The Peru Gazette

Events held at Malone, Saranac Lake and Ticonderoga campuses

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Amish Harvest Stew 

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!

Saturday, December 6th from 9am to 4pm

Celebrate the season and support local artisans at our festive Holiday Bazaar! Whether you are searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want to enjoy the holiday spirit, this event is the perfect way to kick off December.
• Unique hand-forged items from the Museum’s blacksmith shop
• Handmade crafts, jewelry, vintage treasures and books
• Intuitive readings
• A festive Christmas table and delicious baked goods
• Free coffee and hot cocoa to warm your visit!
Babbie Museum Main Building
250 River Road, Peru, NY
Admission: $1.00 OR donation of canned goods to support our local food banks

Dammit, a loon on her way south for the winter, was stuck with significant wounds and infection, that is, until a team of rehabilitation experts found her

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Neil Battinelli (L) and Clinton Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick

Clinton Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick and Jason Borrie ’99

PLATTSBURGH — The Clinton Community College Foundation has announced the recipients of the Maureen Moll: Excellence in Community Theatre Award, honoring individuals who exemplify the spirit and dedication of Maureen Moll, a leader in local performing arts whose influence spanned nearly five decades.

Moll believed in the transformative power of community theatre and how it brings people together to create, perform and celebrate the arts. From 1965 to 2013, her leadership and passion shaped countless productions, fostering friendships and building a vibrant cultural legacy that continues today.

In 2012, members of Plattsburgh Little Theatre, including William D. Laundry, Frederick G. Smith, Judith Heintz, Vicky Sloan and Lee Ann Thomas, entrusted Clinton Community College Foundation with funds to preserve Moll’s legacy. Clinton was a natural choice, given its longstanding collaboration with local theatre groups, including Plattsburgh Little Theatre, Adirondack Regional Theatre and Artistry Community Theatre.

This year’s award celebrates two outstanding contributors to the arts:

• Neil Battinelli, recognized for his exceptional work with Adirondack Regional Theatre, has directed acclaimed productions such as 12 Angry Jurors and The Play That Goes Wrong. Neil’s innovative “Pick-Up Plays” series offers free monthly play readings, expanding access to theatre and fostering community engagement.
• Jason Borrie, Clinton Class of 1999, honored for his contributions to Artistry Community Theatre, has worn many hats—actor, director, set designer and board member. Jason directs student productions in the Northeastern Clinton Central School District and co-founded the improv group Completely Stranded, using performance to support local causes. His service as a Town of Champlain councilperson reflects his deep commitment to both the arts and public service.

The Maureen Moll Award links a rich history of community performance, from the Plattsburgh Airbase in 1965 to today’s thriving theatre organizations and celebrates the enduring impact of live theatre on our region.

“Community theatre thrives because of people like Maureen Moll, who believed that creativity brings people together,” said Clinton Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Steve Frederick. “We are proud to celebrate her legacy and the invaluable contributions of Neil and Jason in our community.”

For more information about the Clinton Community College Foundation, visit www.clinton.edu/alumni-and-foundation.

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Loon Lake residents sue APA, companies over alleged subdivision site clearing

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Peru, NY, November 24, 2025 – On Wednesday, November 19, the Peru Town Board held a Special Meeting aimed at approving the final budget for 2026. Instead, the board, including the supervisor, voted to forgo their planned 3% salary increase. Although this decision is largely symbolic in the context of the town’s $2 million General Budget, the board wanted to convey a message of solidarity with taxpayers. In 2026, Town Board members will receive $9,639, while the Town Supervisor will earn $34,020.

Supervisor Craig Randall noted that the Final Budget will exceed the state-mandated 2% tax cap by approximately $150,000, mainly due to rising health insurance costs, increases in retirement fund contributions, difficulty in forecasting sales tax revenues, and necessary culvert repairs. Property owners in the water and sewer district will experience a slight tax decrease, as the town completed payment on a long-term bond this year. However, this reduction is expected to be temporary due to ongoing upgrades at both the wastewater treatment plant and planned upgrades at the water treatment plant.

