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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.

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Beta Technologies seeks to pilot medical flights in Vermont this year

Among the company’s proposals: partnering with a helicopter operator to move medical supplies between Vermont and northern New York.

Click here for the Vermont Public Story 

Recent DEC Forest Ranger Regional Activity

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 15 at 10:36 p.m., the mother of a 20-year-old skier called Ray Brook Dispatch to report that her son was injured and could not hike back from Mount Marcy to his vehicle at Adirondak Loj. At 3:17 a.m., Lake Colden Caretaker Raudonis met the skier on the trail, rehydrated him, and escorted him to the outpost. The skier was suffering from hip pain and cramping. He spent the night at the outpost and was able to walk out under his own power in the morning. At 11:35 a.m., Rangers Lewis and Rooney met him near Marcy Dam and assisted him back to his vehicle. Resources were clear at 2:57 p.m.

Town of North Hudson
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On January 18 at 7:46 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a group of five hikers reporting one member of their party was ill and needed assistance back from Dix Range. Forest Rangers Jansen and H. Praczkajlo responded. The ill hiker was extremely fatigued and Rangers transported them and their partner to their vehicle while the remaining hikers continued to the summit of Macomb Mountain. Resources were clear at 10:41 p.m.

DEC Division of Forest Protection Job Opening
DEC is now hiring a full-time communications specialist trainee in Ray Brook, Essex County. Details and information on how to apply by January 28 are available at the StateJobsNY website.

Very low temperatures and some snow on the 10-Day weather forecast

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Senator Dan Stec, Assemblyman Michael Cashman and NYS Conservative Party react to Hochul’s Executive Budget

SENATOR STEC ON EXECUTIVE BUDGET: HOW DOES A $260 BILLION

BUDGET MAKE NEW YORK MORE AFFORDABLE?

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today gave the following statement following Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal:

“Governor Hochul started the year by announcing that affordability would be the defining term of her agenda this year. With this year’s Executive Budget proposal, the governor has shown how unserious she is about making our state more affordable.

“This year’s plan is $260 billion – $6 billion more than last year. New York State headed into the new fiscal year with a projected $4.2 billion deficit. Even with increased revenue projections, this exorbitant spending doesn’t make sense and frankly, it doesn’t work.

“Governor Hochul’s continued insistence on flouting federal immigration law in order to court support from the radical progressives in New York City puts the state at risk of losing federal funding. If that comes to fruition, New York State would face financial collapse. At the very least, co-operating with federal authorities would ensure this needed funding source would continue as-is.

“If the governor wanted to get serious about affordability, this budget proposal would take on the issue I’ve heard about the most from my constituents in recent months: the continually escalating cost of energy. A repeal or delay of the Green New Deal mandates as laid out in the CLCPA and a reduction in the taxes and fees that make up 1/3 of the costs on energy bills is necessary in providing needed relief to all ratepayers.

“The lack of addressing energy costs is a hallmark of everything that’s missing in the Executive Budget proposal. Rather than use this plan to exercise caution, restraint and engage in sound financial planning, Governor Hochul has put forth a budget that doesn’t make it any easier for families, seniors or small businesses to make ends meet. In fact, it just creates an even larger financial burden for all New Yorkers and will only further the outmigration crisis that’s plagued our state for more than a decade.

“I’ve repeatedly noted that you can’t spend your way into affordability. If you could, New York would be the most affordable state in the nation. Instead, it’s the most expensive to state in which to work and live. It’s frustrating that the governor used the Executive Budget proposal to treat affordability as a buzzword instead of an opportunity.”

 

Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman on the Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal

“Affordability must be at the center of our work. As I said following the State of the State, the North Country must be included in an equitable and meaningful way.

We need real property tax relief and relief from rising utility costs. We must protect seniors and veterans, fully fund our rural schools, expand access to universal childcare, invest in critical municipal infrastructure, and make serious commitments to housing. We must also safeguard our rural health care network and fix Tier 6 so we can recruit and retain the teachers, firefighters, custodians, nurses, and public employees who keep our communities safe and functioning.

