The Peru Gazette

With only one job seeker for every 22 square miles, plenty of jobs remain open in Hamilton County towns

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that Karen Walsh, a 68-year-old Rochester woman, pleaded guilty to stealing $12,973 in state pension payments sent to her mother, whose death had not been reported to the pension system. As part of the plea, Walsh was ordered to pay full restitution upfront.

“Ms. Walsh tried to profit off of her mother’s death and defraud the state pension system,” DiNapoli said. “Now, through my partnership with law enforcement, she has been held accountable for her actions and must repay the money she stole. My thanks to D.A. Green and the New York State Police for their work with my office to ensure justice is served.”

“The defendant’s actions represent a misuse of the New York State pension system and, by extension, an offense against the citizens who fund it,” Green said. “Allowing such conduct would undermine the integrity of a system relied upon by countless public servants who dedicated their careers to their communities. I appreciate the thorough work of the State Comptroller’s Office and the New York State Police in this investigation that assisted in today’s resolution. The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office is committed to seeking justice and accountability for all who commit economic crimes against the residents of New York State.”

“Ms. Walsh used her mother’s death to her advantage and continued to inexcusably collect the pension meant to support her mother for the remainder of her life. We will continue to aggressively investigate any case involving financial corruption and those who take advantage of the pension system. I commend the Comptroller’s Office and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in this investigation,” James said.

Walsh’s mother, also of Rochester, received a monthly payment as the beneficiary of her deceased husband’s state pension. When she passed away in 2020, her pension payments should have stopped, however, Karen Walsh failed to report the death to the pension system and instead pocketed the money.  A total of $19,524 in pension payments went to Walsh’s account.

Walsh stole $12,973 by withdrawing over $4,000 from the account and transferring at least $8,000 to a second account in her mother’s name to which she also had access. She wrote checks from that second account, forging her deceased mother’s name and endorsing the back of the checks with her own signature, before depositing them into her own account. Walsh also used the second account in her mother’s name to make personal credit card payments, pay for home improvements and buy groceries.

Walsh pleaded guilty to petit larceny before Judge Van H. White in Rochester City Court.

Adirondack Blood Donor Center offers many opportunities to give during December

 Plattsburgh, NY – Adirondack Blood Donor Center officials are asking all eligible donors to add donating blood to their holiday to-do list this year.

The need for blood and blood products is constant while donations traditionally decline during the holiday season, according to Laboratory Manager Shannon Nutbrown.

The schedule of community blood drives in December is as follows:

• Thursday, Dec. 4, Medisca, 626 Tom Miller Road, 1 to 4 pm
• Friday, Dec. 5, Clinton County Government Center, First Floor Meeting Room, 137 Margaret St., 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Tuesday, Dec. 9, Plattsburgh Rehab and Nursing Home, 8 Bushey Blvd.,1 to 4 pm
• Wednesday, Dec.10, CVPH’s R3 Nursing Unit Solarium, 75 Beekman St., 5 to 10 am
• Friday, Dec.12, West Side Ballroom, 253 New York Road, sponsored by the Clinton County ARC, 9 am to 1 pm
• Monday, Dec. 15, FCI Ray Brook, 128 Ray Brook Rd., Ray Brook, 12:30 to 4 pm
• Thursday, Dec. 18, Holy Name Church Hall, 10 Church Lane, Ausable Forks, 4 to 7 pm
• Monday, Dec. 22, Essex Fire Department and co-sponsored Masonic Lodge, 2659 Station Rd., Essex, 4 to 7 pm
• Tuesday, Dec. 23, Bloomingdale Fire Department, 1640 Route 3, Bloomingdale, 3:30 to 6:30 pm
• Friday, Dec. 26, Champlain Centre Mall, 60 Smithfield Blvd., noon to 4 pm
• Monday, Dec. 29, Champlain EMS and co-sponsor Knights of Columbus, 1150 Route 11, 3 to 7 pm

Patients at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone and Elizabethtown Community Hospital (including Ticonderoga) along with the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake benefit from the donations collected at drives conducted by the Blood Donor team and sponsored by community groups and local businesses. Donors can also donate at the Donor Center, located at 85 Plaza Blvd. and open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. One donated pint can help up to three North Country residents.

