The Peru Gazette

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6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of June 8, 2026 and Special Meeting of June 15, 2026. 

5. Community Input. 

6. DISCUSSION:   

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive No: GC-CD.07 from Murnane Bldg. Contractors.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive No: M-CD.02 from K & L Plumbing & Heating Inc. 

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve Work Change Directive No: E-CD.02 Triangle Electrical Systems, Inc.

10.   RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Sales Contract with INQUIK Bridge Systems for Wescott Rd. Bridge Replacement Project.

11. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approve Proposal with The Precision Group for CIPP Lining for Two 30” Culverts on Laphams Mills Rd.

12. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Hire a Part Time Seasonal Employee Water/Sewer/Parks.  

13. DISCUSSION: C & S Companies Project Status Report for Replacement of Telegraph Road over Dry Mill Brook.

14. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Money Transfer from Water Debt Service to Pay H34 Water Project Bill.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Councilmen

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads 

17. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – June 2026

19. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

20. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

21. MOTION:  Adjourn Meeting.

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Includes multiple Adirondack rescues

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

Iamlet of Pine Plains

Dutchess County
Wildland Fire: On June 5 at 1:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Grillo and Pries responded to a 911 radio call about a brush fire on Shultz Hill Road. When Rangers arrived, they observed the fire spreading in a field of grasses and scrubs. Rangers worked with Amenia, Milan, Millerton, and Pine Plains Fire Departments on the suppression efforts. By 3:45 p.m., firefighters contained the 0.5-acre fire.

Pine Plains fire

Town of North Hudson
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 8 at 9:46 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Essex County about a 911 text for an ill hiker on the Lillian Brook trail in the Dix Mountain Wilderness. At approximately 1:30 a.m., Rangers and a Paramedic from Schroon Lake EMS reached the 52-year-old from Potsdam. Rangers determined the hiker could not continue on their own. The Paramedic provided IV fluids and then Rangers carried the subject to the Elk Lake trailhead where they were met by a Schroon Lake Ambulance. Resources were clear at 5:40 a.m.

City of Albany
Albany County
Prescribed Fire: On June 9, A Forest Ranger joined staff from the DEC’s Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Lands and Forests, and Albany Pine Bush to conduct a controlled burn of 29 acres at the Albany Pine Bush.

Prescribed fire is an important land management tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife. These burns are regulated by law and regulation and require technical expertise to safely conduct. Controlled burns help prevent the spread of invasive species, and in some areas, prescribed fire is used to reduce the buildup of wood, timber litter, and other fuel to reduce the potential for wildfires that threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. DEC carefully and responsibly implements prescribed fires only when conditions are favorable to meet land management goals.

Albany Pine Bush prescribed burn

Burn Boss Briggs at Albany Pine Bush prescribed burn

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On June 9 at 4:04 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a member of the Student Conservation Association about one of their members having a seizure while doing trail work in Avalanche Pass. Forest Ranger Odell spoke to the trail crew’s supervisor who said the 23-year-old from Pennsylvania had epilepsy that could be affected by exertion in the hot weather. New York State Police Pilot Sergeant Beck flew Rangers Bowler and Martin to the subject. They loaded the subject into the helicopter, and Sergeant Beck flew them to Adirondack Medical Center. Resources were clear at 6:11 p.m.  Read more »

Peru Gazette 2019 file photo

LAKE PLACID NY (June 16, 2026) – The Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows are returning to the North Elba Show Grounds for the 57th time this summer, bringing nearly 1,000 horses and their riders to the Adirondacks. The equestrian competitions will take place over two weeks, between June 23 and July 5, with more than $700,000 in prize money awarded.

The Lake Placid Horse Show (LPHS) takes place from June 23 – 28, beginning at 8:00 a.m. each day. The event will feature two weeks of Olympic-level equestrian competition. The I Love NY Horse Show is scheduled to take place from June 30 – July 5, also beginning at 8:00 a.m.; ending at approximately 5:00 p.m. each day. There will be no competition on June 29.

