The Peru Gazette

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New FAFSA Dashboard Provides an Interactive Snapshot of the FAFSA Completion Status and Financial Aid Navigator Helps Students Maximize New York State Financial Aid

Albany, NY, April 6, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Financial Aid Awareness Month in New York State, reaffirming the state’s commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education. This year’s campaign, titled “You Belong,” aims to equip students and families with the tools and resources needed to navigate the financial aid process, emphasizing that there’s a college for everyone in New York State.“

New Tools and Support Help Students and Families Navigate Financial Aid

Throughout April the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will host over two dozen events to help students and families understand the financial aid available to them and navigate the FAFSA and TAP application processes. These events will provide one-on-one support, expert guidance and resources to maximize financial aid opportunities. CUNY launched a Financial Literacy Video Series for Students and the student financial services resource centers across CUNY campuses are open to provide one-on-one in-person or virtual assistance.

As part of its continued efforts to improve access to financial aid information and support, HESC launched new tools and enhanced services designed to support students, counselors, financial aid professionals and partners. These include:

• Financial Aid Navigator: A step-by-step tool that guides students through a series of questions about their academic plans, residency, and household information to generate a personalized list of New York State financial aid programs they may be eligible for, including grants, scholarships and tuition assistance opportunities.
• FAFSA Completion Dashboard: An interactive dashboard that provides a monthly snapshot of FAFSA completion rates among New York’s high school seniors and serves as a key tool for tracking progress statewide. Users can compare New York’s cumulative completion rate to the national average and explore data at the high school, school district, regional and legislative district levels to support targeted outreach and student success efforts.
• Modernized Call Center: HESC enhanced its call center operations, ensuring students and families have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives, eliminating the need for appointments, and making it easier to get timely answers to financial aid questions. Students wishing to speak with HESC can call 1-888-NYSHESC (1-888-697-4372).

Financial Aid Scholarships Available for Students

Governor Hochul continues her commitment to preparing New York’s future workforce for high-need job areas through scholarship opportunities.

Applications are now open for the NYS Masters in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship as well as the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program for the 2026-27 academic year. These programs aim to support students pursuing careers in education, particularly in math and science teaching fields which are essential to addressing workforce shortages and shaping the next generation of workers. Additionally, applications remain open for the NYS STEM Incentive Program, which is open to eligible students in the top 10 percent of their graduating class who are interested in entering high-demand science, technology, engineering and math professions.

Students attending college for the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years can apply for TAP through June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027, respectively. Students should also complete their FAFSA by the same deadline.

Students who do not meet citizenship or residency requirements can apply for NYS financial aid through the NYS DREAM Act.

Hamburg/Gravy/Mashed Potatoes 

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!

Plattsburgh, April 6, 2026. The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is reminding residents that ticks become active for the season as soon as temperatures start reaching 40⁰F and remain active until temperatures consistently drop below that number. Ticks can spread diseases that make people and pets very sick. Diseases or illnesses spread by ticks are called “tick-borne.” Lyme disease, carried by the deer (black-legged) tick, is the most common tick-borne illness in Clinton County, followed by Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. Other diseases spread by ticks include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Powassan virus.

“The first step in preventing tick-related illness is to avoid ticks and the places we know they like to be,”explained Nichole Louis, Director of Health Care Services at the CCHD. “Ticks live in grassy, brushy, orwooded areas, or even on animals. Stay toward the center of the path when hiking, and avoid dense woodsand brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter when possible. But most importantly—make tick checks part of your daily routine.”

The sooner a tick is removed, the lower your risk of developing tick-bone illness. Tick checks should include key areas ticks like to hide, such as under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp. Taking a shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors can also help to wash away unattached ticks. If spending time outdoors, check for ticks frequently so you can remove them before they have a chance to bite you or your family members.

Pets that spend time outdoors can bring ticks indoors, putting you at risk, even if you haven’t spent time outdoors yourself – so include them in daily tick checks.

