The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.
Comment Policy
The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.
Beginning Monday, February 3, 2025, local AARP Foundation volunteers will offer senior citizens, families, and individuals free income tax preparation services. Service is by appointment only at the Senior Citizens’ Council of Clinton County, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh.
Beginning Monday, January 20, taxpayers can call 518.314.9762 to leave a voicemail with their name and phone number or email taxclintoncounty@gmail.com with their name and phone number. Foundation volunteers then contact taxpayers to arrange appointments with an IRS-certified volunteer tax preparer. (Taxpayers should add 518.314.9762 to their contact list to distinguish it from spam.) Appointments usually take about 2 hours. AARP membership is not required. AARP Foundation TaxAide in Plattsburgh will operate through Friday, April 11.
Taxpayers who want to use another AARP Foundation TaxAide site besides Plattsburgh can search the AARPfoundation.org website, click on “Find Help,” scroll down to “Financial Security,” click “Get Free Help ZFiling Taxes,” and search by ZIP code.
The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) invites North Country residents to participate in its tenth annual installment of Poem Village.
Since 2016, ACW has been creating a series of posters, or broadsides, displaying poems written by North Country residents of all ages and experience levels. These broadsides are installed in shop windows in North Country towns and villages during April to build community and beautify the otherwise dreary mud season.
In 2024, ACW built successful partnerships with SLC Arts and the Downtown Artists Cellar, extending Poem Village beyond Saranac Lake to St. Lawrence County and Malone. This year, the project will expand again to include Plattsburgh thanks to a new collaboration with Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project.
“It’s incredible to see how Poem Village has evolved over the past decade,” said ACW’s executive director Nathalie Thill. “What began as a way to brighten Saranac Lake’s mud season has expanded to other villages and become a cherished tradition for so many Adirondack writers – from published authors to grade school kids. Last year, we had over 200 people submit a poem!”
Guidelines for submission:
Poems must be under 25 lines or less than 300 words, whichever comes first, and must be the original work of the person submitting. Poets must reside at least part-time in the North Country. ACW accepts all submissions as long as they follow these criteria and do not express any hateful views or content that could harm the general public. The deadline for submissions is March 17, 2025.
The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words together for 25 years through provocative events and meaningful programs. For more information about ACW, visit adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Snow is likely from this evening into tomorrow morning. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous for portions of northern New York. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
Heads up! If you’re traveling along NY-37 or US-11 in New York. A special weather statement has been issued for a line of heavy snow showers moving out of Canada into northern St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. Quick reductions in visibility and gusty winds are likely. #nywx
Feb 5, Noon. Talk and Walk Wednesdays at Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Come for an inside look at the CCHA Portrait Collection and learn about its history. Then, CCHA President and exhibit designer Geri Favreau will give a special tour of the Prohibition Gallery.
February 11, 6:45 pm, Lake Forest Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Lyon Mountain (Part IV). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development which opened up Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. This is the fourth in a 5-part series spanning the history of Clinton County rail development from 1833 to the present, including photographs, newspaper articles, aerial videos, and information from the large collection of railroad books recently added to the Clinton County Historical Association’s research library.
February 13, 2:30 pm – Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh. Portraits and Painters of the Early Champlain Valley (1800-1865) with Helen Nerska. Slides from a 1975 SUNY Plattsburgh exhibit with reflections on the painters’ history and the sitters’ lives.
February 21, 12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Lyon Mountain (Part IV). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development, which opened up Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. This is the fourth in a 5-part series spanning the history of Clinton County rail development from 1833 to the present, including photographs, newspaper articles, aerial videos, and information from the large collection of railroad books recently added to the Clinton County Historical Association’s research library.
February 27, 6:30 pm, Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Plattsburgh (Part V). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development, which opened up Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. This is the last of a 5-part series spanning the history of Clinton County rail development from 1833 to the present, including photographs, newspaper articles, aerial videos, and information from the large collection of railroad books recently added to the Clinton County Historical Association’s research library.
