The Peru Gazette

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the ProPublica story 

Albany, April 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new, decade-long survey effort designed to assess gambling behaviors of New Yorkers and evaluate where additional problem gambling-related services and supports may be needed. New Yorkers in all areas of the state will be contacted to promote participation in the surveys, the results of which will be used to inform enhancements and expansions to gambling services across New York. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is administering and overseeing the survey effort.

This 10-year study will target adults 18 years and older, and data collected will help OASAS understand trends and viewpoints associated with gambling harms, the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling disorder, and community awareness of risks associated with gambling. It will also assist in continued planning and implementation of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services within communities throughout New York. Questionnaire-based surveys as well as interviews and focus groups will be conducted through this initiative. More information about the survey effort can be viewed on the OASAS website. Read more »

February 2026 Minutes

March 2026 Minutes

Fire Commissioners were present to answer questions. Fire Dept. photo taken at the Gazette’s request.  The Gazette was present from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with a video camera ready to go 

Peru, NY – Only one fire district resident attended the Tuesday, April 28, Peru Fire Department Public Hearing on its plans to finance the fire station expansion. The man asked a few questions, then took a station tour. Several firefighters were present to answer questions.

Click here for the April 17 Peru Gazette story with more details. 

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Last Saturday, April 25, Unitary America, alongside volunteers Garrett Monette, Colin Clancy, Elias Cross, Omar Fathi, Ethan Breen, and Dennis Ivanov, removed roughly 500 pounds of garbage from alongside Route 11 in Champlain, New York, with efforts concentrated at the Route 11-Interstate 87 intersection, and the surrounding areas. A significant part of the garbage was single-use plastics, food packaging, cardboard, alcohol containers, and a smaller quantity of environmentally-toxic chemicals, including antifreeze, motor oil, and hydraulic fluid. The group also removed a large, discarded electrical wire.

Certain chemicals, especially motor oil and antifreeze, are highly toxic if they are discarded  into the environment, and can pollute hundreds of thousands of gallons of groundwater alone. The plastics and food packaging can release countless microplastics, which have direct environmental and human health-related impacts. Said plastics can additionally release PFAS compounds, which have been linked to significant health risks. Some of the trash removed was embedded in layers of soil, or had degraded into smaller pieces of plastic. These efforts of “Cleaning up litter and dump sites like the one Garrett and his team found are incredibly important. In this case, the crew found numerous old, leaky jugs of hazardous materials like motor oil. Not only is it illegal to wrongfully dispose of those materials by dumping them on the ground, but even small volumes of automotive fluids can degrade water quality for downstream users,” cites Curt Gervich, a professor of environmental science at SUNY Plattsburgh. Garrett Monette, leader of Unitary America, states that “Unitary America is committed to helping improve the North Country’s environment, promote water quality, and help ensure that our communities are healthy. If we want to create a cleaner future, then we need to get involved in projects like this that have a real impact on our watershed, our towns, and our futures. Action, not words.”

Unitary America is holding another trash cleanup focusing again alongside the Saranac River, on Saturday, May 2nd, from 9:30 to 3:00, meeting by the footbridge at the end of George Angel Drive in Plattsburgh (at the junction with the Saranac River Trail). All community members and college students alike are welcome. The organization is also holding a mental health seminar Saturday, May 2nd, from 1:00-2:00, at Gem Goddess Emporium in Plattsburgh, held by a licensed therapist. The organization has surged to almost 160 registered supporters, with over 40 volunteers as of April 25th, allowing it to develop more programs and impact more communities. More information can be found at unitaryamerica.org.

#222#
COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS
SATURDAY, MAY 2
TRASH CLEANUP – Unitary America is hosting its second trash cleanup at the Thelma I Douglas Footbridge, at the end of George Angell Drive in Plattsburgh, New York, between 9:30 am. and 3:00 pm. Those who want to make a real impact on their environment, care about their community’s health, and want to encourage environmental stewardship, are encouraged to attend. For those with questions, please visit unitaryamerica.org, or send an email to contact@unitaryamerica.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 2
MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR – Unitary America is hosting its first mental health seminar as part of its Caring America program, designed to help raise awareness about mental health, promote knowledge of coping techniques, and provide ways for local community members to find the help they need. All those in need are welcome to come, free-of-charge, to the Gem Goddess Emporium, in Plattsburgh, NY, between 1:00-2:00 pm., on Saturday, May 2nd. For those with questions, please visit unitaryamerica.org, or send an email to contact@unitaryamerica.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 9
FOOD DRIVE – Unitary America is hosting another food drive, its first food drive outside of the immediate Plattsburgh area, on May 9th, at the Peru Free Library, between the hours of 11:00 am. and 1:00 pm., in Peru. All those who need food are welcome to come, while supplies last. Food at the drive has been sourced from local North Country businesses and supporters. For those with questions, please visit unitaryamerica.org, or send an email to contact@unitaryamerica.org.

