The Peru Gazette

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies statewide are participating in the national enforcement initiative to eliminate impaired driving during this year’s Super Bowl celebrations. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) funds the campaign, which began Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and runs through Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, 2026. Along with increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers, police will target speeding, distracted driving and other reckless driving behaviors.

“If you’re like me and your team didn’t make it to the big game, you know there’s always next year,” Governor Hochul said. “However, if you drive impaired or make poor or reckless choices that put you and others on the roads in danger, next year may not come. We want all New Yorkers celebrating Super Bowl LX to plan ahead, have a designated driver or be the designated driver. Law enforcement officers will be out across the state making sure football fans are celebrating responsibly so we all can see the day the Buffalo Bills bring home the Lombardi.”

During the 2025 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 1,021 people for impaired driving and issued 49,948 total tickets. Read more »

Governor Hochul states that the bill’s guardrails will ensure integrity of patient decision and preparedness of medical institutions, February 6, 2026 – Governor Hochul today signed legislation S.138/A.136 that will allow medical aid in dying to be available to terminally ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live. This historic bill signing comes after careful reflection and deliberation with the sponsors of the bill, advocacy organizations, and everyday New Yorkers brave enough to share their personal experiences in order to get this legislation across the finish line.

“Our state will always stand firm in safeguarding New Yorkers’ freedoms and right to bodily autonomy, which includes the right for the terminally ill to peacefully and comfortably end their lives with dignity and compassion,” Governor Hochul said. “This journey was deeply personal for me. Witnessing my mother’s suffering from ALS was an excruciating experience, knowing there was nothing I could do to alleviate the pain of someone I loved. It took years of intimate discussions with our bill sponsors, health experts, advocates, and most importantly, families who have similar firsthand experiences. New Yorkers deserve the choice to endure less suffering, not by shortening their lives, but by shortening their deaths — I firmly believe we made the right decision.”

The bill, as passed by the Legislature originally included a number of protections in order to ensure that no patient was coerced into choosing medical aid in dying and that no health care professional or religiously affiliated health facility would be forced to offer medical aid in dying. The Governor worked with the Legislature to include additional guardrails that will make sure people won’t be taken advantage of, while still ensuring terminally ill New Yorkers have the choice to die comfortably and on their own terms, including:

• A mandatory waiting period of 5 days between when a prescription is written and filled.
• An oral request by the patient for medical aid in dying must be recorded by video or audio.
• A mandatory mental health evaluation of the patient seeking medical aid in dying by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
• A prohibition against anyone who may benefit financially from the death of a patient from being eligible to serve as a witness to the oral request or an interpreter for the patient.
• Limiting the availability of medical aid in dying to New York residents.
• Requiring that the initial evaluation of a patient by a physician be in person.
• Allowing religiously-oriented home hospice providers to opt out of offering medical aid in dying.
• Ensuring that a violation of the law is defined as professional misconduct under the Education Law.
• Extending the effective date of the bill to six months after signing to allow the Department of Health to put into place regulations required to implement the law while also ensuring that health care facilities can properly prepare and train staff for compliance.

In December, the Governor joined the bill’s sponsors, supportive advocates and New Yorkers with lived experience at a press conference announcing the agreement reached with the Legislature to make medical aid in dying available to terminally ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live. The Times Union also published an op-ed to outline her support for medical aid in dying.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “I’m honored to carry the Medical Aid in Dying Act on behalf of the new Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. Our state must ensure terminally-ill New Yorkers can choose their journey. I want to thank Assemblymember Paulin and former Senator Hoylman-Sigal for their tireless work to give these New Yorkers the option to make an end-of-life care decision in a dignified and compassionate manner, and to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “Today is a historic day for New York. “The Medical Aid in Dying Act gives New Yorkers the dignity they deserve at the most vulnerable moment in their lives. This legislation is about love, autonomy, and easing needless suffering. My sister died a horrific death from ovarian cancer, and in her final days she was in pain so overwhelming that she begged for death. Her experience is, tragically, the story of so many others. Most people will never choose medical aid in dying, but they want the reassurance of having it as a compassionate safeguard that offers comfort even if it is never used. I am profoundly grateful to Governor Hochul for recognizing the deep compassion at the heart of this legislation and to the extraordinary advocates who have spent years working to make this day possible.”

