The Peru Gazette

Governor Kathy Hochul today reaffirmed New York State’s unwavering commitment to supporting those who have served through programs that expand access to higher education and financial aid, in recognition of Veterans Day. New York State remains a national leader in honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans by providing resources and opportunities that help them and their families pursue their educational goals. Through the recent expanded eligibility for the Veterans Tuition Award (VTA), more veterans can benefit from tuition coverage at colleges and universities across New York.

“Veterans and their families deserve more than recognition — they deserve meaningful support that helps them thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding financial aid, strengthening resources, and celebrating their contributions through events across the state, we are ensuring New York remains a leader in supporting those who served so they can build brighter and more successful futures.”

Through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, New York offers college financial aid programs and dedicated support for veterans and their dependents:

• Veterans Tuition Award (VTA): Provides eligible veterans with awards up to the full cost of SUNY undergraduate tuition at approved colleges, universities, and vocational training programs across New York State.
• Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship: Covers the cost of attendance for the children, spouses, and financial dependents of New York residents severely disabled or lost in military service.
• Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans: Annual awards for undergraduate students whose parents served during wartime who passed, became severely disabled, were taken prisoner, or declared missing in action.
• Veterans Education (Vet Ed): Supports approved education and training programs for GI Bill® use, ensuring eligible beneficiaries can maximize their federal education benefits

New York State offers dedicated events throughout the year to help veterans and their families better understand and access the education benefits available to them. As part of this ongoing commitment, HESC will co-host an event with the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services that will provide information on available financial aid programs, offer personalized guidance, and create an open forum for veterans and their families to ask questions and learn how to maximize the education opportunities available to them.

Program provides opportunities for veterans looking to connect in nature

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Veterans Day is an opportunity to publicly commemorate the contributions of living veterans. Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action.

If World War I had been “the war to end all wars,” November 11 might be still called Armistice Day. Realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of World War II and Korea, Congress decided to make the day an occasion to honor all those who have served America. In 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

Peru, NY, November 10, 2025 – Supervisor Craig Randall began the meeting leading a moment of silence honoring Town Justice Jim Kirby who passed away on October 29. Randall thanked Justice Kirby for his service to the Town of Peru.

Click here to view the meeting video 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR Story 

Christine Crawford

Craig Randall

Michael Farrell

Nick Weaver

Melvin Irwin

Sarah Mitchell

Plattsburgh, NY, November 10, 2025  – While a few more absentee ballots may arrive on or before November 12, the Clinton County Board of Elections does not anticipate any changes in the 2025 unofficial election results.

As of 11:54 AM today, the unofficial winners in the Town of Peru are:

Town Supervisor – Craig Randall was unopposed – 1,463

Superintendent of Highways – Michael Farrell 1080, Chip Blair 953

Town Councilperson (Two positions open) – Melvin Irwin 1,278 and Nick Weaver 993. Dwane Bast 963.

Town Justice – Sarah Mitchell was unopposed – 1,455

Town Clerk/Tax Collector – Christine Crawford – 1,045, Dianne Miller – 1,006

Click here for the WTEN story 

“He talked about how lonely it is to be a Black business owner living and working in the middle of the Adirondacks…”

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

Rain will change to snow for a 2-4 hour period late this afternoon into this evening. Snow may be briefly moderate to heavy in the Champlain Valley and north-central Vermont, during the evening commute (4-8 PM). Snowfall accumulation of 1-3” is expected. Allow extra time to reach your destination.

Experts warn of high cost of inaction when dealing with phosphorus pollution

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

Chili

Salad 

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!

The Peru Lions Club will again be hosting this year’s 48^th Annual John P. Adams Memorial Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 27^th.  As in the past, this is a family run event with participants of all levels and features both a 5K and 10K run starting at 9:00 a.m. The trot begins and ends at Peru Central School.

Everyone must pre-register. To do so, go to www.adirondackcoastevents.com and click on upcoming races. Scroll down and click on the “48^th Annual Peru Lions Club John P. Adams Memorial Turkey Trot” and follow the prompts for pre-registration and information.

