The Peru Gazette

September 16, 2026 – Mobile sports betting has quickly become New York state’s second largest source of gaming revenue, trailing only the lottery. In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026, mobile sports betting generated $1.3 billion in state revenues from taxes on gross gaming revenues, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report also notes that the increased wagering activity led to a 8.5% increase in calls to the state’s problem gambling hotline in 2025 since 2020.

“While the legalization of mobile sports betting in New York has boosted state revenues, the rise in problem gambling, particularly among young people, is a major concern,” DiNapoli said. “The rapid proliferation of the prediction markets, which generate significant revenue based on sports activities, only makes it easier to get hooked on these online platforms. I was encouraged by the state’s decision to double funding for problem gambling services from $6 million to $12 million, but this is a drop in the bucket compared to the billions being wagered. We need to do much more to identify how mobile sports betting is impacting New Yorkers and ensure consumers are protected.”

Gaming Overview in New York

There are six different forms of statutorily authorized gaming in New York: horse racing, the lottery, video lottery terminals (VLTs), casinos (commercial and tribal), sports betting (mobile and in-person), and interactive fantasy sports. Each of these provide a source of revenue for the state, most of which is used for education purposes. In SFY 2026, the state collected over $5.1 billion in gaming revenues, $1.3 billion (33%) higher than in SFY 2016. However, excluding mobile sports wagering, gaming revenues from all other forms declined by 0.8%.

The lottery remains the state’s largest source of gaming revenue with average annual growth of 1.8% from SFY 2010 to SFY 2023; however, these revenues were nearly 10% lower in SFY 2026 than peak collections in SFY 2023. Through July of SFY 2027, lottery revenues were up only 0.6% ($4.4 million) from the same period last year.

Mobile Sports Wagering Read more »

Half of All New York Households Are Eligible for Monthly Discounts

Nearly One Million Households Already Enrolled

Visit ny.gov/EAP to Learn About Eligibility and How to Enroll

September 17, 2026 – Governor Hochul today launched a new statewide enrollment drive to help millions more New Yorkers get a monthly discount on their utility bills through the State’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP). While 1 million households statewide are already enrolled in the EAP, the State estimates that approximately 2.5 million more households are eligible to enroll for monthly discounts – including many that are now eligible due to Governor Hochul’s expansion of program eligibility. Depending on household income, the EAP can help New Yorkers save up to hundreds of dollars per year on utility costs, with discounts set to make a typical utility bill less than six percent of household income.

New York’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and Expanded Eligibility

Up to half of all New York State households are eligible to receive monthly utility discounts through the EAP. While some households are automatically enrolled based on their participation in other programs, many other households can enroll by applying online via ny.gov/EAP. Households can save up to hundreds of dollars per year on their utility costs with EAP discounts – and the size of the EAP discount is based on household income.

Households are automatically enrolled in the EAP if they are currently enrolled in the Home Energy Assistance Program or the Public Assistance (i.e., Temporary Assistance), which are administered by the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA).

Households are also eligible for EAP discounts if they are currently enrolled in numerous other programs. However, these households are not automatically enrolled in the EAP due to customer privacy restrictions that prevent automatic enrollment. These households can self-enroll to receive EAP discounts by applying online. This applies to households currently enrolled in:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Veterans’ Disability or Survivors Pension
• Supplemental Security Income
• Lifeline Telephone Service Program
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Utility Guarantee
• Direct Vendor programs
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Safety Net Assistance
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start
• Tribal TANF
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Effective January 2026, Governor Hochul’s administration also expanded eligibility to include New York households that are below the state median income, or below area median income in New York City, Westchester, and Nassau County. These households can also enroll by applying online via ny.gov/EAP.

Under this expansion, households at or below the following income levels are also now eligible for monthly utility discounts:

New EAP Enrollment Drive

Governor Hochul has directed the Department of Public Service to begin a new enrollment push to help more New Yorkers sign up for EAP discounts over the coming weeks and months.

As part of the enrollment drive, the Department of Public Service will do targeted digital advertising and work with other state agencies to use direct mail, email, and/or texts to inform more New Yorkers about EAP eligibility and enrollment information.

