Additional $50 Million for Third Round Included in FY 2027 Budget

August 20, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $38 million has been awarded to 49 projects across New York State through the County Infrastructure Grant Program. First launched in November 2024 and administered by Empire State Development, the program provides grants to support small- and medium-sized county-led infrastructure projects. To date, more than $74 million has been awarded to nearly 100 projects throughout the state. Modern infrastructure directly impacts New York State’s economic vitality, and the County Infrastructure Grant Program helps the state remain competitive and generate new economic growth, while supporting Governor Hochul’s bold housing agenda.

The North Country was awarded more than $3.7 million for six projects:

• Clinton County – $1 million: City of Plattsburgh – This project involves the redevelopment of the former Clinton Community College site. Funding will be used to plan, design, and construct essential water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, as well as to implement road improvements required to make these parcels development ready for 96 units of planned workforce housing. Enhancements will improve access to the site while addressing aging utilities, limited sanitary capacity, low water pressure, stormwater constraints, and inadequate internal circulation that currently prevent redevelopment. 
• Essex County – $246,701: Town of Ticonderoga – Program funding will be used to upgrade sewer and stormwater systems on Champlain Avenue and McCormick Street to meet Department of Environmental Conservation standards. These infrastructure improvements will stop wastewater treatment plant overflows and expand the sewer district, directly paving the way for 60 new multi-family homes at Fireman’s Field Apartments. 
• Franklin County – $500,000: Town of Malone – Funding will be used to modernize the Franklin County Emergency Services’ infrastructure by replacing outdated radio equipment at the Reynoldson, Mount Pisgah, and Mount Morris sites. This project will eliminate Canadian signal interference and radio frequency overlaps, enhance response times, and ensure a reliable communication grid for public safety.
• Jefferson County – $1 million: Village of Clayton – This project involves the design and construction of vital utility extensions intended to support the development of up to 20 new workforce housing units. This grant directly finances the expansion of approximately 1,000 linear feet of municipal water and wastewater lines to the residential site. Funding will be used for engineering, heavy site preparation, grading, stormwater management systems, and a dedicated municipal access road essential to making the parcel build ready.
• Lewis County – $500,000: Village of Port Leyden – This project targets extensive civil work along West Main Street and Elm Street. Funding will be used for comprehensive roadway reconstruction, sidewalk replacement, and the installation of a brand-new storm drainage system. By layering these surface and drainage improvements directly over the freshly completed waterway installation, the county eliminates duplicate excavation and mobilization costs. This synchronized approach dramatically lowers deployment costs and protects the long-term structural integrity of the newly laid pavement. These enhancements will modernize Port Leyden’s urban corridor through enhanced drainage, dedicated walkways, and improved vehicle lanes, reinforcing the village’s commercial zone and providing a durable foundation for surrounding private investments.
• St. Lawrence – $500,000: City of Ogdensburg – This project includes the construction of a new, heavy-duty covered pavilion and a centrally located, ADA-compliant restroom facility at Morrisette Park. These additions will directly resolve longstanding structural deficiencies at one of the city’s most heavily frequented recreational assets. Enhancements will address the park’s severe utility and facility gaps by establishing a permanent, weather-protected gathering space and modern sanitation infrastructure allowing for ease of access by seniors and individuals with mobility limitations. This civil project transforms the park into a fully inclusive, accessible hub for all visitors. This structural investment secures the park’s capacity to host large-scale community events and long-term waterfront recreation.

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“Out of its population of 50 to 60 international students, SUNY Canton lost 12 last academic year due to changes in immigration policy.”

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Candidate News Release of August 19, 2026 

CLINTON COUNTY, N.Y. — Brent Davison, Republican candidate for Clinton County Sheriff, is continuing his campaign focused on bringing experienced, professional leadership to the Sheriff’s Office while strengthening public safety, restoring trust and accountability, supporting employees, ensuring the safe custody of incarcerated individuals, and leading with integrity.

Davison brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience and a lifetime of public service to the race. His background includes 20 years of service in the United States Army, service with the New York State Department of Corrections, and 29 years with the New York State Police.

