Early numbers show many Vermonters dropping their insurance for 2026
Posted: January 24th, 2026 under Business News, Heathcare News, Political News, Regional NY-VT News, Social Issues.
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A free community news service for Peru, NY
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Posted: January 24th, 2026 under Business News, Heathcare News, Political News, Regional NY-VT News, Social Issues.
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Uihlein Maple Research Forest Director Adam Wild developed a DIY maple sap chilling system to keep sap fresh
Posted: January 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Agricultural News, Business News, Environmental News, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Posted: January 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
Tags: APA
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Hearing is now scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Feb. 25 in Ray Brook
Posted: January 24th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News.
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The 41-year-old restaurant closed in 2022. When its downtown home became vacant, former owner David Melincoff decided to bring it back with new partners.
Posted: January 24th, 2026 under Business News, Peru/Regional History, Regional NY-VT News.
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Posted: January 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Environmental News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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Call Meeting to Order
Posted: January 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru News, Town Board News.
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Extreme Cold Watches in Effect from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday for the North Country; Feels-Like Temperatures as Low as Negative 50 Degrees Possible Friday Night and Negative 30 Degrees Saturday Night
New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111
NYS News Release of Jan. 23, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a State of Emergency ahead of extreme cold and a massive winter storm set to impact areas statewide this weekend. Extreme cold moves in Friday night, with statewide feels-like temperatures in the negatives Friday and Saturday night. Sunday morning, a large winter storm will begin to impact the state and continue until Monday, with New York City, Long Island, theHudson Valley, the Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, lower North Country and parts of Central New York seeing the potential for 12 to 18 inches of snow. Western New York and the upper North Country will see snowfall totals of six to 12 inches.
“Winter in New York is nothing we can’t handle, but it is important to take the risks that come with extreme cold seriously,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should avoid travel during the snow, especially with the danger that comes with being stranded in these cold temperatures. If you must travel, be sure to leave yourself extra travel time and pack your car with supplies like blankets, water, and snacks. Safety is always the top priority, so make sure you are ready to face this storm.”
Snowfall rates of up to two inches or more per hour are possible in the heaviest snow bands, which will reduce visibility on roadways. New Yorkers should avoid travel during the snow, as the combination of dangerous driving conditions and extreme cold will be a huge risk.
As part of the issued State of Emergency, Governor Hochul has also announced the suspension of early voting for February 3rd special elections in New York City on Sunday, January 25 and Monday, January 26. The State is working with the New York City Board of Elections to extend hours through the remainder of the early voting period to account for the suspended hours.
In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these cold weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia; information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.
The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:
View more information on best practices for working in cold weather.
Extreme Cold Watches, Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued, and New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.
New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
Posted: January 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, General News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Statewide News, Weather News/History.
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Support North Country’s Health, Wellbeing
Plattsburgh, NY – Donating at an Adirondack Blood Center community drive or at the Donor Center helps support the health and wellbeing of the community. Each unit of donated blood can benefit up to three patients at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, Elizabethtown Community Hospital (including Ticonderoga) and the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.
The Blood Center offers multiple opportunities to make a difference:
The Donor Center, located at 85 Plaza Blvd., is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Blood donors must be at least 16 years-old (16- and 17-year-old donors must have written parental/guardian consent), in general good health and weigh at least 110 lbs. A screening questionnaire addressing personal medical, social and travel history is completed prior to donating and a donor card or another form of valid identification is also required. Donors must wait 56 days between donations.
Learn more about the Adirondack Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call 518-562-7406.
Posted: January 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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The Peru Central School District is officially seeking candidates to fill two (2) at-large seats on the Board of Education. These vacancies result from the upcoming term expiration of Mr. Mark Hamilton and the resignation of Ms. Sarah Mitchell, which is currently filled by Mr. Steven Peters.
District residents interested in serving the community are invited to run for the following positions:
A three-year term beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.
A two-year term to complete a vacated seat, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028.
