The Peru Gazette

Anger over energy bills and data centers shot progressive challengers into office. Will they shake up state climate politics?

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Office at U.S. Oval is still open to serve the public 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Paul Smith’s College

SUNY Plattsburgh

North Country Community College

Clinton Community College

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. , November 10, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) visited all four colleges in the 115^th Assembly district today to celebrate First Generation College Graduate Day, recognized nationally on November 8. Each campus was given a copy of a New York State Resolution commemorating the occasion as campus leadership, staff, and first-gen students gathered.

            “As a first-generation college graduate, being able to celebrate fellow first-gen students and recognize the work these incredible faculty and staff perform every day is especially meaningful,” Assemblyman Cashman said. “College is what brought me to the North Country, and it is where I found my community and developed the skills needed to succeed post-graduation. My involvement in TRIO during my college years was just one way that the team at SUNY Plattsburgh helped guide me to graduation, and these programs continue to support the next generations of students today. It was an honor to present each of these campuses with a copy of the resolution I carried in Albany earlier this year marking the occasion.”

            Clinton Community College President Ken Knelly said, “Community colleges are a primary starting point for first-generation students, providing clear academic pathways, focused advising, and affordable tuition and costs. We are grateful for the acknowledgement through this resolution and the continued support of state and county partners who help secure the future for this generation and those to follow.”

            SUNY Plattsburgh Director of Access and Opportunity Programs Shatawndra Lister said, “I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such exceptional students. They are making a difference not only at SUNY Plattsburgh but, more importantly, in their families and communities. As a first-generation college graduate myself, I know how much it means to have people who believe in you and support you along the way. Being able to share what I learned through my own experiences with students today is something I truly value. I am incredibly proud of the work we do through Access & Opportunity Programs and across campus to support our first-generation students. I am also grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for taking the time to celebrate these students and recognize the importance of the opportunities and support that help them succeed.”

            North Country Community College President Joe Keegan said, “We’re grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for his continued support of higher education and for recognizing the achievements of first-generation college students. These students bring tremendous determination, resilience and unique perspectives to our campus communities, often while navigating challenges that others may not fully appreciate. At North Country, we’re proud to help first-generation students find their footing, pursue their goals and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. It’s especially meaningful to have an advocate like Assemblyman Cashman who understands their experiences firsthand.”

            North Country Community College Interim Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Jackie VanBrunt said, “As a first-generation college graduate myself, I know firsthand how important it is to have people and programs in your corner. Without the support I received through the Educational Opportunity Program, I likely would not have made it past my first year of college. That’s why programs like our new Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) initiative are so important. They provide the academic, financial and personal support that can make all the difference in helping students stay on track and earn their degrees. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued investment from New York State and SUNY that makes these resources possible and helps us create opportunities for the next generation of first-generation students.”

            Paul Smith’s College Director of TRIO SSS and HEOP Amanda Laah Vincent said, “Every day, I have the privilege of working with first-generation students who are breaking barriers and creating opportunities not only for themselves, but for their families and communities. First-Generation College Graduate Day reminds us of the importance of providing meaningful support, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating the remarkable achievements of these students.”

            Paul Smith’s College HEOP Student Success Coach Annie Rochon said, “Michael is a role model for first-generation students. He demonstrates that when there is a will, there is a way. We need more leaders and role models like him to inspire our students and show them that a world of opportunities is within their reach. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone who has walked a similar path to believe that those same possibilities are achievable. Our students need to know that their dreams are valid, their potential is limitless, and with determination, hard work, and the right support, anything is possible.”

            First-Generation College Graduate Day is celebrated annually on November 8, coinciding with the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Investigation Found T-Mobile Was Slowing Customers’ Internet Speeds After They Used 50 Gigabytes of Data and Hiding Affordable Plans From Online Searches

November 9, 2026, News Release – Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement with T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile), requiring the company to improve and expand the home internet service it offers eligible New Yorkers under the New York Affordable Broadband Act (ABA). An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found T-Mobile’s offerings did not meet the ABA’s requirements, which mandate that home internet providers offer high-speed broadband to income-eligible households for $15 per month at speeds of at least 25 Mbps, or $20 per month for speeds of at least 200 Mbps. The ABA also requires providers to make reasonable efforts to promote and advertise the availability of these affordable broadband plans. As a result of OAG’s investigation, T-Mobile will end data caps that slowed the internet speeds of customers on ABA internet plans, offer ABA plans to more areas throughout the state and make it easier for eligible New Yorkers to find and sign up for affordable internet plans. Read more »

Our community is full of interesting people, good ideas, accomplishments, traditions and stories — and we’d like to tell more of them.

