L-R St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Deputy Grand Knight Gordon Santor, Peru Intermediate School Nurse Melissa Dupras, and Council Coats For Kids Chairman John Ryan
Peru, November 21, 2025 – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 has been bringing new children’s winter coats to Peru Central’s Primary and Intermediate Schools since 2013. Then, last year school nurses said they had another need – winter boots, so the knights responded by bringing 12 pairs of boys’ and girls’ boots. This year, they brought 16 pairs of boots and six jackets. When LuAnn Santor, an officer in the Catholic Daughters at St. Augustine’s Parish, learned that her husband, Gordon (Gordy), was going to the school, she asked, “Would you bring knitted hats that Crafters For Charity and others donated to the Catholic Daughters?” There were dozens of hats. School nurses say they will have everything available on teachers’ conference day and anytime students need them. As outside temperatures drop, the need will grow.
Since 2013, the Peru Knights have delivered 281 jackets and 28 pairs of boots to Peru Elementary School. Councils in the United States and Canada have distributed over 1.8 million jackets since the Coats For Kids program’s inception in 2009.
Posted: November 21st, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Charity Events, Education News, Faces of Peru, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru School News, Service Org News.
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New 106,000-Square-Foot Facility to Support Growing Enrollment and Program Offerings
Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) BOCES today announced plans for a major facility expansion in Essex County to meet the growing demand for educational programs and services. The proposed new building will replace the current CVES Mineville campus, originally built in 1969, and will provide expanded capacity for Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Special Education programs.
Over the past several years, enrollment at the CVES BOCES Essex campus has more than doubled, pushing the 55,000-square-foot facility to maximum capacity. With no available space to grow and faced with financial demands for facility maintenance on the current building, CVES BOCES is moving forward with plans to construct a modern, 106,000-square-foot building within approximately one mile of the current location in the Town of Moriah.
“This project represents an exciting and necessary step forward for CVES BOCES and the students and communities we serve,” said Dr. Mark Davey, District Superintendent of CVES BOCES. “As we align our work with New York Inspires and our regional Portrait of a Graduate, this expansion embodies our shared commitment to reimagining learning for the next generation. Our students deserve high-quality, future-ready environments that promote innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning. This project will allow us to meet the growing enrollment needs and expand access to Career & Technical Education and specialized programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life — while strengthening our North Country workforce and communities.”
The project will not only replace an aging 1969 structure but will also provide new opportunities for instructional innovation and community partnerships.
Dr. Eric Bell, Deputy Superintendent of CVES BOCES, added, “Our programs have outgrown our current space, and this expansion will open the door to new possibilities. Moreover, the costs of maintaining the current facility for another decade would far exceed the value we’d gain. Building new through this lease agreement allows us to provide students with state-of-the-art learning spaces at a significantly lower cost per square foot, and because the lease is 100% aidable through BOCES, it’s an efficient and responsible solution for our districts and taxpayers. This is an investment in both education and the future of our region’s workforce.”
Project Timeline
- Design Phase: November 2025 – September 2026
- Submission to NYSED for Review: January 2026
- Groundbreaking: Fall 2026
- Opening of New Building: July 2028
The new facility will be developed through a lease agreement with the Community Initiatives Development Corporation (CIDC), following the same successful arrangement used for the new CVES CTE Center in Plattsburgh. Preliminary financial estimates for a 20-year lease project a year one cost of $3.1 million, shared among CVES BOCES’ 16 component districts. New York State will reimburse districts more than $2 million of this amount through BOCES aid.
The Town of Moriah and Essex County leadership have been strong partners of CVES throughout this process. “This project is a win for our community and for our young people,” said Matthew Brassard, Supervisor of the Town of Moriah. “Education is the foundation of a strong local economy, and we’re proud to support CVES BOCES as they invest in a modern facility right here in Moriah. The new building will not only enhance educational opportunities but also strengthen our town’s connection to regional workforce development and economic development.”
