Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Unions want state leaders to sweeten their retirement packages. What would it cost, and what would it achieve?

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Governor moves to amend NY Climate Act as legislative leaders signal opposition to rollbacks

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

From grand hotels to mountain bike trails: The evolution of the Adirondacks’ new “hometown”

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Sunday April 12th, 3pm. Doors open at 2:30pm, The Strand Theatre, 25 Brinkerhoff Street, Plattsburgh NY 12901. 

TICKETS: http://strandcenter.vbotickets.com/event/hill_and_hollow_music_presents_kiran_ahluwalia/183585

EXPERIENCE KIRAN’S TINY DESK CONCERT HERE!Two-time JUNO (Canadian Grammy) winner Kiran Ahluwalia’s open-hearted vocals have established her as one of global music’s most compelling cross-pollinators. Her six-piece band is led by ace guitarist Rez Abbasi whose accolades include the Guggenheim Fellowship and frequent appearances on the Top Ten Guitarists of Downbeat’s International Critics Poll and is rounded out by drum kit, table accordion and organ.

Kiran and Rez are a real-life couple, one born in India, the other in Pakistan. Having grown up in the diaspora they crossed ethnic and religious lines between their two warring motherlands to forge a musical and life partnership. Together they craft songs that are equal parts reflective and groovy and bring together the disparate traditions of Indian music, West African Blues and Jazz. Three continents come together in these songs so organically that they sound like nothing else: ethereal, raw, urgent and elegant at the same time. Over the course of eight albums, Kiran’s work has featured collaborations with leading musicians from the Celtic and Fado worlds, as well as Malian supergroup Tinariwen. Her reworking of the classic Qawwali tune Mustt Mustt has amassed over 3 million views online and the inspiration that drove her to create it continues to inform her music today.

We look forward to seeing you on April 12th in the historic Strand Theatre. For more information on all the upcoming shows, please visit hillandhollowmusic.org.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

Hill and Hollow Music proudly announce the appointment of Tom McNichols to the role of Executive Director, succeeding founder Angela Brown after 30 years. Weatherwatch Farm • 550 Number 37 Road • Saranac NY 12981. 917.435.0420 • tom@tommcnichols.com • www.hillandhollowmusic.org

Click here for the IRS website that list federal tax certified tax preparers 

Times-Union reports, “For starters, make sure to use a trustworthy tax preparer, one that was willing to sign their name on the tax return and provide their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Avoid tax preparers who charge a fee based on your refund amount or who promise they can get you a larger refund than anyone else. Don’t sign off on a blank tax return that has not been filled out, and make sure refund money is always directly deposited into your bank account — the IRS and Treasury have phased out of issuing paper checks. Lastly, ignore social media influencers who encourage you to falsify your tax returns.”

Click here for the NCPR story 

New York is now one of two U.S. states to approve a climate education requirement for students across the state

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

District Attorneys, Sheriffs and Police Chiefs from Across New York State Support Governor’s Proposals 

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2025 Season the Safest on Record

Plattsburgh, NY – March 24, 2026, Press Release  – Plattco Corporation, a leader in industrial valve and flow-control engineering, is advancing manufacturing innovation in the North Country with the launch of EVA™ (Electric Valve Actuator), a state-of-the-art patented system designed to replace traditional compressed air actuation in the most demanding industrial environments.

The EVA™ launch demonstrates how regional manufacturers can lead in high-tech industrial solutions while supporting local economic growth. By modernizing valve operation and eliminating the need for compressed air infrastructure, Plattco is helping businesses in cement, bulk material handling, and renewable energy industries improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and operate more sustainably.

“EVA™ is a major step forward for industrial operations in the North Country,” said Kevin Guay, VP of Sales and Engineering at Plattco. “It not only enhances performance for our customers but also strengthens the local manufacturing ecosystem, supporting jobs, supply chains, and regional economic development initiatives.”