The Governor’s budget proposal is only the first step. I will work closely with my Assembly colleagues to ensure the voices and needs of the North Country are heard clearly and consistently as negotiations move forward.”

NEW YORK’S UNAFFORDABLE GOVERNOR STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR

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“Governor Kathy Hochul blew a lot of smoke at New Yorkers during her budget address in Albany today, but the chart above reflects the reality of her tenure as New York’s liberal chief executive. In just a few short years, Mrs. Hochul has ballooned our state budget by nearly 40%. Now, she has the audacity to talk about ‘affordability’, as though she and her progressive colleagues aren’t the ones responsible for driving more than a million New Yorkers to other states.

“The data doesn’t lie. New York is unaffordable because Kathy Hochul continues to make it that way.  Her monstrous new state budget proposal is par for the course. It will continue New York’s long, slow decline into mediocrity and unaffordability. She needs to go.”

Governor unveils highlights of 2026 Executive Budget

Governor Proposes Balanced Budget With No New Income Tax Increases; State has Over $14.6 Billion in Reserves for a ‘Rainy Day’

Full Budget Book Available Here

Governor Hochul News Release of Jan. 20, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today laid out her plans for a stronger, safer, more affordable New York as she unveiled the Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Built to protect taxpayers and New York’s economic growth, while preparing for uncertainty from Washington, the Governor’s budget funds a path to universal child care and makes historic investments in health care, affordable housing and infrastructure without asking New Yorkers to pay more. The Governor’s fiscally responsible budget includes $14.6 billion in reserves and maintains the state’s AA+ credit rating—the best since 1972.

“Every dollar in this year’s budget is being put to work to fight for families,” Governor Hochul said. “While Washington tries to break our budget, we are making smart investments, protecting taxpayers and committing to delivering the services New Yorkers need most. Your family–and your future–is my fight. Together, with my partners in the Legislature, we will protect New York’s future and ensure it remains the best place in the nation to raise a family.”

A Balanced Budget

Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Executive Budget once again includes record investments to support New Yorkers — without raising income taxes. The Executive Budget projects State revenue collection to increase by 9.9 percent and FY27 all funds spending is projected at $260 billion, an increase of 0.7 percent. Governor Hochul has prioritized maintaining the State’s reserves, which are currently at $14.6 billion for an unexpected downturn or “rainy day.” Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to maintain an AA+ bond rating, which reduces borrowing costs.

Affordability for Working Families

Building on the success of her Affordability Agenda that put $5 billion back into the pockets of New Yorkers, Governor Hochul has committed to driving down one of the biggest pressures on family budgets: child care. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has invested over $8.6 billion in child care, expanding access and eligibility, and supporting the child care workforce. The Governor’s plan includes:

  • $4.5 billion total statewide in child care and Pre-K services, including $1.7 billion in new investments statewide
  • Over $3.2 billion in childcare vouchers statewide to address waitlists
  • $500 million over two years for NYC’s 2-Care program
  • $60 million to pilot child care programs in Broome, Dutchess, and Monroe Counties
  • Enhance and reform the Child and Dependent Care Credit, providing 230,000 filers with an average increase in benefit of $576

The Governor’s Budget also aims to crack down on fraud to lower vehicle insurance rates for New Yorkers, reduce rising home insurance costs by increasing accountability and transparency for insurers and expanding automatic discounts for homeowners and housing providers who invest in damage mitigation measures for their homes or multifamily properties, and tackle utility costs by demanding strict fiscal discipline from utilities, empowering the State to fight more effectively for lower bills. The budget also aims to support hardworking New Yorkers by eliminating New York State income tax on tipped wages, up to $25,000 per year. Under the Governor’s proposal, the benefit will begin when New Yorkers file Tax Year 2026 returns.