All proceed benefit the charitable work of the Peru Lions Club. For additional information, contact Lion Larry Shanley at marciashanley@yahoo.com or Lion Ed Eisele at bigolddivot@yahoo.com. ####

Tips for getting started with simple greenhouse structures

Click here for the Adirondack Explore story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

The Adirondack Park Agency board will discuss the proposal to test-fire howitzers at its Nov. 13-14 meeting.

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

Albany, NY – Npvember 7, 2025 – “After weeks of the Trump administration putting millions of New Yorkers through chaos and confusion, following guidance from USDA, I’ve directed state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for November. We expect the first New Yorkers to begin having access to their benefits starting Sunday.

“Let me be clear, President Trump is hellbent on preventing millions of Americans from putting food on the table. He’s made decision after decision to withhold funding that feeds families, seniors and children — and continues doubling down on this cruelty by challenging the courts’ clear orders. It’s senseless and un-American and I’m working tirelessly to bring this uncertainty to an end for the nearly three million New Yorkers who rely on this program.”

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 October 27; Public Hearing for Local Law #2 of 2025 of November 5, and Public Hearing for Preliminary Budget on November 5, 2025 

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: To Approve 2026 Relevy List. 

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Work Change Directive E-PR.01 Feeder Modifications.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Work Change Directive GC-CD.02 Clearance Conflicts with PTA Bldg. Floor Hatch 

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Work Change Directive GC-CD.03 Remove/Replace Foundation Insulation; Natural Gas Relocation; Seeding/Mulching Credit; Explosion Proof Motor Enclosure.

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #4 for Peru WWTP Project. 

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #4 for Peru WWTP Project. 

13. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of K & L Plumbing & Heating Systems Pay App. #2 for Peru WWTP Project. 

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Sign 2025-2026 & 2026-2027 Clinton County Snow & Ice Agreement. 

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Install a Three-way Stop at Rockwell Rd & Blake Rd.

16. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Financial Audit Agreement. 

17. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Health Insurance Self-Pay Program Option From Excellus by the Town.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Resignation of Deputy Town Clerk as of Dec 22, 2025. 

19. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Authorizing the Peru Town Court to Apply for a JCAP Grant for the 25-26 Grant Cycle.

20. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments

21. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.

22. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

23. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay November 2025 Bills.

24. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

25. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

26. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.       

Clinton County Republican Chairperson Jerika Manning is not included in Stefanik’s list  

State Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today issued the following statement in response to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announcing her candidacy for Governor of New York State:

“I was the first state legislator to endorse Elise Stefanik when she ran for Congress in 2014. Since that time, as an Assemblyman and Senator with districts that are wholly encompassed by her Congressional District, I’ve worked directly with Congresswoman Stefanik and seen firsthand the qualities that have made her a national leader.

“Congresswoman Stefanik is a tenacious advocate on behalf of her constituents and improving their quality of life. She’s hardworking and knowledgeable on all the important issues facing our state and nation – from affordability to the economy, immigration, the ongoing crises inside our correctional facilities and public safety – and puts the needs of our families ahead of political gain. Time and again, I’ve seen Congresswoman Stefanik work with a variety of stakeholders in order to achieve solutions that will have a lasting, positive impact on our communities.

“That approach and dedication is needed now more than ever. Governor Hochul and New York City-based Democrat leaders have enacted a spate of policies that have our state spiraling in the wrong direction. With the election of Zohran Mamdani as next Mayor of New York City, it’s almost certain the governor and Democrat Legislative leaders are going to push for further taxes that drive up the costs of living and working here, further criminal justice reforms that punish law enforcement and law-abiding families and further out-of-touch policies that fail to meet our current needs.

“As the next Governor of New York State, I believe Elise Stefanik will provide the vision, determination and follow-through needed to turn our state’s prospects around. We can count on her to push for desperately needed tax relief and to address the illegal immigrant crisis that’s impacted our Northern Border and cities across the state. As our next governor, Elise Stefanik will provide the strong leadership that’s sorely needed if New York State is to reclaim its status as the Empire State.

“I’m proud to endorse Elise Stefanik for Governor of New York State. I look forward to running for re-election to the state Senate, so I can help our next governor pass and enact an agenda that will Save New York.”