December 2025
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  

News Categories

Site search

More About The Peru Gazette

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.

Recent Comments

Favorite Expat Tim Collins Returns Home with his Favorite Band from Germany!

Vibes virtuoso Tim Collins enjoys a thriving career performing jazz throughout Europe. The Plattsburgh native has been living in Munich for over a decade, but he loves returning to the North Country to visit family and friends and play music. A Tim Collins concert is always a highly anticipated event.  Tim is returning to the States and bringing one of his favorite ensembles with whom he frequently collaborates and tours-Quadro Nuevo. After playing together for many years, the instrumental artists of Quadro Nuevo and Tim Collins have joyfully evolved their own distinct magical music genre somewhere between Jazz and World Music.

Tim Collins and Quadro Nuevo will perform live in concert on Sunday, October 13 at 3:00 pm at the Strand Center for the Arts Theater in Plattsburgh, NY. Advance tickets at several price points are available online at strandcenter.org/theatre-events.  Advance tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office during regular business hours at the Strand Center for the Arts located at 23 Brinkerhoff Street.  For further info, telephone 518-293-7613, e-mail ambrown.hillholl@gmail.com or visit hillandhollowmusic.org

CC Historical Association schedules many October events

October 8 – 2:30 pm, Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh. Transportation in Clinton County with Transportation Historian Dick Soper. A photo selection of the various means of transportation in Clinton County from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, including trains, boats, carriages, and cars.

October 11th – 4:30 pm, Clinton Community College, Moore Building, 2nd-floor lobby, Plattsburgh, NY. Commemorating the 248th Anniversary of the Battle of Valcour Island. Hosted by the Saranac Chapter of the DAR with the Valcour Battle Chapter of the SAR. Guest speaker is Don L. Wills on “History, Reputation, Honor”.

October 12 – 9:30 am, Mooers Riverside Cemetery, Mooers, NY. Tour of the Mooers Riverside Cemetery.  Join Mooers Town Historian Vicki Brassard to learn about the 220-year-old cemetery, which reflects the town’s history and the significant people who gave the Town of Mooers her start, character, and personality. This cemetery site is unique on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a Veteran’s Memorial. The tour starts promptly at 9:30.

October 16th – 6:00 pm, American Legion Post 912, 29 Pratt Street, Rouses Point. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Rouses Point. Sponsored by the Rouses Point and Champlain Historical Society. Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development in Rouses Point, which opened Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. See past photos, then aerial videos of today’s rails. The Rouses Point story is the second in a 5-part series spanning the period from 1833 to the present and includes 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.

October 18 –12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Mooers (Part III). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development, which opened Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. See old photos, then aerial videos of today’s rails and stations. This is the third in a 5-part series spanning the period from 1833 to the present and 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.

October 24 – 6:30 pm, Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh.  Emotions, Letters, and War: Through the Eyes of Civil War Soldiers Franklin Prairie and Joseph South. When the Civil War erupted in 1861, over 5000 men from Clinton County enlisted to serve. SUNY history graduate Aubrie Bourgeois presents the stories of two local men, Franklin Prairie and Joseph South who enlisted in the Macomb or Plattsburg Regiment. Her research shows how emotions and impacts of the war were conveyed in their letters home.

October 29 – 6:45 pm, Lake Forest, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Mooers (Part III). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development which opened Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. See old photos, then aerial videos of today’s rails and stations. This is the third in a 5-part series spanning the period from 1833 to the present and 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. Doors open at 6:30 pm

Plattsburgh City Police Lt. Kevin Jessey to help lead department while search for chief continues

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Clinton County agencies providing free mosquito dunks amid West Nile, EEE concerns

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Federal Disaster Declaration approved for Essex Co.

New York also granted access to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Dance tonight at Peru Memorial VFW Post 309

You are invited to join USA Dance Plattsburgh’s dance session tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 25 (and every Wednesday until Spring), from 6-8 pm at the Peru VFW Post 309, 710 NY-22B, Peru, near the Schuyler Falls town line. These weekly “practice” sessions are free and everyone is welcome. Our repertoire of dance music includes Ballroom dances-Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot; Latin dances-Rumba, Cha Cha, and Salsa; and Swing dances-East Coast and West Coast Swing. No partner or experience is required.

