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-in-Training Marc Nummelin 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. 

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 »

NYSEG $37.1 million project to bring added power to Town of Plattsburgh 

June 11, 2026 – Chamber of Commerce News – After securing PSC approval last year with strong support from the North Country Chamber and our partners, the major electricity capacity upgrade at Kent Falls is proceeding on schedule. When fully completed in the first quarter of 2029, the $37.1 million project will bring 30 MW of added power availability in the Town of Plattsburgh, supporting economic growth in the years ahead.

Conceptual engineering has been completed and detailed engineering and procurement are underway, placing the project at an estimated 15-20% completion state. We again thank NYSEG, the PSC and Governor Kathy Hochul for moving this crucial power project forward, as well as our partners at the Town, TDC, Clinton County IDA and Empire State Development along with Assemblyman Michael Cashman for their continued support.

Albany, June 11, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that funding is available from the new $10 million New York Providing Local Access to Essential Sustenance (NY PLATES) capital grant program. Governor Hochul secured this funding in the FY 2026-27 Enacted Budget to support food banks and other organizations that provide emergency food assistance in building the modern facilities, equipment, and infrastructure needed to serve more families across the state. NY PLATES will offer competitive capital grants to eligible Food Banks, Emergency Food Programs, and municipalities providing food relief services within New York’s 10 regional food bank territories. Eligible uses include capital costs related to, but not limited to, the design, construction or renovation of eligible program locations as well as for the purchase of equipment such as cold storage, freezers, and food transport vehicles. These investments will increase the capacity of critical food assistance organizations and enable them to safely store, transport, and distribute food to more New Yorkers in need.

“Food banks and pantries across New York are working around the clock to make sure no family goes hungry, and they deserve the facilities and equipment to do that work effectively,” Governor Hochul said. “With NY PLATES, we are making a direct investment in the infrastructure of hunger relief – expanding capacity, modernizing operations, and standing up for New Yorkers at a time when the federal government is turning its back on critical nutrition programs. This funding will help ensure that no community is left behind.”

As part of Governor Hochul’s FY 2026-2027 Enacted Budget and State of the State proposals, NY PLATES provides capital grant funding to design, construct, or reconstruct facilities, make major renovations and infrastructure improvements, and purchase essential equipment such as refrigeration units and food transport vehicles. The Request for Applications (RFA) for NY PLATES has been posted at dasny.org.

The application period for the NY PLATES capital grant program will open on July 8, 2026, and applications must be submitted by August 20, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced no earlier than October 20, 2026. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of project need, impact, and viability. Not-for-profit entities must receive approved prequalification status in the Statewide Financial System (SFS) prior to the submission of their application and must remain prequalified through the execution of the Grant Disbursement Agreement and payment of all requisitions.

Minutes: Planning Board Meeting

Wednesday, May 13^th, 2026 

Call to Order at 6:02 PM

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of April, 2026 Minutes

Comments: Garrett Mastic, Chair, shared with the Board the minutes from the last meeting. 

Mr. Mastic asked if the other Board Members had any changes, correction, deletions or additions. The Board Members did not have any suggestions on this matter.  

Motion: Peter Stone, Vice Chair, made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Robert LePage and the motion carried with 7 votes.

Roll Call: Garret Mastic, Chair – Y; Peter Stone, Vice Chair – Y; Daniel Hamilton – Y; Mark Hamilton – Y; Robert LePage – Y; Jerry McGovern – Y; Patrick McFarlin – Y   Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Plattsburgh, NY, June 11, 2026 – Today’s Plattsburgh Press-Republican reports that 30 UVM Health Network positions are being cut in Clinton and Franklin Counties. The Blood Donor Center’s responsibilities are being transferred to the American Red Cross. The PR has an in-depth story on the cutbacks.

Overall,  the UVM Health Network is eliminating 142 positions.  Click here for a vtdigger story posted on June 10, 2026. 

Almost 100 workers to lose jobs 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Albany, June 10, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly $140 million in federal funding is available to support counterterrorism and emergency preparedness efforts across the state. The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through its FY 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program and its Emergency Management Performance Grant, supports regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including planning, organization, equipment, training and exercise activities which are critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services manages these programs in close coordination with local stakeholders.

FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program is comprised of three separate risk-based grants aimed at assisting state, local and tribal efforts in preventing, preparing for, protecting against and responding to acts of terrorism. Those programs are the State Homeland Security Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative and Operation Stonegarden.

Note – Clinton County awarded three grants. Scroll down to see the exact amounts. 

Award amounts are listed below: Read more »

Changes Are Part of Ongoing Work to Improve Affordability and Long-Term Sustainability

UVM Health Statement, June 9, 2026 – BURLINGTON, Vt. – University of Vermont Health today informed employees that 142 positions have been eliminated. Of those, 76 positions have been permanently eliminated, and 66 will be posted as new roles with restructured job descriptions. The majority of these workforce reductions are in areas not providing direct patient care, with targeted clinical changes where necessary.

UVM Health also notified additional employees that the health system is undertaking a reorganization of their positions or departments.

These actions are part of a larger and urgent effort to address significant financial shortfalls, improve sustainability, and ensure long-term access to high-quality health care across the region.