A Quality Education for Every New Yorker

Every New Yorker deserves a quality education. That’s why the Governor’s budget proposes to invest in the next generation with $39.3 billion in school aid–the highest level in state history. The Governor’s proposal ensures each school district will receive an increase in Foundation Aid–helping to hold the line for local property taxpayers and also includes:

  • $1.6 billion for Universal Pre-K Aid in SY 2027, a $561M (53%) increase over SY 2026 levels
  • $395 million for year two of the Universal Free School Meals program
  • An expansion of back-to-basics learning to math: transforming math learning through quality instruction and professional learning
  • $34 million for library construction grants
  • An additional $90 million in support to maintain a tuition freeze for resident undergraduate students at SUNY and CUNY four-year colleges
  • $12.5 million to expand our free community college program

Protecting Access to Health and Mental Health Care Read more »

Only one bid and it’s higher than anticipated

Town Clerk Christine Crawford reads the bid total

L-R Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell, Town Clerk Christine Crawford, C&S Design Engineer Michael Rode, Confidential Secretary/Budget Officer Pamela Barber

Peru Town Hall, January 21, 2026 – Town Clerk Christine Crawford opened the one bid received for the Telegraph Road Over Dry Mils Brook Culvert Project. Luck Brother Inc. submitted a bid of $1,852,995.

Supervisor Craig Randall told the Gazette the bid was considerably higher than expected. He commented, “We’re referring it to the C&S Engineering and the board will look for its direction based on C&S’s recommendation.”
The board could conceivably go out to bid a second time, hoping that additional contractors will bid; however, given the long Telegraph Road closure, any further delay could be problematic.

Clinton County Motor Vehicle office will close at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 and remain closed Feb. 16 and 17 with a planned reopening Feb. 18 at 8 a.m.

All county DMVs to close for statewide technology upgrade 

Click here for the Yahoo-Press-Republican story 

GALLERY: Holograms take the ice to Run Back the Miracle in Lake Placid

“Run Back the Miracle” invited fans of Olympic hockey to relive the 1980 Miracle on Ice when the U.S. beat the Soviet Union in Lake Placid

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Burlington metro area

Click here for the Stacker story 

Plattsburgh celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with speeches, songs

Click here for the WCAX  News story 

Winter storm brings welcome boost to Tug Hill snowmobile business

Click here for the NCPR story 

NYS Comptroller audits reveal multiple local government and fire department fiscal management issues

These audits did NOT include Peru, NY

Mattituck Fire District – Claims Audit (Suffolk County)

The board did not ensure that all nonpayroll disbursements were appropriate, adequately supported, audited and approved before claims were paid. Auditors determined that the board did not always perform a thorough and deliberate audit of claims before approving payments, and the treasurer paid claims that were never audited by the board. Auditors reviewed 135 claims totaling $194,478 and determined that the board should not have approved 90 claims totaling $125,562.

Town of Horseheads – Claims Auditing (Chemung County)

The board did not conduct a thorough audit of claims to ensure that individual claims contained supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements and town policies. Auditors reviewed 274 claims totaling $897,321 and 206 claim payments totaling $414,075 and determined that 61 claims totaling $473,309 were paid prior to the board’s audit.

North Creek Fire District – Board Oversight (Warren County)

The board did not provide adequate oversight of district financial activities related to budgeting, monthly financial reporting, bank reconciliations, annual financial reporting, annual audits and policy reviews. The board did not develop and adopt realistic budgets taking into consideration multiyear financial planning or ensure that the treasurer provided sufficient financial reports. The board also did not conduct an annual audit to provide oversight and ensure accuracy of records or ensure the treasurer filed required annual reports and failed to periodically review required policies including the district’s code of ethics, purchasing and investment policies.

