power was cut off, and his car was repossessed. The two had their victim living in wretched conditions and in need of care, which he has since received. Zielinski continued to squat in the home after the victim was removed and the foreclosure proceedings began.

Zielinski had pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the third degree in April. He was sentenced before Judge Jennifer Sober in Rensselaer County Court.

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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 emailing a complaint to 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.

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Public Hearing scheduled for another multi-million dollar infrastructure project

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – If you are one of the many people waiting for the Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook culvert to be replaced, there was good news for you at the February 9 Peru Town Board meeting. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that a Notice to Proceed has been issued and that the project should be completed by October 1. Farrell said there was a misunderstanding regarding the box culvert delivery date at the bid opening. At the board’s last meeting, Farrell reported that the culvert wouldn’t be delivered until at least Oct. 1. 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations should also expedite the project. The regulations prohibit any in-stream work beginning October 1 to avoid disturbing spawning fish or their habitat. Farrell said he’s trying to find a certified bridge inspector who would charge less than $250,000, the first price he received. The inspector has to be on-site daily, and a construction trailer must be in place.  Farrell’s comments begin at the 23-minute mark of the Gazette’s meeting video. 

Engineering plans for upgrading Peru’s Reservoir Road water source and treatment system is at the design stage. Peru’s contracted engineering firm, Barton  and Loguidice, estimates that the project will cost approximately $9.4 million. The town plans to fund the project through a 50% grant the town received from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation and a 0% interest anticipated 30-year term loan. The board conducted a public hearing on the project on May 29, 2024. (Click here to view video of the hearing) A public hearing to notify the public that there was a defect in the original public notice for this project is scheduled for February 23, 2026, beginning at 5:45 p.m. 

AES Northeast Supervising Engineer Nathan Bull reported that the wastewater treatment plant project is going as planned. Two structures are on schedule.  Site-work and prep are on track. The preliminary treatment – Administration building is enclosed enough to allow contractors to continue work. Costs are as planned. Bull’s report begins at the 4-minute mark of the Gazette’s meeting video. 

Later in the meeting, the board approved four contractor payments related to the wastewater treatment plant project: $174,116.06 to Murnane Building Contractors; $349,464.67 to John W. Danforth Company; and $173,731.25 to K & L Plumbing Inc., plus a $3,849 Change Directive to J.W. Danforth.  

Mike Farrell reported that his personnel will have to remove a power pole near the soon-to-be-replaced Lyons Road culvert. Bid opening on that project is scheduled for February 20 at 11 a.m.  Farrell is also continuing to plan for the Westcott Road culvert replacement project. He said that safety dictates the project must take place within the next two years. 

Historian Helen Nerska reported having America 250 planning underway and that she is looking forward to spring/summer historical tours in Peasleeville and Lapham Mills. 

Youth Director Krista Marino reported the January 23 statewide State of Emergency required her to cancel Saturday basketball games. Some towns did not realize that NYS requires game cancellation during a state of emergency. 

At 6:46 p.m. Supervisor Randall asked the board to adjourn to a litigation related executive session with no further meeting decisions expected. 

Correction 1/10/26 at 3 p.m. Replaced “executive sessions” with “personnel issues.”

Correction 1/12/29 – The board conducted a public hearing explaining the treatment plant project on Mary 29, 2024.  The Gazette initially reported that the February 23 public hearing would state project details. 

Click here to view the meeting video.

Click here to view meeting minutes Posted 03/04/26

The Organizational meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday, January 12th, 2026 at the Peru

Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig H. Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman; Mr. Eric

Duquette, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman. Also present were

Mr. Scott Thurber, Town Justice; Mrs. Sara Mitchell, Town Justice; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway

Superintendent; Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Tyler Jarvis, Deputy Highway

Superintendent, Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mrs. Christine Crawford,

Town Clerk.

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Mr. Randall with the Pledge of Allegiance.

