The Peru Gazette

Minutes PLANNING Board September 2026

October 15, 2026 – As of May 2026, more than 1.9 million New York students participated in the school lunch program, the third most in the nation, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. However, recent federal changes enacted under H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) in 2025 restricting eligibility to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid in a way that may threaten federal support for the state’s universal school meals program, may decrease the number of students receiving support and increase state costs.

“Hunger should never prevent children from learning in school. The universal school meal program is a great success in New York, but it depends on continued partnership between the state and the federal government,” DiNapoli said. “Changing the law to make it harder to qualify for benefits not only hurts New York’s children, but could also increase state costs to maintain this essential program.”

Federal Funding

Federal funds provide reimbursement for school meals. Over the past 15 years, the availability of free student meals has been expanded through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows schools, groups of schools, or school districts that meet certain conditions to provide free school meals to all students, not just those in households under 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Schools in New York became eligible to participate in CEP beginning in School Year (SY) 2012-13, and New York City opted into CEP for SY 2017-18.

In addition to federal funding, New York has strengthened the program by providing subsidies to school food authorities, the entities responsible for operating school meal programs, to help facilitate the availability of school meals. In 2018, public schools with over 70% of students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals were also required to provide breakfast. An additional state subsidy was created for schools that purchase 30% of the total cost of school lunch products from New York state farmers, growers, producers, or processors. In 2019, the state began providing a subsidy to eliminate the charge to students receiving reduced-price meals.

Through this successful state-federal partnership, free meals were available to 90% of students in New York by SY 2025-26. The State Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget proposed to create full universality, expanding free school meals to every school. The Enacted Budget completed the move to full universality by requiring all schools that participate in the federal meal program to provide free meals for all students and included an additional $160 million to subsidize the program. As part of the legislation, eligible schools are required to enter CEP to maximize federal reimbursement, lowering the state cost to subsidize the program. With these changes, New York became the ninth state to institute a universal free school meal program.

Uncertain Federal Landscape

In Federal Fiscal Year 2025, New York received over $1.1 billion in federal funding for its school meal program. However, P.L. 119-21 puts this funding at risk. By tightening SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some individuals, expanding work requirements, and increasing the frequency with which some Medicaid recipients have to renew their coverage, the law is expected to reduce participation in these programs. Because SNAP and Medicaid enrollment are used to determine eligibility for CEP, declines in participation could reduce the number of students who are eligible for free school meals, altering reimbursement rates for the state.

Nationally, there are already signs that SNAP participation is declining. According to data from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the number of New Yorkers receiving SNAP benefits declined by nearly 273,000 between July 2025 and July 2026. If the number of students qualifying for these federal programs drops, the state’s financial responsibility for maintaining universal school meal program is likely to grow.

Report

Let’s Do Lunch: New York’s School Meal Expansion

Related Reports

EPI-Federal-Actions-Threaten-to-Exacerbate-Rising-Food-Insecurity

Nutritional Assistance – Federal Funding and New York | Office of the New York State Comptroller

New Yorkers in Need: Food Insecurity and Nutritional Assistance Programs | Office of the New York State Comptroller

PLATTSBURGH — As the State University of New York expands its Military Tuition Rate Program this year, Clinton Community College is reaffirming its commitment to providing eligible military students with an affordable, accessible pathway to higher education.

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Giving Shift event set for Sunday, Oct. 18

Plattsburgh, NY –  Trading their scrubs and uniforms for fun costumes, University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital employees welcome all ghouls, goblins, princesses and superheroes to the Giving Shift’s Halloween event Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 am to noon on the hospital’s main campus.

Staff will be handing out candy and managing games and activities for the young and young at heart.  The event is free and ample parking is available in the Medical Office lot just off Cornelia Street entrance. The Giving Shift is a group of like-minded CVPH employees whose goal is strengthen the bond between coworkers while making a meaningful difference in the community.