Tickets to the events may be purchased at the gate. Admission is as follows: free admission on Tuesdays; Wednesday – Friday $8, Saturday – Sunday  $12. Veterans receive a 50% discount.

Children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Organizers are hosting “Community Appreciation Day sponsored by Uihlein Foundation” on Saturday, June 27 with free admission for local residents, a dog costume contest, and other family activities. Read more »

About 400,000 New Yorkers will lose health care coverage on July 

Click here for the New York Focus story 

This weekend is Juneteenth (June 19–21), and Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz is proud to be partnering with the Colors of Freedom Committee North Star Underground Railroad Museum, John Brown Lives!, the Clinton County Historical Association, SUNY Plattsburgh, Paul Smith’s College, and the Plattsburgh Public Library as part of the community events to commemorate this important weekend in our community.

Because blues and gospel music are deeply connected to the story of freedom and the roots of American music, we’re presenting a special Juneteenth Concert on Friday, June 19, featuring Harlem blues and soul artist Solomon Hicks, and we added the outstanding Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir to open up the evening.

The concert runs from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at Retro Live, which will be transformed into a live music club complete with tables, seating, and a dance floor. Advance tickets are just $20 and are available at: https://sevendaystickets.ticketsauce.com/e/juneteenth-concert-with-king-solomon-hicks and 25 at the door.

The Juneteenth celebration continues throughout the weekend.
On Saturday at 10:00 AM, the Colors of Freedom Committee will host a free Underground Railroad bus tour beginning at the North Star Underground Railroad Museum in Keeseville. From 1:00 to 3:00 PM, the Plattsburgh Public Library will host a Juneteenth film screening. Then from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the SUNY Plattsburgh Museum Gallery will present “What Remains: Voices from the Margins of History,” followed by a free acoustic performance by Solomon Hicks.

On Sunday, June 21, the weekend concludes with a community picnic and celebration at John Brown Farm from noon to 2:30 PM, featuring John Brown’s final speech, praise dancers, live music, and more.

Join us for this weekend of history, culture, community, and music

Peru Gazette 2014 Parent Rd. File Photo

New Incentive for Hunters Established with Statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck System

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced several changes to deer hunting regulations to increase harvest of antlerless (primarily female) deer and improve DEC’s ability to manage abundant deer populations.

“Deer populations are growing across much of New York and, in many areas, are increasing to levels that are detrimental to deer, their habitat, and the public,” Commissioner Lefton said. “These regulatory changes are a result of robust public engagement and reflect DEC’s continued commitment to conservation.”

DEC is adopting several changes to increase opportunity for hunters to access and utilize Deer Management Permits (DMPs, antlerless deer tags) where most needed, including:

• Adding 10 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs; 3P, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8H, 8R, 8S, and 9G) to the nine-day season for antlerless deer in mid-September.
• Designating 23 WMUs as having no DMP quota. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer using a DMP in a WMU with no DMP quota would be eligible to have the DMP automatically replaced. For 2026, WMUs 1C, 3M, 3P, 3R, 3S, 4J, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G will have no DMP quota.
• Modifying the DMP application process by allowing hunters to apply for up to 4 DMPs: 2 in WMUs with a quota and 2 DMPs in WMUs with no quota.
• Allowing unlimited transfer of DMPs between hunters.

DEC is creating an incentive for hunters to harvest antlerless deer by establishing a statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck System. Under the new system, all hunters will receive a first Antlered Deer Tag which can be used during any season (with appropriate privileges) except the September antlerless season. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer using a DMP, Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag, or Deer Management Assistance Program Tag will be eligible to receive a second Antlered Deer Tag, which can also be used during those same seasons.

