The Peru Gazette

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Albany, BY – Sept 6, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to strengthen and expand labor protections statewide. The package of bills will help create good paying union jobs and strengthen protections for workers across the state. In the absence of a functional National Labor Relations Board under the Trump Administration, the package of bills also includes legislation that seeks to preserve worker rights here in New York.

“Our union laborers are the lifeblood of New York, working tirelessly to continue to build and uplift this great state,” Governor Hochul said. “While the Trump Administration has failed to prioritize a strong National Labor Relations Board and is dismantling unions left and right, here in New York we are taking strong action to protect worker rights and sending a clear message that we will always have the backs of New York’s workers.”

The package of bills includes:

• Legislation S.8034A/A8590A which authorizes the New York State Public Employment Relations Board to assert jurisdiction over disputes between employers and recognized employee organizations if the National Labor Relations Board is unable to successfully assert jurisdiction.

• Legislation S.5254/A.6612 which protects public unions from a wage reduction due to their involvement in the investigation of a violation of a workplace violence protection program.

• Legislation S.12/A.779 which amends the Civil Service Law to strengthen protections for public unions during times of suspensions and workforce layoffs.

• Legislation S.2457B/A3999B which establishes the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program to provide grants for qualified mechanical insulation expenditures to school districts.

• Legislation A.2730A requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for covered renewable energy systems to have apprenticeship agreements. This legislation also requires thermal energy networks to require contractors and subcontractors to have pre-apprenticeship direct entry providers registered

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, September 8,  from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. There’s a special bonus during September. Every CVPH drive donor will receive a FREE voucher for a pint of Stewart’s Ice Cream Gelato! 

The blood collected by the Donor Center provides more than 95% of the blood used at CVPH and is used to supply other hospitals in Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the drive. 

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025, 6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of August 25, 2025

6. Community Input. 

7. DISCUSSION/MOTION:   Approval for Use of  the Disc Golf @ The Silo Course for Memorial Tournament.

8. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approve “GC Contract” Pay Application #2 of Murnane Bldg. Contractors.

9. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approve “E Contract” Pay Application #4 of Triangle Electrical Systems, Inc. 

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: To Pass a Local Law to Exceed the Tax Cap for the 2026 Budget if Necessary.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Issuance of Request for Proposal for Accounting Audit Services.

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Peru Town Court Security.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of the Resignation of Code Enforcement Officer.

14. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Culvert Project Engineering Update. 

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.

17. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay September 2025 Bills.

19. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

20. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

21. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

1. Call Meeting To Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION:       To Open the Public Hearing.

5. DISCUSSION:  PROPOSED Local Law #1 of 2025 – “A Local Law to override the tax levy limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c., (if needed)

6. MOTION:      To Close the Public Hearing.

7. MOTION:        Adjourn

Michigans
Macaroni Salad
Fruit
Dessert

Served 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., take-out only, at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St., Peru, NY 12972

All are invited and welcome!

Flight 65 flew on September 6, 2025 

Stanley Abramczyk Jr. , US Air Force 1963-1986 Vietnam

Stan planned to join the Navy, but fate stepped in—the only recruiter there that day was from the Air Force. He pitched aircraft maintenance, and Stan never looked back. For 23 years, he loved what he did, reenlisting again and again because it never felt like just a job.

He trained at Lakeland AFB, then served in places like Goose Bay, Stewart AFB, Thailand, Laredo, Selma, Pease, Germany, and finally Plattsburgh. Though he never went to Vietnam, the aircraft he maintained sure did.

Promoted to Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent in Germany, he finished his career at Plattsburgh—then stayed on as a civilian for seven more years until the base closed. Stan took real pride in his work. Whether on the flight line or during deep inspections, keeping those planes mission-ready gave him purpose—and pride in knowing he helped keep them flying.

Richard Baker, US Navy   1960-64   Vietnam 

After training as a Diesel Mechanic at Great Lakes, Dick was stationed on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, where he maintained generators that powered equipment used to monitor Russian transmissions. His 13 months there passed quickly, and he was transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba—known as Gitmo.

At Gitmo, Dick described himself as a “dry land sailor,” though he also worked on tugs and ferries. He vividly recalled going on high alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis—when his wife was immediately evacuated—and again following President Kennedy’s assassination. He also remembered when Cuba shut off the base’s water supply, and Navy ships had to produce drinking water.

When it came time to reenlist, Dick requested a post in Japan, Italy, or Scotland. The Navy offered a destroyer out of Boston. He declined, saying simply, “I left.” He liked his time in the service and made some great friends.

Steven Burt, US Air Force 1970-1975 Vietnam

After initial training, Steve was assigned to Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado to become a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. His first post was in Duluth, Minnesota, with a Tactical Unit monitoring nuclear activity in extreme cold. He often worked outside to ensure weapons were clean, secure, and fully functional— “No one wants to be hit by a dirty bomb,” he says.

He was later stationed at a NATO base on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. The base, once a German facility during World War II, still had bullet holes in the walls. Always armed with an M-16, Steve faced constant threats from a neighboring country rumored to be after nuclear material.

Steve recalls the job as one of high risk and constant tension—where every task demanded precision, and even the smallest error could lead to disaster.

