Successful recruitment of providers from a wide range of specialties strengthens regional access to primary, specialty care

Burlington, VT, Nov. 6, 2025– Thirty-three health care providers from various disciplines have joined University of Vermont Health supporting the regional health system’s commitment to strengthening access to primary and specialty care for the communities it serves.

Many of these providers deliver care at one or more the Vermont Health’s partner hospitals.  And while not all are available for direct patient appointments, each plays a vital role in patient care through their expertise and significantly contribute to patient outcomes. Referrals may be required and wait times vary by service.Learn more about these providers and other valued members of the medical staff at Find a Provider | University of Vermont Health.

Please welcome:

Jerry G. Albujar, DPM, Podiatry, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Jonathan Baker, DO, Anesthesiology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Erin Bishop, MD, OB/GYN, University of Vermont Medical Center

Kevin De Boer, DO, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Brendan Campbell, MD, Infectious Disease, University of Vermont Medical Center

Karen Custodio, DO, Palliative Care, University of Vermont Medical Center and Emergency Medicine, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Dimitrios Drekolias, MD, Hematology/Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Amy Fox, NP, Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Kazem Habibi-Tanha, DMD, Dentistry, Alice Hyde Medical Center

Kenneth Hallows, MD, Nephrology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Elizabeth Keller, DO, Family Medicine, Central Vermont Medical Center

Vartika Kesarwani, MBBS, Rheumatology, Central Vermont Medical Center

Reza Ojaghi, MD, Orthopedic Surgery, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Lynda Lee Lapan, NP, Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Lovisa Ljungberg, MD, Neurology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Alexander P. Lukez, MD, Radiation Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Alan Massouh, MD, Interventional Radiology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Jennifer Miller, PA, Occupational Health & Wellness, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Sabawoon Mirwais, MD, Hospitalist, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Mahmoud Nassar, MD, Endocrinology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Wesley Goodman O’Leary, Emergency Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center

Kathryn Oskar, MD, Emergency Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center

Nuria M. Pastor-Soler, MD, Nephrology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Stephanie Pevear, NP, Hematology, Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Andrew Ridinger, MD, Radiology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Jeffery Savarino, MD, Emergency Medicine, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Kristine Schullo, MD, Hospitalist, University of Vermont Medical Center

Jessica Scott, NP, OB/GYN, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Tanner Storozuk, MD, MC, Pathology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Ryan Thomas, MD, Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Joseph (Joey) Tousignant, DO, Family Medicine/Orthopedics, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Marc Vecchio, MD, Gastroenterology, University of Vermont Medical Center

Claire Wendling, MD, Neurology, University of Vermont Medical Center

University of Vermont Health
40 IDX Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403

The RNA Institute Advances Research To Understand, Diagnose and Treat Debilitating and Deadly Diseases Like Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, Alzheimer’s and Cancer 

Albany, NY –  November 6, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $50 million capital investment by New York State to expand the State University of New York at Albany’s RNA Institute. The funding, which was included in SUNY’s enacted 2025-2026 capital budget, will increase capacity at the Life Sciences Research Building to advance the RNA Institute’s world-class research, training, and workforce development, including its work using artificial intelligence to guide innovative approaches to drug discovery.

“Identifying new ways to attack deadly and debilitating diseases will not only ensure the State University of New York at Albany is at the cutting edge of research and technology, it will help New Yorkers live longer, more fulfilling and healthier lives,” Governor Hochul said. “This is an investment in a better future, and it is being developed right here in New York. I am proud to announce this historic investment, and I thank the University for the lifesaving and life-affirming work its researchers do.” 

State University of New York at Albany’s RNA Institute advances basic research to understand, diagnose and treat debilitating and deadly diseases, including ALS, Alzheimer’s, cancer and myotonic dystrophy — the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. 

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “While the federal government is retreating from its historic role spurring cutting-edge academic research, SUNY is on the move and deeply thankful for the commitment and financial support of our Governor and the State Legislature to equip our researchers and students with state-of-the art facilities and resources to drive innovation. The State University of New York at Albany’s RNA Institute is one of SUNY’s premiere research institutions, and we are excited for this investment into the institute so the State University of New York at Albany can continue leading the way in RNA research.” 

Click here for the NCPR story 

TOWN OF PERU

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL October 2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:

1. P2025-0018 2-Lot Minor Subdivision, Lauren Waldron, 280.-2-15.1, 637 Telegraph Rd

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
8. CEO REPORT
9. ADJOURNMENT

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

By John T Ryan

New York State’s goal of achieving zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions means significant changes will take effect on December 31, 2025.  There are some exemptions, but they are very few.  