Centennial event celebrates generations of care

Plattsburgh, NY – A special gathering for retirees of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) will take place Wednesday, May 13, from 10 am to noon in the CVPH Boardroom as part of CVPH’s Centennial Celebration.

Centennial Committee Chair Kent Faus said the committee hopes retirees will drop in to reconnect with former coworkers and colleagues, share stories, and reminisce. Light refreshments will be served.

“Our industry has changed dramatically over the past century, and we’ve grown and evolved with it thanks to the hard work and commitment of generations of employees who set high standards for the care of their North Country neighbors. Honoring those who came before us and carried the organization forward is an important part of our 100th Anniversary Celebration,” said CVPH President Michelle LeBeau who encouraged retirees to attend the event.

The gathering is part of CVPH’s year-long celebration to commemorate a century of caring at 75 Beekman Street. Other events include a reenactment of the 1972 transport of patients from Champlain Valley Hospital to CVPH Medical Center, a carnival on the hospital front lawn, and a celebration of Alice T. Miner’s birthday at the Miner Institute. Learn more at UVMHealth.org/CVPHCentennial.

Future retiree gatherings are planned for Wednesday, July 8, Wednesday, September 9, and Wednesday, November, from 10 am to noon in the Boardroom.

Eric Duquette – Peru Gazette file photo

Peru, NY –   At its April 27 meeting the Peru Town Board accepted Eric Duquette’s resignation from the board effective Wednesday, April 27. Duquette cited an increasingly busy professional and personal schedule and his inability to give the position the position the dedication it deserves as the reasons for his decision. The resolution stated that the board “sadly” accepted Duquette’s decision. Councilman Kregg reacted, stating, “It’s too bad that frivolous articles are being placed in front of him that kind of forced his hand to retire early. He made a great contribution to the town board, and the taxpayers will suffer not having him on here.” Councilman Melvin Irwin said,”The taxpayers will suffer a lot by not having his oversight and input on several projects. A case in point is the water-sewer project, where we’re considerably under budget.” Supervisor Craig Randall said Duquette’s knowledge and background have been extremely helpful. When it came time to accept the resignation, Councilman Nick Weaver voted, stating,  “Reluctantly yes.”  Voters elected Duquette to the office in November 2024. Later in the meeting, Councilman Kregg Bruno tried to introduce a motion to have former councilman Rick Barber fill in for Eric Duquette on the board.  Councilman Melvin Irwin told him to “wait.” (See the Peru Gazette video at the 17:28 mark for the resignation resolution.) 

As the Peru Gazette reported in its coverage of the board’s April 13 meeting, the town has ongoing Code Enforcement issues with Lake Champlain Transportation, DBA Lake Industries, related to its Valcour Island Marina (formerly known as Sung Harbor Marina), the former Mariner Restaurant and Bar, and a nearby campsite. After negotiations, the board reached an agreement with LCT to provide a path for LCT to achieve a timely opening while still complying with the Zoning Law. The agreement rescinded a cease-and-desist order and permits work on the properties to continue, provided LCT brings all outstanding issues into compliance. At tonight’s meeting, former Mariner Restaurant co-operator Teresa Larson asked who drafted the agreement between the town and LCT, and the authority under which the town is granting variances to LCT. Counselor Melvin Irwin said the town’s outside attorney drafted the agreement. Supervisor Randall said he could not answer the authority question. Town Attorney Matt Favro did not attend this meeting. (See Peru Gazette video between 1:48 and 3:53 for this exchange.)

Cory Trombley, owner of three apartments located between the marina and the campsite is concerned with multiple issues related to the town’s enforcement of its building codes and zoning law. He asked when the town or its attorney would respond to the Freedom of Information Act requests he filed 6 to 8 weeks ago regarding his issues. The board did not answer his question. (See Peru Gazette video between the 1:48 and 6:17 minute marks for Larson and Trombley’s remarks)

Other Issues and Department Reports

Councilman Kregg Bruno reported that he saw a near-collision on Route 22 at the entrance to the town’s disc golf course. One vehicle stopped suddenly, causing the two cars behind it to brake hard. He requested that signs be erected to mark the disc golf course entrance. Supervisor Randall said the issue will be investigated.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that his staff is replacing a culvert on Mud Pond Road, servicing vehicles, and preparing for a major spring cleanup. He also said that the New York State Department of Labor has a new regulation requiring every contractor working for a town to register online. Farrell believes several contractors may not have applied yet or may not want to go through the hassle of getting one.

