The Peru Gazette

Alcoa agrees to maintain a minimum of 500 full-time jobs

NYS News Release, Oct. 22, 2205 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new power supply contract between the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Alcoa, a leading aluminum producer and one of the North Country’s largest employers. The contract includes a commitment of $30 million in capital investments and supports 500 jobs at Alcoa’s Massena Plant for the next 10 years.  In addition to the contract, Alcoa is investing nearly $60 million through 2028 to rebuild and modernize a portion of the plant. This investment is made possible by the new energy contract as well as a $5.2 million capital grant and $1 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from Empire State Development (ESD). This improvement will enable process stability and operational efficiency.

“By securing good paying jobs and fostering investment, this agreement ensures Alcoa will continue to be a major presence in Massena while supporting New York families and communities,” Governor Hochul said. “The aluminum manufacturing industry has played a significant role in the nation’s economic development, and New York’s Alcoa facility has been at the forefront, driving economic growth and opportunity in the North Country.” 

Today’s announcement of a signed contract by Alcoa and the Power Authority follows approval of the final contract terms by the Power Authority’s Board of Trustees and Governor Hochul. The contract includes a 240-megawatt (MW) allocation of low-cost power through its Preservation Power program to Alcoa for its Massena Plant in St. Lawrence County. This power allocation will support Alcoa’s operations through March 31, 2036, with options for two additional five-year extensions, contingent on maintaining a minimum of 500 full-time equivalent jobs and increased capital investments. Alcoa also has agreed to invest a minimum of $30 million in the plant’s operation over a period of ten years. If market conditions permit, Alcoa may extend the contract an additional ten years which would foster capital investments totaling $145 million over a 20-year period.

Key Details of the Alcoa Contract: 

• Power Allocation Quantity: 240 MW of low-cost NYPA hydropower to be provided through March 31, 2036. 
• Employment Commitment: Alcoa will maintain a minimum of 500 full-time equivalent jobs at its Massena West Plant, an increase from the previous commitment of 450 jobs. 
• Capital Investment: Under the agreement, Alcoa will invest at least $3 million annually at the facility, with a total minimum investment of $30 million over the initial 10-year term. Further, Alcoa will have the option to extend the contract by two additional five-year terms if it makes investments of $70 million by 2035 and an additional $60 million by 2040.
• Plant Modernization: In addition to the contract, Alcoa is investing nearly $60 million through 2028 to rebuild and modernize Massena Operations’ anode bake furnace, a key component of the aluminum smelting process.

New York Power Authority Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “The New York Power Authority’s renewal of our partnership with Alcoa is a testament to our commitment to driving economic development across New York. By providing low-cost hydropower, we are ensuring that Alcoa remains competitive so that it can continue its operations, invest in its facilities, and retain family-sustaining jobs in the North Country.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Alcoa has been a vital part of the North Country economy for more than 120 years. With Governor Hochul’s support, this new contract with one of the Power Authority’s oldest customers secures essential jobs and significant capital investments in the region. We are proud to continue our partnership with Alcoa and to support their growth and investment in the community.”

Alcoa President and CEO William F. Oplinger said, “We are proud to make aluminum in New York and the United States. Long-term, competitively priced energy enables Alcoa to proceed with this important investment that will help us meet the demands of today while planning for tomorrow. We are extremely pleased to have worked with NYPA and ESD to achieve this outcome for our Massena Operations, which will bring economic benefits to the region and sustain American manufacturing.”

CCC Sees Highest Overall Student Enrollment Figures in Five Years

PLATTSBURGH — Clinton Community College is continuing to grow, with fall enrollment up more than 9 percent over a year earlier and the highest since 2020.

The college has 488 students enrolled on campus, up from 457 a year ago. In addition, full-time equivalent enrollment, representing the combination of all student schedules to full-time, is more than 11 percent higher than last year.

Overall enrollment is 1,171 students, up from 1,068 a year ago. The total number includes those in the high school College Advancement Program, or CAP. The totals are the highest they have been since the fall of 2020, in both the total number of students and new students.

“With the CCC campus moving during the peak of the recruitment cycle, we feel good to be in a stronger position,” said Ken Knelly, Acting President. “The campus is buzzing with excitement, and the entire campus community has worked hard not only to make the move but also to make our students feel at home in our new spaces.”

Clinton offers instruction across three primary locations, including its main location on Beekman Street, the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing on Clinton Point Drive and its educational space at University of Vermont Health — Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital.

In addition to the energy surrounding the recent campus move, Clinton is also seeing momentum from statewide and local programs aimed at supporting student success.

“Clinton is benefitting from new initiatives like SUNY Reconnect, dual admission with SUNY Plattsburgh and the ASAP program, which all allow students, both new and returning, additional flexibility in affording and continuing their education,” said Knelly.

Students who are interested in learning more about Clinton can attend one of its upcoming Saturday Visit Days on Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 22 and Dec. 6. They are invited to schedule a time to visit online. On the Nov. 22 and Dec. 6 dates, students will also have the opportunity to learn more about financial aid and receive assistance with completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Click here for the NCPR story 

New DAISY Award honoree Walter Rooks, RN ensures patient’s final moments filled with peace, respect 

CVPH News Release – Oct. 21, 2025 – Plattsburgh, NY – When Jessica Furnia’s father, Ricky Taylor, was unexpectedly admitted to University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, her world shifted in an instant. The man who was her best friend and grandfather to her two children was dying. In that moment of heartbreak, Furnia says a nurse brought grace and love to her father’s passing.

