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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

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Town Justice Jim Kirby passes away

Obituary: Hamilton Funeral Home

James Kirby 

James Peter “Jim” Kirby, 68, of the Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, died Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his home, under the loving care of his family.

He was born in Plattsburgh, November 21, 1956, the son of Clark Alan “Red” and Helen Jane (Grzeszczuk) Kirby.

At Jim’s request there will be no public services.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.

Recent Regional Forest Ranger Actions – Ranger rescues 76-year-old hiker

Town of Wilmington
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 20 at 7:34 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a lost hiker on Ester Mountain. Forest Ranger H. Praczkajlo made contact with the 76-year-old from Rochester who explained they were cold and wet and only had seven percent charge left on a cell phone. Ranger Praczkajlo started hiking in and advised the hiker to continue hiking on the trail to stay warm. At 8:25 p.m., the hiker called to report part of a tree was blocking the trail and they could not navigate around it. At 9:17 p.m., Ranger Praczkajlo reached the hiker, provided warm clothes, hand warmers, and a headlamp, and assisted the hiker down the Marble Mountain trail to the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center trailhead. Resources were clear at 12:09 a.m.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 21 at 7:28 p.m., Forest Ranger Lewis responded to a call about separated hikers on Wolfjaw Mountain. Two hikers made it back to the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, but their parents did not. At 9:35 p.m., Ranger Lewis located the 50- and 53-year-old from Delaware and escorted them to their children. Resources were clear at 11:30 p.m.

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 25, Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about three hikers between Seward and Donaldson Mountains requesting assistance because they were cold, wet, and did not have any dry layers with them. One hiker was also experiencing leg cramping. Forest Rangers H. Praczkajlo, R. Praczkajlo, and Quinones located the hikers from Buffalo and assisted them to their vehicles. Resources were clear at 10:23 p.m.

Rangers suggest hiking with the 10 hiking essentials, including moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather. They also suggest avoiding cotton clothing because it holds moisture.

Town of Hopkinton
St Lawrence County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 25 at 10:15 p.m., New York State Police (NYSP) requested Forest Ranger assistance locating a missing hunter. The hunter was with a nephew on private land when they became separated. Rangers joined NYSP and the Parishville Fire Department in the search. At 11:14 p.m., family and other members of the hunting party located the 71-year-old from Norfolk.

FJ – A tribute to Foreigner and Journey Featuring Constantine Maroulis

Friday, November 7th @ 7PM

Featuring American Idol finalist, Constantine Maroulis on Lead Vocals. Keyboardist Paul Kochanski, Bassist Joe Pettengill and Drummer Art Mambuca (and his sprawling double kick-drum kit) all played together in the Journey tribute band Captured. And, rounding out the band is hotshot Guitarist Kevin Alexander Herrera and Adam Tese on Saxophone.

Their repertoire of classics hits by Foreigner and Journey and a few surprises provides a crowd-pleasing night of unforgettable music. From power ballads like “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Want to Know What Love Is,” and “Faithfully” to anthems like “Jukebox Hero,” “Stone In Love,” “Cold As Ice,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Separate Ways,” Foreigners Journey are more than a tribute band. They’re a time machine, and their energy is infectious.

North Country at Work: What it takes to keep the Wi-Fi up and running

Click here for the NCPR story 

Good men anxious to return home, but they don’t know what they’ll find.

By John T Ryan
Peru, NY, October 29, 2025 – These men were working in Forrence’s Orchard along Old Town Road today. They were on their lunch break but ready to talk. Needless to say, they’re very concerned about their families and property back home in Jamaica. One man from southwest Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa hit the hardest, said he’s very worried about his son, daughter, and mom. All communications are out, so they haven’t been able to communicate with their families.
About 90 men who work for Forrence Orchard planned to leave for home last Monday. Now, they hope to leave next Tuesday or Wednesday. Local apple growers bring almost 500 Jamaican men to Peru each year. About 250 should have already returned home.
The men in this photo have been coming to Peru for many years. Seth Forrence said Dalton Hilton has been coming for than 40 years. One man’s father picked apples for Seth’s uncle Virgil Forrence for 35 years. Then he became a cook for several years before retiring.
I told the men the Peru residents I know consider them members of our community and that we are thinking of and praying for them and their families.