Davison retired from the State Police at the rank of Major after serving as Troop B Commander, where he was responsible for operations across much of the North Country and approximately 420 personnel. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

“My campaign is about providing the people of Clinton County with experienced, accountable and professional leadership,” Davison said. “The Sheriff’s Office belongs to the people we serve. They deserve an office that protects their communities, respects constitutional rights, supports its employees and holds itself to the highest professional standards.”

Davison’s campaign is centered on a Five-Point Plan for the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office:

1. Public Safety

Public safety will remain the first and most important responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.

Davison’s plan emphasizes proactive and visible patrols, traffic and school safety, community education, marine patrols, and strong partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. He also supports community education addressing drugs, alcohol, vaping, internet crimes, online predators and scams.

“Public safety and constitutional rights are not competing priorities,” Davison said. “Good law enforcement protects both.”

2. Restoring Trust and Accountability

Davison believes trust must exist between the Sheriff’s Office and the public as well as within the organization.

His administration would emphasize transparency, accountability and leadership that remains present and engaged throughout the entire term.

“There must be accountability at every level,” Davison said. “Employees deserve a professional workplace where they are treated with dignity and respect, and the public deserves confidence that problems will be addressed.”

Davison has pledged that sexual harassment, threats, retaliation and other conduct that harms employees or undermines public trust will not be tolerated.

3. Supporting Deputies, Corrections, Medical and Civilian Staff

Davison’s plan calls for ensuring deputies, corrections officers, medical personnel, civil employees and other staff have the training, resources, leadership and support necessary to safely and effectively perform their duties.

“Taking care of the people who serve our community is essential to public safety,” Davison said. “Good employees deserve good leadership, the proper tools to do their jobs and an administration that supports them while maintaining high professional standards.”

4. Safe Custody of Incarcerated Individuals

The Sheriff has a significant responsibility for the safety and security of individuals housed in the Clinton County Jail.

Davison’s plan emphasizes safety, professionalism, appropriate medical care, proper supervision, training and accountability within the correctional environment.

“People who are incarcerated are in the custody of the Sheriff, and that carries an enormous responsibility,” Davison said. “They must be managed safely, securely, professionally and humanely while maintaining the security necessary to protect staff, incarcerated individuals and the public.”

5. Professional Leadership and Ethics

Davison’s final point centers on integrity-based leadership and the belief that every division of the Sheriff’s Office plays an essential role.

“Patrol, Corrections and Civil perform different functions, but every one of them is necessary to accomplish the mission,” Davison said. “As Sheriff, I will treat each division equally and lead the entire organization.”

Davison said his approach to leadership was shaped by decades of military and law enforcement service and by leading people from first-line supervision through regional command.

“Leadership is not a title. It is a responsibility,” Davison said. “It means setting the example, making difficult decisions, giving your people credit when things go right and accepting responsibility when they do not.”

Davison said his candidacy represents a continuation of a lifetime devoted to public service.

“I have worn a uniform since I was 17 years old,” Davison said. “From the military, to corrections, to nearly three decades with the New York State Police, my life has been centered around service. I believe that experience has prepared me to lead the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.”

“My commitment is simple: public safety within the boundaries of the Constitution, professional leadership, accountability to the people, and an unwavering commitment to serve all of Clinton County.”

Experience. Integrity. Leadership. Accountability.

Brent Davison for Clinton County Sheriff

Click here to view the Calvin Castine Home Town Cable Video 

Candidate News Release of August 19, 2026 

ALBANY, NY — Republican and Conservative nominee for New York State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez today responded to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s press release touting a 6.12% quarterly return for the $309.7 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund, calling it a victory lap for underperformance while investment management fees have grown nearly sixfold under DiNapoli’s watch.

“Tom DiNapoli wants credit for a 6.12% quarter while the S&P 500 surged roughly 15% and the Nasdaq roughly 21% over that same stretch, one of the best quarters for stocks in six years,” Hernandez said. “New York’s retirees and taxpayers deserve better than billions of dollars left on the table while their current Comptroller celebrates.”