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “Today’s signing of the Medical Aid in Dying Act marks a historic step forward for compassion, dignity, and personal autonomy in New York State. For terminally ill New Yorkers facing unimaginable pain and suffering, this law ensures they will have the ability to make deeply personal end-of-life decisions on their own terms. This legislation has been years in the making, shaped by the voices of patients, families, physicians, advocates, and faith leaders who courageously shared their experiences. From the beginning, I have said this bill is not about ending life — it is about shortening death and easing suffering. I am deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this bill into law and for working with the Legislature to strengthen critical safeguards that protect patients, providers, and families while preserving meaningful choice for those with less than six months to live. I also thank Senator Gustavo Rivera for his leadership as Senate sponsor, Assembly sponsor Amy Paulin, Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and the advocates who helped bring this legislation across the finish line. Most of all, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to the New Yorkers with terminal illnesses and their loved ones who bravely shared their stories to ensure future generations have greater dignity, comfort, and control at the end of life.”

Compassion & Choices Senior Campaign Director Corinne Carey said, “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for listening to families navigating the realities of terminal illness, to our legislative champions for their steadfast leadership, and to the advocates — many of whom did not live to see this day — whose courage made this moment possible. This law is the result of more than a decade of steady, persistent advocacy by thousands of New Yorkers who shared deeply personal stories and helped move this conversation forward across our state. The Medical Aid in Dying Act affirms a simple but profound principle: that everyone deserves compassion and the freedom to make deeply personal decisions about their own body and their own care at the end of life.”

End of Life Choices New York Executive Director Mandi Zucker said, “Governor Hochul delivered on her promise to New Yorkers by signing the Medical Aid in Dying Act. End of Life Choices New York was proud to be at the Governor’s announcement in December when she said she would sign the bill, and we were excited then. But today’s milestone is something altogether different – one that we are so proud to have played a small part in seeing to fruition. Yet today’s announcement that the Governor signed the bill is not the end of the fight to implement Medical Aid in Dying for millions of New Yorkers and their families. It is another mile marker in the long and winding road towards fairness, choice, peace, and dignity for all of those watching loved ones struggle with a terminal illness. Over the next six months and beyond, End of Life Choices New York will engage in a massive educational effort for physicians, attorneys, nurses, pharmacists, doulas, and so many other professionals who will be immediately impacted by this new law, as well as the general public. We look forward to working with the Governor’s office and many professional organizations to ensure the law is implemented successfully and efficiently.”

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Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State Saturday, February 7

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff, Saturday, February 7, from sunrise to sunset, in honor of Charlie Hall, a correction officer who died from a medical emergency while on duty at Five Points Correctional Facility.

“I am deeply grateful to Correction Officer Charlie Hall for his service and selfless dedication to maintain the security of New York’s correctional facilities and protecting others from harm” Governor Hochul said. “Today I join Officer Hall’s loved ones and fellow correction officers in honoring his life and commitment to service.

Officer Hall was an active member of the Crisis Intervention Unit at Five Points Correctional Facility. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Hall, daughter Lauren, and son Andrew.

Ample Fishing Opportunities Await New Anglers

Free Fishing Days Support the Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York. The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days in 2026: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).

“Free Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to affordably explore, unplug, and get outside,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State’s waters offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation, hosting memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy. In addition to the many health benefits associated with recreating outdoors, fishing can provide more opportunities to connect with family and friends, something that seems harder and harder to do with increasing demands on time in today’s world.”

DEC’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give New Yorkers who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State Fishing License.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “A wide variety of sport fish are thriving in thousands of freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers across New York State. Recreational fishing can be an exciting, affordable, and rewarding challenge that reminds us to slow down and take time to enjoy our valuable natural resources. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, I encourage everyone to get outside and visit New York’s waters during this year’s Free Fishing Days.”

