The Peru Gazette

Ellenburg Depot man walks away from his job in Corrections 

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Top artists from the Champlain Valley — and one special guest performer from Delaware — present masterworks in existence at the time of the Battle of Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, September 1, 2026 – For the second consecutive September, this year’s Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Weekend will feature for special programs showcasing music that would have been heard by audiences in Europe and in North America in September 1814, the month and year when the battle was fought. 

All four concerts will feature standout Champlain Valley performers whose professional credits range from Carnegie Hall to Broadway, from the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, from the Crane School of Music to Yale University, and from several other top-level venues across Japan, Canada, and multiple European nations — plus a special appearance by veteran stage and screen actor Steven Mumford, who will travel from Delaware to deliver an exclusive performance of his original monologue portraying Battle of Plattsburgh hero Commodore Thomas Macdonough.   

Each concert is free of charge with the purchase of a Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration button, with all performances taking place in the sanctuary of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Plattsburgh.

The schedule of this unique Battle of Plattsburgh period music series includes: 

Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos By Champlain Strings. Sept. 12, 4 p.m. 

The Plattsburgh-based string orchestra that delighted listeners last year with The Four Seasons returns to present three of Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpieces: the immortal Brandenburg Concertos No. 3, No. 5, and No. 6! Likely the first time that all three of these melodious works have been performed in the same program anywhere in the North Country! Featuring Champlain Valley-based professional soloists Marilyn Reynolds (violin), Robin Cameron-Phillips (flute), and John Curtis (harpsichord).

Beethoven’s Chamber Music For Wind Instruments By The Adirondack Wind Ensemble. Sept. 12, 5:30 p.m. 

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Octet for Winds and Sextet for Winds were popular classics at the time of the Battle of Plattsburgh, and both works remain gems of the wind instrument repertoire today. Daniel Gordon leads musicians from the Adirondack Wind Ensemble in presenting these two compositions by a composer who was still dazzling the Western world when the turning point of the War of 1812 occurred in our community.

McCarty & Macdonough: The Violist & The Commodore. Sept. 13, 1 p.m.

Violist Patricia McCarty, whose professional credits range from the Boston Symphony Orchestra to an impressive globally celebrated array of solo recordings, presents a program of solo viola classics by Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Sebastian Bach, Alessandro Rolla, and more. 

Joining her will be award-winning actor and playwright Steven Mumford, who is traveling from Delaware to present an exclusive performance of his original monologue in the character of Commodore Thomas Macdonough, the hero of the Battle of Plattsburgh, telling this dramatic story through spoken episodes that intertwine with the music!

Battle of Plattsburgh Vespers. Sept. 13, 3 p.m. 

Helen Demong, Artistic Director of the Northern Lights Choir, leads a chamber chorus of North Country vocalists in a program of choral classics, joined by beloved collaborative pianist Jennifer Moore. Sacred and secular works by Mozart, Palestrina, William Billings, Michael Haydn, Tomas Luis de Victoria, and many more — plus some stunning vocal solos — will bring this commemoration weekend to a deeply moving conclusion.

The four concerts are produced by Plattsburgh resident Benjamin Pomerance and are made possible through the generosity of the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee. 

Seating for each concert is first-come, first-served. Attendees are encouraged to come early to secure their seat of choice. 

For more information, please contact Benjamin Pomerance at pomerance.benjamin58@gmail.com

Peru Gazette file photo

BETA Technologies to unveil one-of-a-kind “P-51 Bustang” during a special 6:30 a.m. event at the U.S. Oval

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — September 1, 2026 — North Country Honor Flight will send 29 North Country veterans to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, September 5, for a day dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice.

The veterans traveling on North Country Honor Flight Flights 72 and 73 represent several generations of American military service. The group includes a Korean War veteran, several Vietnam War veterans and veterans who served during the Cold War.

This mission will also mark the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind vehicle created specifically to transport North Country’s heroes.

Introducing the “P-51 Bustang”

Flights 72 and 73 are being sponsored by BETA Technologies, which has transformed a bus donated by Saranac Central School into a rolling masterpiece.

Patterned after the legendary P-51 Mustang, the specially designed bus has been affectionately named the “P-51 Bustang.” The one-of-a-kind vehicle represents a deep appreciation for the veterans it was created to serve.

