The Peru Gazette

L-R Trevor Cole, Senior Planner and Nina Peek Planning Practice Lead Err/APA NY Upstate Chapter and NY Planning Federation Lead Liaison

PLATTSBURGH, NY, May 4, 2026  – The Town of Plattsburgh has received statewide recognition for the C.H.A.M.P. Local Law that was adopted in early 2025. At the 2026 New York Planning Federation Conference in Cooperstown, the Town of Plattsburgh was awarded the Pomeroy Award for Zoning Achievement for the Creating Housing Acceleration Measures for Plattsburgh (C.H.A.M.P.) Local Law. The C.H.A.M.P. Law was created to allow for additional housing development in targeted zoning districts and allows for more than 5000 additional units to be built than was allowed previously. In less than a year, the Town has already seen the benefits of this law come to fruition. To date, the Town has approved or is currently reviewing seven housing projects totaling 530 units of multi-and single-family housing.

Town Supervisor Chuck Kostyk commented, “Receiving this award is a proud moment for the Town of Plattsburgh. We are especially grateful for the work the Planning and Community Development Team has done and will continue to do in support of this law. The C.H.A.M.P. Local Law reflects our commitment to addressing housing needs in a smart, forward-thinking way while creating opportunities for growth while preserving the character of our community. We’re encouraged to already see the positive impact this work is having.”

Trevor Cole, AICP; Senior Planner reacted, “It is an honor to be recognized by the New York Planning Federation for our work here in Plattsburgh. It is equally an honor to work in a Town that is growing thoughtfully, and prioritizing people and the homes they live in as the foundation of a strong community“

For more information or questions about the C.H.A.M.P. Law, the award, or housing projects in the Town of Plattsburgh, please contact the Planning and Community Development Department.

By John T Ryan 

Picture it: nearly 300 high school juniors and seniors, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The silence spoke volumes on Friday, May 1, as students watched local firefighters, EMS crews, and Clinton County Stop DWI transform the campus into a powerful, living lesson. Project Prom was more than an event; it was an emotional wake-up call that made hearts skip a beat.

The program began outside the school with a reenactment of a tragic traffic accident that took the life of one teenager. It continued in the high school auditorium, where EMS personnel attempted to save a second teen’s life, and then told his family that he had passed. 

Clinton County Stop DWI Coordinator, Sheriff’s Deputy Russel Haag explained, “We conduct this program at several schools each year. Our goal is to reduce impaired and distracted driving and the resulting fatalities and injuries. Nationally, last year, one-third of all teen fatalities occurred between school proms and graduation.” 

Rick Hazen, Chairman of the County’s Stop DWI Advisory Board, has been with this program since it started in 1993. “We started this program because we were tired of going to needless crashes.” Hazen related two personal stories that have affected him to this day. One involved his college roommate, who was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a high-speed rollover accident. Just over twenty years ago,  Hazen’s son’s best friend was killed in a motorcycle accident. Excessive drinking played a major role in both tragedies. He said both incidents affected many people other than the injured person. The families, friends, and even the victims’ communities. 

Deputy Haag compared a fatal accident to skipping a stone across quiet water. First, there’s a large water ripple, but many small ripples continue. Serious accidents similarly affect many people. Haag also warned the students to be constantly on guard; they may not be driving impaired, but someone else may be. They have to be ready to react to any situation.

Peru School Resource Office Deputy Mendoza told the students, “I’ve known you all for many years. I love you. I don’t want to have empty chairs at graduation.” An accident like the one depicted would have left three empty chairs: one for each deceased student and one for the student driver who caused the accident.  He would have been arrested and facing a long-term prison sentence. 

Click here for the Peru Gazette video. Note how the firefighters and emergency personnel stayed until the program’s end.

Burke, NY, May 3, 2026– The Almanzo Wilder Homestead will be hosting a reunion of cast members from the hit TV show Little House on the Prairie the weekend of July 24, 25 and 26, 2026. The guests of honor will be Dean Butler (Almanzo), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane), Charles Bloom (Perley Day), and Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose). 