Other prevention measures include:

• Use an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon, eucalyptus or 2-undecanone.

• Cover your skin as much as possible. Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.

• Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.

• Treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Never apply permethrin directly to skin.

• Cover baby carriers and strollers with mosquito netting.

• Stay away from animal nests and teach children to do the same.

• Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, let them dry completely and then tumble dry for 10 minutes on high heat.

“Persons who have any physical mobility or other needs, call the telephone number above to arrange for accommodations”“If you have been bitten by a tick, be sure to tell your doctor and be on the lookout for symptoms over the next few weeks,” explained Ms. Louis. “The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include: fever, chills, rash, aches and pains.”

Residents can learn more about ticks and tick-borne illness in the North Country Health Effect, at https://health.clintoncountyny.gov/nc_healtheffect/Ticks.pdf.

PLATTSBURGH, NY –The region’s largest Spring Arts & Crafts Fair is back. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Adirondack Coast Craft Fair will once again take over the gymnasium at the former Clinton Community College campus, welcoming hundreds of shoppers and over 100 vendors from across the region.

Presented by Adirondack Coast Events, this highly anticipated annual event has become a cornerstone of the

North Country’s spring calendar—bringing together a curated collection of local and regional artisans offering handcrafted goods that cannot be found anywhere else. Attendees can expect a vibrant marketplace filled with one-of-a-kind creations, including handmade crafts, artwork, home décor, specialty gifts, and more. Every vendor is carefully selected to ensure a high-quality experience that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Adirondack Coast.

“This event continues to grow each year because people are looking for something real—something local,

something handmade,” said event organizer Steve Peters. “The Adirondack Coast Craft Fair is about

showcasing the incredible talent we have in this region while creating an experience that’s fun, unique, and

worth coming out for.” With more than 100 vendor booths filling the gym, the event offers a dynamic shopping experience for visitors of all ages. Whether attendees are searching for the perfect gift, seasonal décor, or simply looking to explore and support local makers, the fair delivers a diverse and engaging environment.

Admission is $5 per person, children under 12 are free.

Event Details:

• What: Adirondack Coast Spring Arts & Crafts Fair
• When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Where: Former Clinton Community College Gym, Plattsburgh, NY
• Who: 100+ local and regional artisans and vendors

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Freezing rain is expected in portions of eastern Vermont tonight with total ice accumulations ranging from a glaze to around one tenth of an inch. Winds are also expected to gust as high as 25-45 mph late tonight into Friday. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Thursday, April, 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., The Strand Center Theatre

RSVP: Admission is free & open to the public; registration is required at wpbstv.org/events

The Clinton Essex Franklin Library System (CEFLS) and Mountain Lake PBS invite the public to attend a free Indie Lens Pop-Up screening ofThe Librarians during National Library Week. The film screening will be followed by a moderated community discussion and audience Q&A.

Simultaneous watch‑party screenings will also be held at participating CEFLS member libraries, including Keeseville Free Library, Keene Valley Library Association, Mooers Free Library, Paine Memorial Free Library in Willsboro, Schroon Lake Public Library, Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay, and Westport Library Association. Additional watch parties are available at libraries across the North Country. See a full list at wpbstv.org/event/national-library-week-free-screening-the-librarians/.

“Then-Vice President Roosevelt was hiking up Mount Marcy in September of 1901 when word came that President McKinley had died of a gunshot.”

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Michelle LaBounty, Sandra Lashua and Tina Potter honored at April 30 North Country Celebration

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Proceeds help fund scholarships, graduation caps and gowns and the senior banquet.

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DEC releases long-awaited study of visitor use in the High Peaks Wilderness

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Adirondack Land Trust announces protection of 321 acres in Schroon

Avoid the mud and ride the sand at Ausable Chasm

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Photo Provided L-R Garry Douglas, Betsy Vicencio, Matt Boire

April 3, 2026 – Editor’s Note – I missed the email with this Chamber of Commerce news release. I know Betsy. She is a very nice lady who truly deserves this recognition. 