Once completed, the modernized campus will enhance learning environments, allow for expanded CTE programming, and increase capacity for specialized education services—ensuring that CVES BOCES continues to meet the evolving educational and workforce needs of the region.
“The CVES Mineville campus has long been a cornerstone of opportunity for students in Essex County,” said Dr. Davey. “This new facility represents an exciting investment in our region’s future. It will support the next generation of learners in developing the essential skills, mindsets, and experiences for decades to come. Together with our districts, communities, and partners, we are building pathways that inspire every student to achieve their full potential.”
The existing CVES Mineville Campus building will be sold as part of the overall facility plan once the new campus is operational.
Posted: November 21st, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Education News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History.
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Posted: November 21st, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Education News, Environmental News, Northern NY News.
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Posted: November 20th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Border News, Business News, Community Events, Education News, Environmental News, National History, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Upstate New York.
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NYS News Release, Nov. 20, 2025 – Albany – Governor Kathy Hochul today approved amendments to the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan (SLMP) which were recommended by the Adirondack Park Agency Board. The amendments improve the protection and management of 2.9 million acres of public land in New York State’s Adirondack Park.
“From providing clean drinking water to welcoming millions of visitors every year to enjoy the outdoors, the Adirondack Park is a national treasure and a symbol of New York’s environmental leadership,” Governor Hochul said. “These amendments ensure that New York remains at the forefront of public land preservation and conservation for the benefit of New Yorkers today and tomorrow. By strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable recreation, we are safeguarding the Adirondacks for the next generation while preserving their wild character.
The SLMP guides how state land within the Adirondack Park Forest Preserve can be used by the public and maintained and modified by the State through establishing different classes of protection. The amendments approved today ensure that planning for the preservation of and recreation in one of the State’s most precious natural resources also aligns with the values of inclusion and resilience. These amendments further enhance the Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environmental Conservation’s ability to:
- Protect habitat and open space and protect recreation investments by addressing climate risks;
- Improve public land and water access for persons with disabilities by identifying existing accessible infrastructure and assessing potential additions;
- Support sustainable outdoor recreation by incorporating visitor use management into public land planning.
The Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan guides decision-making for 2.9 million acres of state land in the Adirondack Park. In addition to requiring that climate change, accessibility, and visitor use management are included in management and use planning for each state land parcel, the amendments update practices for wildlife management structures and historic areas.
Additionally, a recent state land acquisition—the 585-acre Four Peaks Tract in the Towns of Wilmington and Jay—was classified as Wild Forest. Containing a diverse array of meadowlands and mountains, the Four Peaks Tract was identified in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and has the potential to expand recreational opportunities in the Ausable River Valley.
APA Executive Director Barbara Rice said, “The Agency thanks Governor Hochul for her decisive environmental leadership. This action concludes nearly two years of hard work and thoughtful deliberation. These amendments will ensure the State continues to protect New York’s globally significant natural resources as we work to ensure access to our public lands to people of all abilities.”
Posted: November 20th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Environmental News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News.
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“This year marks the 35th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act and while we’ve made some progress, challenges remain and more effort is needed to ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities in the workplace,” DiNapoli said. “Providing accommodations for workplace flexibility and encouraging employers to practice inclusive hiring can help improve employment outcomes for people with a disability. By championing inclusion, we create progress, prosperity and a stronger New York.”
In 2024, more than 2.5 million New Yorkers 16 and older had a disability, representing 15% of the working-age population. Due to the daily challenges facing people with disabilities, they are less likely to graduate high school or earn a bachelor’s degree and tend to have lower rates of labor force participation and employment. As a result, they earn far less on average than those without a disability. In 2024, one in four New Yorkers with a disability lived below the poverty line compared to one in five nationally.
