The Peru Gazette

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Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Peru Gazette File Photo)

News Release, 12/9/25 – Clinton County has been awarded the 2025 cashVest® 90+ Award, a national distinction honoring top-performing public entities for excellence in liquidity management, fiscal stewardship, and data-driven financial decision-making. The award, presented by financial-technology firm three+one®, recognizes organizations that maintain a cashVest score of 90 or higher for four consecutive quarters—an achievement signifying exceptional financial resilience and responsible management of taxpayer dollars.

The County’s Finance Office, led by the Treasurer’s Office, has utilized cashVest analytics to optimize cash flow, strengthen protections for public resources, and maximize returns on available funds without increasing risk. Only a select group of public entities nationwide earn the 90+ distinction each year.

Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Chazy, Area 3-R) emphasized the significance of this achievement for Clinton County residents. “This award reflects the disciplined and transparent financial management that our community expects and deserves,” Henry said. “Earning national recognition for four consecutive quarters demonstrates the strength of our internal processes and the dedication of our financial team. We are proud of this accomplishment and what it says about Clinton County’s long-term stability and leadership.”

Finance Committee Chairman Rob Timmons (Peru, Area 7-R) highlighted the tangible benefits of the county’s rigorous financial practices. “This award is really about managing the public’s money the way we’re supposed to,” Timmons said. “When we stay organized, use good data, and keep a close eye on our cash flow, it directly benefits our residents. It’s a simple approach, but it makes a real difference for Clinton County.”

Deputy Treasurer and Finance Manager Rebecca Murphy, whose office led the analytical work behind the scoring, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “Our team takes great pride in being thoughtful stewards of public resources,” Murphy said. “This award confirms that the systems we’ve built—and the discipline we apply daily—are delivering real value to the County and its residents.”

The cashVest® 90+ Award also positions Clinton County favorably for future credit rating reviews by demonstrating sustained liquidity strength, robust financial controls, and a proactive approach to managing public funds. three+one® CEO Garrett Macdonald praised the County’s achievement in a letter announcing the award, noting that maintaining a 90+ score over four quarters represents “exceptional stewardship of public funds” and “a standard of excellence in fiscal responsibility.”

About the cashVest® 90+ Award

The cashVest® 90+ Award recognizes counties, towns, school districts, and other public entities that demonstrate outstanding performance in liquidity management and financial resiliency. The award is presented by three+one®, a national financial-technology firm specializing in public-sector cash management analytics.

12/9/25 4:06 PM – News Release corrected by Clinton County. A Rob Timmons statement had been omitted.

Stacey Bousquet

Our library’s two new computers

Stop to solve the puzzle

Downstairs tween room

Our library is beautiful during all the seasons

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY, December 9, 2025 – At a time of year when people pause to give thanks, the Peru Free Library is a community resource that is very important to many. Our library’s offerings educate, entertain, and bring our community together,

Many people are responsible for the library’s longtime success, including patrons, the board of directors, volunteers, people who patronize its fundraisers, and the town and school boards that include the library in their annual budgets. The individual most responsible for the library’s day-to-day success is its librarian. Becky Pace retired as a librarian in September 2024 after 21 1/2 years of outstanding service. On October 1, Stacey Bousquet succeeded Becky and Allison Collier succeeded Stacey as assistant librarian. 

When Stacey Bousquet graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1996 with a degree in Hearing and Speech Science, being a librarian wasn’t in her plans. However, her plans changed when she became a stay-at-home mom for her daughters, Olivia and Adelia. She took them to the library’s story hours and liked what she saw. She became a library volunteer, served on the library’s board of directors, and, before taking her present position, served as Peru’s assistant librarian for 9 years.  

The library’a many patrons appreciate it for a multitude of reasons. Most recently, many appreciate the two new computers in the library’s front room. Stacey applied for and received a grant to fund them. If you look to the right as you enter the library, you’ll see a new activity: a large puzzle in progress on a long table.  The day the Gazette visited, library patron Lynda Mulcahy, a self-described puzzle nut, couldn’t resist working on the puzzle. Downstairs, Stacey converted an open space to a brightly colored tween room outfitted with lounge chairs, teen books, and a LEGO board. Stacey’s husband Jim, a library volunteer, helped her paint that room. To address recent food needs, the library started a community cupboard food pantry at the library entrance. People in need can pick up food without entering the library.

A monthly newsletter publicizes the library’s many programs and Stacey’s daughter, Olivia, maintains the library’s website as she has done since 2021. The library’s Facebook page is also a primary communicator. 