Historian Helen Allen reported that Peru’s America250 celebration officially began when she and Craig Randall unveiled an America250 banner on a utility pole in front of the town hall this afternoon. Allen said Peru’s many scheduled America250 events are listed on  the town’s website.

Supervisor Randall conducted an internal audit of Peru Town Court records on April 14. He and the court liaison, Councilman Melvin Irwin, said the records were in excellent condition.

The board approved these resolutions:

• Hiring Arnold Construction in an emergency for $4,350 to clean and inspect by camera the 8-inch main sewer line from Bear Swamp Road to Union Road.
• Transferring $14,800.90 from the debt service account to the Waste Water Treatment Plant to cover payments before receiving New York State grant funding.
• Awarding the portable toilet rental for town parks to Morrisonville Septic, LLC for the 2026 season at $780 per month. Morrisonville Septic submitted the lowest of the three bids.
• Purchasing a used 2015 light tower for emergency use by the highway and water/sewer/parks departments for $3,499. Taylor Rental offered the tower for auction.
• Paying claims, bills, and invoices totaling $1,483,228.39.

Click here for the Peru Gazette meeting video.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL of April 2026 minutes
OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC HEARING

APPLICATIONS:
File # P-2026-005 – Sign Review – Parcel ID# 258.-2-2.3 – 4016 Route 9 – Flip Flop on the Dock – Remove existing sign and build a new 5’X5’ sign on 8ft. posts to advertise for the restaurant, Flip Flop on the Dock.

File # P-2026-006 – Site Plan Review – Parcel ID# 257.-1-10.1 – William Hendrie at 16 Rockwell Rd. – Occupant seeks to operate a motor vehicle repair shop on the 3.54 acre property with a 2’X2’ sign attached to the garage.

ANY FURTHER BUSINESS:
File # P-2026-004 – Site Plan Review – Parcel ID#s 290.-1-26.21 (& 302.-1-11) – Justin & Kristie Hugus at 741 Allen Hill Rd. – Owners propose to operate an archery training and practice facility as a major “Home Based Business” as defined in the Town of Peru Zoning Ordinance. Operations will include indoor instruction and outdoor target practice.

Patrick McFarlin – Position Change From Alternative to Full Time Board Member

CEO REPORT
ADJOURNMENT

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, May 18, 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 need your support.

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

Ham 

Scalloped Potatoes 

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!

Peru, NY, Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Livations Wines and Spirits is celebrating its 5th Anniversary today. Owners Scott Hite and Mary Ann Cayea are there to welcome you with 30% off wine and 5% of liquors. They are there until 5 p.m. Congratulations to Scott and Mary Ann and all the staff.

Click here to view the Peru Gazette’s 2021 Livations story

In the aftermath of the 30th Annual Conference on the Adirondacks, David Gibson reflects on what more the state could do for the region

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Adirondack Farms’ Shane St. Cyr elected Treasurer 

Albany, NY, April 24, 2026 –  – The Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA) Board of Directors elected its 2026-27 officer team during its bimonthly board meeting on April 14. The newly elected and returning officers are:

• AJ Wormuth – Chair (Half-Full Dairy, Elbridge, NY)
• Greg Porter – Vice Chair (Porterdale Farms, Adams Center, NY)
• Shane St. Cyr – Treasurer (Adirondack Farms, Peru, NY)
• Hannah Worden – Secretary (Will-O-Crest Farm, Clifton Springs, NY)

Additionally, the organization announced the election of Keith Chapin of Walnut Ridge Dairy in Lansing to the board of directors. Additional continuing board members include:

• Kurt Hanehan (Hanehan Family Dairy, Mt. Upton, NY)
• Stuart Ziehm (Tiashoke Farms, Buskirk, NY)
• Nick Gilbert (Adon Farms, Potsdam, NY)
• Keith Kimball (La Casa de Leche, Groveland, NY)

“For more than 30 years, NEDPA has been the voice, the resource and the network for New York’s dairy industry, focused on issues and opportunities that are critically important to the sustainability and success of family dairy farms,” said newly elected NEDPA Chair and Dairy Farmer AJ Wormuth. “We look forward to continuing our advocacy work alongside fellow dairy farmers that directly supports our contributions to and care of rural communities, our environment, our employees and our cows.”

NEDPA also extends its sincere appreciation to Keith Kimball for his years of dedicated leadership as Board Chair, as he continues as a member of the board, and to retiring board member Jon Patterson for 12 years of service.

