PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. August 3, 2026 – Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) announced today that he has secured $300,000 in state CREST funding for the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Project. The park, which is currently in its second phase of construction, is a public-private partnership between the Town of Plattsburgh and the Clinton County American Legion.

The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is a military remembrance park featuring multiple community-centered spaces. The project is currently in the second of three phases of construction. Upon completion, it will feature a remembrance plaza that can accommodate public events, a children’s playground, and additional highlights.

“The North Country has been part of nearly every chapter of the American story, from the colonial period to the founding of our nation,” Assemblyman Michael S. Cashman said. “Every generation of men and women has answered the call to serve our nation. The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is more than a memorial; it is a multigenerational space of honor, reflection, and engagement. It is a place where children can walk alongside their grandparents, where stories of service can be shared across generations, and where families can connect with the sacrifices that secured the freedoms we enjoy today. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this investment helps ensure that the legacy of those who served, and the role the North Country has played throughout the American journey, will continue to educate, inspire, and unite our community for generations to come.”

“The Battlefield Memorial Gateway is a project our community can truly be proud of,” Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Chuck Kostyk said. “It’s a place where we can honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans while giving future generations an opportunity to learn about our history and the people who helped shape it. This funding moves us another step closer to bringing that vision to life, and we’re incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Cashman for his continued support and for believing in the importance of this project for the Town of Plattsburgh and the entire North Country.”

“I am so excited about this great news,” Sons of the American Legion member and Battlefield Memorial Gateway project board member John Rock said. “This funding will help make significant headway on this project. Our veterans deserve this great recognition and all the honor we can give them. We need this site to honor the people of the North Country who served and serve today, especially as we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. I have long appreciated my friendship with Cashman and our combined efforts on this project and am excited to see it progress.”

        More information on the Battlefield Memorial Gateway project can be found on the Town of Plattsburgh’s website here: https://www.townofplattsburghny.gov/home_page/battlefield-memorial-gateway/.

Troopers Seized 214 Vehicles and Issued More Than 1,100 Tickets To Ensure Public Safety and Accountability

38 Individuals Owed Nearly $103,000 in Unpaid Tolls and Fees to Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority Has Recovered More Than Two-Thirds of Monies Owed to Date From Thruway Suspended Drivers

Albany, NY Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State Police Troop T, in partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority, seized 214 vehicles and issued more than 1,100 tickets during four statewide enforcement details on the Thruway system to proactively address the use of missing, altered, or obscured license plates (known as ghost plates) that some motorists intentionally use to avoid tolls. The enforcement details took place during the first half of this year along the 570-mile Thruway system in the Capital, Hudson Valley and Western New York regions.

“These enforcement operations are about protecting public safety, holding toll evaders responsible and safeguarding the toll dollars that drivers rightly contribute to maintain our transportation network,” Governor Hochul said. “We will continue working with the Thruway Authority and the New York State Police to put the brakes on ghost plates.”

In total, the owners of 38 vehicles that were impounded and had Thruway suspended registrations owed $103,000 in unpaid tolls and fees to the Thruway Authority. The Authority has since recovered more than $70,000.

This is part of an ongoing commitment to combatting motorists using ghost plates to avoid tolls, evade traffic enforcement cameras, or operate unregistered or unlicensed vehicles. In 2025, the State Police and Thruway Authority conducted seven enforcement details across the state, resulting in State Police seizing a total of 310 vehicles and issuing 1,749 tickets. This initiative resulted in the Authority recovering more than $132,000 of the $224,000 owed (59 percent) from 42 vehicle owners.

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “Toll dollars collected on the Thruway are reinvested back into the system to maintain, modernize and improve the infrastructure that millions of motorists rely on every day. By holding toll evaders accountable, we help protect honest, paying customers, preserve some of the lowest toll rates in the nation and ensure the Thruway remains a safe and reliable roadway for generations to come. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Police Troop T for their continued partnership in protecting the integrity of the Thruway system.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “A crucial mission of the State Police is ensuring the safety of the state’s roadways, and an important part of that effort is holding accountable those motorists who break the law by using fake, stolen or obscured license plates. They are putting the traveling public at risk by potentially impeding an accident investigation, and further, by not paying their fair share in tolls, they reduce the revenue that enables important roadway maintenance. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support and the Thruway Authority for its partnership in helping us keep the Thruway safer for all motorists.”

