The Peru Gazette

One hundred and forty laws that almost were.

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News Release of Dec. 23, 2025 – Plattsburgh, NY — Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) is announcing the launch of “Together Totes,” a new community initiative providing essential hygiene and seasonal care items to individuals and families in crisis in the North Country. The program is supported through grant funding from The Foundation of CVPH. This collaboration hopes to bring much-needed support to our community when it is needed most.

The program is expected to reach over 1,000 individuals annually, with at least 500 care packages distributed in its first operational year through local community partners and multiple BHSN-run community programs.

Two deliveries of the totes have already taken place on 12/22 and 12/23, to the JCEO and to the Interfaith Food Shelf in Plattsburgh.

You can view video of the deliveries here: https://youtu.be/7PsUa1LbNfg.

Together Totes will be filled with toiletries, basic hygiene products, and winter essentials such as hats and gloves. These items will be distributed to BHSN clients experiencing urgent needs—including those fleeing domestic violence, transitioning out of hospitalization or homelessness.

In addition to supporting BHSN programs, Together Totes will be shared with community partners including JCEO, the Interfaith Food Pantry, and other regional service providers, strengthening collaboration and ensuring equitable access to essential items across the community.

“The Foundation of CVPH’s support allows us to meet people at pivotal moments—when a small act of care can make a major difference,” said Kevin Cooney, Marketing Director at BHSN. “Together Totes are about promoting dignity, stability, and wellness by making sure no one goes without the most basic essentials.”

Construction Closures Temporarily Suspended To Ease Holiday Travel

Albany, NYS News Release, Dec. 23, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers that State Police and local law enforcement agencies are participating in an ongoing nationwide enforcement strategy to remove impaired drivers from our roads this holiday season. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign — an initiative funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) — will run through Thursday, January 1, 2026. 

“Anyone making the decision to place themselves or other drivers in danger this holiday season will be ticketed or face criminal charges,” Governor Hochulsaid. “Our state has zero tolerance for impaired and reckless driving because the safety of New Yorkers is always my top priority.”

In addition to the driving while intoxicated (DWI) checkpoints and patrols, law enforcement officers will be watching for speeding drivers, distracted drivers and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to exercise extreme caution when passing any vehicle that is stopped in or on the side of the road. 

New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate, but you must celebrate responsibly. If you drive impaired and break the law, you will face consequences and be held accountable. Take the time to plan for a sober ride home, avoid distractions behind the wheel and slow down, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.” 

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As motorists drive throughout the state to see family and friends this holiday season, we encourage them to make safe driving practices a priority. There’s no excuse for driving impaired, and when someone makes the choice to drive after using alcohol or drugs, they are endangering the lives of everyone. The State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to discourage and detect impaired motorists. I thank the GTSC for their partnership in educating and bringing awareness to all who get into a vehicle in New York State.” 

Construction Closures Suspended

In an effort to ease travel during the busy holiday weekends, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24 through 6 a.m. Monday, December 29, and again from 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 through 6 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026.   

The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of drivers to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Drivers should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. 

Drivers must follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. The Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation urge drivers to stay alert while driving, slow down and safely move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The lives of drivers, employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on it. 

Texting stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving.  The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s Day morning to promote safety and alert driving. 

All 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway are now open. Drivers can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides drivers direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Drivers can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway. 

Travelers can also check NYSDOT’s 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

Patients in North Country hospitals benefit from donations collected at drives

Plattsburgh, NY – Adirondack Blood Center has partnered with numerous community sponsors to offer the community 18 opportunities to give blood in January.Blood collected at community drives and at the Donor Center, located at 85 Plaza Blvd., benefits patients at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, Elizabethtown Community Hospital (including Ticonderoga) and the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. The Donor Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

The schedule of community blood drives in January is as follows:

• Friday, Jan. 2, Lowe’s, 39 Centre Drive, 10 am to 2 pm
• Monday, Jan. 5, Willsboro Fire Department, 1 Point Rd., Willsboro, 3 to 6 pm
• Tuesday, Jan. 6, Riley Ford, 7189 Route 9, 1 to 4 pm
• Thursday, Jan. 8, Elizabethtown Community Hospital, 75 Park St., Elizabethtown, 1 to 4 pm
• Friday, Jan. 9, Monaghan Medical, 153 Industrial Blvd., 9 am to noon
• Monday, Jan. 12, St. Augustine Parish Hall, 3036 Main St., Peru, sponsored by Knights of Columbus, 3 to 6:30 pm
• Tuesday, Jan. 13, Brushton-Moira American Legion, 26 Sayles Rd., Moria, 4 to 7 pm
• Wednesday, Jan. 14, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Headquarters, 1115 Route 86, Ray Brook, 10 am to 2 pm
• Thursday, Jan. 15, Mooers Fire Department, 2508 Route 11, Mooers, 3:30 to 7 pm
• Monday, Jan. 19, West Chazy Fire Department, 7656 Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm
• Tuesday, Jan. 20, St. Edmonds Church Hall, 5526 Route 11, Ellenburg Depot, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, 4 to 7 pm
• Wednesday, Jan. 21, Alice Hyde Medical Center, 133 Park St., Malone, 11 am to 3 pm
• Thursday, Jan. 22, Beekmantown Fire Department, 6973 Route 22, West Chazy, 4 to 7 pm
• Friday, Jan. 23, Burke Adult Center 1040 East Main St., Burke, 9 to 11am
• Monday, Jan. 26, Adirondack Medical Center, Redfield Room, 2233 Route 86, Saranac Lake, noon to 4 pm
• Wednesday, Jan. 28, Franklin Academy, 54 State St., Malone, 10 am to 2 pm
• Thursday, Jan. 29, Miner Institute, 586 Ridge Rd., Chazy, 1 to 4 pm
• Friday, Jan. 30, Clinton County Government Center, First Floor Meeting Room, 137 Margaret St., 8:30 am to12:30 pm

Blood donors must be at least 16 years-old (16- and 17-year-old donors must have written parental/guardian consent), in general good health and weigh at least 110 lbs. A screening questionnaire addressing personal medical, social and travel history is completed prior to donating and a donor card or another form of valid identification is also required. Donors must wait 56 days between donations.

Learn more about the Adirondack Blood Center, giving blood and becoming a sponsor at UVMHealth.org/GiveBlood or call 518-562-7406.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y., December 23, 2025– Market 32 and Price Chopper are issuing a voluntary manufacturer recall on Direct Source Seafood, LLC-produced items impacting select Market 32 by Price Chopper brand frozen 26-30ct Farm Raised Raw Shrimp (easy peel) with UPC code 4173501358.

The manufacturer is recalling these products in compliance with an FDA Advisory due potential exposure to Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination prior to being shipped to the Market 32 and Price Chopper Distribution Center. This is being done out of an abundance of caution as, to date, no product that has tested positive or been alerted for Cs-137 has entered the U.S. marketplace, no illnesses have been reported – which would require repeated, long-term ingestion – and to alert any customers who may still have the recalled items in their possession. The affected products were sold after July 11, 2025, with “best by” dates from April 22, 2027 – April 27, 2027.

Many of the customers who purchased these items have already been contacted through Market 32 and Price Chopper’s Broadnet recall notification program, which uses purchase data and consumer phone numbers on file in connection with the company’s AdvantEdge (loyalty) card to alert those households that may have purchased the products in question.

Customers who purchased and still possess the affected products should return them to their local Market 32 or Price Chopper store for a full refund. For more information, please call Direct Source Seafood, LLC at 425-455-2291, or contact Market 32 and Price Chopper by phone at 800-666-7667 or via e-mail at consumerresponse@pricechopper.com.

The state plans to ask a court to dismiss some 500 prison sexual assault lawsuits for not strictly abiding by filing requirements.