“Keith’s service and leadership have played a key role in advancing the organization’s mission, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as a board member,” added Wormuth. “We are grateful for Jon’s years of dedication to and advocacy of dairy farms across the state and leadership on environmental stewardship.”

For more information about NEDPA and its work on behalf of dairy producers, visit www.nedpa.org.

APRIL 27 , 2026 AGENDA & RESOLUTIONS

Albany, April 22, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued an executive order prohibiting state employees from engaging in insider trading on prediction markets. These markets allow individuals to place bets on the outcomes of real world events, including both major events such as outcomes of military activity, election results, or the severity of natural disasters, as well as obscure and manipulable events such as betting on the attire of public officials at appearances, when the President of the United States would next publicly insult a person, or the volume of social media posts made by an individual.

“Getting rich by betting on inside information is corruption, plain and simple,” Governor Hochul said. “Our actions will ensure that public servants work for the people they represent, not their own personal enrichment. While Donald Trump and DC Republicans turn a blind eye to the ethical Wild West they’ve created, New York is stepping up to lead by example and stamp out insider trading.”

This executive order builds on New York State’s Code of Ethics and creates the strongest protections against insider trading and public corruption on prediction markets in the nation. Under this executive order, covered state officers and employees will be forbidden from using confidential information acquired in the course of their official duties to further their personal financial interests through these markets. These officers and employees will also be barred from assisting others in profiting on confidential information through prediction markets.

This order comes at a time of increasing public scrutiny over the role of prediction markets and the need for further regulations of this emerging industry. Recently, massive profits have been made following bets placed on actions taken by the federal government, raising concerns around safeguards against corruption and self-dealing. In January, an anonymous trader made more than $400,000 on a bet that Nicolas Maduro would soon be out of office. Reporting has also documented more than $1 billion in “perfectly-timed” bets surrounding the ongoing war in Iran, including the location and timing of military strikes and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

New York State is also taking action to protect New Yorkers from predictive market platforms that engage in unlicensed and unlawful gambling operations. In October, the Gaming Commission sent Kalshi a cease and desist letter for illegally operating an unlicensed mobile sports wagering platform in New York State.

Read Executive Order Here

“The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley from A to Z”

This year, the entire country is celebrating “America250,” a national commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776.  In order to educate students and their parents and teachers about our beginnings as a country, the Clinton County Historical Association (CCHA) has published a book, “The American Revolution in the Champlain Valley, from A to Z,” to be distributed to all fourth and fifth graders in the Clinton, Essex, Franklin County area, free of charge. 

Keeseville artist George “Speedy” Arnold illustrated key events, notably the Battle of Valcour Island on October 11, 1776. It was the first battle fought by the newly formed American Continental Navy, under the command of Benedict Arnold. Lake Champlain played a key role early in the War as British and American troops encountered each other along the lake from the Canadian border in the north to Fort Ticonderoga in the south.  We are thankful to CCHA volunteer Anne Bailey and Plattsburgh City Historian Jackie Stewart for identifying the A-Zs and to Anja Bouchard for the design.   The book is dedicated to former Plattsburgh City Historian James “Jim” Bailey (1936–2021). A tireless volunteer for CCHA, Jim took great pride in showcasing our region’s history, and his irrepressible spirit pervades the activity book.

The book contains a glossary at the end, to expand the students’ vocabulary. A production team of teachers, historians, librarians, and CCHA Board members all contributed their expertise and research. The team hopes that the information in the book will encourage students to learn more about the rich history of the Champlain Valley, from the time that Indigenous peoples settled the area, to the present day. 

This project is sponsored by the America250 Committee under the leadership of the Clinton County Historical Association with funding from a 2025 Special Programs Grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, Stewart’s Shops, a private donor and the support of the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, and many others.  The formal presentation of the first copies of the book takes place at Keeseville Elementary School on 14 May by invitation only, after which copies will be distributed to the schools.  Copies will be available to the public after June 1^st at CCHA.

Join us at 10 AM on Opening Morning, Saturday, May 16th, for the unveiling of two new murals created by regional artist Greg Badger. Immediately following the unveiling, we’ll hold a ribbon-cutting and the Grand Opening of our nearly completed replica one-room schoolhouse.

From 11 AM to Noon, the Museum will host a community trivia game inside the new schoolhouse, featuring 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for the top scores.

Food trucks will be on site both days:

◦Saturday: Sloppy Dog (10 AM – 3:30 PM)

◦Sunday: Adirondack Food Therapy (10 AM – 3:30 PM)

Browse handcrafted goods from local vendors set up across the Museum campus – find unique quilts, hats, handmade wooden items, fresh-baked scones and cookies, vintage treasures, and original art.

