The Peru Gazette

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.

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Gov. Hochul News Release, June 27, 2025 – Federal Cuts Would Cause 44,000 North Country Residents To Lose Health Coverage and Slash Food Assistance for Nearly 90,000 People Across the Region

Governor Kathy Hochul today slammed Washington Republicans for threatening the jobs, small businesses and health care of New Yorkers throughout the North Country. Impacts of federal tariffs and dangerous rhetoric have already harmed 66 percent of regional businesses that rely on Canadian tourism — putting one in four of the industry’s jobs at risk. Washington’s senseless trade war has also threatened the region’s vital agriculture industry, which generates more than 8,600 jobs for local residents and over $1 billion in Gross Regional Product. Meanwhile, the federal budget cuts pushed by Republicans threaten to take away health care for 44,000 North Country residents and slash food assistance for nearly 90,000 people throughout the region – including tens of thousands of children. 

“Between insulting our Canadian neighbors and largest trade partners to proposing deep budget cuts that threaten hospitals, food programs and working families, the North Country is being hit from all sides. These actions are doing real harm — putting jobs, care and livelihoods at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “I have said from the beginning, ‘Your family is my fight’ and while Washington is implementing policies that are disastrous for the North Country, we are stepping up to protect our communities, support small businesses and farmers and ensure that the North Country is not forgotten.”

Tariffs and Tourism

Federal tariffs and trade policies as well as negative rhetoric have had an immense impact on the North Country’s economy. Of all New York State counties, the tourism industry is most important to the North Country in terms of employment, generating nearly 20,000 jobs in 2023. Agribusiness provides over 8,600 jobs to the North Country, contributing approximately $1.1 billion to New York State’s Gross Regional Product.

• Consumer confidence fell in June due to the rising economic uncertainty from the Trump administration’s tariffs. Personal income has dropped by 0.4 percent month-over-month for the first time in nearly four years. 
• Cross border crossings from Canada have plummeted since Trump implemented his tariff policies. The most recent data shows that there were 400,000 fewer Canadian visitors in May compared to the same period in 2024.
• Bridge crossings over the Ogdensburg Bridge and the Champlain crossing in May were down 30 percent during that same time period from last year
  • April statistics show that border crossings declined nearly 22 percent over the previous year.

• In a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66 percent of tourism businesses report a drop in Canadian customers and one in four businesses in the region may cut staff as a result. 
• Large department stores and supermarkets are seeing declines of approximately 20 to 25 percent.
• Reservations are down at hotels, campgrounds, local marinas, golf courses and other businesses that rely on visitors from Canada.

Federal Cuts to Health Care

• The Governor also warned that the proposed federal budget cuts would strip $13.5 billion from New York’s health care system.
  • Over 50 percent of Essential Plan funding, exceeding $7.5 billion, would be eliminated, threatening the program’s future.

• • These provisions will cause an almost $6 billion impact on New York’s Medicaid program, including $2.5 billion in lost federal revenue and $500 million in new state administrative costs. They eliminate crucial funding mechanisms and impose new penalties on states like New York that have expanded health care access.

• These cuts, combined with cumbersome new administrative hurdles, would cause almost 1.5 million New Yorkers to lose their health coverage and become uninsured, including 44,000 people in the North Country.
  • The bill targets Medicaid by imposing stricter work reporting requirements and onerous verification processes, increasing administrative burden and making coverage access more challenging.

• These cuts would threaten the survival of rural hospitals and would lead to longer wait times, reduced services and premium hikes for thousands in the region. 
• These impacts will strain New York’s health care system and trigger far-reaching economic effects. The state anticipates a loss of over $3 billion for hospitals due to increases in uncompensated care and decreased reimbursement alone, with many billions more of impacts likely.
• The New York State Department of Health analyzed funding cuts passed by the House of Representatives in the Republican budget reconciliation bill. View the congressional district-by-district breakdown of anticipated funding losses here and the detailed analysis here

Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 

• The Republicans also targeted SNAP benefits, threatening the 3 million New Yorkers who rely on them to feed their families. In this district alone, 89,317 people depend on SNAP benefits, with one-third being children.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and administered by local departments of social services, helps 1.7 million households and 2.9 million recipients, mostly children, older adults or disabled, afford healthy food. Despite modest benefits averaging $7 per day, SNAP is a vital lifeline for many households. In fact, 14 percent of New York’s population relies on SNAP, making it New York’s most effective tool in combating hunger and food insecurity, core priorities of Governor Hochul’s administration.
• SNAP also supports local economies. USDA research shows that investments in SNAP generate $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar spent by recipients, including at grocery stores, farmers markets, and small businesses. In New York alone, $7.4 billion in SNAP benefits annually generate $11.5 billion in economic activity across the State.