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Assembly Speaker News Release of Dec. 22, 2025 – Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie alongside a New York delegation of elected officials hosted a humanitarian mission trip to Jamaica following the landfall of the devastating category five Hurricane Melissa. The historic storm was record breaking, becoming the third most intense hurricane in the Atlantic and the strongest to make landfall on the island of Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

“The people of Jamaica, although resilient, are hurting,” said Speaker Carl Heastie. “It is our duty to assist our brothers and sisters during their time of need. With the recent rise in global temperatures, we are witnessing storms that were once considered rare occurrences, now becoming more frequent and causing widespread destruction and devastation. Representing the 83^rd Assembly district, a district with the largest Jamaican population outside the island, this storm struck a personal chord. It became a top priority to call upon our community to extend a helping hand to our neighbors, families, and friends.”

In preparation for the trip, there was a donation drive hosted at the Northeast Bronx YMCA. Items donated included nonperishable food items, new clothing, toiletries, first aid materials and equipment, and so much more. During the mission, which ran from December 18 through December 21, these goods were distributed across many sites that were impacted by Melissa and included primary schools, churches and community centers across the parish of Westmoreland. Hundreds of people were able to benefit from the donated goods.

“Our hearts are with the people of Jamaica as they recover from the devastating impact of the hurricane. In moments like these, solidarity matters. This trip represents our commitment to stand with communities in their time of need, not just in words, but through action. We go with humility, compassion, and hope, knowing that even small acts of service can help bring relief, restore dignity, and support the long road to recovery ahead,” said Assemblymember George Alvarez.

Why is healthcare so expensive in Vermont? BlueCross BlueShield says it’s, in part, the sheer cost of services from the biggest hospitals.

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Board delays decision, questions consultant price tag

Click here to view the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here to the Steve and Andrew perform at the Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir Christmas Concert on December 21, 2025 at St. Augustine’s Church 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here December 21, 2025 at St. Augustine’s Church, Steve Collier and Andrew Woodruff. 

Free time permitted a little editing at the beginning of this video.  Click here to enjoy the concert. 

Prohibits Sale of Kratom to Individuals Under the Age of 21, Imposes Civil Penalties for Violations and Requires Product Warning Label Requirements 

NYS News Release of Dec. 22, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed two pieces of landmark legislation to protect New Yorkers from the harmful effects of kratom, a commercially available herbal product sold for recreational use. This comes amid a rise in concerns about the link to potential health risks. Legislation S4552A/A2340A amends public health law to prohibit the sale of kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age. Legislation S8285/A5852A requires any kratom product being manufactured, distributed or sold in New York State to include a consumer warning label. 

“Kratom is a commercial substance that is commonly labeled an “all-natural herb”, leading people to believe it’s completely safe — but the reality is it can be extremely dangerous and unfortunately, in some cases, lethal,” Governor Hochul said. “No parent in New York should have to endure the loss of a child to a substance simply because they didn’t know what was in it. This legislation ensures transparency and strengthens our public health laws so that information about the ingredients and potential harmful risks associated with kratom are clear.”  

Legislation S4552A/A2340A will prohibit sales of kratom to persons under the age of 21. Under this legislation, anyone selling kratom to individuals under 21 years of age can face a fine of up to $500 for each offense.  

Legislation S8285/A5852A will require any kratom product to include a full list of ingredients as well as a consumer warning that the product may be addictive and may interact with certain medications, drugs and controlled substances. 

Kratom is an herb from Southeast Asia that may be used for its stimulant and analgesic, pain relief, effects. The substance is often taken as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever or recreationally. Some consumers also report using kratom to relieve symptoms of withdrawal from opioids.  

While kratom itself is not an opioid, when taken in larger quantities, it can act in a way similar to other opioids, leading to tolerance, physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. In some rare cases, deaths have been associated with kratom use, though in these cases kratom was usually used in combination with other substances, including fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, alcohol, anti-convulsants and other medications.  

A minor natural component of kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), can have a strong opioid effect when in concentrated form. Manufacturers have made synthetic 7-OH (which may be sold as 7-OH or added to kratom plant products) in substantially higher quantities than would be found in unadulterated kratom. Research about 7-OH and its potential association with dependence or overdose is ongoing. The New York State Department of Health began to specifically monitor 7-OH in June 2025.