Regional and Industry Impact:

●     North Country Growth: Adoption of EVA™ supports local suppliers, creates skilled manufacturing jobs, and positions Plattsburgh as a hub for industrial innovation.

●     Industry Relevance: EVA™ provides reliable, precise control for sectors such as cement production, bulk material handling, and renewable energy, areas critical to both regional and national infrastructure.

●     Operational Advantage: Performs reliably in extreme temperatures, abrasive material conditions, and environments where air-based systems fail, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

EVA™ is retrofit-ready for existing valve installations, enabling regional operators to modernize without major redesigns, while delivering long-term cost savings and measurable efficiency gains.

Plattco’s innovation illustrates how manufacturing excellence can drive both economic development in the North Country and competitiveness in key industrial sectors worldwide.

About Plattco
Plattco Corporation engineers flow-control solutions for the most demanding industrial environments. Focused on bulk solids handling for high-temperature and abrasive applications, Plattco designs products where failure is not an option.

April 9^th – 2:30 pm, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh A Virtual Tour of the Old Base Oval with Helen Nerska showing photos of the original buildings and the histories associated with each.

April 11^th – 10 am to 3 pm, Clinton County Historical Association & Museum, 98 Ohio Avenue, (Old Base) Plattsburgh. Celebrating Slow Art Day. Share your thoughts and inspirations as you join CCHA Board member Karin Thone for tours of the museum and its art treasures. Special tours are scheduled for 11 am and 1 pm.

April 17^th, 12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. Town of Peru Settlers before the Revolution – Not Just William Hay in 1772.  People and Stories never before revealed with David Glenn. 

April 22, 6:00 pm, Peru Free Library, 3024, N. Main Street, Peru. Town of Peru Settlers before the Revolution – Not Just William Hay in 1772.  People and Stories never before revealed with David Glenn.

April 23^rd – 6:00 pm, Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel, Old Base, Plattsburgh. “Should the Enemy come up the Lake…you will act with such cool determined valour, as will give them Reason to repent their Temerity.” On October 11, 1776, Commandant Benedict Arnold and his American Fleet literally found themselves in dire straits. Outgunned and out manned, it was a setting of Arnold’s choosing, and one in which he hoped to slow and ensnare the inevitable British advance into the Champlain Valley. Join Ed Scollon as he shares the findings of the Valcour Bay Research Project and the consequences that the Battle of Valcour had for the American Gondola New York, its crew and one of their families. Ed Scollon is a retired NYS Trooper and NYS Underwater Recovery Team Member. A Co-Founder and Co-Principal Investigator of the Valcour Bay Research Project, Ed continues to work as an archaeological diver and researcher, focusing his study on the 1776 Battle of Valcour Island.

Please contact Helen Nerska, Director, Clinton County Historical Association for more information. All events are free and open to the public.  Thank you for sharing our history.

No age restrictions, no AARP membership necessary

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Southern Zone Harvest is Highest Recorded Since DEC Began Monitoring in 1955

Read more »

Story explores idealism vs reality 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Elizabethtown, NY, March 23, 2026  –  For anyone recovering from an injury or illness, getting therapy at the right time can make all the difference. When care is close by and appointments are available, patients can regain strength, independence and confidence sooner. That’s why University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital opened a new outpatient rehabilitation center today at 78 Park Street.

Hospital officials say the new space – more than double the size of the former rehab area at Elizabethtown Community Health Center – gives patients earlier access to care, increased privacy and advanced technology normally unavailable in many rural settings.

“With expanded space and state-of-the-art technology, we’re raising the standard of rehabilitation available in our region,” says Bob Ortmyer, hospital president. “For a century, Elizabethtown Community Hospital has brought essential health care closer to home. Today’s opening is a continuation of that legacy.” 