Social services agencies will cross-reference customers enrolling in other programs to EAP, agencies will partner with community organizations to attend in-person enrollment events, and utilities will directly inform customers on the enrollment process.

State agencies dealing with the public will also promote the program on their digital boards inside their public-facing offices.

Assemblymember Grace Lee said, “New York families are already stretched thin, and harmful federal policies are driving energy costs even higher. I thank Governor Hochul for making sure more households can access the relief they deserve. Half of all New York households may qualify, and I encourage every eligible New Yorker to visit ny.gov/eap and enroll.”

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Auditors estimate the district could have realized $1 million in additional revenues 

Auditors determined that the district’s investments were legal, safe and liquid. However, district officials did not develop and manage a comprehensive investment program. For example, during the audit period, officials did not prepare any cash flow forecasts to estimate funds available for investment or solicit interest rate quotes from financial institutions. As a result, officials missed an opportunity for the district to realize additional revenues of more than $1 million.

Click here to view the audit summary 

The Peru Central School Marching Band is always a highlight of the Applefest Parade. You can see them this Saturday, September 19. The parade leaves the Peru Elementary School at 11 a.m. to march down Pleasant and Main Streets.

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Grants Range from $10,000 to $10 Million for Organizations of All Sizes; Applications Due January 12, 2027

Sept. 15, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $80 million in capital funding is now available to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations through the New York State Council on the Arts Capital Projects Fund. The Fund has three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, Large Capital Improvement Grants, and Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture. The $80 million funding opportunity builds on the $82 million in capital awards made by NYSCA earlier this year, including multi-year funding to facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking.

“New York’s arts and cultural organizations are a key driver of our thriving communities — fueling local economies and drawing visitors from around the world,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in new construction, accessibility improvements and environmental sustainability initiatives, these organizations can grow, expand and continue to inspire the communities they serve.”

NYSCA’s Capital Projects Fund will support arts and cultural nonprofits seeking State funding for investments in capital improvements that allow organizations to sustain and expand cultural programming for diverse audiences, promote accessibility and environmental sustainability, preserve and create jobs, and ultimately contribute to the growth of New York’s dynamic arts and tourism sectors. Grants range from $10,000 to $10 million to support organizations and projects of all sizes.

The three FY27 Capital Projects Fund opportunities are:

Small and Midsize Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity funds projects initiated by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations of any size, with construction and capital equipment grants of up to $2 million that prioritize accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health and safety, and structural and historical improvements. Grants of $50,000 to $2 million support up to 50 percent of the project’s total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 are also available for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million. Strong projects combine excellence in design with informed decisions about organizational capacity and community needs that will positively affect the future of arts and cultural organizations across New York. 

Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support arts and cultural nonprofits across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants will range from $2 million to $10 million for projects that have a total cost of $4 million or more (grants support a maximum of 50 percent of the project’s total cost). This funding will support investments that allow organizations to thrive by expanding cultural programming, reaching new and diverse audiences, and promoting accessibility. These grants will also help advance the State’s goals around economic development and will require all applicants to commit to social equity initiatives and access plans that serve all New Yorkers. 

Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture: This opportunity will support the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents for arts and cultural nonprofits with operating budgets of $10 million or less across the state that are planning eligible capital improvements and are currently in the early stages of design. Grants will range from $50,000 to $500,000, for a maximum of 50 percent of the design phase’s total cost. No-match grants of $10,000 to $99,000 will also be available for organizations with budgets under $2 million. 

The application portal and guidelines for these opportunities are now open, and can be accessed on NYSCA’s website, arts.ny.gov. The deadline to submit completed applications is January 12, 2027, at 5pm. All eligible New York State nonprofit arts and cultural organizations are encouraged to apply for NYSCA’s Capital Projects Fund. NYSCA will also conduct webinars about the application process and host multiple virtual office sessions for applicants to receive one-on-one assistance before the January 12, 2027, deadline. Grant awards are expected to be announced in late spring 2027. 

Since the NYSCA Capital Projects Fund began in 2018, the agency has awarded 739 capital grants, totaling over $382 million, across all 10 state regions through the support of the Governor and Legislature. These projects increase employment capacity and advance cultural venues as tourism destinations, strengthening New York’s hospitality, food and beverage and retail sectors. In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists for FY26.

