The Peru Gazette

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Electric bills in New York haven’t been this high for a decade, and they’re about to rise even more. Here’s why.

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Town of Moreau
Saratoga County
Prescribed Burn: On Sept. 10, Forest Ranger Clute, additional DEC staff, and Albany Pine Bush staff conducted a prescribed burn on 18 acres of Big Bend Preserve in Moreau Lake State Park. Prescribed fire is an important land management tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. These burns are regulated by law and regulation and require technical expertise to safely conduct. Controlled burns help prevent the spread of invasive species, and in some areas, prescribed fire is used to reduce the buildup of wood, timber litter, and other fuel to reduce the potential for wildfires that threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. DEC carefully implements prescribed fires only when conditions are favorable to meet land management goals.

Moreau Lake State Park prescribed burn

Moreau Lake State Park prescribed burn

Town of Fine
St. Lawrence County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance from a 65-year-old hiker on the Cranberry 50 trail with a possible food-borne illness. Forest Ranger Ezumah responded by boat across Cranberry Lake to campsite 17. Ranger Ezumah escorted the hiker from Ballston Spa by boat and then to their vehicle in Wanakena. The hiker declined further medical attention and DEC resources were clear at 1:45 p.m.

Town of St. Armand
Essex County
Wilderness Search: Read more »

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Funding Will Further Fuel New York’s Research Excellence; Brings Governor’s Total Investment in Higher Education Research Under Her Leadership to $1.34 Billion

Sept. 17, 2025 Gov. Hochul News Release: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $300 million to establish the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, further catapulting New York’s national leadership in groundbreaking research that saves lives, grows the economy and improves national security. 

“At a time when national investment in research and innovation is at risk, New York State is doubling down and SUNY is on the move,” Governor Hochul said. “The State University of New York at Stony Brook is a research powerhouse and will now be able to reach new heights in quantum. We know that to provide our state and nation with a brighter future, we need to invest today, and that is what New York is committed to do.”

Reversing years of disinvestment, since Governor Hochul took office in 2021, the State University of New York at Stony Brook has received $73 million in additional Direct State Tax Support operating aid and $969 million in additional State capital commitments (including the $300 million for the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub). In addition to increased operating aid, Stony Brook has also received $12 million to support new full-time faculty, $8 million to fully close the “TAP gap,” and access to the State’s $500 million endowment match. The latter provides a $1.00 in Direct State Tax Support for every $2.00 raised by philanthropic activity at the University Centers. Read more »

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Greenfield’s co-founder, Ben Cohen shared a statement on social media announcing his partner’s departure.

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Stewart’s News Release, September 16, 2025 —Stewart’s Shops Eggnog and Strawberry Milk won 1st place in the 2025 World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin.

All counted, Stewart’s won 17 awards at North America’s best dairy products competition, including 1st place for Rainbow Sherbet, Pistachio Gelato and Lactose-Free Milk.

This year’s competition marked the second time in three years that Stewart’s Eggnog was selected as the Best of the Best in North America.

Stewart’s also won 2nd place awards for Chocolate Ice Cream, French Vanilla Ice Cream, Maple Walnut Ice Cream, Mango Dragon Fruit Sherbet and Salty Caramel Gelato.

Stewart’s won 3rd place for Vanilla Dairy Shake Refreshers, Bark in the Dark Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Pandemonium Ice Cream, Limited-edition Dirt Cake Ice Cream, Milk Chocolate Gelato, 1% Chocolate Milk and Unsweetened French Vanilla Half & Half.

This competition is open to dairy producers across the world and serves as the only competition of its kind in North America. These awards are a testament to the skill and dedication of the 21 family farms, who supply our milk, and the partners, who are committed to producing the highest quality milk and ice cream at our plant in Greenfield, New York.

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga County, NY. Stewart’s is known for offering milk, ice cream, coffee, food to go, gasoline, and other convenience items. Today, there are over 400 Stewart’s Shops in New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

The Beekmantown Central School District announced its decision to place a staff member on leave following complaints from families about social posts reacting to the Utah shooting.

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“…mums offer our Adirondack ecosystems and the insects that depend on late-season
blooms about as much sustenance as a garden statue. “

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UVM Health Network, the parent company of the state’s largest hospital, is “physically and spiritually distant” from its mission and from Vermonters’ needs, said the chair of the Green Mountain Care Board.

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By John T Ryan (I do not have a video of this meeting because of a camera failure.) 

At the Peru Town Board meeting on September 8, Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie addressed an incident that occurred on September 2 in the Peru Town Court. A defendant with a history of mental health issues failed to comply with Judge Jim Kirby’s order to undergo a mental evaluation. Upon reappearance in court, Judge Kirby mentioned the possibility of committing the individual to the Clinton County Jail for evaluation. The defendant reacted becoming disruptive to the extent that the assistant district attorney, who was six and a half months pregnant, expressed serious concern for her safety.

Wylie also recounted a recent suicide attempt in Chazy Town Court, where a defendant brandished a razor blade and cut his wrist. He summarized the situation by saying, “With the mental health and drug issues we have in our community, there’s a lot more opportunity for violence in our town courts. The judges have no means of protecting themselves.” Wylie is worried that his staff members may resign rather than appear in certain town courts.

Currently, the courts in Plattsburgh, Beekmantown, and Clinton have security measures in place. Wylie believes it is time for Peru to consider adding security, especially since it has the second-highest town caseload in the country. Peru Town Justice Scott Thurber agreed, stating, “I’m very concerned about the safety of attorneys and court staff.” Wylie estimated that security would cost between $100 and $200 an hour, but he is uncertain if the Sheriff’s Department can provide the necessary personnel. In response, the board agreed to ask the Sheriff’s Department for court coverage, and Wylie suggested that hiring a retired police officer could be an alternative.

In a more positive development, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that NYSEG might be able to continue supplying power to its customers during the culvert installation process on Telegraph Road. He expects a decision from NYSEG by the end of September.

The board passed a local law allowing it to propose exceeding the 2026 tax cap if necessary. No members of the public attended the 5:45 p.m. public hearing that preceded the board meeting.

Given the number and cost of the wastewater treatment plant and culvert replacement projects, the board voted to engage an audit firm to oversee the financial aspects of these projects. Supervisor Craig Randall commented that this decision is prudent, as the town may spend between $45 million and $50 million on these initiatives.

In other actions, the board accepted the resignation of Code Enforcement Officer Robert Guynup, effective September 30, with his last day in the office being September 22.

The meeting then adjourned to executive session to discuss a personnel issue.