Center Moriches Fire District – Fiscal Transparency (Suffolk County)

The board did not obtain annual audits in a timely manner or ensure the treasurer filed all annual financial reports (AFRs) with the State Comptroller’s office. Additionally, district officials had no record of the board ever using an RFP process to contract the CPA firm’s services for the annual audit or an engagement letter with the CPA firm detailing the services to be provided. As of Nov. 15, 2025, the treasurer has not filed the 2020 through 2024 fiscal year AFRs and the last filed AFR, for fiscal year 2019, was filed 122 days late.

Steuben County – Financial Management

County officials did not effectively manage the county’s fund balance. As a result, as of Dec. 31, 2024, the county maintained unrestricted fund balance in the general fund totaling $103.4 million (48% of the upcoming year’s budget) and in the road fund totaling $15.5 million (53% of the upcoming year’s budget). The legislature did not adopt an adequate fund balance policy or develop a comprehensive, written multiyear financial or capital plan. After initial audit discussions with county officials, the legislature updated its administrative code to add a maximum general fund balance goal to its fund balance policy and adopt a reserve fund policy. The legislature also created and funded new reserves in July 2025 to significantly reduce its unrestricted fund balance.

Colesville-Windsor Fire District – Board Oversight (Broome County)

The board did not provide adequate financial oversight. Specifically, the board did not review periodic financial reports to assess the district’s operations or conduct an annual audit of the secretary-treasurer’s records to verify that they properly recorded collections and disbursements and maintained current and accurate records and reports.

Cincinnatus Fire District – Board Oversight (Cortland County)

The board did not always properly safeguard assets. Although the board received sufficient monthly financial reports, monitored financial operations throughout the year and ensured that annual financial reports were filed in a timely manner, the board did not ensure that district assets were properly accounted for and safeguarded, including 19 assets totaling $33,009 that were not onsite. These assets included items such as computers, cameras and night vision goggles. Also, one board member did not complete the required fiscal oversight training within 270 days of taking office which, as of March 11, 2025, was 165 days past the deadline.

Ashville Fire District – Procurement and Board Oversight (Chautauqua County)

The board did not demonstrate that the purchase of equipment was done in accordance with state law, as well as provide proper oversight of equipment purchases. In addition, the board should have periodically reviewed and updated the district’s purchasing policy, but the board has not updated the policy since 2014. As a result, the board could have been more fiscally responsible by increasing competition and avoiding vendor overpayments that would have totaled $6,500 by ensuring vendor invoices agreed with contract terms. The board also could not demonstrate that it complied with competitive bidding requirements when purchasing two fire trucks, totaling $796,200, as required by law.

Morristown Fire District – Board Oversight (St. Lawrence County)

The board did not provide adequate oversight of district financial operations, and it did not always conduct a proper audit of claims prior to payment. Furthermore, the board did not ensure the secretary-treasurer filed required annual financial reports. The board also did not ensure the secretary-treasurer deposited district collections in a timely manner, performed monthly bank reconciliations and maintained accurate financial records and reports, or conducted an annual audit of the secretary-treasurer’s records. In addition, the board did not develop and adopt a procurement policy or investment policy or ensure claims were properly supported and audited and approved prior to payment.

Rotterdam Fire District Number 7 Schonowe – Claims Auditing (Schenectady County)

The board did not conduct a thorough and deliberate audit of all claims paid during the audit period. Auditors reviewed 79 claims totaling $941,015 and determined that none of the claims were audited and approved by the entire board, as required. In addition, the lack of a claims audit increased the risk that claims for improper purposes could be paid.

Follow Up Reports

Chenango Valley Central School District – Audit Follow-Up (Broome County)

This review assessed the Chenango Valley Central School District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Chenango Valley Central School District – Network User Accounts and Information Technology Contingency Planning, released in June 2023. The audit determined that district officials did not adequately manage network user accounts or develop and adopt an information technology (IT) contingency plan. To help district officials improve managing network user accounts and assist in adopting an IT contingency plan, the audit included a public report that contained three recommendations. The district’s IT Director, board and officials fully implemented one recommendation and partially implemented two recommendations.

