Here are the top North Country issues in Hochul’s State of the State address
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News.
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North Country Republicans say affordability focus is needed, but call on Hochul for more details
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, General News, Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News.
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DiNapoll: School District tax cap levy remains at 2%
Property tax levy growth for New York’s school districts and 10 cities will remain capped at 2% for the fifth year in a row, according to data released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
News Release, Jan. 14, 2026 – The tax cap, which first applied to local governments (excluding New York City) and school districts in 2012, limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2% with certain exceptions. The law includes provisions that allow school districts and municipalities to override the cap. DiNapoli’s office calculated the inflation factor at 2.63% for those with a June 30, 2027, fiscal year end.
“For the fifth consecutive year, the property tax levy for school districts and 10 cities will be capped at 2%,” DiNapoli said. “School district and municipal officials must continue to find ways to deliver services efficiently as they deal with higher costs and the potential impact of federal actions.”
The 2% allowable levy growth affects the tax cap calculations for 675 school districts and 10 cities with fiscal years starting July 1, 2026, including the “Big Four” cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers, as well as Amsterdam, Auburn, Corning, Long Beach, Watertown, and White Plains.
Note: Allowable levy growth is expressed as a percentage.
List of allowable tax levy growth factors for all local governments
Real Property Tax Cap and Tax Cap Compliance web page
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Education News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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Abigail Duquette’s work reflects who she is
By John T Ryan
Peru, NY – The art and graphic design show underway through March 7 at the Peru Free Library has an intriguing title – “The Light We Carry.” Abigail Duquette, a Cadyville native, is the artist/designer whose works are on display. Abigail graduated from Saranac Central High School in 2020 and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at SUNY Plattsburgh in 2024. Many people attended the show’s opening reception on Saturday, January 10.
A show that combines secular and religious-themed art is unusual in today’s secular world, especially for a young person like Abigail. Talking about her “The Light We Carry” theme, she explained, “It expresses my faith, carrying God’s light wherever we go, especially in times of darkness. It’s needed now. I feel called to do it.”
Abigail said her 10th-grade art teacher, Amy Guglielmo, sparked her interest in art. She said, “Amy is an educator, an artist, and a writer. She truly sparked my interest in art and design.” The two women stayed in contact during Duquette’s college years and have collaborated on the City of Plattsburgh’s outside art.
While the show at the Peru Library is Abigail’s first solo show, she’s exhibited in several area galleries, at SUNY Plattsburgh, Saratoga, Lake Placid, and Ogdensburg. She also operates a small company, Duquette Designs, where she specializes in graphic design and is a social media manager for local companies.
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Arts and Entertainment, Community Events, General News, Peru Library News, Peru News.
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DiNapoli: Former Dannemora Official charges with falsifying time sheets to beef up retirement benefits for some correction officers
Albany, NYS Comptroller News Release, Jan 14, 2026 – The defendant, Richard Scholl, faces charges of tampering with public records and falsifying business records.NYS comptroller News Release, Jan.. 14, 20266 – The former mayor of the Village of Dannemora was charged with falsifying time sheets aiming to allow state correction officers to claim they worked as village employees to secure more generous benefits from the state retirement system, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Essex County District Attorney Michael P. Langey and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today. The defendant, Richard Scholl, faces charges of tampering with public records and falsifying business records.
“Richard Scholl allegedly abused his position of trust to subsidize village work at the expense of the retirement system and its members,” DiNapoli said. “I will continue to safeguard the retirement system and root out those who attempt to defraud it. I thank District Attorney Langey and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James for their partnership in this ongoing investigation and for holding the defendant accountable.”
“These charges demonstrate that public servants who are dishonest in their positions will be held accountable for their actions,” James said. “The victims in this case are the people of New York who entrusted these two individuals to carry out their duties with integrity and moral. Our State Police members remain ready to assist the Comptroller’s Office and Essex County District Attorney’s Office in investigating and apprehending any individual willing to engage in fraudulent acts.”
For some correction officers (COs) with lengthy service, retirement from a municipal plan provides a higher benefit than from the regular CO plan. DiNapoli’s investigators found that the defendant allegedly falsified time sheets to allow COs to attempt to retire as village employees even though they were still employed by the State Department of Corrections and Community Service (DOCCS) when they retired.
As part of the scheme, the COs agreed to complete village projects such as installing sidewalks, re-carpeting the senior center, tiling town hall bathrooms and making other improvements to the village hall.
The village only paid the COs for two days of work and required them to provide all supplies and materials necessary to complete the projects, even though the projects took longer than a few days. Once completed, the defendant would falsify the COs’ village timesheets, indicating that they had worked for the village prior to their retirement from the state to allow them to claim to have retired from the village.
