The Peru Gazette

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Four farms upstate won’t sign or follow contracts awarded by state-appointed arbitrators after bargaining stalled.

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Rachel Calkin Covey

Sweet Treats Photo

Sweet Treats Photo

Sweet Treats Photo

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY, July 1, 2025. When spring’s first warm day arrives, there’s one place in Peru where you’re virtually guaranteed to find a large crowd – Sweet Treats Ice Cream. Since opening in the early 1980s, the shop has been a local and regional favorite. On April 24, its local ownership tradition continued when Rachel Calkins Covey welcomed customers for the first time. Rachel commented, “I started coming here when Pope’s operated it. It’s been a part of my life, and I enjoy trying new things. Over the years, I had thought about owning a bakery, but as a real estate agent, buying an ice cream shop wasn’t on my radar. However, after giving it some thought, I decided to do it,  so here I am.” Since a previous owner still holds the name Sweet Treat, the shop is now called Sweet Treats.

Sweet Treats is an appropriate name. The shop’s list of offerings seems endless. There’s hard and soft ice cream, sorbets, as well as non-dairy and vegan options, plus weekly specials. Oatmilk ice creams called Super Berry ACAI and Classic Cookie are non-dairy favorites. Popular dairy flavors include pistachio, maple (with local maple syrup), black raspberry, vanilla, Superman, and cotton candy. Customers can choose from more than 30 hard ice cream flavors. Suppliers include Hershey’s, Giffords, Hood, and Dole. Warning, the hard ice creams are very rich. Gifford’s is 14% butterfat, Hershey’s is 12%, Hershey’s Premium Gold is 18%. Rachel says, “We’re always coming up with new concoctions. People love things like our waffle cones with a cotton candy crunch coating.”

What’s been her biggest surprise? Rachel said, “The amount of support I’ve received, many people have reached out. There’s been much love and good wishes.”  Finding employees hasn’t been a problem. Seven or eight of Tim and Jeanne Arnold’s employees stayed, and Rachel hired four, with forty applications on file. The staff consists of students from several area schools, plus two school teachers.

Rachel is up on the latest technology. You can find her website at https://www.sweettreatsperu.com. One of its pages highlights the shop’s 40+ year history. The fun Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/SweetTreatsIceCream. Beginning today, July 1, the shop’s summer hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.  

Jamie Eagan, RN Receives DAISY Award

PLATTSBURGH, NY (7/1/2025) – A normally beautiful moment bringing a baby into the world became life-threatening in the operating room. The newborn was healthy, but the new mother was losing a lot of blood.
Jamie Eagan, RN, a member of the labor and delivery team at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) was rushing in and out of the OR to bring supplies in and help out any way she could.

“Jamie is a nurse you want by your side when something is happening on the unit,” says Cierra Lafountain, LPN, an OR technician at the hospital. “She has the knowledge, experience and compassion to be put into any situation and excel.”

Thankfully, the mother was stabilized. But she was also intubated. Lafountain says Eagan stayed with the mother to make sure the newborn could still experience skin-to-skin time with her. This was critical, helping regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate and breathing while promoting bonding, even as the mother remained sedated.

The mother was transferred to University of Vermont Medical Center for a higher level of care and fully recovered. Lafountain points out this is one of many examples she has witnessed Eagan providing compassionate care to patients.

“She is always willing to lend a hand, cheer up a new mom or hold the hand of a mother-to-be when they think they can’t do this anymore. Jamie is an extraordinary nurse to her patients and an extraordinary person in general,” Lafountain adds.

That is why she nominated Eagan for The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. And Eagan was presented the honor during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues in the Alice T. Miner Women and Children’s Center (WCC).

During the award presentation, Eagan was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse. She, like all honorees, also received a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

CVPH launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in 2018 to recognize and reward licensed nurses for making a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and online at UVMHealth.org/CVPHDaisy. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving nurse each quarter.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.

“Today, Senate Republicans moved one step closer to ripping health care away from millions of Americans to pay for massive tax breaks for billionaires.