Bruce Carter, US Marine Corps 1964-1968 Vietnam

Bruce left Montreal on a Greyhound bus to join the Marines. They arrived at Parris Island after midnight, and as soon as he stepped onto the footprints, the drill instructor barked, “You maggots woke me up.” That was just the beginning.

Bruce worked in transportation, escorting convoys. In 1965, while en route to Okinawa, Typhoon Trix delayed their journey. He trained in guerrilla warfare, sailed to Da Nang, and ended up in Chu Lai.

One night, while on a listening post in a foxhole with a buddy, they wrote a letter to President Johnson about mail delays in Vietnam. Bruce was surprised to get a response assuring that the problem was being fixed.

He valued the discipline the Marines instilled and still attends reunions. Asked if he’d do it again, he’d sign up in a New York minute. After 31 years and 5 days, Bruce retired—back at the same Greyhound bus company where his journey began.

John Ellsworth, US Army 1965-1967 Vietnam

John was drafted into the Army during a time of great uncertainty. His father, a farmer, received a deferment to stay home and support the family.

After basic training at Fort Dix, John went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he trained in heavy artillery. Then, after a short leave at home, he was deployed to Vietnam.

In Vietnam, he drove a truck through the rugged Central Highlands, hauling ammunition and troops. The roads were dangerous, often targeted by enemy fire. Once, his truck hit a landmine near the edge of the road. It blew out a dual wheel—but they chained it up and kept moving.

John has deep respect for the infantrymen he served alongside. He spent the year in Vietnam constantly on alert, knowing danger was always close.

Looking back, he says he would do it all again—and feels incredibly lucky to have made it home.

Randolph Guennel, US Air Force 1960-1980 Vietnam

Ran enlisted in the Air Force and left for basic training before even attending his high school graduation. He trained as an Admin Clerk in Amarillo, Texas, and after a few years in Japan, he returned to the U.S. and cross-trained as a Safety Officer—a role he held for the rest of his 20-year career.

One of his most challenging assignments was at Binh Thuy Air Base in Vietnam, where he served as the sole safety officer, managing frequent incidents on his own. He later served as a Safety Technician and Superintendent at bases across the U.S. and around the world.

In 1985, Ran was named Outstanding Safety Manager of the Year. In 1992, he became the first recipient of the Air Force Safety Career Professional Award for his work in mishap prevention.

After retiring, he continued his safety work as a civilian. Ran says he’d do it all over again—he loved serving and the chance to see the world.

Alexander Inniss, US Army 1978-1983 Cold War

Alex began his military journey at Fort Benning, Georgia, for basic training, then moved on to Fort Lewis, Washington, with the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. His first 18 months were spent in rigorous training—starting in law enforcement, then transitioning to the elite Airborne Rangers, where he earned his parachutist badge after multiple jumps.

He vividly remembers the grueling Yakima Mountain hike, designed to push soldiers to their limits and weed out the unfit. Though Vietnam had just ended, Alex’s entire service was focused on readiness, training exclusively at Fort Lewis.

His dedication left a lasting mark—his younger brother, seven years his junior, credits Alex as his reason for enlisting and went on to serve 20 years. Alex looks back on his time in the Army with pride and encourages young people to consider the military, saying it has so much to offer.

Gregory Lavene, US Marine Corps (1967-1974) & US Coast Guard (1977-1990) Vietnam

Greg enlisted early with his mother’s permission but was initially rejected for flat feet. He persisted, got cleared by a doctor in Albany, and trained at Parris Island as a rifleman, later becoming a stealth sniper. Too young for combat, he was sent to Arizona, where a prank with rattlesnakes left him unconscious and hospitalized for three days.

Just after turning 18, Greg deployed to Vietnam near Đông Hà. He and his spotter were inseparable—until a rocket strike took his partner’s life just moments after Greg woke him for watch, a loss he still carries.

Exposed to Agent Orange while clearing vegetation around camp, Greg continues to battle its effects.

After Vietnam, he joined the Coast Guard, installing electronics on towers and ships—his tallest reaching 1,375 feet. For his courage and sacrifice, Greg was awarded multiple honors, including the Marine Corps Vietnam Medal for Gallantry.

George McLaughlin, US Air Force 1965-1968   Vietnam 

Drafted into the Army, George quickly realized the Air Force might suit him better—so he enlisted there instead. After basic training, he was sent to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he trained as a teletype operator in a special security unit, decoding classified messages from intercepted signals. Next, in Cudjoe Key, FL, he continued his top-secret communications work on a Navy base.

After 18 months, George was deployed to the Baltic Sea in Turkey, just 90 miles from the Russian border. There, he intercepted and decoded sensitive information, forwarding it to intelligence command. His final posting was at Kelly Air Force Base in Texas.

While in Turkey, George—an avid bowler—applied for a tournament in Germany. Not only did he compete, but he won the singles championship, adding a personal victory to his military accomplishments.

William Meigs, US Army 1969-1977 Vietnam

Bill received a draft letter from President Lyndon Johnson and entered the Army, completing basic training before being assigned to Fort Meade, Maryland, as a truck driver with the 6th Armored Cavalry. At the time, his brother was serving in Vietnam, which initially spared Bill from deployment overseas. He remained at Fort Meade while others shipped out.

