March 2026
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  

News Categories

Site search

More About The Peru Gazette

The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

Recent Comments

Here are the major party candidates for Clinton County and Town of Peru offices

All offices are for a Four-Year term of Office. 

Clinton County 

County Clerk 
Democratic – Brandi Lloyd
Republican – Jerika Manning

District Attorney 
Democratic – Andrew Wylie
Republican  – No Nominee

Treasurer 
Democratic – Randy Lozier
Republican – Chad Deans

Town of Peru 

Town Supervisor  
Democratic – No Nominee
Republican – Craig Randall

Town Board (Two positions) 
Democratic – Nick Weaver
Republican – Melvin Irwin, Dwane Bast

Town Clerk 
Democratic – Dianne Miller
Republican – Christine Crawford

Town Justice 
Democratic – Sarah Mitchell
Republican – No justice Candidate

Highway Superintendent 
Democratic – Chip Blair
Republican – Michael Farrell

 

 

Peru Republicans announce town office candidates

August 7, 2025, Peru, NY – The Town of Peru Republican Party Chairman Melvin Irwin reports that Peru Republicans are supporting the following candidates for town offices.  All are four-year terms of office.

Town Supervisor – Craig Randall (Randall is currently serving the unexpired term of Brandy McDonald, who resigned from the office last year.)

Town Board –  Dwane Bast and incumbent Melvin Irwin

Town Clerk – Christine Crawford

Town Justice – No Nominee

Highway Superintendent –  Incumbent Michael Farrell

The Peru Gazette plans to send a qualifications and goals questionnaire to each candidate a few weeks before the November 4 Election Day.

Champlain Area Trails Invites Community to Celebrate Women’s Suffrage Anniversary on Mt. Inez

Photo Provided

Lewis, NY — Champlain Area Trails (CATS), an accredited land trust, invites the public to celebrate the 105th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New York by hiking Mt. Inez on Sunday, August 17th. Named after Inez Milholland, an iconic leader in the women’s suffrage movement, the hike is a perfect way to honor the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Founded in 2009, CATS creates and maintains over 100 miles of hiking and walking trails, protects over 3,000 acres of land, and hosts outdoor education events in New York’s Champlain Valley. The Mt. Inez trail, located in the Champlain Valley region of the Adirondack Mountains, offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The roughly 4-mile round-trip hike has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet, reaching the summit at 1,598 feet.

“This is more than a hike—it’s a way to honor history and connect with the landscape that shaped one of America’s most important activists,” said Arin Burdo, Executive Director of CATS. “We invite everyone to come walk in Inez’s footsteps and celebrate the power of civic action.”

Inez Milholland was a leading suffragette, activist, and lawyer who grew up near the base of Mt. Inez. She was a key figure in gaining momentum for the women’s suffrage movement in New York in the early 20th century through organizing marches and rallies. Tragically, she died at the young age of 30 while on a speaking tour to promote women’s voting rights. CATS aims to raise awareness of her essential role in the suffrage movement by improving access to the trail that bears her name.

The Mt. Inez hike is free and open to everyone. It is led by the CATSWomen volunteer group and the CATS staff. If you’re feeling festive, please consider wearing white, symbolizing the suffragette movement.

The volunteer-led hike will start at 9 a.m. at the trailhead off Lewis-Wadhams Road, on Ray Woods Road in Lewis, NY. For further details and to register, please visit www.champlainareatrails.com.

Michael S. Cashman Announces Candidacy for 115th Assembly District Special Election

August 7, 2025 – Michael Chessman News Release 

PLATTSBURGH, NY — Michael S. Cashman, Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh and longtime North Country public servant, today announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the special election to fill the 115th Assembly District seat being vacated by Assemblyman Billy Jones.

“After thoughtful consideration and conversations with neighbors across Clinton, Franklin and Essex counties, I’m stepping forward to continue a tradition of people-first public service,” Cashman said. “Billy Jones has been a tireless, trusted leader for this district. I’m proud to call him a friend and inspired by the example he’s set. If nominated, I will work every day with the same integrity and energy, while bringing my own vision for the North Country’s future.”