Throughout the weekend, enjoy plowing and planting demonstrations using antique farm equipment. Additional demonstrations will take place in the granary, blacksmith shop, and sawmill.

Kids can enjoy games with prizes, and families are invited to explore our new outdoor play area.

Peru, NY, April 26, 2026  – The April 13 Peru Town Board meeting included the board approving an agreement on an outstanding zoning enforcement issue and interaction regarding the board’s compliance with the NYS Open Meetings Law.

Zoning Law Enforcement 

Background: In June 2023, Lake Champlain Transportation (LCT) purchased Snug Harbor Marina, Mariner Restaurant and Bar, the Valcour Boat Rentals building, and the nearby campground, all Route 9 properties on the shore of Lake Champlain. LCT undertook several marina and building upgrades, requiring approvals from multiple state and federal agencies and the Town of Peru. At a February 11 Planning Board meeting, the owner of three parcels adjacent to the LCT properties raised concerns about reduced lake access to his property and LCT’s compliance with Peru’s Zoning Law.  On February 27, Peru’s Code Enforcement Officer, Duane Bibeau, raised concerns about LCT’s compliance with Peru’s zoning law and site plan review requirements, and directed that all activities on the properties cease and desist until the permit and site plan issues were resolved. At a March 20 Special Meeting, the town board authorized hiring outside legal counsel with expertise in code enforcement matters.

At this meeting the board approved amended agenda Item 19 giving the supervisor authority to sign an agreement with LCT that stated, “after negotiations, the board reached an agreement with LCT “in order to provide a path for LCT to have a timely opening and still comply with the Zoning Law.”  The agreement rescinds Bibeau’s cease-and-desist order and permits work on the properties to continue. LCT agreed to bring outstanding issues into compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the town agreed to issue building permits and certificates of occupancy if the CEO’s inspections find that LCT complies with all applicable laws and regulations. LCT Resolution of April 15, 2026         LCT Agreement.    April 15 amended agenda

Acting on agenda item 18, the board approved hiring Jason Poulin as Interim Code Enforcement Officer for a minimum of two hours a week. He joins Stephen Imhoff, the Town of Plattsburgh’s CEO, who also works for the Town of Peru a few hours a week. Peru’s full-time CEO, Duane Bibeau, is working for his code enforcement officer certification.

Open Meeting Law

Peru Gazette Editor John Ryan addressed the board regarding its compliance with the New York State Open Meetings Law, particularly the availability of board meetings action documents. On February 17, Ryan sent the board an email stating that, after researching the NYS Open Meetings Law, he concluded that documents to be acted on at board meetings should be available to the public prior to the meeting and posted on the town’s website. He also included Open Meeting Law provisions regarding executive sessions and the public access to meeting minutes. Subsequently, Supervisor Craig Randall and Deputy Supervisor Melvin Irwin agreed that changes are needed; however, it will take time because some agenda items requiring complex resolutions often arrive at the supervisor’s office on Friday, the day the board is required to publish the agenda. Ryan has cited the Town of Plattsburgh as a community that complies with the Open Meeting Law. Randall responds that his research indicates that Plattsburgh has different practices and more resources than our small community. Ryan also expressed concern about public notice of Special Meetings held on short notice. The board has been posting the notices on the LCD screen at Little Ausable River Park. It has historically emailed regular meeting agendas to the Peru Gazette. Ryan appreciates this courtesy and would like it to apply to Special Meetings, especially those called on short notice. He makes every effort to video-record all board meetings. Open Meetings Open Meetings Law Email 

The Board approved the following:

• Thanks to a resolution passed at this meeting, henceforth, the town board will work in partnership with the highway superintendent to decide which town roads will be paved each year. The change complies with NYS Highway Law Section 284. Up until now, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell has made the paving decisions. Farrell admitted he was happy to share the decision-making (and complaints) with the board.
• In other actions, the board approved: 
• A janitorial contract with Robert Crawford at a $19.50 hourly rate from April 14, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and from January to December 2027. 
• Purchasing a New Holland L334 wheeled skid steer loader for primary use at the wastewater treatment plant from the company quoting the lowest price, Taylor Equipment Sales Powersports, at a price of  $84,024.15. This purchase brings the town into compliance with the Waste Water Treatment Plant Contract. 
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Project payments to Murnane Building Contractors, John W. Danforth, K & L Plumbing and Heating, and Triangle Electric. 
• Use of Heyworth Mason Park by the Autism Alliance of Northeastern New York. 
• The annual contract with Casella Waste Systems for the rental and services for the waste and recycling dumpsters. 

Department Reports – March 2026

Click here to view the Peru Gazette meeting video