Events kick off Friday evening at the Chateaugay Town Theater, with a one-woman comedy show by Alison Arngrim, based on her memoir about growing up in the spotlight and living a life being “Nellie” (this show has adult content). Saturday and Sunday bring two full days of music, crafts and food at the Wilder Homestead, with opportunities to meet the cast and get selfies and autographs. The weekend culminates in a world-class fiddle concert in conjunction with the House of History in Malone at the historic First Congregational Church.

As a fund-raiser for the Wilder Homestead, the cast will be part of a VIP-only dinner on Saturday evening at the Malone Golf Club. VIP ticket holders will also receive VIP seating at Ms. Arngrim’s Friday show, two days of admission to the Wilder Homestead, priority parking, and a catered barbeque picnic lunch both Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased through the Homestead’s website at AlmanzoWilderFarm.com.

“We expect this to be an incredible event,” says Volunteer Coordinator Robin Abbott. “We have already sold 10 percent of our VIP tickets and well over 100 admissions to the Farm for that weekend. We have people coming from as far away as California for this. We’re so excited to show off the Farm, the towns of Malone and Burke, and the beautiful North Country.”

Dear Community Members,

We are  reaching out because we hope some of  you might be interested in a wonderful volunteer opportunity right here in our community. The Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum in Peru, NY is gearing up for our 2026 season and we need more helping hands to keep this special place going.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers, and right now we’re down to a small group of dedicated individuals keeping 17 historic buildings, monthly events, school tours, and hands-on history alive. Whether you can give a full weekend or just a few hours, your time would make a real difference.

We have an exciting season ahead, starting with our Opening Weekend on May 16–17, which includes the grand opening of our brand-new One-Room Schoolhouse and the unveiling of two new murals by local artist Greg Badger. From there, we host themed Special Event weekends each month through October — Dairy Days, Homesteading & Woodworking, the Kids Fair, our Silent Auction, and Harvest Weekend.

There are so many ways to get involved — from greeting visitors and leading tours, to helping with school field trips, caring for our barn animals, assisting with events, or even sharing a special skill or talent. No experience is necessary — we provide all the training you need. I have attached our Volunteer Recruitment sheet with all the details.

If you’re interested — or know someone who might be — please reach out to the museum directly at babbieag309@babbiemuseum.org or 518-643-8052. We’d love to welcome you into our volunteer family.

Warm regards,

Board Member, Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum

250 River Road, Peru, NY 12972

John Ryan Photo

Growth Driven by Global Events, Tourism Partnerships, and New York’s Leadership in Winter Sports and Athlete Development

Albany, May 3, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that visitation to New York State’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) venues has surpassed 1.2 million visits during the 2025-26 fiscal year, setting a new record and underscoring the State’s continued leadership in tourism, recreation and international sport.

“New York’s premiere Olympic venues are not only a cornerstone of our tourism economy, but they are also a center of sport excellence right here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The state’s Olympic venues draw visitors and athletes from across the globe, and we remain committed to growing regional economies while supporting the next generation of top tier athletes.”

The milestone reflects sustained growth across the Olympic Authority’s venues, driven by strong winter visitation, expanded year-round offerings, and a robust calendar of national and international events.

Visitation surpassed previous records, with particularly strong winter demand:

Total Visits: More than 1.2 million 

• Note: Conference Center events, custom groups, non-ticket events, and functions are not included in these totals, meaning overall visitation impact is even greater. 

Total Skier Visits: 764,453, a 9 percent increase over the prior season (696,342) and an all-time high, with record-setting visitation at Whiteface Mountain (250,225), Gore Mountain (261,053), and Belleayre Mountain (253,175), along with approximately 9,000 Nordic visits at Mt Van Hoevenberg 

The majority of visits occurred during peak winter months, supported by favorable conditions, expanded snowmaking capabilities, and a full calendar of events and competitions.

International Events and Olympic Momentum

A series of high-profile events helped drive visitation and international visibility, including:

• WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series which drew more than 17,400 attendees, featured 381 athletes from over 30 countries, and delivered global broadcast exposure as the only U.S. stop on the World Cup circuit
• FIS Cross-Country World Cup Finals at Mt Van Hoevenberg, which attracted more than 35,600 attendees over three days and brought together 203 athletes from 22 nations for the season-ending global competition 
• ECAC Hockey Championships, where the women’s championship recorded its highest attendance on record, and the men’s championship remained on par with last year’s record-setting performance 

These events, combined with Lake Placid’s legacy as a two-time Olympic host, continue to generate strong interest during an Olympic cycle, reinforcing the region’s global reputation as a premier winter sports destination.

