The Peru Gazette

Peru Historian Helen Nerska talks with Robert, James and Melvin Irwin, owners of Maplegrand Farms and 3rd generation farmers in the Town of Peru

Click here to view the YouTube Video recorded by the Peru Gazette. 

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, March 16, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. 

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region.  Your neighbors appreciate and need your support. 

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates the blood drive.

Albany, March 9, 2026 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking licenses for falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these examinations online and free of charge,” DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This process makes it easier for individuals to meet examination requirements, apply for a license, and interact with wildlife safely and responsibly.”

The 2 hour exam can be completed any time between 7 am and 11 pm on the assigned date.

*Please note: Registration for the June, August, and October exams will open the week following the previous exam date.

To register, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit Exams Registration website.

Individuals can apply for more than one license. For each exam, applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the specific exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send the application or license fee prior to passing the exam.

Apprentice Falconry License
Birds of prey are protected species and cannot be possessed without a license or other authorization from DEC. Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American Kestrel or a Red-tailed Hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam;
• be at least 14 years of age;
• possess a valid New York State hunting license;
• maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors; and
• be a resident of New York State.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Falconry License” webpage. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam,
• be at least 16 years of age,
• be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff, and
• be a resident of New York State.

 A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Wildlife Rehabilitator License” webpage. There is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitator license.

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License
Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must:

• score 80% or higher on the written exam, and
• possess a valid New York State hunting license.

 A leashed tracking dog handler study guide is available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Leashed Tracking Dog License” webpage. While the exam is free, first-time license applicants have a non-refundable $25 license application fee. The five-year leashed tracking dog handler license is $50.

For questions or assistance, contact DEC’s Special Licenses Unit:
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752
Phone: 518-402-8985; Fax: 518-402-8925
Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov

“Beta plans to partner with medical helicopter operator Metro Aviation to transport medical equipment across Lake Champlain, among other missions.”

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Macaroni, Cheese, & Ham
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!

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for he Adirondack Almanac story 

Click here for the MSN story 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette video 

Renée Gifford is a local self-taught artist. She is inspired by nature and uses vibrant colors to portray different themes in an abstract, but natural way. Most paintings are very textured and colorful.

Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports, JCEO);

5. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing of February 23 and Regular Meeting of February 23, 2026.

6. Community Input. 

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approve C & S Engineers Supplemental Consultant Agreement No. 1 for the Telegraph Rd. Over Dry Mill Brook Project.

8. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Emergency Purchase of a Gould Pump Housing, Impellor and Power for the Peru WWTP.

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Resignation from Member of Board of Assessment Review.

10. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Murnane Building Contractors Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP Project. 

11. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of John W. Danforth Company Pay App. #8 for Peru WWTP Project. 

12. DISCUSSION/MOTION: Approval of Change Directive M-CD.01 by K & L Plumbing & Heating.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Highway Dept. to Purchase Computer to Diagnose Trucks.

14. DISCUSSION/MOTION:  C & S – Telegraph Over Dry Mill Brook Culvert Update.

15. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Town Board.

16. DISCUSSION: Other Business. – Dept. Heads.

17. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

18. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay February 2026 Bills.

19. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.

20. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 

21. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

CVPH Foundation, Adk. Coast Events team up for the community’s first 5K of 2026 

Plattsburgh, NY, March 5, 2026 –   –   Proceeds for the 2026 Shamrock Shuffle 5k planned for Saturday, March 14 at Valcour Brewing Company will benefit University of Vermont Health – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Inpatient Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Unit.  The event starts at 11 am and participants can get their shamrock-themed bib beginning at 10.
Sponsored by the CVPH Foundation and Adirondack Coast Events, the event starts and ends at Valcour Brewing in a two-loop race that creates a flat and fast route. Registration fee is $27.50 and can be completed online at AdirondackCoastEvents.com.

Participants are encouraged to dress in their finest St. Patty’s Day gear. Prizes for the top male and female finishers and best costume will be awarded. The first 50 finishers (21 +) get a free beer courtesy of Valcour Brewing.