The 115th District spans more than 40 communities and over 140,000 residents from border towns to the heart of the Adirondacks encompassing rural farmland, historic villages, and growing urban centers. “Our region is unique,” said Cashman. “It deserves a strong, clear voice in Albany that understands both the opportunities and the challenges we face.”

Cashman acknowledged that elections bring noise and distractions. “What matters most is showing up, listening, and delivering for the people you represent,” he said. “I’ve worked with leaders from both parties standing shoulder-to-shoulder when the moment called for it, and pushing back when necessary. That’s the kind of balanced, pragmatic leadership the North Country deserves.”

A proven record of results includes:

Fiscal Stewardship: Delivered tax-cap-compliant budgets every year as Town Supervisor while making strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and community amenities maintaining fiscal discipline without sacrificing services.

Statewide Leadership: Elected Vice President of the New York State Association of Towns by his peers, champions local government priorities including infrastructure, housing, and rural resources. Led bipartisan Clinton County delegations to Albany to advocate for local needs.

Transforming Key Assets: A lead colaborator for the redevelopment of the former Clinton County Airport/Clinton County Business Invocation Gateway into a thriving commercial corridor unlocking new opportunities for job creation, education, private investment, and long-term economic growth.

Veterans’ Advocacy: Partnered with the Clinton County American Legion to establish the Battlefield Memorial Gateway and served as a North Country Honor Flight leader.

Community Engagement: Founded events like Michigan Fest, bringing thousands together to celebrate North Country pride and support local businesses.

Cross-Border Cooperation: Spearheaded the “Declaration of Friendship” with Cornwall, Ontario, strengthening economic and cultural ties between the North Country and Canada.

“This region has my heart,” Cashman said in closing. “I’m honored to seek the nomination to serve the people of the 115th. I will bring energy, experience, and a track record of building partnerships that deliver results. These aren’t abstract goals, they come from living here, listening to you, and working hard every day as your public servant.”

Vermont state officials say that dealing with wildfire smoke pollution is “going to be a part of our future.”

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Amendments to New York’s Discovery Laws To Support Survivors, Hold Perpetrators Accountable and Safeguard Right to a Fair and Speedy Trial

August 6, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today highlighted essential changes to New York’s Discovery Laws, set to take effect on Thursday, August 7, at a press conference with New York District Attorneys, victim advocates and local law enforcement. Passed as part of the FY26 Enacted Budget agreement, amendments to the discovery process will support survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes, hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard the right to a fair and speedy trial in New York State.

“The safety of New Yorkers is my number one priority and this week, reforms that will make our public safety laws stronger go into effect — changes that enable us to better support survivors and close the revolving door of our court system,” Governor Hochul said. “Our Discovery Laws — some of the strongest for defendants in the country — ensure that our justice system works for both victims and public safety officers, rebalancing the scales of justice in New York.” 

Adjustments to Discovery maintain due process for defendants while replacing a system that allowed for automatic dismissals based on technical errors and had adverse effects on survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes. With bipartisan support from District Attorneys, domestic violence victim advocates, religious leaders and business groups, these Discovery changes will:

  • Require courts to consider the prosecutor’s efforts as a whole and whether any missing material prejudiced the defense, preventing cases from being thrown out over insignificant mistakes;
  • Narrow the scope of the items that must be disclosed and cut out the need to seek certain materials that are irrelevant to the charges against the defendant, allowing prosecutors to better focus on gathering the evidence that really matters;
  • Allow prosecutors to move the case forward after they have exercised good faith and due diligence to obtain discoverable material and disclosed everything they have actually obtained, even if there are items they are waiting on;
  • Protect against manipulation of the speedy trial clock, requiring defense attorneys to bring challenges early in the case and confer with prosecutors to resolve issues and move cases forward quickly; and
  • Streamline protections for sensitive witness information, both to protect witnesses and to facilitate a culture of witnesses feeling empowered to come forward

$20 million in NYS clean water grants awarded

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced over $20 million in awards for two key programs that support clean water initiatives across the state: the Green Innovation Grant Program and Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants. This funding provides critical support to communities working to affordably modernize water infrastructure, protect public health, and enhance resilience to extreme weather. The awards are announced during National Water Quality Month, commemorated every August to highlight the importance of clean water for healthy communities and thriving ecosystems.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean, safe water, and we’re making that happen by investing in smart, affordable infrastructure upgrades,” Governor Hochul said.“From planning to construction, we’re supporting communities every step of the way so families across the state can count on reliable water systems for years to come.”

