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Town of Piercefield, St. Lawrence County Wilderness Rescue: On July 13 at 1:19 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to a call for a subject who collapsed on the Mount Arab trail in Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. Forest Ranger Shea and Tupper Lake EMS hiked in and located the 75-year-old from Honeoye Falls approximately half a mile up the trail. The hiker was conscious but could not walk and had trouble speaking. Due to the hiker’s condition and location, New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation responded. NYSP Pilot Sergeant Beck flew Rangers Martin and Savarie to the location. Ranger Savarie lowered Ranger Martin to assist harnessing the patient. Ranger Savarie successfully hoisted the subject into the helicopter. Sergeant Beck flew to a nearby landing zone, where the patient was transferred to a Tupper Lake Ambulance. Resources were clear at 3:20 p.m.
Town of Keene, Essex County Wildland Fire: On July 13 at 2:10 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a report of smoke on Sawteeth Mountain. Six Forest Rangers responded to the fire at Marble Point lookout. The fire is approximately 3,549 feet in elevation and measuring approximately 0.25 acres. Rangers worked with New York State Police Aviation in the coming days. The fire continues to smolder in the ground, Rangers are patrolling it daily.
Sawteeth Mountain fire
Sawteeth Mountain fire
Town of Great Valley, Cattaraugus County Law Enforcement: On July 13, while training on State Land, Forest Rangers observed two people on an ATV and a dirt bike, riding without helmets. Rangers tried to stop them, but both subjects pulled off into the woods and ran off. Rangers tracked them to their residence and issued 12 tickets for observed violations.
Illegal dirt bike and ATV use
Town of Harrietstown, Franklin County Plane Crash: On July 13 at 11:40 p.m., Forest Ranger Adams responded to assist Saranac Lake Fire Department with the search for a possible downed civilian aircraft near the Lake Clear Airport. On July 14 at 2:25 a.m., they located the plane on private property adjacent to the Adirondack Rail Trail between Route 186 and McMaster Road. They found three people, ages 70, 33, and 2, deceased. Six Rangers assisted New York State Police (NYSP) with the recovery and carryout of the crash victims. NYSP, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. Read more »
This week late Monday night/early Tuesday morning I lost a woman’s long, wallet between the Dollar General and thrift markets. (The Gazette deleted the color for verification purposes)
If found please email the Peru Gazette at perugazette@gmail.com. …
Ausable Point, Peru, NY – People enjoy Ausable Point in so many ways. This time of year, the campground, especially campsites along Lake Champlain’s shoreline, are occupied. Locals, like myself, enjoy the sights and sounds along the road leading from Route 9 to the campground. Most days, at least two gentlemen are in their pickups, talking about who knows what. Others quietly look out at the lake. One man told me he’s been coming there every morning for years.
In the nearby open water bordering Ausable Marsh, fathers and sons often stand side-by-side fishing. This morning a man and woman fished as Canada goose families swam towards Lake Champlain.
Across the road, overlooking Lake Champlain, a man stood in his boat casting his fishing pole into the reeds. At the small boat launch area, two ladies talked as they launched their canoes for a paddle in the nearby marsh. Not far away, an Osprey mother high atop her utility pole nest was feeding her babies.
Witnessing all this is not a bad way to begin your day.
Peru, NY, July 24, 2026 – On July 13, 2026, the Town Board duly passed a resolution, 326.07-13.07, to amend the building permit fees for residential, commercial, planning & zoning, and miscellaneous fees. The town adopted the existing fee schedule on June 25, 2022. Residents will have an opportunity to comment at a public hearing to be conducted on Monday, July 17 at 5:45 p.m. at the Peru Town Hall.
Today, Code Enforcement Officer Duane Bibeau told the Peru Gazette, “Not all items were increased. We have added minimums for some items to reflect smaller project size accurately. Also, we changed some fees to be based on square footage to help assign fees more accurately to project size. We were missing some area for fees that were previously just listed under another permit class. This will help to clarify when running reports for the state.”
“The Public Service Commission (PSC) is levying fines against NYSEG and National Grid, among other utility companies throughout the state, for failing to meet quality service and customer service standards.”
