The Peru Gazette

Initiative Aims To Provide Stable Employment Opportunities for New Yorkers in Recovery From Addiction 

• Champlain Valley Family Center for Drug Treatment and Youth Services, Inc.: $1,750,000
• Behavioral Health Services North, Inc: $1,456,360

Albany, February, 20, 2026. News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards totaling $42.9 million to fund job training and placement efforts across New York State for individuals impacted by addiction, who are ready to join the workforce. This includes more than $35.6 million for the hiring and retention of vocational rehabilitation counselors at addiction services providers, as well as an additional $7.3 million for two organizations that will provide regional support services for the counselors hired through this program and the organizations providing services. Research shows stable employment for someone in recovery can have several key benefits, including financial stability, as well as providing structure and purpose, and social connections which can help prevent isolation.

“Supporting individuals struggling with addiction is the initial step, but it’s equally important to empower these New Yorkers to secure stable employment,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will be distributed to every region across the state, reinforcing our commitment to support New Yorkers who have been impacted by addiction in starting a new chapter, while simultaneously bolstering critical workforces statewide.” 

This initiative will help to improve employment outcomes for individuals in treatment and recovery for substance use disorders by offering employment training and job placement assistance. Funding provided allows each recipient to hire or retain two counselors. Each of the following providers was awarded a five-year contract for the amount listed, for a total of $35,620,085:  Read more »

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Judd Collier, RN

Emergency Department Team Members celebrate with Judd

Always There When it Matters 

Elizabethtown, NY – In the busy, often unpredictable Emergency Department at University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital, one thing has become remarkably consistent: when a crisis hits, Judd Collier, RN, is already on the move.

Whether he’s stepping in to place a difficult IV, answering rapid‑fire clinical questions from colleagues, or rushing to support a rapid response, Collier brings the same calm, steady presence every single time. Colleagues say he shows up with quiet confidence and a genuine smile. That reliability has made him a nurse his teammates deeply trust.

It was during one of those urgent moments that Collier’s co-worker, Jessica Litts, RN, saw something she wouldn’t forget.

“A rapid response was called, and Judd was there right away,” Litts recalls. “He didn’t hesitate. He gloved in immediately, helped set up the high‑flow machine, and answered every question we threw at him. He stayed past the end of his shift, not because anyone asked him to, but because the patient wasn’t stable yet. That’s just who he is.”

Litts says Collier brings a mix of high‑level skill and genuine kindness that makes a difference in every corner of the ED. She adds that he teaches without judgement and treats every patient as if they’re the only one in the room.

“You can tell he loves this job,” Litts says. “And you can tell he’s passionate about helping people. This hospital is lucky to have him.”

Collier’s care is the kind that leaves a mark on both patients and families – something Julie Tromblee, RN, MSN, MBA, Chief Nursing Officer at the hospital, experienced firsthand.

“I’ve watched Judd care for patients many times, but seeing him care for someone in my own family changed everything for me,” Tromblee explains. “He didn’t just focus on the medical needs – though he handled those with skill and urgency. What stood out was how he cared for all of us. He made sure we understood what was happening, he asked what we needed and he never once made us feel alone in the moment.”

Litts nominated Collier for the hospital’s DAISY Award, and he was recognized yesterday during a surprise ceremony with his Emergency Department colleagues.

Elizabethtown Community Hospital launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in 2022 to recognize and reward licensed nurses for making a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. A nomination form can be filled out online at UVMHealth.org. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues.  A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving nurse each quarter.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.

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Message from Peter Cadieux, “I hate to do this, but it looks like a decent snowstorm is coming in, timed perfectly to affect travel plans tomorrow. So, we will try again in March and look forward to booking Carl Rubino for a later date. Stay safe!”

Cancelled Concert at 

Wood Wire and Voice Coffee House
February 20, 2026 7-9 pm
United Methodist Church
127 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, NY

Several shortcomings identified. 

Beekmantown Fire District No. 1 – Board Oversight (Clinton County)

The board did not adequately oversee the district’s financial operations related to maintaining accounting records, preparing bank reconciliations, submitting monthly and annual financial reports, auditing and approving claims and performing annual audits. The board did not provide oversight of the secretary-treasurer’s duties related to maintaining the accounting records. Auditors reviewed 257 disbursements for claims paid totaling $222,372 and identified several deficiencies in the records. The inadequately maintained accounting records also prevented the treasurer from being able to properly reconcile the district’s bank accounts during the audit period. The board also did not ensure that the treasurer submitted adequate monthly financial reports or that the treasurer prepared and filed an Annual Financial Report (AFR) each year. As a result, as of Jan. 31, 2025, the district’s AFRs for the 2019 through 2023 fiscal years were between 337 and 1,798 days late. Click here to view the auditor’s report. 