The Environmental Facilities Corporation is awarding $17 million through the Green Innovation Grant Program to support 12 stormwater infrastructure and water efficiency projects. The program supports nature-based solutions that help mitigate flooding, reduce runoff, and improve water quality, while also promoting economic development.

EFC is also awarding over $3 million in Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants to 59 communities. Planning grants jumpstart local efforts to advance fiscally sound and well-designed projects to construction by supporting completion of an approvable engineering report for the project.

Green Innovation Grant Program Award Highlights

  • Green-Wood Cemetery in New York City – $1.8 million to implement the second phase of a comprehensive stormwater resilience project aimed at reducing combined sewer overflows into the Gowanus Canal and Upper New York Bay.
  • City of Lockport in Niagara County (Western New York) – $1.4 million for Phase 2 of a streetscape improvement project that will incorporate green infrastructure to reduce combined sewer overflows and improve water quality in the NYS Barge Canal.
  • Village of Malone in Franklin County (North Country) – $3 million to install water meters as part of a comprehensive water system upgrade, ensuring compliance with state sanitary codes and meeting current demand.
  • New York City Department of Parks and Recreation – $1.3 million to provide final gap funding needed to get the nearly $10 million Bridge Park South Expansion underway, featuring green infrastructure and a renaturalized shoreline to help revitalize the South Bronx waterfront and link Harlem River parks.

Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant Award Highlights

  • Town of Hague in Warren County (Capital Region) – $48,500 to evaluate the feasibility of extending the sanitary sewer service along the shore of Lake George to create a third sewer district. The report will study alternatives for potential sewer system extensions options and will recommend and prioritize improvements. The implementation of this project will help reduce nutrient loading to improve water quality in Lake George.
  • Village of Lake Placid in Essex County (North Country) – $50,000 to evaluate the condition of the sanitary sewers along the lower section of Main Street for water quality improvements in Chubb River. The study will include manhole inspections and televised video inspection to identify sources of inflow and infiltration. The report will recommend and prioritize improvements to the collection system.
  • Village of Medina in Orleans County (Finger Lakes) – $50,000 to evaluate the current condition of the wastewater treatment plant to replace aging equipment. The report will recommend and prioritize improvements, including resiliency and cyber security enhancements. Implementation of this project will provide further water quality protection measures for Oak Orchard Creek.
  • Village of Morrisville in Madison County (Central New York) – $50,000 to assess the feasibility of consolidating wastewater treatment plants in the Village and at SUNY Morrisville to protect water quality in the Chenango River. The study will assess the necessary pumping and conveyance infrastructure for consolidation, as well as needed equipment upgrades necessary to treat the increased flow and loads at the Village’s facility.
  • City of Oneonta in Otsego County (Mohawk Valley) – $100,000 to investigate sources of inflow and infiltration in the City’s sanitary sewer system to protect water quality in the Susquehanna River.
  • Village of Ossining in Westchester County (Mid-Hudson) – $50,000 to identify sources of inflow and infiltration to the stormwater system. The report will identify sources of pollution entering the stormwater system and will feature a phased capital improvement plan and map to guide the implementation of recommendations. The implementation of this project will provide further water quality protection measures for the Hudson River.
  • Town of Tonawanda in Erie County (Western New York) – $100,000 to evaluate the sanitary sewers within three areas to protect Two Mile Creek and Ellicott Creek. The study will identify inflow and infiltration sources, analyze sewer hydraulic capacity, and exterior investigations.
  • Town of Urbana in Steuben County (Southern Tier) – $42,000 to evaluate the feasibility of connecting properties in the town currently served by septic systems to the Village of Hammondsport collection system. The project will protect water quality in Keuka Lake.

Full lists of awardees and project descriptions for each program are available on EFC’s website at www.efc.ny.gov.