Bruce Drive residents John Roberts and Karyn Langlas expressed disappointment that construction on the closed Telegraph Bridge may not occur this year. At a December board meeting, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell stated that it’s his “gut feeling” that construction may not begin in 2025. Bid opening is August 15, which Farrell has said is not the best time of year to gear up and begin construction in this region. Langlais questioned “gut feelings.” stating, “We’re looking for facts, not feelings. It’s twelve miles out of my way for two vehicles every day.” Roberts said the delays seem excessive, given that it’s been 18 months since the town learned it had to replace the bridge. Roberts and Langlais said there didn’t appear to have been a follow-up with engineers until she and Roberts started pushing. Town Supervisor Craig Randall responded that there had been follow-up over the last two months. Counselor Eric Duquette commented that, in his experience, engineering firms are hard to push and that environmental approvals take a lot of time. Farrell cited the mussel study as a hold-up. (See video 2:20 to 10:25 minute mark for this discussion.)
The board approved two contracts with Atlantic Testing Laboratories for subsurface and geotechnical evaluation services related to the Lyons Road ($23,805) and Fuller Road ($23,580) culverts.
The board also accepted Ryan Davies’s resignation from the Planning Board, reappointed Richard Williams as Chairman, and appointed Justin Wilson as Vice-Chairman.
The board authorized advertising bids on the multi-million million dollar treatment plant upgrades. See Peru Gazette Story
Michael Farrell will travel to Albany on Monday, March 5, to participate in lobbying for state highway improvement funding (CHIPS). Farrell said he hadn’t determined the 2025 paving schedule but would pave Telegraph Road until the bridge. The Highway Department maintains 83 miles of town roads.
Courtney Tetrault advised the board that the town hall basement ceiling needs attention.
With nearly two-thirds of Meteorological winter (D-J-F) being completed, the Champlain Valley is averaging about 5 degrees colder than the past two winters, yet this winter has been statistically average. The last two winters were the 3rd and 1st warmest, respectively. #vtwx#nywx
City of Plattsburgh, Westport, and Indian Lake among awardees
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced $342,500 in grants were awarded to 17 municipalities across the state to purchase or lease zero-emission light- and medium-duty fleet vehicles as part of DEC’s Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Program. The addition of these vehicles to municipal fleets is helping reduce greenhouse gas pollution in support of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act).
“New York is committed to reducing pollution, particularly from the transportation sector, by investing in electric vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure to help reduce pollution and bolster efforts to reach our climate targets,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “The ZEV Rebate Program makes it more affordable for communities to green their fleets, reduce fuel costs, and save taxpayers money. DEC is pleased to support and work with local governments taking the lead to help clean our air and improve the health of our communities with cost-effective EVs.”
The DEC Municipal ZEV Rebate Program continues to support municipal efforts to mitigate climate change. The 2024 round of the program is making 17 awards to municipalities to support the purchase of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Since its inception in 2016, the ZEV Rebate Program has awarded a total of more than $1.8 million, including this round, to municipalities for electric vehicles.
Recipients of the 2024 rebate awards are:
City of Beacon, $15,000 for two battery electric vehicles.
City of Binghamton, $15,000 for three battery electric vehicles.
Village of Croton on Hudson, $20,000 for three battery electric vehicles.
Town of East Hampton, $25,000 for four battery electric vehicles.
Erie County, $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.
Village of Hastings on Hudson, $10,000 for one battery electric vehicle and one hybrid electric vehicle.
Town of Indian Lake, $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.
Village of Irvington, $22,500 for three battery electric vehicles.
Village of Montour Falls, $5,000 for one battery electric vehicle.
City of New Rochelle, $30,000 for four battery electric vehicles.
Town of Oneonta, $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.
City of Plattsburgh, $45,000 for six battery electric vehicles.
Village of Pleasantville, $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.
Village of Sackets Harbor, $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.
City of Schenectady, $30,000 for four battery electric vehicles.
Tompkins County, $80,000 for 11 battery electric vehicles.