Governor Hochul has prioritized increasing access to food for all New Yorkers, supporting several groundbreaking programs that focus on improving access to locally grown foods including through FY26 Enacted Budget, including the 30 Percent NYS Initiative for school meals, the Farm-to School program, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grants Programs, and the Nourish NY program, which helps New York’s network of emergency food providers purchase food from New York farmers to give to families in need.

This year’s Budget also provides $340 million for school meals, a $160 million (89 percent) year-to-year increase, and requires all school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools that participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students regardless of their families’ income, thereby reducing costs for families and ensuring that no student goes hungry at school. Additionally, the Budget included the third round of funding as part of the Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program, which provides $50 million over five years to support regional cooking facilities that will facilitate the use of fresh New York State farm products in meal preparation for K-12 school children. 

Click here for the NCPR story 

New Yorkers Encouraged To Try Freshwater Fishing at No Cost

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that June 28-29 is a free fishing weekend in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy opportunities for affordable outdoor recreation across the state. During free fishing days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The weekend is one of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New York State. 

“There’s no better time for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing than a free fishing weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is home to numerous freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, allowing for memorable fishing experiences for angler experts and novices, as well as friends and family.”

No rod? No problem. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Instead of borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries visit DEC’S website.

S.7672A/A.6769A Will Improve State’s Ability To Respond to Threats, Safeguard Critical Infrastructure and Reduce Statewide Cybersecurity Risks

Gov. Hochul News Release of June 27, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed into law S.7672A/A.6769A, a pivotal measure aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity and resilience of state and local government networks across New York. First announced in Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State, this legislation will improve the State’s ability to respond to threats, safeguard critical infrastructure and reduce statewide cybersecurity risks. Governor Hochul made the announcement today following a meeting with City, County, Town and Village officials from across the State to discuss current security efforts in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“My top priority as Governor is the security and safety of all New Yorkers, and with this legislation we’re strengthening our ability to respond to and ultimately prevent cyber threats all across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “As global conflicts escalate and cyber threats evolve, so must our response, and we are taking a whole of government approach in doing so. Requiring timely incident reporting and providing annual cybersecurity training for government employees will build a stronger digital shield for every community across the State and ensure they get the support they need when it matters most.”

The legislation mandates that all municipal corporations and public authorities promptly report cybersecurity incidents and ransom payments to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), fortifying the statewide defense against digital threats. Under the new law, municipalities and public authorities are required to report cybersecurity incidents within 72 hours to DHSES and provide notice of payment of a ransom within 24 hours. The legislation also mandates annual cybersecurity awareness training for government employees across New York and sets data protection standards for State-maintained information systems.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Environmentalists increasingly blame Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie — who’s firing back.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

The employee-owned company is poised for a $9 million sale that excludes its worker stock plan and may fall short of covering its debts.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Peru, NY, June 26, 2025  – Peru Democrats caucused at 6 tonight at the Peru Town Hall.  Patrick McFarland chaired the meeting, sitting in for Marque Moffett, who was unable to attend due to a work commitment.  The Democrats nominated and endorsed three individuals for town-elected positions. 

The offices and nominees, if any, include;

Town Supervisor – No Nominee 

Town Board Position #1 – No Nominee

Town Board Position #2 – Nick Weaver 

Town Clerk – Dianne Everett Miller 

Highway Superintendent – Chip Blair 

Town Justice: Two Democrats, Sarah Mitchell, and current Town Justice Jim Kirby, were nominated. The Democrats voted by secret ballot to endorse Sarah Mitchell as their candidate. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. 

August 7, 205 –  Spelling of Marque Moffett’s name corrected. 

Photo provided

Clinton County News Release, June 26, 2025 – Plattsburgh, NY — The Clinton County Legislature is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine G. Peters, Esq. as the next County Administrator. Peters will begin serving as Temporary County Administrator on August 4, 2025, working alongside current County Administrator Michael Zurlo until his retirement in early October. Following this transitional period, she will assume the role permanently for a five-year term.