Video Showcasing the Town of Plattsburgh as an outstanding place to live and work

Click here to view video 

Recent Area Forest Ranger actions

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On July 29 at 6:56 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a 14-year-old from Camp Chingachgook who lost consciousness near the Elk Pass area of Nippletop Mountain. Forest Ranger Quinn spoke to a camp counselor on the phone and advised the counselor to move the teenager from Needham to the shade and aggressively cool off the subject with water. New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation was approved. NYSP Pilot Engel flew Rangers Lewis and O’Dell to a swamp near the campers. Rangers carried the 14-year-old through the swamp, which at some points was waist deep water and mud, to the helicopter. Pilot Engel flew the patient to an ambulance staged at Marcy Field. Ranger Quinn suggested the remaining campers spend the night and hike out in the morning because they were fatigued from a full day of hiking and did not have enough headlamps. The group later safely returned to camp. Resources were clear at 8:43 p.m.

Ranger carrying unconscious hiker on his back and he and another ranger walk towards the helicopter

Ranger Lewis carries hiker to helicopter

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On July 29 at 7:51 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to the Leach Trail at Adirondack Mountain Reserve for a 19-year-old experiencing fatigue and cramping. Rangers reached the subject and assisted the hiker to their vehicle in the Reserve parking lot. The patient declined to seek further medical attention on their own. Resources were clear at 9:53 p.m.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 2 at 3:50 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a radio transmission from the Algonquin Summit Steward about a hiker suffering from dehydration and having difficulty walking. The 28-year-old from Owego was approximately 0.25 miles above the Wright-Algonquin intersection and did not have any food. The Summit Steward rehydrated the subject while Forest Rangers responded. At 5:17 p.m., Ranger H. Praczkajlo made contact with the hiker as they slowly made their way down. At 11:34 p.m., the subject began experiencing seizure activity at the Whale’s Tail Ski Trail junction. Five Rangers provided medical care and carried out the subject the last few hundred feet to a UTV. Rangers turned over the subject to Lake Placid EMS, who transported the patient to the hospital.

Town of Elizabethtown
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 3 at 3 p.m., Essex County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker who had fallen into the first pool at Split Rock Falls. The 50-year-old from Peru, New York, suffered head and back injuries. Forest Rangers Bode, Lewis, and Quinn worked with New York State Police and the Keene and North Hudson Fire Departments to complete a high-angle rope rescue. At 5 p.m., rescuers turned over care of the hiker to Life Net, which flew the patient to the hospital.

Fire fighters, Forest Rangers, and other rescuers near ambulance helping the injured hiker

Split Rock Falls rescue

Life Net helicopter responding to take injured hiker to the hospital

Life Net helicopter responds

Following bankruptcy and sale, Gardener’s Supply workers are laid off and vendors are shortchanged

“…troubled company that owes hundreds of thousands of dollars to a variety of international, national and local vendors”

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Babbie Museum Auction Fundraiser and Special Event

Assemblyman D. Billy Jones to Lead Clinton Community College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

Clinton Community College News Release – August 5, 2025 – PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, whose strong community leadership and steady business advocacy have marked his nearly nine years in the New York legislature, has been named Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at Clinton Community College.
In his new role, Jones will provide leadership and oversight of workforce and community education programs at the college, including operations of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and programs undertaken by the Center for Community and Workforce Development. He will spearhead the development of a new master plan for the IAM, creating the regional hub for workforce development and education it was designed to become, and lead conversations with businesses and employers.
“This is a tremendous moment for the college and its future,” said Ken Knelly, acting president of Clinton Community College. “No one is more connected with local organizations and businesses or more passionate about solutions and partnerships that make our region better. The state and the university system are more focused than ever on workforce development. He can help us take advantage of this moment and more solidly place us on the path to financial sustainability and greater service locally.”
After graduating high school, Jones ran his family’s dairy farm and worked as a correction officer with the New York State Department of Corrections. He served as mayor of Chateaugay and as an interim county manager and Franklin County legislator, becoming chairman in 2013. He was elected to the New York Assembly in 2016. As an assemblyman, Jones led in areas of economic and workforce development, forging connections with local and state agencies and delivering tens of millions of dollars of local investments to a wide range of community needs.
“I’ve dedicated my entire career to serving the North Country, and this new role allows me to continue that work in a very direct and meaningful way,” Jones said. “I’m truly excited to join the team at Clinton Community College and help lead the next chapter for the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and developing other workforce development initiatives. These programs play a vital role in creating opportunities, supporting local employers, and strengthening our communities. I’m honored to take on this position and look forward to building strong partnerships that will drive real results across the region. I want to thank Acting President Knelly and the board of trustees for this amazing opportunity.”