A Global Hub for Athlete Training and Development

In addition to reinforcing New York’s position as a premier winter sports destination, the State’s Olympic venues serve as a critical hub for elite athlete training and international competition. Each year, the Olympic Authority hosts thousands of athletes in partnership with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and national governing bodies. This impact is reflected on the global stage, with 14 members of Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics listed as New York State hometown athletes, alongside a broader group who live and train at Olympic Authority venues.

Building on its Olympic legacy, the Olympic Authority has evolved into a year-round high-performance training center supporting elite competition, athlete development pathways, and major international events. This dual role — driving tourism while advancing sport at the highest level — positions the Olympic Authority as a unique and strategic asset for New York State.

Olympic Authority President and CEO Ashley Walden said, “This record-setting year reflects the strength of our venues, the impact of world-class events, and the dedication of our team and partners. We are proud to support New York State’s tourism economy while continuing to serve as a year-round destination for athletes training and competing at the highest levels.”

Statewide Tourism Partnerships

The Olympic Authority continues to work in close collaboration with ROOST and I LOVE NY to promote visitation and align regional and statewide tourism strategies, ensuring New York remains a leading destination for year-round travel and recreation.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul’s commitment to the Olympic Authority sites continues to generate dividends. The State’s investments to improve and enhance these venues means more world class events are welcoming more athletes and visitors from around the globe, supporting the unique small businesses that are the heartbeat of the Adirondack tourism economy.”

Assemblymember Robert Carroll said, “New York’s Olympic legacy is not just for the history books, it’s something New Yorkers experience every day. Record visitation at our Olympic Regional Development Authority facilities reflects their unique dual role: world-class venues for elite international competition and accessible destinations for everyday recreational use for people of all levels. Thanks to smart investments and continued modernization under Governor Kathy Hochul, these facilities are thriving year-round, supporting recreational athletes while remaining prepared to host the world’s best competitors and welcome global spectators. I am confident there will be many more record-breaking years in the Olympic Authority’s future. New York has proven that our Olympic infrastructure is sustainable, state-of-the-art, and ready for the world stage.” 

Essex County Board of Legislators Chairman Steve McNally said, “The Governor’s investment in the Olympic Authority is showing great improvement that really positively impacts our tourism in the Adirondacks.”

Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin said, “The State of New York deserves a lot of credit for the upgrades to the sports venues and for hosting the world university games. The thoughtfulness and the thoroughness of the upgrades, have made for unbelievable improvements. Our sports venues are now amongst the best in the world. The upgrades to our sports venues, coupled with a highly successful World University Games, and the professionalism with which order runs the venues has put Lake Placid back on the map for decades to come, and without a doubt responsible for the great season the Olympic Authority has had year after year.”

North Elba Town Supervisor Rick Preston said, “This announcement highlights the dual role of New York’s Olympic venues as both economic, drivers and centers for elite athletic competition, training, and development. With the generous support from Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State, the Olympic Authority continues to demonstrate success, hosting several national and international events across all of its venues, further reinforcing their significance on both a regional and global stage.”

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

“Our Forest Rangers are elite law enforcement leaders who put their lives on the line when they respond to a search and rescue, wildland fire, or State land violation,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We’re fortunate to have them patrolling State lands and keeping people safe. Their expertise and professionalism are valuable assets, not only in New York, but around the country wherever emergencies arise.”

Towns of Chester, Lake George, and Lake Luzerne
Warren County
Training: On April 14, 15, and 16, 16 Forest Rangers participated in the largest Flood Incident Response Strike Team (FIRST) exercise ever held on the Hudson and Schroon rivers. Ranger instructors taught 82 participants techniques for whitewater swimming, throw bag rescues, swiftwater rope work, inflatable rescue boat operations, and swiftwater river crossings. FIRST is comprised of New York State Fire, New York State Police Dive Team, New York State Park Police, New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, and Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers. The joint training effort will make crews better prepared to work together during flood responses.

FIRST exercise

FIRST exercise

Towns of Long Lake and Newcomb
Hamilton and Essex Counties
Training: On April 17, Forest Rangers Lewis, Martin, and Sabo trained with New York State Police Pilot Engle to become proficient in using night vision goggles.

