The Peru Gazette

Peru Gazette 2025 file photo

PLATTSBURGH, NY, June 17, 2026  – North Country Honor Flight continues this Saturday, June 20, with Flights 70 and 71, carrying 28 North Country veterans on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

This mission will honor 27 Vietnam War veterans and one Korean War veteran from communities across northern New York and Vermont. The day will begin at 7 a.m. with a send-off ceremony at the US Oval in Plattsburgh, where family members, friends, and supporters will gather to wish these heroes well as they embark on their journey.

North Country Honor Flight is proud to recognize Harmony Golf Course as the sponsor of this mission. Harmony has been a dedicated supporter of the organization for many years, raising funds through its annual golf tournament to help ensure veterans can participate in these meaningful flights at no cost to them.

The 2026 Harmony Golf Tournament will be held on July 11. The event once again features two sold-out flights, such a tremendous show of support shown by golfers, sponsors, and the community year after year. While team registrations are full, sponsorships and donations are still being accepted to help make this year’s tournament the most successful yet.

“Thank you to Harmony Golf Course and everyone involved in making this event such a tremendous success. Their continued commitment to our mission allows us to honor more veterans and ensure they receive the recognition they so richly deserve.” Jerika Manning, Executive Officer

North Country Honor Flight is a 100 percent volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s veterans by providing them with free, first-class trips to Washington, D.C. Since its founding, the organization has remained committed to ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to experience the memorials built in their honor.

We look forward to once again seeing the community come together on Saturday to celebrate and thank these North Country veterans for their service and sacrifice.

For more information about North Country Honor Flight, upcoming missions, or ways to support the organization, please visit www.northcountryhonorflight.org.

$350 to $600 for Most Homeowners with Income Below $500,000, $700 to $1,500 for Most Seniors with Income Below $110,750

Visit ny.gov/STAR To Track Check Delivery or Enroll in Direct Deposit

Albany, June 16, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly three million New Yorkers across the state will receive over $2 billion in tax relief this summer and fall through New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program. STAR provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and seniors statewide. While some STAR recipients will receive their benefit in the form of a tax exemption this year, many other recipients will receive a tax credit and will be sent a check in the mail this summer and fall.

Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive a check between $350 and $600. Most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive a check between $700 and $1,500.

Check deliveries have begun and will continue statewide throughout the summer and fall. STAR recipients can visit ny.gov/STAR to track their check delivery or enroll in direct deposit.

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “We want every eligible homeowner to take advantage of the STAR program. If you’re a new homeowner, or you are currently not receiving a STAR benefit on your primary residence, check out the Tax Department’s website to see how you can register and start saving.”

Regional breakdown of this year’s STAR property tax relief:

Homeowners who are eligible and registered for the STAR credit program will receive their STAR check before the deadline for their school taxes. Some parts of the state — including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse — have school tax due dates in late June and July and will receive their STAR benefits soon. Benefits across other parts of the state will continue to roll out throughout the summer and fall.

STAR recipients can visit ny.gov/STAR for a delivery schedule. Homeowners can also enroll in the STAR Credit Direct Deposit program through the Homeowner Benefit Portal within the Tax Department’s secure Online Services system.

To ensure homeowners receive their STAR credit by direct deposit this year, they should enroll as soon as possible. To guarantee timely delivery by direct deposit, homeowners should sign up at least 15 business days before their local school tax due date.

This year, starting in July, the Tax Department is holding regional STAR Seminars. In these sessions, people can learn how to sign up for STAR and maximize their benefits. The first session is in Erie County on July 7. The sessions will run through the summer.

For the STAR seminar schedule and more information on the STAR program, visit the Tax Department’s STAR Resource Center.

Click here for the NCPR story 

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY, June 16, 2026 – Luck Brothers Inc. is making good progress replacing the Dry Mill Brook culvert on Telegraph Rd. They diverted the brook and this morning they ripped out the concrete headwall and 8-foot diameter, badly deteriorated barrel tubing.