I’m looking for a few local people who would enjoy occasionally contributing stories to our local news blog.

You don’t have to be a professional writer. If you enjoy talking with people, asking questions, taking photographs, or simply noticing the interesting things happening around town, you may be exactly what we’re looking for.

Stories could be about almost anything:

• An interesting person in our community
• A local family with a story to tell
• A longtime resident with memories of the town
• A student doing something remarkable
• Local clubs, organizations and churches
• Interesting local businesses
• Community events and activities
• Local history
• Hobbies and unusual talents
• Volunteers who make a difference
• Local government and issues
• “People you should know” profiles
• Anything else that would interest our neighbors

There is no required schedule and no minimum number of stories. Write one occasionally, or become a regular contributor — whatever works for you.

This is a volunteer opportunity; unfortunately, I cannot pay for contributions. What I can offer is a place for your stories and photographs to be seen by your friends and neighbors and become part of the community’s record.

If you’ve ever thought, “Somebody ought to write about that,” perhaps that somebody could be you.

Interested? Please send me an email at perugazette@gmail.com.  Include your name and phone number.  I’d love to talk with you.

And please share this post with someone you think might enjoy it.

John Ryan, Editor 

Click here for the Board of Elections Results 

Tractor Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

The Peru Tractor Parade is scheduled for December 4. It will depart from Irwin’s Maplegrand Farm on Jarvis Road at 6 p.m. More details will follow.

The Town’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will also take place on December 4. Details will be announced.

Telegraph Road Bridge

The board approved a resolution to transfer ownership and maintenance of the recently constructed Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook culvert/bridge to Clinton County. The resolution cited the specialized personnel, equipment, and financial resources needed to maintain the structure. To qualify for the ownership change, Clinton County required the town to have an on-site inspector throughout construction.  The county will take ownership of structures classified as a bridge. It will not take ownership of culverts or and certain other bridges such as on Wescott Road where Peru’s next major road project will take place. Bid opening is scheduled for December 11. 

Transferring responsibility and ownership to the county would relieve Peru taxpayers of future bridge maintenance expenses. The resolution authorized Randall to work with county officials and engineers to complete the needed agreements and paperwork.

Junkyard License Application

The board delayed action pending a public hearing on a zoning application filed by Michael Wells, owner of Tired Iron Hauling and Repair at 135 Connors Road. Wells seeks to expand his automotive repair and towing service to include a salvage yard. In 2021, Wells purchased a 14-acre parcel from Michael Relation, owner of Rustic Auto Body and Salvage Yard. Earlier this year, Wells purchased an adjacent parcel from the Relation family estate. The salvaged vehicle area would not be expanded. The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 25, at 5:45 p.m.

Code Enforcement Officer’s (CEO) October Report 

During October, CEO Duane Bibeau reported issuing 21 building permits, collecting $5,449.63 in fees, issuing 12 Certificates of Compliance/Occupancy, completing 49 permit inspections, and performing 6 annual mobile home park/campground inspections (434 site inspections). CEO October Report

Planning Board Reappointment 

Acting on a letter from Planning Board Chairman Garrett Mastic stating that the board rescinded a resolution passed at its last meeting appointing Mastic as chairman. Instead, it reappointed Mastic to a seven-year term as a planning board member. As has been the practice, the board will address the chair position in early 2027.  

Water District Finances

As it does every year, the board voted to levy unpaid water and sewer bills on delinquent property owners’ 2027 taxes. $57,269.67 remains unpaid, a typical amount. 

Joining an Effort to Lower Electric Costs 

Supervisor Craig Randall asked the board to support a petition to state legislators seeking legislation to lower utility costs for North Country consumers. Unitary America, the volunteer group that distributes food and books and performs trash pickup in the area, has had several towns agree to sign. Garrett Monette, the organization’s founder, asked Randall if Peru would join with our neighboring towns. The town board voted to include Peru in the petition. 

Agenda & Resolutions 110926

Click here to view the Gazette’s meeting video. Note, an air fan impacted the video’s sound. 

Click here for the ProPublica story 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.< November 9, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) announced the launch of his 2026 Holiday Toy Drive collection to benefit the Christmas Bureau. The annual tradition gathers and donates new, unwrapped toys to donate to North Country children during the holiday season.

            “I am thrilled to announce the return of my office’s Holiday Toy Drive,” Cashman said. “Between today and December 7, my team will be collecting toys to bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of children around the region. The Christmas Bureau does incredible work for the kids of the North Country, and I am proud to be able to support them once again. I encourage everyone to donate if they are able. I was grateful for the community’s outpouring of generosity and support last year, and this year, my team’s goal is to collect even more. Together, we can bring even more joy to the North Country!”