“The North Country knows how damaging these drops in service quality and lack of customer care are. Reinstating services after service interruptions, little customer service accessibility, and continuing to see increased rates despite these issues is a smack in the face. While I am glad to see that they will see some repercussions for their recent poor scores in this PSC survey, this is just another affirmation that something needs to be done.”
“These utility companies have had record-breaking profits while New Yorkers struggle to keep their lights on, and it is far past time for action. I will continue to fight for reforms that hold them accountable. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to continue the fight for relief and to push back against these out-of-control utility companies.”
NYSEG, RG&E, Central Hudson, National Grid, Liberty Utilities Failed to Meet Metrics
ALBANY, July 16, 2026 – The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) announced a combined $50.1 million in penalties against five utilities that failed to meet their 2025 customer service standards. The action came as the Commission received an update from Department of Public Service staff on multiple New York electric, gas, and water utilities’ annual customer service performances for 2025.
While five utilities were found to have missed their performance standards, six others met theirs and provided adequate customer service to New Yorkers.
“Utilities provide services which are vital to public health, welfare, and New York’s economy,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “By approving incentives and enforcing consequences for utilities to meet customer service performance targets, the Commission ensures utilities uphold customer experience as a priority by design.”
NYSEG, RG&E, Central Hudson, National Grid, and Liberty Utilities failed to meet their minimum performance standards. These deficiencies result in negative revenue adjustments (NRAs), which are designed to incentivize better customer service performance by reducing a utility’s shareholder earnings.
NRAs are either automatically credited to customers under each utility’s respective rate plan or deferred until the next rate case as regulatory liabilities that the Commission can use to offset a portion of the utility’s revenue requirement during some future period for the benefit of customers. The Commission-adopted rate plans for each utility specify the metrics against which the utility’s performance will be assessed, the thresholds at which the utility would incur an NRA, and the accounting treatment for any incurred NRAs.
In addition to the required annual Customer Service Performance Indicator (CSPI) reports, a subset of utilities file monthly CSPI reports, which staff of the Department of Public Service uses to track and monitor a utility’s progress and performance on various metrics throughout the calendar year in order to ensure the fair and appropriate treatment of utility customers. Beyond confirming whether an NRA should be assessed, Staff’s annual audits review the accuracy of the utilities’ reported data and uncover any potential shortcomings or improvements that should be addressed in utility processes or procedures. Staff made 14 total recommendations as part of the 2025 annual audit, including suggestions related to data validation, granularity of reported data, and enhancing customer feedback channels.
Beginning in 2024, all major utilities subject to NRA mechanisms associated with their customer service performance have utilized a basis point system to determine customer service-related NRA values. Basis point values are equivalent to a change of one-hundredth of one percent of the equity portion of a utility’s rate base. Basis point values allow for the corresponding incentive dollar amounts to change year over year according to the relative size and characteristics of each utility, rather than remaining at a fixed dollar value.
Each of the following utilities failed to meet at least one of their customer service performance metrics in 2025:
New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) failed to meet its Customer Satisfaction Survey metric, resulting in an NRA of 19 basis points or approximately $6.65 million. Given that NYSEG had failed its Customer Satisfaction Survey metric in 2024, in accordance with the adopted rate agreement, the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey metric NRA will be doubled from 19 basis points to 38 basis points, or approximately $13.3 million.
Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E) failed to meet its Customer Satisfaction Survey metric target, incurring NRAs totaling 19 basis points or approximately $4.03 million dollars. Similar to NYSEG, RG&E failed to meet its 2024 performance target for the Customer Satisfaction Survey metric; therefore, the NRA incurred by RG&E for this metric will be doubled to 38 basis points, or approximately $8.06 million.
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation failed its Customer Satisfaction Index, PSC Complaint Rate, and Call Answer Rate metrics, incurring NRAs totaling 34 basis points, or approximately $4.7 million.
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid did not meet its Residential Customer Satisfaction Survey, Small/Medium Commercial and Industrial Customer Satisfaction Survey, or Call Answer Rate targets, thus incurring NRAs of 36 basis points, or approximately $16.97 million.
Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corporation (Liberty SLG) failed to meet its Customer Satisfaction Survey target, incurring an NRA of 5 basis points, or approximately $38,744.
KeySpan Gas East Corporation d/b/a National Grid (KEDLI) failed to meet its Call Answer Rate target, incurring an NRA of 5 basis points, or approximately $1.72 million.