Dance Plattsburgh is hosting a Swing-Latin-Ballroom dance with Foxtrot lessons on FRIDAY, September 27 at the North Country Squares Dance Club, 84 Fairgrounds Rd., Morrisonville, NY. We are excited to announce that Patti Panebianco will offer an Intermediate Foxtrot lesson at 6:15pm and a Beginner Foxtrot lesson at 7:00pm. General dancing will follow until 9:30pm. Admission is $15/person; $10/USA Dance members and students.

USA Dance Chapters have a simple mission – to promote social ballroom dancing in the local community. Regarding our informal dance sessions at the Peru VFW – they are low-key with casual attire. Although there is no formal instruction at the weekly sessions, veteran dancers are happy to help with the basic steps or show you a new figure when you’re ready. A small donation (no more than $5) is appreciated – but not required to help cover the weekly rental fee. The Post bar will be open to purchase water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (no outside beverages are permitted).

For more information on USA Dance, Social Dancing, or to become a member of Chapter #3068 (or renew), visit https://usadance.org/.

Other dance opportunities that may be of interest: 

**Square Dance free “Fun Night” Thursday, September 26 from 7-9 hosted by North Country Squares, 84 Fairground Road, Morrisonville. Square Dancing is great fun, great exercise and very social! Introductory “Mainstream” classes start on Thursdays in October and will run through early Spring. No experience or partner needed to join the class – which will cost $5/week. Come check out the Fun Night and see whether Square Dancing might be a fun activity for you!

–English Country Dance will host a dance Friday, October 11 at the North Country Squares Dance Club 7-9pm, 84 Fairgrounds Rd., Morrisonville, NY. Callers Wendy Gilchrist and Bruce Kokernut teach the figures before music plays. Cost is $5/person. All are welcome! Please email Wendy at wgilchrist2015@yahoo.com to get on the English email list!

–Contra Dance on Saturday, September 28 from 7-9:15pm at the North Country Squares Dance Club, 84 Fairgrounds Rd., Morrisonville, NY. The dance will feature caller Jeremy Clifford and live music with Adirondack 2-Step. Cost is #10/person; $5/students. No partner or experience needed.

The Peru VFW Post 309 hosts a live band, Just Jammin’ every Thursday eve from 5-8pm and attracts a dancing crowd – all are welcome to attend.

–Snowmotion Dance with instructor Sarah Snow offers numerous group lessons in Burlington, VT. Latin Tuesdays feature a beginner’s Salsa class 7-8pm; Intermediate Bachata 8-9pm. Cost per class is $20. Visit the website at https://www.snowmotionstudios.com/

–Vermont Swings hosts Tuesday classes at the North Star Community Center, 20 Crowley Street, Burlinton, VT 6:30-7:30pm. A social dance follows starting at 7:30pm (East Coast Swing, Lindy, Jive). Costs: $15/$10 (Student w/ ID) by-the-week for a series or one-time classes.  No partner is required. Dancers can pre-register at https://vermontswings.com/classes. Please bring a change of clean, non-marking shoes (or socks) to protect your knees and the beautiful wooden floor. Email contact@vermontswings.com with any questions

–The 802 Westie Collective offers a monthly dance (West Coast Swing) and weekly lessons on Wednesdays at the North Star Community Center, 20 Crowley Street, Burlington. Visit https://802westiecollective.org/ for more info.

If you have any questions please feel free to call/text/email (cell: 518-645-1930). To “unsubscribe” from this group, please email me back and ask to be unsubscribed.

With appreciation for our social dance community,

Diana Wardell, President

USA Dance Plattsburgh #3068

Cell/Text: 518-645-1930

Plattsburgh Rotary Club Call for Applications

PLATTSBURGH, NY—The Plattsburgh Rotary Club requests proposals from local organizations to benefit our community.

The Club is asking that all requests for this Rotary year be submitted for review by October 31, 2024.

The Club has a limited amount of money to distribute to local organizations in Clinton County; therefore, the maximum grant that can be received is $500. These grants are given to 501c3 organizations serving a larger population and a greater good, not to an individual. All grants are given for special projects, not for the organization’s general operations or fundraising. Specific events like walks, golf tournaments, etc., will not be considered. Special funding is available for Youth-At-Risk programs that positively impact individuals under 18.

Please include the project title, organization name, contact information, funding amount requested, program length, goal and summary of the project, any collaborative partners, budget, and any means of recognizing Rotary if funded. Requests should be submitted to P.O. Box 86, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, or sent electronically to khaley@cvph.org.