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.

Plattsburgh, NY (12/1/2025): The North Country Chamber of Commerce has launched “We Know Canadians As…”, a heartfelt bi national campaign that celebrates the long standing, people to people bond between Northern New York and Canada. The campaign was introduced at a press conference this week and is now being shared broadly across both sides of the border.

This initiative arrives at a particularly important moment. Headlines, political tensions, and outside rhetoric have created uncertainty in recent years, but the relationship between our region and Canada has always run deeper than any temporary climate. The Chamber developed this campaign to reaffirm a simple truth. Our connection to Canadians is built on history, friendship, and shared humanity, and those ties remain strong.

The campaign highlights the many ways Canadians and Americans have stood shoulder to shoulder, including

• Enlisting in the Union Army in the U.S. Civil War
• Landing together on the beaches of Normandy on D Day
• Earning 61 American Medals of Honor while serving in the U.S. military
• Fighting alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan
• Mourning together after the assassination of President Kennedy
• Rescuing American diplomats during the Tehran crisis
• Welcoming thousands of stranded Americans into homes in Gander on 911
• Mobilizing ships, rescue teams, and supplies to support New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina

These shared chapters underscore a relationship defined not by borders, but by compassion, loyalty, and mutual support. At a time when global narratives may feel divided, this campaign offers a reminder of what has always united us.

“Facts can be powerful things, especially when looking back at historic examples of the special connections we have with the Canadian people,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “We feel the need to highlight the depth and specialness of this people-to-people relationship, providing a heartfelt expression of appreciation to all Canadians. These facts tell an incredible story that we are pleased to tell.”

The Chamber released a powerful collective video and a full suite of bilingual graphics, all available for public sharing. The message is clear and timely. We remember these moments. We value our Canadian friends. And we remain committed to honoring and strengthening this unique cross border friendship.

View the full campaign and video:
northcountrychamber.com/chamber/we-know-canadians-as

https://youtu.be/k_wf7OfLOVc

The Chamber encourages residents, partners, and community organizations to explore the materials and help amplify this meaningful outreach to our Canadian neighbors.

12/1/25 – News release from Cadyville resident Patricia Barnett 

12/2/15≤ 8 a.m. – Barnett stated that 103 people had signed her petition in a 15-hour period. 

North Country residents are renewing and formalizing concerns that were raised during the public hearings but remain unresolved following the Planning Board’s November

18 approval of the proposed DHS/HSI facility at 284 Idaho Avenue. Residents have now initiated both a formal SEQRA Challenge and a public petition urging the Town of Plattsburgh Planning

Board to reopen the environmental review.

At its November 18 meeting, the Planning Board approved the site plan application despite significant public turnout and numerous questions about the project’s purpose, operational scope,

and potential community impacts. Shortly after the vote, Cadyville resident and law student Patricia B. Barnett submitted a formal SEQRA Challenge letter identifying substantial deficiencies

in the environmental review and inconsistencies in the project file.

Key Issues Identified in the SEQRA Challenge

• Contradictory statements about the facility’s purpose

Application materials, public hearing statements, and applicant responses conflict on whether the project includes detention functions, an HSI investigative office, or a non-detention administrative use. These discrepancies directly affect the scope and adequacy of the SEQRA review.

• Incomplete or contradictory information in the project record

Several documents appear inconsistent or incomplete, including undated applicant responses, conflicting descriptions of enforcement authority, and a holding cell described as “non-detention”

despite custodial language elsewhere in the record.

• Stormwater and engineering deficiencies

A technical review by Laberge Group identified multiple issues in the project’s stormwater management plan. Residents question how the project received a Negative Declaration under

SEQRA while these items remained outstanding.

Additional Community Concerns

• Community character and public safety considerations

Residents have concerns that increased ICE activity in local communities correlates with decreased crime reporting, heightened resident fear, and increased risk of impersonation by criminals posing as federal agents.