According to the Comptroller’s own release, nearly 38 cents of every dollar in the fund is invested in alternative assets, including 14.3% in private equity, 14.3% in real estate and real assets, and 9.1% in credit, absolute return strategies, and “opportunistic alternatives.” These investments sit in some of the least transparent and highest-fee corners of the market, with no public disclosure of specific managers, individual deals, or complete fee schedules. “New Yorkers have no idea who is managing this money, what they’re being paid, or what they’re buying,” Hernandez said. “That lack of transparency has a price tag.”

Investment management fees paid by the fund have exploded from approximately $145 million to $862 million during DiNapoli’s tenure. “That is real money that should be working for New York retirees and taxpayers instead of going toward fees paid to Wall Street middlemen,” Hernandez said. Those figures do not include carried interest, which is the share of investment profits paid to fund managers on top of traditional management fees. The true cost of managing the fund’s private equity, real estate, and other alternative investments tops $1.8 billion, more than double the figure DiNapoli’s office publicizes.

Hernandez also questioned DiNapoli’s reliance on two reviews cited in his release as independent validation of the fund’s management. One review was conducted by Weaver and Tidwell LLP, a private vendor selected and retained through the Comptroller’s own office procurement process. The second review was conducted by the New York State Department of Financial Services, another state agency operating alongside DiNapoli for nearly two decades.

“DiNapoli is grading his own homework and calling it independent oversight,” Hernandez said. “A vendor his office hired and another Albany state agency do not provide the kind of real, arm’s-length review New Yorkers deserve for nearly $310 billion in retirement money. New Yorkers deserve full transparency into how their retirement dollars are being managed and what they are paying for it.”

Hernandez, a businessman and investor with decades of experience in capital markets, has made greater transparency and accountability in the management of New York’s pension fund a central part of his campaign for Comptroller. As Comptroller, Hernandez will push for greater disclosure of investment managers, fees, performance, underlying investments, and the true costs associated with alternative investments.

“DiNapoli is celebrating while New York’s pension fund trails the broader market and taxpayers are footing the bill for nearly six times the investment management fees,” Hernandez said. “After nearly two decades in office, New Yorkers deserve a Comptroller who will demand better performance, greater transparency, and accountability for every dollar entrusted to the pension fund.”

This is HUGE change in New York State policy 

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One victim was stabbed to death, and the city reported one other stabbing and two instances of gunfire over the weekend.

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August 17, 2026 – The Peru Water Sewer Parks Department successfully replaced a sewer line at 22 Maiden Lane today. The homeowners also replaced the sewer line leading into their house. The street is open again.

The 36th annual Run For Jon will be held Saturday, August 29th, 5 PM at Forrence Orchards on Mannix Road in Peru. It attracts hundreds of walkers, kids fun runners and runners every year, in addition to their friends and family who attend as spectators. There are numerous door prizes for participants, donated by our generous donors.

It is also a great race, sanctioned by USA Track & Field, with some of the best runners in the Northeast participating. Over the years, the race has attracted state and national champions as well as a few Olympians.

The Run For Jon, Inc. is dedicated to supporting families in the New York counties of Clinton, Essex, and Franklin who have children under 18 in need of serious medical care. Our grassroots initiative focuses on assisting with non-medical expenses such as transportation and lodging, ensuring that families can focus on their child’s health and well-being.

Run For Jon Inc is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 45-2905801. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer.

Website: https://runforjon.org

Link to registration page: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Peru/RunForJon

Link to donation page: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/NY/Peru/RunForJon

Donations from sponsors or individuals are welcome!

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Unitary America, led by its Leader Garrett Monette, has announced its rapid expansion to over 330 supporters, tripling in size since the beginning of April. The organization only had less than ten in early November.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR LISTINGS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 11:00 AM TO 12:30 PM
FOOD DRIVE – Unitary America is hosting a food drive at the Plattsburgh Public Library, between the hours of 11:00 am. and 12:30 pm. All those who need groceries, bread, and any other non-perishables are welcome to attend, while supplies last. Food has been collected from donation boxes set up at local stores throughout the Plattsburgh area.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
TRASH CLEANUP – Unitary America is hosting a trash cleanup, removing garbage from the Saranac River and surrounding areas, between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. All those wanting to help protect their local environment, need volunteer experience, and want to get involved in their community are welcome to attend. All supplies will be provided.