Governor Hochul continues to make record investments to grow New York’s pre-eminent arts and culture sector. The FY27 budget also includes over $81 million for NYSCA general operating support to non-profit organizations and individual artists. These grants will be awarded at the end of the calendar year.

Call to Order at 6:01 PM

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of June 10^th, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Comments: Garrett Mastic shared with the Board the minutes from the last meeting. 

Mr. Mastic asked if the other Board Members had any changes, correction, deletions or additions. The Board Members did not have any suggestions on this matter.  

Motion: Peter Stone made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Garrett Mastic and the motion carried with 6 votes.

Roll Call: Garret Mastic, Chair – Y; Peter Stone, Vice Chair – Y; Daniel Hamilton – Y; Robert LePage – Y; Jerry McGovern – Y; Alison Webbinaro, Alt. – Y

Open Floor to Public Hearing

There was no public comment at this time. 

Applications:

1. 1. File # P-2026-008 – Site Plan Review – Parcel ID# 280.1-9-40 – 38 Pleasant St. – John Canning – APPLICANT SEEKS TO CHANGE FROM A DUPLEX TO A TRIPLEX APARTMENT BUILDING BY TURNING THE 2^ND FLOOR OF HOME INTO A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT.  

This application was withdrawn by the applicant because it was discovered that the previous owners already went in front of the planning board and received approval for this project in December 2017. The codes secretary presented the official minutes from that meeting to the board as proof. The applicant submitted a letter in writing with his signature to officially withdraw his application. 

The applicant has already submitted an application and received a building permit to complete this project. The codes officer, Duane Bibeau, went over the requirements of this project with the applicant earlier today. The applicant will have to remove all the sheet rock on the ceiling of the first floor and insert 5/8 fire code sheet rock. He will need egress windows in the bedroom and escape routes upstairs. There are porches around house, so it would be less than 2-story drop in case of an emergency. The electrical will need to be inspected by a 3^rd party inspector after the fact to ensure compliance before a certificate is issued from the codes office. All the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors will be hard wired in. 

Motion: It was decided and agreed upon that the board did not need to vote to accept the withdrawal of this application. 

1. 2. File # P-2026-010 – Minor 2-Lot Subdivision – Parcel ID# 269.-1-30 – 3219 Route 22 – Lynn & Howard Manning Jr. – APPLICANT SEEKS TO CREATE A 6.04 ACRE LOT OUT OF THEIR EXISTING 22.5 ACRE PROPERTY.

The landowners were not present at this meeting. Speaking on their behalf is Marc Machabee, land surveyor from Machabee Land Surveying in Plattsburgh, NY. The owners want to give the new 6.04 acre lot to their son. There is currently an animal barn and a fenced in area on the property. Mr. Machabee told the board that would all be coming down. The board had no other comments or concerns about this application.  Read more »

Comedian and cancer survivor Wendy Hammers performing “Fifty Shades of Gray Hair & Other Gifts of Grateful Aging,” a heartwarming and hilarious message about self-love, humor as medicine and what it means to really live

Actress, Comedian brings laughter, hope and inspiration

 Plattsburgh, N.Y. — The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) will host its 26th and final Girls Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Strand Theater.

Held in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this year’s event features actress, comedian and cancer survivor Wendy Hammers performing “Fifty Shades of Gray Hair & Other Gifts of Grateful Aging.” It’s her heartwarming and hilarious message about self-love, humor as medicine and what it means to really live.

Hammers has built a successful career as an actress and comedian, appearing opposite Larry David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, being featured by Oprah Winfrey as a comic and performing stand-up comedy across the country. At age 54, she faced her most challenging role yet after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. More than nine years later, she shares the lessons she learned, offering a fresh and funny perspective on aging, wellness and embracing change.

For 26 years, Girls Night Out has provided women throughout the North Country an opportunity to get together, laugh, learn and focus on their wellbeing. “This is the perfect way to celebrate the friendships, connections and inspiration Girls Night Out has offered to thousands of women over the years,” said Foundation Manager of Events and Special Projects Michelle Senecal.  Senecal explained that The Foundation has decided to sunset Girls Night Out and focus its efforts on other community health initiatives.

