The Peru Gazette

The SEQR debate: Does the Adirondack Park need extra environmental red tape?

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Source: https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/new-usps-postmark-rules-and-your-mailed-tax-return

An IRS rule change taking affect in 2026 resulted in this advice: 

1. At the postal facility. Go to the counter and ask the clerk to “round-date stamp” or “hand cancel” your item (this assumes you’ve already affixed the proper postage). This is the circular, manual stamp most of us are familiar with. To avoid legibility issues cropping up during processing, ask the clerk to place the stamp in a clean area of the envelope.
2. At the retail counter. Get a postage validation imprint (PVI). After you pay for postage, the clerk prints a white rectangular sticker (the PVI) and affixes it to your envelope. Like the hand stamp, the IRS accepts the date on a PVI label as the official postmark and proof of when USPS took possession of your return.
3. Send your return via certified mail. This is sometimes called “the gold standard.” With certified mail, you get a receipt with the date stamped on it. If the IRS claims they never received the return or that it was late, this piece of paper is physical proof that a USPS employee held your tax return in their hands on April 15.

Hopefully, these tips on mailing your tax returns on time will give you a little peace of mind.

Tense international relations are also impacting tourism. The state comptroller says travel from Canada into New York fell by 21% last year.

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Plattsburgh operation has 374 more innovative double-decker cars on order

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Photo provided

Photo provided

Photo provided

PLATTSBURGH, NY, April 14, 2026  – Garrett Monette, alongside seven other volunteers, removed roughly 100 pounds of garbage from the Saranac River Trail cleaning an area from Seltzer Road to behind Clinton Dining Hall on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus. Much of the garbage consisted of single-use plastics, beer bottles, cigarette butts, and numerous other household items. Among the garbage was a pint of bleach that was properly removed and disposed of.

The efforts focused on the shoreline in a successful attempt to limit waste from entering the Saranac River. Even one cigarette butt can pollute an entire gallon of water. A pint of bleach can pollute hundreds of gallons of water. The single-use plastics removed could have leached billions of toxic microplastics into the local Saranac River. Garrett Monette cites that “Through our collective efforts, we helped preserve and protect the Saranac River, protect our community, and help, even if that impact is small, promote safe drinking water for the North Country. Imagine the impact we could have if we all devoted ourselves to protecting our communities, and took actual action. I love the phrase, ‘action not words,’ and it is representative of our efforts here.”

Garrett Monette also runs the local non-partisan community organization Unitary America, which also focuses on such environmentally-focused projects and on encouraging environmental stewardship, among many other programs and initiatives. The cleanup was not associated with his organization. Unitary America is, however, holding a trash cleanup focusing again alongside the Saranac River, on Saturday, May 2^nd, from 9:30 to 3:00, meeting by the footbridge at the end of George Angell Drive in Plattsburgh (at the junction with the Saranac River Trail). All community members and college students alike are welcome.

WILMINGTON, NY (April 13, 2026) – The Whiteface Region of upstate New York is set to welcome athletes and outdoor enthusiasts this June with a lineup of race events. The Wilmington Whiteface Uphill Bike and Foot Races and the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival have been scheduled.

“These races are a fantastic way to highlight everything Wilmington has to offer,” said Christina Ortiz, director of the Whiteface Visitors Bureau. “It’s a chance to experience the community’s warm hospitality, explore our expanding trail networks, and take in the stunning Adirondack scenery. This is one of the most dynamic times of year to be here.”

The race season kicks off Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. with the Wilmington Whiteface Uphill Bike and Foot Races, followed by the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival, which caps off the month on Saturday, June 20.

Starting in the heart of Wilmington and finishing at the summit of Whiteface Mountain, the Adirondacks’ fifth-highest peak, the uphill bike and foot races span eight miles, mostly along the scenic Veterans Memorial Highway. The steady 8% grade and total elevation gain of 3,500 feet make this a challenging climb, culminating in panoramic views of the Adirondacks, New England, and Canada.

Cyclists start at the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau, 5753 NYS Route 86, in Wilmington, while runners begin just up the road at the junction of routes 86 and 431. Finish lines for both races converge near the mountain’s summit. More than 300 cyclists are expected, including some crowd favorites tackling the climb on unicycles. Registration for bikers is open at WhitefaceRace.com/bike.

Runners are encouraged to pack warm clothing for the finish, as temperatures atop Whiteface can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than at the base. Backpacks can be loaded into a summit-bound vehicle. Runners can learn more or sign up at WhitefaceRace.com/run.

Later in the month, the ninth annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival brings a spirited twist to race day Saturday, June 20, 2026. The 5K and 10K races begin at 9:30 a.m. at Preston Memorial Field, with options to race in person or virtually. Learn more or sign up at Whitefaceregion.com/events/wilmington-whiteface-whiskey-run.

The Whiskey Run is more than a race. It is a family-friendly festival open to all. Runners and visitors can enjoy a craft show, food trucks, live music and entertainment, a Wilmington history display, raffles, and more. The festival highlights Wilmington’s past, including its role in supplying rye whiskey to American troops during the War of 1812 and harboring bootleggers during Prohibition. More recently, the town was home to US Barrel, a cooperage for whiskey barrels.