Deer Management Permits Available through October 1

Read more »

Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes Wine Region Named Winery of the Year

August 10, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the winners of the 40th Annual New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York’s wine industry. Ryan William Vineyard from the Finger Lakes earned the prestigious Governor’s Cup for their 2025 Pinot Blanc while Weis Vineyards from the Finger Lakes was awarded Winery of the Year. This is the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall that Weis Vineyards has been awarded Winery of the Year. The winners were announced this evening during a special live virtual event hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF).

“Congratulations to Ryan William Vineyard, Weis Vineyards, and every winery who participated in this year’s Wine Classic,” Governor Hochul said. “From the vineyards of the Fingerlakes to wineries across the state, New York’s wine industry represents the very best of our agricultural heritage, innovation and craftsmanship. These award winning producers are creating exceptional products, supporting good paying jobs and helping showcase New York State as a world-class destination for wine lovers everywhere.”

The New York Wine Classic, organized by the NYWGF, is one of the most respected wine competitions in the country, highlighting the impressive range of wines produced across the state’s distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) – including Lake Erie, Niagara Escarpment, Finger Lakes, Upper Hudson, Hudson River Region, Champlain Valley of New York, and Long Island. The competition recognizes the skilled winemakers, passionate growers, and regional diversity that continue to comprise New York’s wine industry and their unique varietals.

The Governor’s Cup is the Classic’s most esteemed award, recognizing the “Best of Show” of the competition, while the Winery of the Year award is presented to the winery with the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to entries. Additional honors are awarded in various categories including Best Sparkling, White, Red, Pink, Dessert, Specialty, and more.

The Best of Category winners are: Read more »

August 13, 2026 CLINTON COUNTY, NY – Clinton County today celebrated Heart Aerospace’s announcement that the Heart X1 demonstrator successfully completed its historic first flight at Plattsburgh International Airport on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.- 

Spanning 106 feet, measuring 76 feet nose to tail and weighing more than 25,000 pounds at takeoff, the X1 is the largest battery-electric aircraft ever flown. The milestone places Plattsburgh and Clinton County at the center of a significant moment in the evolution of electric aviation.

The piloted mission lasted 27 minutes, reached an altitude of 1,100 feet above ground level and demonstrated more than one megawatt of power from the X1’s all-electric propulsion system. Powered entirely by batteries, the aircraft used approximately $5 worth of electricity during its first flight. The mission included taxi, takeoff, climb, maneuvering and landing, demonstrating all-electric flight at a scale relevant to commercial airline operations.

Heart Aerospace selected Plattsburgh International Airport for the X1 program because of its extensive airfield infrastructure, 11,750-foot concrete runway, relatively low air-traffic density and location within the North Country’s growing cluster of transportation and aerospace innovators.

“Today, the eyes of the aviation world are on Clinton County, New York,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairperson Mark R. Henry (Area 3-R, Chazy). “The first flight of the largest battery-electric aircraft in history is an extraordinary achievement for Heart Aerospace and a tremendous source of pride for Clinton County. This milestone shows that our airport is more than a transportation asset. It is a place where the future of aviation is being developed, tested and proven.”

The flight was conducted under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Experimental Category. Before receiving authorization to begin piloted flight testing, the X1 underwent an extensive ground-testing program that included structural, propulsion and systems testing, as well as low- and high-speed taxi tests.

“This is an exciting moment for Heart Aerospace and for Clinton County,” said Clinton County Legislature Airport Committee Chairperson David G. Bezio (Area 4-D, Plattsburgh). “A great deal of work and coordination went into preparing for this flight, and I want to recognize the Heart Aerospace team, our airport staff and everyone who helped make it possible. Having a milestone of this significance take place here demonstrates the value of Plattsburgh International Airport and the opportunities it can bring to our community.”

The X1 is a full-scale demonstrator representative of Heart’s ES-30 production aircraft. It was developed to validate key technologies, aerodynamics and flight performance, as well as Heart’s organizational capabilities to design, build, test and operate an electric commercial aircraft. Heart established its X1 flight-test base at Plattsburgh International Airport as the company advanced the aircraft through ground testing, FAA review and final flight preparations.