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 26.01-12-1 Read more »

Read more »

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A dream takes shape: Mountain biking shop meets modern-day general store in Elizabethtown venture

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Free 8-week series includes private sessions with dietitian

Plattsburgh, NY — Helping cancer survivors rebuild their relationship with food and improve their overall wellbeing with a balanced approach to nourishment are the goals of Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT), an eight-week series that begins Thursday, March 12 at 5 pm. It is free for all cancer survivors.

Offered by the FitzPatrick Cancer Center (FCC), part of University of Vermont Health – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), the two-hour MB-EAT classes will be held at the hospital. MB-EAT includes two private sessions with a dietitian.

Developed by leading behavioral health specialists, MB-EAT is an evidence-based program that employs mindfulness meditation, experiential eating exercises, self-reflection and traditional education practices to establish a balanced approach to nourishment.

Charlotte Gosrich, RD, JD, qualified MB-EAT and certified mindfulness-based stress reduction instructor, facilitates the series which can help participants better understand hunger cues, reduce stress driven eating and cultivate a more compassionate approach to nourishment.

“Cancer treatment can change the way people think and feel about food and their bodies” said Gosrich who also serves as an FCC dietitian. “This program offers survivors a place to reconnect with themselves in a supportive environment and develop more mindful eating habits.”

For more information about MB-EAT, contact Alex Fleming, LMSW at afleming@cvph.org or 518-562-7534.

Chili 

Vegetable

Bread  

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!

What: The 2026 Michelin Winter Tire Academy will offer a two-hour, hands-on winter driving experience at the Lake Placid Airport. Participants will learn how to navigate snowy and icy conditions on a custom-built course with expert instructors. Vehicles will be provided.

When: Select dates in February: Feb. 7–8, 14–15, and Feb 21–22.
Session times: 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m.

Where: Lake Placid Airport, 27 Airport Lane, Lake Placid, New York

Who: Michelin is a French tire company founded in 1889 and is known for producing high-performance tires for cars, bicycles, aircraft and heavy vehicles, as well as its iconic Michelin Man, Bibendum.

Cost: $250 per vehicle (plus tax). Vehicles will be provided and can hold up to four (4) people.

Registration: Call (866) 277-6038 or register by visiting the Lake Placid website: lakeplacid.com/events/michelin-winter-tire-academy0.

Additional Information: Participants must be at least 12 years of age to attend the Michelin Winter Tire Academy as a passenger (non-driving) guest. Guests 18 years of age and up who present a valid driver’s license at event check-in may participate as a driver. Participants can e-mail info@MichelinWinterTireAcdemy.com for additional information.

Photo album: Courtesy of Michelin.

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; and Banking Reports, JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Special Meeting of January 29, 2026.

6. Community Input. 

7. DISCUSSION/MOTION: AES Northeast PWWTP Project Update.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval for Supervisor to Sign Project Contracts and Documents on Behalf of the Town for DWSRF Project 19830.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Order to Schedule a 202b Public Hearing for Feb. 23, 2026 For Project Water Treatment. 

10. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #7 for Peru WWTP Project. 

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #7 for Peru WWTP Project. 

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of K & L Plumbing Inc. Pay App. #3 for Peru WWTP Project.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Change Directive P-CD.02 by J.W. Danforth.

14. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  C & S – Telegraph Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Update

15. DISCUSSION/MOTION. Barton & Loguidice Peru Water Treatment Plant Project Update Report

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Town Board

17. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads

18. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

19. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay December 2025 Bills.

20. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay January 2026 Bills.

21. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

22. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

23. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

As of February 9, 1016 at 7:26 a.m. 

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Peru  – Pancakes Plus Breakfast, Sunday, February 8, 2026 served by the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus, St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 children 5 to 11, Children under 5 are Free. Take-outs are $10. 

The menu includes Pancakes,Waffles, Strawberry Sauce, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Home Fries, Real Maple Syrup, and much more. 

The next Knight’s breakfast is March 8. 

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