The Plattsburgh Rotary Club diligently raises money annually to reinvest in local organizations and support worldwide health efforts led by Rotary International. For questions, please email khaley@cvph.org.

SUNY Scientist to Discuss Microplastics in Lake Champlain in Fall Edition of Love the Lake Speaker Series 

Dr. Tim Mihuc, Director of the Lake Champlain Research Institute

Keeseville, NY—On Monday, September 30th, Dr. Tim Mihuc, Director of the Lake Champlain Research Institute, will present an overview of microplastics and research underway to identify sources of these tiny pollutants in our waterways in Keesville, NY.

Dr. Mihuc’s Microplastics in Lake Champlain presentation is a special fall edition of the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program’s (LCBP) Love the Lake speaker series. The LCPB is hosting the presentation with the New York Citizens Advisory Committee on Lake Champlain Management.

Dr. Mihuc is a Distinguished Service Professor of Environmental Science and Director of the Lake Champlain Research Institute at SUNY Plattsburgh. His teaching and research interests include aquatic ecology, food webs, invertebrate communities, and invasive species.

This FREE public program begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Ausable Valley Grange, 1749 Main Street, Keeseville, NY 12944, following the NYCAC meeting at 6:00 p.m. (also open to the public). Coffee, tea, and homemade desserts will be served. For further information, contact Katie Darr at (802) 372-0219 or email at kdarr@lcbp.org.

Those who wish to join virtually can join with this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsf-Gpqz0pGdSwJSKJFThW8vPeiTiO7V8N

SENATOR STEC, ASSEMBLYMEMBERS GRAY, BLANKENBUSH AND LAW ENFORCEMENT CALL FOR REPEAL OF GREEN LIGHT LAW FOR BORDER COUNTIES

State Senator Dan Stec at podium

Senator Dan Stec (R, C-Queensbury), Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown) and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R, C-Black River) joined law enforcement officials from St. Lawrence, Clinton, Franklin and Jefferson Counties at a press conference to advocate for their legislation (Senate bill S.2147/A.5145) that would repeal the state’s “Green Light Law” for border counties. Under that law, federal, state and local law enforcement are not allowed to coordinate their efforts in addressing illegal northern border crossings. The lawmakers’ bill would restore cooperation between all law enforcement agencies.

Joining the state legislators to speak on these difficulties and the need for inter-agency cooperation were St. Lawrence County Sheriff Rick Engle, Franklin County Sheriff Jay Cook, Clinton County Sheriff David Favro and Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Barnett. As Stec and his legislative colleagues made clear during the press conference, restoring this cooperation is vital in meeting the public safety challenges created by the migrant crisis and the governor’s migrant policies.

“Because of the ill-conceived policies coming from the governor, there’s an ongoing crisis along our northern border. I’ve heard repeatedly from our law enforcement officials along the border that a major impediment in addressing security and illegal immigration concerns is the Green Light Law,” said Stec. “The legislation I sponsor in the Senate and advocated for today ends the Green Light Law’s restriction on federal and local law enforcement co-operation by allowing local law officers to work with federal immigration officials on finding and removing criminal illegal immigrants in our communities. As lawmakers, we have an obligation to secure our border and protect lawful residents. The legislation my colleagues and I discussed today would go a long way toward accomplishing that goal.”

As we face increasing challenges at our northern border, it is imperative that we enable full cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said Gray. “The current restrictions under the Green Light Law hinder our ability to effectively manage and secure our communities. Our proposed legislation aims to restore this vital collaboration, ensuring the safety and security of our residents. Together with Senator Stec and Assemblyman Blankenbush, I am committed to addressing these pressing issues and safeguarding our border regions.”

“We need to repeal the state’s Green Light Law immediately,” said Blankenbush. “Cooperation between all levels of law enforcement is crucial to deal with the northern border crisis. Once again, Albany and the NYC Democrats show they are incapable of considering the entire state.”

