The Peru Gazette

L-R Errol Thompson and Patrick Beckles

Patrick Beckles

Steve Johnson

September 24, 2026 – Our Jamaican friends are busy in this chilly but beautiful weather, with temperatures up to a balmy 40 degrees at 7:30 a.m. Patrick Beckles, Erron Thompson, and Steve Johnson are picking Honeycrisp apples at Forrence Orchards along Barney Downs Road.

Free ECH group offers education, tips and connection 

Elizabethtown, NY –  Living with diabetes can come with challenges, but support is available close to home. Community members are invited to attend University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital’s next Diabetes Support Group meeting.

The event will be held Wednesday, September 30 at 4:30 pm in the hospital board room. The group is open to anyone living with diabetes, as well as family members, caregivers and others who want to learn more about managing the condition.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and learn practical tips for living well with diabetes. Topics may include healthy eating, blood sugar goals, diabetes self-care and strategies for managing everyday challenges.

According to Denise McLaughlin, RN, BSN, CDCES from the hospital’s Diabetes Education Program, one of the greatest benefits of the group is the chance to connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with diabetes.

“There is real value in talking with people who are facing many of the same challenges,” McLaughlin says. “Support, encouragement and shared experiences can make a meaningful difference. The group provides a welcoming place where people can learn from one another and be reminded that they are not alone in their journey.”

The Diabetes Support Group is free and open to the public. Whether people have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing the condition for years, everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Denise McLaughlin at 518-873-9005.

September 23, 2026 – CLINTON COUNTY, NY – Clinton County Clerk Brandi B. Lloyd announced the availability of PropertyCheck, a free service that allows residents to receive notifications when documents involving a registered property owner’s name are recorded with the Clinton County Clerk’s Office.

PropertyCheck is intended to provide an additional layer of awareness for property owners by notifying them of recording activity that could indicate potential property or mortgage fraud. Residents may register to receive alerts by email or text message.

“Property and mortgage fraud can be difficult to detect until significant harm has already occurred,” said Clinton County Clerk Brandi B. Lloyd. “PropertyCheck gives residents a simple and free way to monitor recording activity associated with their name. While an alert does not necessarily mean fraud has occurred, it provides property owners with an opportunity to review the filing and contact our office promptly if something does not look right.”

To enroll, residents must create an account, select their preferred notification method and enter the property owner’s name exactly as it appears on official documents. Once registered, the system will automatically send an alert when a document matching that name is recorded.

“This free service gives Clinton County property owners a practical way to stay informed and take action quickly if they see something they do not recognize,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairperson Mark R. Henry (Area 3-R, Chazy). “The Legislature is pleased to support PropertyCheck and encourages residents to register and take advantage of this additional safeguard.”

Residents may register for PropertyCheck at:

http://cotthosting.com/nyclintonexternal/Sentry/Home.aspx

PropertyCheck is an alert system and cannot prevent fraudulent documents from being recorded. Residents who receive an alert concerning an unfamiliar document should contact the Clinton County Clerk’s Office at 518-565-4710 for additional information.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for an earlier Peru Gazette story

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of April 2026 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC HEARING
6. APPLICATIONS:
   1. File # Z-2026-113 – Commercial Interpretation – Lake Champlain Transportation – Pertains to multiple parcels including: 258.-2-2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 12, 13.1 – 3984, 4013, 4016 Rt 9 Plattsburgh – Applicant disagrees with Codes Officer that Section 500 of the Zoning Ordinance would apply to the marina & restaurant, applicant feels these uses are “permitted” and are not “pre-existing non-conforming.”
7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
8. CEO REPORT for September 2026
9. ADJOURNMENT

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Peru is anticipating that the budget for the fiscal year of 2027 will require a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal Law § 3-c, and
WHEREAS, a local law is required pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law§ 3-c to authorize the Town Board to override the tax levy limit by the adoption of a local law approved by vote of sixty percent (60%) of the Town Board, so be it therefore
RESOLVED, that Local Law #2 for the year 2026, entitled “A Local Law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law § 3-c is duly introduced, and be it further,
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing on said proposed Local Law #2 of 2026 will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, September 28 at 5:45 p.m. where the public will be allowed an opportunity to voice comments for or against said law.

2025 Peru Gazette File Photo

September 22, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $67.5 million in grants through New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) for 89 projects to build, expand and renovate public playgrounds across New York State.  The Town of Plattsburgh was awarded $1.28 million for a new playground at the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Park located on Route 9 across from Clare and Carls. 

The awards are designed to help municipalities and nonprofit organizations create and improve accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active and connect with their communities.

The $67.5 million in state funding will support playground projects representing more than $145 million in total investment. More than $36 million will support projects in underserved communities, expanding access to safe, high-quality outdoor recreation across the state. 