“Supporting an experimental flight program of this scale requires tremendous coordination, professionalism and attention to safety,” said Plattsburgh International Airport Director Patrick Sharrow. “Our airport team has been proud to work alongside Heart Aerospace and its flight-test team throughout this process. Seeing the X1 take flight from Plattsburgh International Airport is an unforgettable moment and a powerful demonstration of what this facility is capable of supporting. With additional hangar, industrial and testing space available, we are well positioned to support other companies working to build the future of aviation.”

The milestone further establishes Clinton County as a destination for next-generation aviation and transportation technology. Heart Aerospace joins a growing group of innovative companies and institutions utilizing the region’s infrastructure, workforce and strategic proximity to major United States and Canadian markets.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we envisioned as we worked to build Clinton County’s reputation as a hub for advanced transportation and sustainable aviation,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency and Clinton County Director of Economic Development. “Heart Aerospace could have chosen locations around the world for this milestone, and the fact that this historic flight took place in Plattsburgh speaks volumes about our airport, our regional assets and the relationships that made it possible. We are also developing the talent aviation companies need through programs such as Clinton Community College’s Mechanical Technology A.A.S. degree, helping ensure that companies locating here have access to both world-class infrastructure and a skilled workforce. Our goal now is to build upon this achievement, support Heart’s continued success and ensure that today’s global attention creates additional opportunities for Clinton County.”

Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a conventional fixed-wing, 30-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner, for FAA Part 25 certification. The company is targeting entry into service in 2031 and has received customer commitments from major air carriers including United Airlines, Air Canada and JSX.

About Plattsburgh International Airport Read more »

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When: September 10th, 2026 at 6:00pm
Where: Durkee Street @ the Riverside Pavilion {Old Farmers market}

The Plattsburgh Police Department is excited to invite you to our 2nd Community Bike & E-Mobility Safety Forum, happening in just one month! Whether you ride a traditional bicycle, an E-bike, a scooter,or any other mobility device, this interactive session is packed with practical tips for riders of all ages.

What to expect:
Clear breakdowns of right-of-way rules and NYS laws for E-bike classifications.
Best practices for safely sharing the road with pedestrians, drivers, and other riders.
Walkthroughs of real-world scenarios.
A friendly on bese we proper lina and base bike ma strance
Bring your wheels! This event we will be adding a group ride and a fun obstacle course where you can test
your skills!

Special Perk:
All attendees will receive a “Friends of Downtown Plattsburgh” bike ticket! Redeem it for exclusive deals at participating downtown businesses– just look for the green signs in their shop windows.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe. See you there!
Authorized release by; Chief Jarrod Trombley

Community Alert: Fraudulent Online Rental Opportunities

Criminals are posting fake rental listings online to steal your money and personal information. These scams often appear on social media, classified sites, and rental platforms. Scammers copy real photos and details, underprice the property, pressure you to act fast, and demand payment before you ever see the place.

How to Identify Fake Rental Listings

Watch for these common red flags:

The rent is far below market rate for the neighborhood or similar properties. If it looks too good to be true, it almost always is.

Pressure to pay or decide immediately — “Someone else is interested,” “You must send a deposit today to hold it,” or similar urgency tactics.

Demand for money before you view the property or sign a lease (application fees, deposits, first month’s rent).

Payment only by untraceable methods: wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or apps like Venmo/Zelle/Cash App before any legitimate agreement.

The “landlord” refuses to meet in person or show the property, often claiming to be out of town, overseas, or unavailable.

Requests for sensitive personal information early — Social Security number, bank details, driver’s license copies, or credit-score screenshots before you have agreed to rent.

Inconsistencies when you research: The same address listed at different prices or by different contacts; the property appears for sale instead of rent; photos reverse-image-search to other listings or real-estate sites.

Poor communication — vague answers about the property, grammar/spelling issues, or only texting/emailing.

PLATTSBURGH POLICE DEPARTMENT Jarrod Trombley,45 PINE STREET PLATTSBURGH, NY 12901, 518-563-3411

518-566-9000 FAX

Chief of Police

Protect yourself:

Search the exact address online. Read more »