The Peru Gazette

Peru Gazette 2019 file photo

LAKE PLACID NY (June 16, 2026) – The Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows are returning to the North Elba Show Grounds for the 57th time this summer, bringing nearly 1,000 horses and their riders to the Adirondacks. The equestrian competitions will take place over two weeks, between June 23 and July 5, with more than $700,000 in prize money awarded.

The Lake Placid Horse Show (LPHS) takes place from June 23 – 28, beginning at 8:00 a.m. each day. The event will feature two weeks of Olympic-level equestrian competition. The I Love NY Horse Show is scheduled to take place from June 30 – July 5, also beginning at 8:00 a.m.; ending at approximately 5:00 p.m. each day. There will be no competition on June 29.

Tickets to the events may be purchased at the gate. Admission is as follows: free admission on Tuesdays; Wednesday – Friday $8, Saturday – Sunday  $12. Veterans receive a 50% discount.

Children 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Organizers are hosting “Community Appreciation Day sponsored by Uihlein Foundation” on Saturday, June 27 with free admission for local residents, a dog costume contest, and other family activities. Read more »

About 400,000 New Yorkers will lose health care coverage on July 

Click here for the New York Focus story 

This weekend is Juneteenth (June 19–21), and Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz is proud to be partnering with the Colors of Freedom Committee North Star Underground Railroad Museum, John Brown Lives!, the Clinton County Historical Association, SUNY Plattsburgh, Paul Smith’s College, and the Plattsburgh Public Library as part of the community events to commemorate this important weekend in our community.

Because blues and gospel music are deeply connected to the story of freedom and the roots of American music, we’re presenting a special Juneteenth Concert on Friday, June 19, featuring Harlem blues and soul artist Solomon Hicks, and we added the outstanding Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir to open up the evening.

The concert runs from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at Retro Live, which will be transformed into a live music club complete with tables, seating, and a dance floor. Advance tickets are just $20 and are available at: https://sevendaystickets.ticketsauce.com/e/juneteenth-concert-with-king-solomon-hicks and 25 at the door.

The Juneteenth celebration continues throughout the weekend.
On Saturday at 10:00 AM, the Colors of Freedom Committee will host a free Underground Railroad bus tour beginning at the North Star Underground Railroad Museum in Keeseville. From 1:00 to 3:00 PM, the Plattsburgh Public Library will host a Juneteenth film screening. Then from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, the SUNY Plattsburgh Museum Gallery will present “What Remains: Voices from the Margins of History,” followed by a free acoustic performance by Solomon Hicks.

On Sunday, June 21, the weekend concludes with a community picnic and celebration at John Brown Farm from noon to 2:30 PM, featuring John Brown’s final speech, praise dancers, live music, and more.

Join us for this weekend of history, culture, community, and music

Peru Gazette 2014 Parent Rd. File Photo

New Incentive for Hunters Established with Statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck System

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced several changes to deer hunting regulations to increase harvest of antlerless (primarily female) deer and improve DEC’s ability to manage abundant deer populations.

“Deer populations are growing across much of New York and, in many areas, are increasing to levels that are detrimental to deer, their habitat, and the public,” Commissioner Lefton said. “These regulatory changes are a result of robust public engagement and reflect DEC’s continued commitment to conservation.”

DEC is adopting several changes to increase opportunity for hunters to access and utilize Deer Management Permits (DMPs, antlerless deer tags) where most needed, including:

• Adding 10 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs; 3P, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8H, 8R, 8S, and 9G) to the nine-day season for antlerless deer in mid-September.
• Designating 23 WMUs as having no DMP quota. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer using a DMP in a WMU with no DMP quota would be eligible to have the DMP automatically replaced. For 2026, WMUs 1C, 3M, 3P, 3R, 3S, 4J, 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7R, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 8R, 8S, 9A, 9F, and 9G will have no DMP quota.
• Modifying the DMP application process by allowing hunters to apply for up to 4 DMPs: 2 in WMUs with a quota and 2 DMPs in WMUs with no quota.
• Allowing unlimited transfer of DMPs between hunters.

DEC is creating an incentive for hunters to harvest antlerless deer by establishing a statewide Earn-a-2nd-Buck System. Under the new system, all hunters will receive a first Antlered Deer Tag which can be used during any season (with appropriate privileges) except the September antlerless season. Hunters who harvest and report an antlerless deer using a DMP, Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag, or Deer Management Assistance Program Tag will be eligible to receive a second Antlered Deer Tag, which can also be used during those same seasons.