“From North Country farmers to downstate hospitals, Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ would devastate New Yorkers. Over one million people in our state would lose their health care. A quarter million would see cuts to SNAP. Nursing homes will close. Food prices will rise. Hospitals will shutter. All during a national affordability crisis.

“Every single New York Republican in Congress backed this disaster. They helped write it, cheered it on, and voted to gut the very programs that keep their constituents alive. The bill slashes Medicaid, axes clean energy tax credits, and guts SNAP.

“I will do everything in my power to shield New Yorkers from the fallout. But if this bill becomes law, there will be real pain. And the Republicans who helped inflict it won’t be able to hide from the consequences. Not in Washington. Not in New York. Not ever.”

Estimated Impact of Hospital Cuts by New York Economic Region

Growing demands, arrivals at all hours and a rare disease are just some of the challenges Vermont’s prisons have faced while working with federal immigration authorities.

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Program Covers Tuition, Books and Fees for Adult New Yorkers Ages 25-55; Expands Access to Higher Education and Career Mobility to Millions of Adult Learners

SUNY and CUNY Reconnect Applications Now Open, Link To Apply Available for SUNY Here and CUNY Here 

Governor Kathy Hochul today launched New York’s free community college program for SUNY and CUNY students as part of her fight to lower costs for New Yorkers and make education more affordable. Starting this fall through SUNY and CUNY Reconnect, New York State will cover tuition, fees, books and supplies for community college studentsages 25-55 pursuing select associate degrees in high-demand occupations. 

“The cost of pursuing a degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers — that’s why we’re opening the doors of opportunity at SUNY and CUNY so that students can achieve their dreams,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m fighting to make education more affordable and accessible, and the Reconnect program will continue to pave the way forward for students as they enter our State’s future workforce.”

As part of Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address, free community college for adults in high-demand fields builds on her legacy of ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a world-class and affordable education.

For the four million working-age adults in New York who do not already have a college degree or credential, the free community college program for adult students provides a valuable education at SUNY and CUNY campuses, with tuition, fees, books and supplies all covered after applicable financial aid. In addition, eligible students will have access to advising and support. 

New York State has stepped up as a national leader in many emerging industries such as semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and AI. As a result of these investments, many of the new jobs available in New York will require workers with a degree or credential to fill these specialized positions. The SUNY and CUNY Reconnect programs will help connect eligible New Yorkers to these job opportunities. 

In order to be eligible for the program, students will enroll in high-demand fields including:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Technology
• Nursing and allied health fields
• Green and renewable energy
• Pathways to teaching in shortage areas

In order to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed, the program includes funding for SUNY and CUNY to support retention through wrap-around supports such as academic advising and student success coaching. In addition, it also includes funding to support marketing for effective outreach for the program.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “The Governor’s free community college initiative will help empower eligible New Yorkers to achieve their full potential and move our state economy forward. By implementing SUNY Reconnect, campuses throughout New York have already seen promising interest and enthusiasm from adult learner students ready to seize this opportunity. We appreciate the strong support from Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to ensure New Yorkers receive the world-class education and job training opportunities they deserve, on the path to upward mobility and career advancement.”

Early morning crash claims the life of Westport man

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June 30, 2025 CCIDA Press Release – Plattsburgh, NY — The Clinton County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) today unveiled a visionary feasibility presentation outlining three transformative redevelopment concepts for the Clinton Community College campus. The presentation, developed in partnership with CPL Architecture, Engineering & Planning, offers a bold reimagining of the 104-acre, County-owned property along the Lake Champlain shoreline.

The event, held at the Clinton Community College Atrium, brought together County legislators, IDA board members, and local and regional economic development stakeholders to review the study’s findings and discuss the site’s potential future.

“This study represents the start of a new chapter for this incredible asset,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the CCIDA. “We now have a forward-looking roadmap that reflects the needs of the region and the input of our partners. We’re excited to move from vision to action.”

Trent Trahan, Chair of the CCIDA Board, emphasized the importance of collaboration in making this vision a reality. “The work ahead will take all of us—our partners in education, government, and industry. We’re proud to have helped lead this process and look forward to supporting its implementation.”