Meeting a Growing Need

Rehab visits at Elizabethtown Community Hospital have increased steadily, reaching nearly 10,500 visits last year, putting the previous location at almost 100% capacity. The number of visits could surpass 13,000 per year by 2029. Even as the region’s overall population is projected to dip slightly in the next three years, the 65+ population – those most likely to need rehabilitation – is expected to grow by nearly 10%, and they already account for more than half of rehab visits.

The new facility is expected to reduce wait times by approximately 10%, thanks to more treatment rooms, expanded scheduling flexibility and plans to add additional therapists as demand continues to grow.

“The demand is there right now, and it’s only increasing as our population ages,” explains Bill Doherty, Director of Rehabilitation. “This new facility gives us the capacity and the setting we need – not just for today’s patients, but for the growing number of people who will rely on us in the years ahead.” 

A Space Designed for Healing

Inside the building, patients will find:

• 11 private treatment rooms
• A 5,700‑square‑foot open gym filled with natural light
• A team of 10 physical, occupational and speech therapists provide comprehensive, coordinated care for patients of all ages
• Expanded services for orthopedic, neurologic, sports injury, pelvic health, vestibular, lymphedema, cardiac and pulmonary rehab

They’ll also be able to use advanced technology like the AlterG anti‑gravity treadmill, LiteGait system and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy. These tools help people move, rebuild strength and return to daily life sooner – all in a setting designed around comfort, safety and results. Additionally, the center supports cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

“What excites us most is what this means for our patients,” Doherty adds. “Every piece of this space was designed with them in mind. With the technology and room we have now, we can guide people through recovery in ways that are safer, more effective and more personalized than ever. It’s a level of care our community deserves – right here at home.” 

A Community Effort – With Gratitude to Donors and Leaders

The project is a $9.5 million investment. A majority of the funding, $6.5 million, comes from the New York State Health Care Facility Transformation Program. Hospital support and generous community donors covered the remaining cost. Elizabethtown Community Hospital recognizes its long-standing partnership with PC Construction and E4H Architecture, whose experience in rural health care brought the design to life. And hospital officials are grateful for the support of local and state leaders who champion investments that improve access to care for the North Country.

Temporary donor plaques will be on display, with permanent recognition to be installed in time for the Community Open House on July 18 to celebrate the hospital’s centennial.

The opening comes as ECH marks its 100th year of serving Essex County — a milestone that underscores the hospital’s decades‑long commitment to expanding access to essential services.

“As we celebrate our centennial, this new center reflects exactly what ECH has always been about,” Ortmyer said. “Listening to our community, identifying what people need most, and building toward a healthier future.”

Facility Snapshot

• Name: Elizabethtown Community Hospital Outpatient Rehab
• Address: 78 Park Street, Elizabethtown, NY
• Operating Hours: 7:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday
• Size: 13,000 square feet
• Services: Orthopedic, neurologic, sports injury, pelvic health, balance/vestibular, lymphedema; cardiac and pulmonary rehab
• Team: 10 therapists across PT, OT, and Speech
• Technology: AlterG, LiteGait, BFR therapy
• Access Impact: ~10% reduction in wait times expected with added capacity

About Elizabethtown Community Hospital

University of Vermont Health – Elizabethtown Community Hospital is a not-for-profit critical access hospital with locations in Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga and six community-based primary care centers serving Essex County and the Adirondack Park region. As part of a rural academic health system serving Vermont and northern New York, we provide essential emergency, inpatient, rehabilitation and specialty care close to home. Together, we deliver access to leading-edge technology, advanced treatment options and the highest level of compassionate care while addressing the critical needs and unique challenges facing our patients, their families and our employees.

Plattsburgh, NY, March 23, 2026 -— The Plattsburgh YMCA Board of Directors today announced the unanimous appointment of Jeffrey L. Collen as Interim Chief Executive Officer, along with additional leadership steps to support the organization during this critical time.

Collen was identified through YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and selected by the Board for his extensive experience leading YMCA organizations through periods of transition and operational improvement.