Tickets are $30, inclusive of all fees, and are available online at strandcenter.org/theatre-events or at the Strand Welcome Center, 23 Brinkerhoff St., Plattsburgh. Welcome Center hours are Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

Ticket holders can also make it a complete Girls Night Out by taking advantage of a 10% dining discount before the show at participating local restaurants, including Anthony’s Restaurant & Bistro, Applebee’s, Arnie’s Restaurant, Butcher Block, Latitude 44 Bistro, Lomeli’s, Mickey’s Restaurant, Ninety-Nine Restaurant, Olive Ridley’s, Panera Bread, Texas Roadhouse and Valcour Brewing Company. Reservations may be required at some locations.

The Presenting Sponsors of Girls Night Out are Della Auto Group and Plattco.

For more information, contact Senecal at (518) 314-3359, email msenecal@cvph.org, or visit www.cvph.org/Foundation.

Town of Ticonderoga
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On September 4 at 4 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about two overdue hikers in the Pharoah Lake Wilderness. Forest Rangers located the subjects’ vehicle at the Grizzle Ocean Trailhead. At 7:56 p.m., Rangers Bode and Quinn and Assistant Forest Ranger Pervu located the 35-year-old and 43-year-old from Leroy and hiked them out to the trailhead.

Town of Santa Clara
Franklin County
Camp Disturbance: On September 4 at 8:39 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Fish Creek Campground about an aggressive person smashing a truck with a sledgehammer. Forest Rangers Foutch and Odell responded, along with New York State Police (NYSP). At 9:36 p.m., Ranger Foutch and NYSP disarmed the subject. NYSP interviewed the subject and determined there were no arrestable offenses, since the damage was done to the subject’s own vehicle. Family members picked up the camper. The incident was clear at 12:24 a.m.

Town of Wells
Hamilton County
Wilderness Rescue: On September 5 at 1:30 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Garmin about a hiker feeling ill who passed out once. The subject was at the Mud Lake lean-to in Silver Lakes Wilderness Area. Forest Rangers Milano and Nally reached the 36-year-old, completed a patient assessment, and provided food, water, and electrolytes. The patient was able to hike under their own power. Rangers assisted the subject back to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 7:50 a.m.

Silver Lakes Wilderness Area rescue

Silver Lakes Wilderness Area rescue

Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On September 5 at 7:45 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call reporting a 70-year-old hiker overdue from Cliff and Redfield mountains. The hiker from Illinois was planning to camp at Lake Colden after finishing the two mountains, but satellite coordinates the night before placed the subject near the summit of Cliff Mountain. At 9:49 a.m., Forest Ranger Ezumah made contact with the hiker and determined they were lost near the Cliff Mountain summit. At 11:58 a.m., Lake Colden Caretaker Raudonis and Rangers Jansen and Savarie located the hiker and provided food and water. At 5:27 p.m., they made it to the Herbert Brook lean-to. The hiker needed rest before continuing. At 1:18 p.m. the next day, Caretaker Radounis escorted the hiker out of the woods to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 2:50 p.m.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On September 5 at 10:03 a.m., Forest Ranger Jeffery and Assistant Forest Ranger (AFR) Hodgson responded to a call for a lost hiker off the Marcy Dam Trail. The subject’s son was hiking Mount Marcy and the subject planned to get a little exercise and stop half a mile before the Algonquin Mountain Junction. While seeking privacy for a bathroom break, the subject lost the trail and walked for an hour before contacting their spouse for help. Ranger Jeffery requested the subject call 911 so they could get updated coordinates. Those coordinates placed the subject approximately half a mile east of the ski trail towards Marcy Brook. Ranger Jeffery and AFR Hodgson located the hiker and reached the trailhead at 11:05 a.m.

Village of Fort Ann
Washington County
Rescue: On September 6 at 12:09 p.m., while on patrol at Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Forest Ranger Peterson responded to a call not far from his patrol area for a subject suffering an allergic reaction. Ranger Peterson located the 25-year-old from Colorado, completed a patient assessment, and assisted them to a West Fort Ann Ambulance. The subject decided to seek further medical attention on their own. The incident was clear at 1:45 p.m.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On September 6 at 4:26 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call for a hiker who fell and hit their head while hiking Haystack Mountain. The subject had previous medical issues and was bleeding from the face. Once Rangers made contact, they determined a hoist rescue was the safest and quickest option. New York State Police Pilot Sergeant Beck flew Forest Ranger Lewis to the scene. Rangers on the ground harnessed the subject, and Ranger Lewis pulled the 56-year-old from Black River into the helicopter. Sergeant Beck flew the patient to the hospital and the incident was clear at 6 p.m. Video of the rescue from inside the helicopter is available to download.