Read more »

Hunting, Trapping Licenses & Deer Management Permits Available through Oct. 1

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2025-26 season are now on sale.

“With an estimated half a million New Yorkers looking to take part in the long-standing traditions of hunting and trapping this fall, excitement is building and preparation for the upcoming seasons already underway,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Hunter education classes and licenses are now available to help hunters get outdoors and connect to nature. While hunters are planning ahead, I encourage experienced hunters to consider mentoring a new or less experienced hunter this year to help foster the next generation of New York’s sporting community.”

Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at any of DEC’s license-issuing agents, or by telephone at 866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

Beginning this week through Nov. 30, the DEC Call Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Regular call center weekday hours resume on Dec. 1.

Hunters should have the following ready when buying a license:

  • Complete contact information (e.g., name, address, email address, telephone number). For those who want their license and/or tags emailed, a valid email address is required;
  • DEC customer ID number (if applicable);
  • Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or non-driver’s ID with a valid New York State address);
  • If purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card; and
  • If not already entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, you must provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases.

For additional information, visit the General Sporting License Information webpage on DEC’s website. Information for hunters with a disability can be found on the Permits for Hunters with Disabilities page on the DEC website.

The 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which provides an easy-to-read collection of pertinent rules and regulations, is available on the DEC Hunting webpage. Copies are available at license issuing agents. Legislation regarding use of crossbows and a regulatory proposal for electronic carcass tagging and harvest reporting are both pending and are not enacted. Hunters are encouraged to stay up to date on potential changes as they prepare for the fall hunting seasons by visiting the Hunting page on DEC’s website.

New York’s habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources. Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license helps support DEC’s conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come.

Habitat & Access Stamp Read more »

Canada wildfires cause poor air quality in the midwest and northeast U.S.

Click here for the NCPR story 

National Guard members admit giving inmates drugs, phones

Click here for the MSN story 

One dead in Peru, New York house fire, officials say

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Summers Are Brutal in New York’s Prisons. This Year Is Worse Than Ever.

Short-staffed since a strike this winter, the prison system is keeping people locked in their boiling cells and dorms for upwards of 21 hours a day.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Vermont will try a different attack on cyanobacteria at state’s only ‘lake in crisis’

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Hamburg & Gravy on Mashed Potatoes

Vegetable 

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!

Run For Jon time is almost here!

AI Supercomputer research projects to treat Neurodegenerative Diseases Including ALS, Muscular Dystrophy and Spinocerebellar Ataxias as Part of SUNY-Led Research at Empire AI Computing Center

August 1, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the first Empire AI supercomputer projects from the University at Albany. Stemming from a partnership between UAlbany’s world-renowned RNA Institute and their partners at the University of Rochester, the newest member of the Governor’s Empire AI Consortium, researchers will now have access to New York State’s Empire AI supercomputer housed at the University at Buffalo.

“Empire AI is an incredible tool that allows us to harness the power of technology and innovation to change lives for the better,” Governor Hochul said. “By bringing together researchers from UAlbany and the University of Rochester and the power of Empire AI, we are paving the way to unlocking treatments for devastating diseases. This is not just research, it’s proof that New York is building a brighter and healthier future for everyone.”

The UAlbany work is the latest in a series of research projects that are up and running at the first “Alpha” phase of the Empire AI computing center. UAlbany researchers will work with UR colleagues to use computer vision and AI to analyze the recorded movements of patients with neuromuscular diseases like myotonic dystrophy (DM), the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. Researchers hope to use the Empire AI system to develop innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like DM, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and spinocerebellar ataxias.

The work will be funded by approximately $230,000 in matching grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to UAlbany and UR, along with more than $2 million from the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense.

