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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.

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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.

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Notorious Burlington repeat offender found incompetent for trial

Click here for the WCAX story 

State and municipal forestry projects in limbo after Trump administration freezes funding

Winooski had already removed about 30 trees from its Main Street corridor when it learned that the federal government had canceled the $1 million grant that would cover the trees’ replacement—130 new street trees. 

Click here for the VTDigger story 

North Country at Work: The demanding, rewarding work of fixing HVAC systems

Click here for the NCPR story 

The Ninth Annual Evening of Healing: Stories of Strength, a unique community program

Free to the public on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Newman Center, 90 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.   

Everyone experiences pain and unexpected loss at some point in their lives. The goal of An Evening of Healing is to open communication so attendees can learn where and how to find strength, connect with people so healing can begin, and leave with a sense of hope and purpose. Members from previous panels will be in attendance, as will our new panel, who will share their stories of strength.

Members of our Evening of Healing Committee will introduce the program. Dana Jeweler, Deena Giltz McCullough, and Sally Meisenheimer will lead our panel discussions. All the committee members have experienced loss, trauma, and life events in which they struggled and consequently found ways to become stronger and more resilient.   

Our Panelists have remarkable stories of resilience and thriving and include:

• Iasia Mosley, who has a story of emerging resilient from childhood traumas

• Michele Armani-Munn, who is a suicide loss survivor.

• Thom and Jackie Hallock, who lost their infant son and created a wonderful legacy in his name. 

Jay Lasage will perform the music.

Recipients of Be The One Scholarship will accept their scholarships and present their stories. Created in 2019, these scholarships are a means to reach graduating seniors in Clinton County and ask questions related to mental health and suicide prevention. The scholarship gives individuals an opportunity to discover how they can “Be the One” to make a difference by reducing stigma, sharing stories of hope and encouragement, brainstorming creative interventions, and creating a social media campaign that can save lives.

The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is proud to co-sponsor “An Evening of Healing” with Northern Insuring Agency, the Clinton County NY Coalition to Prevent Suicide and TwinState Technologies.  This event is free and open to the public.  

Parking on-site at the Newman Center is reserved for those with mobility difficulties. All others should park in the Kehoe parking lot across the street, which can be accessed from either Broad or Rugar Street.  

If you have questions, please call Bonnie Black, chair of the Clinton County NY Coalition to Prevent Suicide, at 518-578-1612 or Dana Jeweler of the Evening of Healing Committee at 518-578-0844.

The North Country’s population continues to shrink

“Most of the population loss in the North Country is due to people moving away.”

Click here for the NCPR story 

ACW will host another session of its popular 8-week Legacy Writing Workshop at Heaven Hill Farm

LAKE PLACID — The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) will host an eight-week Legacy Writing Workshop, “What I Want You To Know,” for adults over the age of 55. The course will be held from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday, May 7 through June 25, at Heaven Hill Farm in Lake Placid.

The workshop will be led by experienced educator and author Elaine Handley. Students in this workshop will be introduced to engaging writing prompts and inspiring literary texts, as well as a supportive community. No prior experience with creative writing is necessary.

“Legacy writing, sometimes referred to as an ‘ethical will,’ is a way to preserve our values, stories, opinions, history and experiences through a creative lens,” said workshop leader Elaine Handley. “It encompasses what we wish for our loved ones to know about us and how we have navigated our lives.”

The workshop is offered at a pay-what-you-can scale of $80-$200; reserve your spot by registering at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/event/legacy-writing-workshop-2025.

“This workshop clearly struck a chord with people,” said Nathalie Thill, ACW’s executive director. “Those who attended last year raved about their experience and now we regularly see them at other ACW events, they’ve been so inspired.”

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 and Instagram.

CVPH Invites Public to Community Forum

March 31 event offers the opportunity to ask questions and provides updates on physician recruitment, workforce growth and primary care initiatives
PLATTSBURGH, NY (03/24/2025) – All are welcome to attend the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Community Forum on Monday, March 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Butcher Block Adirondack Room.
CVPH leaders will offer brief presentations highlighting physician recruitment, growing our workforce, and primary care, followed by a Q&A session. UVM Health Network President and CEO Sunny Eappen, MD, will offer opening remarks. Alice Hyde Medical Center and CVPH President Michelle LeBeau will host the event.
“This community forum is a great opportunity for the people we serve to ask questions and learn more about our vision for health care in this region. Our plan is to also offer a glimpse into some of the tremendous work underway here, with the support of our health system partners, to keep care close to home and enhance access to vital services,” said LeBeau.

Vermont falls short of climate goals, report shows

Click here for the WCAX News Story 

Northern New York state communities are feeling the impacts of reduced visitation

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, March 26, 2025  

Turkey

Gravy, Stuffing, 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!