Plattsburgh – (3/17/2026) | The North Country Chamber of Commerce continued a beloved community tradition this morning as it hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, welcoming a sold-out crowd to West Side for a lively and entertaining celebration.

Honoring the 2026 Irish Person of the Year: Elizabeth “Betsy” Vicencio

A highlight of the annual breakfast is the presentation of the Chamber’s Irish Person of the Year Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to volunteerism and service through business, community, or civic leadership. This year’s honoree was Elizabeth “Betsy” Vicencio, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Northeast Group and MHAB Life Skills Campus.

Adirondack born and raised, Vicencio found her professional and community home in Plattsburgh along the shores of Lake Champlain through her work with The Northeast Group and, more recently, MHAB. For more than fifteen years as Vice President and CFO of the family organizations, she has brought both strong financial leadership and a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in the North Country. Her passion for making things better each day, paired with her ability to turn ideas into action, has made her a valued partner in many important initiatives.

Vicencio has been a member of the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club for much of her adult life and currently serves as its President. Living by Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” she has devoted countless hours to community initiatives locally and internationally. Whether organizing events, mentoring new members, or stepping forward wherever help is needed, her commitment to service is evident.

Her dedication to the region also extends to healthcare. Vicencio has been a long-time board member of UVM Health Network CVPH, working alongside fellow leaders to address key healthcare challenges in the region. She has been particularly passionate about strengthening access to care through the recruitment of healthcare providers and advocating for women’s health throughout the North Country.

Within the business community, Vicencio has also been an active and valued member of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a Chamber Ambassador and was a founding supporter of the Chamber’s Celebration of Women in Business Event, which has grown into one of the organization’s most popular and impactful programs supporting professional growth and connection across the region.

Vicencio also played an instrumental role in the development of the MHAB Life Skills Campus, helping to bring the organization’s vision to life. The campus has become an important resource for individuals in recovery, providing support, skills, and opportunities for those rebuilding their lives while helping reduce stigma and strengthen understanding around recovery in the community.

“Betsy is a great combination of exemplary business acumen and success coupled with an unbridled commitment to our community, providing leadership to good causes and endeavors,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Her very positive imprint can be found on initiatives and services as varied as MHAB, the UVM Health Network, Scouting, Clinton Community College and Rotary among others. I extend my congratulations but most of all words of thanks. Onward and upward.”

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New Programs Are Part of State’s $320 Million Commitment for Clean Energy Workforce Development and Training

Albany, April 2, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the expansion of New York State’s clean energy workforce commitment with $50 million in new funding to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The new Clean Energy Career Pathways Training and Technical Skills Training and Upskilling programs are part of a $320 million commitment for clean energy workforce development and training and provide funding for projects that develop career pathways training, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives for new and existing workers. Today’s announcement builds on the State’s leadership in growing the clean energy industry and will help expand access to family-sustaining jobs to support New York’s clean energy transition, including in underserved areas of the state. Read more »

Tourism from and Exports to NY’s Largest Trading Partner, Canada, Severely Impacted

New York had one of the steepest drops of any state in international tourism in 2025, with overseas travelers falling 3% — a loss of over 176,000 visitors — second only to California, according to an analysis released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The decline is hurting the state’s economy, as fewer visitors means less spending and a smaller number of jobs in hotels and restaurants. The impact is most acute for areas near the Canadian border, where travel from Canada fell by more than 21%, a decrease of nearly 3.6 million visitors. Exports to Canada also declined by $3.8 billion due to tariffs.

“Federal policies are driving foreign travelers away and taking billions in tourism spending and harming our economy as exports substantially decline,” DiNapoli said. “That loss of revenue means fewer jobs in New York and tougher times for those working in the tourism industry. We’re already seeing the consequences, especially in hotels and restaurants in those regions near the Canadian border. New York is a top destination for tourists to the U.S., and policies that welcome and encourage international travel are needed to avoid damaging economic consequences.” Read more »