“I’ve worked in skilled nursing and end-of-life care,” Furnia shares. “I’ve met many amazing professionals through my work with NAMI-CV and the hospital. But I’ve never met anyone quite like Walter Rooks.”

Rooks introduced himself to Furnia, her mother, and even to Taylor, who was no longer responsive. He quietly bowed his head beside Furnia’s father, recognizing the sacredness of the moment. He spoke gently to Taylor, explaining each step of care, even though Taylor couldn’t respond.

“He talked to my dad like he was still fully there,” Furnia recalls. “He made sure every movement, every adjustment, was done with care and dignity.”

Rooks advocated for frequent comfort checks and medication to ease Taylor’s passing. He carefully positioned him with the help of assistants, adjusting blankets and pillows to ensure he was truly comfortable. And when Furnia’s mother had to step away, Rooks offered words of peace.

“Walter rubbed my dad’s arm and said, ‘Ricky, Claudia went home. She is safe. Your daughter is here. You are okay. You are loved.’ That moment will stay with me forever,” she says.

Furnia adds that Rooks stayed well past the end of his shift, continuing to check on her and speak to her father with warmth and love. At one point, Taylor smiled, something Furnia admits she hadn’t seen in days.

“That smile meant everything to me,” she says. “Walter made such a traumatic experience a peaceful one. I felt heard. My father was respected and cared for far beyond the call of duty.”

Walter’s impact was so profound that Furnia insisted he be mentioned in her father’s obituary. “Now when I talk about my dad’s passing, I talk about Walter,” she says.

She also nominated Rooks for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at the hospital. He received the honor during a surprise ceremony with his colleagues. During the award presentation, Rooks was presented with a certificate commending him as an extraordinary nurse. He, like all honorees, also received a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-cared by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

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. Read more »

Average Annual Increase of Nearly $1,400 for Individuals and $3,000 for Couples

Albany, Oct. 21, 2025 – Governor Hochul today slammed Washington Republicans for sending health care costs skyrocketing for 140,000 New Yorkers. As the GOP refuses to extend the existing enhanced premium tax credits, New Yorkers who rely on the ACA subsidies for affordable, quality coverage are now being notified that their health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 38 percent next year – an average annual increase of nearly $1,400 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. This news comes as New Yorkers are preparing for open enrollment, set to begin November 1.

“Republicans in Washington have made it clear – they don’t care about New Yorkers’ health care,” Governor Hochul said. “It’s shameful. By refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, they are turning their backs on their constituents and ripping away access to affordable, quality health care. Republicans in Congress need to do the right thing and extend these credits that make health insurance for New Yorkers more affordable.”

Given the magnitude of federal funding reductions enacted under H.R.1, which are now compounded by the GOP shutdown and the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits, no single state, including New York, will be able to provide funding to offset these losses.

The Governor is calling for Congressional Republicans to make the right choice and extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits that help make insurance more affordable for New Yorkers.

Regional Breakdown of Increased Monthly Health Care Costs:

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “I thank Governor Hochul for standing up for New Yorkers who rely on the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits to keep their health care costs affordable. These are hardworking everyday people who deserve affordable health insurance. The start of the open enrollment period is fast approaching and without immediate action at the federal level, the threat of increased premiums is quickly becoming a reality. Allowing these enhanced premium tax credits to expire will be devastating for hardworking New Yorkers who will be forced to choose between paying for food, rent or paying for the health care they need to survive.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with the Peru VFW to offer free dementia centered education at the Peru VFW Memorial Post 309 on Nov. 18 @ 2:00pm. The Association will be offering light refreshments and would love to see a good turnout. A document that outlines the correlation between veterans and dementia is attached. More information can be found at The North Country Alzheimer’s Association Facebook Group. Veterans and Alzheimer’s Disease

Hochul appears to have snubbed advocates, providers, and unions, while they try to figure out how serious she is about universal child care.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Chloe Henry’s remains were located in Chazy Tuesday morning as the homicide investigation continues

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Climate Smart Communities Taskforce completes solar array installation on highway garage

Click here for the SunCommunity News story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Comprehensive financial study that looks into the district’s long-term financial outlook released

Click here for the excellent Sun Community News story 

Peru Town Historian Helen Nerska

The Peru Historian’s office ended its 2025 tour season October 18^th with a walking tour of Elm, Sanborne, Lewis and Pleasant streets.  This was our 3^rd history walk. The first was October 24^th, 2024, starting at the Town Hall going down North Main into the Heyworth Mason Park.  The second tour was rained out but participants shared photos and stories of old Peru at the Town Hall. We have history walks planned for next year but are always looking for ideas.  Email the Peru Town Historian at historian@perutown.com with your suggestions. 

Click here for the New York Focus Story 

Due to the weather, we will NOT be paving Allen Hill Road & River Road on Tuesday, October 21. We will be trying for Wednesday, October 22 or Thursday, October 23, depending on the weather.  

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Sue Hagar takes helm of coalition working to protect watershed from pollution, climate threats

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

The Peru Gazette is posting this story a month late; however, it’s a very important story 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

Shepherd’s Pie 

Fruit 

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!

Sand River Community Farm shares food freely with its community

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here to view meeting video

(Technical issues led to the first few minutes of the meeting not being recorded including department reports, minute acceptances, plus the first portion of engineer’s report of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.) Thanks to Bill Baggs for recording the meeting.

AGENDA – Peru Town Board Regular Meeting of Sept. 22, 2025 at 6 PM

Tensions rise as tactical tests, proposed cannon testing disrupts life in small Adirondack community

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Advice for beginners from Tangleroot Farm

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story