The Peru Gazette

$1 Million Northern New York Power Proceeds Funding Award to Support Empire Mines in St. Lawrence County

Governor Kathy Hochul announced economic development awards from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) that will spur more than $127 million in private capital investments throughout the state and support 4,249 jobs — 158 newly created. The awards, approved today by the NYPA Board of Trustees, include low-cost power allocations through the statewide ReCharge NY program, and the regional Western New York Hydropower program. Additionally, the NYPA board approved funding awards totaling more than $1.6 million under the Western New York and Northern New York Power Proceeds programs.

“The New York Power Authority is one of the state’s most critical economic development engines,” Governor Hochul said. “By leveraging low-cost power allocations and regional funding awards, NYPA is incentivizing job creation and sparking major capital investment in every corner of New York State. The awards approved today by the NYPA board — tied to more than $127 million in investments and 4,000 jobs — reflect the strength of New York’s clean energy economy.

ReCharge NY

The approved allocations of more than 11 megawatts (MW) of low-cost power under the Power Authority’s ReCharge NY program will be directed to 29 firms in the Capital District, Finger Lakes, North Country, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Western New York, Mid-Hudson region, New York City and on Long Island.

Included among the awards is a nearly 4.3-MW low-cost power allocation to General Motors that will support the retention of 528 jobs and lead to investments totaling $40 million at its Rochester location. The facility specializes in producing cooling lines used in electric vehicle batteries.

NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The ReCharge NY low-cost power allocation awarded to General Motors will directly support more than 500 green jobs at the firm’s Rochester plant. GM’s $40 million investment in the facility underscores the important role New York State plays in the transition to an emissions-free transportation sector.”

ReCharge NY has strengthened New York State’s economy by encouraging companies to retain and create jobs, while sparking capital investment throughout the state. ReCharge NY offers power contracts with terms up to seven years. Half of the power — 455 MW — is from NYPA’s Niagara and St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt hydroelectric power plants. The remaining 455 MW is lower-cost power bought by NYPA on the wholesale market.

A full list of today’s ReCharge NY power allocations and economic development awards is available here.

Northern New York

$1 million in Northern New York Power Proceeds funding was approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees today to Empire State Mines in St. Lawrence County.

Western New York

At today’s meeting, the NYPA Board of Trustees approved 590 kilowatts (kW) of low-cost Niagara hydropower to two Erie County firms, U.S. Sugar and Agri-Plastics

U.S. Sugar in Buffalo was awarded a 210-kW low-cost Niagara hydropower allocation to support a $12.5 million expansion project at its Buffalo facility. The firm — a distributor and packer of brown and powdered sugars — will install two new high-efficiency bagger lines and add an additional packaging line to expand its operational capacity. The project includes a building expansion and new machinery and equipment purchases. The expansion will support 240 jobs — 35 of which will be newly created.

Agri-Plastics designs and manufactures innovative calf housing and a variety of livestock equipment, including feeders, waterers and ventilation systems. The firm was awarded 380 kW of Niagara hydropower to support the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Lackawanna. The new site will produce calf hutches — individual pens that provide shelters for calves that protect them from harsh weather conditions and reduce the risk of disease transmission. The $3.5 million project will lead to the creation of 26 jobs.

Both projects are located within disadvantaged communities.

Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for eligible companies located within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project and in Chautauqua County.

The NYPA board also approved Western New York Power Proceeds funding totaling nearly $630,000 to Balthasar Industries in Niagara County and Professional Plastics in Erie County.

