The Peru Gazette

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New York Focus read the governor’s, Senate’s, and Assembly’s budget proposals

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Seated, l-r: Kyle Lerch, Shiocton, Wis; Samantha Bowe, Mosinee, Wis; Carlos Fernando Gutierrez, Bryant, Wis and Ulises Garcia, Pine River, Wis. Standing, l-r: Jeronimo Flores Perez, Bryant, Wis; Jose Eduardo Hernandez Rodriguez, Bryant, Wis; Shane St. Cyr, Plattsburgh, NY; Kirstin Joyal, Williston, Vt.; Alyssa Berg, Kewaunee, Wis; Andrew Connon, West Grove, Pa; Kaitlyn Kesler, Hilbert, Wis; Ronna Wagner, Saint Johns, Mich.; Kristen Fischer, Prairie du Chien, Wis; Matthew Fischer, Owen, Wis; Jake Halbersma, Mosinee, Wis; Darian Scheer, Colby, Wis; and Joaquin Vazquez, Fond du Lac, Wis. Not pictured: Sarah Eck, Cambridge, Wis.

Graduates include Shane St. Cyr Adirondack Farms Partner 

March 11, 2026 – Madison Wisconsin – DAIRY NEWS – Upon successfully completing all three pillars of Cornerstone Dairy Academy, eighteen dairy farmers and industry professionals were honored as the program’s 2026 graduates at the Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) Business Conference at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis., March 4.

Presented by the Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), the application-based leadership-development program is designed to enhance the skills of communication, visionary thinking, ethical and servant-oriented leadership, and professional etiquette. The program also equips attendees with tools to work through workplace challenges caused by generational differences and diversities in emotional intelligence.

“Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates represent the best of the best in our dairy industry with a commitment to developing their leadership skills to benefit their farms and dairy businesses and the entire industry,” said Amber Keel, PDP Program Coordinator. “Completing all three pillars of training provides a strong foundation of communications and servant leadership skills for dairy farmers and industry professionals at any stage of their career.”

Hailing from 5 states, the 2026 Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates have completed the Influential, Visionary and Servant Leadership pillars. Graduates include:

• Alyssa Berg, Kewaunee, Wis.
• Samantha Bowe, Mosinee, Wis.
• Andrew Connon, West Grove, Pa
• Sarah Eck, Cambridge, Wis.
• Jose Eduardo Hernandez Rodriguez, Bryant, Wis.
• Matthew Fischer, Owen, Wis.
• Kristen Fischer, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
• Jeronimo Flores Perez, Bryant, Wis.
• Ulises Garcia, Pine River, Wis.
• Carlos (Fernando) Gutierrez, Bryant, Wis.
• Jake Halbersma, Mosinee, Wis.
• Kirstin Joyal, Williston, Vt.
• Kaitlyn Kesler, Hilbert, Wis.
• Kyle Lerch, Shiocton, Wis.
• Darian Scheer, Colby, Wis.
• Shane St. Cyr, Plattsburgh, NY (Far Left, Back Row of Photo)
• Joaquin Vazquez, Fond du Lac, Wis.
• Ronna Wagner, Saint Johns, Mich.

The PDP Cornerstone Dairy Academy is underwritten by Dairy’s Foundation. To learn more about leadership programs offered through PDP, visitwww.PDPW.org or contact them at 800-947-7379.

Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) is the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.

Albany, NY, March 12, 2023  — Volunteer firefighters from across New York State gathered at the State Capitol on Wednesday for their annual legislative advocacy day, organized by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the New York State Association of Fire Districts, and the New York State Fire Coordinators Association. The day provides firefighters the opportunity to meet directly with state lawmakers and discuss issues impacting volunteer emergency services and public safety.

Clinton County sent the largest delegation of firefighters to Albany for the event, underscoring the strong tradition of volunteer service throughout the North Country. Firefighters representing District No. 3 Fire Department, Cadyville Fire Department, Peru Fire Department, Mooers Volunteer Fire Department, Champlain Fire District, and South Plattsburgh Fire Department were among those who traveled to the Capitol to take part in the day’s meetings and advocacy efforts.

Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman welcomed the Clinton County delegation to Albany and thanked them for their continued service to their communities. “It was an honor to welcome firefighters from Clinton County to the Capitol,” Cashman said. “Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of public safety in communities across the North Country. Their commitment to training, emergency response, and service to their neighbors makes a real difference in the lives of the people they protect.”

Before his election to the State Assembly, Cashman served as Supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh, where he worked closely with local volunteer fire departments and saw firsthand the dedication required of those who serve.
“As Town Supervisor, I had the opportunity to work side by side with our volunteer firefighters,” Cashman said. “I saw the time they dedicate to training, the sacrifices they make to respond when their communities call, and the pride they take in serving their neighbors.”

Volunteer firefighters make up the overwhelming majority of the fire service in New York State. Approximately 93 percent of the state’s fire departments are staffed by volunteers, making them a critical part of the state’s emergency response system, particularly in rural and small-town communities.

Cashman said he remains committed to supporting policies that strengthen volunteer emergency services and ensure departments have the resources they need to serve their communities. “As Assemblyman, I remain committed to being a strong voice for our volunteer firefighters in Albany,” Cashman said. “That is why I am carrying and co-sponsoring several pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening volunteer emergency services by providing additional tools, resources, and support. Our firefighters deserve the backing of state government as they continue their mission of protecting our communities.”

Peru Gazette February 28, 2026 photo of Peru’s wastewater treatment plant project

Albany, March 11, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced nation-leading cybersecurity regulations and $2.5 million in grants to help communities affordably protect their drinking water and wastewater systems. This comprehensive, unified approach equips drinking water and wastewater operators with the framework and tools to bolster their cybersecurity posture against increasingly sophisticated and dangerous cyber threats while strengthening services that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day.

“Cyber attacks on our water infrastructure can disrupt services and threaten public health and safety,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration is protecting New Yorkers by modernizing regulations and providing resources to adopt these important safeguards. There is nothing more important than keeping New Yorkers safe.”

Water infrastructure is essential to public health, safety, economic stability and national security, making it an attractive target for cyber attacks. As systems increasingly rely on digital and internet-connected technologies, the need for cybersecurity safeguards continues to grow.

Delivering on the Governor’s State of the State commitment to strengthen the resilience and reliability of water and wastewater systems, the Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) developed minimum standards for wastewater and drinking water systems that are threat-informed, risk-centric, and cost-balanced. At the same time, the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) created grants and no-cost technical assistance to support local implementation. Close coordination helped streamline oversight, eliminate duplication and align with federal cybersecurity guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The new threat-informed, risk-centric, and cost-balanced minimum standards developed by DEC and DOH include: Read more »

Albany, March 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $15 million has been awarded to 13 workforce development projects across nine regions through Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development. These grants will support the training of more than 5,700 New Yorkers through collaboration between training providers and more than 40 employer partners in high demand fields such as construction and advanced manufacturing. Through nine rounds of funding, more than $83 million has been awarded to 91 projects through the Office to support training for over 20,000 New Yorkers.

Locally: 

• Clinton Community College – North Country – $260,799 P4P Operating Grant: Funding will support the expansion of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing’s (IAM) three-week Welding Academy to offer additional training opportunities and wraparound services, including stipends and transportation and childcare assistance. IAM has been providing welding training since 2022 with 100 percent completion and job placement rates and waitlists for each cohort. This project will double the number of yearly cohorts served, providing trained and job-ready workers for the North Country’s network of more than 50 manufacturers.

“Reshaping New York’s approach to workforce training has been a pillar of my economic development strategy — and we’re seeing the results,” Governor Hochul said. “By working with employers in target industries, more New Yorkers are learning the skills needed for high-demand jobs, while receiving the support they need to promote greater success. These projects represent an investment in New Yorkers and the future of our state’s economy.”