The 1,250-megawatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line runs from Montreal, Quebec to the Astoria Energy Complex in Queens. It will meet up to 20% of NYC’s energy needs

Albany, June 16, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the 339-mile Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), one of New York’s largest transmission infrastructure projects in 50 years, can now deliver reliable, clean energy from Canada directly to New York City. CHPE is expected to deliver 10.4 terawatt-hours of clean energy per year to the New York Metro area – meeting up to 20% of the city’s needs – and reduce carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons through 2040. This will provide significant public health benefits by reducing harmful emissions and local air contaminants in New York City, and, in particular, historically underserved communities.

“The Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line is one of the first projects I championed as Governor, and is a game changer when it comes to keeping the lights on, helping build a cleaner future and holding costs down,” Governor Hochul said. “With its completion, we are powering 1 million New York City homes with needed clean energy that will serve communities for generations to come. This project is further proof that despite the unprecedented federal headwinds we are facing, New York will remain a national climate and clean energy leader into the future.”

The CHPE project, contracted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and developed by Transmission Developers Inc, in partnership with Hydro-Québec, is expected to provide more than $3.4 billion in economic investment over the life of the 25-year contract and has already supported more than 1,400 family-sustaining construction and operations jobs statewide. Additionally, CHPE’s Green Economy Fund, a $40 million fund, has already awarded $2 million to organizations focused on disadvantaged communities, workforce development and job retraining, intended to facilitate entry into the clean energy economy.

Selected in September 2021 as part of the Tier 4 solicitation administered by NYSERDA, CHPE construction began in 2022. The 1,250-megawatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line runs from Montreal, Quebec to the Astoria Energy Complex in Queens and connects to the grid at the newly expanded New York Power Authority Astoria Annex substation. NYPA also supported TDI in their building of a new nearly four-mile underground transmission line, called the Astoria Rainey Cable (ARC), that connects the Astoria Annex to Con Edison’s Rainey substation.

The CHPE project, which is hosted by many local municipalities and counties, executed multiple project labor agreements totaling more than three million union labor hours. It is the longest fully buried transmission line in North America and was strategically buried underground and underwater to increase long-term reliability and minimize environmental and community impact.

CHPE is a critical component of New York’s diverse mix of resources and supply infrastructure which supports its State Energy Plan by delivering clean, firm hydropower and renewable energy into a high-demand region, helping relieve congestion, improve system flexibility, and reduce reliance on more expensive gas-powered generation. The State Energy Plan highlights transmission as essential infrastructure for integrating new clean generation at scale and managing future load growth efficiently.

L-R Geoff’s sister Stephanie, daughter Samantha, daughter in-law Sara, son Ian, wife Dr. Anne Marie Spear, daughter in-law Katie, son Taylor with Geoff’s granddaughter Olivia.  Not shown in the picture is Geoff’s youngest son, Tanner.

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – On Friday, June 5, the Board of Directors of Apple Valley Senior Housing dedicated a maple tree to honor Geoffrey Spear, who served on the Board from 2020 until he passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2025, at age 62. 

Former Apple Valley Senior Housing Manager Kathleen Flynn was the event’s primary speaker. Addressing Geoff Spear’s family, friends, and Board members, she recalled that after Geoff’s passing, the Board of Directors (Tina Calkins Covey, Kevin Manchester, Eileen Roach, Sue Wagner, Deb Daly, John Guynup, Nancy McDowell, Christine Peters, and Ruth Hamilton) wanted to memorialize Geoff. Flynn said, “Together, they decided to purchase a tree and plant it along Bear Swamp Road for all to see and allow a fond memory of Geoff to pass through their minds.” 

Flynn described Geoff Spear as a “true civic-minded person who always showed up. The only time he didn’t put commitments first was if he had an event with his kids…or soccer. Other than that, if you knew Geoff, you knew he was going to be where he was needed and wanted.” Geoff Spear devoted his life to serving youth through college, high school, and youth soccer coaching. He also served as a 20-year member of the Peru Youth Commission. 