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), signed into law on June 18, 2019, mandates the State achieve a carbon-free electricity system by 2040 and reduce its total emissions 85% by 2050. The New York State legislature enacted the NYS All-Electric Buildings Law in 2024. 

Beginning on December 31, 2025, the installation of fossil-fuel equipment in building systems is prohibited in any new buildings seven stories or less in height. Commercial or industrial buildings larger than 100,000 square feet are exempt from the prohibition until 2029. As of January 1, 2029.

There are exemptions from the fossil fuel prohibition in new building systems, including for use in:

• The generation of emergency back-up power and standby power systems
• Manufactured homes (as defined by NYS Executive Law § 601(7) (The Gazette interprets this to mean mobile homes). 

Buildings or parts of buildings used as manufacturing facilities, commercial food establishments, laboratories, car washes, laundromats, hospitals, other medical facilities, critical infrastructure (including but not limited to emergency management facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and water treatment and pumping facilities), agricultural buildings, fuel cell systems, and crematoriums.

A building owner or applicant may also receive an exemption if they receive a written determination from the local utility indicating that the grid cannot reasonably provide new or expanded electric service. On October 28, the Peru Gazette emailed NYSEG asking if it might grant some exemptions in Peru. To date, NYSEG has not responded.

Key points for existing homeowners: 

• Existing homes are not affected by the ban on new fossil fuel installations.
• Homeowners can continue to use, repair, and replace their current gas, propane, or oil systems and appliances.
• The law does not require existing homeowners to switch to electric appliances.

Anyone planning to build in 2026 who does not intend to go all-electric must file a “substantially complete” building permit application by December 31. What does “substantially complete” mean? Consult with the Peru Code Enforcement office (518-643-2475 x103) as soon as possible. 

Click here to view an in-depth Albany Times-Union story on the issue. 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Proposition allows the Olympic Regional Development Authority, or ORDA, to continue using protected land at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Peru Gazette Photo

Cherry Hill Farm Photo

By John T Ryan

Peru Gazette Photo

November 5, 2025 , Peru, NY –  By now, many area residents are familiar with the Hamilton family solar farm (Hamilsun Solar) adjacent to Mannix Road. If they have keen eyesight, they probably have observed sheep roaming between the farm’s solar panels. Kristen Carpenter and Keagan Wood, who operate Cherry Hill Farm on Standish Road in Saranac, own the grazing sheep.

Caring for animals comes naturally to Kristen and Keagan, who met while showing animals at the Clinton County Fair. Keegan is a Saranac Central graduate who has always been interested in animals, but cows, not sheep. During high school, he was a member of the Whispering Pines 4-H Club in Peru. Kristen graduated from Northern Adirondack Central School, where she was an active member of the Future Farmers of America. In 2020, she earned a degree in animal science at Cornell University. Part of her studies included assisting in solar grazing research. She commented, “The research pointed to the many positive outcomes of solar grazing. Today, it’s happening all over the U.S.”

Solar grazing is recognized as a source of income for sheep farmers and as a benefit to solar farm operators, as it helps control vegetation that shades the solar panels. Mower and pesticide usage is reduced or eliminated. In addition, sheep dung often contains undigested plant seeds, which can yield a diverse flora that provides a rich habitat for various insects, birds, and small mammals, benefitting both the environment and local wildlife.  Kristen explained. “We’ve had up to 39 sheep grazing here. Right now there are 29. We rotate the sheep among seven paddocks and move the paddocks once a week. We don’t want the sheep to eat too low, damaging the soil and the plants. By next year, we hope to find a beekeeper who would locate hives near the panels.”

Kristen and Keagan also hope to grow their business. They started with only five sheep. Today they have 39.  Eventually, they hope to have many more sheep enjoying life at our region’s solar farms. One of the most satisfying aspects of solar grazing for Kristen and Keagan is the positive experience their son Easton is enjoying. During our interview last Sunday, Easton had an ear-to-ear smile as he encouraged the sheep to run in the solar farm paddock.

Mark Hamilton coordinates the Hamilsun Solar project for his family. Today, Mark commented, “We love the sheep! It’s another way for us to maintain the property in an environmentally friendly manner, and it provides a really healthy experience for the sheep. It’s also been something the community has found interesting and positive, which we appreciate. We are excited to have them back next year!”

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that 21 counties moved from Drought Warning to Drought Watch due to several weeks of consistent rainfall and improving levels of streamflow and ground water. Counties moved to drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Warren, and Wayne. There are now 56 counties in drought watch across New York State.

Peru Gazette File Photo

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks to fund projects that improve public understanding of and engagement with watershed issues in the Lake Champlain Basin.

This opportunity is intended to support efforts that increase awareness of challenges facing the Basin’s water quality and ecosystems, and that foster informed decision-making and stewardship.