City of Fulton – Audit Follow-Up (Oswego County)

This review was to assess the City of Fulton’s progress in implementing recommendations in City of Fulton – Capital Projects, released in February 2022. The audit determined that city officials did not appropriately maintain capital projects fund records, monitor project financial results against budgets and close out records for completed projects. The audit included 12 recommendations to help officials improve their controls over capital projects. The city has made minimal progress implementing corrective action. Of the 12 audit recommendations, one recommendation was fully implemented, two recommendations were partially implemented, and eight recommendations were not implemented. Auditors could not determine the implementation status for the remaining recommendation because certain capital projects records were unavailable or inadequate.

Gates Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Monroe County)

This review was to assess the Gates Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Gates Fire District – Board Oversight of Long-Term Planning, released in June 2024. The audit determined that the board and district officials did not properly plan for the district’s long-term financial and capital needs, which inhibited the board and officials from effectively managing finances and addressing future operating and capital needs. The audit included eight recommendations to help officials effectively manage finances and address future operating and capital needs. The district has implemented corrective action for all eight audit recommendations.

City of Mount Vernon – Audit Follow-Up (Westchester County)

This review was to assess the City of Mount Vernon’s progress, as of July/August 2025, in implementing recommendations in City of Mount Vernon – Financial Reporting and Oversight, released in September 2020. The audit determined that the city council and officials did not have adequate financial information for the effective management of operations and, as a result, the city lost its credit rating. The audit included 11 recommendations to help the board improve its oversight of the district’s financial activities. The city has implemented three recommendations, partially implemented four recommendations and not implemented four recommendations.

Monsey Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Rockland County)

The purpose of the review was to assess the Monsey Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Monsey Fire District – Board Oversight released in July 2020. The audit determined that district officials did not provide adequate oversight to ensure district financial records and reports were prepared, filed and/or audited. The audit report contained three recommendations to help officials improve their controls over financial records and reports. The board implemented one recommendation, partially implemented one recommendation and did not implement one recommendation.

Montauk Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Suffolk County)

The purpose of the review was to assess the Montauk Fire District’s progress in implementing  recommendations in Montauk Fire District – Board Oversight, released in December 2024. The audit determined that the board did not adequately monitor financial activities or ensure that appropriate records and reports were maintained and audited to comply with statutory requirements. To help the board monitor financial activities and ensure appropriate records and reports were maintained or audited to comply with statutory requirements, the audit contained four recommendations. The district has partially implemented all four recommendations.

Ridge Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Suffolk County)

This review was to assess the Ridge Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Ridge Fire District – Board Oversight of Treasurer’s Fiscal Duties, released in January 2022. The audit determined that district officials did not provide adequate oversight of the treasurer’s fiscal duties and could not explain why the bank balances presented on the treasurer’s reports for three consecutive months contained discrepancies totaling $2.96 million. The audit included three recommendations to help officials monitor and improve the district’s financial operations. The board partially implemented one recommendation and did not implement two recommendations.

Ticonderoga Joint Town/Village Fire District – Audit Follow-Up (Essex County)

The purpose of the review was to assess the Ticonderoga Joint Town/Village Fire District’s progress in implementing recommendations in Ticonderoga Joint Town/Village Fire District – Board Oversight, released in April 2024. The audit determined that the board did not ensure required annual audits were completed and annual update documents were filed in a timely manner. To help the board improve its controls over monitored financial activity and ensure appropriate records and reports were maintained and filed in a timely manner, the audit report contained two recommendations. The district has partially implemented the audit’s two recommendations.

City of Plattsburgh 2026 Event Schedule

Food waste program to kick-off, new town court hours, culvert bid advertising approved, and much more

By John T Ryan 

The January 12, 2026, town board roll call included Town Clerk/Tax Collector Christine Crawford and Councilman Nick Crawford.  Supervisor Crag Randall and fellow board members welcomed them, with Councilman Kregg Bruno pointing out that there are two state wrestling champions on the board, referring to Nick Weaver and himself.  