To facilitate the new Earn-a-2nd-Buck System, DEC is reclassifying the former Regular Season Deer Tag as an Antlered Deer Tag and the former Bow/Muzzleloader Either-Sex Deer Tag as a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag. Hunters who purchase bowhunting and muzzleloading privileges would receive a Bow/Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Tag for each privilege.

The changes were first proposed by DEC based on input from New York deer hunters and professional deer managers across the Northeast through focus groups and surveys administered by DEC. Additionally, DEC reviewed more than 1,000 public comments on the regulatory proposal announced in March 2026, many of which recognized the need to increase antlerless harvest to mitigate negative deer impacts to ecosystems and the public. The public also expressed concern over the potential for overharvest of deer in some areas and encouraged DEC to implement methods to validate the antlerless deer harvested under the Earn-a-2nd-Buck System.

DEC closely monitors harvest success and has processes in place to reduce antlerless harvest should the new regulations be more successful than anticipated. DEC will also establish safeguards to minimize risk by monitoring fraudulent harvest reports. DEC will require report attestations, conduct law enforcement field checks, and require hunters to provide proof of their antlerless deer harvest within seven days if requested by DEC. Proof may include a photograph, the deer’s head, or contact information for where the deer was processed.

DEC strives to manage deer populations at levels that are in balance with available habitat and in alignment with public desires by encouraging and empowering hunters to harvest antlerless deer, the primary component of the deer population that drives population growth. DEC assesses public desires for deer population size and deer impacts to forests to determine deer population objectives for each area of the state. Refer to DEC’s Management Plan for White-Tailed Deer in New York State for more information.

The full text of the adopted regulation Read more »

Franklin County, home to the most dairy farms in the state, has now lost roughly 600 jobs at dairy-related plants over the past year

Click here for the Vermont Public Story 

More than 180 students earn President’s and Dean’s List recognition

• Grant L. Atkinson, Plattsburgh, NY
• Katherine D. Barros, Plattsburgh, NY
• Lisa J. Burgess, Plattsburgh, NY
• Morgan L. Changelo, Au Sable Forks, NY
• Mercadia V. Clark, Plattsburgh, NY
• Hayden C. Clay, Chazy, NY
• Austin M. Dubrey, West Chazy, NY
• Connor J. Duda, Plattsburgh, NY
• Madailynn R. Fennessy, Ogdensburg, NY
• Charles P. Garvey, Peru, NY
• Brittany L. Geppner, West Chazy, NY
• Henry J. Gibson, Westport, NY
• Kaleb A. Guay, West Chazy, NY
• Brett Herrick, North Hudson, NY
• Aiden P. Hilferty, Rouses Point, NY
• Patrick O. King, Keeseville, NY
• Sable D. LaBounty, Peru, NY
• Macey J. LaMora, Plattsburgh, NY
• Vanessa J. Lawyer, Plattsburgh, NY
• Michael C. LeBeau, Morrisonville, NY
• Ember L., Plattsburgh, NY
• Hayden L. Lozier, Peru, NY
• Kristen M. Lushia, Keeseville, NY
• Cedric Mailloux, Plattsburgh, NY
• Sandra L. Martin, Plattsburgh, NY
• Elizabeth M. Medley, Saranac, NY
• Nolan S. Miner, Morrisonville, NY
• Emily J. Morin, Richmond, VT
• Mathew R. Patterson, Churubusco, NY
• John Ramalhete, Hadley, NY
• Kyle R. Reif, Ellenburg Depot, NY
• Aaron M. Rock, Morrisonville, NY
• Cassidy M. Romeo, Vermontville, NY
• Sean R. Rose, Peru, NY
• Cory M. Ryan, Plattsburgh, NY
• Nicole L. Smith, Plattsburgh, NY
• Tyler R. Smith, Plattsburgh, NY
• Liam Snyder, Keeseville, NY
• Quinn E. Stebbins, Chazy, NY
• Joseph L. Sweeney, Plattsburgh, NY
• Travis C. Weeden, Sidney, NY
• Ashley Wright, Deer Park, NY

Read more »

Peru Gazette 2025 file photo

PLATTSBURGH, NY, June 17, 2026  – North Country Honor Flight continues this Saturday, June 20, with Flights 70 and 71, carrying 28 North Country veterans on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

This mission will honor 27 Vietnam War veterans and one Korean War veteran from communities across northern New York and Vermont. The day will begin at 7 a.m. with a send-off ceremony at the US Oval in Plattsburgh, where family members, friends, and supporters will gather to wish these heroes well as they embark on their journey.