The General Budget encompasses various expenses, including payments for the town board and supervisor, administrative support, the town clerk/tax collector, codes and zoning, youth programs, parks, town library, town court, and the highway superintendent’s, deputy superintendent’s  salaries and more. The operating expenses for the Highway Department are accounted for in the highway department budget.

The tax rates for 2026 are as follows:
– Town General: $1.69/M, compared to $1.43/M in 2025.
– Town Highway: $1.80/M, compared to $1.73/M in 2025.
– Town Water #1, #2, #3: $0.86/M, compared to $1.03/M in 2025.
– Town Sewer #1: $1.54/M, compared to $1.97/M in 2025.

Although tax rates are steady or even lower, this can be misleading given the historical increases in assessed property values. The total taxable value of property in Peru rose from $641,811,736 last year to $662,288,572, reflecting an increase of about $20.5 million. The General Budget anticipates $1.2 million in property taxes, while the Highway Budget expects $1.297 million.

The board approved two minor budget changes at its November 24 meeting. They will be detailed in the Peru Gazette’s meeting story.

11/24/25 9:30 P.M. The Gazette described the General Budget in greater detail. 

Click here to view a previous Peru Gazette story on the 2026 budget. It includes a link to the full Preliminary Budget which differs little from the Final Budget. 

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of November 10, 2025 and Public Hearing of November 19, 2025.

5. Community Input.

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Filing of TE-9a or Speed Reduction Form on Fox

Farm Rd.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Amend Resolution for JCAP Grant Request Amount.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Payment to Resident for Damages Due to Plugged

Sewer Manhole Issue.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Compensating Town Justice Scott Thurber for

Covering Judge Kirby’s Court.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: 202-b Order for the Peru Water Treatment Facilities Upgrade.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Bond Resolution for the Peru Water Treatment Facilities

Upgrade.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Hiring of Brooks Investigations LLC for Court Security.

13. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Project Engineering Update.

14. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Town Council.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Dept. Heads.

16. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

17. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay Bills – November 2025

18. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

19. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.

20. MOTION: Adjourn.

Lisa Pent, founder of PentEdge, a technology-based financial advising company, advocates for establishing similar businesses in the Adirondacks

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Peru, November 23, 2025 –  On September 22, 2025, The Gazette posted a video and story describing Adirondack Farms’ use of drones to plant winter rye seeds in the midst of its corn fields. The rye is prospering as you’ll see in this November 22 video. It poked through the soil several weeks ago. Click here to view the YouTube Video.

Here’s the September 22 story.

By John T Ryan

“What in the world is happening?” I asked myself this morning as I approached a pickup truck-trailer towing a platform and a grain bin. Then I saw the largest drone I’ve ever seen land on the platform. Drone operator Alex Menard stated, “I’m planning a cover crop.”

Adirondack Farms co-owner Jon Rulfs explained, “We bought two drones this year. We’re planting approximately 1,500 acres of winter rye, with drones planting many of those acres. If we plant after harvesting a crop, we use a seed drill.” Before drones, small airplanes dropped the seed.

Rulfs noted that cover crops, such as winter rye, help reduce erosion, especially on sloped fields, while also helping the soil retain fertilizer and capture nutrients. He added that Adirondack Farms plants about 7,000 acres of corn in Peru and at its Moffitt Road farms in Plattsburgh.

The St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen will not serve a meal this week. Several volunteer cooks are traveling to visit families or have families visiting. Last week, they served 354 Thanksgiving dinners. They hope everyone enjoyed the meals and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Students from around New York and Vermont met at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake for this year’s Adirondack Youth Climate Summit

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Whiteface, Gore open for limited skiing ahead of holidays

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Marjorie Meyer MD.

Cheung Wong, MD

Susan Rech MD

Improving access and offering specialize care supports team’s commitment to providing quality care closer to hom 

Nov. 19, 2025, Plattsburgh, NY – With several new providers, expanded hours and additional clinic space, CVPH OB-GYN is making it easier for women and families across the region to get the care they need.