The Brooklyn Union Gas Company d/b/a National Grid NY (KEDNY) failed to meet its Call Answer Rate target, incurring an NRA of 10 basis points, or approximately $5.31 million.
NYSEG and RG&E have filed a petition with the Commission requesting waiver of the NRAs for their 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey metric performances. These companies attributed their underperformance to external influences, such as economic conditions, storm severity, and post-COVID recovery, and argued in favor of categorizing neutral responses as satisfied for the purposes of calculating customer satisfaction scores. This approach would not be consistent with the process specified in the applicable rate plan. This petition is pending before the Commission for consideration.
While the above utilities failed to meet their customer service metric targets in 2025, several other New York utilities were successful in meeting or exceeding their customer service performance targets. Last year, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., Corning Natural Gas Corporation, Liberty Utilities (New York Water) Corporation (Liberty Water), Orange and Rockland Utilities, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (NFG), and Veolia Water New York Inc. (Veolia) met the customer service performance measures established within their respective rate plans. PSEG LI, the utility service provider on Long Island, met most of its customer service metrics.
Documents regarding this proceeding may be obtained by going to the Search section of the Commission’s website at www.dps.ny.gov, under ‘Commission Files’, and entering Case Number 26-M-0035 in the input box labeled “Search by Case Number”. Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release. For more information, you may also visit your service provider’s website.
Clinton Community College presents annual initiative to provide school supplies to local families
PLATTSBURGH, July 24, 2026 — Clinton Community College is presenting the NBC5 Class Act School Supplies Drive, an annual community effort that brings together local organizations, businesses and residents to help ensure K-12 students across the region begin the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unused school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, markers and crayons.
Every donation helps ensure local students have the tools they need to begin the school year with confidence and be prepared for success in the classroom.
Donations are being accepted through Friday, July 31, at two Clinton Community College locations: the George Moore Building, 46 Beekman St., Plattsburgh, and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, 53 Clinton Point Drive, Plattsburgh. Drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
On Monday, Aug. 3, NBC5 will host a community collection day at two locations: Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field, 287 Colchester Ave., Burlington, Vermont, and Champlain Centre, in front of Target, 60 Smithfield Blvd., Plattsburgh.
“Clinton Community College is proud to present the NBC5 Class Act School Supplies Drive and support local K-12 students and families as they prepare for the new school year,” said Clinton Community College President Ken Knelly. “A backpack, notebook or box of crayons may seem small, but these supplies can make a big difference for families. By coming together as a community, we can help ensure every student has the resources they need to learn, grow and succeed. From a student’s first day of elementary school to college, career training and lifelong learning, Clinton is committed to creating pathways to opportunity.”
“JCEO is excited and grateful to partner with NBC5 and Clinton Community College for this year’s Class Act School Supplies Drive which will wrap up with their annual “Stuff the Bus” event on Monday, Aug. 3, outside Target in Plattsburgh,” said JCEO Chief Executive Officer Nicole Laurin. “Items donated during this drive will support local children to be set up for success when returning to school this fall. We can’t meet the demand for school supply needs in our community without the incredible support we have seen during drives like this year after year and we are looking forward to another successful year!”
The drive is presented in partnership with NBC5, the Vermont Lake Monsters, Hall Communications, JCEO of Clinton and Franklin Counties and the Salvation Army of Vermont.
Peru, July 23, 2026 – Changes in Permitting, Planning & Zoning fees were on the Peru Town Board’s Monday, July 13 regular meeting agenda. The board voted to conduct a public hearing on Monday, July 27, at 5:45 p.m. The board did not discuss exact increases. (The Peru Gazette will get the increase details on Friday, July 24, which will publish ASAP).
The board tabled a resolution to purchase a sign for the town’s Silo Disc Golf Course on Route 22. Signs Now submitted the lowest price of $5,200. After learning the cost, the board discussed soliciting donations and sponsors. Uncertain of the town’s legal authority to do this, the board tabled the resolution. Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault told the Gazette, “It’s a beautiful course, many people are using it, including some leagues.We keep the 18 holes mowed.” The course is located adjacent to the silo on what was once the Orville Bonville farm. Some drivers have been seen braking suddenly when they see the course entrance at a dip in Route 22. Several people have deemed it a traffic hazard.