North Country Honor Flight is proud to recognize Harmony Golf Course as the sponsor of this mission. Harmony has been a dedicated supporter of the organization for many years, raising funds through its annual golf tournament to help ensure veterans can participate in these meaningful flights at no cost to them.

The 2026 Harmony Golf Tournament will be held on July 11. The event once again features two sold-out flights, such a tremendous show of support shown by golfers, sponsors, and the community year after year. While team registrations are full, sponsorships and donations are still being accepted to help make this year’s tournament the most successful yet.

“Thank you to Harmony Golf Course and everyone involved in making this event such a tremendous success. Their continued commitment to our mission allows us to honor more veterans and ensure they receive the recognition they so richly deserve.” Jerika Manning, Executive Officer

North Country Honor Flight is a 100 percent volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s veterans by providing them with free, first-class trips to Washington, D.C. Since its founding, the organization has remained committed to ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to experience the memorials built in their honor.

We look forward to once again seeing the community come together on Saturday to celebrate and thank these North Country veterans for their service and sacrifice.

For more information about North Country Honor Flight, upcoming missions, or ways to support the organization, please visit www.northcountryhonorflight.org.

$350 to $600 for Most Homeowners with Income Below $500,000, $700 to $1,500 for Most Seniors with Income Below $110,750

Visit ny.gov/STAR To Track Check Delivery or Enroll in Direct Deposit

Albany, June 16, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly three million New Yorkers across the state will receive over $2 billion in tax relief this summer and fall through New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program. STAR provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and seniors statewide. While some STAR recipients will receive their benefit in the form of a tax exemption this year, many other recipients will receive a tax credit and will be sent a check in the mail this summer and fall.

Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive a check between $350 and $600. Most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive a check between $700 and $1,500.

Check deliveries have begun and will continue statewide throughout the summer and fall. STAR recipients can visit ny.gov/STAR to track their check delivery or enroll in direct deposit.

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “We want every eligible homeowner to take advantage of the STAR program. If you’re a new homeowner, or you are currently not receiving a STAR benefit on your primary residence, check out the Tax Department’s website to see how you can register and start saving.”

Regional breakdown of this year’s STAR property tax relief:

Homeowners who are eligible and registered for the STAR credit program will receive their STAR check before the deadline for their school taxes. Some parts of the state — including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse — have school tax due dates in late June and July and will receive their STAR benefits soon. Benefits across other parts of the state will continue to roll out throughout the summer and fall.

STAR recipients can visit ny.gov/STAR for a delivery schedule. Homeowners can also enroll in the STAR Credit Direct Deposit program through the Homeowner Benefit Portal within the Tax Department’s secure Online Services system.

To ensure homeowners receive their STAR credit by direct deposit this year, they should enroll as soon as possible. To guarantee timely delivery by direct deposit, homeowners should sign up at least 15 business days before their local school tax due date.

This year, starting in July, the Tax Department is holding regional STAR Seminars. In these sessions, people can learn how to sign up for STAR and maximize their benefits. The first session is in Erie County on July 7. The sessions will run through the summer.

For the STAR seminar schedule and more information on the STAR program, visit the Tax Department’s STAR Resource Center.

Click here for the NCPR story 

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY, June 16, 2026 – Luck Brothers Inc. is making good progress replacing the Dry Mill Brook culvert on Telegraph Rd. They diverted the brook and this morning they ripped out the concrete headwall and 8-foot diameter, badly deteriorated barrel tubing.

The 1,250-megawatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line runs from Montreal, Quebec to the Astoria Energy Complex in Queens. It will meet up to 20% of NYC’s energy needs

Albany, June 16, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the 339-mile Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), one of New York’s largest transmission infrastructure projects in 50 years, can now deliver reliable, clean energy from Canada directly to New York City. CHPE is expected to deliver 10.4 terawatt-hours of clean energy per year to the New York Metro area – meeting up to 20% of the city’s needs – and reduce carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons through 2040. This will provide significant public health benefits by reducing harmful emissions and local air contaminants in New York City, and, in particular, historically underserved communities.