Increases to Labor Force Participation Rate
Nationally, the labor force participation rate for people with a disability age 16 and over rose by five percentage points from 2019-2024, with the greatest gains between 2019 and 2021. Research has noted post-Covid labor market patterns differ from previous recessions in which employment recovery for people with disabilities lagged the nondisabled population, largely due to expanded remote work options for those who would have difficulty taking an in-person job, and a tighter labor market that encouraged more inclusive hiring.
State Policy Efforts
New York State has taken several steps to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The state’s “Employment First” initiative requires state agencies to adopt plans to increase competitive integrated employment (CIE) in the workforce and encourages businesses to adopt inclusive hiring practices. The initial goals of Employment First in 2015 were to increase the employment rate of people with disabilities by 5% and reduce their poverty rate by 5% statewide. 2024 data show employment gains over the past ten years exceed this goal, though reductions in poverty have been more modest.
State agencies are required to develop an annual plan that details how they will improve the percentage of people with disabilities they hire, and the Chief Disability Officer is required to annually collect data from each agency and report on and evaluate the state’s progress on improving the employment rate of state employees with disabilities.
Other state programs that help overcome barriers to employment for people with disabilities include enacted legislative changes in 2022 to its Preferred Source Contracting Program that were intended to foster more inclusive jobs in the nonprofit sector and increase CIE. The state also runs specialized hiring programs within the state workforce for people with disabilities under Civil Service Law 55-b and 55-c. In addition, since 2015, businesses in New York that employ people with disabilities have been authorized to claim either a personal income tax or corporate franchise tax credit.
DiNapoli emphasized the importance of leveraging existing vocational programs, improving transportation services for jobs that cannot be done remotely, and educating employers about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, measures that could significantly diminish barriers to employment for people with disabilities.
Report
Economic and Policy Insights – Workers with Disabilities Achieve Labor Force Gains, but Disparities Remain
Related Reports
Employment Recovery is Slow for New Yorkers with Disabilities
Posted: November 20th, 2025 under Business News, Heathcare News, Social Issues, State Government News, Statewide News.
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Clinton Community College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick (left) presents the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award to Carol Parkinson Arnold, with Jim Jock (right), Class of ’86 and past Alumni Association president.
Nov. 20, 2025. PLATTSBURGH — The Clinton Community College Alumni Association named Carol Parkinson Arnold ’73 as the recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award at its fall 2025 reunion celebration.
From Clinton Graduate to Industry Leader
A Keeseville, New York, native and proud 1973 Clinton graduate, Arnold’s life story reflects decades of professional achievement, personal resilience and community service.
After earning her associate degree in business administration, Arnold launched a 40-year career with DuPont in Delaware. Rising to the role of engineering knowledge management leader, she developed systems for intellectual property management and training programs, earning respect for her collaborative leadership style.
Adventure and Achievement
Beyond her career, Arnold embraced adventure and athleticism. A former distance runner, she completed seven marathons and was chosen to carry the Olympic torch for the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid—a role awarded for athletic ability, poise and an essay capturing the Olympic spirit. The experience included media appearances, wilderness training and a cross-state relay she recalls as unforgettable.
Arnold’s adventurous spirit extended worldwide, from solo European travels at 18 to business trips across continents. Her entrepreneurial side stood out through real estate investments, often making quick decisions that paid off through strategic planning.
A Commitment to Community
Since retiring and returning to the North Country, Arnold has remained involved in community service. She serves on the Clinton Community College Alumni Board, the Clinton County Historical Association, Rotary International, the Rockwell Kent Gallery and supports initiatives like the JCEO Backpack Program and the Mayor’s Charter Commission.
“The first time anyone meets Carol they will quickly realize she is a force of nature,” said Clinton Community College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick. “She is an incredibly generous community servant and a big thinker. The North Country is so fortunate that Carol decided to return home upon her retirement from DuPont.”
Guided by the belief that experiences matter more than possessions, Arnold lives by a favorite Robert Frost-inspired quote: “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
She hopes to be remembered as a generous soul, a protector of the Adirondacks and someone who encouraged others to reach beyond their limits.