Whether conquering mountain roads, tackling trails, or enjoying a day of community celebration, the Whiteface Region’s June events offer something for every adventurer. Registration for all races is open. Visit WhitefaceRegion.com or call the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau at 518-946-2255 for more information.

It’s for homeowners and small residential buildings 

Albany, April 13, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced up to $150 million in supplemental funding is now available to support the installation of energy-efficient heat pump systems in small residential buildings across New York State. The funding, administered through New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s (HCR) Green Small Buildings Program, will help expand access to clean heating and cooling technologies while reducing emissions and improving affordability for homeowners and renters.

“New York is continuing to lead the nation in building an affordable and more sustainable future,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in modern, energy-efficient heat pump technology for homeowners and small buildings, we are lowering utility costs, reducing harmful emissions and ensuring more New Yorkers can live in safe, comfortable and climate-friendly homes.”

As part of the State’s $1 billion Sustainable Green Futures program, the Green Small Buildings Program supports the installation of high-performance heat pumps and related upgrades that enable building electrification across New York State. It is expected to expand access to clean energy upgrades for single family homes and small-scale residential buildings, including those serving low- and moderate-income households, while supporting local economies and advancing New York’s transition to an all-electric building sector.

The funding is now available as a supplemental resource to various existing small building development grant and loan programs administered by HCR as well as through the State of New York Mortgage Agency’s mortgage programs, allowing for streamlined delivery and faster implementation and ensuring broad geographic access throughout the State.

To ensure high-quality outcomes, all projects will be required to meet program guidelines developed in coordination with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Clean Heat program. These standards will ensure best practices in installation, performance and long-term energy savings.

Peru Gazette File Photo

Serve as Assistant Recreation Director for Baseball/Softball and Summer Programs 

This is a paid position 

Job Description: Maintain a working relationship with coaches for Baseball/Softball and Summer programs. Equipment distribution and intake processing. Maintain visibility throughout the season at various home games. Provide support for summer recreation leaders and act as a liaison between summer employees and Recreation Director. Knowledge of programs and sports needed along with transportation. Hours vary, the season begins in the middle of May and ends toward the end of July.

Contact Town of Peru Recreation Director Kristen Marino

recreationdirector@perutownny.gov

NYC politics affects us all 

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LAKE PLACID (April 13, 2026) – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) launched its newly developed website, AdirondacksUSA.com. The website has been designed to enhance how those who may be unfamiliar with the Adirondacks access travel-related information about the area, while also aligning with trends and changes in the way people travel.

AdirondacksUSA.com encourages users to “find their place” within the Adirondacks’ six million acres by using the website to learn about the Adirondacks, its geography, activities, and events throughout the region. It then directs users to one or more of the ROOST-managed regional websites. Providing information about multiple regions of the Adirondacks supports the emerging trend of travelers visiting more than one place during their vacation.

“We are excited about AdirondacksUSA.com’s capacity to help introduce travellers to the entire region,” explained ROOST CEO Dan Kelleher. “Our region offers diverse and unique experiences ranging from historic forts and heritage hikes to world-class outdoor adventures to iconic hamlets and towns. By introducing travellers to all of our communities and assets, we can attract new visitors, encourage increased repeat visitation, and extend the stays of visitors.”

AdirondacksUSA.com features a specially designed quiz that asks users a series of questions about the types of experiences, scenery, activities, desired accommodations, and events that interest them. Quiz results include suggestions for attractions, communities, and various regions of the Adirondacks, along with must-do activities and events best suited to their preferences.

The website shares travel ideas based on seasons, events, activities, suggested itineraries, attractions, and popular activities. The website includes a hike finder, the region’s most comprehensive events calendar, and content connecting travelers with area communities. It also highlights multi-region touring experiences and special-interest travel opportunities, including the Adirondack Rail Trail, Olympic sites, stargazing, mountain biking trail networks, and Adirondack culinary experiences.

According to ROOST Director of Marketing Michelle Clement, the website will support a range of ROOST’s marketing efforts, including email outreach, seasonal campaigns, and other promotional initiatives. “The new website and refreshed Adirondacks, USA branding will help us reach new audiences through targeted campaigns and tailored messaging that introduce people to the Adirondacks in a way that reflects their interests,” she said. “When users visit the site, they’ll quickly understand where the Adirondacks are and why the region is worth exploring. Through rich imagery, maps, quizzes, and other features, the site helps them find their place and follow a clear path to the experiences, communities, and information that matter most to them.”

AdirondacksUSA.com is one of eight Adirondack region-focused websites developed and managed by ROOST. These sites include: LakePlacid.com serving the High Peaks region; LakeChamplainRegion.com serving the eastern Adirondacks, AdirondackHub.com which serves the Schroon Lake, Minerva and North Hudson region; WhitefaceRegion.com focused on the Wilmington, Jay and Au Sable Forks area; AdirondackExperience.com serving the Hamilton County region; SaranacLake.com; and TupperLake.com.

