The Peru Gazette

Proceeds help fund scholarships, graduation caps and gowns and the senior banquet.

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DEC releases long-awaited study of visitor use in the High Peaks Wilderness

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Adirondack Land Trust announces protection of 321 acres in Schroon

Avoid the mud and ride the sand at Ausable Chasm

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Photo Provided L-R Garry Douglas, Betsy Vicencio, Matt Boire

April 3, 2026 – Editor’s Note – I missed the email with this Chamber of Commerce news release. I know Betsy. She is a very nice lady who truly deserves this recognition. 

Plattsburgh – (3/17/2026) | The North Country Chamber of Commerce continued a beloved community tradition this morning as it hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, welcoming a sold-out crowd to West Side for a lively and entertaining celebration.

Honoring the 2026 Irish Person of the Year: Elizabeth “Betsy” Vicencio

A highlight of the annual breakfast is the presentation of the Chamber’s Irish Person of the Year Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to volunteerism and service through business, community, or civic leadership. This year’s honoree was Elizabeth “Betsy” Vicencio, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Northeast Group and MHAB Life Skills Campus.

Adirondack born and raised, Vicencio found her professional and community home in Plattsburgh along the shores of Lake Champlain through her work with The Northeast Group and, more recently, MHAB. For more than fifteen years as Vice President and CFO of the family organizations, she has brought both strong financial leadership and a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in the North Country. Her passion for making things better each day, paired with her ability to turn ideas into action, has made her a valued partner in many important initiatives.

Vicencio has been a member of the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club for much of her adult life and currently serves as its President. Living by Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” she has devoted countless hours to community initiatives locally and internationally. Whether organizing events, mentoring new members, or stepping forward wherever help is needed, her commitment to service is evident.

Her dedication to the region also extends to healthcare. Vicencio has been a long-time board member of UVM Health Network CVPH, working alongside fellow leaders to address key healthcare challenges in the region. She has been particularly passionate about strengthening access to care through the recruitment of healthcare providers and advocating for women’s health throughout the North Country.

Within the business community, Vicencio has also been an active and valued member of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a Chamber Ambassador and was a founding supporter of the Chamber’s Celebration of Women in Business Event, which has grown into one of the organization’s most popular and impactful programs supporting professional growth and connection across the region.

Vicencio also played an instrumental role in the development of the MHAB Life Skills Campus, helping to bring the organization’s vision to life. The campus has become an important resource for individuals in recovery, providing support, skills, and opportunities for those rebuilding their lives while helping reduce stigma and strengthen understanding around recovery in the community.

“Betsy is a great combination of exemplary business acumen and success coupled with an unbridled commitment to our community, providing leadership to good causes and endeavors,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Her very positive imprint can be found on initiatives and services as varied as MHAB, the UVM Health Network, Scouting, Clinton Community College and Rotary among others. I extend my congratulations but most of all words of thanks. Onward and upward.”

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New Programs Are Part of State’s $320 Million Commitment for Clean Energy Workforce Development and Training

Albany, April 2, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the expansion of New York State’s clean energy workforce commitment with $50 million in new funding to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The new Clean Energy Career Pathways Training and Technical Skills Training and Upskilling programs are part of a $320 million commitment for clean energy workforce development and training and provide funding for projects that develop career pathways training, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives for new and existing workers. Today’s announcement builds on the State’s leadership in growing the clean energy industry and will help expand access to family-sustaining jobs to support New York’s clean energy transition, including in underserved areas of the state. Read more »

Tourism from and Exports to NY’s Largest Trading Partner, Canada, Severely Impacted

New York had one of the steepest drops of any state in international tourism in 2025, with overseas travelers falling 3% — a loss of over 176,000 visitors — second only to California, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The decline is hurting the state’s economy, as fewer visitors means less spending and a smaller number of jobs in hotels and restaurants. The impact is most acute for areas near the Canadian border, where travel from Canada fell by more than 21%, a decrease of nearly 3.6 million visitors. Exports to Canada also declined by $3.8 billion due to tariffs.