“The Champlain Hudson Power Express transmission line is one of the first projects I championed as Governor, and is a game changer when it comes to keeping the lights on, helping build a cleaner future and holding costs down,” Governor Hochul said. “With its completion, we are powering 1 million New York City homes with needed clean energy that will serve communities for generations to come. This project is further proof that despite the unprecedented federal headwinds we are facing, New York will remain a national climate and clean energy leader into the future.”

The CHPE project, contracted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and developed by Transmission Developers Inc, in partnership with Hydro-Québec, is expected to provide more than $3.4 billion in economic investment over the life of the 25-year contract and has already supported more than 1,400 family-sustaining construction and operations jobs statewide. Additionally, CHPE’s Green Economy Fund, a $40 million fund, has already awarded $2 million to organizations focused on disadvantaged communities, workforce development and job retraining, intended to facilitate entry into the clean energy economy.

Selected in September 2021 as part of the Tier 4 solicitation administered by NYSERDA, CHPE construction began in 2022. The 1,250-megawatt High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission line runs from Montreal, Quebec to the Astoria Energy Complex in Queens and connects to the grid at the newly expanded New York Power Authority Astoria Annex substation. NYPA also supported TDI in their building of a new nearly four-mile underground transmission line, called the Astoria Rainey Cable (ARC), that connects the Astoria Annex to Con Edison’s Rainey substation.

The CHPE project, which is hosted by many local municipalities and counties, executed multiple project labor agreements totaling more than three million union labor hours. It is the longest fully buried transmission line in North America and was strategically buried underground and underwater to increase long-term reliability and minimize environmental and community impact.

CHPE is a critical component of New York’s diverse mix of resources and supply infrastructure which supports its State Energy Plan by delivering clean, firm hydropower and renewable energy into a high-demand region, helping relieve congestion, improve system flexibility, and reduce reliance on more expensive gas-powered generation. The State Energy Plan highlights transmission as essential infrastructure for integrating new clean generation at scale and managing future load growth efficiently.

L-R Geoff’s sister Stephanie, daughter Samantha, daughter in-law Sara, son Ian, wife Dr. Anne Marie Spear, daughter in-law Katie, son Taylor with Geoff’s granddaughter Olivia.  Not shown in the picture is Geoff’s youngest son, Tanner.

By John T Ryan 

Peru, NY – On Friday, June 5, the Board of Directors of Apple Valley Senior Housing dedicated a maple tree to honor Geoffrey Spear, who served on the Board from 2020 until he passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2025, at age 62. 

Former Apple Valley Senior Housing Manager Kathleen Flynn was the event’s primary speaker. Addressing Geoff Spear’s family, friends, and Board members, she recalled that after Geoff’s passing, the Board of Directors (Tina Calkins Covey, Kevin Manchester, Eileen Roach, Sue Wagner, Deb Daly, John Guynup, Nancy McDowell, Christine Peters, and Ruth Hamilton) wanted to memorialize Geoff. Flynn said, “Together, they decided to purchase a tree and plant it along Bear Swamp Road for all to see and allow a fond memory of Geoff to pass through their minds.” 

Flynn described Geoff Spear as a “true civic-minded person who always showed up. The only time he didn’t put commitments first was if he had an event with his kids…or soccer. Other than that, if you knew Geoff, you knew he was going to be where he was needed and wanted.” Geoff Spear devoted his life to serving youth through college, high school, and youth soccer coaching. He also served as a 20-year member of the Peru Youth Commission. 

Geoff’s wife, Anne Marie, chose Geoff’s favorite tree, Flynn said. She chose the maple tree, because it symbolizes his qualities of strength, endurance, and adaptability. It also represents the beauty of change. 

L-R Principal Matt Berry, Jennilee Corrow, Simone Lutz and Alison Brown from RENY

Peru, NY, June 15, 2026  — Peru Central School District is proud to announce that Jennilee Corrow, a special education teacher in the high school, has been awarded the Northeastern Zone (NEZ) of Retired Educators of New York Kramer Memorial Educator Award for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

The grant will fund Corrow’s innovative new project, “Virtual Reality for Real-Life Readiness,” which brings cutting-edge technology directly into the classroom to support student independence.

With the grant funding, Corrow plans to purchase a Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset. The technology will allow students to practice critical, real-world skills, such as cooking, driving, and automotive maintenance, in a safe, controlled, and highly interactive digital environment. Recognizing the widespread impact this technology can have, Corrow plans to share the device across multiple classrooms, benefiting students from grades 6 through 12.