Total of 8.2 Million New Yorkers Receiving Checks Up to $200

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 3 million New Yorkers have already received their energy rebate checks of up to $200, with another 5.2 million checks being sent in coming weeks.

Governor Hochul’s Enacted Budget included a one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) to help provide needed relief in the face of federal tariffs that have increased the cost of living across the board and President Trump’s war in Iran, which has caused the price at the pump to skyrocket.

POWER checks provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Single filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. The checks began being mailed on September 21 and will continue through December. A total of 8.2 million New Yorkers will receive checks.

There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check. The State Tax Department is mailing checks to eligible New Yorkers now. For more information, visit: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/energy-rebate-check.htm

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – On Saturday October 24th, the City of Plattsburgh will be full of spooks, treats and maybe even a few tricks! The seventh annual Downtown Trick or Treat event will be held on Saturday October 24th from 12:00-2:00PM.

The City of Plattsburgh in partnership with Community Bank N.A. is hosting the seventh annual Downtown Trick or Treat event where participants can stop by over thirty downtown businesses for a treat between 12PM-2PM. This year’s downtown festivities will feature a Downtown Business Storefront decorating contest, with the winner chosen by the public, a dance performance by Center Stage Dance group, free face painting in Trinity park, and more in Betty Little Arts Park!

KOOL 105.1 will be set up in Trinity Park DJing a set of spook-tacular tunes! Thank you Hall Communications for providing this for the event!

Participants do not have to follow a designated route around downtown but are asked to obey traffic laws and signals. For the safety of trick-or-treaters and families, the following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from 11AM to 2PM:

Margaret Street from Brinkerhoff Street to Broad Street, Trinity Place and Lower Court Street, Protection Avenue, and Clinton Street. The SUNY Plattsburgh Men’s Lacrosse Team will also be assisting families at key crossing points throughout downtown. Please use caution, follow traffic signals, and look out for volunteers at designated crossing areas.

Valerie Daniels, Community Bank Branch Manager said, “No tricks, just treats at Community Bank! We’re proud to support Downtown Trick or Treat and help provide a safe, fun Halloween experience for local families. Bringing our community together is what this event is all about, and we’re excited to be part of it!”Trinity Park and Betty Little Arts park will both be transformed into spooky parks from 12PM-2PM, where local businesses and organizations that do not have a

downtown storefront can participate in handing out treats. Costumes are not mandatory but highly encouraged! The Downtown Trick or Treat and Spooky Park events are free and no registration is required.

For all event information visit www.discoverplattsburgh.com/events. If you are a local downtown business that would like to be added to the list of participating businesses, please email events@cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov no later than Monday, October 20.

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The Village of Champlain, New York, the Village of Hemmingford and the Township of Hemmingford adopt a joint spirit of friendship and cooperation across the Canada–U.S. border. 

HEMMINGFORD, QUÉBEC — On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., representatives and residents of three neighbouring municipalities will gather at the Hemmingford Recreation Centre for the planting of a Friendship Tree, celebrating the enduring relationship between the communities of Hemmingford, Québec, and Champlain, New York.

The initiative originated with Janet McFetridge, Mayor of the Village of Champlain, who sought a meaningful way to reaffirm the friendship between Canadian and American neighbours during a period of political and economic uncertainty. The idea quickly grew into a collaborative community project.

In a significant demonstration of cross-border solidarity, the municipal councils of the Village of Champlain, the Village of Hemmingford and the Township of Hemmingford have each adopted a formal Resolution of Friendship. The resolutions recognize the importance of mutual understanding, cultural exchange and cooperation, while expressing a shared commitment to strengthening relationships through educational, cultural, economic and social initiatives.

A Living Symbol of Friendship

The Friendship Tree will be planted near the bicycle path at the Hemmingford Recreation Centre, where it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come.

The tree, generously provided by the Village of Champlain, will serve as a living reminder that the connections between neighbouring communities extend beyond international borders.