DEC offers a host of resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. Read more »

Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perunighthawks.org. 

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed. 

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.  

Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. 

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than noon on Tuesday, February 10. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Policy Review

• Personnel Appointments

• Preliminary Budget Information presentation

• 26-27 Academic Calendar

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (www.perunighthawks.org).

Many, many family activities this weekend. 

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A chance to voice YOUR opinion! 

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NYC story, but is it happening in other parts of NYS 

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Ice began drifting on Lake Champlain, causing dangerous conditions for skaters who needed to be rescued

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Tate Frantz, native of Lake Placid, is representing Team USA in Milan

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SUNY Potsdam photo

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Child Care Council Ex. Director: “There aren’t enough providers to meet today’s needs, let alone if it were expanded to more families. He said the physical infrastructure doesn’t even exist yet.”

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(PLATTSBURGH, NY – February 4, 2026) – The City of Plattsburgh is partnering with local military families to honor men and women who have served or are currently serving in the US Armed Forces. Applications for this year’s program are due on March 16th.

Eligibility Requirements:

Honoree must be:

• Military personnel
• Currently serving, honorably discharged, retired or deceased

Honoree must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a current resident of the City of Plattsburgh
• Have previously lived in the City as a long-term resident (20 years or more)
• Be a graduate of a High School located within the City of Plattsburgh
• Be a resident of the City of Plattsburgh at time of enlistment or discharge from service.

Each application is subject to approval by the City of Plattsburgh Hometown Heroes Committee.

The “Hometown Heroes Banner Program” memorializes active and honorably discharged military personnel with banners displayed around the US Oval Historic District between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.

The City of Plattsburgh is privileged to have a rich military history within our community and are humbled to join neighboring communities in commemorating our local heroes. Displaying the banners around the US Oval, the nucleus of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base and the site of the North Country Honor Flight, is the perfect setting in which to honor our military community.

Banners will be displayed for two years after which they will be returned to the sponsoring family or friend. Sponsors will pay a $225 fee to cover the cost of the banners. If renewing, the cost is $150.

Applications for the program can be found at https://my.cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov/en/projects/hometown-heroes-banner-program and will be made available in the City of Plattsburgh Community Development Office at 41 City Hall Place, the Plattsburgh Public Library, local American Legion posts, and the Clinton County Veterans Services Office.

Applications can be emailed to BristerB@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov, mailed, or dropped off to the Community Development Office at City Hall between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The deadline for the 2026 season is Monday, March 16th, 2026.

Banners will extend to U.S. Route 9 until all spaces are filled, at which time a wait-list will be maintained on a first-come first-served basis.

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Albany, Dan Stec News Release of Feb. 4, 2026 – Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today joined his state Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a package of bills that would provide immediate, substantive tax relief to all New Yorkers. Chief among these bills is Senate bill S.9110, which would institute the largest tax cut in state history.

• S.9110 – Eliminates the state personal income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for joint filers. New Yorkers that file jointly would see an estimated savings of up to $6,000 once fully phased in;
• S.1296 – Establishes an annual spending growth cap on the state budget that limits the growth of state operating funds spending;
• S.1487 – Reduces the amount small businesses and farms must pay in taxes by increasing the corporate tax threshold from $390,000 to $500,000 and lowering the rate to 2.5%. It also expands the small business exemption to all PIT businesses regardless of whether they have employees, increases the threshold to $500,000, increases the exemption to 15%, and increases the exemption to 20% for farmers;
• S.3914 – Ends the state income tax on overtime;
• S.5519 – Eases the property tax burden on homeowners by providing for a ten-year state takeover of the local share of Medicaid for local governments subject to the two percent property tax cap; and
• S.587 – Ends the state income tax on tips.