Clinton Community College Men’s Basketball Returns to the Court Nov. 1

Cougars to Launch Season with White-Out and Casella Night
PLATTSBURGH, NY — The Clinton Community College Men’s Basketball Team will kick off its 2025–26 season with a home game against Vermont State Randolph on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.
Cougar fans are encouraged to pack the Forrence Center for a special White-Out and Casella Night celebration. The first 150 fans through the doors will receive a free white Cougar Casella shirt to wear during the game. At halftime, Casella will select two Clinton students to take a half-court shot. If they make it, they’ll win $250 toward their books for next semester.
The team has been working this offseason to make the Cougar community proud after earning a second consecutive trip to the Region 3 playoffs last season. It was the program’s first back-to-back postseason appearance since 2008. Freshman Josiah Brown, of Baltimore, earned Third Team All-Conference honors and received a scholarship to Division I Coppin State University.
Off the court, the Cougars graduated five sophomores and have helped place 10 student-athletes at the next level over the past two years:
As the Cougars start the season strong, the team will also host a Canned Food Drive from Nov. 1 through Nov. 16. Game attendees are encouraged to bring at least one canned good to the season opener in support of the Cougar Cupboard, a free campus food pantry for Clinton students.
All home games this season will be played at the Forrence Center, located at 136 Clinton Point Drive in Plattsburgh. You can view the team’s full schedule online.

SNAP & HEAP assistance will not be available until further notice and 200 Jamaican workers are stranded here in Peru

Peru, NY – The Peru Town Board conducted its routine town business agenda Monday on Monday, October 27; however, in addition to routine actions, several essential items came to the public’s attention. 

Supervisor Craig Randall related a letter he received from the Joint Council of Economic Opportunity (JCEO) stating that Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will not receive November assistance. Those programs, plus a furnace-cleaning and replacement program, depend on federal funding that the Congressional budget impasse has halted. JCEO encourages individuals and organizations to make monetary and food donations. 

Councilor Melvin Irwin asked people to be aware of the Jamaican workers who come to Peru.  About 200 men were to return home this week; however, the impending devastating hurricane in Jamaica delayed their departure until at least next week.  The storm closed all the airports in Jamaica. 

Loyal Henry asked that the town install a 3-way stop sign at the Blake Road-Fox Farm Road intersection.  Henry said the visibility at the intersections is abysmal, and he’s been involved in two accidents there over the years. Highway Superintendent  Michael Farrell said he has no objections to Mr. Henry’s request. The board voted to place a resolution authorizing the sign installation on the next meeting’s agenda. 

Resident John Kelley asked if he could repair the crumbling pavement in front of his property. Mike Farrell said this was the first he’d heard about the problem and said he would investigate. Town Attorney Matt Favro said he’s uncomfortable permitting a resident to repair town roads; nevertheless, he would look into its legality. 

Mike Farrell reported that on Wednesday, October 22, the highway department paved 4,000 feet of the River Road as far as the Donahue Road, and the Allen Hill Road from the River Road to the Rod and Gun Club. Farrell said he is doing his best to have the county apply striping; however, he’s not sure the county has any paint remaining. If necessary, he will hire Greg Dashnaw, who has a walk-behind striper.  

Historian Helen Nerska said 20 people participated in the recent downtown history walk. The walks have been well-received, so Nerka plans ot conduct more next year. A Valcour America 250 event at the Peru Dock was also successful and well-publicized. 

Youth Director Kristen Marino said the recent “Move Up” event under the lights at Peru High School’s “Apple Bowl” was successful. Marino thanked the coaches, the Youth Commission, and the town field maintenance crew for outstanding work. She also thanked Finney Sports for providing free t-shirts to all the players. 

In other actions, the board: 

  • Scheduled a public hearing for November 5 at 5:15 pm to approve new telecommunications tower regulations. The board hired Richard A. Comi as a consultant to help implement the complex regulations. 
  • Approved hiring Atlantic Testing Laboratories for materials engineering and testing services at the Fuller Road culvert project. 
  • Approved Patrick McFarland and Robert LePage appointments to a seven-year term as Planning Board alternate members 
  • Approved Garrett Mastic’s appointment as an alternate Planning Board Member to fill the seat that opened when Ryan Davies resigned. The term of office ends on December 31, 2026
  • Approved polices recommended by NYMIR Insurance regarding water department water shut-offs and hydrant flushing logging. 
  • At 6:39 pm, the meeting adjourned to Executive Session. Supervisor Randall said he didn’t anticipate any board actions after the session. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette’s meeting video

Childhood dreams come true for this Akwesasne illustrator

Click here for the NCPR story 

Change your clocks as Daylight saving time ends

  • Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Nov. 2, which means we gain one hour.