Geoff’s wife, Anne Marie, chose Geoff’s favorite tree, Flynn said. She chose the maple tree, because it symbolizes his qualities of strength, endurance, and adaptability. It also represents the beauty of change. 

L-R Principal Matt Berry, Jennilee Corrow, Simone Lutz and Alison Brown from RENY

Peru, NY, June 15, 2026  — Peru Central School District is proud to announce that Jennilee Corrow, a special education teacher in the high school, has been awarded the Northeastern Zone (NEZ) of Retired Educators of New York Kramer Memorial Educator Award for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

The grant will fund Corrow’s innovative new project, “Virtual Reality for Real-Life Readiness,” which brings cutting-edge technology directly into the classroom to support student independence.

With the grant funding, Corrow plans to purchase a Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset. The technology will allow students to practice critical, real-world skills, such as cooking, driving, and automotive maintenance, in a safe, controlled, and highly interactive digital environment. Recognizing the widespread impact this technology can have, Corrow plans to share the device across multiple classrooms, benefiting students from grades 6 through 12.

“Our organization aims to support active educators, like yourself, in the work you do every day,” the NEZ Selection Committee stated in its award letter. “We have been in the classroom and know the challenges you face, both financially, with budget constraints, and socially, with ever-changing concerns and demands from the communities in which you work and live.”

The NEZ Kramer Memorial Educator Award is highly competitive, recognizing area educators who design outstanding projects aimed at enhancing student achievement or supporting specific social, academic, or physical needs. The committee noted that Corrow’s application stood out exceptionally due to its focus on life-long learning skills, innovative use of technology, and hands-on opportunities and direct connections to daily living.

“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Corrow for her dedication to finding creative, modern solutions that empower our students,” said High School Principal Matthew Berry. “This virtual reality tool will bridge the gap between classroom learning and daily independence, giving our students the confidence they need to succeed in the real world. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Retired Educators of New York for their continued support of active teachers.”

Amid the gesture of local friendship, many Canadians still won’t travel to Vermont. It continues to take a toll on the state.

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Plattsburgh, NY, June 15, 2026 – The Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance (ACCA) hosts the 17^th Annual Museum Day throughout Historic Clinton County on 20 June 2026, inviting visitors and residents to “be a tourist in your own backyard” and explore the area’s wealth of museums, galleries, and cultural organizations. For one day participating locations will offer demonstrations, tours, exhibits, hands-on activities, and more.  Admission fees will vary from venue to venue.  Area museums rely on generous donors to survive and promote our rich history.

Each museum has a unique story to tell and most operate with only volunteers.  Museums are only possible because of the dedicated staff and volunteers at each venue.  Please take some time to support our local history on Museum Day and throughout the summer.  Check the Adirondack Coast Arts & History Guide for more details.  The Guide is available at all venues and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau (North Country Chamber of Commerce) located at 7061 US Rt. 9 in Plattsburgh, open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Participating museums, cultural centers and historic sites, with their respective opening hours for Museum Day are:

Alice T. Miner Museum, Chazy (10 am–4 pm)

Anderson Falls Heritage House Museum, Keeseville (11 am-3 pm)

Clinton County Historical Association & Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3 pm)

Dannemora Village Museum, Dannemora** (10 am-2 pm)

Heart’s Delight Farm Heritage Center at Miner Institute, Chazy (9 am-4 pm)

Kent-Delord House Museum, Plattsburgh (11 am-3 pm)

Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum, Lyon Mountain (10 am-2 pm)

Northern New York American-Canadian Genealogical Society, Dannemora** (10 am-2 pm)

North Star Underground Railroad Museum, Au Sable Chasm (11 am-4 pm)***

Old Post Cemetery, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh (Open, please be respectful)

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3)

Plattsburgh State Art Museum, SUNY Plattsburgh (Call the Kent Gallery 518/564-4813 to arrange your visit)

Rouses Point History & Welcome Center, Rouses Point (10 am–2 pm)

Samuel de Champlain History Center, Champlain (10 am-3 pm)

The Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh (10 am-3 pm)

War of 1812 Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3 pm)

The Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum is open on varying weekends during the summer for special events.  Check their Facebook page for details.