The elected candidate who receives the most votes will be granted the three-year term.
The Petition for Nomination of Candidate form is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except on school holidays, or via BoardDocs on the District’s website. Petitions must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, and shall state the names and residences of the candidate and petition signers. The candidate’s phone number shall also be stated.
The qualifications that must be met to run for the school board are:
A U.S. citizen
At least 18 years old
A qualified voter in the District
Able to read and write
A resident of the District continuously for one year before the election
Cannot be employed by the Board
Cannot live in the same household as a family member who is also a member of the Board
Petitions must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Posted: January 23rd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Education News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru School News.
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Posted: January 23rd, 2026 under Northern NY News, Regional NY-VT News, Weather News/History.
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L-R Megan Charland and Elsa Koop-Angelicola Gallery Manager & Associate Curator

Megan Charland

Megan, An Executive Director fills many roles
By John T Ryan
Plattsburgh – When Megan Charland graduated from Peru High School in 2004, she didn’t think she would ultimately live in her beloved North County. How would someone who wanted a career in art and photography ever earn a living in this area? Well, Megan Charland is back as Executive Director of the Strand Center for the Arts, responsible for operations at both the Strand Center Theater and the adjacent Arts Center.
At Peru Central, Megan was captain of the volleyball team and an active member of the Key Club, but she spent many hours in the school’s photography darkroom. Meagan recalls, “Digital photography was just coming on the scene. My art teacher, Lynn Manning, taught us all about Adobe Photoshop, so when I got to college, I had a head start over several of my fellow students. She was a big help to me.”
Meagan went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in professional photography and illustration from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Visual Studies and a Graduate Certification in Arts Administration at SUNY Brockport.
While attending RIT, she interned at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. She recalls,”When I saw what the gallery’s executive director did, I said to myself, ‘That’s what I want to do someday.'” After graduate school, she gained valuable experience at the Rochester Contemporary Arts Center and later at the Strong National Museum of Play. She has been an adjunct professor at SUNY Brockport, Robert Wesleyan University, and SUNY Plattsburgh.
Megan is aware that the Strand is important to our region. She explained, “Nothing brings people together like art. You show up at the theater, you’re surrounded by 700 others having fun. Where else in the North Country can you have that kind of experience?” The Strand’s many art classes, school field trips, community studios, youth programs, its Art and Fall Fests, and artisan markets have become part of North Country life. Institutions like CVPH Medical Center highlight the Strand’s presence when they try to attract talent to our region. Megan commented, “We’re also an economic driver. Downtown restaurants often fill up on tribute band nights. They call us to see how ticket sales are going.”
In 2025, the Strand Center for the Arts celebrated its 25th Anniversary and enjoys great community support. Megan Charland loves being part of that success. As she says, “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” And she’s doing it right here in her beloved North Country.
Photos Provided
Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Arts and Entertainment, Education News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru School News, Peru/Regional History, Regional NY-VT News.
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Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, City News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Upstate New York.
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New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has filed a shareholder proposal, on behalf of The New York State Common Retirement Fund*, that calls on Uber to publish a report explaining how it is addressing incidents of riders being sexually harassed and assaulted.
“For Uber to succeed, its users need to feel safe and not have a shred of doubt about using the service,” DiNapoli said. “The company should increase transparency about what it’s doing to protect riders from these horrifying incidents. Being open about the steps it’s taking is key to restoring customers’ trust and protecting the company’s reputation and value.”
As DiNapoli’s shareholder proposal details, published reports have revealed that Uber received a report of sexual assault or misconduct in the U.S. nearly every eight minutes from 2017 to 2022, or more than 400,000 reported incidents.
The unprecedented wave of reported incidents has led to thousands of individual cases in state and federal courts alleging Uber did not have safety measures to protect riders against sexual misconduct. It has also spurred investigations by the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology and Government Innovation and the Attorney General of New Jersey.