Balthasar Industries was awarded $90,000 in NYPA funding to support its relocation to a new 37,000-square-foot facility in North Tonawanda. The firm is a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling and turning machine shop that serves a wide variety of customers, including those from the medical, optic, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. A CNC machine is a type of automated equipment used in manufacturing that’s controlled by pre-programmed software. Such machines can perform precise cutting, drilling, milling and a variety of other tasks. The power proceeds funds will be used by the firm to acquire and upgrade its new building and to invest in new advanced CNC machinery and software. The firm’s nearly $1.5 million expansion is expected to increase its production capacity and will result in the creation of three full-time employees

Professional Plastics, a global distributor and fabricator of high-performance plastics, was awarded $539,000 in power proceeds funding to support an expansion at its Orchard Park facility that will lead to the creation of 49 new jobs. The firm currently lacks sufficient electrical capacity to support additional on-site CNC machining and will use the funds to take measures to expand it, including the addition of a semiconductor-grade clean room. The space will be outfitted with ultrasonic part cleaning systems that are used by customers in the semiconductor industry. Currently, semiconductor parts are sent out-of-state for cleaning. The firm’s nearly $3 million expansion project is expected to reduce turnaround times and costs for its customers in the semiconductor industry, strengthening New York’s position in the supply chain.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the award of more than $32 million to help local governments enhance safety on their roads by reducing instances of vehicles inadvertently straying from their lanes and lessening the severity of crashes that result from those instances. The funding is part of the State Department of Transportation’s comprehensive “Safe System” approach toward zero highway deaths and will support roadway improvements – including new guide rails, signs and pavement markings – in municipalities across the state. In New York State, 44 percent of crash fatalities occur when a vehicle departs from its lane.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my highest priority as Governor and that includes making every effort to improve safety on our roads for drivers and pedestrians,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding gives local governments the resources they need to save lives by implementing improvements that keep drivers more aware and reduce instances where they stray from lanes, which can often have deadly consequences. One death on our roads is too many, and we will continue to invest in proven solutions to enhance safety and achieve our goal of zero deaths on New York’s roads.”

Striving to achieve a Safe System Approach toward Zero Deaths, the New York State Department of Transportation in the summer of 2024 released theRoadway Departure Safety Action Plan, which calls for a comprehensive approach to be undertaken by NYSDOT and its partner agencies to reduce fatalities and serious injuries that result when vehicles inadvertently depart their lanes or the roadway. Under the plan, NYSDOT is focusing on engineering improvements, public education and awareness campaigns, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is coordinating law enforcement activities.

Funding for these projects was made available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, which is intended to support the design and construction of countermeasures intended to reduce roadway/lane departures and lessen the likelihood that departure-related crashes cause death or serious injury. Such countermeasures include, but are not limited to, enhanced striping, curve warning signs, rumble strips and median barriers. Today’s announced funding complements an additional $90 million that has also been set aside for NYSDOT to make safety enhancements on roads in the state highway system. Locations receiving funding include:

North Country ($1.6 million)

• Town of Elizabethtown, Essex County – $1 million to install center line striping, edge line markings, enhanced curve signage and pavement markings, shoulder, remove fixed objects to widen clear zone on Lincoln Pond Road.
• Town of Malone, Franklin County – $400,000 to install guide rail on County Road 24.
• Town of Denmark, Lewis County – $200,000 to install guide rail on Deer River Road.

By John T Ryan 

At its Monday, December 8, 3035 meeting the Peru Town Board appointed Town Justice Elect Sarah Mitchell to fill the late Town Justice Jim Kirby’s term of office on the condition that she successfully completes a 5-day training course in Albany. The appointment is effective December 12. 

In an action that will be music to many people’s ears, the board authorized its engineer to prepare final bid specifications for the Telegraph Road-Dry Mill Brook culvert project with a bid opening on January 7, 2026. Highway Supervisor Michael Farrell previously stated that he hopes that the project will begin soon after the bid acceptance. 

The board tabled the purchase of a new snowplow truck pending the highway department’s decision on a transmission. All but one of the highway department’s current trucks have an Allison transmission, which department personnel can repair and Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell calls ‘bulletproof.” The Allison transmission would cost an additional $7,000.  The department will purchase a 2027 Western Star 47X chassis truck outfitted with Viking Plow Gear. The low bid was $351,521 utilizing a vocational 12-speed transmission.  Some personnel do not feel comfortable with the 12-speed transmission after driving the plow truck that arrived last week.  The manufacturer could not get an Allison transmission for that truck. (Note – A 2011 Peru Gazette story stated the low bid for an equipped plow truck was $186,400.)