Scholl, who’s term as mayor ended in March 2023, is currently a civilian employee of DOCCS.
He was arraigned in Dannemora Village court before Justice H. Philip Maynard Jr. He is due back in court on Feb. 2.
The investigation continues and all impacted COs’ retirement applications are under review.
The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under General News.
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Video: View Peru Town Board’s 2026 Organizational Meeting of Jan. 12.
Councilman Melvin Irwin to serve as Deputy Town Supervisor
Pam Barber named to the Personnel Committee
NBT Bank named as a secondary town depository. TB Bank remains as the primary depository.
Click here to view the Peru Gazette Video.
Click here to view the Resolutions on the agenda/
Note a camera battery failure resulted in the Gazette not recording about the first five minutes of the meeting.
Click here to view the approved meeting minutes. 2026-01-12-OM
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, Opinion, Peru News, Town Board News.
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Video: Peru Town Board Regular Meeting of January 12, 2026
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Town Board News.
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American wins gold as thousands cheer on at Lake Placid Aerials World Cup
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Arts and Entertainment, Business News, Community Events, National News, Northern NY News, Sports News.
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Garment news from 1895
Factories reported changes in machinery in the late 1800s, allowing for industrial advancements in the Adirondacks
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, National History, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Hochul pledges affordability push, nuclear energy expansion in State of State
Cost relief, child care, energy priorities in annual address
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Political News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Woman’s death in Clinton County Jail could have been prevented, witnesses say
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Corruption in Gov't., County Government News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Statewide News.
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Unsung hero guides Vermont skiers with snow reporting
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Business News, Environmental News, Regional NY-VT News, Weather News/History.
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Sustaining ski season in a changing climate
“…seasonal activity and other outdoor leisure activities will require adaptation to withstand warming Northeast winters.”
Posted: January 14th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Environmental News, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News, Regional NY-VT News, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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DEC Reminds New Yorkers to Stay Alert for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds Expected to Increase Over Winter Months
Interview with DEC Wildlife Health Program Leader, Kevin Hynes, is available to view
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to infect birds and mammals across the U.S. and Canada, including New York State. With wild bird mortalities from HPAI increasing in late fall and peaking over the winter months, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds New Yorkers to stay alert.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC is taking a proactive approach with our coordinated effort to monitor potential signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “We have a great web-based tool for the public to use to report any signs the viral disease is spreading to different areas of the state.”
HPAI is carried by free-flying waterfowl and other waterbirds, such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds, but can also infect domestic poultry, raptors, corvids, and mammals. DEC’s Wildlife Health Program is monitoring the spread and impact of HPAI throughout the state and has an online reporting tool the public can use to report suspected HPAI mortalities: NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Form. Updates on HPAI can be found on the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab website.
DEC advises the public to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals that may be infected with HPAI.
There is no way to contain HPAI infection in wild birds. Be aware that the clinical signs for HPAI infection in wildlife are nonspecific and may be similar to other diseases or injuries. Waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors, and scavenging birds are at higher risk of infection, but any species could potentially be infected, including mammals. HPAI-infected birds may be asymptomatic or may exhibit signs of respiratory distress (sneezing or nasal discharge), lethargy, neurologic malfunction (ataxia, stargazing, or seizures), diarrhea, weakness, or sudden death.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “While avian influenza continues to affect wildlife, the risk to humans remain low. New Yorkers can stay safe by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and animals and reporting anything unusual. We’re keeping a close eye on the situation and will continue to share updates as needed.”
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Conservation are working together to ensure an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive approach in response to outbreaks of HPAI across the nation. Our department’s proactive efforts to prevent the spread of HPAI, including implementing testing and import requirements for dairy cattle, remain in place. In addition, as we are in the midst of the migratory season, we encourage vigilance and remind our farmers to take precautionary measures with strong biosecurity practices on the farm.”
DEC staff response to a suspected HPAI mortality event depends on the specific event. Because the disease is widespread in wild birds and cannot be contained, strategic surveillance is the best approach. DEC prioritizes response to significant mortality events for waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, crows, ravens, or any eagles or other raptors in counties where HPAI has not been detected. With the exception of larger events, sensitive locations, or vulnerable species, a physical response by staff is not necessary or likely in most cases.
Where DEC staff do not provide a physical response and removal is deemed necessary by the landowner, DEC advises landowners to use disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Additionally, DEC advises against direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by recommending the use of a shovel and washing hands and clothing with soap and hot water immediately afterward. Carcasses disposed of in this way should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and put in an outdoor trash receptacle for trash pickup or deposited at a local landfill.