Posted: November 20th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, Education News, General News, Northern NY News.
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Plattsburgh, NY – The Foundation of CVPH will host a Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony at the Angel of Hope, Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. on the hospital’s front lawn.
During the ceremony names of loved ones who have passed will be read aloud. To submit a name to be read on December 6, please email Events and Special Projects Manager Michelle Senecal at msenecal@cvph.org.
The Angel of Hope Candlelight ceremony is open to everyone and will be held outside, regardless of the weather. Please plan accordingly.
The angel is the centerpiece of the Circle of Healing and Hope, providing a quiet place on the main campus for patients, visitors and staff to reflect, rejuvenate and honor those they love. In bringing it to CVPH, the Foundation committed to holding the candlelight ceremony each year on December 6. It is a commitment honored by all locations across the country with an Angel of Hope.
The Angel of Hope comes from the bestselling book The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans. It tells the story of a woman who mourns at her daughter’s gravesite which features an Angel of Hope and the solace she gets from the statue.
To learn more about The Foundation, the Angel of Hope and the Circle of Healing and Hope, go to UVMHealth.org/CVPH or call The Foundation at (518) 562-7169.
Posted: November 20th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, City News, Community Events, General News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News.
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Nov. 20, 2025 – Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton County is encouraging all short-term rental operators to ensure they are properly registered with the County Treasurer’s Office, as required under the Clinton County Room Occupancy Tax Law. This applies to homeowners and lodging operators renting directly to guests as well as those using platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO.
“Some operators may not realize that they must register with the County even when a booking platform collects and remits tax on their behalf,” said Rebecca Murphy, Deputy Treasurer and Finance Manager. “Quarterly reporting is required for all operators so we can maintain accurate records and support compliance with state and local law.”
To assist operators who may have been unaware of these responsibilities, the Clinton County Legislature authorized a temporary grace period allowing penalties and interest owed as of October 31, 2025, to be waived if operators register and pay all taxes due by February 28, 2026, and if the delay was based on reasonable cause.
Legislature Chairman Mark Henry emphasized that this initiative is focused on awareness and fairness.
“Our goal is simply to ensure every operator understands what’s required and has an opportunity to come into compliance,” Henry said. “Short-term rentals are an important part of our tourism economy, and this grace period provides a reasonable path for anyone who may have missed a step.”
As part of the County’s outreach, letters were mailed to short-term rental owners identified through online listings, asking them to verify and update their registration status.
Finance Committee Chairman Rob Timmons highlighted how updated reporting directly benefits the community. “The occupancy tax is reinvested directly into efforts that strengthen our tourism economy, attract visitors, and support businesses across the county,” Timmons said. “Keeping our registry up to date ensures those funds are collected responsibly and used to support initiatives that strengthen Clinton County’s visitor economy. We encourage all rental owners to take advantage of the grace period and reach out if they need assistance.
Occupancy tax revenues remain dedicated to tourism promotion and development, supporting efforts such as expanding the county’s fishing tournament portfolio, increasing marketing presence in Québec and key domestic markets, and advancing destination research to ensure Clinton County remains competitive with surrounding regions.
Short-term rental owners can register and file online at https://portal.deckard.com/ny-clinton-str-portal or email roomtax@clintoncountyny.gov with questions.
Clinton County appreciates the cooperation of property owners and encourages anyone with questions to contact the Treasurer’s Office for assistance.
Posted: November 20th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, City News, County Government News, Northern NY News.
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Nov. 19, 2025, PLATTSBURGH, NY — The Clinton County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) has approved its first residential project under the Agency’s newly updated Uniform Tax Exemption Policy (UTEP), marking a significant milestone in Clinton County’s effort to support commercial housing and workforce development.