Residents raised privacy concerns and criticized how the program was introduced during village board meeting

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AEDA Peru Fire Station drawing

AEDA engineer Michael Coon explains interior work to contractors at March 3, pre-bid meeting.

AEDA engineer Michael Coon explains exterior work to contractors at March 3, pre-bid meeting.

By John T Ryan 

Peru – On September 3, 2024, voters gave the green light to a major investment: up to $5 million for expanding and renovating Peru’s fire station. Fast-forward 18 months, and the Department is now seeking bids for general construction, electrical work, HVAC, and plumbing. Bid proposal must be submitted by April 7 at 2 p.m, when they’ll be opened and read aloud. (Rescheduled form March 24 to April 7) 

Chad Frechette, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, remarked, “The original plan hasn’t changed much, though we eliminated the glass doors to keep the cost down.” Frechette eagerly awaits the March 24 bid opening, hoping to see construction begin soon after. For the firefighters, new challenges lie ahead as they plan how to keep the department running smoothly during renovations. The target completion date is February 2027, although that date is flexible.

On March 3, local engineers Michael Coon and Jamie Hammaker from Architectural Engineering and Design Associates (AEDA) met with several interested contractors at a pre-bid meeting at the station. The department has saved some funds for the project, with the remainder to be financed through a 25-year bond. At the time of the September 2004 vote, the estimated fire tax increase was $ 0.6683 per thousand dollars of real property value. 

The renovation replaces the wood structural members with steel, extends the truck bays by 40 feet toward Bear Swamp Road, and replaces the bay flooring, roofing, engine bay doors, and most sprinkler, electrical, and HVAC systems. New facilities include an equipment storage area, a fitness room, a locker room, a decontamination room, an updated social room, space for the historic Brockway truck, an expanded EMS area, and larger eastside parking.

Link to Peru Gazette story prior to the vote  

In September, 2024 Greg Timmons explained why the changes are needed 

September 2024 vote results story 

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Young musicians applauded for their talent and hard work

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Evacuations underway along the Saranac River in Morrisonville Tuesday morning

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Clinton County is included in the program 

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New policy builds on last year’s debate over using local resources for immigration enforcement

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Two separate incidents left a child and senior seriously injured

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Peru Historian Helen Nerska talks with Robert, James and Melvin Irwin, owners of Maplegrand Farms and 3rd generation farmers in the Town of Peru

Click here to view the YouTube Video recorded by the Peru Gazette. 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, March 16, 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.

Albany, March 9, 2026 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking licenses for falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these examinations online and free of charge,” DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This process makes it easier for individuals to meet examination requirements, apply for a license, and interact with wildlife safely and responsibly.”

The 2 hour exam can be completed any time between 7 am and 11 pm on the assigned date.

*Please note: Registration for the June, August, and October exams will open the week following the previous exam date.

To register, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit Exams Registration website.

Individuals can apply for more than one license. For each exam, applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the specific exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send the application or license fee prior to passing the exam.

Apprentice Falconry License
Birds of prey are protected species and cannot be possessed without a license or other authorization from DEC. Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American Kestrel or a Red-tailed Hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam;
• be at least 14 years of age;
• possess a valid New York State hunting license;
• maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors; and
• be a resident of New York State.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Falconry License” webpage. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam,
• be at least 16 years of age,
• be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff, and
• be a resident of New York State.

 A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Wildlife Rehabilitator License” webpage. There is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitator license.

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License
Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam, and
• possess a valid New York State hunting license.

 A leashed tracking dog handler study guide is available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Leashed Tracking Dog License” webpage. While the exam is free, first-time license applicants have a non-refundable $25 license application fee. The five-year leashed tracking dog handler license is $50.

For questions or assistance, contact DEC’s Special Licenses Unit:
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752
Phone: 518-402-8985; Fax: 518-402-8925
Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov

“Beta plans to partner with medical helicopter operator Metro Aviation to transport medical equipment across Lake Champlain, among other missions.”

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Macaroni, Cheese, & Ham
Salad
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!