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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.

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Syracuse fires basketball coach Adrian Autry after 3 seasons and no NCAA bids

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

NYSSMA students from Ti and Peru visit the Capitol

Young musicians applauded for their talent and hard work

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Ice jams and flooding wreak havoc across Northern N.Y.

Evacuations underway along the Saranac River in Morrisonville Tuesday morning

Click here for the Sun Comunity News story 

Ice jam causes minor flooding in Ausable Forks

Click here for the NCPR story 

As momentum grows for workforce housing, $3.5 million bridges North Country gaps

Clinton County is included in the program 

Click here for the NCPR story 

A Quieter Budget Battle on Criminal Justice and Prison Reform

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Saranac Lake restricts police cooperation with ICE

New policy builds on last year’s debate over using local resources for immigration enforcement

Click here for the Adirondack Explore story 

Whiteface hit-and-run skiing accidents raise safety concerns

Two separate incidents left a child and senior seriously injured

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Growing up on Maplegrand Farms, Jarvis Road, Peru, NY

Peru Historian Helen Nerska talks with Robert, James and Melvin Irwin, owners of Maplegrand Farms and 3rd generation farmers in the Town of Peru

Click here to view the YouTube Video recorded by the Peru Gazette. 

CVPH Blood Drive – Monday, March 16

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, March 16, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. 

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region.  Your neighbors appreciate and need your support. 

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates the blood drive.

DEC Announces 2026 Exam Dates for Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Licenses

Albany, March 9, 2026 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking licenses for falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these examinations online and free of charge,” DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This process makes it easier for individuals to meet examination requirements, apply for a license, and interact with wildlife safely and responsibly.”

The 2 hour exam can be completed any time between 7 am and 11 pm on the assigned date.

2026 Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog License Examination Schedule

Exam Date:

Exam Times:

Registration Must Be Received by:

March 20, 2026

7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

March 19, 2026

June 5, 2026*

7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

June 4, 2026

August 7, 2026*

7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

August 6, 2026

October 9, 2026*

7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

October 8, 2026

*Please note: Registration for the June, August, and October exams will open the week following the previous exam date.

To register, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit Exams Registration website.

Individuals can apply for more than one license. For each exam, applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the specific exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send the application or license fee prior to passing the exam.

Apprentice Falconry License
Birds of prey are protected species and cannot be possessed without a license or other authorization from DEC. Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American Kestrel or a Red-tailed Hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:

  • score 80% or higher on the written exam;
  • be at least 14 years of age;
  • possess a valid New York State hunting license;
  • maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors; and
  • be a resident of New York State.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Falconry License” webpage. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:

  • score 80% or higher on the written exam,
  • be at least 16 years of age,
  • be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff, and
  • be a resident of New York State.

 A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Wildlife Rehabilitator License” webpage. There is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitator license.

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License
Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must:

  • score 80% or higher on the written exam, and
  • possess a valid New York State hunting license.

 A leashed tracking dog handler study guide is available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Leashed Tracking Dog License” webpage. While the exam is free, first-time license applicants have a non-refundable $25 license application fee. The five-year leashed tracking dog handler license is $50.

For questions or assistance, contact DEC’s Special Licenses Unit:
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752
Phone: 518-402-8985; Fax: 518-402-8925
Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov

Beta will fly in Vermont as part of federal push for electric aircraft

“Beta plans to partner with medical helicopter operator Metro Aviation to transport medical equipment across Lake Champlain, among other missions.”

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Macaroni, Cheese, & Ham
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!

Could a bike trail link NYC to the heart of the Adirondacks?

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Historic Fort William Henry in Lake George offers unique reenactments, and exhibits to celebrate the fort’s 270th anniversary

Click here for he Adirondack Almanac story 

Car crashes into Trader Joe’s store in South Burlington

Click here for the MSN story 

Ausable Chasm March 7 vs. March 8, 2026

Click here to view the Peru Gazette video 

The Peru Knights are ready to serve you today!

Peru Library: March 14 Opening Reception for Renee Gifford Art Exhibit

Renée Gifford is a local self-taught artist. She is inspired by nature and uses vibrant colors to portray different themes in an abstract, but natural way. Most paintings are very textured and colorful.

AGENDA – TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING , MARCH  9, 2026 @ 6.p.m.

Call Meeting to Order

  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call 
  1. 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; and Banking Reports, JCEO);
  1. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing of February 23 and Regular Meeting of February 23, 2026.
  1. Community Input. 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve C & S Engineers Supplemental Consultant Agreement No. 1 for the Telegraph Rd. Over Dry Mill Brook Project.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Emergency Purchase of a Gould Pump Housing, Impellor and Power for the Peru WWTP.

 

  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Resignation from Member of Board of Assessment Review.
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP Project. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP Project. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Change Directive M-CD.01 by K & L Plumbing & Heating.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Highway Dept. to Purchase Computer to Diagnose Trucks.
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  C & S – Telegraph Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Update.
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Town Board.
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads.
  1. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay February 2026 Bills.
  1. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.
  1. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 
  1. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

MUSH with Noggin, the Sled Dog

Safety risks led Army branch to drop support for howitzer testing in 2023

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

March 14 Shamrock Shuffle Benefits CVPH Child Psychiatry Unit


CVPH Foundation, Adk. Coast Events team up for the community’s first 5K of 2026 

Plattsburgh, NY, March 5, 2026 –   –   Proceeds for the 2026 Shamrock Shuffle 5k planned for Saturday, March 14 at Valcour Brewing Company will benefit University of Vermont Health – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Inpatient Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Unit.  The event starts at 11 am and participants can get their shamrock-themed bib beginning at 10.
Sponsored by the CVPH Foundation and Adirondack Coast Events, the event starts and ends at Valcour Brewing in a two-loop race that creates a flat and fast route. Registration fee is $27.50 and can be completed online at AdirondackCoastEvents.com.

Participants are encouraged to dress in their finest St. Patty’s Day gear. Prizes for the top male and female finishers and best costume will be awarded. The first 50 finishers (21 +) get a free beer courtesy of Valcour Brewing.

The CVPH Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Unit team cares for children and teens age 6 to 18 who are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms. The dedicated team of professionals provides individualized treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, and coordinated support aimed at stabilizing symptoms and promoting emotional well‑being. As part of a comprehensive discharge process, they also connect patients and families with appropriate community‑based and outpatient services, ensuring ongoing care, access to local resources, and a seamless transition back to home, school, and everyday life.

For more information call at (518) 314-3359 or email msenecal@cvph.org. Learn more about the Foundation at UVMHealth.org/CVPHFoundation.

Grand Isle man charged with attempted murder after allegedly running over sheriff’s deputy

Click here for teh Vermont Public story 

Peru Drama Club presents Footloose: The Musical

Three days, four shows March 19-21

Click here for the Sun Community News story