2026 Toll Enforcement Details on NYS Thruway System:

On March 17, State Police impounded 80 vehicles from motorists crossing the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (GMMCB), which connects Westchester and Rockland counties, including 18 impoundments for unpaid Thruway tolls. Troopers issued 293 tickets as part of the operation, 141 of which were for license plate violations.
On May 5, a second detail was conducted on the GMMCB, in which State Police impounded 69 vehicles, 10 for unpaid Thruway tolls. The operation resulted in 290 tickets, including 178 for plate violations.
On May 5, another detail took place in the Western region, and State Police impounded 15 vehicles from motorists on I-190 in Buffalo, 3 for toll evasion on the NYS Thruway. Troopers issued 262 tickets, including 138 for plate violations, during the operation.
On June 11, State Police impounded 50 vehicles from motorists on I-87 in Albany, 7 for unpaid Thruway tolls. Troopers issued 310 tickets as part of the operation, including 58 for license plate violations.

The elimination of Adirondack trees by Finch Paper in pulp production has other ramifications in addition to the impact on local workers

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

Chicken/Stuffing Casserole 

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 Sun Community News story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here to view the vtdigger story 

Albany, July 29 – Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on all State government buildings to be lowered on Saturday, August 1 from sunrise to sunset in honor of Fire Chief Stephen Woehrle of the Piseco Volunteer Fire Company who died in the line-of-duty on Monday July 20, 2026.

“Stephen’s life of service and leadership stands as an example to those who worked with him and all who follow in his footsteps,” Governor Hochul said. “We are grateful that Stephen answered the call to serve, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and fellow first responders.”

In addition to his service to the Piseco Volunteer Fire Company, Chief Woehrle previously served as Chief of the Elmsford Fire Department, dedicated 48 years to the fire service, and retired as Police Sergeant from the Elmsford Police Department.

More Than 14,000 Tickets Issued in Week 1 Speed Enforcement in Early June

Albany, July 31 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols next week to crack down on speeding. The campaign, which begins on Monday, August 3, and continues through Sunday, August 9, is the second Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-sponsored (GTSC) high-visibility statewide enforcement effort this summer to curb speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed.

“These enforcement campaigns are crucial, as speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “As always, we have zero tolerance for those who endanger others by driving recklessly, so I urge everyone to do their part to keep our roadways as safe as possible by following the speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “Our message to drivers is simple: slow down and obey the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected hazards, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a potentially deadly crash. We thank our law enforcement community for helping keep our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers.”

The prior speeding crackdown, “Speed Week 1,” was conducted from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that period, state and local law enforcement statewide issued a total of 56,578 tickets including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.

Among counties, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island led in the number of tickets issued with 6,158 and 5,367, respectively. Last year, GTSC launched the “Drive Safe Long Island” campaign to specifically address speeding and other dangerous driving issues in the region. That effort includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks baseball team to promote traffic safety at their games.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Enforcement campaigns like this demonstrate our shared commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and keeping New York’s roadways safe. Through this campaign, and our enforcement efforts year-round, we are working to reduce speed-related crashes and encourage safer driving habits. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue proactive enforcement to hold dangerous drivers accountable and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), a NEIWPCC program partner, is making approximately $2.8 million available to support projects that improve water quality, reconnect streams for fish and wildlife, and expand public access to waterways within the basin.

The intent of the clean water grant program is to improve water quality through the planning or implementation of projects that will reduce pollution in Lake Champlain and its tributaries.

Aquatic organism passage restoration projects will restore stream connectivity, adding high-quality habitat for aquatic species and enhancing the ecosystem function of river systems in the basin.

Projects supported through the public waterfront access improvement grant category will enhance the enjoyment and understanding of the Lake Champlain basin by measurably improving the public’s ability to access waterfront areas.

“These grant opportunities reflect the many ways people work to improve the Lake Champlain basin,” said Interim NEIWPCC Division Director of Lake Champlain Programs Jim Brangan. “Whether advancing water quality, restoring streams for fish and wildlife, or creating improved access to the water, each program invests in a healthier watershed and stronger communities.”

Awarded projects in all categories will advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org).