“Playgrounds give children a place to be active, build friendships and connect with the world around them,” Governor Hochul said. “Through NY PLAYS, we are investing in communities across our state and creating more safe, accessible places where children of all abilities can get outside and play. These projects will give more New York families opportunities to put down their devices, spend time together and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

The awards will support 36 new playgrounds, 23 major expansions and 30 renovations across all 10 regions of New York State. Projects range from new adaptive and inclusive playgrounds to major improvements that will modernize existing neighborhood play spaces. 

NY PLAYS is part of Governor Hochul’s Unplug and Play initiative, which encourages children and families to put down their devices, spend more time outdoors, be physically active and connect with one another. The initiative also includes the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) and Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS).

State’s Highest Honor for Police Officers Recognizes Exceptional Valor and Bravery

September 22, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Rochester Police Officer Nicole Amatore is the recipient of the 2026 Police Officer of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional courage and bravery in the face of grave danger.

Officer Amatore stopped a gunman who had shot and wounded three of her colleagues and then opened fire on her. She exchanged fire with the gunman and ended the threat, even as a bullet struck the tree she was using for cover.

“It takes tremendous courage and integrity for police officers to suit up each day and put themselves in harm’s way to protect others,” Governor Hochul said. “It takes even more to remain calm and act quickly and decisively in the face of a deadly threat. Officer Amatore did just that while under fire from a gunman who had already wounded three of her colleagues. It is my honor to name Officer Amatore the 2026 Police Officer of the Year for her extraordinary bravery and dedication to public service.”

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Commissioner Rossana Rosado presented the Police Officer of the Year Award on behalf of Governor Hochul during the agency’s annual Public Safety Symposium, the state’s largest professional gathering of public safety leaders and partners.

Officer Amatore ’s actions occurred on Dec. 19, 2025, when Rochester police responded to a 911 call from a woman whose estranged partner was armed and attempting to enter the home where she and her children were living.

Two responding officers found the suspect outside a first-floor window and ordered him to show his hands. He instead pulled a gun from his pocket and opened fire, striking both officers. The gunman fled on foot and encountered a third officer several blocks away. He fired again, striking that officer.

When Officer Amatore arrived, the suspect shot at her. She took cover behind a tree, returned fire and stopped the gunman, ending the threat. One of the suspect’s rounds struck the tree she was using for cover. All three wounded officers survived their injuries. Read more »

Anglers Encouraged to Take Advantage of Fall Fishing Opportunities

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced a statewide Free Fishing Day on Saturday, September 26. During any of the six designated Free Fishing Days, the fishing license requirement is waived for fishing on New York’s fresh waters.

“Fishing in New York is better than ever,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Whether it’s chasing salmon on a Great Lakes tributary, pursuing bass on a scenic lake, or casting a line in a local stream, there’s something here for everyone. I encourage anglers to take advantage of New York’s Free Fishing Days and introduce someone new to the sport.”

This Free Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and our abundant natural resources, and to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.

DEC and its partners also hold free “learn to fish” clinics throughout the year. In addition to learning about local fishing opportunities, participants are taught about fish identification, how to cast a fishing rod, fishing safety, aquatic resource stewardship, and fishing regulations. A full list of programs can be found on DEC’s website. Check the list regularly as new events are added throughout the year.

DEC also offers a host of online resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch, and understanding fishing regulations. There’s also a video series on DEC’s YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide. If you’re looking for a spot to fish during a Free Fishing Weekend, check out some publicly accessible locations on DEC’s Places to Fish site. You can also use the DECinfo Locator Map or Tackle Box feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app to find a fishing spot near you, along with information on parking, boat launches, and more. Anglers can also access their sporting license information, which serves as valid proof of possessing a fishing license.

The final Free Fishing Day for 2026 will take place on November 11 (Veterans Day). On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during Free Fishing Days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC’s website.

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the 7 News story 

Click here to view photos 

Click here for the vtdigger story 

The Granny’s Attic Unique Boutique Sale is set for Saturday September 26^th, with doors opening promptly at 9AM, and until 4PM Saturday.  Available for purchase is a huge assortment of good quality and unusual items graciously provided by dozens of families from the area.  The sale continues Sunday September 27^th starting at 10AM (after church services) and until 2PM with most items at half-price.  Baked goods are also offered Saturday and possibly Sunday, until sold out.  A special ‘clearance’ sale follows on Saturday, October 3^rd  9AM to 4PM, with a ‘stuff the bag $5’ sale until noon, then remaining items ‘pay what you like’ or free for the taking noon until 4PM.  All are welcome!!

Sponsored by the Peru Community Church, this 17^th sale event is open to all, and is held in the Church’s Fellowship Center main hall at 13 Elm Street (corner of Rts.22B, 22, & Elm).  Proceeds from the sale support the missions, programs and operations of the Peru Community Church.  This year we are also honoring the memory of Sandra Lashua of Peru, who initiated the first sale named “Granny’s Attic” in 2015, and who recently passed away.  Some of the proceeds will be donated to one of her favorite charities.

The fun and excitement of every Granny’s Attic sale is always the community that comes together to donate, sort and organize, and then, on sale day, to greet old friends and meet new ones, Read more »

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Beef Stew

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!