Looking Beyond the Border

For generations, residents of Hemmingford and Champlain have shared family ties, friendships, commerce, cultural traditions and a common landscape.

While national political circumstances may change, the organizers believe these longstanding community relationships deserve to be recognized and strengthened.

The Friendship Tree is intended to be the beginning of further collaboration, including the possibility of a reciprocal planting in Champlain and future environmental, cultural, educational and tourism exchanges. Community members and media representatives are warmly invited to attend.

The GOP candidate for governor has made slashing energy costs a centerpiece of his campaign. But he’s presented no plan for how to do it.

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Kathy Hochul and Bruce Blakeman are locked in an expensive — and surprisingly competitive — race.

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It will Consolidate Five Department of Health Laboratory Sites and Bring Nearly 800 Employees Under One Roof

October 13, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the topping out of the new $1.7 billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory at the W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus in Albany, marking a major construction milestone as the final structural steel beam was raised into place on the main laboratory building

The five-story, 663,000-square-foot facility is the largest construction project in the history of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). The new laboratory will consolidate five New York State Department of Health sites across the Capital Region and bring nearly 800 Wadsworth Center employees together under one roof, strengthening New York’s ability to detect, prevent and respond to emerging public health threats.

“The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory represents an extraordinary investment in New York’s public health infrastructure and in the scientists and professionals who work every day to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “Reaching this milestone brings us another step closer to a modern, world-class laboratory that will strengthen our ability to prepare for emerging threats, advance groundbreaking research and protect public health for generations to come. I thank the hundreds of skilled workers and project partners whose work is bringing this important facility to life.”

Construction remains on schedule and on budget. The main laboratory building’s steel frame includes more than 8,200 major pieces of structural steel totaling approximately 5,545 tons. More than 200 skilled tradespeople are working on the project each day, with roughly 40 contractor businesses represented onsite.

Workers, project partners and state and local officials signed the final beam before it was lifted into place during the topping out ceremony. The milestone marks completion of the main laboratory building’s structural steel frame and the transition toward the next major phases of construction.

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. 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)

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing of August 10, Special Meeting of October 5 and Regular Meeting of September 28, 2026.

6. Community Input.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Engineering Ventures to put Wescott Rd. Culvert Project Out for Re-bid.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Bond Resolution for the Wescott Rd. & Lyons Rd. BAN. 

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive GC-CD.15 from Murnane Bldg. Contractors, Inc. for the Peru WWTP Project.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive GC-CD.16 from Murnane.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive GC-CD.17 from Murnane.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive P-PR.04 from J.W. Danforth.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive M-PR.03 from K &L Plumbing.

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive E-CD.04 from Triangle Electric.

15. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive E-CD.05 from Triangle Electric.

16. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Triangle Electrical Systems Pay App. #13 for Peru WWTP.

17. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Systems Pay App. #15 for Peru WWTP.

18. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Bldg. Contractors Pay App. #15 for Peru WWTP 

19. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of K & L Plumbing & Heating Systems Pay App. #10 for Peru WWTP Project.

20. DISCUSSION: Barton & Loguidice Monthly Report on Peru Water Project. 

21. DISCUSSION: AES Northeast Meeting Report on Peru Wastewater Project.

22. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Town Board.

23. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads.

24. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

25. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay October 2026 Bills.

26. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

27. MOTION: Return from Executive Session.          
28. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

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Clinton County, October 13, 2026. More than 100 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 22 New York counties in 2026. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is asking residents to be proactive by checking their vaccination history. There are currently zero cases in Clinton County.

Measles is a respiratory disease that is easily spread when a person infected with the measles virus breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in airspace where an infected person has coughed or sneezed and can be passed from an infected person even before they show a measles rash. “Measles is a highly contagious illness,” according to Nichole Louis, BSN, RN, Director of Health Care Services at CCHD. “Ninety percent of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected. On the other hand, the recommended two doses of MMR vaccine are about ninety-seven percent effective at preventing the illness.”