Click here for the the LIVENOW STORY 

A small Adirondack town, Lewis, NY, could soon be home to military-grade weapons testing

Click here for the NCPR story 

“We need to get the word out…We’ll try to fulfill your wish”

By John T. Ryan

October 28, 2025 – Plattsburgh – If you or someone you know has received a dire health diagnosis or is facing a terminal illness, The Wish Fund is here to help. Established in 2016 by the Adirondack Champlain Valley REALTORS (ACVR) to honor realtor Mary Fry, The Wish Fund grants wishes valued up to $5,000. 

Sarah Stansbury, Chair of the ACVR Wish Fund Committee, explained, “We need to get the word out. Some people are hesitant to apply, but everyone deserves this opportunity. It doesn’t matter what your income is; we want to help fulfill your wish.” Wishes granted in the past include trips to Dollywood and Disney World, hosting a pig roast, and even enjoying a cold beer surrounded by nurses at the patient’s bedside. To be eligible, applicants must have a dire health diagnosis or terminal illness that limits life expectancy and reside in Clinton, Essex, or Franklin Counties. A person cannot apply on behalf of someone else. 

ACVR partners with the CVPH Foundation, which manages the funds and the application process. To view an application click here. For any questions please contact the Foundation  at 518-562‐7169. Send completed applications to: Email: foundationofcvph@cvph.org Mail: The Foundation of CVPH, 75 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

ACVR conducts an annual fundraiser to support the program. This year, a charity auction will take place on November 6 at Olive Ridley’s in downtown Plattsburgh.

What Adirondack Park constitutional amendment is on your ballot this Election Day?

New York voters will be asked to authorize an already-built Olympic sports complex in Lake Placid

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Health Department Launches First-in-the-Nation Program to Boost Organ Donations

“…the Living Donor Support Program, which will reimburse organ donors up to $14,000 for their medical expenses and recovery-related costs, such as lost wages and childcare. Both the donor and recipient must be New Yorkers.”

Click here for the NY Focus Story 

Hochul announces $215 million housing acceleration fund to move shovel-ready projects

Nation-Leading Program Awards Revolving Loan Funds To Unlock Up to 1,800 New Homes Statewide

Albany, October 27, 2025 News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the Housing Acceleration Fund, a $215 million first-of-its kind program to speed up construction of shovel-ready mixed-income residential projects across New York State. One of the Governor’s key housing proposals from her 2025 State of the State, the Housing Acceleration Fund is part of her all-of-the-above approach to increasing housing supply to address acute housing needs, and accommodate job growth statewide. Too often, communities do not have tools to create mixed income rental housing, leaving many developments permit-ready, but unable to secure financing. New York’s Housing Acceleration Fund will help address this vital need and spur the development of new housing statewide. The fund is catalyzed by the Governor’s $100 million investment secured in the FY26 Enacted Budget and matched with $115 million from awarded participating lenders.

“To combat the housing crisis in New York, we’re leaving no stone unturned,” Governor Hochul said. “This new, innovative loan program is a powerful new tool to help jumpstart the construction of mixed-income housing in communities across the state. These new resources are just one more way for us to help build more housing opportunities for our families, seniors and young adults.

The Housing Acceleration Fund awards announced today are expected to result in approximately 1,800 new homes statewide. The awardees are:

  • Community Preservation Corporation: $45.5 million
  • Merchants Bank: $42 million
  • Enterprise Community Partners: $7.5 million
  • Local Initiatives Support Corporation: $5 million

Half of the State’s $100 million investment is appropriated for projects within New York City and half is allocated to projects throughout the rest of the state. Awardees will provide $115 million in additional capital, bringing the total amount of funding for projects within New York City to $100 million and the amount for projects throughout the rest of the state to $115 million.

The Housing Acceleration Fund, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), will provide low-cost, construction loans to fill financing gaps in the construction of mixed-income housing developments. The Fund is designed to utilize public capital to leverage private capital investment in mixed-income multifamily rental production. The Fund is estimated to generate upwards of $1 billion in new housing investment throughout New York State.