These grant opportunities are supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through awards to NEIWPCC on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Funding for Aquatic Organism Passage Restoration is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Informational webinars will be offered in mid-August. Proposals for all categories are due on September 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. and applicants will be notified of funding decisions in winter 2026.

Additional funding opportunities are forthcoming and will be announced once available.

More information, including webinar registration, grant guidelines, and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants.

Albany, July 31, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York has sued KalshiEX, LLC (Kalshi) for running an illegal gambling operation in New York through its prediction market platform. Kalshi launched in 2021 as a service that allowed users to bet money on the outcome of a wide range of future events. In 2025, Kalshi launched sports “trading,” claiming it offered legal sports betting markets, accessible to Americans in all 50 states, and encouraging bettors to wager on the outcomes of major sporting events. Today, Kalshi offers users the ability to bet on events including sports, culture, and elections on its website and app. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Kalshi’s prediction market is an illegal, unlicensed gambling operation. Kalshi’s illegal prediction market exposes New Yorkers – including those under the legal gambling age of 21 – to serious personal and financial risk. The lawsuit is seeking a court order stopping Kalshi from operating as an unlicensed gambling business and requiring the company to pay fines, forfeit all illegal gains, and pay restitution to users.

“Kalshi has chosen to ignore New York’s gaming laws, which exist to protect consumers, prevent problematic gambling, deliver funding for critical public services, and ensure that every company plays by the same rules,” Governor Hochul said. “This choice has consequences, and working closely with Attorney General James, New York is taking action to stop this illegal behavior and bring Kalshi into compliance, because no company is above the law.”

Attorney General Letitia James said, “New York’s gambling laws protect children from underage betting and help combat gambling addiction. No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple. By ignoring our laws, Kalshi is running an illegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process. We are taking them to court to uphold our laws and protect New Yorkers.”

The lawsuit alleges that Kalshi’s prediction markets meet the legal definition of gambling because the outcomes of the events on which its users are betting are uncertain and outside the control of the bettor or hinge on a game of chance. Despite this, Kalshi has failed to obtain a license from the New York State Gaming Commission (Gaming Commission), sidestepping its obligation to pay taxes like licensed casinos and mobile sports gambling platforms do. This tax revenue from gambling regulation funds public schools, sports programs for underserved youth, and problem gambling education and treatment.

Kalshi’s prediction markets are also available to users between the ages of 18-20, even though New York law requires a person to be at least 21 years old to participate in mobile sports betting. Exposing young people to online gambling can have damaging effects on their mental and financial wellbeing. Recent research has shown that gambling among young people is associated with psychological distress, financial difficulties, and increased risk of gambling-related harms in adulthood.

In the lawsuit filed today, OAG is asking the court to order Kalshi to forfeit all illegal gains, distribute restitution to consumers who were harmed, and pay fines equal to three times the gains the company made through its illegal actions.

This is the latest action in Governor Hochul and Attorney General James’ continued efforts to enforce New York’s gambling laws and protect New York consumers. Attorney General James has issued multiple consumer and industry alerts warning New Yorkers about the hazards of gambling and encouraging companies to comply with state laws. In April 2026, Attorney General James sued Coinbase and Gemini for running illegal gambling platforms. Also in April 2026, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order banning state employees from engaging in insider trading using prediction markets like Kalshi. In January of 2026, Attorney General James sued Valve, a video game developer, for illegally promoting gambling through video games popular with children and teenagers. In October 2025, the Gaming Commission demanded that Kalshi cease and desist their ongoing operation of an unlicensed mobile sports wagering platform. June 2025, Attorney General James stopped 26 illegal online sweepstakes casinos that offered slots, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash and prizes. Read more »

Photo provided

Lake Champlain smallmouth likely to dominate at final Nation Regional 

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Generating quality smallmouth bites will likely lead to success at the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation at Lake Champlain presented by Lowrance.

Tournament days are scheduled for July 31 through Aug. 2, with daily takeoffs scheduled for 6 a.m. ET at the Plattsburgh City Boat Launch. Anglers will return for weigh-in beginning at 2 p.m. This tournament marks the final chance for prospective anglers to qualify for the 2026 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance at Lake Hartwell scheduled for Nov. 18-21. The top 10% of boaters and co-anglers will punch their tickets at the tournament’s end.