* The state’s pension fund holds shares in Uber with an approximate value of $240 million.
Shareholder Proposal
NYS Common Retirement Fund Shareholder Proposal at Uber Technologies
Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Business News, Law Enforcement News, National News, State Government News.
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Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Corruption in Gov't., Political News, State Government News.
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Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Arts and Entertainment, Business News, Corruption in Gov't., Political News, State Government News.
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Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, County Government News, General News, National History, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Social Issues, State Government News, Statewide News.
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DEC News Release of Jan. 21, 2026 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting a virtual meeting series about ongoing actions and efforts to protect, educate, and assist New York communities in addressing the ubiquitous threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The webinars will focus on the PFAS Rural Background Study, treatment of landfill leachate, wastewater treatment guidance, sampling of PFAS in biosolids, and drinking water policy.
“Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State outlined a number of key priorities for protecting New York’s environment, including the development of new regulations to address PFAS contamination and protect New York communities,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Public input is critical to the success of the State’s ongoing progress, and we encourage New Yorkers to participate in upcoming opportunities to help guide these important efforts forward.”
Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State directed DEC to develop draft regulations to instruct landfills to treat leachate for harmful contaminants at the source before discharge and provide funding for local governments to comply (more information is available on page 65 (PDF)). Development of regulations to treat landfill leachate at the source will better protect the environment, drinking water sources, and save taxpayers millions in future cleanup costs. DEC is drafting regulations that will instruct landfills to treat leachate for harmful contaminants at the source before discharge to wastewater treatment plants and will provide funding for local governments to comply. Information sessions specifically about the leachate initiative are scheduled for January 27 and February 11, 2026.
In December, DEC issued a suite of significant new actions and helpful resources to protect, educate, and assist New York communities in addressing the ubiquitous threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. This includes a new progress report detailing New York State’s leadership in addressing PFAS; released a new study detailing the widespread presence of PFAS on the landscape; finalized important wastewater treatment plant guidance that protects drinking water and other surface waters; proposed new policies directing DEC’s actions in PFAS investigations and sampling of biosolids products; and launched a new webpage – dec.ny.gov/pfas – that provides a one-stop resource about these and other initiatives and information about DEC’s multifaceted efforts to address PFAS. These topics and the leachate initiative will be addressed at the January 29 information session being held in cooperation with the State Department of Health.
DEC is also hosting a virtual webinar on February 4 outlining the rulemaking process to draft a proposal regulating PFAS in recycled biosolids to determine the long-term management processes and standards related to biosolids-derived soil amendments.
Details and registration for each meeting are below.
Register link: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r75ed2c65eaa3f98037aefded9882e277
Register link: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r738c493493f7d3679839ab0ba19c00da
Additional details are available on DEC’s website.
Register link: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/r20355ef90ac66aa2a2d2b2b275ee2e6a
Additional information on the proposals to be discussed is available at www.dec.ny.gov/PFAS.
Register link: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/rbc264c83f1a67d9016bec97d84821560
Additional details are available on DEC’s website.
Accessibility for Virtual Meetings
Language interpretation services shall be made available to persons with limited English proficiency, including American Sign Language, at no cost. Requests must be received 10 calendar days before the meeting, but DEC will make every effort to fulfill requests received closer to the hearing date. Requests can be directed to DEC’s Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement by mail (address: NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500), e-mail (language@dec.ny.gov), or phone (518) 402-8028.
Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Business News, Education News, Environmental News, Heathcare News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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Among the company’s proposals: partnering with a helicopter operator to move medical supplies between Vermont and northern New York.
Posted: January 22nd, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, General News, Heathcare News, National News, Northern NY News, Regional NY-VT News.