That changed when his brother returned from Vietnam in December 1969. The following month, Bill received orders to deploy. He was sent to Long Binh, Vietnam, where he served with the 3rd Ordnance Battalion for 10 and a half months. Most of his time there was spent operating a forklift, loading ammunition onto trucks headed for the front lines.

As President Nixon began drawing down troop numbers, Bill was sent home. He says the best part of his service was making some “wicked good” friends. After active duty, he continued to serve in the Vermont National Guard with the 131st Engineers for another six years.

Robert Moffat, US Navy 1960-1966 Vietnam

After Great Lakes, Bob was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, assigned to the aircraft carrier Shangri-La. Though he and fellow Flight 64 member, Wes Facteau, both served on the Shangri-La, their tours were at different times. As a Boatswain’s Mate, Bob helped maintain the massive ship and traveled extensively—with a large convoy of destroyers, cruisers, and submarines—to England, Iceland, Greenland, and throughout the Mediterranean.

While onboard, two planes were lost, and one incident nearly cost Bob his life. While resting behind a large I-beam, a landing aircraft struck it. The beam bent from the impact—but didn’t touch him.

Despite the dangers, Bob fondly recalls roller skating around Jacksonville and the men he served alongside. “It was lots of fun.”

Michael Moselle, US Army 1962-1965   Vietnam 

Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as a heavy equipment operator, specializing in crane operations. He was then stationed at Camp Leroy Johnson in New Orleans, where he spent a year—half of it on TDY, training reservists on equipment use.

France and Paris came next.  Upon arrival, he discovered there were no cranes. Because he could type, the Army reassigned him as company clerk in the orderly room, a post he held for a year and a half.

He recalls when President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and his base went on high alert. While in France, he befriended his Captain—a 5’7”, 305-pound Army wrestling champion—who often invited Michael out for their mutual favorite: Mexican food.

James Purcell, US Army 1967-1969   Vietnam

Jim had a choice: be drafted or go to Canada. He came from a family of veterans—his father was a Navy Seabee in WWII, and his grandfather flew in WWI.

After boot camp, Jim deployed to Vietnam as a combat engineer. While stationed at Tay Ninh, his unit was sent to repair a road destroyed by the Viet Cong. That day, a command-detonated charge hit the third truck in their convoy, killing his best friend, Michael McClain, who later received the Purple Heart. Jim still hopes to honor him someday.

Returning home in 1969, Jim didn’t wear his uniform—afraid of being called a “war criminal.” It was ten years before anyone said, “Welcome home.” Still, he carried himself with quiet dignity—proud of his service, even if the world wasn’t ready to see it.

Stephen Shanley, US Army 1969-1971 Vietnam

After Basic and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Dix Steve deployed to Vietnam for a 12-month tour. After landing in Saigon, he underwent ten days of in-country training, where he was bluntly told, “Forget everything you learned in the U.S.—this is how it’s done in Vietnam.”

He was first assigned to the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division, tasked with flushing out enemy forces, often engaging in intense firefights. When they left Vietnam in 1969, Stephen was reassigned to the 1st Cavalry Air Mobile Division. There, he flew over 25 helicopter combat assault missions into hostile areas, facing close quarters combat in search of the Viet Cong.

Steve is highly decorated, having earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Devices, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

Flight 64 flew on September 6, 2025 

Clement Couture, US Army Reserve 1962-1966 and 1974-1980 Vietnam

After basic training, Clem was assigned to the Headquarters Company as a Mechanics Assistant in the motor pool. His job included transporting troops and supplies for training. Before long, he was promoted to dispatcher, sending others into the field.

One vivid memory from October 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis is when the base went on full alert. This was no longer practice—it was real. Everyone was issued full gear and braced for the worst. Thankfully, President Kennedy resolved the crisis peacefully.

When Clem decided to re-up, he began teaching medical training on how to handle injured personnel as a First responder. 

He also remembers one lesson learned the hard way. After going to church during KP duty, he took his time returning. The officer, wise to this trick, handed him a toothbrush and had him scrub every door threshold in the dining hall. Clem never pulled that stunt again.

Robert Dwyer, US Navy 1967-1970 Vietnam

After high school, Bob Dwyer moved to the North Country to attend SUNY Plattsburgh, where he met his future wife, JoAnn. He graduated in 1966 and, inspired by his father—a World War II Navy veteran—enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

In 1968, he was accepted into US Naval Officer training where he trained in navigation, weapons, propulsions, and naval warfare.

As a lieutenant, Bob led a detachment supporting Navy combat and search-and-rescue operations in the coastal and inland waters of North Vietnam. He also took part in missions across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

JoAnn and their newborn daughter, Colleen, eventually joined him overseas. During one harrowing trip through the mountains of northern Luzon, they were forced to huddle on the floor of their car to avoid gunfire from bandits chasing them.

After his honorable discharge in 1970, Bob returned to Plattsburgh and began a nearly 30-year career with U.S. Customs in Champlain, New York.