Today’s actions, which are happening systemwide in Vermont and Northern New York, support the following ongoing goals:

• Continue to align services and capacity with patient demand.
• Reduce administrative complexity and duplication.
• Consolidate certain functions to operate more efficiently.
• Improve how our teams work together to provide care.

The health system’s HR team is working with affected employees, offering transition support and opportunities to pursue other roles within the organization. The team is also engaging with union partners and ensuring employees receive the support and protections outlined in their contracts.

“These are extremely difficult decisions because of their impact on our valued colleagues,” said UVM Health Chief Executive Officer Stephen Leffler, MD. “We must make these hard choices to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality care that is accessible and more affordable for the communities we serve.” 

Addressing a significant financial challenge

These changes are necessary to address financial and operational pressures that UVM Health is facing along with hospitals and health systems nationwide. The health system is facing a projected $300+ million financial gap over the next three years. Since January, UVM Health has seen financial losses that amount to roughly $460,000 per day.

There are significant efforts already underway across the organization to begin addressing this gap, including:

• Reducing temporary contract “locum” and “traveler” staff (providers, nursing and non-nursing).
• Pausing discretionary spending.
• Right-sizing operations to hospitals’ daily patient census.
• Reducing scheduling backlogs and improving patient access in areas like radiology and endoscopy.
• Pausing variable pay for leaders.
• Transforming clinical schedules system-wide to increase patient access to care.

The changes also address the organization’s broader affordability goals by achieving greater operational efficiency. 

Ongoing Focus on Administrative Efficiency

UVM Health is continuing a yearslong effort to reduce administrative expenses across the health system.

• In July 2025, the system eliminated 146 roles – 77 of which were filled – mostly in “shared service” administrative support functions.
• That built on earlier actions the health system took throughout the year to gradually cut several hundred primarily non-direct patient care roles.
• Late last year, multiple senior leadership positions were eliminated as part of a restructuring at the UVM Health system level. 

Looking ahead

This sustainability work will continue over the next several years, in response to anticipated shifts in reimbursement for patient care and the need to embrace a new model for health care providers, here and across the country.

UVM Health expects additional actions will be needed over time, along with continued focus on protecting access to care, maintaining quality and safety and improving affordability.

“These steps are necessary to address the financial realities facing health care today,” Dr. Leffler said. “They are part of a longer-term effort to build a more sustainable system that can continue to serve our communities for years to come.”

Click here for the VPR story 

Plattsburgh, NY – [June 9, 2026] – Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) Career and Technical Education (CV-TEC) proudly recognizes Shaelene Dedrick, a young professional from the CV-TEC Mineville Campus, for earning a Gold Medal and crowned National Champion at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC).

Shaelene, a young professional in Dr. Todd Menia’s New Visions Medical Careers program, representing CV-TEC & Ticonderoga Central School, achieved national distinction as the Gold Medalist in the Job Skill Demonstration (Open) competition, rising to the top among the nation’s most talented competitors.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held annually in Atlanta, is the nation’s premier showcase of career and technical education, bringing together more than 19,000 participants and featuring over 6,500 state champions competing in industry-driven events aligned to real-world workforce expectations.

The Job Skill Demonstration (Open) competition evaluates a participant’s ability to perform and clearly explain an entry-level technical skill, using hands-on demonstrations supported by practical applications, experiments, or visual aids. Competitors are required to deliver a timed presentation that highlights both technical proficiency and communication skills, reflecting the critical combination of competencies needed in today’s workforce.

Shaelene’s accomplishment reflects the high level of skill development, confidence, and professionalism fostered through CV-TEC’s New Visions Medical Careers program and her dedication to excellence in her field.

In addition to Shaelene’s national gold medal achievement, CV-TEC proudly represented New York State across multiple competitions at the national level. CV-TEC competitors included:

• Shaelene Dedrick (Ticonderoga Central School) – Job Skill Demonstration (Open) – Gold Medalist
• Bryan DesForge (Saranac Central School) – Pin Design
• Owen Fuller (Peru Central School) – Automotive Service Technology
• Hunter Garrand (Peru Central School), Damian Lannon (Saranac Central School), Jasmine LaValley (Northern Adirondack Central School), and Jacob Locke-Betters (Ausable Valley Central School) – Entrepreneurship Team Competition
• Gabriella Gill (Keene Central School) – Prepared Speech

CV-TEC was also proud to have a New York State SkillsUSA Officer represent New York at the national conference, demonstrating leadership and service at the highest level of the organization.

• Bailey Douglas (Ausable Valley Central School)

SkillsUSA is a national workforce development organization and career and technical student organization that partners education with industry to ensure that young professionals develop the technical, leadership, and employability skills required for career success. Its competitions are designed and evaluated by industry professionals to reflect current workforce demands.

“Shaelene’s achievement is an outstanding example of what happens when preparation, passion, and opportunity come together,” said Nicole Santaniello, CV-TEC Lead SkillsUSA Advisor. “We are incredibly proud of all of our young professionals who represented CV-TEC and New York State with professionalism, skill, and integrity on the national stage.”