• Proximity to Plattsburgh International Airport

Given the well-documented nationwide risk of immigration enforcement misidentification — particularly near airports — residents have raised concerns about potential impacts on community

safety, travelers, and public trust.

Public Petition Launched

In response, residents have launched a public petition requesting that the Town reopen the SEQRA review, ensure a complete and accurate record, and require the applicant to address unresolved discrepancies before any further action.

The petition is available here: https://www.showup.news/community-petition

Residents from Plattsburgh and neighboring communities are encouraged to sign.

Call for Transparency and a Complete Review

“SEQRA requires a full, accurate, and transparent review of environmental and community impacts,” Barnett said. “When information is inconsistent or incomplete, the Town has a legal

obligation to resolve those issues before making a determination. The community deserves clarity, and the record deserves completeness.” Barnett also noted that she will submit additional written materials to supplement her SEQRA challenge should the Planning Board reopen the matter.

For more information: Email: patricia@barnettadvocacy.com

Grand Isle, VT – The Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain’s Future (CAC) will release its annual Action Plan for Lake Champlain during a public meeting on December 8, 2025. The event will feature a panel discussion on long-term weather patterns, climate solutions, and mitigation planning, including the Vermont Climate Action Plan and the Vermont Resilience Implementation Strategy.

The Action Plan outlines priority actions to protect and restore Lake Champlain. This winter, the CAC will present these priorities to the Legislature and the Governor.

A panel discussion with Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore, and Lake Champlain Basin Program Chief Scientist Matt Vaughan will be moderated by CAC Vice-Chair Denise Smith.

The event will be held on December 8th from 5-7 p.m., at Rock Point Commons in Burlington, VT (20 Rock Point Road, Burlington VT, 05408), with the option to join virtually. Refreshments will be provided. Please register using this link.

Learn more about the Vermont CAC.

Ba Truc Trinh, Md, otolaryngology, CVPH ENT

Ryan Fiter, MD, CVPH Pulmonology

Jerry Albujar, MD, podiatry, CVPH Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

University of Vermont Health provider recruitment success enhances access to care in Malone and Plattsburgh

News Release of 12/1/25, Plattsburgh, NY – Patients at the University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center (AHMC) and UVHN – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospitals (CVPH) are benefiting from the health system’s continued success in provider recruitment. The Malone and Plattsburgh communities have recently welcomed 30 new providers to AHMC and CVPH, underscoring the University of Vermont Health’s ongoing commitment to preserving and increasing access to high quality care, closer to home.

“Each new provider brings with them their unique blend of expertise, skill, and compassion, enriching our team and enhancing the care we provide to the communities we serve,” said Lisa Mark, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Office

New to practice at AHMC and CVPH are:

Emergency Medicine
Daniel Lakoff, MD

ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
Heather Herrington, MD
Daniel Gerges, MD
Ba Truc Trinh, MD

Endocrinology
Alveena Altaf, MD
Angad Gill, MD

Gastroenterology
Robert Gal, MD
Hospitalist
Armondo Sarasua, MD

Medical Oncology
Roslyn Romanowski, MD

Neurology
Jule Deren, DO

OB/GYN
David Coggin-Carr, MD
Ashley LaForest, PA
Marjorie Meyer, MD
Sue Rech, MD
Jessica Scott, NP
Cheung Wong, MD

Occupational Health
Jennifer Miller, PA-C

Orthopedics
Jerry Albujar, MD
Kim Labarr, NP
Jane Liu, MD,
Reza Ojaghi, MD
Joseph Tousignant, DO

Primary Care/Adult Medicine
Candy Atkinson, FNP

Pulmonary/Critical Care
Emily Ashline, NP
Connor Bond, NP
Kevin DeBoer, MD
Ryan Fiter, MD
Jacob Warner, MD

Urology
Anna Coffin, PA

Vascular Interventional Radiology
Kathleen Glenn-Roberts, PA

WEDNESDAY December 17@ 7:00 PM, Town of Peru 

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL of  September 2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. Z2025-110 Use Variance, Erin Duprey, Donald Duprey, 292.-1-9.1, 71 Parsons Rd