Wesley Facteau, US Navy 1970-1973 Vietnam

Wes enlisted in the Navy and trained as a Storekeeper at Great Lakes. His first assignment was the aircraft carrier Shangri-La, where he managed supplies for a 10½-month cruise in the Western Pacific. Getting there was a journey—Albany to California, Hawaii, Wake Island, Subic Bay in the Philippines, Vietnam, and finally to the ship by cargo plane.

He spent time in Japan during repairs, helped decommission the Shangri-La in Boston, then served on the destroyer Bronson out of Newport, Rhode Island, headed for the Mediterranean.

Asked for a memory, Wes laughed—he was told never to eat monkey meat on a stick in the Philippines. So naturally, he did. “Not great,” he said, “but it went down.”

Wes says his Navy time was awesome visiting all the places he did and seeing different cultures and people. Young people should think about joining up.

Bruce Garland, US Army 1965-1967 Vietnam

Bruce was drafted into the military at the same time as his brother—three of the four brothers served, with the fourth joining the National Guard. After basic training at Fort Dix, he went to Aberdeen Proving Ground for Advanced Individual Training. There, they discovered he was colorblind, so he was assigned to the motor pool, trained as a repairman and truck driver.

While in Vietnam, Bruce filled countless sandbags and transported troops. On one trip, a soldier accidentally discharged his rifle in the back of the truck—nearly taking Bruce’s rear end off. Thankfully, there were no windshields, or he might’ve gone right through one. Another close call came on a mountaintop, when the wrong grid coordinates were called in. Bruce and his unit heard the incoming shell, held their breath, and were relieved when it landed harmlessly in a nearby rice paddy.

Through it all, Bruce was proud to serve his country and did exactly what was asked of him.

John Glasgow, US Navy 1967-1971 Vietnam

John joined the U.S. Navy Seabees, inspired in part by his brother’s service. Unlike traditional sailors, Seabees flew to assignments. John was in construction—building with concrete and steel.

During his second tour in 1969, as his unit was leaving base, Hurricane Camille hit. They took shelter in storage buildings, which collapsed around them. John spent three grueling days clearing debris and searching for bodies, with no food or showers. A lieutenant in his unit tragically lost his entire family.

Later, in Da Nang, Vietnam, while constructing ammunition sheds, John fell off a roof onto a pile of rocks. In the hospital, he couldn’t stand at first—but two days later, driven by sheer will, he rejoined his unit and continued the mission.

John considers himself lucky to have made it home and hopes to one day return and see how the places have changed.

Darrel LaClair, US Marine Corps 1967-1969 Vietnam

In 1967, Darrel enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for a two-year tour. He trained at Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, and Camp Pendleton before deploying to Vietnam. In Phu Bai, he was assigned to FOX Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

Darrel fought in multiple operations, including the brutal Battle of Hue City during the Tet Offensive. Darrel was wounded three times—twice by shrapnel, once by gunfire—and was awarded three Purple Hearts, among other honors.

In 1974, Darrel received the Conspicuous Service Cross from New York State, presented by Senator Ronald Stafford.

But for Darrel, medals don’t tell the story. The real weight of war is in the friends he made—and the three he lost. Those bonds run deep, and the pain runs deeper. As Darrel says quietly, “I have no stories to tell. Some memories hurt too much to speak.”

Ronald LaFountain, US Army 1974-1977 Vietnam

Ron enlisted in the Army at 17 after his hesitant father signed off. After basic training, he went to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for Military Police training, then to Fort Knox—first for corrections, then cross-trained as a road patrolman, similar to state police, where he remained for his entire enlistment.

At Fort Dix, he recalls a 3 a.m. scare when his drill instructor ordered everyone to pack for Vietnam. They stood in the rain, bags in hand—only to be told it was a false alarm. Three men went AWOL that night.

At Fort Knox, during a Gold Vault alert, tanks tore across a golf course to respond. The colonel refused to use the phone to cancel the alert—so Ron did it for him.

Ron worked in the Provost Marshal’s Office and was part of the military police squad that conducted criminal investigations while also developing programs to prevent and reduce crime.

Florence DeClario-Fredette – Veteran Guardian, US Army 1982 Cold War

The path that led Flo to the Army recruiter isn’t as important as what she gained from the experience—discipline, honor, strength, and courage. At Fort Dix, basic training pushed her beyond her limits, and she rose to the challenge, ready to serve her country. But an injury brought her training to an early end. Though she was honorably discharged, the soldier in her remained.

While awaiting discharge, Flo was assigned as a company truck driver, transporting troops to the arsenal, the range, the mess hall, and the barracks. The gratitude she received from fellow soldiers—and the time behind the wheel—sparked a lifelong love for trucks.

She returned home a changed and disciplined woman, carrying the values of military life into civilian life. Today, being of service to others remains her greatest honor.

Everett Plumadore, US Navy 1976-1981 Cold War

After his brother Howie called a Navy recruiter, Everett got a call from the Seabees—they gave him three days to decide. He went home, then to the bar. After a six-pack, he said yes.

Everett enlisted under the delayed entry program and went to Great Lakes, where he trained and worked briefly as a dental technician. In Gulfport, Mississippi, he trained as a mechanic and joined the Amphibious Construction Battalion—doing mechanic work, loading ships, and practicing beach landings, where the average life expectancy in combat is just three seconds.

While stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, working in Public Works, Everett met Joanne. They’ll celebrate 44 years of marriage this year.

Everett says everything about his service was special—and he enjoyed it all. His last battalion still holds reunions every two years.

Joanne Plumadore – Veteran Guardian, US Navy 1978-1984 Cold War

Joanne enlisted in California and began basic training in Orlando, Florida, followed by broadcast journalism training at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Her first assignment was at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she prepared news from the teletype for broadcast—each word chosen carefully, knowing other countries were listening.

She then served in Sigonella, Italy, and later the Azores. Before that move, she married Everett, who eventually joined her overseas.

Joanne’s service brought unique experiences. While filming a documentary, she jumped from a helicopter with a full-sized camera on her shoulder—a risky move she loved, though she never saw the final cut. Another time, while scuba diving, she accidentally swam from the enlisted beach into the officers’ area and was quickly redirected.

Her time in the military combined skill, adventure, and a touch of humor—hallmarks of a remarkable career.

Howard Plumadore, US Navy 1974-1978 Vietnam

Howie’s dad couldn’t afford college, so he told him to join the service. By sixth grade, Howie already knew that’s what he was going to do. His guidance counselor, Mr. Toy, asked him what he wanted to be—and Howie said, without hesitation, “military.”

In boot camp, he landed a cushy job as the battalion’s Master at Arms. He wore a white belt and got perks like being first in the chow line.

Assigned to the USS Ranger, CV-61, Howie operated two massive, 1,200-pound superheated boilers and managed the catapults that launched aircraft. One proud moment: he was honored on the bridge and given the rare chance to steer the ship—he piloted it for exactly 5.3 nautical miles.

Fittingly, the USS Ranger was commissioned on August 2, 1954. Howie was born the very next day, August 3. It was like fate—they belonged to each other. He served four years aboard her, and when the time comes, his gravestone will say just that.

Mark Plumadore, US Navy 1979-1982 Cold War

Mark’s father was an Army man who told his sons to join the Navy instead. His mother said, “Pick a job where you’ll never go hungry”—so Mark became a cook.

He trained with Company 170 at Great Lakes, then served as a Mess Management Specialist in the S2 Division aboard the USS Enterprise, which was drydocked. He handled rehab work—prepping spaces for painting and tiling.

But in 1981, Mark did something far greater. While heading back to the ship with his friend—Seaman Apprentice Kelly—lost his balance and fell into the freezing waters of Puget Sound. Without thinking twice, Mark swam and rescued Kelly just before he slipped beneath the surface, and pushed him onto a floating log, holding him up until help arrived.

Mark didn’t just serve his country—he saved a life.

Conrad Purick, US Navy 1966-1970 Vietnam

Conrad enlisted in the Navy because they had the best school. After basic training, he served a year on the USS Dixie. He volunteered for the Underwater Demolition Team and became a “frogman,” completing a wet, cold, sleepless hell week — one of just 53 graduates out of 150.

Only the smallest and toughest were chosen, so Conrad served on a tiny boat called Project Dart, surveying rivers and taking photos with an $8,000 camera. It was very dangerous.

After two tours, Conrad returned to Plattsburgh and became a pipe fitter. He recently visited a Navy buddy in Colorado, keeping strong the bonds of service.

Once, while wearing a SEAL Team shirt, someone told him, “If you’re going to wear that, you better have earned it — not just be an imposter.”  And Conrad had.

Gary Rickett, US Navy 1966-1968 Vietnam

Gary enlisted while still in high school. The day after graduation, he headed to Brooklyn, and from there to his home port in Newport, Rhode Island. Serving as a signalman, he specialized in ship-to-ship communication using Morse code and flashing light signals.

Though never in a war zone, Gary spent two years aboard the USS Richard Kraus, traveling throughout Europe, the North Atlantic, and the Caribbean.

But a brush with trouble at age 13 came back to haunt him. To access top-secret communications, Gary needed special clearance, including five character references. The FBI had to investigate his teenage record before finally approving his clearance.

Gary loved the Navy and had planned to reenlist. But back home, a chance run-in with his friend Bob Williams made him reconsider. Ninety days flew by—and with them, his Navy chapter quietly came to a close.

William Terry, US Marine Corps 1970-1972 Vietnam

Bill was drafted into the Army, but during basic training, his drill sergeant called formation and ordered every fifth man to step forward. Bill did—and just like that, he became a Marine. He completed basic training at Parris Island, then went on to Fort Geiger for machine gun training.

Shortly afterward, Bill was deployed to Cuba to help protect the U.S. line, followed by a posting in Panama. His service later took him across Europe—Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Turkey—where he trained alongside European forces. He saw this as one of the great rewards of military life: experiencing different cultures and people firsthand.

Bill remembers one moment during training when a drill instructor asked where he was from. “New York,” he replied. “Where in New York?” the instructor asked. “Near the Canadian border,” Bill answered. “Well then,” the instructor said, “your name is Bill Canada.” And the nickname stuck with him throughout his time in the service.