Collen brings decades of executive leadership experience within the YMCA movement, having served as CEO and Interim CEO for multiple YMCA associations across the country.

Most recently, he has served in interim executive roles with YMCA associations in Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri, where he has been recognized for strengthening operations, improving program quality, rebuilding community trust, and guiding organizations through complex organizational challenges.

Over the course of his career, Collen has successfully led organizations through financial distress, operational restructuring, and community reinvestment-restoring stability, enhancing member experience, and developing strong leadership teams.

The Board intentionally sought an experienced, external leader to provide an independent, objective, and transparent assessment of operations and to help guide the YMCA forward.

“We are grateful to have someone of Jeff’s caliber stepping into this role at such a critical time,” said Courtney DeLaura, Chair of the Plattsburgh YMCA Board of Directors. “His experience working with YMCAs across the country, particularly during times of transition, will be instrumental as we work to stabilize operations and move forward with a clear and accountable path.”

In addition, the YMCA announced that Stephanie Purcell, currently serving as Membership Director, will step in as Acting Director of the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center.

Purcell brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, youth programming, and YMCA operations. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Cazenovia College and has served in multiple leadership roles within the Plattsburgh YMCA, including Director of the Y’s Time Before & After School Program and Director of Y Wee Care.

In these roles, Purcell has overseen childcare operations, staffing, curriculum development, and regulatory compliance, while building strong relationships with families and the community. Her background also includes experience as a lead teacher and camp director, with a consistent focus on creating safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments for children.

The YMCA continues to work closely with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), law enforcement, and legal counsel to implement all required corrective actions and safeguards following the allegations of physical abuse in the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center.

“Our focus remains on child protection and accountability,” said Molly Ryan, Vice Chairperson for the YMCA Board of Directors. “We are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that the Bright Beginnings Childcare Center can safely reopen under the strongest possible standards for child safety and oversight.”

The Board emphasized that the organization is actively working to:

• Strengthen policies, reporting procedures, and staff training
• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Reestablish safe and effective operations within the childcare center

The Bright Beginnings Childcare Center will remain closed until further notice. The YMCA will continue to provide updates to families, staff, and the community as progress is made toward reopening.

—

Plattsburgh, NY, March 23, 2026  — Assemblyman Michael Cashman (D – Plattsburgh) proudly hosted the 10th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony, recognizing an inaugural class of eight extraordinary women whose leadership, service, and compassion continue to shape communities across the North Country. Each honoree reflected a shared and powerful idea—to inspire by example. The evening’s program was emceed by Linda Bourgeois, herself a former Woman of Distinction honoree recognized by former Assemblyman Jones.

Special thanks were extended to the MHAB Life Skills Campus for graciously hosting the event and for their ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families throughout the region.

“Each of these women leads not just through words, but through action,” Assemblyman Cashman said. “They inspire by example through service, resilience, and a deep commitment to lifting others up. Their stories remind us what’s possible when leadership is rooted in purpose.”

The 2026 Women of Distinction honorees include:

• Kara Stark Elliott (Business)
• Ellie Jent (Community & Civic Affairs)
• Katie Hendrie (Health Care)
• Patricia LaValley (Civil Service)
• Julie Coon (Education)
• Kristeen Colby (Humanitarian Work)
• Amy Asadourian (Military Service/Law Enforcement)
• Michelle Breen (Volunteerism)

Each honoree received an official New York State Assembly Proclamation from Assemblyman Cashman in recognition of their lasting contributions. Their stories marked by perseverance, leadership, and service serve as a powerful source of inspiration for communities throughout the region.

Assemblyman Cashman also announced that planning is already underway for next year’s Women of Distinction program, building on this year’s momentum and continuing the tradition of recognizing women who lead and inspire by example.

“The North Country is stronger because of these women,” Cashman added. “And this is just the beginning. We look forward to continuing this important tradition for years to come.”

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Chciken and Biscuits

Vegetable 

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!