Empire AI is now backed by more than $500 million in public and private funding and is made up of 10 member universities and research institutions. Governor Hochul secured funding in May to expand access for SUNY researchers at UAlbany, Binghamton University, the University at Buffalo (which houses Empire AI), and Stony Brook University, and support the addition of new members including the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. They join the seven founding members of Empire AI, SUNY, CUNY, Columbia University, Cornell University, NYU, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Flatiron Institute. Empire AI is the Governor’s nation-leading initiative to advance AI research for the public good, led by an independent consortium of members and Empire State Development.

Refundable Farm Employer Tax Credit Application Period Now Open

Eligible Farmers May Now Apply for Reimbursement for Overtime Paid Since January 1, 2025

Friday, August 1, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that eligible farm employers may now apply for the Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance program and receive reimbursement for eligible overtime paid to employees since January 1, 2025. Now in its second year, the Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance program is a part of Governor Hochul’s plan to support New York’s farmers through a series of new and increased tax credits and other initiatives and helps to ensure that farm employers can continue to support their workers while reducing their tax burden.

“Our farmers and farm workers are the backbone of New York, and I’m doing everything in my power to ensure that they can thrive in their essential work of bringing fresh, local products to communities across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance is a big part of that, reducing the tax burden for our farm businesses while helping them to continue supporting their hardworking staff, caring for animals and harvesting perishable products. I encourage all eligible farmers to learn more about this program and submit their applications now for a certificate of advance payment.”

The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a refundable tax credit available for farm employers who pay overtime wages, based on the phase-in of an overtime threshold in New York State. Beginning today, farm employers may submit an application to the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid between January 1 and July 31, 2025 so they can receive reimbursement from the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).

Farms that used a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in 2024 may also apply for certification for eligible overtime paid between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted to AGM by September 30. After eligibility review, AGM will issue a certificate of payment to each approved farm employer. With a certificate of advance payment, the approved farmer or business owners (for example, partners or shareholders) can then request their share of the payment from the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF). This request must be made no later than November 1, using the online services account at DTF’s website.

Farmers can apply for this refundable credit if they or their business:

  • is/are an eligible farmer; and
  • directly employ eligible farm employees that were paid eligible overtime or indirectly pay eligible overtime via the services of a PEO.

The deadline to apply for an advance credit certificate from AGM is September 30, 2025. Farmers are encouraged to reach out to FarmOTAdvance@agriculture.ny.gov with any questions. More information about the program, including guidance documents, is available on AGM’s website at agriculture.ny.gov/farming/farm-employer-overtime-credit-advance.

AGM hosted a special webinar in July to help eligible farmers prepare for the launch of the program. A recording of the webinar is available on AGM’s YouTube page.

New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Farm labor is a critical issue, and we are working hard to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to support their workforce while meeting their food production goals. Last year, the Overtime Tax Credit initiative had a great start, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow the program and make sure that our farmers and farm workers have the support they need.”

Keeseville native keeps climbing in bowling career after top four finish in the 2025 Junior Gold Championships

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Free Streamside Property Assessments

AFC Photo

Wilmington, NY – Ausable Freshwater Center (AFC) is providing streamside property assessments as part of the Stream Wise initiative in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Stream Wise is a nonprofit program that provides resources for landowners adjacent to streams and rivers in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. This marks the fourth year that AFC is the local host organization for landowners in the Ausable and Boquet River watersheds and will be the primary contact and resource for all things Stream Wise.

Healthy streams are not only beautiful, they are home to diverse fish and wildlife, provide vital drinking water, and create recreation and relaxation opportunities. Historically, streams and rivers have often been impacted by various land uses that disturb the native vegetation along their shores, put water quality at risk, and can increase flood potential. AFC’s Stream Wise assessments provide landowners the tools they need to better understand their stream buffer and to take steps to improve and protect it with confidence.

“We love working with streamside landowners to protect their yards, their streams, and the places they care about most,” said Carrianne Pershyn, AFC Biodiversity Research Manager. “Stream Wise is a great way to learn about your property in a new way, and how small changes can make a big difference for your stream and your community.”

If you own land that abuts a stream or river in the Ausable or Boquet River watersheds, email marque@ausablecenter.org for more information or to sign up for a free property assessment from AFC’s Stream Wise team.

Trico mayfly hatch brings August fishing challenges to Adirondack waters

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story