Tags: Story
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Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 15 at 10:36 p.m., the mother of a 20-year-old skier called Ray Brook Dispatch to report that her son was injured and could not hike back from Mount Marcy to his vehicle at Adirondak Loj. At 3:17 a.m., Lake Colden Caretaker Raudonis met the skier on the trail, rehydrated him, and escorted him to the outpost. The skier was suffering from hip pain and cramping. He spent the night at the outpost and was able to walk out under his own power in the morning. At 11:35 a.m., Rangers Lewis and Rooney met him near Marcy Dam and assisted him back to his vehicle. Resources were clear at 2:57 p.m.
Town of North Hudson
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 18 at 7:46 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a group of five hikers reporting one member of their party was ill and needed assistance back from Dix Range. Forest Rangers Jansen and H. Praczkajlo responded. The ill hiker was extremely fatigued and Rangers transported them and their partner to their vehicle while the remaining hikers continued to the summit of Macomb Mountain. Resources were clear at 10:41 p.m.
DEC Division of Forest Protection Job Opening
DEC is now hiring a full-time communications specialist trainee in Ray Brook, Essex County. Details and information on how to apply by January 28 are available at the StateJobsNY website.
Posted: January 21st, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News.
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Posted: January 21st, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Environmental News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Weather News/History.
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SENATOR STEC ON EXECUTIVE BUDGET: HOW DOES A $260 BILLION
BUDGET MAKE NEW YORK MORE AFFORDABLE?
Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today gave the following statement following Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal:
“Governor Hochul started the year by announcing that affordability would be the defining term of her agenda this year. With this year’s Executive Budget proposal, the governor has shown how unserious she is about making our state more affordable.
“This year’s plan is $260 billion – $6 billion more than last year. New York State headed into the new fiscal year with a projected $4.2 billion deficit. Even with increased revenue projections, this exorbitant spending doesn’t make sense and frankly, it doesn’t work.
“Governor Hochul’s continued insistence on flouting federal immigration law in order to court support from the radical progressives in New York City puts the state at risk of losing federal funding. If that comes to fruition, New York State would face financial collapse. At the very least, co-operating with federal authorities would ensure this needed funding source would continue as-is.
“If the governor wanted to get serious about affordability, this budget proposal would take on the issue I’ve heard about the most from my constituents in recent months: the continually escalating cost of energy. A repeal or delay of the Green New Deal mandates as laid out in the CLCPA and a reduction in the taxes and fees that make up 1/3 of the costs on energy bills is necessary in providing needed relief to all ratepayers.
“The lack of addressing energy costs is a hallmark of everything that’s missing in the Executive Budget proposal. Rather than use this plan to exercise caution, restraint and engage in sound financial planning, Governor Hochul has put forth a budget that doesn’t make it any easier for families, seniors or small businesses to make ends meet. In fact, it just creates an even larger financial burden for all New Yorkers and will only further the outmigration crisis that’s plagued our state for more than a decade.
“I’ve repeatedly noted that you can’t spend your way into affordability. If you could, New York would be the most affordable state in the nation. Instead, it’s the most expensive to state in which to work and live. It’s frustrating that the governor used the Executive Budget proposal to treat affordability as a buzzword instead of an opportunity.”
Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman on the Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal
“Affordability must be at the center of our work. As I said following the State of the State, the North Country must be included in an equitable and meaningful way.
We need real property tax relief and relief from rising utility costs. We must protect seniors and veterans, fully fund our rural schools, expand access to universal childcare, invest in critical municipal infrastructure, and make serious commitments to housing. We must also safeguard our rural health care network and fix Tier 6 so we can recruit and retain the teachers, firefighters, custodians, nurses, and public employees who keep our communities safe and functioning.