“Federal policies are driving foreign travelers away and taking billions in tourism spending and harming our economy as exports substantially decline,” DiNapoli said. “That loss of revenue means fewer jobs in New York and tougher times for those working in the tourism industry. We’re already seeing the consequences, especially in hotels and restaurants in those regions near the Canadian border. New York is a top destination for tourists to the U.S., and policies that welcome and encourage international travel are needed to avoid damaging economic consequences.” Read more »

NY Forward project will include expanded footprint for a new cafe, expanded bulk/produce area and four renovated apartments 

See rendering here

Empire State Development and the New York Department of State today announced the start of construction on a $662,000 expansion and rehabilitation project at Nature’s Storehouse, a full-service natural food store, in Canton. Supported by the state’s NY Forward program, the project will create a seamless floor plan that integrates Nature Storehouse’s current 21 Main Street location with an adjacent historic building at 19 Main Street, adding a new cafe with table seating for customers as well as expanded retail space throughout. Nature’s Storehouse owners Clark and Yen Maine were awarded a $497,000 NY Forward grant in 2025 to facilitate the project, which will complement the store’s long-standing natural food and supplement business.

“The expansion of Nature’s Storehouse serves as a cornerstone of the NY Forward revitalization initiative in Canton and will demonstrate how targeted investments can breathe new life into our rural downtowns,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “By modernizing these historic buildings to include both a vibrant new cafe and much-needed residential units, Clark and Yen Maine are helping to create a more resilient, healthy and walkable community. Empire State Development is proud to support small businesses that anchor our downtowns and drive local economic growth.”

“This expansion represents the kind of community-driven investment NY Forward is designed to support,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “By breathing new life into historic buildings; expanding access to healthy, locally sourced foods; and adding new residential and gathering spaces, this project will strengthen the vitality of downtown while deepening Canton’s connection to the North Country. Investments like this not only support small businesses and local producers, but also help create more vibrant, walkable communities where residents and visitors alike can live, work and thrive.”

“Nature’s Storehouse is driven by a purpose to nurture a healthier, more sustainable North Country,” said Nature’s Storehouse Owners Clark and Yen Maine. “The development of Nature’s Café is a pivotal step toward our ‘Vision 2028’ of becoming the region’s premier health and wellness hub.”

The project removes a party wall between the two historic storefronts; adds ADA-compliant front and rear entrances; modernizes building systems and commercial equipment; constructs the sit-down cafe and expanded bulk/produce area; rehabilitates four upper-story apartments; and restores facades, masonry, signage and energy-efficient windows.

After four years abroad, Clark and Yen Maine returned to their North Country roots in 2022 to raise their family and lead the next chapter of their family business, Read more »

District has healthy unrestricted fund balance

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Nurses secure a contract that ensures staffing, workplace safety, benefits to recruit and retain nurses, and wage increases

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Tips and conditions as trout fishing season kicks off April 1 in New York state 

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File Photo

Albany, April 1, 2026 – Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Ron Kim today announced that the Assembly has passed legislation that requires mandatory health insurance coverage for acupuncture services (A.622, Kim).

“Expanding access to acupuncture services in New York ensures that those suffering from chronic illnesses can access the treatment they need to improve their quality of life,” said Speaker Heastie. “New York is committed to leading the way in providing quality and affordable care and will always work to ensure that New Yorkers have coverage for the spectrum of treatment that keeps our communities healthy.”

“This bill is about ensuring that New Yorkers with chronic pain and illnesses have access to an important and often life changing treatment,” said Assemblymember Kim. “Acupuncture improves the quality of life for many and has been shown to be an effective alternative to opioids. Requiring insurance coverage for these services greatly improves access to this vital treatment and affordability across our state.”