Mark Henry, Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature, added, “As owners of the Clinton Community College property, the County Legislature is committed to seeing it used in ways that benefit our residents and strengthen our regional economy. This study provides a solid foundation for those conversations.”

The feasibility study presents three distinct redevelopment concepts for the campus:

• Lake Champlain Adventure and Discovery Campus – A family-oriented destination focused on immersive education, cultural storytelling, and recreation.

• Champlain Nexus – A hub for environmental research, sustainable manufacturing, and innovation.

• Eco-Voyage Champlain – An eco-tourism campus emphasizing smart design, renewable systems, and regional identity.

Each concept integrates educational, recreational, cultural, and commercial components to support both seasonal tourism and year-round activity. The study also includes a phased development strategy designed to promote financial viability and attract public-private partnerships over time.

“This property offers a unique opportunity to create a regional destination that drives tourism, fosters innovation, and celebrates the natural and cultural richness of the Champlain Valley,” said Andrew Kosa, PE Principal at CPL. “We’re thrilled to work with the CCIDA and Clinton County on shaping this vision.”

The CCIDA is now entering the next phase of the process—gathering additional stakeholder and public input to refine the vision and begin positioning the project for funding and partnership opportunities.

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, July 7, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region.  Your neighbors appreciate and need your support.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates the blood drive.  

Since 1900, annual temperatures in Vermont have increased by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit, and annual precipitation has increased by 21% over the same span, according to the state.

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Peru Gazette File Photo

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $6 million State investment to replace the Long Building at the North Elba Showgrounds in Lake Placid, ensuring the continued success of the internationally recognized Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows. The Governor made the announcement during the 55th annual horse shows, which generate $17.9 million in economic activity and support 164 jobs in the Adirondack region.

“I’ll always remember visiting Lake Placid as a kid and experiencing the wonders of this community, and it’s those experiences — shared by residents and tourists alike — that make investments like this one in the North Elba Showgrounds so important,” Governor Hochul said. “This facility will create jobs and spur economic activity for generations of North Country residents, and I look forward to seeing the community grow alongside it into a brighter future.” 

The funding, which will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), will enable the complete replacement of the aging Long Building, a central facility used for spectator services, catering and event operations during the two-week horse show. The modern facility will provide improved amenities, accessible features, and flexible space to support year-round community programming including Camp Placid, a youth summer program.

The North Elba Showgrounds have hosted the Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows for 54 years, with the event spanning the July 4 holiday period. Recent facility assessments determined that without significant infrastructure improvements, the venue risked losing its ability to attract top-tier competitors and maintain its international standing in equestrian sport.

The horse shows represent a significant economic engine for the Adirondack region, generating $17.9 million in total economic impact annually. This includes $13.9 million in direct spending, $2.8 million in state and local tax revenue and support for 164 total jobs. Visitors spend $12.2 million on lodging, dining, retail and entertainment throughout the region during the two-week event. Read more »

With Arthur Cohn, American Revolutionary War Historian and Author

6:30 p.m., 11 July 2025 at the Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel on the Oval

As we enter the 250th anniversary year marking the beginning of the American Revolution, it seems proper to revisit some of the lesser-known events and people from that era to examine what occurred, and perhaps, why.

When “the shots heard round the world” rang out at Concord and Lexington on April 19th, 1775, few realized that this was the opening salvo of an eight-year struggle for the independence of Britain’s American colonies to become the United States of America. By returning to the nation’s earliest events through writings, images and stories, we can often better understand what happened.

Richard Montgomery, son of Irish aristocracy, had become a professional British soldier who served in North America during the French and Indian War. After that service, in which Richard had proven himself in combat and as a gifted leader of men, he was promoted to Captain. After eight years of continuous action, Richard finally was able to return to Great Britian. Captain Montgomery’s friendship with several pro-American British members of Parliament, coupled with Montgomery’s long experience in North America, caused Montgomery to develop a sympathy for the American colonies.