“Rich, Ashley and the entire BETA Technologies crew have poured their heart and soul into the project. The P-51 Bustang will become a lasting part of our organization, and we are incredibly grateful. ” says Barrie Finnegan, Executive Director of North Country Honor Flight.

The P-51 Bustang will be officially unveiled at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, September 5, at the U.S. Oval in Plattsburgh, as the veterans arrive for their Honor Flight sendoff ceremony.

September 5 Sendoff

Veterans will travel through town with “Thunder in the ‘burgh” and arrive at the US Oval at approximately 6:30 a.m., where BETA Technologies will unveil the P-51 Bustang.

The official North Country Honor Flight departure ceremony will begin at 7:00 a.m.

Family members, friends, fellow veterans, community members, local officials and supporters are encouraged to gather at the U.S. Oval to give these 29 veterans the sendoff they deserve.

Following the ceremony, the veterans will continue to the airport and begin their journey to Washington, D.C. There, they will visit the memorials dedicated to the generations of Americans who served our country.

For many of these veterans, the trip will provide an opportunity to finally see memorials that honor their service and the service of their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

North Country Honor Flight extends its deepest appreciation to BETA Technologies for sponsoring Flights 72 and 73 and for creating a project that will remain a part of Honor Flight for years to come. Special thanks also goes to Saranac Central School for donating the bus that made this project possible.

Assemblyman Michael Cashman News Release of September 1, 2026 – “We have known cuts to Medicaid and increased eligibility requirements to access coverage were coming ever since the passage of the H.R.1 bill early last year. These cuts will undoubtedly result in lowered access to routine appointments, quality care, medication, and other healthcare needs for millions of New Yorkers. The changes have already begun to put strain on our local medical providers and instilled fear in many who rely on these programs.”

“Starting in September, New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid plans will receive notice of potential changes in coverage via mail or email. It is essential that enrollees make sure their contact information is up-to-date with Medicaid to make sure they get the most accurate information regarding their specific situation.”

“Starting on January 1, 2027, many Medicaid enrollees will have new work and eligibility reporting requirements. Enrollees will be informed as to if they need to meet these requirements. Exemptions are made for individuals who are disabled, veterans with total disabilities, pregnant or recently pregnant individuals, caregivers to disabled individuals and young children, and additional qualifiers. A full list of exempt individuals can be found online here: https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-covered. Enrollees will likely have to provide evidence of their exemption to renew their coverage.”

“Many enrollees will also have to verify their continued eligibility twice a year as opposed to the current once a year. Enrollees should make sure their contact information is up-to-date, especially if they have recently moved.”

“While addressing abuse and fraud in our social systems is vital, implementing these measures will cause many eligible enrollees to be unjustly kicked from coverage due to the higher likelihood of clerical errors and filing mistakes. For the vast majority of enrollees, Medicaid coverage is a lifeline between their temporary hardship and accessing essential services. Adding barriers to health care is simply unjust, especially to communities that are already experiencing hardship and difficulty accessing care.”

“These cuts will also have a direct impact on our own rural communities and our already-strained providers. Our hospitals rely on Medicaid dollars to function. When people do not have healthcare coverage, they do not go to the doctor. People will get sick. People who have preexisting conditions will go without treatment. People will inevitably die because of these cuts and the lack of access to care.”

“As of July 2026, Clinton County had roughly 19,500 residents enrolled in Medicaid, Franklin County had roughly 14,500, and Essex County 7,900. These are thousands of residents right here in the North Country that are facing major changes to and potential loss of critical health care coverage.” 

Matej Kollar, Chief Financial Officer, University of Vermont Health Network-Alice Hyde Medical Center (AHMC) and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), said: “In our Emergency Department and clinics, we are already seeing more patients without health insurance as a result of changes to eligibility requirements and the increased cost of health insurance. With additional changes anticipated in the coming year, we expect to see that number increase even more. These changes come at a time when rural hospitals, like CVPH, are already operating on razor thin margins.”

“Our priority has been and will always be to provide the care our community needs. We look forward to working with our elected officials to ensure the North Country continues to have accessible and affordable healthcare now and for generations to come.” 