LCLGRPB gets $750K; P’burgh-North Country Chamber, $350K

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(PLATTSBURGH – News Release of February 3, 2026) – The City of Plattsburgh is excited to release a full calendar of community events for 2026, which includes many of the community’s favorite events from years past such as the Fourth of July Celebration, Parks Come Alive events, as well as some new introductions! To stay up to date on upcoming events visit www.discoverplattsburgh.com/events.

2026 Event Highlights

What can the public expect for events in 2026? The City will host family-friendly, free events that focus on highlighting regional food, drink, music, art and history. Our community events would not be possible without the collaboration with many community organizations like the Sunrise Rotary Club, the Strand Center for the Arts, the Town of Plattsburgh, SUNY Plattsburgh, 1814 Inc. and many others.

Beloved traditional community events such as the Fourth of July Celebration, Mayor’s Cup Festival and Regatta, Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration and A Miracle on Margaret Street are scheduled for 2026. Parks Come Alive, now in its fifth season, will return, along with Downtown Trick or Treat, the GreenUp Community Clean up & Earth Day Festival and the Lake City Arts Festival. Events like Chill on the Hill Winter Festival, The Memorial Day Parade and Movie Night in the Park debuted in 2025 and will return this year, with Movie Night in the Park expanding to three total movie nights in 2026.

Emma Stewart, Community Engagement Coordinator says “We’re excited to continue growing Plattsburgh’s event programming in 2026. With new events joining returning favorites, this year’s lineup reflects our commitment to creating fun, engaging experiences that bring people together and highlight our community.”

Building Partnerships with Local Businesses

The City is excited to collaborate with many local businesses in 2026. DELLA Auto Group, Microbird, Schluter Systems, UFirst Federal Credit Union, Dannemora Federal Credit Union, Northern Insuring, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union, Stafford Owens, Community Bank, and Happy Camper Pediatric Dentistry, have all partnered with the City to present different events throughout the year. The City’s business partners have not only contributed monetary resources to our community events but are also planning to get their employees involved in volunteering for events. Partnering with our local businesses strengthens relationships in the community and opens the door for collaboration.

Elizabeth Guillette, Recruitment Specialist at Schluter Systems, says “We take great pride and joy in sponsoring the community events of the City of Plattsburgh. It feels good to give back to the community that gives so much to us and means so much to our employees. We cherish the connections, enjoyment, and communal strength that these events foster annually.”

Anna Hewitt-Channell, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Dannemora Federal Credit Union says,“We love the community events because it is a great way to connect, see other families out having fun, meet new people and businesses, etc. I think the happiness is electric at our community events! There is something special about everyone being together in one location like the park or downtown for an Arts Festival. ”    

Colin McCullough, Marketing Director at Northern Insuring Agency says, “As a North Country business, we welcome the shared responsibility of contributing to a strong and vibrant community. These annual events go to the root of our organization’s core values and align with our commitment to support our most valuable resource: the local people who take pride in the North Country and choose to celebrate it.”

Chris Goodell, Pediatric Dentist at Happy Camber Pediatric Dentistry says, “Happy Camper Pediatric Dentistry is thrilled to be able to support events that get families together, outdoors, and having fun. We are excited to see the City of Plattsburgh building on previous years’ events, especially with the addition of several outdoor movies this year. By offering these events, it shows that Plattsburgh is committed to supporting families living in our community and that recreation is a priority for city leaders. Happy Camper shares that commitment and is proud to be able to help bring such family-friendly events to the community!”

2026 List of Events in Full

Visit www.discoverplattsburgh.com/events for event details such as timing, parking, and information about accessibility.

Hosting an Event in Plattsburgh

Community events and gatherings are what makes Plattsburgh an enriching place to live, work and recreate. If you are interested in hosting an event that is on City of Plattsburgh property, you can learn more on the City’s website by visiting www.cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov/holdinganevent. 

The Community Engagement Coordinator is a resource to help the community hold events and gatherings both safely and successfully. You can start the event application process by filling out an online form, by emailing events@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov or calling 518-536-7510.