“I try to schedule one special program each week, Stacey explained.  The Community Learning Series is one such program. The Peru Democrats, led by Marque Moffett, started the series. Now, Marque and Stacey are continuing the program under the library auspices.  A November OneWorkSource presentation was a Community Learning Series. Other November programs included a Gather and Craft Evening, a Gregg Badger Art Exhibit, an online art auction, a consumer protection online shopping presentation, a dog behavior program, and a Tai Chi workshop.  Children’s Story Time with Granny Apple is held each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Stacey Bousquet looks to library patrons for ideas. She emphasized,”If people have suggestions, talk to me in person or email me. I’m open to new things. Next year, we’re planning to conduct a community survey, trying to find out more about what people want.” She concluded our interview saying, “I look upon the library as a means of bringing our community together. I’m very privileged to be in this job serving our community.” 

Click here to view the video on YouTube. 

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How a Texas buyer and the “Cheap Old Houses” movement are reviving an Adirondack legacy

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All nights and routes are weather dependent and emergency calls come first. 

Homemade Ground Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup and Spices
** Note: Shallow depth of field

Meatloaf 

Mashed Potatoes 

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!

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Ford said its 2025 adjusted earnings before interest and taxes will take a $1.5 billion to $2.0 billion hit from the disruption the fire has caused to its production of F-150 and other vehicles.

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The 7-year-old boy, who attends JFK Elementary, was absent from school Monday morning, according to school officials.

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Birth Doses for all Newborns and School Immunization Requirements Remain the Same in New York State

News Release, ALBANY, N.Y. (December 5, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health today reaffirmed that the long-standing hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for infants and children remain unchanged in New York State after two votes taken by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) earlier today. These national advisory votes do not alter New York’s evidence-based recommendations, which continue to include a hepatitis B vaccine birth dose for every newborn, without delay, as well as completion of the full vaccine series in infancy.

Department Reaffirms Longstanding Practices

“Newborn hepatitis B vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive care for infants, and our recommendations in New York State have not changed,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective and essential. We continue to recommend that every baby receive this vaccine within 24 hours of delivery, and that infants born to a person with hepatitis B receive it within 12 hours. These practices save lives, and New York remains committed to evidence-based policies that protect our most vulnerable residents.”

Today’s national advisory votes were unnecessary changes and may have tragic consequences in some areas of the nation if doctors choose to stop giving newborns the standard hepatitis B preventive birth dose. However, New York has the best doctors anywhere and their practices will remain unchanged due to evidence-based clinical practices and their commitment to protecting their patients and public health. Thanks to Governor Hochul, New York will continue to do the right thing.

Summary of ACIP Votes

ACIP approved two votes regarding hepatitis B vaccination. The exact adopted language for Vote #1 and Vote #2 is included below. ACIP also passed a third procedural vote related to continued access to hepatitis B vaccine doses through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This technical vote does not affect New York’s recommendations or requirements.

1. Birth Dose Recommendation (Vote #1 – Exact Language)
   For infants born to HBsAg-negative women: ACIP recommends individual-based decision-making, in consultation with a health care provider, for parents deciding when or if to give the HBV vaccine, including the birth dose. Parents and health care providers should consider vaccine benefits, vaccine risks, and infection risks. For those not receiving the HBV birth dose, it is suggested that the initial dose is administered no earlier than 2 months of age.
2. Optional Post-Vaccination Antibody Testing (Vote #2 – Exact Language)
   When evaluating the need for a subsequent HBV vaccine dose in children, parents should consult with health care providers to determine if a post-vaccination anti-HBs serology testing should be offered. Serology results should determine whether the established protective anti-HBs titer threshold of ≥10 mIU/mL has been achieved. The cost of this testing should be covered by insurance.

No Impact on New York State Policy or Requirements

These votes do not change any requirements or recommendations in New York State, including:

• Newborn Care:
  New York continues to recommend a birth dose within 24 hours for all newborns, and a birth dose and within 12 hours for infants born to a birthing parent who tests positive or whose hepatitis B status is unknown.
• Completion of the Vaccine Series:
  All children should complete the full hepatitis B vaccine series by 18 months of age, or earlier when clinically indicated.
• School Immunization Requirements:
  Students must show proof of immunity to hepatitis B to attend school in New York State. The Department emphasizes that completing the full vaccine series is the most reliable and effective way to provide long-term protection. However, proof of vaccination or a positive blood test for hepatitis B surface antibody are both acceptable for school entry.