The revolving loan fund model complements other HCR programs to enhance housing production and will speed up production of new rental housing beyond reliance upon limited resources dedicated to the creation of 100 percent affordable housing such as tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits. The program is designed to self-sustain over time through loan repayments once projects convert to permanent financing once the project is complete. To learn more about the New York State Housing Acceleration Fund program, visit the HCR website.

Governor Hochul signs legislation to preserve NY’s Olympic legacy and expand Adirondack Forest Protections

Legislation S.8047/A.3628 Prepares For Implementation of Potential Constitutional Amendment To Sustainably Develop the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex While Adding At Least 2,500 Acres to the Adirondack Forest Preserve

Albany- October 27, 2025 News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.8047/A.3628) implementing the potential constitutional amendment authorizing continued use and improvement of the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County. This landmark legislation secures New York’s Olympic legacy by allowing essential upgrades to world-class training facilities, while simultaneously expanding and protecting the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve with the addition of at least 2,500 acres of new public lands.

“New Yorkers will have the opportunity to decide whether to move forward with this important constitutional amendment,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this legislation, we’re ensuring that if voters approve the measure, the State will be ready to implement it immediately, allowing New York to strengthen its Olympic legacy at Mount Van Hoevenberg while protecting the Adirondack wilderness that defines who we are as New Yorkers.”

Environmental Protection and Balance

If the Constitutional Amendment is passed by the voters, under this new law, the State is authorized to use a limited portion of Forest Preserve lands at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex for the operation and maintenance of Nordic skiing and biathlon trails and their necessary facilities. To offset this use, the legislation requires the State to acquire at least 2,500 acres of true forest land within the Adirondack Park for inclusion in the Forest Preserve.

State Senator Dan Stec said, “The legislation implementing the constitutional amendment authorizing continued use and improvement of the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County is vital to our region. It resolves a longstanding issue for the county, ensures our Olympic facilities remain state-of-the-art and protects the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve. I’m pleased that the governor has signed it into law.”

Sustainable Legacy for the Adirondacks

The Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex, located in the Town of North Elba, is home to world-class Nordic skiing, biathlon and bobsled facilities. It has hosted Olympic and World Cup events and serves as a year-round training site for athletes from around the world. The legislation, which becomes effective if the amendment to allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land also referred to as: Proposal 1 — Use of Mount Van Hoevenberg Sports Complex Land and Acquisition of 2,500 Acres for Adirondack Park Amendment (2025) Proposal 1 is adopted, ensures that all development at the complex will conform to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and be authorized through a Unit Management Plan under state environmental law.

The legislation would build upon New York’s leadership in protecting the Adirondack Park’s over six million acres of public and private land that form the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. The legislation would only become effective if Proposal 1 is adopted. Information can be found here.

As USDA Refuses To Unlock Federal Funds, Governor Fast-Tracks $30 Million To Support Over 16 Million Meals Statewide, In Addition to the $11 Million In Emergency Food Bank Funds Announced Last Week

Albany, October 27, 2025 – Governor Hochul today rallied with New Yorkers impacted by devastating cuts to health care, food assistance and other critical programs. With nearly three million New Yorkers at risk of losing the food assistance they receive from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1 due to the GOP’s federal government shutdown, the Governor also announced that she is fast-tracking $30 million in State funds to support over 16 million meals. This additional funding follows Governor Hochul’s announcement last week of more than $11 million to support local emergency food relief. The Governor’s funding announcements come as federal administrators at the USDA have refused to unlock the federal funding needed to ensure SNAP recipients receive their November food assistance. This would mark the first time in U.S. history that a federal administration has stopped food assistance during a government shutdown.

Additionally, Governor Hochul today launched a new website where everyday New Yorkers can share their personal stories about the devastating effects of Washington Republicans’ cuts to health care, food assistance and other critical programs. The new website — ny.gov/federalcuts — breaks down the impacts on regions across the state and includes relevant resources available to New Yorkers affected by these cuts.

USF divers wrap up successful invasive management season

October 27, 2025 Saranac Lake — The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) Dive Team has concluded another successful season of aquatic invasive species (AIS) management at Follensby Clear Pond, marking significant progress in the effort to protect the Upper Saranac watershed.