Bill Schneider, RN, New York State Nurses Association Second Vice President and a nurse at Adirondack Medical Center, said: “As a nurse in the North Country, I see how our patients need access to quality local care to stay healthy. We care for a large number of people who rely on Medicare and Medicaid. The federal Medicaid cuts will decimate rural healthcare and our patients’ access to care. We’ve already seen hospitals cut services and propose maternal health closures in anticipation of the deeper federal cuts that are coming this winter. We urge the Trump administration to reverse course and invest in the health of our communities instead of cutting access to lifesaving care.” 

Helen Wallis, 1199SEIU Vice President for the North Country, said: “Deep Medicaid cuts have a devastating impact on our communities, hospitals, and nursing homes. We’ve already seen cuts to the healthcare workforce throughout the North Country – we don’t want to see more jobs lost as a result of last year’s H.R. 1. Access to critical medical care in our rural communities is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When access to care is limited, people will not get the quality care they need to live and thrive.”

“We need to stand together as a community to call upon our federal government to reestablish Medicaid coverage to those in need while simultaneously preventing the abuse and fraud of these systems,” Cashman said. “New York State simply cannot foot the bill that this deficit will cause. I will do everything within my power to minimize the harms the North Country feels.”

“The Constitution is clear that Congress — not the President acting alone — possesses the authority to decide whether the nation enters war,” the letter from 27 Vermont veterans and Guard family members states.

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Schools are shifting away from full novels to excerpts to prep students for state exams and accommodate lower stamina for reading.

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By John T. Ryan 

Peru, NY, August 31, 2026 – “I enjoy meeting new people. In this business, I meet people from all walks of life. You never experience the same thing in any two places you go,” said Kyle Spear about operating his new business, Spear Septic Service. 

“It took a lot of thought to say, I’m going to do it,” Spear recalls. And do it he did. Since its incorporation in August 2025, Spear Septic Service has purchased a 2001 International truck, a 3,300-gallon tank, a vacuum pump, and a hydrojetter to clean sludge from leach fields and clear line blockages. Spear said, “The truck needed a total rebuild: brakes, exhaust, rear end, paint job, you name it! The tank only needed a paint touchup.” Thankfully, Spear’s step-father, Curtis Smith, gave his time and talents to the rebuild effort. Today, the fully equipped truck is an impressive-looking rig. 

Spear said scheduling has been a big part of running his own business, especially since he’s a full-time employee at the Peru Highway Department. “I’ve got to figure out when I can do jobs and fit it into my family life.” The 2009 Peru High School grad is married with three children. He stated, “I schedule calls for Fridays, evenings and weekends. I don’t have to pay employees, so I can keep my prices reasonable.”  Spear is happy with business since his first call in January and is looking forward to expanding with new equipment. 

Kyle Spear is a friendly man and good communicator. Customers should enjoy doing business with him.

For more information or to make an appointment with Kyle Spear, call 518-569-6974. See his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Spear-septic-service-61584256390633/

Date of incorporation was August 2025, not August 2026 as originally stated. 

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Franklin, St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis County Sheriffs join in the lawsuit 

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PLATTSBURGH, NY August 27, 2026 – Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) is proud to announce the appointment of Emily Blair as Principal at the Rise Center for Success. As Principal, Blair will lead and support Life Skills programming focused on helping students build the academic, social, and functional skills they need to achieve greater independence and success. She will work closely with Rise staff, students, families, and component school districts to strengthen opportunities and outcomes for every learner.

Blair brings more than 20 years of experience in education to the Rise leadership team, with a career dedicated to supporting students with diverse learning needs. Her experience as both a special education teacher and district-level administrator has provided her with a strong foundation in instructional leadership, student support services, special education programming, and collaboration with students, families, staff, and school communities.

Blair began her career as an Elementary Special Education Teacher at Northern Adirondack Central School before transitioning to a Secondary Special Education Teacher within the district. She later moved into district leadership, serving as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services, where she provided leadership for special education programs and oversaw a range of services designed to support student success.

She earned a master’s degree in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Pupil Personnel Services from SUNY Plattsburgh at ACC.

“I am delighted to welcome Emily to our CVES Family of Professionals,” Dr. Mark Davey, CVES District Superintendent, said. “Her extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to students will be a tremendous complement to our outstanding Rise team. Emily knows our region well and understands the important work we do in partnership with our component districts and families. We are thrilled to have her at CVES as a new member of our Administrative Team and look forward to all she will bring to Rise.”