*Located on the Old Base Museum Campus (Former Plattsburgh Air Force Base)

**Located in the Village of Dannemora Community Center, 40 Emmons St.

***The North Star Underground Railroad Museum is celebrating Juneteenth. 19-21 June.  See the CCHA Facebook page for details.

Always double check opening times as most museums are managed by volunteers and sometimes there are last minute changes to schedules.

This year’s event coincides with the first of two New York State “Path Through History” Weekends 20 & 21 June 2026. Check the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance Facebook page and ACCA Website – www.adkcoastcultural.org for more information.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Agreement With PEF Covers 60,000 New York State Employees

Albany, June 12, 2o26 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that her administration has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Public Employees Federation, PEF, for a five-year term running until April 1, 2031. The agreement is subject to ratification by union membership, which includes approximately 60,000 New York State employees in a wide variety of professional, scientific and technical titles.

“We are pleased to come to this fair agreement with the hard-working members of PEF, and I appreciate the union leadership for working toward this deal,” Governor Hochul said. “We value our dedicated public service professionals here in New York State, and this agreement reflects my administration’s commitment to them and their contributions to the Empire State. I thank the members of PEF for putting their talents and expertise to work to deliver for New Yorkers all across this great state.”

Shepherd’s Pie

Salad 

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!

A lobbyist who has been romantically linked to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie led a rally opposing the legislation a week before the speaker declined to bring it to a vote.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y., June 12, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) announced today that he secured $50,000 for the North Country Honor Flight. The funds will go toward flight and programming expenses.

            “The North Country Honor Flight is an incredible program that I am proud to support,” Cashman said. “Our veterans deserve the upmost respect and honor for their service and sacrifices to our country, and the Honor Flight is just one way the North Country shows up for these incredible individuals. One of the greatest honors of my life was serving as Flight Leader for flight #27 and showing our local veterans around the monuments dedicated to their service down in Washington, D.C.. I encourage all to attend our great honor flight ceremonies and look forward to the rest of this year’s flights.”

            North Country Honor Flight Executive Director Barrie Finnegan shared a statement regarding the announcement. “North Country Honor Flight is thrilled with the announcement of funding from Assemblyman Cashman,” Finnegan said. “Michael has been a long time supporter and volunteer for NCHF for many years. Michael was even a flight leader, which is the hardest job yet most rewarding of all Honor Flight functions. At a time when everything is so expensive, this funding is crucial for us. Thank you Assemblyman Cashman and staff.”

            The funds were allocated during one of the final votes of the 2026 legislative session. The next North Country Honor Flight is scheduled for Saturday, June 20.

Facility to offer an estimated 150 childcare slots at Air Industrial Park 

Plattsburgh, NY – June 12, 2026 – TDC NNY, Inc., a key driver of economic growth and business development in the North Country, is thrilled to announce plans to construct a new childcare facility to be sited in the heart of Air Industrial Park, supported with a $1 million grant awarded by the Northern Border Regional Commission. The building, design plans for which are underway, will offer an estimated 150 childcare slots to be operated by a New York State-certified and registered childcare operator. 

“This award is a momentous step forward for local employers and residents, and its development is a demonstration of TDC’s unwavering commitment to executing our mission of attracting and retaining quality jobs and investments in the region,” said Danielle King, President and CEO of TDC. “For 65 years, TDC has played a critical role in the success of the greater Plattsburgh area as a private non-profit commercial real estate developer, investing strategically and intentionally to attract, retain, and expand opportunities for employment and career growth in our community.”

The project will be built in one of the region’s most employment-rich areas, where the need for quality childcare is felt most acutely. Read more »

Town Supervisor, Craig Randall is calling a Special Meeting for Monday June 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm.  This meeting is to be held to authorize an agreement to upgrade a Wastewater Holding Tank and Pump discharging into the Valcour Sewer System.