Once more known for its exceptional largemouth fishing, Lake Champlain has turned into smallmouth paradise in recent years. The population and size of smallmouth have increased, and the utilization of forward-facing sonar has unlocked the ability to target smallies chasing bait in open water.

Exhibit A was last year’s Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier presented by Bass Pro Shops in September, an event dominated by open-water smallmouth. While that event was during the late summer, a lot of the same areas and tactics will likely be seen in this event. Jighead minnows, small boot-tail swimbaits and drop shots are ideal baits for brown fish.

For more traditional smallmouth fishing, throwing jigs, Ned rigs and Carolina rigs around boulders, grass edges and rock ledges can be productive as well.

The last time a Nation event visited upstate New York, however, was in 2024 when Mark Burgess caught all largemouth to win with a three-day total weighing just over 62 pounds. That tournament was in a similar time frame as this event, but the water levels were several feet over full pool.

There is no doubt big largemouth still live in Lake Champlain, but it has become much harder to win with all green fish in multi-day tournaments. Vegetation and docks provide the best largemouth habitat, with topwaters, jigs and ChatterBaits often being the most productive lures.

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State on Friday, July 31

July 30, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Staff Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, who died July 17, 2026, during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan. Flags will be flown at half-staff on Friday, July 31 from sunrise to sunset.

“My heart is with the family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Governor Hochul said. “Staff Sergeant Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness. New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve. May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers.”

Staff Sergeant Rampersad was assigned to 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command, Ansbach, Germany. A lifelong resident of Ozone Park, Queens, Staff Sergeant Rampersad earned her degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice following her graduation from Forest Hills High School. Throughout her distinguished military service, Staff Sergeant Rampersad has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon, and was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.

ROAD RESURFACING!

Starting August 3rd, Road Resurfacing operations will begin on the following streets.

Court Street – between Oak Street and Beekman Street

Wells Street – between Brinkerhoff Street and Cornelia Street

Couch Street – between Oak Street and North Catherine Street

Helen Street – between Broad Street and Brinkerhoff Street

Protection Alley – between Marion Street and Oak Street

Elm Street – between Margaret Street and Miller Street

Work will consist of storm and sanitary structure rehabilitation, milling of road surfaces and repaving (it does not include curb, sidewalk or driveway apron work).

Work will commence in this order and will be continuous between the hours of 7am to 7pm, Monday thru Friday.

On street parking will be prohibited during working hours.  Please use caution and follow directions of the flag persons!

“Key changes include making public participation and Tribal consultations discretionary, limiting the scope of protected properties, and replacing the step-by-step review framework with an agency-certified report.”

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

“A lower share of the state’s energy production is carbon free today than in 2019. This is when lawmakers passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act…”

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story 

Click here for the WPTZ News story 

Screenshot

Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4pm

Admission includes: old time games with prizes for all!! popcorn and cotton candy, art and painting activities, • corn maze

ride Thomas the Train, the Stagecoach and the antique Fire Truck. Vvisit the animals and our exciting new playground

bring a picnic lunch and enjoy our picnic area.

Saturday Only – Sloppy Dog Food Truck will be onsite

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – Appointing a deputy town clerk and approving a new building permit fee schedule were the major topics at the Peru Town Board’s July 27 meeting. 

On March 23, the Town Board appointed part-time Code Enforcement Secretary Taylor Jo Swan to the deputy town clerk position at a pay rate of $1,250 per year. Subsequently, the council learned that NYS town law requires deputy town clerks to reside in the town where they hold office; however, boards have the authority to pass a local law permitting someone who is a non-resident to hold the position. Swan resides in Keeseville. Town Supervisor Craig Randall said several area communities have made similar changes and that it’s good to have the deputy working at the town hall if the town clerk is unavailable for a short period of time. The public will have an opportunity to comment at a public hearing scheduled for August 10 at 5:45 p.m. 

The board approved the building permit fee schedules that were the subject of the public hearing preceding this meeting. At that hearing, CEO Duane Bibeau explained that the new fees are commensurate with a project’s complexity and size. Larger jobs require more inspections. Bibeau and Planning Board Chairman Garrett Mastic suggested the changes. Many fees are not being increased.