Town Supervisor Craig Randall and Water Sewer Superintendent recently met with engineers to discuss the upcoming Water Treatment Plant Project.  The engineering firm will provide the board with monthly project updates. 

In other actions, the board approved: 

A payment to Luck Brothers Construction recent installation of the Fuller-Road culvert in the amount of $250,817.50. Luck’s price was lower than estimates.  The Peru Gazette is requesting design, engineering and other costs in hopes of computing the total project cost.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Payments – Payment #5 to Danforth Construction of $79,800 and Payment #5 to Murnane Building Contractors of $567.353.54. A money transfer from debt service account H34 was approved to enable the town to make those payments. 

Click here to view the meeting video. 

The murder has led to more tumult than New York’s prison system has seen since the Attica prison uprising over five decades ago.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

The Keeseville–Peru Ecumenical Choir is delighted to present its 58th Annual Christmas Concert this December. The choir is under the direction of Jeanette Woodruff, accompanied by Steve Collier, with Steve Woodruff serving as organist.

This year’s program features a wonderful selection of Christmas music, including Jesus Springing by Bob Chilcott, the 19th-century Basque carol The Angel Gabriel, and the ever-popular Sleigh Ride.

Guest musicians for the concert include Frank Langr, French horn,  Adrian Zemor, cello and Robin Cameron-Phillips, flute.

In addition, Steve Collier and Andrew Woodruff will perform a special four-hand piano duet.

The concert will also include beloved traditional carols such as O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

This festive program promises to be a joyful and uplifting celebration of the Christmas season. We hope you will join us for an evening filled with beautiful music and holiday spirit.

Spoiler alert: It is less than 2% of total dollars

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Food educators with Cornell Cooperative Extension teach kids about nutrition, food supply and the local farming community

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the WPTZ story

Click here for the WAMC story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Peru Gazette File Photo)

News Release, 12/9/25 – Clinton County has been awarded the 2025 cashVest® 90+ Award, a national distinction honoring top-performing public entities for excellence in liquidity management, fiscal stewardship, and data-driven financial decision-making. The award, presented by financial-technology firm three+one®, recognizes organizations that maintain a cashVest score of 90 or higher for four consecutive quarters—an achievement signifying exceptional financial resilience and responsible management of taxpayer dollars.

The County’s Finance Office, led by the Treasurer’s Office, has utilized cashVest analytics to optimize cash flow, strengthen protections for public resources, and maximize returns on available funds without increasing risk. Only a select group of public entities nationwide earn the 90+ distinction each year.

Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Chazy, Area 3-R) emphasized the significance of this achievement for Clinton County residents. “This award reflects the disciplined and transparent financial management that our community expects and deserves,” Henry said. “Earning national recognition for four consecutive quarters demonstrates the strength of our internal processes and the dedication of our financial team. We are proud of this accomplishment and what it says about Clinton County’s long-term stability and leadership.”

Finance Committee Chairman Rob Timmons (Peru, Area 7-R) highlighted the tangible benefits of the county’s rigorous financial practices. “This award is really about managing the public’s money the way we’re supposed to,” Timmons said. “When we stay organized, use good data, and keep a close eye on our cash flow, it directly benefits our residents. It’s a simple approach, but it makes a real difference for Clinton County.”

Deputy Treasurer and Finance Manager Rebecca Murphy, whose office led the analytical work behind the scoring, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “Our team takes great pride in being thoughtful stewards of public resources,” Murphy said. “This award confirms that the systems we’ve built—and the discipline we apply daily—are delivering real value to the County and its residents.”