Pamela Barber

Confidential Secretary to the Board

By John T Ryan 

Earlier this month, Parks Superintendent Courtney Tetrault reported that reckless electric bike riders damaged the walking trail. At the Monday, June 8, board meeting, resident Matt Leclair said the riders are typically 11 to 15 years old and asked the board to find a space on town property where they could ride and have fun. Town Supervisor Craig Randall said the board has been discussing the issue. The town owns property north of the walking trail; however, as Councilman Rick Barber pointed the purchase agreement included a prohibition on motorized vehicles. Barber suggested that the former owners, John and Penny Clute, might agree to an amendment permitting electric bikes. Supervisor Randall said he will look into that possibility and check on any insurance impact. The goal is to keep the bikes off the streets and the walking trail, and have them in a safe environment.

Walking Trail perimeter damage

The board then recognized retired Peru Central science teacher Lincoln Sunderland for his work preserving Peru history. Town Historian Helen Nerska said, “We intimated his recognition when, in the historian’s office, we kept referring back to this book – which we began respectfully calling our Peru History bible.” Sunderland has written at least three books compiling Peru’s history.  

L-R Lincoln Sunderland, Town Supervisor Craig Randall (Beverly Sunderland Bortnick photo)

The board also heard from former New York State Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, who used the occasion to recognize Sunderland for his role as president of the leadership group that founded Apple Valley Senior Housing. Duprey said, “We couldn’t have done it without you.” The “We” included Janet Duprey, James Hutchinson, Curtis Shipman and Sunderland. They held their first meeting in 1977, and the beautiful facility opened in 1980. Follow this link to the complete story on these presentations.

The board heard from Engineer Mark Decrescente regarding Engineering Ventures’ design plans for the new Westcott Road bridge, which services four homes on the dead-end road. Engineering Ventures recommends installing a pre-engineered bridge adjacent to the existing bridge. Traffic would continue during construction, and site development costs would be kept to a minimum. Responding to questions from Counselors Kregg Bruno and Melvin Irwin, Nummelin informed the board the new bridge would safely accommodate heavy vehicles logging trucks, although he said he would double-check. He left a packet with the board with project details and anticipated construction costs. He said it take the bridge company about 90 days to fabricate the bridge. 

The board accepted Casella Waste Systems’ proposal to serve as the town’s food waste recycling program vendor for one year. Casella has been conducting a successful trial program and has the capability to store, compost, and process the waste. Supervisor Craig said River Valley Regeneratives LLC also submitted a good proposal. 

The board heard from Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell, who attended a training meeting in Ithaca last week. He said he heard horror stories of state and federal agencies taking many months to approve projects while costs escalated by millions of dollars. He said, “This is the problem with this whole system.” 

Finally, AES Northeast and Barton & Loguidice, the consulting engineers for the wastewater and water treatment plant projects, reported that both projects are on schedule and proceeding smoothly. Contractors discovered that the roof on the existing wastewater treatment building needs to be replaced, so there will be unanticipated expenses.  

The board approved payments to contractors for the wastewater treatment plant project: Murnane Building Contractors, John W. Danforth, K&L Plumbing, and Triangle Electric. 

Historian Helen Nerska, Recreation Director Kristen Marino, Highway Superintendent Farrell, and Deputy Highway Superintendent Tyler Jarvis also gave brief reports. 

Correction made on June 15 at 10:55 AM. The Engineering Ventures engineer was Mark Decrescente, not Marc Nummelin, E.I. T. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette meeting video. 

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday May 28, 2026 at the Peru Town Hall. Those present were Mr. Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Richard Barber, Jr., Councilman; Mr. Mel Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk. Also present was ; Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent. Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman; Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Ms. Kristen Marino, Recreation Director were excused. Absent were Mr. Tyler Jarvis, DeputyHighway Superintendent; Ms. Helen Nerska, Historian, Mr. Duane Bibeau, Codes and Zoning Officer and Mr. T’chaka Sikelianos, Dog Control Officer.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mr. Randall, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Mr. Bruno; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting

of May 11, 2026.

Ayes 4, Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Barber; seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve the minutes from the Special Meeting of May 22, 2026. Read more »