The board approved:
A request from Adirondack Regional Theater Group to use Heyworth Mason Park for July 17 and August 1 for two productions.
A 6-month $2,500 contract with White Knight Kennels for boarding dangerous dogs with provision for a one-year renewal beginning January 1, 2027. The cost is $5,000 per year.
Renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Clinton County Health Department for reimbursement of up to $3,600 for food waste services. Supervisor Randall said he anticipates the amount being under $300 monthly. About 38 households are participating.
A contract with a bond counsel, Fiscal Advisors Marketing Inc.,\ for its bonding expertise and services related to the water plant upgrade project. Counselor Melvin Irwin said the cost is just under $25,000.
A work change directive with Murnane Building Contractors related to roof modifications at the wastewater treatment plant project of $ 4,553.15.
A credit of $16,569.49 to the contingency account of Murnane Building Contractors for changes related to the wastewater treatment plant project.
Payments to Murnane Building Contractors, John W. Danforth, K&L Plumbing & Heating, Triangle Electrical Systems, related to work performed at the wastewater treatment plant project.
Payment#1 of $335,713.25 to Luck Bros. Inc. for work performed at the Telegraph Road over Dry Mill Brook project.
Release of final retention monies of $13,732.15 to Luck Brothers Inc. for the Fuller Road culvert project.Luck Brothers Inc. completed the project and Town Highway Superintendent Farrell accepted the culvert.
In other business:
Councilor Rick Barber said Assemblyman Michael Cashman was a big help in getting the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) approval for the town to erect a United States Flag at the Peru Dock. First indications were that DEC might not approve a solar light.
Supervisor Craig Randall reported that the title change of the Jenkins Street property has taken place. The town listed the property at $42,000.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that work on the Lyons Road culvert is about to begin and the Telegraph Road Dry Mill culvert work is progressing. Farrell is also having maintenance issues with the large loader used in the salt shed. Salt and rust are taking a toll. He’s wanted to replace it, but the tax cap restricted his spending.
Historian Helen Nerska reported that she and Chris Irwin would be conducting a Peasleeville tour on Saturday, July 18.People will gather at Mother Cabrini Shrine and proceed to the Peasleeville Cemetery, the Zion Methodist Church, and the Church’s former Church Hall.
Due to plant issues this morning, we were unable to pave today. So The Town of Peru Highway Department will be paving Lapham Mills Road between Henry Sr Drive and Fuller Road on Friday, July 24th, from 7 am til aprox. 4 pm
The road will be open to all traffic and will be controlled by flaggers due to being one lane.
The Town of Peru Highway Department will be paving Lapham Mills Road between Henry Sr Drive and Fuller Road on Thursday, July 23rd, from 7 am til aprox. 4 pm.
The road will be open to all traffic and will be controlled by flaggers due to being one lane.
CLINTON COUNTY, NY, July 22, 2026 — The Clinton County Republican Committee has unanimously nominated Cliff Berg to appear on the November ballot as the Republican candidate for Clinton County Coroner, following the resignation of Chad Deans.
The unanimous vote reflects the committee’s confidence in Berg’s character, professionalism, and commitment to serving the residents of Clinton County during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“Cliff Berg is someone who understands the importance of integrity, compassion, and professionalism,” said Clinton County Republican Committee Chairwoman Jerika Manning. “The role of Coroner requires someone who can serve families with dignity while carrying out the responsibilities of the office with care and respect. We are proud to unanimously support Cliff as our Republican nominee.”
For Berg, the opportunity to serve as Coroner is not about adding another title to his résumé. It is about answering a calling to serve the community in a role that demands compassion, professionalism, and respect for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He views the position as a meaningful public service and is committed to approaching it with the seriousness and dedication it deserves.
“It is an honor to receive the unanimous support of the Clinton County Republican Committee,” Berg said. “This isn’t simply another position to hold—it’s an opportunity to serve our community in a way that truly matters. Families deserve someone who will treat every case with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. If elected, I will devote myself fully to earning that trust every day.”
The Clinton County Republican Committeeextends its gratitude to Chad Deans for his service and dedication to Clinton County and wishes him the very best in his future endeavors.
Cliff Berg will appear on the Republican line on the November General Election ballot.