The cashVest® 90+ Award also positions Clinton County favorably for future credit rating reviews by demonstrating sustained liquidity strength, robust financial controls, and a proactive approach to managing public funds. three+one® CEO Garrett Macdonald praised the County’s achievement in a letter announcing the award, noting that maintaining a 90+ score over four quarters represents “exceptional stewardship of public funds” and “a standard of excellence in fiscal responsibility.”

About the cashVest® 90+ Award

The cashVest® 90+ Award recognizes counties, towns, school districts, and other public entities that demonstrate outstanding performance in liquidity management and financial resiliency. The award is presented by three+one®, a national financial-technology firm specializing in public-sector cash management analytics.

12/9/25 4:06 PM – News Release corrected by Clinton County. A Rob Timmons statement had been omitted.

Stacey Bousquet

Our library’s two new computers

Stop to solve the puzzle

Downstairs tween room

Our library is beautiful during all the seasons

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY, December 9, 2025 – At a time of year when people pause to give thanks, the Peru Free Library is a community resource that is very important to many. Our library’s offerings educate, entertain, and bring our community together,

Many people are responsible for the library’s longtime success, including patrons, the board of directors, volunteers, people who patronize its fundraisers, and the town and school boards that include the library in their annual budgets. The individual most responsible for the library’s day-to-day success is its librarian. Becky Pace retired as a librarian in September 2024 after 21 1/2 years of outstanding service. On October 1, Stacey Bousquet succeeded Becky and Allison Collier succeeded Stacey as assistant librarian. 

When Stacey Bousquet graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1996 with a degree in Hearing and Speech Science, being a librarian wasn’t in her plans. However, her plans changed when she became a stay-at-home mom for her daughters, Olivia and Adelia. She took them to the library’s story hours and liked what she saw. She became a library volunteer, served on the library’s board of directors, and, before taking her present position, served as Peru’s assistant librarian for 9 years.  

The library’a many patrons appreciate it for a multitude of reasons. Most recently, many appreciate the two new computers in the library’s front room. Stacey applied for and received a grant to fund them. If you look to the right as you enter the library, you’ll see a new activity: a large puzzle in progress on a long table.  The day the Gazette visited, library patron Lynda Mulcahy, a self-described puzzle nut, couldn’t resist working on the puzzle. Downstairs, Stacey converted an open space to a brightly colored tween room outfitted with lounge chairs, teen books, and a LEGO board. Stacey’s husband Jim, a library volunteer, helped her paint that room. To address recent food needs, the library started a community cupboard food pantry at the library entrance. People in need can pick up food without entering the library.

A monthly newsletter publicizes the library’s many programs and Stacey’s daughter, Olivia, maintains the library’s website as she has done since 2021. The library’s Facebook page is also a primary communicator. 

“I try to schedule one special program each week, Stacey explained.  The Community Learning Series is one such program. The Peru Democrats, led by Marque Moffett, started the series. Now, Marque and Stacey are continuing the program under the library auspices.  A November OneWorkSource presentation was a Community Learning Series. Other November programs included a Gather and Craft Evening, a Gregg Badger Art Exhibit, an online art auction, a consumer protection online shopping presentation, a dog behavior program, and a Tai Chi workshop.  Children’s Story Time with Granny Apple is held each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Stacey Bousquet looks to library patrons for ideas. She emphasized,”If people have suggestions, talk to me in person or email me. I’m open to new things. Next year, we’re planning to conduct a community survey, trying to find out more about what people want.” She concluded our interview saying, “I look upon the library as a means of bringing our community together. I’m very privileged to be in this job serving our community.” 

Click here to view the video on YouTube. 

Click here for the NCPR story 

How a Texas buyer and the “Cheap Old Houses” movement are reviving an Adirondack legacy

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

All nights and routes are weather dependent and emergency calls come first. 

Homemade Ground Beef Meatloaf with Ketchup and Spices
** Note: Shallow depth of field

Meatloaf 

Mashed Potatoes 

Vegetable 

Bread 

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!

Click here for the MSN story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story