The CVPH Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Unit team cares for children and teens age 6 to 18 who are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms. The dedicated team of professionals provides individualized treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, and coordinated support aimed at stabilizing symptoms and promoting emotional well‑being. As part of a comprehensive discharge process, they also connect patients and families with appropriate community‑based and outpatient services, ensuring ongoing care, access to local resources, and a seamless transition back to home, school, and everyday life.

For more information call at (518) 314-3359 or email msenecal@cvph.org. Learn more about the Foundation at UVMHealth.org/CVPHFoundation.

Click here for teh Vermont Public story 

Three days, four shows March 19-21

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Reese Duprey left the game with a lower-body injury. Duprey was helped off the floor with 6:13 remaining in the third quarter and did not return

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – On September 30, 2025, Jeremiah Cross’s six-year term as Peru’s tax assessor ended, and on October 1, Sean Masten succeeded Cross. Peru contracts with the Clinton  County Real Property office for assessment services, so both men are county, not town, employees. When Masten isn’t in Peru, he’s either in the Town of Ausable, where he is also the town assessor, or at the Clinton County Real Property Office. 

Masten brings a local perspective to his work. A graduate of Seton Catholic and Clinton Community College, he is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance. Before joining the county in 2018, he had two years of title research experience. Reflecting on his current assignment, he said, “Even though I grew up here, there were many roads I’d never been on. I’ve had to drive every road. Jeremiah did a wonderful job, so I stepped into a cushy position. He basically did a total reassessment each year and kept assessments up to date.” 

Looking ahead, Masten will begin the Peru 2026 assessment process in a few days. In late April or sooner, his assessments will be mailed to property owners. He emphasized, “If people have any questions or any concerns about their assessment, or if they’re unsure if they’re getting the exemptions, or if they have any questions, please call or come in. I can’t help people if they don’t ask.” Masten’s office number is 518-643-2475, Extension 104. His Peru office hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Commonly overlooked exemptions include being a Vietnam veteran or having an income below $34,399. 

If questions remain after discussing with Masten, taxpayers have further options. They must file a grievance Form RP524, which Sean can provide. The form is also available at the Clinton County Property Office in Plattsburgh or at the state website: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/grievproced.htm. May 26 is the last day to file a grievance, which is also Grievance Day. Peru’s Board of Assessment Review considers grievances from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. People can make their case in person or simply rely on the RP524 Form. Supporting evidence is essential for any successful grievance. 

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday February 9, 2026 at the Peru

Town Hall. Those present were Mr.Craig Randall, Supervisor; Mr. Kregg Bruno, Councilman ;

Mr. Eric Duquette, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Nick Weaver, Councilman;

Mr. Matthew Favro, Town Attorney and Mrs. Christine Crawford, Town Clerk. Also present

were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent ; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway

Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board; Ms. Helen Nerska,

Historian; Mrs. Kristen Marino, Recreation Director; Mr. Tyler Jarvis, Deputy Highway

Superintendent 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. Duquette to Accept Reports from all Departments

(Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk, Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning;

Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; and Banking Reports, JCEO.)

Ayes 5 Noes 0

Motion Carried

Motion by Mr. Irwin; seconded by Mr. Bruno to approve the minutes from the January 29th,

2026 Special Meeting.

Ayes 5 Noes 0

Motion Carried

Community Input

Mr. John Ryan talks about how the public should have more information about executive

sessions. Mr. Favro will look into this.

Discussion: AES Northeast PWWTP Project Update

Nathan Bull updates everyone on how well the project is going. With the good jump on site

work over the summer, the building is enclosed enough for work to continue through winter.

Funding approval on grants is backed up, but the project is cost tracking very well.

Communication between all parties is good. Read more »

New Program Will Help Communities Plan, Finance and Build Housing for Working Families

Albany, March 5, 2026, News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of Accelerate Workforce Housing, a multi-year, multi-partner initiative to address the critical shortage of housing for working families and individuals in the North Country region. Empire State Development (ESD) provided a $3 million grant, matched by contributions from regional funders convened by the Adirondack Community Foundation, to unlock a more than $3.5 million fund that will create a pipeline for developing new homes that support local economic and community health.