Over the past few months, the practice has welcomed David Coggin-Carr, MD, Ashley LaForest, PA, Marjorie Meyer, MD, Sue Rech, MD, Jessica Scott, NP and Cheung Wong, MD.  They join the dynamic team of physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners and support staff at CVPH OB-GYN including:  Teddi Bachawaty, MD, Caroline Hamel, MD,  Manal El Daouk, MD, Molly Mentzer, MD, Julia Marsala, MD, Delaney Osborn, MD,  Rebecca Parad, MD, Kayla Rumack, MD, Jessica Veltkamp, MD, Karen Case, CNM, Linda Johnston, CNM and Bridget Sarazen, CNM.

As a gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Wong specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian, uterine, cervical and vulva cancers.  Maternal fetal medicine specialists Drs. Coggin-Carr and Meyer provide care for pregnant women who may have existing health problems, like high blood pressure or diabetes or complications during pregnancy.

“This growth allows us to care for more patients without delay and provide advanced OB-GYN services locally, strengthening the connection between our team and the community,” noted Dr. Bachawaty, who leads the CVPH OB-GYN site.

“Our skilled clinicians at CVPH are working hard to improve access for patients in need. They deliver excellent, compassionate care with a focus on the individual patient and their unique situation. The new providers joining the team will augment these efforts,” said Jeffrey Peipert, MD, OB-GYN Department Chair of University of Vermont Health.

Weekend, Evening Appointments
The team has expanded their schedules to include weekend and evening appointment hours for gynecology patients. Bobbie Belrose, CVPH OB-GYN practice supervisor said the extended hours offer patients additional appointment options and allows more patients to be seen sooner.

The practice has also added additional exam rooms in space located across from the current office at Suite 105 in 206 Cornelia Street. Belrose explained that the expansion supports the team’s commitment to ensuring timely access and enhancing convenience.

 “Our goal is and always will be to give each person we care for the highest quality care – care that meets their needs.  We’ve been through a period of extraordinary growth and our team has done its best to keep pace. The addition of these new members to the team, the additional space and everyone’s commitment to our patients is making a difference,” explained Belrose.

Peru High School teacher Rich Hathaway

Institute for Advanced Manufacturing

Don and Diane Haight

Isaac, Rich and Kristi Hathaway

A beautiful sight, indeed!

If someone has a name for this individual please email me at perugazette@gmail.com

Saturday, Nov. 2025 – Plattsburgh – The sun shined and atmosphere was casual and joyous this morning at 8:40 a.m. at the Regional Food Bank Thanksgiving Meal Distribution at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at the Clinton Community College’s former Campus. More volunteers than expected arrived at 7 a.m.. By 8:15 a.m., they had 350 Thanksgiving meals bagged outside the Institute for distribution, on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution started at 9:15 a.m., when the vehicle line-up wasn’t long, but traffic flow was continuous.  Distribution was to continue until all the meal supply was exhausted. 

Several Peru residents were present, including members of the Peru Lions Club and others who just wanted to help out. Kristi Hathaway said a flyer circulated at Peru Central on Friday seeking volunteers.  Don and Diane Haight said they were there as members of the Interfaith Food Shelf. 

This year, the Regional Food Bank, with the help of 2,500 community volunteers, will provide the largest single-day Thanksgiving Meal Distribution in New York State, handing out 350,000 meals, serving 75,000 people at 21 distribution sites across the 23 counties in the Food Bank’s service area.

Read the Peru Gazette’s first and more detailed story on this Regional Food Bank program here. 

(Photo Provided) Peru Lions Club members and spouses. (L-R) Dave Dalton, Dave Jabaut, Larry Shanley, Dennis & Kathy Carrier, Clare Dalton, Jim Kieslich

Local community leaders turned out to support teh volunteers – L-R Don Deragon, Mark Henry, Judy Baughn, Michael Cashman, Billy Jones and Paul Lamoy.