“Shaelene’s success, along with the accomplishments of our entire SkillsUSA team, demonstrates the strength of our programs and the dedication of our young professionals and CV-TEC Team Members,” said Michele Friedman, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at CVES. “We are proud to celebrate this national achievement and the continued impact of career and technical education in preparing the future workforce.”

This national recognition highlights CV-TEC’s commitment to preparing young professionals through rigorous, hands-on learning experiences aligned to in-demand careers and industry standards.

For additional information, please contact:  Santaniello__nicole@cves.org

Click here for the vtdigger story 

L-R – Lincoln Sunderland and Town Supervisor Craig Randall

Peru, NY, June 9, 2026 – It’s been a memorable week for Lincoln Sunderland. On June 4, he celebrated his 86th birthday. At the Monday, June 8, Peru Town Board meeting, the Town Board recognized Sunderland for his work in preserving Peru history and former New York State Assemblywoman Janet Duprey recognized Sunderland for his role as president of the leadership group that founded Apple Valley Senior Housing. Janet told Sunderland, “We couldn’t have done it without you.”  The group met in 1977, got a loan in 1979 and opened the beautiful facility in 1980. 

Peru Town Historian Helen Nerska led the presentation. Nerska said, “Tonight it is our privilege and pleasure to recognize Lincoln Sunderland for his work in recording and sharing Peru history. We initiated this recognition when, in the historian’s office, we kept referring back to this book — which we began respectfully calling our Peru History bible. We also knew that these three books were produced by Lincoln Sunderland and donated to our town for sharing. Currently, proceeds from the book sales go to the Babbie Farm.”

“Other than a book written in 1913 by the Peru Grange, these are the only books that exist on Peru History. And I can’t stop there; we also found his work on the history of the Peru Community Church in our files – maybe a future publication?” 

“Lincoln was born and raised in Ellenburg as one of 12 children — and, like a number of us here, grew up on farmlands and woodlands that I now see were the most incredible playgrounds a child today could imagine. His autobiography would resonate with those of us lucky enough to have been raised on Clinton County farms. He was educated to be a science teacher, so his day job, so to speak, was teaching biology and earth science at Peru High School. He did this for 32 years.” Nerska added that Lincoln has been an active member of the Peru Lions Club since 1969 and said, “I believe he’s the oldest living member.” 

Sunderland’s wife, Ann, a longtime elementary school teacher at Peru Central, collaborated on many of her husband’s activities, including being an active member of the Peru Lions Club. Go to the Turkey Trot or the Lions roadside pickup, and you’ll often see Lincoln and Ann working side-by-side. The couple raised three daughters, Carolyn, Beverly and Jill. As Beverly commented, “What amazing role models!”

Funding Supports Updating Water Infrastructure, Combatting Harmful Algal Blooms, Protecting Drinking Water, Increasing Flood Resilience, and Treating Contamination from Landfills

Read more »

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. , June 9, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) announced funding for various educational programs throughout the 115^th district today, including $100,000 for the AuSable Valley Central School District. The announcement comes after the legislative concluded late last week.

“I am thrilled to share that I was able to secure $255,000 for six different organizations that support early and adult education throughout the North Country,” Cashman said. “From events that introduce the importance of literacy at an early age to on-the-job training for adult learners, each of these organizations puts on incredibly important programs, and I am proud to have continued to bring resources back to the North Country.”

“I am especially proud of the $100,000 I was able to designate to the AuSable Valley Central School District. The district has been strained with the realities that come with being a rural school district, and these monies will assist with various educational experiences within the district. I will continue to engage with school leadership from across the district to better understand their needs and goals in advance of next year’s budget.”

Mark Francia, the Superintendent of Schools for AuSable Valley Central School District, shared his excitement in a statement.

“We are extremely grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for securing $100,000 in Bullet Aid for AuSable Valley Central School District,” Francia said. “Earlier this fall, members of our Board of Education and I had the opportunity to meet with Assemblyman Cashman and discuss the financial challenges facing rural school districts. He took the time to listen, understand our concerns, and advocate on our behalf.

“This funding demonstrates Assemblyman Cashman’s commitment to the students, families, and communities of the North Country. While financial pressures continue to impact AuSable Valley and many other local school districts, this support shows that he understands the unique challenges rural schools face and is willing to fight for the resources our students need to be successful.”

“On behalf of our students, staff, Board of Education, and community, I want to thank Assemblyman Cashman for his advocacy and continued support of public education in the North Country.”

An additional $155,000 was designated to five other educational organizations and programs throughout the district. The funding breakdown is as follows:

• $100,000 to AuSable Valley Central School District for various educational programs.
• $50,000 to Clinton Community College for the Pathways for Women to Careers in Technology and Manufacturing program.
• $40,000 to the North Country Chamber of Commerce for on-the-job training activities.
• $25,000 to Lake Placid Association for Music, Drama and Art for the Art of the Olympians Program.
• $20,000 to John Brown Lives! for the annual Adirondack Family Book Festival.
• $20,000 to the 1814 Commemoration for the annual Battle of Plattsburgh events.

            The funds were allocated to the district during one of the final votes of the 2026 legislative session.