A lifelong Clinton County resident, Peters currently serves as Commissioner of the Clinton County Department of Social Services, where she has led the agency since 2023. With over two decades of service in county government and a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law and Graduate School, Peters brings a wealth of experience in public administration, legal counsel, fiscal planning, and cross-sector collaboration.

“Christine has dedicated most of her professional life to public service in Clinton County,” said Chairman of the Legislature Mark Henry. “Her deep institutional knowledge, legal expertise, and proven leadership make her an ideal choice to guide the County through the next chapter. We are confident in her ability to lead with transparency, integrity, and a clear vision.”

In her tenure as Commissioner, Peters has managed a $52 million budget, implemented workforce development programs, and spearheaded strategic initiatives focused on efficiency, staff empowerment, and improved community outcomes. Prior to that role, she served in various leadership capacities within the Department of Social Services and as a practicing attorney in both the public and private sectors.

“It is truly an honor to be selected to serve as County Administrator,” said Peters. “As someone who has lived and worked in Clinton County my entire life, I care deeply about our communities. I am committed to working collaboratively with the Legislature, county departments, and our regional partners to build on our momentum and serve our residents with excellence.”

“Christine brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and a true passion for public service,” said outgoing County Administrator Michael Zurlo. “Having worked closely with her over the years, I’m confident that the County is in capable hands as she steps into this role.”

Peters’ appointment reflects the Legislature’s commitment to thoughtful, experienced leadership at the helm of county operations. With a deep understanding of local government and a track record of innovation, she is well-positioned to lead Clinton County into its next phase of growth and service to the community.

Includes major projects in Plattsburgh and Watertown

Albany, NY, June 26, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly 3,000 affordable, modern, energy-efficient homes will be created or preserved in communities throughout New York State as a result of $1 billion in housing bonds and subsidies. The latest funding awards help advance the Governor’s commitment to increasing the housing supply and making the State more affordable. The 15 projects receiving funding are part of the Governor’s five-year, $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State.

“Solving New York’s housing crunch and cutting costs for families hinges on increasing home availability statewide,” Governor Hochul said. “Through these investments, we’re helping produce more affordable, modern, supportive, sustainable housing. This is going to help push costs down, keep our state strong and provide housing opportunities to thousands of New Yorkers.”

• $15 million for Beekman Towers in Plattsburgh – Acquisition and rehabilitation of an 11-story building originally built in 1974 that contains 124 affordable apartments set aside for seniors and people with disabilities. Developed by SpringTide Housing.
• $44 million for Pine Camp Apartments in Watertown – New construction of a four-story building containing 120 affordable apartments, including 80 with supportive services for veterans, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Developed by DePaul.

Empire State Development Board Approved the First Tranche of State Funding for Empire AI Beta Supercomputer Launch – Major Milestone in Empire AI’s Mission to Lead Responsible, Scalable AI for the Public Good Beta Will Be 11 Times More Powerful Than Current Capacity, 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Empire State Development (ESD) Board approved $40 million to launch Empire AI Beta, the second phase of the supercomputer powering New York’s nation-leading Empire AI initiative. Empire AI Beta will be 11 times more powerful than current capacity, allowing hundreds of researchers from the now 10 member institutions to continue to advance AI research for public good. Empire AI is now backed by over $500 million in public and private funding, including up to $340 million in state capital funding secured by Governor Hochul.

“With Empire AI, New York is leading in emerging technology and ensuring the power of AI is harnessed for public good and developed right here in this great state,” Governor Hochul said. “The launch of Beta will supercharge our efforts to advance responsible AI development by some of our brightest minds at research institutions focused on purpose, not profit.” Read more »

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) presented a $50,000 check to the organizers of the North Country Honor Flight at an event Thursday afternoon. The funds will help cover flight and travel expenses for local veterans to visit the Arlington National Cemetery and other veterans memorials in Washington, D.C..

“The North Country Honor Flight is an incredible organization that I am extremely proud to be able to support each and every year,” Assemblyman Jones said. “Showing support to our local heroes in such an incredible way, by sending them to our nation’s capital to be recognized for their service and dedication to our country, is an amazing opportunity and a great showing of our community’s appreciation of our local veterans.”

From July to Oct., artists will paint the landscapes of Keeseville, Saranac Lake, Malone and Tupper Lake

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Plein Air artists kick off six days of art-related activities

Click here for the Sun Community News Story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story