Leo Villeneuve, US Navy 1964-1968 Vietnam

Leo grew up in Moose Creek, Ontario. While visiting his sister in Potsdam, he and a buddy decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy. As a Canadian, Leo needed a Green Card, which the Navy helped sponsor. After a few months working with the U.S. Consulate in Montreal, he was in.

Following basic training, Leo headed to Texas and then California to become a Construction Electrician. His first assignment took him to the Caribbean, and then to Vietnam, where he served two tours. Unlike many, Leo deployed with his entire construction battalion, the Seabees. He worked in Da Nang, Chu Lai, Quang Tri, and Dong Ha—eventually becoming head electrician. Though he didn’t see direct combat, he was always close enough to carry a weapon.

The skills he gained in the Navy led to a successful electrical business in New York State. But for Leo, one of the greatest takeaways was the lifelong friendships forged during his time as a Seabee.

Governor Will Partner With Legislature on Long Term Solution To Protect Immunization Access in New York

Gov. Hochul News Release of Sept. 5, 2025 – In the face of attacks on science and healthcare from the federal government, Governor Kathy Hochul today is taking steps to protect vaccine access across New York State. With the availability of COVID shots under imminent threat, the Governor today signed an Executive Order that will allow pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines, providing access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Executive Order will be in place for at least 30 days while a long-term legislative solution is developed to address access to all vaccines in order to combat the Trump Administration’s misguided attack on immunization and healthcare.

“I promised New Yorkers that their family would be my fight. In the absence of federal leadership, we must do everything we can to ensure that New Yorkers have access to the vaccines and preventative healthcare they have come to rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this executive order, we are sending a clear message that when Washington Republicans play politics with public health, New Yorkers can still get the care they need, close to home, from trusted providers in their own communities.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul’s Executive Order provides access to the COVID vaccine for New Yorkers who choose to get vaccinated, sets us up for a smoother transition to the updated 2025-26 vaccine and restores pharmacies as a vital part of our vaccination network. While New York State does not require COVID vaccines, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID.”

The Trump Administration’s Federal Vaccine Restrictions

Most pharmacies in New York rely on “standing orders” — non-patient-specific prescriptions that give them authority to administer vaccines to broad groups of people. These standing orders are typically based on recommendations from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Just this summer, the federal government pulled more than $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding — undoing what had once been considered a signature achievement of the first Trump Administration — creating further uncertainty around access.

In June, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced a majority of ACIP members with individuals known to oppose vaccination. Since then, ACIP has not issued updated guidance for the 2025-26 COVID vaccine and is not scheduled to meet until September 18.

Without that federal guidance, many pharmacies in New York began restricting access to the COVID vaccine, particularly for:

• Children ages 3–17
• Pregnant people
• Adults under age 65 without underlying conditions

Governor Hochul’s Executive Order addresses this gap by declaring a 30-day statewide emergency and expanding who can prescribe and administer COVID vaccines. The EO allows physicians and nurse practitioners to issue patient-specific or non-patient-specific orders to pharmacists for patients as young as age three, expands pharmacists’ authority to administer vaccines to children under 18, and, for the first time, permits pharmacists to prescribe COVID vaccines themselves. Together, these actions ensure that all eligible New Yorkers — including children, pregnant people, and healthy adults under 65 — can continue to receive COVID vaccinations at their local pharmacy without delay.

The Executive Order is part of Governor Hochul’s long-term strategy to protect access to vaccinations in New York. The Governor will begin working with the Legislature on a legislative solution that will ensure permanent and continuing access to vaccines, including administration of vaccines by health care professionals, school immunization schedules, and insurance coverage of vaccines.

Governor Hochul’s Executive Order Will Accomplish the Following:

• Allow physicians and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order a patient-specific or non-patient-specific regimen for pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines to patients age three or older.
• Authorize pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines to patients age three or older pursuant to a patient-specific or non-patient-specific order.
• Allow pharmacists to prescribe and order COVID vaccines for patients age three or older — a new authority that enables them to prescribe off-label.

To support this expansion, Commissioner McDonald will also be issuing a standing order for the COVID vaccine, ensuring that pharmacists statewide can continue to provide timely and convenient access. In the coming days, Commissioner McDonald and the Department of Health will issue detailed guidance to support pharmacies, clinicians and other vaccine administrators.

New York is also working in coordination with — and helping to lead — a regional multi-state public health collaboration among Northeast states, which brings together public health leaders across the region to develop evidence-based recommendations and approaches on vaccination, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness. The collaborative also supports state public health laboratories in sharing resources and expertise to strengthen regional readiness.

Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perunighthawks.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than noon on Tuesday, September 9. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Construction Committee Updates

• Personnel Appointments

• Strategic Plan presentation

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (www.perunighthawks.org).