At the same time, while New York regulations require proof of immunity through either vaccination of positive titer, relying on post-vaccination blood testing after each dose would require multiple laboratory visits, repeated blood draws, and long wait times for results, making it impractical for most families. For this reason, most providers recommend – and most parents choose – vaccination rather than repeated blood testing for their children.

New York State continues to support the long-standing standard of care practice of providing patients with information on the risks and benefits of all vaccines.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Remains a Critical Safety Net

Hepatitis B vaccination along with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is safe, effective and vital for newborn protection, especially when screening of the birthing parent is unavailable or when errors occur. Infants are at the greatest risk for developing chronic hepatitis B infection if exposed at birth. The birth dose provides a crucial safety net that has dramatically reduced infant infections over the past several decades.

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Peru, NY December 5, 2025 – Immediately after Jim Douglass lit the Town Christmas Tree, the Peru Fire Department arrived carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus. About the same time, other children were gathering on Jarvis Road, excitedly waiting for the Peru Tractor Parade.

Peru, NY, Dec. 5, 2025 – Jim Douglass lit Peru’s Christmas Tree at Little Ausable River Park at 5:30 PM today. Friends, family, and Town Supervisor Craig Randall were on hand to thank Jim for his many years of service as a town board member and as an all-around good neighbor. Congratulations for a well-deserved honor, Jim!

Click here to watch the 2025 Peru Farmers Parade 

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December 11, 2:30 pm, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh. A Photo Peek at Old Plattsburgh. Using photos from the CCHA collection, see ‘then and now’ photo comparisons of landmarks in downtown Plattsburgh.  Come and see what you might recognize and share stories of these special spots.

December 11, 6:00 pm, Clinton County Historical Association 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Introducing the newly published book The Champlain Canal: 200 Years of Change with Matt Harrison.  This book features chapters by historians, archeologists, and biologists on the past and present evolutions of the Champlain Canal which celebrated its bicentennial in 2023. Harrison’s talk will focus on early tourism on the waters of the canal and on Lake Champlain, in particular the accounts of two women travelers who recorded their vacations along the canal in the 1890s — Florence Snedeker and Augusta Brown.

December 13 – 14, 10 am to 3 pm, Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Annual Holiday Open House.  See our newest exhibits: The Wedding Gowns, the Military Gallery featuring a timeline of the military presence in the North Country and Pathway to America250 about the Revolutionary War in the Champlain Valley. Select some gifts from the largest collection of North Country history books north of Albany. The winner of our lottery board will be drawn at 3 pm on 14 December. Still time to purchase tickets!

December 31, 1:00 pm, Christ & St. John’s Episcopal Church, 18 Butternut Street, Champlain, “Struggle in the Snow: The Storming of Quebec” with Thaddeus Booth-Trudo.  On New Years Eve 2025 the Clinton County Historical Association and the Clinton County America 250 Committee will commemorate the service, sacrifice, and many historical firsts of the approximately 10,000 American troops of the Continental Army that served as part of the 1775-1776 Quebec Campaign. This commemoration is being held on New Year’s Eve as it is the 250th Anniversary of the attempted Storming of Quebec City by American forces under the command of Generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold. This storming attempt marked the high water mark of the campaign and we feel it appropriate to commemorate those that served during this campaign on this anniversary.

Please contact Helen Nerska, Director, Clinton County Historical Association for more information.

Albany, News Release of Dec. 4, 2025  Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to make life-saving medical care more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers. Legislation S2000A/A1195A requires health insurance policies to provide coverage for follow-up screening or diagnostic services for lung cancer, and prevents insurance policies from imposing cost-sharing for those services. The legislation builds on the Governor’s affordability agenda, which includes a ban on co-pays for critical medications like insulin and inhalers.

“Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the nation, and the last thing a patient should have to worry about is out-of-pocket costs for critical follow-up screenings,” Governor Hochul said. “Signing this legislation means that thousands of New Yorkers can focus on what is truly important: their health and well-being. With this law, New York is making clear that no one should face financial barriers to getting the care they need.”

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths statewide. Each year approximately 13,900 New Yorkers are diagnosed with lung cancer and about 7,400 die from this disease.

New York State Department of Financial Services Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow said, “By removing out-of-pocket costs for lung cancer screenings, Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature have improved the chances that this form of cancer will be detected and treated as early as possible.