In 1772, after being passed over for promotion to the rank of major, Montgomery resigned his commission in the British army and made the life-changing decision to emigrate to America. Arriving in New York City, Richard, now a civilian, bought a farm just north of city and courted and married Janet Livingston, the daughter of a prominent Hudson Valley family.

When war broke out, Richard was appointed to the New York Provincial Council. Soon after, he was offered a general’s commission in the new Continental Army being formed by its newly appointed Commander-in-Chief, George Washington. Montgomery’s military and leadership experience coupled with his commitment to his adopted country’s cause produced a remarkable record of success.

Art’s talk will introduce the audience to Richard Montgomery and take a focused look at the campaign of 1775, when an army under the command of Benedict Arnold and an army under the command of Richard Montgomery invaded British Canada and almost won the war.

The presentation will also examine Richard’s marriage to Janet Livingston Montgomery and their lives interrupted by conflict.

Brief bio for Art:

Art Cohn was born in Nyack-on-Hudson and graduated from Boston College Law School before becoming a professional diver, underwater archaeologist and public policy advocate for the preservation of shipwrecks. Art has participated in the development of national and international legislation designed to protect underwater cultural heritage and was the co-founder, and now Director Emeritus, of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum at Basin Harbor, Vermont.

Art is an Affiliated Scholar of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M University, the Canal Society of New York State and the Clinton County Historical Association.

Considered an authority of the American Revolution, Art’s talk will discuss why the Champlain Valley is so important to the American story and the conflict that led Congress to ask us to have “A Grateful Remembrance” of Richard and Janet Montgomery.

This program is sponsored by the Clinton County America250 Committee under the leadership of the Clinton County Historical Association with funding from a 2025 Special Programs Grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.  This event is open and free to the public.  For more America250 events, go to www.goadirondack.com, www.battleofvalcour.com and www.adcoastcultural.org .

For more information about the America250 Commemoration, please call Geri Favreau at 518/561-0340.

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The tornado was about as wide as a football field. It had estimated peak winds of 105 mph, making it an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale

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Alois Barta – US Marines 1960 – 1990 Vietnam

Al Barta came from a large military family. Al had 8 brothers who also served their Country: 2 in WWII, 2 in Korea and 4 others during Vietnam. Al’s 30-year career in the Marine Corps introduced him to many others who would become like family. The comradery was crucial. Al did 3 tours of Vietnam, as part of the Marine Wing Support. He arranged airdrops of supplies to the Marines on the ground. Al said sitting in an aircraft loaded with fuel and ammo is not a comfortable ride. Two A-4 Skyhawks would bomb and drop Napalm on the landing zone before the KC-130 would make its drop. 

In between his second and third tour, Al got to work on the C-54 Sky master transporting VIPs over to Europe, during this time, Al attained the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. 

Charles Bradford – US Navy 1963- 1967 – Vietnam

When Charles Bradford joined the Navy, he had no idea that of his 4 years, 3 of those would be spent traveling the world. Unfortunately, some of that time would include delivering fuel and explosives to Vietnam. A missile attack is always on your mind, the average survival time after a missile attack is 12 seconds. 

Charles was aboard the Destroyer Hawkins, as well as, the Adirondack Class Command ship, USS Pocono. Charles was at the Gulf of Tonkin, a major incident which brought the United States deeper into war.

Charles sailed the world after leaving Vietnam. He went through the Suez Canal, the Panama Canal and was initiated a Shellback when crossing the equator. 

Gary Sargent – US Army 1964 – 1967 – Vietnam

Gary Sargent was trained as a turbine helicopter repairman. Once in Vietnam, he volunteered as a door gunner on a UH 1B Huey. Gary never turned a wrench after that. Gary manned the M-60 machine gun with the butterfly trigger. 

Gary’s helicopters went down 3 separate times under fire. Gary realized just how lucky he was to have survived those crashes, as well as the enemy fire directed at him. The average life expectancy of a door gunner is 5 minutes during an intense battle.

After surviving with only hearing loss due to being located right next to the turbine engine, Gary went on to become a Crew Chief transporting Generals and VIPs all over Vietnam.

One of the nicer moments Gary reflects upon, was when Gary’s Huey escorted Raquel Welch to Bien Hao Air Base for the Bob Hope Show.

