The Peru Gazette

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Message from Peter Cadieux, “I hate to do this, but it looks like a decent snowstorm is coming in, timed perfectly to affect travel plans tomorrow. So, we will try again in March and look forward to booking Carl Rubino for a later date. Stay safe!”

Cancelled Concert at 

Wood Wire and Voice Coffee House
February 20, 2026 7-9 pm
United Methodist Church
127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY

Several shortcomings identified. 

Beekmantown Fire District No. 1 – Board Oversight (Clinton County)

The board did not adequately oversee the district’s financial operations related to maintaining accounting records, preparing bank reconciliations, submitting monthly and annual financial reports, auditing and approving claims and performing annual audits. The board did not provide oversight of the secretary-treasurer’s duties related to maintaining the accounting records. Auditors reviewed 257 disbursements for claims paid totaling $222,372 and identified several deficiencies in the records. The inadequately maintained accounting records also prevented the treasurer from being able to properly reconcile the district’s bank accounts during the audit period. The board also did not ensure that the treasurer submitted adequate monthly financial reports or that the treasurer prepared and filed an Annual Financial Report (AFR) each year. As a result, as of Jan. 31, 2025, the district’s AFRs for the 2019 through 2023 fiscal years were between 337 and 1,798 days late. Click here to view the auditor’s report. 

Beekmantown Fire District No. 1 – Investment Program (Clinton County)

Auditors determined that the district’s investments were legal, safe and liquid. However, officials did not develop and manage a comprehensive investment program. For example, officials did not prepare monthly cash flow forecasts to estimate funds available for investment or solicit interest rate quotes from financial institutions. During the 25-month audit period, the district earned $114 in investment earnings, even though it had an average of $530,000 available to invest each month. Had officials considered alternative legally permissible investment options, the district may have increased the investment earnings by more than $52,000. Click here to view the auditor’s report 

Before modern ferries and suspension bridges, horses were used to power boats across Lake Champlain

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Market 32 Cares-supported fundraiser continues to deliver critical support for local communities

Price-Chopper/Market 32 Press Release Schenectady, N.Y., February 18, 2025– Salvation Army bellringers at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire raised over $623,000 during the 6-week “Red Kettle” holiday campaign in November and December 2025. The money raised will help fund essential services, including food assistance, shelter, and emergency relief.

For generations, the Red Kettle campaign has been a visible and meaningful symbol of holiday giving, offering customers a simple way to support neighbors in need while completing their everyday grocery shopping. Contributions collected at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores directly support local Salvation Army programs, ensuring that donations stay within the communities where they are given.

“Every donation made at our stores has a direct impact, allowing The Salvation Army to provide hope and assistance to those who need it most,” said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. “We’re proud of our longstanding partnership and incredibly grateful to our customers for stepping up and supporting their important work and making a difference in the lives of so many.”

“It is only through the community’s generosity that The Salvation Army can respond to those in need 365 days a year,” said Major Michelle Dressler, divisional commander for The Empire State Division of The Salvation Army. “Our continued partnership with Market 32 and Price Chopper is vital to our mission and efforts to help those most in need, as all funds raised stay local to make a difference right here in our community.”

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Albany, Feb. 18, 2026 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced DEC is holding academies for its newest classes of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Forest Rangers. The six-month training academies will prepare up to 50 of DEC’s newest recruits for careers protecting New York State’s natural resources in the Divisions of Law Enforcement and Forest Protection.

“DEC Forest Rangers and ECOs each have a rich history of conservation and public protection in New York, and that storied legacy will continue with the newest additions to our ranks,” Commissioner Lefton said. “These specialized and rigorous training academies ensure graduates will have the skills needed to protect our resources and communities, and I am excited for all candidates having safe and educational starts to incredibly rewarding careers.”

ECOs, originally called Game Protectors, were first appointed for service in 1880. The first Forest Rangers, originally known as Fire Wardens, were put into service in 1885 when the New York State Legislature established the Forest Preserve of New York State. Read more »

Federal Actions Continue to Cause Uncertainty for State’s Economy and Finances; Comptroller Warns of Reduced Independent Oversight

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s report examining the proposed State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 Executive Budget warns the trajectory of projected state spending is estimated to increase at a rate faster than expected revenues, creating cumulative outyear budget gaps estimated by the Division of Budget (DOB) to total $27.5 billion through SFY 2030. Actions taken in Washington, including federal reductions in aid, create increased fiscal strains that are likely to affect the state’s economy, finances and safety net.

“The Executive Budget for the upcoming state fiscal year comes at a time of unusual fiscal uncertainty, caused largely by federal policies that have injected unnecessary volatility into the state and national economies, and disruptive changes in the state’s relationship with the federal government,” DiNapoli said. “These policies will result in lost funding and increased costs to the state, and could deal a devastating blow to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers with the loss of health coverage, nutritional assistance, safety net protections and more. As negotiations commence, policymakers need to proceed with caution as they work on balancing the budget, improving affordability and maintaining vital services for New Yorkers. I oppose the proposals to erode contract oversight by my office for billions in spending of taxpayer money. Independent oversight and broader competition in the procurement process are not obstacles but are essential checks that ensure public funds are spent responsibly and fairly.”

Federal Budgetary and Policy Actions Read more »

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North Country Chamber President Garry Douglas says sale bodes well for Plattsburgh production operations

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Winter heat on solid ice, fun for racers, spectators

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Residential, commercial, municipal owners in the district now eligible for tax credits, funding

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Will offer more experimental and independent studies, leadership growth

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