The Governor’s budget proposal is only the first step. I will work closely with my Assembly colleagues to ensure the voices and needs of the North Country are heard clearly and consistently as negotiations move forward.”
| NEW YORK’S UNAFFORDABLE GOVERNOR STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
“Governor Kathy Hochul blew a lot of smoke at New Yorkers during her budget address in Albany today, but the chart above reflects the reality of her tenure as New York’s liberal chief executive. In just a few short years, Mrs. Hochul has ballooned our state budget by nearly 40%. Now, she has the audacity to talk about ‘affordability’, as though she and her progressive colleagues aren’t the ones responsible for driving more than a million New Yorkers to other states. “The data doesn’t lie. New York is unaffordable because Kathy Hochul continues to make it that way. Her monstrous new state budget proposal is par for the course. It will continue New York’s long, slow decline into mediocrity and unaffordability. She needs to go.” |
Posted: January 21st, 2026 under Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, State Legislator News, Statewide News.
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Governor Proposes Balanced Budget With No New Income Tax Increases; State has Over $14.6 Billion in Reserves for a ‘Rainy Day’
Full Budget Book Available Here
Governor Hochul News Release of Jan. 20, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today laid out her plans for a stronger, safer, more affordable New York as she unveiled the Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Built to protect taxpayers and New York’s economic growth, while preparing for uncertainty from Washington, the Governor’s budget funds a path to universal child care and makes historic investments in health care, affordable housing and infrastructure without asking New Yorkers to pay more. The Governor’s fiscally responsible budget includes $14.6 billion in reserves and maintains the state’s AA+ credit rating—the best since 1972.
“Every dollar in this year’s budget is being put to work to fight for families,” Governor Hochul said. “While Washington tries to break our budget, we are making smart investments, protecting taxpayers and committing to delivering the services New Yorkers need most. Your family–and your future–is my fight. Together, with my partners in the Legislature, we will protect New York’s future and ensure it remains the best place in the nation to raise a family.”
A Balanced Budget
Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Executive Budget once again includes record investments to support New Yorkers — without raising income taxes. The Executive Budget projects State revenue collection to increase by 9.9 percent and FY27 all funds spending is projected at $260 billion, an increase of 0.7 percent. Governor Hochul has prioritized maintaining the State’s reserves, which are currently at $14.6 billion for an unexpected downturn or “rainy day.” Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to maintain an AA+ bond rating, which reduces borrowing costs.
Affordability for Working Families
Building on the success of her Affordability Agenda that put $5 billion back into the pockets of New Yorkers, Governor Hochul has committed to driving down one of the biggest pressures on family budgets: child care. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has invested over $8.6 billion in child care, expanding access and eligibility, and supporting the child care workforce. The Governor’s plan includes:
The Governor’s Budget also aims to crack down on fraud to lower vehicle insurance rates for New Yorkers, reduce rising home insurance costs by increasing accountability and transparency for insurers and expanding automatic discounts for homeowners and housing providers who invest in damage mitigation measures for their homes or multifamily properties, and tackle utility costs by demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities, empowering the State to fight more effectively for lower bills. The budget also aims to support hardworking New Yorkers by eliminating New York State income tax on tipped wages, up to $25,000 per year. Under the Governor’s proposal, the benefit will begin when New Yorkers file Tax Year 2026 returns.
A Quality Education for Every New Yorker
Every New Yorker deserves a quality education. That’s why the Governor’s budget proposes to invest in the next generation with $39.3 billion in school aid–the highest level in state history. The Governor’s proposal ensures each school district will receive an increase in Foundation Aid–helping to hold the line for local property taxpayers and also includes:
Protecting Access to Health and Mental Health Care Read more »
Posted: January 21st, 2026 under General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Town Clerk Christine Crawford reads the bid total

L-R Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell, Town Clerk Christine Crawford, C&S Design Engineer Michael Rode, Confidential Secretary/Budget Officer Pamela Barber
Peru Town Hall, January 21, 2026 – Town Clerk Christine Crawford opened the one bid received for the Telegraph Road Over Dry Mils Brook Culvert Project. Luck Brother Inc. submitted a bid of $1,852,995.
Posted: January 21st, 2026 under Business News, General News, Highway Dept. News, Northern NY News, Peru News.
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All county DMVs to close for statewide technology upgrade
Posted: January 21st, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, County Government News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News, Statewide News.
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