Cody Douglass, representing the Clinton County Health Department, and Abby Bruzas, representing Casella Waste Systems, told the board that Peru residents and nearby communities will have the opportunity to participate in a pilot food waste collection program. Its goal is to extend the Clinton County Landfill’s useful life, process waste for use by residents, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gases emitted by landfills. Douglas said our nation historically wastes an estimated 40% of its food, with average Americans accounting for one-half of that, not commercial users.  The program will kick off on February 3 at the highway garage. People coming will receive a ventilated 2-gallon compost bucket with instructions and will see the collection container at the highway garage.  Participants will also be given a combination for the lock securing the collection container.  Food and beverages will also be served, and a raffle will be held.  People who are unable to attend will be able to pick up the buckets at Peru Town Hall. 

Town Justice Scott Thurber, accompanied by Justice Sarah Mitchell, informed the board that Tuesday traffic court proceeding will begin at 5 p.m. rather than 6 p.m. Thurber said the change will enable more people to appear in court should they want to do so. The new hours should be more convenient for people to appear in court.  Thursday and Friday court hours are also changing to offer better service.  Sarah Mitchell commented that the newly installed security system is working well and is appreciated, especially by the district attorney and court personnel. 

New Peru Town Court Hours: 

Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays – 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The town  continues to follow the culvert replacement schedule that Supervisor Craig Randall requested and Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell formulated. The board approved advertising for bids for the Lyons Road Culvert Replacement Project. Bid opening for the long-awaited Telegraph Dry Mill Brook project will take place on January 21 at 11 a.m. 

The town is compensating Confidential Secretary Pam Barber for the many extra hours she worked in 2025, to the point that she could not take her earned vacation time. She will be paid $2618.24 for 94 hours of work. Supervisor Randall brought the matter to the board’s attention, stating that the town’s ongoing projects created much additional work for Barber. 

The Youth Commission is losing a six-year member, Krista Bull. The board accepted Bull’s resignation effective January 11. Bull has served as Commission Secretary and on the Sponsorship and Softball/Baseball Committees. In a note accompanying her resignation, Bull thanked the board for the opportunity to serve and said she was stepping down due to family responsibilities as her children move into middle school and high school sports and activities. Supervisor Randall praised Krista for her commitment, as did Youth Director Kristine Marino, who stated, “We are going to miss Krista Bull greatly. She has been an immense help!”

Both the highway and water and sewer departments have faced challenges from recent snowstorms and three water line breaks during very cold weather.   Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis commented, “Mike and I were running around like chickens with our heads cut off for a couple of days.” Nevertheless, they got the job done. Courtney Tetreault  reported that contractors at the water treatment plant project are working through the winter weather and making good progress. His department also has an opening for a maintenance position. Engineers completed their water treatment plant study and submitted it to the state and county health departments.

Historian Helen Nerska reported that she should be posting a new History Chat soon and that she is working on America 250 planning.  

Youth Director Kristen Marino said that the seven-team basketball program is underway and there’s good cooperation with the school district. She’ s already thinking ahead to next summer’s activities. One person has reached out to her regarding the open Youth Commission position. 

Your reporter asked three questions during the public portion of the meeting: 

What is the status of the three current job openings:  Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), Secretary to the Code Enforcement Officer, and DeputyTown Clerk/Tax Collector? Supervisor Randall said interviews have been conducted for the CEO positions and the town is awaiting background checks before making the appointments official.  No action has been taken on the Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector position. 

Would the board provide me with copies of the meeting resolutions at the meeting? Pam Barber said that not everyone is entitled to see the backup materials the board receives. Supervisor Randall said he and Pam would take the matter up with Town Attorney Matt Favro. 

When the board calls an executive session, especially on personnel issues, would the board reveal which department is affected?  Pam Barber said they could check with the Association of Towns, but she doesn’t think more information on personnel issues should be disclosed. Supervisor Randall feels the current practice is correct. Your reporter disagrees, believing the public has a right to know if a specific department has a significant personnel issues.  