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Deputy Town Clerk Judy Akey swears in Sarah Mitchell as a Peru Town Justice

Deputy Town Clerk Judy Akey swears in Sarah Mitchell as a Peru Town Justice

Justice Mitchell signs the Oath of Office

Town Justice Scott Thurber is looking forward to working with Town Justice Sarah Mitchell

Peru, NY, December 20, 2025 –  Sarah Mitchell was sworn in as Peru’s first  woman Town Justice shortly after 6 p.m. this evening. Deputy Town Clerk Judy Akey, Sarah’s mother, conducted the ceremony as Sarah’s father, Robert Akey, husband Tim, sons Isaac and Jacob, and other family members looked on. 

Town Justice Scott Thurber was present and is looking forward to working with Justice Mitchell. He said, “Sarah started attending court sessions before the election, and I’ve been working with her ever since. We served on the Peru School Board together, so we know each other very well, and we have always had a good relationship.”

Voters elected Sarah Mitchell on November 4. On December 8, the Peru Town Board appointed her to serve the remaining term of office of the late Town Justice James Kirby, contingent on her successfully completing a state town justice training course. She’s accomplished  that goal and will preside at the January 6 Peru Town Court session. 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Recently adopted environmental regulations have added months to New York’s already years-long energy permitting process, colliding with new deadlines for federal subsidies.

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Lighting and festival takes place at the Town Hall, 997 Mason Street, Morrisonville, from 4 pm until 7:30 pm. 

Town of Schuyler Falls News Release of Dec. 19, 2025 – Continuing the town’s tree-lighting tradition (started in 2014), the entire event this year is held again at the Town Hall and grounds, with plenty of space for inside festivities, and outside viewing and parking.

The doors open at 4:00pm with music, mingling, and refreshments (donuts & cookies, hot chocolate, eggnog & coffee) continuing until 7:30pm.  A lighted fire truck parade moves through the hamlet, with tree-lighting promptly at 4:30pm.

Crafts to make and take and other activities for kids with special guests Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus continue from around 5 pm until all have visited.  Kids can chat with Santa and take pictures with him in front of festive holiday backdrops.   Children ages 2 thru 8 will also receive an age-appropriate gift from Santa.

This is a time for all town residents, friends, and neighbors to connect during this festive holiday season.  Admission is free and all are welcome.

Thanks to all the volunteers; more are always appreciated.  For information or to volunteer, contact the Town Hall at 518-563-1129 for Mindy Smith, Town Supervisor.  And thanks to Stewart’s Shops for their donations of yummy goodies.

The Town of Schuyler Falls wishes all a pleasant holiday season and a Happy New Year!

DEC News Release of December 19, 2025 – DEC recently acquired approximately 1,624 acres of conservation easement on lands in northern New York from the Open Space Institute (OSI). Approximately 1,414 acres were acquired through a conservation easement held by OSI on lands owned by Chazy Resource Management Inc. (CRMI) in Clinton County, while a 210-acre conservation easement in Essex County on lands owned by OSI was also purchased.

The CRMI Conservation Easement includes more than 1,400 acres in the towns of Dannemora and Saranac, Clinton County. This easement protects the property from any future development and provides public access along the former Delaware & Hudson Railway for approximately 16-miles and comprising approximately 200 acres. Permitted recreational activities along the 16-mile former rail corridor include biking, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ATV use. Fishing, hunting, and trapping by the public is not permitted on any part of this easement.

The Tahawus Core Historic Area Conservation Easement protects 210 acres in the Town of Newcomb, Essex County, on Upper Works Road owned by OSI. The property is a uniquely positioned access point for the High Peaks Wilderness Area, providing trailhead parking for the Mount Adams Fire Tower, East River, Calamity Brook, and Indian Pass Trails. Recreational activities permitted include year-round non-motorized activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, skiing, and nature study. Motorized access is restricted to Upper Works Road, while Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) are permitted on a case-by-case basis. Learn more about DEC’s OPDMD program.

Learn more about the recreation management for each site by reading the Interim Recreation Management Plans on DEC’s website: Chazy Highlands Wild Forest and High Peaks Wilderness Complex. For more information about the recent conservation easement acquisitions, read the November 26 press release.