Night vision goggle training

Night vision goggle training

Town of Hunter
Greene County
Water Rescue Attempt: On April 18 at approximately 12:05 p.m., Forest Ranger Peterson responded to reports of a 15-year-old who went underwater near Fawn’s Leap in Kaaterskill Creek. Ranger Peterson responded in coordination with Town of Hunter Police Department, Town of Hunter Ambulance, Haines Falls, Tannersville and Palenville Fire Departments, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and Greene Paramedics.

Tragically, the teenager from Brooklyn was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the incident with assistance from DEC’s Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation (BECI).

City of Albany
Albany County
Prescribed Fire: On April 18, Forest Ranger Horn joined Albany Pine Bush staff including Burn Boss Briggs to conduct a controlled burn of 11.5 acres of the Albany Pine Bush.

Prescribed fire is an important land management tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife.

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

Prescribed burn at Albany Pine Bush crew

Prescribed burn at Albany Pine Bush

Town of Horicon
Warren County
Wilderness Search and Training: On April 18, Forest Rangers conducted a limited continuous search for Tom Messick, a hunter missing since 2015. Three Rangers joined 19 members of Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue (LASAR) to focus on areas that may reveal clues about his disappearance. Volunteers used the opportunity to improve their crew boss and search skills. The last search was conducted in November 2025 on the 10-year anniversary of Messick’s disappearance.

Tom Messick search

Tom Messick search

Town of Webb
Herkimer County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 18 at 3:37 p.m., Herkimer County requested Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker who fainted at the top of the Bald Mountain fire tower. Forest Ranger Lieutenant Bills, and Rangers Lee, Piersma, and Waligory responded. Witnesses reported seeing the 36-year-old from Gouverneur drinking with another hiker. When Rangers arrived, the other hiker dumped out a bag in an apparent effort to hide something. With the possibility of drug use, Rangers administered Narcan to the unconscious hiker. The patient remained unconscious. Rangers worked with the Eagle Bay and Old Forge Fire Departments and the town of Webb Police on multiple rope systems along the trail to get the hiker to an Old Forge Ambulance. The following day, the subject was awake and in stable condition.

Village of Tupper Lake
Franklin County
Water Rescue: On April 18 at 3:42 p.m., two Forest Rangers responded to a report of a subject stranded on Watch Island. The subject had a canoe but was concerned about capsizing in the cold water again. The subject and their dog already capsized once. Rangers used a motorboat to rescue the subject and the dog. Resources were clear at 6:52 p.m.

Town of Inlet
Hamilton County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 18 ay 5:35 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about two hikers lost off trail in Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Forest Rangers arrived at 6:00 p.m. and located the 16- and 17-year-olds in good health. Rangers escorted them to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 8:15 p.m.

Town of North Hudson
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 18 at 7:01 p.m., Essex County received a text reporting a stranded hiker on the Lillian Brook trail in the Dix Range. Forest Ranger Odell located the subjects’ vehicles at the Elk Lake Road gate. At 2 p.m., loved ones called to report the 61-year-old and 28-year-old got a little lost on their planned hike of Macomb, South Dix, Grace, and Hough mountains. When Ranger Foutch arrived, Rangers found the subjects walking out. According to the hikers, it was an accidental 911 activation, but they had underestimated the snowy conditions and the time required for their hike. The pair was unprepared for the darkness; they didn’t have any headlamps. Rangers escorted the pair to their vehicles. Resources were clear at 10:00 p.m.

Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 19 at 5:56 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call regarding two overdue hikers. The 23- and 24-year-olds from Cazenovia planned to hike the Santoni Range. A friend found the pair’s vehicle in the parking area. At 8:42 a.m., Forest Rangers located the hikers. They were cold and wet. Rangers rewarmed the subjects and assisted them back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 9:27 a.m.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On April 19 at1:50 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from two hikers worried about frostbite after getting their feet wet while crossing a creek on Mount Marcy. At 4:22 p.m., Forest Rangers Odell and Rooney reached the two 17-year-olds near the Phelps junction. Rangers assessed the teenagers from Connecticut and determined they had muscle soreness, but no frostbite, and could continue walking on their own. Rangers escorted the pair out of the woods. Resources were clear at 6:41 p.m.