There is no treatment for HPAI, and transporting suspected HPAI-infected birds to wildlife rehabilitation facilities is discouraged to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals in care. Guidance has also been provided to licensed wildlife rehabilitators to help them minimize risks to animals in their care and to aid them in their interactions with the public.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the recent HPAI detections in birds pose a low risk to the public. HPAI H5N1 has been detected in more than 70 humans in the U.S., including two mortalities; most of these cases involved close contact with infected domestic birds or cows. There is likely little risk for the public, but people with close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or virus-contaminated environments, especially immunocompromised people, are at greater risk of infection. No human-to-human transmission of the virus has been documented.
Status of HPAI in New York State
Since it was first introduced into New York State in January 2022, HPAI has been documented in captive birds in multiple counties and detected in free-ranging wild birds and mammals throughout the state. Wild bird mortalities from HPAI increase in late fall and peak over the winter months, then typically decrease in the late spring and summer months. At this point, it is widespread in wild birds and even suspected to be present in counties where it has not yet been detected. Species of wild birds confirmed as infected in New York State commonly include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, swans, other waterfowl, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, other raptors, crows, and shorebirds. Songbirds and other passerine birds do not appear to be highly susceptible to infection.
In addition to wild birds, HPAI has also been confirmed in red fox, striped skunk, Virginia opossum, raccoon, fisher, gray squirrel, muskrat, and bobcat in New York State, and in a wide range of mammals, particularly carnivores, in other parts of the U.S. In addition to domestic poultry, dairy cattle in other states have also been infected.
In November and December 2025, DEC received 69 reports of suspect mortalities through its online reporting platform, and presumptive positive cases were detected in wild birds in 10 counties. With migration beginning, HPAI incidence may remain high through spring, particularly associated with the migration of large numbers of ducks and geese through the state.
Posted: January 13th, 2026 under Environmental News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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Spark a Skill Welding Workshop Coming Jan. 31 at Clinton Community College’s IAM
Photo provided
Hands-on training for beginners, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts
PLATTSBURGH, News Release, January 13, 2026 — The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at Clinton Community College will host its Spark a Skill Welding Workshop on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This full-day, in-person workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning a new skill, from hobbyists and do-it-yourselfers to those looking to refresh their welding knowledge.
Under the guidance of a certified, licensed welder and inspector, participants will gain hands-on experience in oxyacetylene, ARC and MIG welding techniques.
The cost of the workshop is $199 per person, and participants must be 18 years or older.
All protective gear will be provided for the day. Attendees should wear long work pants or jeans and sturdy footwear to ensure safety.
This is a unique opportunity to develop practical welding skills in a supportive and professional environment.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Those interested can register online.
For more information, contact the IAM at Clinton CC by calling 518-562-4355 or emailing CCWD@clinton.edu.
Posted: January 13th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, County Government News, Education News, General News, Northern NY News.
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SIBLINGS INDICTED FOR STEALING STATE RENT-RELIEF FUNDS
A pair of siblings have been arraigned on a sealed indictment for allegedly stealing $90,000 in Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds to which they were not entitled, New York Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today.
As part of the scheme, the defendants completed and filed an application containing false information with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to fraudulently obtain funding through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
Denesh Melwani, 58, of Woodstock, and Shaleen Mahtani, 56, of Paramus, N.J., were arraigned in front of the Honorable Andra Ackerman in Albany County Court on an indictment charging them with Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and Money Laundering in the Second Degree.
“Mahtani and Melwani allegedly tried to scam a program out of money meant to help New Yorkers in need of housing assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to D.A. Kindlon and the New York State Police for their partnership in holding Mahtani and Melwani accountable for their actions.”
“These defendants lied and defrauded a program that was in place to help citizens who were struggling financially during the COVID-19 crisis,” Kindlon said. “I’m proud of the work of my Financial Crimes Unit, the Comptroller’s Office and the New York State Police to uncover this misuse of taxpayer money, which ultimately belongs to the public.” Read more »
Posted: January 12th, 2026 under Business News, Charity Events, Law Enforcement News, State Government News.
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DiNAPOLI URGES NEW YORKERS TO SPEND HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS
Over $28 Million in Unused Gift Cards Recovered by DiNapoli’s Office in 2025
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to spend and register the gift cards they receive during the holidays to avoid losing track of their money. After five years of inactivity, retailers are required by law to turn unused gift card balances over to the State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF), where the money can always be claimed. In 2025, DiNapoli’s office recovered more than $28 million in unused gift cards that New Yorkers can claim.
“Spend those gift cards you get this holiday season, so they don’t become unclaimed funds,” DiNapoli said. “Also consider taking the extra step of registering the gift card so if you do forget about it, it’s easier to return those funds to you. No one wants to lose money, and we want to make sure if you do, you know you can always claim it by going to our website. Funds sent to our office never expire and are free to claim.”