Opportunities identified for increased lodging and visitor economic impact
LAKE PLACID, NY (July 21, 2026) – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has released its Essex County regional lodging study prepared by CBRE Hotels Advisory. The study evaluates potential lodging opportunities in the growing Lake Champlain and Adirondack Hub regions of Essex County.
This study identifies lodging opportunities that may add to the county’s overall visitor economy by supporting new overnight stays, additional visitor spending, and expanded economic impact. Report findings are intended to help guide future conversations with communities, landowners, developers, and hotel brands.
The study focuses on three areas of Essex County: the southern Lake Champlain Region, the northern Lake Champlain Region, and the Adirondack Hub. It identifies lodging concepts that may be supportable in each area based on visitor travel patterns, tourism assets, existing lodging supply, short-term rental data, hotel market performance, and comparable lodging models.
Data cited in the study shows that Essex County generated approximately $963.5 million in total visitor spending in 2024, the highest among counties in the Adirondacks. According to county occupancy tax data, every region in Essex County achieved visitor spending growth that exceeds inflation, with the Adirondack Hub and Lake Champlain Region among the fastest growing by percentage. Visitor spending county-wide has expanded approximately $360 million since 2017, after adjusting for inflation.
“Essex County already has one of the strongest tourism economies in the Adirondacks,” said Adam DeSantis, director of economic development at ROOST. “This study is about identifying opportunities that can add to the county’s market-leading position by attracting lodging concepts that reach new audiences and fit the character of each region’s unique communities.”
“ROOST is committed to growing the tourism economy in each region in Essex County and this study articulates that there is significant room to grow and reach new markets by leveraging the distinct attributes of each Essex County region,” stated Dan Kelleher, ROOST president and CEO. “We are excited by the opportunities identified by CBRE that will add to the county’s overall tourism mix.”
CBRE Hotels Advisory identified three primary potential lodging concepts for further exploration:
A 100 to 130 room conference-center hotel concept in the southern Lake Champlain Region, with Ticonderoga identified as a strong potential location due to its existing infrastructure, visitor attractions, history, waterfront access, and proximity to both Lake Champlain and Lake George.
A 30 to 50 room boutique mansion or estate-style hotel concept in the northern Lake Champlain Region, where communities such as Willsboro, Essex, Westport, Elizabethtown, Lewis, and Chesterfield offer scenic, agricultural, historic, waterfront, and trail-based assets.
A 40-unit glamping or trailer-style lodging concept in the Adirondack Hub, where communities such as Schroon Lake, North Hudson, Newcomb, and Minerva offer access to outdoor recreation, trails, lakes, scenic landscapes, and wilderness-oriented experiences.
Report findings also align with broader trends in the lodging and outdoor hospitality industries. ROOST has recently been engaging with hotel brands, developers, and glamping operators to better understand how emerging lodging models could enhance Adirondack communities while supporting local priorities and respecting ommunity character.
“This gives us a more specific, data-backed way to talk about lodging opportunities,” DeSantis said. “It helps us move from general interest in lodging development to more targeted conversations about what type of project might make sense, where it might fit, and what conditions would need to be in place for a community to pursue it thoughtfully.”
The study was funded, in part, by a grant from National Grid. These grants assist growth through infrastructure assistance and energy efficiency, with emphasis on sustainable development according to Amanda Vitullo, economic development manager, eastern NY region. “National Grid is committed to supporting projects that help communities plan for future growth and economic opportunity,” she said. “This study provides valuable market information that can help local stakeholders evaluate opportunities, attract investment, and make informed decisions that support the long-term economic vitality of Essex County.”
ROOST will use the study as a business development and community planning tool. The organization will work with interested communities to identify appropriate sites, assess local readiness, and determine which lodging concepts may be the best fit for each area. ROOST will also use the study to support outreach to hotel developers, lodging operators, brands, landowners, and potential funding partners.
July 25, 206 – By John T Ryan 
“The Public Service Commission (PSC) is levying fines against NYSEG and National Grid, among other utility companies throughout the state, for failing to meet quality service and customer service standards.”
Clinton Community College presents annual initiative to provide school supplies to local families
CLINTON COUNTY, NY, July 22, 2026 — The Clinton County Republican Committee has unanimously nominated Cliff Berg to appear on the November ballot as the Republican candidate for Clinton County Coroner, following the resignation of Chad Deans.