Expanded invasive management efforts at Follensby Clear Pond in 2024 and 2025 were made possible through a $46,380 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The funding supported nearly 800 diver harvesting hours targeting the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. Since USF began management efforts at the site in 2020, more than 8.7 tons of the invasive plant have been removed.

“This grant expanded our AIS management to a critical headwater of the Upper Saranac watershed,” said USF Executive Director Guy Middleton. “The additional resources enabled more rigorous efforts to address the spread of invasive plants from this upstream source — a key strategy in safeguarding Upper Saranac Lake.”

As part of the DEC grant, USF partnered with Adirondack Research, which conducted independent surveys to assess the project’s progress. At the conclusion of the 2025 season, no aquatic invasives were detected in Follensby Clear Pond or its neighboring waters — Polliwog, Horseshoe and Green ponds.

“It’s rewarding to see how our monitoring contributes to understanding the health of these lakes and the success of ongoing management efforts,” said Ezra Schwartzberg, director of Adirondack Research.

Managing AIS in upstream waters like Follensby Clear Pond is essential to preventing the spread of invasive species throughout the Upper Saranac watershed and to neighboring waterbodies. The project aligns with the USF’s 2022 Watershed Management Plan, which integrates prevention, monitoring, control, and education to safeguard water quality, native species, and recreational value.

“Over the last two decades, the USF and its partners have made tremendous progress restoring the Upper Saranac watershed,” Middleton said. “Upper Saranac Lake is now nearly free from Eurasian watermilfoil and should remain that way thanks to ongoing monitoring and management. Our focus now extends to neighboring waters like Follensby Clear to ensure invasive species don’t return downstream.”

Follensby Clear Pond is a 495-acre public water body within the Saranac Lake Wild Forest in the town of Santa Clara. Adjacent to Fish Creek Public Campground, it’s a popular destination for both motorized and non-motorized recreation, with numerous campsites and navigable connections to nearby waterways. The USF’s long-term goal is to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil from Follensby Clear Pond and prevent future infestations throughout the Upper Saranac watershed.

To learn more about USF, visit usfoundation.net or contact Middleton at lakemanager@usfoundation.net.

DiNapoli: Recent federal actions will have a significant impact on higher education in NY

Albany, October 27, 2025 “New York has long benefited from outstanding institutions of higher education that serve as anchors for our communities, employing tens of thousands of people, conducting world-class research and development, attracting new residents, training the workforce and bringing vibrancy to neighborhoods,” DiNapoli said. “Federal action on student aid, international student enrollment, and support for research threatens the ability of these institutions to serve as employers and innovators. It also impacts the ability of students to afford tuition. These threats pose financial challenges to the institutions and economic challenges to communities.”

Federal executive action has resulted in the termination or pause of a range of federal support including grants, contracts and other types of assistance, affecting research activity at institutions of higher education (IHE) in New York and elsewhere. One example is the cancelling of over 1,800 grants by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through June 2025. Recent court action has restored only a portion of these grants. Total research and development expenditures by New York IHEs in 2023 were $9.1 billion, second only to California.

Provisions in Public Law No: 119-21, enacted in July, will impact college affordability and choice for many students by reducing students’ access to grants, amounts and types of loans, options for loan repayment and potentially, programs of study. Most provisions will become effective as of the 2026-27 academic year, impacting the thousands of New York post-secondary students that take out and pay back federal loans, including graduate students for whom loan options will become more limited.

International Students

In academic year 2023-24, there were 135,813 international students in New York, second in the nation. There were 22 IHEs in New York out of a total 238 nationwide hosting 1,000 or more international students, 11 of these in New York City. SUNY reports that 5.7% of its total Fall 2024 enrollment was composed of international students, 21,436 total, an increase of 1,118 from the prior year and almost 4,000 from Fall 2020.

A range of executive actions have affected international student enrollment in New York and across the country, and may be poised to have a chilling effect on future applications and enrollment. This includes temporarily pausing new interviews of student visa applicants for review of their social media accounts and restricting the entry of nationals from 19 countries. International students pay full tuition and other costs; as such, their payments are an important source of revenue for universities and colleges.

DiNapoli said limitations to aid and loans, particularly in graduate study, may make the pursuit of higher education unaffordable to some, which is especially concerning since higher education costs in the state, apart from tuition at four-year public IHEs, are higher than the nationwide average. This challenge will be compounded by potential declines in international students whose full tuition payments act to subsidize charges paid by New York residents.