KLM Development LLC will construct three new duplexes totaling six rental units at 15 Hamilton Street in the City of Plattsburgh, complementing an existing duplex already located on the property. The $1.15 million investment includes modest sales and mortgage recording tax exemptions and a three-year real property tax abatement. The developer anticipates sourcing approximately 86% of construction costs locally, reinforcing CCIDA’s emphasis on local labor and community benefit.
“This project reflects the type of investment our updated UTEP was designed to support,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the CCIDA. “Housing is foundational to economic growth. With our modernized policy, CCIDA is better positioned to encourage projects that strengthen neighborhoods and give our workforce the modern, quality homes they deserve. We’re proud to see the first project under the revised UTEP advance with a local developer committed to this community.”
Trent Trahan, Chair of the CCIDA Board, emphasized the value of aligning local policy with real housing, commercial and workforce needs. “By refreshing our UTEP, we created a path for responsible development that benefits residents, employers, employees and the broader community. KLM Development’s project fits that intent perfectly, and we’re pleased to support local investment that adds quality housing options.”
Mark Henry, Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature, noted the county-wide economic significance. “Housing is workforce infrastructure. Supporting projects that expand access to high-quality homes strengthens our entire economy. The Legislature appreciates the CCIDA’s proactive approach in addressing our region’s housing needs.”
Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, City News, Code Enforcement, Community Events, Environmental News, General News, Northern NY News.
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A Total of 1,224 Arrests Involving 2,146 Criminal Charges Made in Connection With 1,006 Operations Statewide
Retail Theft Decreased More Than 13 Percent Year-Over-Year in New York City, Larceny Down 13 Percent Across the Rest of the State
Nov. 19, 2025 – Governor Hochul today announced that the New York State Police Organized Retail Theft Task Force has recovered more than $2.6 million in stolen goods statewide since launching new initiatives to curb retail theft in April 2024. Across 1,006 operations, State Police and local law enforcement partners have made 1,224 arrests and filed 2,146 charges. This concerted, joint effort to tackle the pandemic-era surge in thefts has contributed to a 13.6 percent decrease in retail theft year-over-year in New York City and a 13 percent decrease in larceny outside of New York City from January through June of this year as compared to the same time last year.
“Following the pandemic, New York’s retailers faced a sharp surge in organized retail theft, which is why we invested in law enforcement and strengthened our laws to hold perpetrators accountable, protect workers and support the small business owners who are the backbone of our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to the work of the State Police Organized Retail Theft Task Force, our partners in local law enforcement and District Attorneys across the State, we are recovering more stolen goods, making more arrests and seeing positive results.”
Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Law Enforcement News, State Government News, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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No Toll or Tax Dollars Used in Construction
Nov. 19, 2205 – Ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday week, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the reopening of the new Modena Service Area, located on the Thruway (I-87) southbound between exit 18 (New Paltz – Poughkeepsie – NY Route 299) and exit 17 (Newburgh – Scranton- I-84 – NY Routes 17K & 300). This marks a significant milestone as the 27th and final service area to reopen as part of the $450 million private investment to redevelop and modernize all 27 service areas on the 570-mile Thruway system. No toll or tax dollars were used for construction.
“New Yorkers should be able to make a pit stop along the Thruway without breaking the bank –– that’s why we’re investing in service area redevelopments that give people affordable and convenient options to take a break from the road,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether you’re visiting family, checking out a State Park or just passing through, we’re committed to offering the best travel experience New York has to offer.”
The service area redevelopment project began in 2021 and included rebuilding 23 of the 27 service area restaurant buildings with significant renovations and upgrades to the remaining four.
As part of the project, 2,000 jobs were created with Applegreen, the service area operator. The project consisted of 1.5 million work-hours of construction.
Since 2022, when the first three service areas reopened to the public, more than 68 million customers have visited the service areas.
Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Business News, General News, Highway Dept. News, Peru/Regional History, State Government News, Statewide News, Upstate New York.