“Solving the housing crisis is a top priority for New York, and I applaud the North Country Regional Economic Development Council and its partners for their collaborative effort to unlock the essential housing needed to keep and build talent in the region,” Governor Hochul said.“This $3 million state commitment enables the Accelerate Workforce Housing project to expand access to quality, year-round homes near population centers, strengthening the North Country workforce pipeline for employees and businesses alike.”

This initiative is supported by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s (REDC) Housing Work Group, which has brought stakeholders together to identify public and private sector solutions to increase the supply of owner and renter occupied housing for all income levels. It also aligns with Governor Hochul’s commitment to tackling New York’s housing crisis.

The lack of available housing has become a significant barrier to attracting and retaining the workforce essential for the North Country’s vitality. The Accelerate Workforce Housing initiative specifically targets the needs of working families who earn too much to qualify for traditional housing assistance but are priced out of the current market, such as teachers, nonprofit workers, and healthcare aides. It will support housing opportunities for households with incomes between 120-200% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested $97.5 million to create or preserve more than 2,100 affordable homes in the North Country.

The initiative is built on a three-tiered development pipeline targeted at communities in the Adirondack region with populations of less than 10,000 seeking to add up to 20 housing units:

• Technical Assistance: The Lake Champlain – Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB), with funding from the Adirondack Community Foundation and partners, will lead a technical assistance program for North Country municipalities that want to build more housing. The goal is to help 15 communities achieve “Pro-Housing Communities” certification from New York State and assist five more with updating local regulations to encourage housing development.

• Pre-Development: LCLGRPB will fund pre-development work, such as architectural engineering and infrastructure assessments, to advance housing projects to the “shovel-ready” stage. The goal is to have at least five communities complete the pre-development process for a total of at least 50 housing units. Projects will leverage philanthropic funding and a 1:1 municipal funding match.

• Capital for Construction: ESD awarded $3 million to the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) to establish the North Country Housing Capital Revolving Loan Fund to provide flexible financing for both nonprofit and for-profit housing developers.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Housing is the foundation of a strong regional economy and a core priority of Governor Hochul. Through the Accelerate Workforce Housing initiative, we are closing critical gaps by aligning housing supply with employer demand—creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and fueling equitable growth across the North Country.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Country’s natural environment, open spaces and outdoor recreation have driven record investments by seasonal second home owners, remote workers and short-term rental investors. The result is a significant decline in quality, middle-income housing available for the North Country’s workforce. New York State empowered the REDCs to develop strategies and actions for economic growth specific to their regions. Housing was identified as a primary goal area and is now part of the REDC’s Economic Development Strategy.

North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair James McKenna said, “The lack of workforce-aligned housing has been a barrier to recognizing our region’s full potential. By expanding quality housing options, we are stabilizing our talent pool and revitalizing the heart of our small towns. Thanks to the dedicated work of our partners and this vital state funding, we are finally building sustainable infrastructure for the North Country.”

In addition to the $3 million state grant, the Adirondack Community Foundation and Cloudsplitter Foundation convened regional funders to raise $500,000 in additional philanthropic funding for the project, which includes a keystone $250,000 matching grant from the Hearst Foundations and $250,000 from other private, family and donor-advised funds that are committed to supporting transformative ideas in the region.

For more information on the technical assistance and pre-development components of the Accelerate Workforce Housing project, please contact Kim Trombly, Adirondack Community Foundation’s Director of Community Impact, at kim@adkcommunityfoundation.org.

DANC will announce when applications are open for the North Country Housing Capital Revolving Loan Fund at a future date. Loan funds can only be applied to the capital portions of the project. The fund will be matched by 10%, or $300,000, developer cash or equity into the project. Read more »

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Click here for the NCPR story 

ANCA’s Jill Henck shares her experience purchasing and operating an electric vehicle (EV) in the Adirondacks 

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