Haystack Mountain rescue

Town of North Hudson
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On September 6 at 9 p.m., five Forest Rangers responded to a call for an overdue hiker in the Dix Range. The 53-year-old from Clinton Corners texted coordinates to their sister, placing the subject moving toward East Dix and Route 73. Rangers located the hiker on the north fork of the Boquet Trail. The subject’s headlamp died, so they were using their phone for both light and navigation. Rangers Corey and Lewis provided a head lamp and walked them to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 11:28 p.m.

Rangers suggest bringing more than one headlamp and extra batteries, as well as a map and compass, along with the rest of the ten hiking essentials.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On September 7 at 12:37 a.m., the same five Forest Rangers who responded to the Dix Range search responded to a call for two hikers reported overdue by a friend. The hikers were planning to hike Mount Marcy but their last known location at 7:42 p.m. was near Little Haystack Mountain. The hikers had never hiked in the Adirondacks before, did not have headlamps, were out of food, and didn’t have warm clothing. At 5:29 a.m., Rangers Corey and Quinn located the 20-year-olds from Michigan and hiked them to the trailhead. The incident was clear at 8:18 a.m.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

West Side Ballroom, 253 New York Rd, Plattsburgh, NY 12903

Clinton County Historical Association is commemorating the 250^th Anniversary of the 1776 Battle of Valcour Island with three consecutive days of events from October 9 to 11. The Signature Weekend opens with a dinner honoring the members of the Valcour Bay Research Project (VPRP). The VBRP was an archaeological survey of Valcour Bay conducted by local divers and archaeologists from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum between 1999 and 2007. The October 9^th dinner event begins with cocktails at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 at the West Side Ballroom, 253 New York Road, Plattsburgh.  Special guests will include the VBRP team members and speaker Edwin Scollon, co-principal investigator of the Team. Dinner choices are: Benedict Arnold’s Herb-roasted chicken named for the Commander of the American Fleet at Valcour Island in 1776; Jean Lafromboise’s Cider-glazed pork loin named for the Revolutionary War Veteran and early Chazy settler whose fruit-bearing trees became Clinton County’s First Orchard; Haudenosaunee Maple-ginger salmon inspired by their introduction of maple to early settlers; and Thomas Jefferson’s Macaroni & cheese, a reminder that Jefferson developed a taste for macaroni and cheese while in France and later helped popularize the dish in America.  For dessert we’ll have Ida Ostrander’s Apple Crisp in honor of the first child born in Plattsburgh. 

Reservations for dinner are $55 per person and must be made by September 30^th.  Call 518-561-0340 or visit the Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh to reserve your seat. 

A cooperative project between multiple organizations rehabilitated a Willsboro property creating four new affordable apartments

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Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the High School Community Room. It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 5:30 PM start, and that the Board will reconvene for open public session business at approximately 6:00 PM. The meeting will be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting is open to the public and current District, County, State and Federal safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

Currently, two (2) public comment opportunities are planned as follows:

First public comment: Related to items on the agenda. Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Second public comment: Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.

Individuals who are unable to attend the regular meeting in person may submit public comments by emailing perucomments@perucsd.org no later than noon on Tuesday, September 15th. Online comments are also subject to the conditions stated above.

Anticipated topics include:

• Start of School Update

• Personnel Appointments

• Special Education Update

The complete agenda will be available via BoardDocs on the District’s website (www.perucsd.org).

The Pipes and Drums of Plattsburgh will be in Peru for the Applefest Parade, Saturday, Sept. 19.

Parish Center grounds at 3030 Main Street open at 10:30. Parade leaves Peru Elementary School at 11 a.m

Tucker Taylor was set to be arraigned Sunday afternoon in connection with Patricia Lawrence’s death

Click here for the Sun Community News story