Beekmantown Fire District No. 1 – Investment Program (Clinton County)

Auditors determined that the district’s investments were legal, safe and liquid. However, officials did not develop and manage a comprehensive investment program. For example, officials did not prepare monthly cash flow forecasts to estimate funds available for investment or solicit interest rate quotes from financial institutions. During the 25-month audit period, the district earned $114 in investment earnings, even though it had an average of $530,000 available to invest each month. Had officials considered alternative legally permissible investment options, the district may have increased the investment earnings by more than $52,000. Click here to view the auditor’s report 

Before modern ferries and suspension bridges, horses were used to power boats across Lake Champlain

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Market 32 Cares-supported fundraiser continues to deliver critical support for local communities

Price-Chopper/Market 32 Press Release Schenectady, N.Y., February 18, 2025– Salvation Army bellringers at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire raised over $623,000 during the 6-week “Red Kettle” holiday campaign in November and December 2025. The money raised will help fund essential services, including food assistance, shelter, and emergency relief.

For generations, the Red Kettle campaign has been a visible and meaningful symbol of holiday giving, offering customers a simple way to support neighbors in need while completing their everyday grocery shopping. Contributions collected at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores directly support local Salvation Army programs, ensuring that donations stay within the communities where they are given.

“Every donation made at our stores has a direct impact, allowing The Salvation Army to provide hope and assistance to those who need it most,” said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. “We’re proud of our longstanding partnership and incredibly grateful to our customers for stepping up and supporting their important work and making a difference in the lives of so many.”

“It is only through the community’s generosity that The Salvation Army can respond to those in need 365 days a year,” said Major Michelle Dressler, divisional commander for The Empire State Division of The Salvation Army. “Our continued partnership with Market 32 and Price Chopper is vital to our mission and efforts to help those most in need, as all funds raised stay local to make a difference right here in our community.”

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Albany, Feb. 18, 2026 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced DEC is holding academies for its newest classes of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Forest Rangers. The six-month training academies will prepare up to 50 of DEC’s newest recruits for careers protecting New York State’s natural resources in the Divisions of Law Enforcement and Forest Protection.

“DEC Forest Rangers and ECOs each have a rich history of conservation and public protection in New York, and that storied legacy will continue with the newest additions to our ranks,” Commissioner Lefton said. “These specialized and rigorous training academies ensure graduates will have the skills needed to protect our resources and communities, and I am excited for all candidates having safe and educational starts to incredibly rewarding careers.”

ECOs, originally called Game Protectors, were first appointed for service in 1880. The first Forest Rangers, originally known as Fire Wardens, were put into service in 1885 when the New York State Legislature established the Forest Preserve of New York State. Read more »

Federal Actions Continue to Cause Uncertainty for State’s Economy and Finances; Comptroller Warns of Reduced Independent Oversight

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s report examining the proposed State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027 Executive Budget warns the trajectory of projected state spending is estimated to increase at a rate faster than expected revenues, creating cumulative outyear budget gaps estimated by the Division of Budget (DOB) to total $27.5 billion through SFY 2030. Actions taken in Washington, including federal reductions in aid, create increased fiscal strains that are likely to affect the state’s economy, finances and safety net.

“The Executive Budget for the upcoming state fiscal year comes at a time of unusual fiscal uncertainty, caused largely by federal policies that have injected unnecessary volatility into the state and national economies, and disruptive changes in the state’s relationship with the federal government,” DiNapoli said. “These policies will result in lost funding and increased costs to the state, and could deal a devastating blow to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers with the loss of health coverage, nutritional assistance, safety net protections and more. As negotiations commence, policymakers need to proceed with caution as they work on balancing the budget, improving affordability and maintaining vital services for New Yorkers. I oppose the proposals to erode contract oversight by my office for billions in spending of taxpayer money. Independent oversight and broader competition in the procurement process are not obstacles but are essential checks that ensure public funds are spent responsibly and fairly.”

Federal Budgetary and Policy Actions Read more »

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