“Our organization aims to support active educators, like yourself, in the work you do every day,” the NEZ Selection Committee stated in its award letter. “We have been in the classroom and know the challenges you face, both financially, with budget constraints, and socially, with ever-changing concerns and demands from the communities in which you work and live.”

The NEZ Kramer Memorial Educator Award is highly competitive, recognizing area educators who design outstanding projects aimed at enhancing student achievement or supporting specific social, academic, or physical needs. The committee noted that Corrow’s application stood out exceptionally due to its focus on life-long learning skills, innovative use of technology, and hands-on opportunities and direct connections to daily living.

“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Corrow for her dedication to finding creative, modern solutions that empower our students,” said High School Principal Matthew Berry. “This virtual reality tool will bridge the gap between classroom learning and daily independence, giving our students the confidence they need to succeed in the real world. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Retired Educators of New York for their continued support of active teachers.”

Amid the gesture of local friendship, many Canadians still won’t travel to Vermont. It continues to take a toll on the state.

Click here for the vtdigger story 

Plattsburgh, NY, June 15, 2026 – The Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance (ACCA) hosts the 17^th Annual Museum Day throughout Historic Clinton County on 20 June 2026, inviting visitors and residents to “be a tourist in your own backyard” and explore the area’s wealth of museums, galleries, and cultural organizations. For one day participating locations will offer demonstrations, tours, exhibits, hands-on activities, and more.  Admission fees will vary from venue to venue.  Area museums rely on generous donors to survive and promote our rich history.

Each museum has a unique story to tell and most operate with only volunteers.  Museums are only possible because of the dedicated staff and volunteers at each venue.  Please take some time to support our local history on Museum Day and throughout the summer.  Check the Adirondack Coast Arts & History Guide for more details.  The Guide is available at all venues and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau (North Country Chamber of Commerce) located at 7061 US Rt. 9 in Plattsburgh, open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Participating museums, cultural centers and historic sites, with their respective opening hours for Museum Day are:

Alice T. Miner Museum, Chazy (10 am–4 pm)

Anderson Falls Heritage House Museum, Keeseville (11 am-3 pm)

Clinton County Historical Association & Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3 pm)

Dannemora Village Museum, Dannemora** (10 am-2 pm)

Heart’s Delight Farm Heritage Center at Miner Institute, Chazy (9 am-4 pm)

Kent-Delord House Museum, Plattsburgh (11 am-3 pm)

Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum, Lyon Mountain (10 am-2 pm)

Northern New York American-Canadian Genealogical Society, Dannemora** (10 am-2 pm)

North Star Underground Railroad Museum, Au Sable Chasm (11 am-4 pm)***

Old Post Cemetery, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh (Open, please be respectful)

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3)

Plattsburgh State Art Museum, SUNY Plattsburgh (Call the Kent Gallery 518/564-4813 to arrange your visit)

Rouses Point History & Welcome Center, Rouses Point (10 am–2 pm)

Samuel de Champlain History Center, Champlain (10 am-3 pm)

The Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh (10 am-3 pm)

War of 1812 Museum, Plattsburgh* (10 am-3 pm)

The Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum is open on varying weekends during the summer for special events.  Check their Facebook page for details.

*Located on the Old Base Museum Campus (Former Plattsburgh Air Force Base)

**Located in the Village of Dannemora Community Center, 40 Emmons St.

***The North Star Underground Railroad Museum is celebrating Juneteenth. 19-21 June.  See the CCHA Facebook page for details.

Always double check opening times as most museums are managed by volunteers and sometimes there are last minute changes to schedules.

This year’s event coincides with the first of two New York State “Path Through History” Weekends 20 & 21 June 2026. Check the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance Facebook page and ACCA Website – www.adkcoastcultural.org for more information.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Agreement With PEF Covers 60,000 New York State Employees

Albany, June 12, 2o26 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that her administration has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Public Employees Federation, PEF, for a five-year term running until April 1, 2031. The agreement is subject to ratification by union membership, which includes approximately 60,000 New York State employees in a wide variety of professional, scientific and technical titles.

“We are pleased to come to this fair agreement with the hard-working members of PEF, and I appreciate the union leadership for working toward this deal,” Governor Hochul said. “We value our dedicated public service professionals here in New York State, and this agreement reflects my administration’s commitment to them and their contributions to the Empire State. I thank the members of PEF for putting their talents and expertise to work to deliver for New Yorkers all across this great state.”

Shepherd’s Pie

Salad 

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!