Registering a gift card helps retailers connect unused balances to a person’s name, making it easier for DiNapoli’s office to reunite New Yorkers with their money if a card is lost or goes unused.
Retailers can provide OUF with a name if the person registers the gift card online, if they have been issued a refund, or if the card was purchased with an existing store account. If the owner’s information is not known to a New York retailer, it will report the card details, such as card number and balance, which can be used by the recipient to claim the balance.
Unclaimed funds can be claimed at any time online, by phone at 800-221-9311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by mail, or at in-person events, which are held throughout the year across the state. Claims are always free to file, and funds never expire.
DiNapoli reminds gift card recipients to read the fine print on the card for details about any fees and expiration dates.
In 2025, OUF returned more than $580 million to their rightful owners.
Video of State Comptroller DiNapoli Discussing Gift Cards
Posted: January 12th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, State Government News, Statewide News.
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A Mother’s Gratitude Highlights DAISY Award
Jesse Murnane, RN (left) proudly displays her DAISY Award certificate with Patricia Johnson, MSN, RN, OCN. Johnson nominated Murnane for the care she provided her adult son, who was terrified of getting an IV before a scheduled procedure. “She understood his barriers and limitations and did not rush him. She helped him to relax and focus, and that made all the difference,” Johnson says.
The Interventional Radiology team at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital celebrates the DAISY Award presented to colleague Jesse Murnane, RN during a surprise ceremony.
Nurse Jesse Murnane honored for helping patient overcome fear before procedures
CVPH News Release of Jan. 12, 2026, Plattsburgh, NY – For Patricia Johnson’s son, it started with a simple fear – one many people can relate to. The sight of an IV needle was enough to trigger overwhelming anxiety for him.
Years of medical interventions meant an IV wasn’t just a step in a medical process. It was a source of fear. When he arrived for a procedure at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Jesse Murnane, RN, understood building trust would be critical.
Going Beyond Clinical Care
“They hit it off immediately,” Johnson recalls. “She advocated for him to receive some oral medication to calm him before starting an IV. It worked wonders!”
That first encounter left a lasting impression. Later, fate brought Murnane back into their lives when Johnson’s son needed another procedure. Murnane’s familiar face and sense of humor helped ease his fears all over again.
“She made sure the oral medication was ordered and stayed with him to be sure he was relaxed enough to get his IV,” Johnson says. “The pre-op experience was stress-free for him.”
Giving the Patient Time
For Johnson, who has fought for compassionate, patient-centered care for her son for 37 years, Murnane’s approach was extraordinary. She didn’t rush. She didn’t push. Instead, she gave him time to find the right words and acclimate to everything happening around him.
“My son wasn’t treated like a procedure to be expedited,” she shares. “He was treated like a human being who mattered. Thank you, Jesse!”
Recognizing Extraordinary Nurses
For her commitment to dignity and personalized care, Murnane was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during a surprise ceremony with her Interventional Radiology colleagues. During the award presentation, she received a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse. Murnane, like all honorees, also received a DAISY Award pin.
Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital 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. 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.
Posted: January 12th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, City News, Community Events, General News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Building global bonds: Saranac Lake hosts farmers from former Soviet republic
Georgian, Adirondack leaders use Rotary programs to exchange small-scale farming and food security ideas
Posted: January 12th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Agricultural News, Border News, Community Events, Education News, Environmental News, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News.
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Run back the miracle: Relive 1980 Olympic hockey in Lake Placid
A commemoration of the 1980 Olympics “Miracle On Ice” will be held in Lake Placid with players from the game in attendance
Posted: January 12th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Arts and Entertainment, Business News, Community Events, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Statewide News.
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Dear Lucy Announces Closure on Burlington’s Church Street
Owner Melissa Desautels cited a downward spiral in sales at the boutique, the result of downtown’s ongoing public safety problems and dwindling customer traffic.
Posted: January 12th, 2026 under Business News, Community Events, Corruption in Gov't., Law Enforcement News, Peru/Regional History, Regional NY-VT News, Social Issues.
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St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Meatloaf
Potatoes
Vegetables
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!
Posted: January 11th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News.
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Syracuse lost 14 people in homicides in 2025: Here are the lives lost
Posted: January 11th, 2026 under Law Enforcement News, Social Issues, Upstate New York.
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North Country colleges are forming a nursing network
Posted: January 11th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Education News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Micron’s industrial waste: Costs soar for treatment plant as critics point to little environmental review
Posted: January 11th, 2026 under Business News, Environmental News, General News, Law Enforcement News, National News, Peru/Regional History, Statewide News, Upstate New York, Water & Sewer Dept. News.
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