NYSEG holds community meeting in Beekmantown to address recent billing concerns

According to the company, the cost of day-night rates in January and February were 60 to 70 percent higher than the previous year

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Assemblyman Billy Jones Recognized as NYSBDC’s ‘Legislative Small Business Champion’

Sonya Smith, director of NYSBDC, with Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was recognized as the Legislative Small Business Champion by the New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) on Wednesday in Albany. The recognition highlighted his ongoing support for small businesses across the state, as well as his service on the Assembly Small Business and Agriculture Committees.

“I am extremely grateful for this recognition,” Jones said. “Our local small businesses are the backbone of the North Country. It is no secret that I enjoy supporting them and meeting small business owners across my district to hear firsthand about their experiences and what I can do to help them as their representative. Increasing economic opportunity for these businesses is one of my priorities down here in Albany, and I am thankful that my work is having an impact.”

Sonya Smith, the NYSBDC state director, was excited to recognize Jones’ work. “Assemblyman Jones’ support for the NY Small Business Development Center and its mission to provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs has made a meaningful impact on businesses statewide,” Smith said. “We celebrate his leadership and dedication to ensuring that small businesses, especially those in rural areas, receive the support they need to grow and succeed.”

NYSBDC provide business advisement, training, and research to small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state. NYSBDC was in Albany on Wednesday to celebrate National Small Business Development Center Day.

Adirondack Paddling Symposium set for June 13-16

SARANAC LAKE, NY — Registration is open for the 2025 Adirondack Paddling Symposium, June 13-16 in Saranac Lake, NY.

Presented by NRS and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), the Symposium is a comprehensive weekend of paddling instruction for beginners and intermediates, and includes course tracks for kayaks, pack boats and canoes. The Harrietstown Town Hall in downtown Saranac Lake serves as the Symposium’s headquarters.

“Working with paddlers to help them develop their skills has been a joy for our team,” said NFCT Trustee Danny Mongno, who is also field marketing manager at NRS. “Our symposium is designed to help folks feel safe and confident on the water, maximizing their enjoyment and hopefully leading to more adventures.”

The Symposium begins on Friday, June 13, with introductions, meet-and-greet, gear outfitting, dinner and evening programming. Additional instruction takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, with optional tours on Monday, June 16. Instruction takes place on land, in the pool at North Country Community College and in area water bodies including Lower Saranac Lake, the Saranac River, Lake Colby and Lake Flower.

The Adirondack Paddling Symposium is presented by NRS and the NFCT and sponsored by Aqua-Bound, Bending Branches, Wenonah and Werner Paddles. Community partners include the Town of Harrietstown, Celebrate Paddling ADK, Explore Adirondack Frontier and Bitters & Bones. Additional support is provided by local outfitters and retailers: Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Mac’s Canoe Livery, Raquette River Outfitters and Hornbeck Boats.

For more information, including registration, details on lodging, courses, gear rentals and more, visit adirondackpaddlingsymposium.com or contact Danny Mongno at 518-524-4117 or info@adkpaddlingsymposium.com.

The Adirondack Paddling Symposium takes place during Celebrate Paddling ADK, a month-long festival featuring presentations and discussions at local establishments, river cleanups and paddling activities on nearby waters. To learn more and for a full schedule of activities, visit celebratepaddlingadk.com.

About NRS

Since 1972, NRS has been dedicated to providing the equipment, expertise and inspiration that empowers adventure on the water. To learn more, visit nrs.com.

About the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a nonprofit organization that maintains and promotes the 740-mile water trail that runs from Old Forge, NY, to Fort Kent, Maine, and connects New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire and Maine. The trail showcases the mix of landscapes and communities currently lining the traditional routes used by Indigenous peoples, settlers and guides. It is the longest inland water trail in the nation and consists of 23 rivers and streams, 59 lakes and ponds, 45 communities, and 65 portages. To learn more, visit northernforestcanoetrail.org.

Rotary Club of Plattsburgh pledges $50,000 donation to the local YMCA Project

March 20, 2025 – (Plattsburgh, N.Y.): What started as discussions among local Rotarians quickly turned into a community donation from its members at yesterday’s Rotary meeting! President Ed Kirby announced that over the next five years, the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club will be pledging a $50,000.00 donation! 

The news was announced after the Rotary Board unanimously approved the project donation. It will be a team effort to raise the funds and a donation that will largely impact the YMCA. The 2025 donation amount will be $25,000.00, and the incoming Presidents of Rotary will be responsible for helping raise the $5,000.00 for the following 4 years. (Incoming Presidents) who will help raise the remaining $20,000.00 include Betsy Vicencio, VP and CFO of the Northeast Group; Kerry Haley, the Associate VP of Philanthropy at CVPH; Anna Hewitt-Channell, Business Development and Marketing Manager at DFCU; Justin Ihne, CEO of YMCA.)

“Our members completely amazed me today with the overwhelming support of this proposal.  This donation is what Rotary is all about,” President Ed Kirby shared. 