WEDNESDAY September 10, 2025 @ 6:00 PM

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL June  2025 minutes
5. OPEN FLOOR to public hearing
6. APPLICATIONS:P2025-0014 Site Plan Review;Food Truck, Michele Belanger, 280.1-5-6, 2 Gorman Way

2. P2025-0015 Merge, Forrence Orchards Inc. 268.-1-49 & 268.-1-35.1, 307 Route 22B

7. ANY FURTHER BUSINESS

Sketch plan review  Davey Drive,  Brent Whitcomb

8. CEO REPORT
9. ADJOURNMENT

Peru, NY, September 5, 2025 – St. Augustine’s ‘Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Financial Secretary Greg Hart recently presented a $1,000 council donation to JCEO Chief Executive Officer Nicole Laurin on behalf of his brother knights. The Peru Knights know the great work the JCEO Peru Outreach Center does at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Council 7273 has made an annual contribution to JCEO for many years.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced employer contribution rates for the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026-27. Employers’ average contribution rates will increase from 16.5% to 17.6% of payroll for the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) and from 33.7% to 36.5% of payroll for the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS).

NYSLRS is made up of these two systems, which pay service and disability retirement benefits to state and local public employees and death benefits to their survivors. There are nearly 3,000 participating employers in ERS and PFRS, and more than 300 different retirement plan combinations. In the SFY that ended March 31, 2025, NYSLRS paid out nearly $16.8 billion in benefits.

“Turbulence in the financial markets along with benefit and salary changes will impact rates for SFY 2026-27,” DiNapoli said. “Our prudent management and long-term investment strategy coupled with these rates will help ensure public employees and their families receive the retirement benefits promised to them. New York state’s pension fund continues to be one of the strongest and best funded in the nation.”

Employer rates for NYSLRS are determined based on investment performance and actuarial assumptions recommended by NYSLRS’ actuary, who is required to review the actuarial assumptions and experience and to issue an annual report. The recommendations are reviewed by the independent Actuarial Advisory Committee and approved by the Comptroller. In addition to investment performance, other factors that impact rates include higher salaries, recent legislative changes (including reforms to tier 6), and member retirement rates.

In 2012, DiNapoli began providing employers with access to a two-year projection of their annual pension bills. Employers can use this projection in the preparation of their budgets. Projections of required contributions vary by employer depending on factors such as the types of retirement benefit plans adopted, salaries paid, and the distribution of employees among the six membership tiers.

Payments based on the new rates are due by Feb. 1, 2027, but employers receive a discount if payment is made by Dec. 15, 2026.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund’s long-term assumed rate of return will remain at 5.9%. DiNapoli has been a leader in the trend of public pension funds lowering their assumed rates of return to better enable New York to weather volatile markets. The median investment return assumption for public pension funds was 7% in July 2025, according to the National Association of State Retirement Administrators. The Kentucky Employees Retirement System was the only state with an assumed rate of return lower than NYSLRS.

DiNapoli also announced that NYSLRS had a funded ratio of 92.2% as of March 31, 2025. NYSLRS is consistently one of the nation’s best funded retirement systems. A high funding ratio means NYSLRS has the funds available to pay out retirement benefits to its more than 1.2 million members, which includes over 735,000 current and former state and local government employees and more than 525,000 retirees and their beneficiaries.

Report
Annual Report to the Comptroller on Actuarial Assumptions

Click here for the NCPR story 

Thomas DiNapoli

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Wayne County District Attorney Christine Callanan and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that William Storrs, the former chief and treasurer of the Marbletown (in Ulster County) Volunteer Fire Department, was sentenced to four months of weekends in the Wayne County Jail and five years of probation for stealing more than $101,000 from the department. He was also ordered to pay a total of $101,394.50 in restitution.

“William Storrs abused the trust of the community he was sworn to serve and protect by stealing over $100,000 in fire department funds for his own profit,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to our partnership with the New York State Police and District Attorney Callanan, he has been held accountable for his crimes and the money he stole will be recovered.”

Callanan said, “Public funds exist to serve the community, not to line the pockets of those in power. Mr. Storrs’ theft was a serious breach of duty, but today he has been held to account and ordered to repay every dollar he stole. Let this outcome serve as a warning: anyone who abuses their position for personal gain will face consequences, and the resources they took will be restored to the people they belong to.”

James said, “Fire chiefs take an oath to place the well-being of others above themselves, and as such, are held to a high standard. Mr. Storrs had no regard for the department or community and knowingly took advantage of a position he was entrusted in and promised to uphold. I thank our State Police members and partners at the Comptroller’s Office and Wayne County District Attorney’s Office for their diligent work on this case.”

DiNapoli’s office and the New York State Police launched a joint investigation into the Marbletown Fire Department in 2024, looking into allegations of theft. They found Storrs used his position as treasurer and then later as chief to steal $101,000 over four years. From January 2020 to July 2024, he made numerous personal purchases with the fire department’s debit cards and made direct payments from the department’s bank accounts to his personal accounts. He also made payments to his wife’s credit card and purchased items from various retailers.

The theft was discovered when a member of the fire department attempted to make a purchase with the department’s debit card and it was declined due to lack of funds. Fire department officials then reported the unauthorized activity to the State Police who partnered with DiNapoli’s office. In July 2024, Storrs was replaced as chief and suspended from the fire department.

Storrs was sentenced before Judge Richard M. Healy in Wayne County Court.

Town of Peru
Clinton County
Law Enforcement:  On Aug 26 at 5:45 p.m., an off-duty Environmental Conservation Police Officer received a call about a subject who had taken a shot at a blue heron at Ausable Point Campground. Forest Ranger Praczkajlo responded and issued tickets to the 33-year-old subject from Hudson Falls for disorderly conduct, disturbing wildlife, and possessing and discharging a firearm in a campground. The heron was not found. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement will work with the Division of Forest Protection in the ongoing investigation.