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Regional Food Bank Seeks Volunteers for Historic Holiday Giveaway
Nov. 19, 025, PLATTSBURGH — Clinton Community College is proud to partner with the Regional Food Bank to host a Thanksgiving meal distribution on Saturday, Nov. 22. Four North Country sites will provide a combined total of 1,250 complete holiday meal boxes to serve more than 5,000 residents across Clinton, Franklin, Washington and Warren counties.
The Plattsburgh distribution site will be located in the lower parking lot of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Clinton Community College, 53 Clinton Point Drive. Meal pick-up begins at 10 a.m. and will continue while supplies last.
Each 30-pound box includes traditional Thanksgiving favorites, from turkey to cranberry sauce, so families can enjoy a home-cooked holiday meal together.
“We’re proud to host this Thanksgiving meal distribution at Clinton’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing,” said Ken Knelly, Acting President of Clinton Community College. “Working with the Regional Food Bank and community partners will ensure more families across the North Country can enjoy a complete holiday meal together at no cost.”
The Regional Food Bank is still seeking volunteers to help direct traffic and distribute boxes. To sign up or learn more, visit the Regional Food Bank website.
Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Social Issues.
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Elise Stefanik News Release of 11/19/25
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, House Republican Leadership Chair, cosponsored the IVF Access and Affordability Act introduced by Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) to expand options and offset costs for families considering IVF services.
“Pro-family policies begin with affordability. And as the mom of a young son, I hope to make the joy of raising a family more accessible for hardworking New Yorkers struggling with infertility. This legislation would ease the financial burden that comes with IVF and bring the opportunity of starting a family more within reach for hopeful couples,” said Stefanik.
“Too many families in New York and across the country struggle with the financial burden of fertility treatments,” said Lawler. “IVF and other fertility services should never feel out of reach for those who dream of having children. For those struggling with infertility, access to IVF can make all the difference. This legislation is about ensuring that every family who wants to have children has the opportunity to do so, without being priced out of care.”
This legislation establishes a tax credit of up to $20,000 for individuals and $40,000 for couples filing jointly to ease the financial burden of assisted reproductive technology.
As part of her pro-family agenda, Stefanik, along with Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), also introduced the bipartisan Improving Newborn Formula Access for a Nutritious Tomorrow (INFANT) Act, which would expand baby formula contracting for states from one to two suppliers in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). |
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Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Congressional News, Heathcare News, Northern NY News, Political News.
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Peru town Board Special Meeting: Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30PM. The purpose of the meeting will be to adopt the 2026 Final Budget.
Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Community Events, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Town Board News.
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By John T Ryan
Peru – The November 10 Peru Town Board Meeting began with a moment of silence to honor Town Justice James Kirby, who passed away on October 29 at age 68. Town Supervisor Craig Randall stated, “Jim served the Town of Peru faithfully for what was almost four full terms of office, almost 16 years. I want to take a moment of silence and wish his family the best that anyone could have under those circumstances. Just a moment of silence, please.”
Town employees will have a new health plan in 2026 (13 current employees participate). Supervisor Randall explained that the premiums for the current MVP plan would increase significantly (17% or more depending on the plan). He said Northern Insuring is offering an Excellus plan that some nearby towns like. Employee premiums are considerably lower than the current plan, and there are no deductibles or co-pays. The town will fund a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) of $8,500 for single coverage and $17,000 for family coverage. HRA funds not spent in one year will roll over to the following year, potentially reducing the town’s future HRA contribution. The town also pays 80% of the premium costs. The town budgeted $284,000 for health insurance for current and retired employees.
The Board approved Judy Akey’s resignation as Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector offered on November 6, 2025 and effective December 22, 2025. Mrs. Akey will continue in the bookkeeper position. Outgoing Town Clerk/Tax Collector Dianne Miller said Akey’s resignation was a “shocker” and that she did not learn of Judy Akey’s plans until the agenda was published. She said, ‘I told her I respect where she’s coming from. She and I made a great team. She can bow out. I can bow out. I’ll be on my own for nine days. I think I can handle it. It will all work out and Christine will be able to pick her own deputy after the organizational meeting….” (33:15 to 35:30 minute mark of the Peru Gazette meeting video.)