Jen Williams, a devoted volunteer in Westport committed to making the community cleaner and safer

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L-R St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 Deputy Grand Knight Gordon Santor, Peru Intermediate School Nurse Melissa Dupras, and Council Coats For Kids Chairman John Ryan

Peru, November 21, 2025 – St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 has been bringing new children’s winter coats to Peru Central’s Primary and Intermediate Schools since 2013. Then, last year school nurses said they had another need – winter boots, so the knights responded by bringing 12 pairs of boys’ and girls’ boots. This year, they brought 16 pairs of boots and six jackets. When LuAnn Santor, an officer in the Catholic Daughters at St. Augustine’s Parish, learned that her husband, Gordon (Gordy), was going to the school, she asked, “Would you bring knitted hats that Crafters For Charity and others donated to the Catholic Daughters?” There were dozens of hats. School nurses say they will have everything available on teachers’ conference day and anytime students need them. As outside temperatures drop, the need will grow.

Since 2013, the Peru Knights have delivered 281 jackets and 28 pairs of boots to Peru Elementary School. Councils in the United States and Canada have distributed over 1.8 million jackets since the Coats For Kids program’s inception in 2009.

New 106,000-Square-Foot Facility to Support Growing Enrollment and Program Offerings

 Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) BOCES today announced plans for a major facility expansion in Essex County to meet the growing demand for educational programs and services. The proposed new building will replace the current CVES Mineville campus, originally built in 1969, and will provide expanded capacity for Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Special Education programs.

Over the past several years, enrollment at the CVES BOCES Essex campus has more than doubled, pushing the 55,000-square-foot facility to maximum capacity. With no available space to grow and faced with financial demands for facility maintenance on the current building, CVES BOCES is moving forward with plans to construct a modern, 106,000-square-foot building within approximately one mile of the current location in the Town of Moriah.

“This project represents an exciting and necessary step forward for CVES BOCES and the students and communities we serve,” said Dr. Mark Davey, District Superintendent of CVES BOCES. “As we align our work with New York Inspires and our regional Portrait of a Graduate, this expansion embodies our shared commitment to reimagining learning for the next generation. Our students deserve high-quality, future-ready environments that promote innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning. This project will allow us to meet the growing enrollment needs and expand access to Career & Technical Education and specialized programs that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life — while strengthening our North Country workforce and communities.”

The project will not only replace an aging 1969 structure but will also provide new opportunities for instructional innovation and community partnerships.

Dr. Eric Bell, Deputy Superintendent of CVES BOCES, added, “Our programs have outgrown our current space, and this expansion will open the door to new possibilities. Moreover, the costs of maintaining the current facility for another decade would far exceed the value we’d gain. Building new through this lease agreement allows us to provide students with state-of-the-art learning spaces at a significantly lower cost per square foot, and because the lease is 100% aidable through BOCES, it’s an efficient and responsible solution for our districts and taxpayers. This is an investment in both education and the future of our region’s workforce.”

Project Timeline

• Design Phase: November 2025 – September 2026
• Submission to NYSED for Review: January 2026
• Groundbreaking: Fall 2026
• Opening of New Building: July 2028

The new facility will be developed through a lease agreement with the Community Initiatives Development Corporation (CIDC), following the same successful arrangement used for the new CVES CTE Center in Plattsburgh. Preliminary financial estimates for a 20-year lease project a year one cost of $3.1 million, shared among CVES BOCES’ 16 component districts. New York State will reimburse districts more than $2 million of this amount through BOCES aid.

The Town of Moriah and Essex County leadership have been strong partners of CVES throughout this process. “This project is a win for our community and for our young people,” said Matthew Brassard, Supervisor of the Town of Moriah. “Education is the foundation of a strong local economy, and we’re proud to support CVES BOCES as they invest in a modern facility right here in Moriah. The new building will not only enhance educational opportunities but also strengthen our town’s connection to regional workforce development and economic development.”

Once completed, the modernized campus will enhance learning environments, allow for expanded CTE programming, and increase capacity for specialized education services—ensuring that CVES BOCES continues to meet the evolving educational and workforce needs of the region.

“The CVES Mineville campus has long been a cornerstone of opportunity for students in Essex County,” said Dr. Davey. “This new facility represents an exciting investment in our region’s future. It will support the next generation of learners in developing the essential skills, mindsets, and experiences for decades to come.  Together with our districts, communities, and partners, we are building pathways that inspire every student to achieve their full potential.”

The existing CVES Mineville Campus building will be sold as part of the overall facility plan once the new campus is operational.

Cooks served 354 complete turkey dinners on Wednesday

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