Town of Westport, $7,500 for one battery electric vehicle.
Among the many environmental victories in the Governor’s 2025-26 Executive Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed to maintain the historically high level of $400 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) funding. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.
New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.
About the Consolidated Funding Application
The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA.
Plattsburgh, NY, January 22, 2025—In 2023, Clinton County reported 157 individuals in temporary housing and no unsheltered individuals. In 2024, this number grew 84% to 289 in temporary housing and no unsheltered individuals on the count date. This year, social service leaders expect the numbers in temporary housing to be higher, and they know there are some unsheltered people. S
On Wednesday, January 22, eleven volunteers from many local agencies conducted an annual “Point in Time” (PIT) homeless count. They counted the sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on this specific date. The volunteers visited vacant buildings, parking lots/vehicles, and known encampments and touched base with businesses open 24 hours daily. With this count, local government, nonprofit, and faith-based programs can better confront homelessness and strengthen community support by providing individuals with the assistance they need. Clinton County Social Services Commissioner Christine Peters, “These people are from the 129 zip code. They are our residents. They are not migrants. The migrant population has not been significant.”
Social service leaders hosted a press conference yesterday to explain the PIT program and respond to media questions. The participants included United Way CEO John Bernardi, Executive Director of ETC Housing Corp Amanda Beaudette, Clinton County Social Services Commissioner Christine Peters, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, and JCEO CEO Nicole Laurin.
The Peru Gazette also covered this story. Sun Community News reporter Kim Dedam wrote such a great story. I will post hers because I can’t top it. Kim is an outstanding reporter.
Press-Republican reporter Carly Newton wrote an exceptional and even more detailed story in today’s Paper.
I will post a video of the 54-minute news conference in a few minutes. This was one of the best news conferences I’ve ever attended. Thanks to United Way CEO John Bernardi for inviting m me.
Statement from Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas:
Given that the U.S.-Canadian dynamic in all of its many forms is arguably the single biggest driving force in the North Country economy, we were right to feel relief when the President’s executive orders called for a substantive review of trade relationships versus immediate tariffs. A review and assessment allows time to clarify facts about the U.S.-Canada economic partnership that are unique and for bi-national discussions, finding ways forward where needed. But then the stated possibility of a 25% across the board tariff on Canada being applied on February 1st shifts the landscape back to real concern. We and our partners on both sides of the border now have as few as ten days to avert a trade war which would see the Plattsburgh area on the front line.
Such an action would harm the economies of both countries, exacerbated by the reverse tariffs on the U.S. that Canada would have no choice but to apply. Here in the North Country, we are dependent on dozens of manufacturers with cross-border supply chains, that being a key reason to be here. Plus, our warehouse, distribution and customs brokerage operations. Plus, energy, from all of our natural gas coming from Canada, part of our electricity coming from Quebec, and heating fuel often sourced from Montreal. Plus, construction with materials like cement and asphalt being efficiently sourced from the north. And pushing Canada into recession couldn’t help but diminish cross-border travel and tourism.
It is notable that this situation is only partly about trade and economics, instead involving the interaction of three policy buckets: Trade, Border Security and Defense. Canada is working actively to address all three, including a major recent package of border related commitments, supplemented by commitments from provincial governments including Quebec and Ontario.
The stakes are high nationally, bi-nationally and locally and so we remain in active collaboration with many partners, hoping the February 1st date will pass without such a move, allowing communications to continue and shared success and prosperity to be pursued.
Beginning Monday, February 3, 2025, local AARP Foundation volunteers will offer senior citizens, families, and individuals free income tax preparation services. Service is by appointment only at the Senior Citizens’ Council of Clinton County, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. 
Sunday, January 26, 11:30 a.m. – NWS Burlington
Feb 5, Noon. Talk and Walk Wednesdays at Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Come for an inside look at the CCHA Portrait Collection and learn about its history. Then, CCHA President and exhibit designer Geri Favreau will give a special tour of the Prohibition Gallery.
City of Plattsburgh, Westport, and Indian Lake among awardees