In other actions, the board approved payments related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project: Payment #6 to Murnane Construction, $446,689.37; Payment #6 to Danforth Construction, $209,638.40; Payment #5 to Triangle Electric, $10,418.65; and a Murnane Construction Work Change Directive in the amount of $10,418.65. 

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video.

Grand Opening of Peru’s Food Waste Reduction Program on Feb 3

Free home collection containers available at the event 

Jan. 20, 2026 – The Town of Peru is excited to announce the Tuesday, February 3, 11 a.m. grand opening of Clinton County’s third municipal-level food waste collection program. This program, established in collaboration with the Clinton County Health Department’s Eat Smart, Waste Less program and Casella Waste Systems, will provide residents with a community food scrap collection location. The Town of Peru and other nearby residents will be able to register for this program at the town office and have access to the community food scrap collection bin. This bin will be located at 9 Cross Street, at the Peru Highway Department. The food scraps collected at the site will be processed at Casella’s organics recycling facility based in Schuyler Falls, NY. The three-month pilot program is being made available by Casella at no cost to the Town of Peru or residents.

The grand opening at the Peru Highway Garage is free to attend. Families, community members, and local organizations are invited to celebrate this landmark program to repurpose food waste in Clinton County. Attendees will have an opportunity to view the first smart-access food scrap collection bin in Clinton County. Two-gallon home collection containers will be available to people who register for the program. A free raffle will be conducted.

In the future people can register and pick up a collection bucket at the Peru Town Hall. 

Tractor-trailer crash closes Interstate 87 in Elizabethtown

Click here for the MYNBC 5 story 

Snowmobile goes through ice on river in Adirondacks: 2 men die, 6-year-old boy survives

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

High-altitude research: Monitoring pollution from Whiteface’s summit A look at some of the ongoing work at the Whiteface Mountain Field

Station, tracking a range of compounds in the clouds 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Hochul advances plan to unlock shuttered Adirondack prison land

More details expected in executive budget proposal

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Canadian platform brings community care to Vermont

Click here for the WCAX News story 

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Plattsburgh

The MLK Jr. Singers created a joyous atmosphere for today’s Martin Luther Kings Day celebration at the Newman Center in Plattsburgh. The ceremony’s theme was Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Non-Violent Way.

Click here for the Peru Gazette’s YouTube video. 

Inside the state’s $860K price tag for World Cup cycling in the Adirondacks

A look at the financial results following the fall’s downhill mountain bike races in Lake Placid

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Stewart’s president works shop shifts to celebrate successful Holiday Match

Stewart’s Shops president Chad Kiesow is working shifts at our Pine Bush and Haines Falls shops this month to thank our partners for their hard work and our customers for their generosity during a successful Holiday Match season.

“There is no better way to get an appreciation for how hard our partners work than to jump behind the counter and join them,” Kiesow said. “This also is a great opportunity to talk to customers and let them know how much we appreciate their support.”

Stewart’s just wrapped up our 40th annual Holiday Match season, raising more than $1.8 million to support local children’s charities.

Our generous customers donated more than $900,000, and Stewart’s doubled every donation.

To help celebrate Holiday Match, Kiesow worked a shift on Monday, January 19th at the Pine Bush Stewart’s. Holiday Match collections at the Pine Bush shop grew by more than 139% compared to a year ago.

On January 26th, Kiesow plans to work a shift at our Haines Falls shop, which collected more than $8,600 during this Holiday Match season. That means our Haines Falls customers raised $17,200 for local children’s charities when you factor in the Stewart’s match.

Since Holiday Match began in 1986, the campaign has raised more than $41 million to support organizations focused on improving the lives of children.

Nonprofits with programs benefitting children are encouraged to apply for Holiday Match funds prior to the January 31stdeadline.

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, January 21, 2026

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!

Paint and Sip at the Babbie Museum on Sunday, Jan. 25