“The Christmas Bureau could not do what we do without the help of our community,” Clinton County Christmas Bureau President Tammy Perrotte Sears said. “Thank you, Assemblyman Cashman, for organizing this toy drive and all the people that donate to it. Together, we sure know how to make a kid smile!”

            Donations can be dropped off at Assemblyman Cashman’s district office, located at 202 US Oval in Plattsburgh, on Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.. If you have any questions, reach out to his district office at 518-562-1986.

Click here for the Yahoo.com story 

Hunter pays civil penalties totaling $1,405 

Illegal Deer Take – Franklin County
On the October 24 opening day of the Northern Zone Firearms Season, ECO Okonuk heard rifle shots near the Village of Malone, investigated, and found two untagged antlerless deer hanging in a garage. The deer did not belong to any residents in the vicinity, but Officer Okonuk was able to identify a person of interest through the investigation. The following day, ECOs Garrand and Okonuk responded to a camp and interviewed the hunter suspected of taking the antlerless deer. During the interview, the Officers learned that the subject had illegally harvested the deer on October 21 and 23 over pre-established bait, consisting of apples, corn, and salt. In addition, the hunter purchased a resident license but is a non-resident hunter. ECOs determined the subject violated 10 provisions of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law, including hunting over pre-established bait. The individual was arraigned in the Town of Belmont Court and agreed to a compromise of civil penalties totaling $1,405. The venison was donated. It is illegal in New York State to hunt deer over bait, feed deer, or place salt near an area inhabited by deer.  

L-R Cindi LaFountain, Kathy Fessette, and Tracey Howard present the check to Ashley Bejeau at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry.

Roxanne LaBarge and Margaret Tallman accept the check from Kathy Fessette & Tracey Howard at The Interfaith Food Shelf

November 8, 2026 – News Release – The Northeastern Zone of The Retired Educators of NY held their first annual golf tournament this summer. With the proceeds, we were thrilled to present The Interfaith Food Shelf and St. Joseph’s Food Pantry with checks for $1000 each. The planning for next year’s event has already begun.  We will be looking for golfers, volunteers and sponsors. It’s a fun event and a wonderful way to give back to our community.

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Click here for the ColchesterSun story 

ADIRONDACKS, USA (November 6, 2026) – Towns and villages throughout the Adirondacks are preparing to celebrate the holiday season with multi-day events planned throughout November and December. Holiday strolls, local shopping events, festive entertainment, and family activities offer residents and visitors opportunities to experience Adirondack traditions while supporting local communities, businesses, and artisans.

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence said the events reflect community spirit found throughout the Adirondacks. “These holiday celebrations reflect the strong sense of community that makes the Adirondacks so special,” Lawrence said. “They bring neighbors together, welcome visitors into our towns and villages, and create opportunities for people of all ages to share in the traditions and experiences that make this season fun and memorable.”

Residents and visitors can find a full listing of holiday events, celebrations, and community gatherings throughout the Adirondacks at AdirondacksUSA.com/events.

Multi-Day Holiday Events Across the Adirondacks

Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour — Indian Lake | November 27–28, 2026
A two-day celebration featuring artisan crafts, festive treats, local makers, and a family-friendly celebration.
experienceouradirondacks.com/events/town-of-indian-lake-country-christmas-tour

Adirondack Christmas on Main Street — Inlet | November 27–29, 2026
Downtown shops will offer specials alongside activities, refreshments, visits with Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony.
experienceouradirondacks.com/events/adirondack-christmas-on-main-street-in-inlet-0

Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas — Ticonderoga | November 28–December 8, 2026
A regional holiday celebration featuring seasonal events and daily local shopping and dining deals.
lakechamplainregion.com/events/ticonderoga-area-north-country-christmas

Holidays in Essex — Essex | December 4–5, 2026
A two-day event in historic Essex with a festive tree lighting, live entertainment, visits with Santa, a Reindeer Run, family-friendly activities, and local shopping and treats.

lakechamplainregion.com/events/holidays-in-essex

Tupper Lake Holiday Stroll — Tupper Lake | December 4–6, 2026
A community-wide celebration featuring shopping, vendor fairs, holiday light displays, art shows, entertainment, and appearances by Santa Claus.
tupperlake.com/events/holiday-stroll

Christmas in Schroon Lake — Schroon Lake | December 11–12, 2026
This family-oriented celebration includes a polar plunge, festival of trees, craft show, live music, strolling carolers, horse-and-wagon rides, a tree-lighting ceremony, and a holiday lights parade. adirondackhub.com/events/christmas-in-schroon-lake-0
Read more »

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the WPTZ News story 

Mac’n Cheese/Ham

Vegetable 

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