Measles affects the lungs and airways. It causes a rash and fever, and may lead to serious symptoms. Many people with measles have complications such as diarrhea, ear infections or pneumonia. Ear infections occur in about one out of every 10 children with measles and can result in permanent hearing loss. Measles can lead to a brain infection which can cause permanent brain damage. A small number of people who get measles will need hospitalization and if complications including pneumonia or encephalitis (brain swelling) occur, death can result. Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low birth weight infants. Measles can be more severe in people with weak immune systems.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. You are considered vaccinated against measles if you have 2 valid doses of MMR vaccine, or other vaccines that protect against measles. You are also considered immune to measles if you have a lab report of immunity, or you were born before 1957. Anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. However, two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for all children and adults. When more children and adults are vaccinated, it is harder for measles to spread in families and communities.

If you can’t find a record of having received the vaccine; documentation of having had measles; or other proof of immunity; schedule an appointment with your health care provider to determine your need for vaccination. If you don’t have a health care provider or if your current provider does not have your vaccination history, you can contact CCHD at 518-565-4848 between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

“The risk to the general public is low, as Clinton County has a high vaccination rate,” added Ms. Louis. “We will continue to monitor cases in our neighboring counties and communities and will provide additional guidance to residents if needed.”

“Persons who have any physical mobility or other needs, call the telephone number above to arrange for accommodations”To learn more about measles, vaccination, or the rising measles case rates in New York State, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/

The Peru Fire District will conduct its 2027 Budget Hearing on Tuesday, October 20 from 7 to 8 PM in a back bay behind the fire station. Any resident, property owner, or interested person is invited to attend. Copies of the budget are available at the Town Clerk’s office at the Peru Town Hall.  (Hearing location updated 10/13/26 9:17PM) 

Fourth Year of Application Fee Waivers Helps Students Apply to SUNY, CUNY and Participating Private Colleges and Universities at No Cost

October 13, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than 130 colleges and universities across New York State are waiving application fees for high school seniors as part of the 2026 College Application Initiative (CAI). The statewide initiative encourages high school seniors, particularly those from low-income families and first-generation students, to apply to at least one college. Building on more than a decade of helping New York students pursue higher education, CAI will run throughout October and November, expanding from its traditional one-month format to provide students with more time, resources, and support to explore their college options and complete applications.

“Every New York student should have the opportunity to pursue a college education, no matter their ZIP code or their family’s income,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why we’re breaking down barriers at every step — giving students more time and support to complete their applications and waiving fees so families can keep more money in their pockets. New York is making it easier and more affordable for students to take that first step toward a college degree and a brighter future right here in our state.”

For the fourth consecutive year, students can apply for free to SUNY, CUNY and more than 45 participating private colleges and universities during designated application fee waiver periods in October and November. College application fees can range from $50 to $90 per application, and those costs can quickly add up for students applying to multiple colleges. CAI helps remove financial barriers and allows students to apply for a broader range of colleges in New York.

Last year, more than 300,000 college applications were submitted through CAI, saving students and families more than $15 million in application fees.

Governor Hochul has proclaimed October as College Application Month in New York State, underscoring the vital role higher education plays in shaping the futures of students across the state. This proclamation aims to raise awareness of the higher education opportunities available throughout New York and to support students as they pursue their academic goals. In honor of CAI, all state buildings will be illuminated in green and blue on Wednesday, October 21, in a visible show of encouragement for students taking this important step.

The College Application Initiative is led by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in partnership with the State University of New York(SUNY), the City University of New York (CUNY), the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the Association of Private Colleges (APC) and theCommission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU). This year, more than 700 high schools across New York State are participating in CAI, and nearly 130 public and private colleges and universities are offering application fee waivers.

2026 Application Waiver Periods: Read more »

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