7. ELECTIONS
8. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
9. CEO REPORT
10. ADJOURNMENT

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL November 2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:
7. P2025-019  Site Plan Review-Sign, Americu Credit Union, 700 Bear Swamp Rd. 280.-1-31.2

2. P2025-021  Site Plan Review-Sign, Eric Duquette, 327 Route 22B, 268.-1-40.2

3. P2025-109 2-Lot Minor Subdivision, Donald and Linda  Covel, 842 Mannix Rd. 267.-1-13.1

7. ELECTIONS
8. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
9. CEO REPORT
10. ADJOURNMENT

The Champlain Valley Voices will be performing “Choral Music’s Greatest Hits!” on Sunday, December 14th with performances at 2pm and 6pm at the United Methodist Church in Plattsburgh.

The theme for our concert is “Choral Music’s Greatest Hits!”, meaning we will be performing best known choral works from various genres and style periods.  The 2pm and 6pm concerts comprise a collection of “must hear” choral works from Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Brahms, Fauré and Orff – just to name a few.  The pieces will feature brass, strings, piano and organ accompaniment and will also include sacred Christmas selections.  This is a celebration of the greatest works in the choral music realm and these pieces will certainly be recognizable and memorable for audience members.  Whether you choose to attend the 2pm or 6pm performance – this is a concert not to be missed.

The Town of Peru will hold its Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Little Ausable River Park Gazebo. Retiring Town Board Member Jim Douglass will have the honor of lighting the tree this year. Let’s have a bug-out to see the tree and thank Jim for his many years of faithful, competent service to our community.

December 2024 photo

Click here for the NCPR story 

Federal budget cuts will force hundreds of thousands off New York’s free Essential Plan, with some families facing $10,000 annual premium increases.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Events held at Malone, Saranac Lake and Ticonderoga campuses

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Amish Harvest Stew 

Salad 

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!

Saturday, December 6th from 9am to 4pm

Celebrate the season and support local artisans at our festive Holiday Bazaar! Whether you are searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want to enjoy the holiday spirit, this event is the perfect way to kick off December.
• Unique hand-forged items from the Museum’s blacksmith shop
• Handmade crafts, jewelry, vintage treasures and books
• Intuitive readings
• A festive Christmas table and delicious baked goods
• Free coffee and hot cocoa to warm your visit!
Babbie Museum Main Building
250 River Road, Peru, NY
Admission: $1.00 OR donation of canned goods to support our local food banks

Dammit, a loon on her way south for the winter, was stuck with significant wounds and infection, that is, until a team of rehabilitation experts found her

Click here for the uplifting Adirondack story

Neil Battinelli (L) and Clinton Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick

Clinton Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick and Jason Borrie ’99

PLATTSBURGH — The Clinton Community College Foundation has announced the recipients of the Maureen Moll: Excellence in Community Theatre Award, honoring individuals who exemplify the spirit and dedication of Maureen Moll, a leader in local performing arts whose influence spanned nearly five decades.

Moll believed in the transformative power of community theatre and how it brings people together to create, perform and celebrate the arts. From 1965 to 2013, her leadership and passion shaped countless productions, fostering friendships and building a vibrant cultural legacy that continues today.

In 2012, members of Plattsburgh Little Theatre, including William D. Laundry, Frederick G. Smith, Judith Heintz, Vicky Sloan and Lee Ann Thomas, entrusted Clinton Community College Foundation with funds to preserve Moll’s legacy. Clinton was a natural choice, given its longstanding collaboration with local theatre groups, including Plattsburgh Little Theatre, Adirondack Regional Theatre and Artistry Community Theatre.