To facilitate the new Earn-a-2nd-Buck System, DEC is reclassifying the former Regular Season Deer Tag as an Antlered Deer Tag and the former Bow/Muzzleloader Either-Sex Deer Tag as a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag. Hunters who purchase bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges would receive a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag for each privilege.

The changes were first proposed by DEC based on input from New York deer hunters and professional deer managers across the Northeast through focus groups and surveys administered by DEC. Additionally, DEC reviewed more than 1,000 public comments on the regulatory proposal announced in March 2026, many of which recognized the need to increase antlerless harvest to mitigate negative deer impacts to ecosystems and the public. The public also expressed concern over the potential for overharvest of deer in some areas and encouraged DEC to implement methods to validate the antlerless deer harvested under the Earn-a-2nd-Buck System.

DEC closely monitors harvest success and has processes in place to reduce antlerless harvest should the new regulations be more successful than anticipated. DEC will also establish safeguards to minimize risk by monitoring fraudulent harvest reports. DEC will require report attestations, conduct law enforcement field checks, and require hunters to provide proof of their antlerless deer harvest within seven days if requested by DEC. Proof may include a photograph, the deer’s head, or contact information for where the deer was processed.

DEC strives to manage deer populations at levels that are in balance with available habitat and in alignment with public desires by encouraging and empowering hunters to harvest antlerless deer, the primary component of the deer population that drives population growth. DEC assesses public desires for deer population size and deer impacts to forests to determine deer population objectives for each area of the state. Refer to DEC’s Management Plan for White-Tailed Deer in New York State for more information.

The full text of the adopted regulation Read more »

Franklin County, home to the most dairy farms in the state, has now lost roughly 600 jobs at dairy-related plants over the past year

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More than 180 students earn President’s and Dean’s List recognition

• Grant L. Atkinson, Plattsburgh, NY
• Katherine D. Barros, Plattsburgh, NY
• Lisa J. Burgess, Plattsburgh, NY
• Morgan L. Changelo, Au Sable Forks, NY
• Mercadia V. Clark, Plattsburgh, NY
• Hayden C. Clay, Chazy, NY
• Austin M. Dubrey, West Chazy, NY
• Connor J. Duda, Plattsburgh, NY
• Madailynn R. Fennessy, Ogdensburg, NY
• Charles P. Garvey, Peru, NY
• Brittany L. Geppner, West Chazy, NY
• Henry J. Gibson, Westport, NY
• Kaleb A. Guay, West Chazy, NY
• Brett Herrick, North Hudson, NY
• Aiden P. Hilferty, Rouses Point, NY
• Patrick O. King, Keeseville, NY
• Sable D. LaBounty, Peru, NY
• Macey J. LaMora, Plattsburgh, NY
• Vanessa J. Lawyer, Plattsburgh, NY
• Michael C. LeBeau, Morrisonville, NY
• Ember L., Plattsburgh, NY
• Hayden L. Lozier, Peru, NY
• Kristen M. Lushia, Keeseville, NY
• Cedric Mailloux, Plattsburgh, NY
• Sandra L. Martin, Plattsburgh, NY
• Elizabeth M. Medley, Saranac, NY
• Nolan S. Miner, Morrisonville, NY
• Emily J. Morin, Richmond, VT
• Mathew R. Patterson, Churubusco, NY
• John Ramalhete, Hadley, NY
• Kyle R. Reif, Ellenburg Depot, NY
• Aaron M. Rock, Morrisonville, NY
• Cassidy M. Romeo, Vermontville, NY
• Sean R. Rose, Peru, NY
• Cory M. Ryan, Plattsburgh, NY
• Nicole L. Smith, Plattsburgh, NY
• Tyler R. Smith, Plattsburgh, NY
• Liam Snyder, Keeseville, NY
• Quinn E. Stebbins, Chazy, NY
• Joseph L. Sweeney, Plattsburgh, NY
• Travis C. Weeden, Sidney, NY
• Ashley Wright, Deer Park, NY

Read more »

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