AdirondacksUSA.com was developed with support from a grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is the destination marketing and management organization that leads tourism initiatives in Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the Adirondack communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. ROOST’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents by managing and diversifying the region’s tourism economy while promoting sustainable visitation.

“It’s knowing what’s available, who to trust, and how to get help without frustration or fear.”

 April 13, 2026 – Elizabethtown, NY – Knowing where to turn for help shouldn’t be the hardest part of getting it. Yet for many elders in the North Country, understanding insurance, avoiding scams or getting a ride to their next appointment can feel overwhelming.

“The challenge isn’t a lack of resources,” says Jodi Gibbs, community benefits coordinator at University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital. “It’s knowing what’s available, who to trust, and how to get help without frustration or fear.”

That’s why the hospital is bringing resources together under one roof with its first-ever Senior Social – a free, welcoming event designed to help elder adults find trusted information, reliable support and make real connections in their community. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall on South Main Street in Port Henry.

More than 20 exhibitors are expected to participate, offering guidance and hands‑on support on topics that matter to older adults and their families, including

• Fraud prevention and internet safety
• Insurance coverage and legal aid
• Food insecurity and transportation
• Exercise, wellness, and Alzheimer’s support
• Veterans’ services and end‑of‑life planning
• Technology support – attendees are encouraged to bring their cellphone, tablet or laptop for help

Whether someone has a specific question or is just curious about what services are available, the Senior Social offers a chance to learn, ask questions and talk face‑to‑face with knowledgeable professionals.

“This event is just as much about connection as it is education,” organizers added. “It’s a chance to meet neighbors, share a meal, and leave with useful information you can take home and use.”

There is no cost to attend. RSVPs and questions are encouraged by contacting Jodi Gibbs at 518‑585‑3761, but walk‑ins are welcome.

Department of Corrections Accounted for Over 87% of Total Increase in OT Earnings

New York State agency overtime costs increased 22.7% in 2025 for a total of $1.6 billion, while the number of overtime hours increased by 5.9%, or 1.4 million hours, higher than the previous year, according to the annual report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli examining state agencies’ overtime and workforce trends. The size of the state workforce, not including SUNY and CUNY, grew for a third straight year in 2025 increasing by 2.7%, or 4,139 positions, from 2024, to an average annual total of 155,448.

“The use of overtime by state agencies continued to climb with overtime as a share of payroll at its second highest rate since at least 2007,” DiNapoli said. “Agencies need to ensure usage is justified while continuing to safely and effectively provide the services New Yorkers expect and deserve.”

Overtime hours and earnings have continued to surge at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (Corrections), growing by 1.3 million hours and $264 million in 2025, the most of any agency. The agency experienced a 29.8% decrease in workforce since 2020 when there were 8,544 more employees than in 2025. Between 2024 and 2025, the Corrections workforce decreased by over 2,700 while overtime hours per employee grew 32.7% to reach an average of 432 hours – nearly triple what it was in 2020. These figures were influenced by the strike by some Corrections employees that took place between Feb. 17, 2025 and March 10, 2025.

Key Findings:

• In 2025, total state payroll costs were $22.4 billion, with overtime totaling $1.6 billion. Overtime earnings as a share of total payroll grew from 4.3% in 2016 to 7.3% in 2025
• Three agencies accounted for more than two-thirds of the state’s overtime in 2025. Corrections, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Office of Mental Health (Mental Health) comprised 21.7% of the workforce but accounted for 68.3% of the overtime hours and 70% of the overtime earnings logged by all state agencies in 2025.
• Eight agencies performed more overtime in 2025 than in 2024, including Mental Health (327,000 more hours) and the Unified Court System (55,000 more hours).
• Eight agencies performed less overtime in 2025 than in 2024, with the largest reduction at OPWDD (down more than 215,000 hours). There were also drops for the Division of the State Police (-31,500), the Department of Environmental Conservation (-20,600) and the Department of Labor (-19,100 hours).
• Excluding SUNY and CUNY, the average number of annual employees declined from 158,067 in 2016 to 142,396 in 2022. Since then, the number has grown for three consecutive years to reach 155,448 in 2025. Headcount levels remain markedly below those 15 years ago when the state workforce size was over 172,000.
• New hires outpaced attrition in the state workforce. In 2024, there were 18,551 new hires, the highest in the 10 years covered by this analysis, reflecting, in part, the impact of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) Program. Attrition from the workforce increased 3.2% to 15,132, driven largely by separations other than retirement.

Report

New York State Agency Use of Overtime and State Workforce Trends, 2016-2025

William Chase has been sentenced to 90 days in jail, 10 years probation and must reister as a sex offender

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Jamie Szafran is a software engineer and architect on NASA’s Artemis missions. She graduated from SUNY Potsdam as a triple major.

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The Adirondack Park Agency approved one utility-sized battery energy storage system so far. But towns are passing moratoriums delaying their builds. So what are battery storage systems and why is the state promoting them?

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