“Acupuncture has long been recognized in Eastern medicine for its ability to promote healing, manage pain, and support overall well-being. Yet without insurance coverage, this time-tested treatment still remains out of reach for too many New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to require insurance companies to cover acupuncture, helping ensure that more New Yorkers have access to this important and proven healthcare option. Thank you Assemblymember Ron Kim for his leadership on this legislation.”

This legislation will require large group insurance policies to cover acupuncture treatment. Currently in New York State, acupuncture is not provided as an essential health benefit and is not covered by the Affordable Care Act enabled basic health plan. This bill expands access to this critical treatment beyond the federal requirements and reduces the harmful risks associated with alternative options such as opioids.

Acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment for patients with chronic illnesses that has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as chronic pain, nausea, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia and infertility.

Construction has been ongoing since October 2024 with a cost of $68 million, made up of mostly federal money

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Albany, April 1, 2026 – An audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. (WROTB) found poor oversight of operations by the board of directors, cost overruns and significant estimation errors. The audit found WROTB’s failure to take action to address the declining handle, the total amount wagered on horse races and other gaming activities, adjust to changes in the gambling industry, and control costs limited the amount of revenues provided to participating municipalities.

DiNapoli offered 16 recommendations to help the organization improve its financial operations, which WROTB officials said they were acting on. The audit covered the period from January 2021 through December 2024 and some contracts going back to 2020, with nearly all the period being before significant changes in WROTB board and leadership occurred.

“The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation is under pressure as revenues decline from its horse racing and wagering operations, and it must rein in costs and strengthen its financial operations,” DiNapoli said. “The corporation is supposed to benefit local participating municipalities and taxpayers, and even as the gambling industry changes, the board can adapt without losing that mission. I’m encouraged by steps the current board and new management have taken, and urge continued progress.”

WROTB was formed in 1973 and is owned by 15 participating counties and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester. Read more »

Clinton County Awarded $50,000 Grant 

State Landmarks to Be Illuminated in Teal on April 1 and April 29

Albany, April 1, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in New York, reaffirming the State’s commitment to supporting and empowering victims and survivors and preventing sexual violence in all its forms. State landmarks will be illuminated in teal the evening of Wednesday, April 1 to recognize the month and the evening of Wednesday, April 29 to mark Denim Day.

“Sexual violence remains a deeply serious issue impacting individuals and families across our state. As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and will continue to take meaningful action to strengthen our support systems and expand resources,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is committed to building safer communities where every New Yorker is protected and survivors are provided the resources they need to heal.” Read more »

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5:00 – 8:00PM The Strand Center for the Arts

Plattsburgh, NY — Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) and the Strand Center for the Arts invite the community to “Holding Space,” a collaborative exhibition exploring the universal intersection of mental health and creative expression. 

Click here for photos from last year’s event

The gallery will feature a diverse collection of works from the public alongside powerful pieces created by program participants in BHSN’s Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) program and BHSN staff. This exhibition serves as a dedicated environment to “hold space” for the individual psyche and the various ways art informs the mental health journey.

“Art is more than creativity; it’s a language of emotion. For those who create, it’s a way to process and express what words often can’t capture. For those who engage with it, it’s a reminder that we are not alone in how we feel,” said Katherine Cook, President & CEO at BHSN. “Art connects us — and in that connection, we find community, empathy, and healing. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we celebrate the artists, the art, and the shared human experience that brings us together.”

“With this exhibition being an open show for the public to submit artwork to, it’s likely that we’ll see a lot of familiar artists as well as new ones. Exhibitions that have a theme give the general public a greater opportunity to display their work. Having this exhibition up all through Mental Health Month in May worked out so well and it gives even more meaning to this show,” said Elsa Koop-Angelicola, Gallery Manager & Associate Curator at The Strand Center for the Arts.

Representatives from BHSN and the Strand Center for the Arts, as well as select participating artists, will be available for interviews regarding the therapeutic impact of the arts and the importance of community mental health visibility. The exhibit will remain open April 11 through May 30, in recognition of Mental Health Month in May.

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