This year’s award celebrates two outstanding contributors to the arts:

• Neil Battinelli, recognized for his exceptional work with Adirondack Regional Theatre, has directed acclaimed productions such as 12 Angry Jurors and The Play That Goes Wrong. Neil’s innovative “Pick-Up Plays” series offers free monthly play readings, expanding access to theatre and fostering community engagement.
• Jason Borrie, Clinton Class of 1999, honored for his contributions to Artistry Community Theatre, has worn many hats—actor, director, set designer and board member. Jason directs student productions in the Northeastern Clinton Central School District and co-founded the improv group Completely Stranded, using performance to support local causes. His service as a Town of Champlain councilperson reflects his deep commitment to both the arts and public service.

The Maureen Moll Award links a rich history of community performance, from the Plattsburgh Airbase in 1965 to today’s thriving theatre organizations and celebrates the enduring impact of live theatre on our region.

“Community theatre thrives because of people like Maureen Moll, who believed that creativity brings people together,” said Clinton Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick. “We are proud to celebrate her legacy and the invaluable contributions of Neil and Jason in our community.”

For more information about the Clinton Community College Foundation, visit www.clinton.edu/alumni-and-foundation.

Clcik here for the WPTZ News story 

Loon Lake residents sue APA, companies over alleged subdivision site clearing

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Peru, NY, November 24, 2025 – On Wednesday, November 19, the Peru Town Board held a Special Meeting aimed at approving the final budget for 2026. Instead, the board, including the supervisor, voted to forgo their planned 3% salary increase. Although this decision is largely symbolic in the context of the town’s $2 million General Budget, the board wanted to convey a message of solidarity with taxpayers. In 2026, Town Board members will receive $9,639, while the Town Supervisor will earn $34,020.

Supervisor Craig Randall noted that the Final Budget will exceed the state-mandated 2% tax cap by approximately $150,000, mainly due to rising health insurance costs, increases in retirement fund contributions, difficulty in forecasting sales tax revenues, and necessary culvert repairs. Property owners in the water and sewer district will experience a slight tax decrease, as the town completed payment on a long-term bond this year. However, this reduction is expected to be temporary due to ongoing upgrades at both the wastewater treatment plant and planned upgrades at the water treatment plant.

The General Budget encompasses various expenses, including payments for the town board and supervisor, administrative support, the town clerk/tax collector, codes and zoning, youth programs, parks, town library, town court, and the highway superintendent’s, deputy superintendent’s  salaries and more. The operating expenses for the Highway Department are accounted for in the highway department budget.

The tax rates for 2026 are as follows:
– Town General: $1.69/M, compared to $1.43/M in 2025.
– Town Highway: $1.80/M, compared to $1.73/M in 2025.
– Town Water #1, #2, #3: $0.86/M, compared to $1.03/M in 2025.
– Town Sewer #1: $1.54/M, compared to $1.97/M in 2025.

Although tax rates are steady or even lower, this can be misleading given the historical increases in assessed property values. The total taxable value of property in Peru rose from $641,811,736 last year to $662,288,572, reflecting an increase of about $20.5 million. The General Budget anticipates $1.2 million in property taxes, while the Highway Budget expects $1.297 million.

The board approved two minor budget changes at its November 24 meeting. They will be detailed in the Peru Gazette’s meeting story.

11/24/25 9:30 P.M. The Gazette described the General Budget in greater detail. 

Click here to view a previous Peru Gazette story on the 2026 budget. It includes a link to the full Preliminary Budget which differs little from the Final Budget. 

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of November 10, 2025 and Public Hearing of November 19, 2025.

5. Community Input.

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Filing of TE-9a or Speed Reduction Form on Fox

Farm Rd.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Amend Resolution for JCAP Grant Request Amount.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Payment to Resident for Damages Due to Plugged

Sewer Manhole Issue.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Compensating Town Justice Scott Thurber for

Covering Judge Kirby’s Court.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: 202-b Order for the Peru Water Treatment Facilities Upgrade.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Bond Resolution for the Peru Water Treatment Facilities

Upgrade.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Hiring of Brooks Investigations LLC for Court Security.

13. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Project Engineering Update.

14. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Town Council.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Dept. Heads.

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills – November 2025

18. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

19. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

20. MOTION: Adjourn.