Mount Marcy Rescue

Mount Marcy Rescue 

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s “Hike Smart NY,” “Adirondack Backcountry,” and “Catskill Backcountry Information” webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

Read more »

Champlain Center, Smithfield Boulevard, Plattsburgh, May 16, 11 am to 3 pm

The Adirondack Cultural Coast Alliance and the Clinton County Historical Association in partnership with the Champlain Centre on Smithfield Boulevard, Plattsburgh, are pleased to announce a new event at the Champlain Centre: HISTORY DAY at the MALL on May 16th from 11 am to 3 pm. 

Museums and Town & Village Historians from across Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties will be at the mall ready to share our area’s rich and vibrant history, and how it connects with the broader world. This event is free and open to the public. Come out and meet your area’s local historians and learn more about your local history!

The Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance is dedicated to serving the cultural, artistic, historical, and museum communities of the Adirondack Coast of New York through collaboration, communication, networking, professional development, and advocacy in order to promote the area as a vibrant and attractive cultural destination. ACCA advocates for the cultural, artistic, and historic non-profit organizations in Clinton County, New York through the sharing of information and ideas. The promotion of organizations, history and cultural throughout the region and beyond is our main goal. 

For more information contact ACCA and CCHA President Geri Favreau at 518-561-0340.

Ravoli

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!

The neighborhood was hit hard by flooding in 2023 and 2024. Two and a half years later, little has changed.

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Proceeds from the sale support the Peru Community Church’s many programs and operations

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact NYSP as the investigation continues

Click here for the Sun Community News Story 

Click here for the Sun community News story 

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Program Increases Cap From $250 to $5,000 After Successful First Year

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today he is returning even more lost money to New Yorkers through his fast-track program and is raising the payment cap from $250 to up to $5,000.

“Speeding up the return of lost money is priority of mine, and my office worked with the State Legislature in 2024 to create a way to fast-track money to people,” DiNapoli said. “After a successful first year, we are increasing the threshold up to $5,000. In these challenging economic times, every little bit helps as the cost of gas, groceries and everyday essentials rise.”

Launched by DiNapoli in January 2025, the Expedited Payment Program has increased the speed and scale at which the State Comptroller’s office can return certain unclaimed funds, while ensuring such funds go to their rightful and verified owners. Over 210,000 expedited checks have been issued so far, totaling $48 million, with an average payment of $229. DiNapoli now returns on average over $2 million in unclaimed funds each day.

Unclaimed funds are turned over to the State Comptroller’s office and can include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance refunds, utility deposits, stock certificates or unused gift cards. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits, religious institutions, schools or municipalities could have unclaimed funds.

The law provides the State Comptroller’s office with the discretion to increase the amount that can be returned without the filing of a formal claim, contingent upon rigorous verification of rightful ownership.

Before a check is issued, the State Comptroller’s office sends a notification letter to let recipients know a check is coming, followed by the check itself. Recipients are encouraged to open the letter and cash the check promptly. If anyone is unsure about a check received in the mail, they can verify it by entering the Claim ID at: osc.ny.gov/verify. There is never a fee to collect or search for unclaimed funds when claimed through the Comptroller’s office, and the accounts never expire.

Not all unclaimed funds qualify for expedited payment, such as estate claims. Individuals and organizations can search for and claim their funds at any time:

• Online: osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds
• By phone: (800) 221-9311, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• In person: at outreach events held across the state

Peru Gazette August 20, 2020 file photo

This is the Town of Peru 2026 highway paving schedule established by the Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell and the Peru Town Board.

Garrow Rd,

Mud Pond Rd. 

Donahue Rd.

River Rd. from the Donahue intersection to Calkins Rd.

Lapham Mills Rd. from just east of the intersection with Henri Sr. Drive and ending at I-87 overpass bridge

The Town of Peru announces the Department Workshop Dates as follows:
All times are at 4:00 PM at the Peru Town Hall.
May 5, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
July 7, 2026
August 4, 2026
September 1, 2026
October 4, 2026
November 3, 2026
December 1, 2026

Hochul’s counter would limit informal collusion with ICE only in civil matters.

Click here for the New York Focus story 

Hopes to fill gap left by closure of Y’s Bright Beginnings

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story