When the board hired Duane Bibeau as Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) effective February 1, 2026, it agreed to increase his annual salary from $56,000 to $63,000 when he passed the State’s CEO’s Principles and Practices exam. Bibeau passed the exam recently so the board approved granting the salary increase. When the board hired Bibeau, it also retained its Acting CEO, Town of Plattsburgh CEO Steve Imhoff, to work a few hours weekly to assist and train him. At this meeting Bibeau told the board he currently sees Imhoff at least twice a week and talks with him three to four times daily, and while he’s passed the required exam, he doesn’t have experience with large jobs such as the Peru Fire Station upgrade project. Citing core and safety inspections, Bibeau would like to keep Imhoff on staff for 90 days. The suggested pay rate is $750 per week. Counselor Melvin Irwin said this is the first time he’s heard about this idea and asked if Imhoff could be employed on a per diem basis rather than a flat weekly rate. Irwin motioned that the issue be tabled; the board approved. (Counselor Kregg Bruno was not present at this meeting.)

At its last meeting, the board tabled a resolution to purchase a $5,700 roadside sign for the town’s Route 22 disc golf course pending a determination if the town could seek sponsors. At this meeting, Supervisor Craig Randall said there is sufficient money in this year’s budge to pay for the sign. The board voted to purchase the sign from Signs Now with the possibility of getting sponsors and donors next year. Located near a dip in the highway, the course’s entrance road is very difficult to see. Drivers sometimes stop quickly, resulting in what some people regard as a traffic hazard.

The board also: 

Approved three work change directives requested by Murnane Building Contractors related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.

Approved hiring a diver to inspect and remove sediment at the town’s Cross Street and Reservoir Road water tanks for $8.700. 

Approved transferring funds from general savings to pay Luck Brothers for work performed at the Telegraph Road Dry Mill Brook project.  

In other business: 

Counselors Irwin and Rick Barber said five paintings will soon be installed in the window casings at Hayworth-Park’s historic stone building, completing the goal of filling all the window casings.  

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that work on Lyon’s Road 17-foot box culvert is underway. Earlier in the week, Farrell published a notice stating that the road would be closed from July 21 to approximately September 21. Residents have access from Rock Road and South Junction Road. 

Farrell received a complaint that snow plows are pushing sand and salt through the Peasleeville Cemetery fence, damaging gravestones. Farrell reported the situation to Clinton County Highway,  which is responsible for the road. 

Farrell is anxiously awaiting the salt prices that are expected on July 29. 

The Lapham Mills Road paving will exhaust Peru’s 2026 paving budget, so that will be the last road paved this year. The project’s flaggers encountered lawless and rude drivers. One driver sped through the work zone at very high speed and ignored flaggers on at least one other occasion. Other motorists raised a middle finger to the flaggers. Farrell said he told the men, “All I need is a license number!” 

Historian Helen Nerska said 14 people participated in the July 18 Peasleeville History Tour. On July 20, Nerska participated in the Battle of Valcour Bay cannon fragment unveiling at the Peru Dock. On August 15, her office will host an Open House at the Lyons Street School. The school’s interior will be set up with desks and other early 20th-century schoolhouse memorabilia. 

Recreation Director Kristen Marino said the baseball-softball season is done. Basketball is underway, as is tennis, pickleball, and arts and crafts. Soccer registration is underway with 201 youth registering, including 81 peewees, 72 mites, and 41 mini-mites.  With numbers that large, Marino is looking for a soccer program assistant.  

CEO Duane Bibeau reported that three new residential structures are underway and four more are pending. 

Click here to view the Peru Gazette’s Meeting Video. 

Agenda and Resolutions 062726

1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: To Open the Special Meeting.

5. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: To Adopt the Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Model Policy.

6. DISCUSSION/RESOLUTION: Approval To Submit Application For Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning Grant Application.

7. MOTION: To Close the Special Meeting.

WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 27, 2026, the Town Board duly passed resolution 26.07-27.01, to call for a public hearing in accordance with Town Law to change the residency requirements for the Deputy Town Clerk
NOW, THEREFORE,

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Peru will hold a Public Hearing in the meeting room at the Town of Peru Town Hall Building, 3036 Main Street, Town of Peru, New York(Clinton County), on the 10* Day of August, 2026 at 5:45 O’clock P.M. to view documents and consider said change.