Grants are available in two categories:

• Small Education and Outreach Projects: Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $180,000 in available funding. One proposal may be submitted per eligible organization.
• Large Education and Outreach Projects: Grants between $15,000 – $50,000 will be awarded, with a total of approximately $400,000 in available funding. Up to two proposals may be submitted per eligible organization.

“Public understanding and engagement are critical to the work of managing and restoring our watershed” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “Awarded projects will build on past and current projects and programs that collectively help to build an informed and involved public.”

The awarded projects will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in partnership with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Proposals for small projects are due at 5:00 PM EST on December 15, 2025, and projects are targeted to begin work in June 2026. Proposals for large projects are due at 5:00 PM EST on January 5, 2026 and are targeted to begin work in January 2027. An informational webinar will be offered on November 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (register for the Zoom meeting here).

For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visitwww.lcbp.org.

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney who passed away on November 3, 2025. Flags will be flown at half-staff immediately through interment.

“I am directing flags across New York State to be lowered in honor of Dick Cheney, our former Vice President and lifelong public servant,” Governor Hochul said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the Cheney family as we remember his life, leadership, and patriotism.”

Readers often ask questions about Absentee Ballot Procedures. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 4, 2025 and received by the Board of Elections no later than November 12, 2025.

700 Clinton County residents requested absentee ballots. The Board of Elections has no idea how many will be returned.

The NYS Board of Elections website states the following.

How to Cast an Absentee Ballot

Once your receive the ballot, mark the ballot according to your choices for each office following the instructions on the ballot
Once you have completed marking your ballot fold it up and place it in the Security Envelope. (This envelope will have a place for your signature.) Sign and date the outside of the Security Envelope. Seal the Security Envelope.
All absentee ballots include a pre-paid Return Envelope. Place the Security Envelope in the Return Envelope. (This envelope will have the return address of your county Board of Elections on the outside and should have a logo that reads, “Official Election Mail”.)The Return Envelope does not require any additional postage. Seal the Return Envelope.

Absentee Ballot Tracking

Voters can track their absentee ballot via the Board of Elections’ Poll Site Search, Voter Registration, and Mail Ballot Tracker available at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

You may return the ballot in any of the following ways:

For the November 4, 2025 General Election:

Put it in the mail ensuring it receives a postmark no later than November 4th. Must be received by the County Board of Elections no later than November 12th.
Bringing it to your County Board of Elections Office no later than November 4th by 9pm.
Bringing it to an early voting poll site in your county between October 25th and November 2nd.
Bringing it to a poll site in your county on November 4th by 9pm.
Mail-time Considerations
When mailing your completed ballot, the USPS recommends that voters allow enough time for ballots to be returned to the Board, which is generally seven days ahead of the general election.

Voters who mail in their ballots on Election Day must be aware of the posted collection times on collection boxes and at the Postal Service’s retail facilities, and that ballots entered after the last posted collection time will not be postmarked until the following business day.

Click here for the WCAX News story 

Click here for the News Channel 13 story 

Town of Martinsburg
Lewis County
Wilderness Search: On Oct. 29 at 8:32 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a lost hunter near Graves Road on Lesser Wilderness State Forest. The 67-year-old from Ancram became lost in the darkness while tracking a deer they shot. Forest Ranger Maxwell worked with New York State Police and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department on the search. Using cell phone coordinates, rescuers located the hunter at 9:30 p.m. in good health. The hunter had a flashlight that died and a cell phone that was nearly out of charge.

Rangers suggest hikers and hunters bring light sources such as headlamps with extra batteries and not rely on phones for navigation and light. In the wilderness, cell phone batteries lose charge more quickly.

Town of Ticonderoga
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 1 at 12:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from the family of a hunter missing since the previous day. The 34-year-old from Ticonderoga spoke with a hunting partner through the night but failed to make it out of the woods. Forest Rangers Kabrehl and Quinn searched the area and found items belonging to the hunter. At 4 p.m., the hunter made it to a home on Canfield Road. The hunter refused medical attention from Rangers but accepted a ride from a friend to the hospital due to cramping from dehydration and exhaustion. Resources were clear at 5 p.m.

Town of Brownville
Jefferson County
Rescue: On Nov. 1 at 9:50 p.m., Forest Ranger Cooley assisted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Chaumont Fire Department, and Watertown Fire Department with the rescue of two anglers on their boat stuck approximately 100 yards from shore in Black River Bay. The pair accidentally operated their boat in shallow waters, causing it to run aground. Rescuers used an inflatable raft to safely retrieve the two fishermen.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Vote adds to local pushback against Adirondack Land Trust’s effort to change the name of Westport landmark

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story