Report
Federal Impact on Higher Education

Related Reports
Higher Education in New York
Economic Impact of Higher Education
Federal Funding and New York – Online Resource

Conservation and education programs were supposed to bolster a century-old dairy farm in Norwich. Now, it’s in foreclosure.

A 2015 promise to conserve farmland, make cheese and educate students completely unraveled at the Norwich Farm.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal Menu for Wednesday, October 30, 2025

Michigans

Salad 

Fruit 

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!

Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal

As the Erie Canal Begins its Third Century of Operation, Focus is on Maintaining a Safe, Resilient, Navigable Waterway that Supports Economic Development, Accessible Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Sustainability

NYS News Release, October 26, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today marked the 200th anniversary of the opening of the original Erie Canal in New York City with the arrival of the Buffalo Maritime Center’s Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. The boat is a replica of the original vessel Governor DeWitt Clinton traveled on from Buffalo to New York City in 1825. The current voyage began September 24 in Buffalo. The Seneca Chief made 28 stops along the Erie Canal and Hudson River before ending its journey at Pier 26 at Hudson River Park in New York City on October 26.

Today’s Erie Canal is now part of the 524-mile New York State Canal system managed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and New York State Canal Corporation. As the Erie Canal enters its third century of operation, it has primarily become a recreational and cultural destination, with a focus on arts and culture, sustainability, and accessibility, while still moving cargo too large for other means of transportation.

“For two centuries, the Erie Canal has been a symbol of ingenuity and perseverance, shaping the economic and social landscape of New York and the United States,” Governor Hochul said. “As a Buffalo native, I have logged hundreds of hours on the canals and know first-hand of the impact and beauty. As we celebrate this incredible bicentennial milestone, we look forward to the Canal’s third century of operation and are committed to ensuring a resilient and accessible Canal system for all New Yorkers for centuries to come.”

The Governor was introduced at today’s event by DeWitt Clinton’s 15-year-old great-great-great-great-great-grandson, DeWitt Silber.

The Erie Canal has been a cornerstone in the development of New York State as we know it, and the nation. It has served as a vital connector for commerce, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, and facilitating the movement of goods and people. Over the years, the Canal has played significant roles in major historical movements, including the Underground Railroad, Women’s Right to Vote, the expansion of religions, fostering communities and driving progress. Through their More Voices initiative, NYPA and the Canal Corporation are working to share a more comprehensive narrative of the Erie Canal’s history. Topics include the stories of underrepresented communities including those of African Americans, women, immigrants, and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

To acknowledge the displacement of indigenous people during the building of the Canal, an Eastern White Pine Tree was planted at each stop of the current Seneca Chief voyage that represents the strength of the Haudenosaunee people, as well as a promise for a sustainable future for the Erie Canal. In Haudenosaunee culture, the White Pine also holds significance as the Tree of Peace.

How graphite mining in New York’s Champlain Valley created America’s iconic pencil

The rise and fall of Graphite, NY—the company town that powered Dixon Ticonderoga’s pencil empire

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Peru Tractor Parade on Friday, December 5

Peru Gazette File photo

The 2025 Peru Tractor Parade will be held on Friday, December 5 beginning at 6 PM.  105-year-old Doug Brown will be the Grand Marshal. Make plans now! The Tractor Parade is one of Peru’s special events. 

It starts at the Irwin farm on Jarvis Road, left on River Rd., right on Laflure Lane, right onto Rt. 22, right over the bridge, right at Liberty’s on Union Rd., left on Cross St, left onto Route 22, back over the bridge to Stewart’s, left on Holden Ave, left on School Street to 22, and done.

Peru rallies past Saranac to claim CVAC football title

Click here for the Sun community News story 

Traffic Enforcement and Patrol Period Begins Today and Will Run Through Friday, Oct. 31

46,212 Citations Were Issued This Time Last Year During the 2024 Halloween Enforcement Period

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols through Halloween, targeting impaired and reckless drivers. The enforcement period, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, runs from Saturday, October 25 through Friday, October 31.

“Halloween should be fun and safe for everyone, regardless of how you choose to celebrate,” Governor Hochul said. “Unfortunately, poor choices behind the wheel can lead to deadly consequences. There is no excuse to drive impaired, drive distracted or speed. The New York State Police and our local law enforcement officers will be out and looking for anyone who makes the decision to jeopardize the safety of others this Halloween.”