Justin Ihne, CEO of the YMCA and a Rotarian, was thrilled and honored to hear fellow Rotarians wanted to be so involved with this Capital Campaign Project. When he heard the news on Wednesday, he formally thanked everyone.

Plattsburgh Rotary Club is a service club that meets every Wednesday at MHAB Life Skills Campus Dining Hall at 12:00 pm. Noon Rotary is one of the three largest clubs in the district, and it has over 100 members. If you are interested in becoming a member and giving back to your community, come join us at a meeting or visit their website today! www.portal.clubrunner.ca/1408

Update: March 20 Keeseville fire claims two lives

Elizabeth Shalton and William Regazzi identified as victims of the overnight fire on Margaret Street

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 55,000 TICKETS ISSUED DURING STATEWIDE IMPAIRED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT MOBILIZATION

55,661 Tickets Issued Statewide for Various Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations

1,224 Tickets Issued Statewide for Impaired Driving

March 21, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced law enforcement agencies throughout the State issued 55,661 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,224 tickets for impaired driving, during a statewide mobilization targeting impaired drivers before, during and after St. Patrick’s Day. The enforcement period ran from March 10-17. 

“Public safety is my number one priority, and alongside our partners in law enforcement, we’re cracking down on dangerous and illegal driving that puts our communities at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll always stand up to protect the people of New York, and I encourage everyone to drive responsibly over holidays, celebrations and beyond.”

During the campaign, State and local law enforcement officers utilized sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The statewide initiative was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC).

AG won’t charge Onondaga County deputy who shot and killed two teens in stolen car

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

After long wait, Elise Stefanik to be confirmed as UN ambassador in early April

Click here for the NCPR Story 

How the Education Department cuts could hurt low-income and rural schools

Click here for the NCPR story 

AGENDA – Peru Town Board Regular Meeting, Monday, March 24 at 6 p.m.

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call
  1. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of March 10, 2025, and Special Meeting of March 18, 2025. 
  1. Community Input. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Clinton County Youth Bureau Contract.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Loan Money from the General Fund for the Temporary Partial Payment of the 2025 Western Star Plow Truck.
  1. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Culvert Project Engineering Update. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval to Hire a Property Appraiser for the Jenkins St.

 Property.  

  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Town Council.
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Dept. Heads.
  1. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – March 2025
  1. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.
  1. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 
  1. MOTION:     Adjourn.

US to restrict Canadian access to historic Vermont library straddling northern border

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Honoring the 2025 Irish Person of the Year: Bill Meyers

L-R Matt Boire, Bill Meyers, Gary Douglas

Chamber of Commerce News 

A highlight of the event is the presentation of the Irish Person of the Year Award, recognizing individuals who exemplify exceptional dedication to volunteerism in business, community, or civic activities. This year, we proudly honored Bill Meyers, Market Area Manager at Casella Waste Systems.

Bill’s unwavering commitment to community service and leadership made him a standout choice. A devoted husband to Wendy and father to Connor and Hannah, Bill values family deeply. His impact extends far beyond his professional role—he has been an active member of the Chamber for years, serving as Board Chair in 2021, guiding the organization and its members through the challenges of the pandemic.

Bill is known for fostering strong relationships, mentoring young professionals, and sharing insights on teamwork and employee development. His leadership extends into the community, where he is a passionate supporter of SUNY Plattsburgh’s athletic programs, a sponsor and coach for the Mariners, and a dedicated volunteer across numerous organizations.

He is an active member of United Way, where he was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2024, and contributes his time and efforts to Adirondack Health, the CVPH Foundation, Elmore SPCA, and various youth athletic programs.

His generosity, dedication, and community spirit make him a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Irish Person of the Year Award.

“Bill Meyers is a perfect honoree,” said Garry Douglas, Chamber President. “He’s unassuming and truly committed to our area, its people, and so many good causes. His community service includes leading the Chamber during the pandemic, providing steady support for our team as we looked to help our business community through uncharted waters. Congratulations to Bill on this highly deserved recognition and our thanks for all that he has done and continues to do.”

Special Thanks to Our Contributors

The North Country Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt gratitude to Matt Boire for his incredible efforts in writing, scripting, and delivering a show filled with laughter and charm.

We also recognize Chris Boire of Boire Benner Group for his generous contributions in videography and editing, producing high-quality skits that kept the audience entertained. Chris’s creativity and enthusiasm brought an extra layer of fun to the event.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. We hope you enjoyed the celebration as much as we did and look forward to carrying on this wonderful tradition for years to come.

 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Stew
Fruit
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!

High winds and possble flooding today

Sunday, March 16, 2025 National Weather Service – Burlington, 6 a.m.
Southerly wind gusts up to 35-55 mph are anticipated throughout the day. When rain begins this evening, winds will decrease, though excessive runoff of rain and snowmelt may flood rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Wanted in VT, Armed and dangerous man arrested in New York after manhunt

Gardner now faces several felony charges in New York.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story