The recently acquired approximately 1,624 acres add to the more than 900,000 acres of conservation easement lands managed by DEC. Find more information on the DEC Conservation Easements webpage. Funding for both Conservation Easements was provided through the Environmental Protection Fund.

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State on Saturday, December 20

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on all State government buildings be lowered on Saturday, December 20 from sunrise to sunset in honor of Michael Ryan, firefighter and commissioner for the Phoenicia Fire District who died in the line-of-duty on December 13, 2025 while responding to a report of an injured hiker.

“With a distinguished career in the military, as a member of law enforcement and as a firefighter, Commissioner Michael Ryan spent more than four decades as a public servant working selflessly to protect others,” Governor Hochul said. “I extend my deepest condolences to Michael’s loved ones and colleagues as they remember his life and legacy. His unwavering dedication to service will not be forgotten.”

Tree Stand Fall – Washington County
On November 24, ECO Krug responded to a call that went out over Washington County Fire and EMS radio regarding a 29-year-old hunter who fell from his tree stand about a mile into a wooded area in the Town of Salem. The individual, who was not wearing a safety harness at the time, fell approximately 12–15 feet to the ground when his tree stand gave way. Personnel from the Salem Fire Department had the victim in a neck brace and prepared for transport out of the woods when Officer Krug arrived, but they had difficulty getting a utility terrain vehicle to the location due to the hilly and wooded terrain. ECO Krug directed the packaging of the injured hunter in a litter and assisted with carrying the individual about a half mile out of the woods to a landing zone where he was airlifted to Burlington Medical Center for treatment. For more information on hunter safety, visit the DEC website.

Puppy Ice Water Rescue – Oneida County
On December 3, Oneida County Sheriffs requested assistance for an ice water rescue of a 10-month-old Great Pyrenees trapped in the middle of a pond off Fairchild Road in the Town of Remsen. ECO Gates, a member of DEC’s Flood Incident Response Team, and the Barneveld Fire Department Swift Water Rescue Team responded to the location to assist. Officer Gates, along with a member of the Holland Patent Fire Department and a member of the Barneveld Fire Department, broke through the ice utilizing a boat and webbing. They also carried a piece of sharp cheddar cheese to help retrieve the dog, named Archie. They successfully rescued the dog after a few attempts and reunited him with his owner without incident. The Remsen Fire Department assisted with securing the scene and with traffic control.

ECO Gates assists with ice water rescue of puppy in Oneida County

Deer Poaching Leads to Felony Arrest – Washington County
On December 4, ECO Krug arrested and charged a 20-year-old man in connection with the illegal take of an antlerless deer in Washington County after a weeks-long investigation.

On November 16, Officer Krug received a call from a hunter who reported hearing a shot and locating a deceased antlerless deer in a field where he and his son were hunting in the Town of Greenwich. The complainant stated that no one else had permission to hunt on the property and that he and his son were unable to locate the shooter. ECO Krug arrived at the location and watched the deer for several hours without anyone retrieving it. The next day, the deer was gone. Officer Krug tracked the animal back to a residence in Greenwich and conducted interviews with several members of the same family over a two-week period, including one subject who originally stated the deer was roadkill that he picked up. Additionally, ECO Krug confiscated a rifle from the residence believed to be used to illegally harvest the deer.

Officer Krug later located the prime subject in Fort Edward and charged him with felony criminal contempt, criminal possession of a weapon, submitting a false written statement, and child endangerment, along with multiple violations of the ECL, including the illegal take of an antlerless deer and hunting without a license. All charges are pending in the Town of Greenwich court. The deer was donated to a venison donation program.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State.

In the first half of 2025, DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement fielded an estimated 45,000 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responding to more than 18,934 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 9,440 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

In 2024, the Division fielded more than 105,717 calls, resulting in ECOs and Investigators across the state responding to more than 30,109 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations.

“DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety, while also working to connect New Yorkers with the outdoors,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “As we tackle environmental threats on all fronts, I applaud the critical work DEC’s ECOs and Investigators are undertaking to enforce New York’s Environmental Conservation Law and ensure a cleaner, greener, safer, and more resilient New York State.”