Kenneth Cheyne – US Army 1960-1962 –  Vietnam

Drafted into the Army at age 23, leaving his hometown of Chateauguay for the very first time. Kens military journey began at Fort Dix, where boot camp tested his limits.

He continued training at Fort Stewart, Georgia, which reminded him of the comic Beetle Bailey, and later served at the beautiful Fort Belvoir in Virginia, a true class A base.

Kenny was assigned to the Supply Crew, responsible for distributing materials and gear across the base—an essential role that taught him responsibility, teamwork, and the value of logistics. While he missed his mother’s cooking, he found pride and purpose in his service.

Kenny believes the military is a great path, especially for someone from a small town. The Army placed him where his strengths could shine and gave him life lessons he’s carried ever since.

Over his two years of service, he met a cast of characters and learned that you were never alone—there was always someone ready to join him on the next adventure. Read more »

Joseph Ambrosio – US Air Force 1976-1982 – Vietnam 

Enlisting at the age of 22, Joseph began his journey at Lackland Air Force Base for basic training—eight tough weeks that started with a stern “Get in the jeep and shut up” from the sergeant holding a sign with his name. 

After tech school on the same base and advanced training at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Ambrosio quickly rose to leadership. As one of the older enlisted airmen, he led his entire battalion in marches—often with his squadron singing custom-made songs around base.   

He was later stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, where he served as dormitory manager, conducted inspections, and even trained with drug-sniffing K-9s—wearing the bite suit.  

The biggest controversy he remembers while stationed in Plattsburgh was between the Yankees Fans and Red Sox fans.

One of his fondest and most emotional roles was serving in the Air Force Honor Guard from 1977 to 1982—honoring fallen service members at funerals and proudly marching in parades. 

Joseph Aubrey – US Army 1968-1969 – Vietnam

Joseph Aubrey enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 at just 18 years old, leaving the North Country for the first time in his life. He completed boot camp in New Jersey and received specialized training as a lineman—learning to run communication wire, climb poles, and operate switchboards essential for battlefield coordination. 

In Vietnam, Joseph served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division as a radio operator and lineman. His role was vital: setting up radio lines in the field and running the command post switchboards to keep communication flowing between units. He and his team were often sent ahead to establish new landing zones. They’d secure the perimeter, protect engineers, and support crews, and help build out new base areas—runways, bunkers, and more. 

Much of their work took them up and down the DMZ, often under fire. The first few days in any new area were the most dangerous—they endured constant mortar attacks, working through intense heat, heavy humidity, sea rations, and salt tablets just to stay functional. They were targeted frequently because they were always on the move and in exposed areas. 

Though there weren’t many light-hearted memories from his tour, Joseph did get a brief reprieve during R&R, traveling to Hong Kong before returning home in 1969. 

David Bechtol  -US Air Force 1970-1990 – Vietnam    

David enlisted at 22 and began his journey at Lackland Air Force Base, completing boot camp then Officer Training School, followed by pilot training.

He flew the KC-135 in Indiana, and later continued his service at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. He was stationed at Grissom Air Force Base, where he mastered the KC-135, before receiving orders to California to fly the U-2 aircraft.

The U-2s, known for their ability to reach altitudes of 70,000 feet, became his vehicle for reconnaissance missions. He flew over Europe, along the German border, and had the rare experience of flying alongside a Czech MIG.  His global missions took him to places like Alaska, England, Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Korea, among others.

David flew through some challenging and sensitive missions, including air sampling over Russia’s nuclear tests and photo missions in support of international agreements. He also conducted weather reconnaissance and directed aircraft in relation to hurricane hunters over Sacramento. His role required constant readiness.

Throughout his career, he was often on alert with his crew—ready to launch within minutes— camping out in runway shelters during high-stakes moments. Lieutenant Colonel David Bechtol served with over two decades of continuous active service.  Read more »

Thankfully, the heavier rain held off until the North County Honor Flight send-off ceremony concluded. VIDEO of Flights 62 and 63 being escorted to the flightline follows.

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