Town Justice Scott Thurber explained that the town court would like to apply for a Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) grant for up to $5,000. The grant would fund safety and security equipment during the court’s 1st Tuesday sessions or whenever there’s potential for unruly behavior that the court has experienced. Thurber said, “It makes the environment better for everybody.” The board authorized the town court to apply for the grant.
Following the meeting, Thurber told the Gazette that the device would be similar to those used at airports and county courtrooms. If an alarm sounds, a security officer would perform a wand scan of the individual in question. Thurber said he believes hiring a local security firm will be on the town board’s agenda at its next meeting.
Justice Thurber also reported that on October 22, the NYS Office of Court Administration recognized Peru’s Chief Court Clerk, Holly Stone, for 25 years of service. Thurber said, “That’s a huge milestone. She’s irreplaceable. She’s great! She’s very knowledgeable. She helps me, the entire staff, and the public.”
At Supervisor Randall’s request, the Board authorized hiring accountants Telling and Hillman, PC, for a complete audit of town finances for the period ending 12/31/25. The cost will be $20,000. Randall told the Gazette that it’s been many years since the town underwent a complete audit and that this is the appropriate time.
The Board also approved:
The relevy of unpaid October water and sewer bills totaling $59,611.40 to the respective property owners’ tax bills.
Work change orders at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Project, requested by Triangle Electric for $6,537 and Murnane Building Supply for $3,686.
WWTP contract payments to Danforth Construction for $59,475 (Payment #4), Murnane Building for $1,068,045.74 (Payment #4), and K & L Plumbing $62,74.59 (Payment #2).
A two-year Sand & Ice agreement with Clinton County. $151,532 in 2026 and $156,079 in 2027. Peru plows and treats nearly 24 miles of county highways.
The highway department’s installing three-way stop signs at the Blake Road – Fox Farm Road Intersection. Loyal Henry informed the Board of the intersection’s visibility issues at the October 29 meeting.
Click here to view the meeting video on YouTube.
Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, General News, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru/Regional History, Political News, Town Board News.
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Forgotten history of Chinese immigrants reveals roots of current-day ICE partnerships, policies
Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story
Posted: November 19th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Border News, Community Events, County Government News, Law Enforcement News, National History, National News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Social Issues.
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Michael Cashman
Dan Stec
: “This decision is wrong for our workers, wrong for our families, and wrong for the North Country. This closure is a direct blow to the hard-working correctional officers and civilian staff whose lives and livelihoods are being upended. These are dedicated men and women who have served this state. Now, through no fault of their own, their careers are being threatened, their families destabilized, and our local economy placed at severe risk. The consequences will ripple through our region’s economy.”�
“I remain unconvinced that this closure makes anyone safer. In fact, it creates new vulnerabilities at a time when folks across New York are already struggling under the weight of an affordability crisis.” �
“As your newly elected representative to the State Assembly, I do not take this lightly. I will use every tool at my disposal to ensure our community is heard. I intend to make it unmistakably clear in Albany how devastating decisions like this are for our residents, our workforce, and our economic future.”
�”I will fight relentlessly to defend our jobs. And I am calling for the North Country to be treated with the dignity and fairness it deserves.”
Senator Dab Stec:
“I’m disappointed by the announcement from DOCCS that Bare Hill Correctional Facility is being closed. Given the ongoing safety crises inside correctional facilities, I believe that the solution is to enact substantive policy changes to make these sites safer and not closures and consolidations.
“Given the implications of this announcement, my primary focus is on ensuring that the correction officers and civilian staff currently employed at Bare Hill remain working and living in Malone and Franklin County. These men and women are vital parts of our community and it’s critically important that they remain here.”
Posted: November 18th, 2025 under Adirondack Region News, Business News, Community Events, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News, Peru/Regional History, Political News, State Legislator News.
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