Town of Lake Luzerne
Warren County
Wildland Fire: On Aug. 25 at 9:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Donegan, Morehouse, and Thompson assisted the Corinth and Lake Luzerne Fire Departments with locating a wildland fire reported at the Hudson River Special Management Area. Firefighters worked into the night on suppression and containment efforts. The following morning, seven Rangers joined other firefighters and achieved 50 percent containment on the two-acre fire in Eddy Swamp. On Aug. 27 at 6:40 p.m., firefighters fully contained the fire and determined it started from a lightning strike the week prior. Video of the fire is available to download (19 MB).

Lake Luzerne fire

Lake Luzerne fire

Lake Luzerne fire

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 30 at 8:40 p.m., Forest Ranger R. Praczkajlo responded to a call for three hikers on McKenzie Mountain without any light source. Ranger Praczkajlo reached the unprepared group, provided headlamps, and escorted them back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 10:20 p.m.

Town of Chesterfield
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 31 at 11:30 a.m., Forest Rangers Bode and Holdridge responded to a call for a hiker who collapsed while hiking Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain. At 1 p.m., Rangers reached the 30-year-old from Plattsburgh who was conscious, breathing, and able to walk. Rangers ensured the hiker made it to the trailhead. The subject refused further medical assistance.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 1 at 10:33 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting they were lost in the woods. Dispatch directed the hiker to call 911 so they could obtain coordinates. Coordinates placed the 69-year-old from Camillus in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness. At 12:05 a.m., Forest Rangers Corey and Foutch reached the subject and assisted them to the trailhead where they were met by Lake Placid Ambulance. The ambulance transported the patient to the hospital for evaluation.

L-R Assemblyman Billy Jones, Former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, Michael Cashman (Photo provided)

PLATTSBURGH, NY — In a powerful show of bipartisan unity, Assemblyman Billy Jones and former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey formally endorsed Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman in his campaign to represent New York’s 115th Assembly District.

“When I decided to step down, I thought there was one person that would be great at this job, and that’s Michael Cashman,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones. “He would be a great voice, and is a great voice for the North Country. He has done extraordinary things.

“We have a lot of issues here. We have a lot of issues that affect people’s day to day lives, just a couple of them that were mentioned before housing, infrastructure, people dealing with everyday problems and you have to deal directly with the constituency to do that, and Michael has already proven that he can do that. We need a leader like this in Albany. We need someone that will go down there and fight for the North Country.”

“With Michael’s leadership, Clinton, Franklin, and Essex County can be confident their constituents will have exemplary leadership and commitment,” said former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey. “Michael has a unique blend of policy, experience, empathy, dedication, and honesty.”

Cashman, joined by family, friends, and neighbors, thanked both Jones and Duprey for their decades of service and for their confidence in his candidacy.

“Thank you both for your kind words, your support, and for your decades of service to the North Country,” said Michael Cashman. “I’m honored to have your confidence, and I’m inspired by the examples you both have set. I am proud to call both Billy Jones and Janet Duprey friends, and two leaders who set the standard for accessible, community-focused service in the North Country.”

“This is where I met my wife, Olivia, my partner in life, in love, and in service to this community. This is where I earned my degrees, built my life, and committed myself to public service. My grandfather used to say, ‘Where you choose to live is a demonstration of your values.’ I chose the North Country not just to live, but to serve.”

Cashman described his working-class family background, the lessons he learned from his parents and grandparents, and how those values shaped his public service. He pointed to his work with veterans, as a leader with North Country Honor Flight and through the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project, and to his record as Town Supervisor delivering bipartisan results for housing, economic development, parks, and infrastructure.

“We didn’t get there by shouting at each other. We sat down, found common ground, and got to work,” Cashman said. “That’s the leadership I’ll bring to Albany: practical, collaborative, and focused on solutions.”

A Platform for the North Country

Cashman outlined clear priorities for the district:

• Affordability for families: Expanding childcare, fighting heating and electricity rate hikes, supporting renters, first-time homebuyers, and seniors, and cutting red tape for small businesses.
• Public safety and accountability: Supporting police, firefighters, correction officers, and EMTs; fixing Raise the Age to ensure accountability; and combating opioids with prevention and recovery resources.
• Investing in the future: Protecting rural healthcare, strengthening education and the trades, rebuilding roads, bridges, and water systems, and expanding affordable broadband access.

“These priorities aren’t abstract,” Cashman said. “They come from living here, listening to you, and delivering as a public servant. Over the next 60 plus days, I will continue traveling throughout the district to listen, to learn, and to continue earning your trust and your vote.”

Cashman closed by stressing that his candidacy is about bringing people together across Clinton, Franklin, and Essex counties.

“This campaign is not about party labels. It’s about people,” he said. “It’s about neighbors. It’s about building a North Country that works for everyone where families can afford to stay, small businesses can grow, seniors can age with dignity, and every child has the chance to succeed. Together, let’s build the future the North Country deserves.”