‘The Art of Memory’ A solo exhibition by Anastasia Osolin

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – September 24, 2024) Strand Center for the Arts is scheduled to host “The Art of Memory,” a solo exhibition featuring Anastasia Osolin’s collage and assemblage works. The exhibition opens on Friday, Oct. 4, with a free gallery reception from 5 to 8 p.m. It will remain on display until Saturday, Nov. 2.
Osolin creates her artworks from a wide variety of images and found objects gathered from flea markets, yard sales, old books, antique shops and the occasional garbage dump. She sometimes acquires her materials from the ground during her daily walks in and around Saranac Lake, N.Y.
Drawing inspiration from the history of science and astronomy, mysticism, art history, Victorian ephemera and industrial decay (i.e., just about anything old and rusty), Osolin is an avid recycler, repurposer, and collector of curiosities. She enjoys the serendipity of rooting around and allowing herself to be surprised and inspired by whatever she happens to find.
Osolin sees a profound beauty in the patina of age that can only be produced by time and experience. She aims to give new life to objects that have outlasted their usefulness and have been discarded, overlooked, or forgotten.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Osolin has a B.F.A. in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, BluSeed Studios, View Center for Arts & Culture, NorthWind Fine Arts, Downtown Artist Cellar, and the Adirondack Artists Guild, of which she has been a member since 2016.
Strand Center for the Arts Gallery Hours:
Open 1 p.m.—9 p.m. Wednesday
Open 1 p.m.—5 p.m. Thursday and Friday
Open 10 a.m.—3 p.m. Saturday
Closed Sunday—Tuesday

Clinton County Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus of 2024 

Clinton County, September 24, 2024. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is reporting one case of West Nile virus, the first case reported this season. 

The individual, who is over the age of 50 and resides in the Town of Chazy, began experiencing symptoms consistent with West Nile virus on September 1 and was subsequently hospitalized. They are now recovering. 

“Though mosquitoes usually are considered a nuisance or a pest, they occasionally can transmit viruses to people and animals,” explained Nichole Louis, Director of Health Care Services at CCHD. “In Clinton County, the mosquito-borne illnesses we can encounter are Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, Triple E) and West Nile virus (WNV).” 

EEE and WNV are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Along with this case of WNV, Clinton County has previously reported one EEE case identified in a horse. No human cases of EEE have been identified in Clinton County. 

Most people infected with EEE or WNV develop mild symptoms or do not develop any signs or symptoms. If illness develops, symptoms usually occur 3-15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. Symptoms of EEE and WNV can be similar, but EEE is a much more serious illness in people who develop severe disease and much more likely to result in death. People with mild cases of mosquito-borne illness may develop fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash or swollen glands (lymph nodes). People with severe cases of EEE or WNV usually have a sudden onset of headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, altered mental status, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or coma. 

Individuals under 15, over 50, and those with chronic illness or compromised immune systems are at most risk for severe infection. Clinton County residents are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially during mosquito season, which extends through November. 

Take the following steps to protect yourself:  Read more »

Fundraiser to support local students and families affected by cancer

New York’s first human case of EEE in a decade has died

Click here for the NCPR story 

PCC hosts Fall Granny’s Attic on Saturday, Sept. 28

CVPH Peru Blood Drive on Monday, October 14

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, October 14, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. All blood collected is utilized in our trl-county region.

The drive is being coordinated by St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273.

CVPH collected 21 units of 24 attempts at the August 19 Peru Blood Drive. Let’s see if we can surpass that total!

St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, September 25, 2024 

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

Meatloaf

Potatoes

Vegetable 

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!

Three Mile Island nuclear plant will reopen to power Microsoft data centers

Click here for the NCPR story 

Spectacular Fall Foliage Continues Across NYS; Midpoint of Change Predicted For Many Areas of ADKs This Weekend

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Sept. 21 & 22 – Babbie Museum 12th Annual Kids Fair & Festival

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 – Peru’s 46 Annual Applefest

What’s in a name: Catamount Mountain of Black Brook

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Planet Fitness grand reopening a marked success

$1M remodel officially unveiled with fanfare Sept. 16 will also benefit local food shelves

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Sprt. 19, – Early morning along the Mannix Rd.

AGENDA – PERU TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

6:00 PM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call 
  1. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing of September 9 and Regular Meeting of September 9, 2024. 
  1. Community Input. 
  1. DISCUSSION:  Highway Culvert Project Presentation by Engineering Ventures.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Casella Long Term Residuals Management Contract.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval of Transfer of Storm Drain Reserve Money for Culverts.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.
  1. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: September 2024 Bills.
  1. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.
  1. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 
  1. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

School District Town Hall Meeting September 24, 2024

Peru Central School District will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, September 24th, from approximately 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the High School Community Room. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a public information session regarding an upcoming October capital project vote.

All residents of the District are welcome to attend.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing on the district’s website.