“I am truly excited and honored to join the Rise Center as the new Life Skills Principal,” Blair said. “Having worked alongside the dedicated Rise staff for many years, I have witnessed firsthand their commitment to students and excellence in education. I look forward to building on the school’s many successes and partnering with staff, families, and students to create meaningful opportunities for every learner.”

“Emily brings a tremendous combination of experience, compassion, and leadership to the Rise Center for Success,” Executive Director of Special Education, Dr. Matt Slattery said. “She understands the unique strengths and needs of the students we serve, and she has built her career around creating the conditions for students to be successful. Just as importantly, Emily understands that this work is rooted in strong relationships with students, families, staff, and our component school districts. We are excited to welcome her to the CVES leadership team and confident she will make a meaningful difference for our students and the entire Rise community.”

CVES welcomes Blair to the Rise Center for Success leadership team and looks forward to the experience, collaborative leadership, and commitment to students she brings to the role.

(PLATTSBURGH, NY – Aug 28 2026) The Strand Center for the Arts is excited to host “Portrait of a Community,” a group exhibition featuring the works of five local artists excited to share their appreciation for their community through portraits. The five artists who will be presented in this exhibition are Naomi Bradshaw, Kaitlyn Jubert, June Levenson, Shaun O’Connell, and Cynthia Root. Each artist approaches the portrait with a different perspective and medium. 

“We are a group of five portrait artists who have been working together for the past several years. We sit together with our subjects, and then complete the works on our own, using photographs taken during the shared session. The subjects are people in the local community. Each portrait shines as a unique yet integral part of this place we call home. It has been a fascinating endeavor to see each community member portrayed from a different vantage point, and in a totally different style and medium.” 

– Statement compiled by the artists. 

The opening reception for “Portrait of a Community” will be held on Friday, Sept 11 from 5-8pm and this exhibition will be on display until Oct 24. 

Strand Center for the Arts Gallery Hours: 

● Open 1 p.m.—8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday 

● Open 10 a.m.—3 p.m. Saturday 

● Closed Sunday—Tuesday 

During a recent visit to Lake Placid, Gov. Kathy Hochul provided an update on plans to make a bid for a third Olympics in the North Country

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August 28, 2026 – Gov. Hochul News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today granted clemency in the form of a pardon to six individuals. This action recognizes people who have demonstrated remorse, exemplified rehabilitation and displayed a commitment to improving themselves and their communities. After implementing procedural reforms to strengthen the clemency process, Governor Hochul has made a total of 145 grants of clemency during her time in office, which include 125 pardons and 20 commutations.

“As Governor, I remain committed to reforming the clemency process and ensuring each application is thoroughly reviewed and individuals receive timely notifications regarding their case status,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, I am granting clemency to six individuals who have displayed positive changes in their lives and will dedicate themselves to bettering their communities — they earned their second chance through rehabilitation and can now establish their futures once again.”

The Governor’s Office has taken a number of steps to improve transparency and communication in the clemency process. The Executive Clemency Bureau has implemented a policy of sending regular letters to individuals with clemency applications, informing them of their case status, and providing information about how to submit supplemental information in support of their applications. The Governor’s Office also launched an updated online web hub to assist clemency applicants with the application process; this hub includes template clemency application forms to provide prospective applicants with improved guidance about what information to include when they apply.

The Governor also convened a Clemency Advisory Panel composed of impartial experts to assist in advising the Governor on clemency applications. Following recommendations from the Clemency Advisory Panel, Governor Hochul is granting clemency in the form of a pardon to six individuals.

Pardons

Individuals receiving a pardon today have lived crime-free lives for a significant period of time and have made positive contributions to their communities. All pardon recipients continue to be negatively impacted by their criminal conviction(s) despite having successfully served their sentence(s) many years ago. The Governor’s pardons will help alleviate these burdens.

Sae Joon Park, 57, was convicted of Bail Jumping in the Second Degree in 2009 and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 2007.

Kile Jackson, 54, was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 1992.

Angela Walder-Tuckett, 62, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree in 1989.

Heriberto Atiles, 61, was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in the Third Degree in 1986.

Keisy Guerrero Mariano, 38, was convicted of Assault in the Second Degree in 2015.

Paul Koopman, 62, was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated in 1995.

The 1990 remarks from Claire Barnett, a member of the Commission on the Adirondacks, continue to ring true today

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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!

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