The Peru Gazette

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Feb 5, Noon. Talk and Walk Wednesdays at Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. Come for an inside look at the CCHA Portrait Collection and learn about its history. Then, CCHA President and exhibit designer Geri Favreau will give a special tour of the Prohibition Gallery.

February 11, 6:45 pm, Lake Forest Retirement Community, 8 Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Lyon Mountain (Part IV). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development which opened up Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. This is the fourth in a 5-part series spanning the history of Clinton County rail development from 1833 to the present, including photographs, newspaper articles, aerial videos, and information from the large collection of railroad books recently added to the Clinton County Historical Association’s research library.

February 13, 2:30 pm – Meadowbrook Healthcare, 154 Prospect Avenue, Plattsburgh. Portraits and Painters of the Early Champlain Valley (1800-1865) with Helen Nerska. Slides from a 1975 SUNY Plattsburgh exhibit with reflections on the painters’ history and the sitters’ lives.

February 21, 12:30 pm, Plattsburgh Senior Center, 5139 North Catherine Street, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Lyon Mountain (Part IV). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development, which opened up Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted. This is the fourth in a 5-part series spanning the history of Clinton County rail development from 1833 to the present, including photographs, newspaper articles, aerial videos, and information from the large collection of railroad books recently added to the Clinton County Historical Association’s research library.

February 27, 6:30 pm, Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh. The History of Railroads in Clinton County – Plattsburgh (Part V). Transportation Historian Dick Soper will share the history of rail development, which opened up Clinton County to new markets and eventually to new tourism and a past we now take for granted.  This is the last of a 5-part series spanning the history of Clinton County rail development from 1833 to the present, including photographs, newspaper articles, aerial videos, and information from the large collection of railroad books recently added to the Clinton County Historical Association’s research library.

By John T Ryan

Bruce Drive residents John Roberts and Karyn Langlas expressed disappointment that construction on the closed Telegraph Bridge may not occur this year. At a December board meeting, Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell stated that it’s his “gut feeling” that construction may not begin in 2025. Bid opening is August 15, which Farrell has said is not the best time of year to gear up and begin construction in this region. Langlais questioned “gut feelings.” stating, “We’re looking for facts, not feelings. It’s twelve miles out of my way for two vehicles every day.” Roberts said the delays seem excessive, given that it’s been 18 months since the town learned it had to replace the bridge. Roberts and Langlais said there didn’t appear to have been a follow-up with engineers until she and Roberts started pushing. Town Supervisor Craig Randall responded that there had been follow-up over the last two months. Counselor Eric Duquette commented that, in his experience, engineering firms are hard to push and that environmental approvals take a lot of time. Farrell cited the mussel study as a hold-up. (See video 2:20 to 10:25 minute mark for this discussion.)

The board approved two contracts with Atlantic Testing Laboratories for subsurface and geotechnical evaluation services related to the Lyons Road ($23,805) and Fuller Road ($23,580) culverts. 

The board also accepted Ryan Davies’s resignation from the Planning Board, reappointed Richard Williams as Chairman, and appointed Justin Wilson as Vice-Chairman. 

The board authorized advertising bids on the multi-million million dollar treatment plant upgrades. See Peru Gazette Story 

Michael Farrell will travel to Albany on Monday, March 5, to participate in lobbying for state highway improvement funding (CHIPS). Farrell said he hadn’t determined the 2025 paving schedule but would pave Telegraph Road until the bridge. The Highway Department maintains 83 miles of town roads. 

Courtney Tetrault advised the board that the town hall basement ceiling needs attention. 

Click here to read meeting minutes – Posted 1/28/25

1/25/25 1:20 PM Correction –  Telegraph Road construction corrected from 2024 to 2025. 

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Deadline for Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant is March 24

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$3B for Inflation Rebate checks, $1B in middle-class tax cuts

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Plattsburgh, NY, January 22, 2025—In 2023, Clinton County reported 157 individuals in temporary housing and no unsheltered individuals. In 2024, this number grew 84% to 289 in temporary housing and no unsheltered individuals on the count date. This year, social service leaders expect the numbers in temporary housing to be higher, and they know there are some unsheltered people. S

On Wednesday, January 22, eleven volunteers from many local agencies conducted an annual “Point in Time” (PIT) homeless count. They counted the sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on this specific date. The volunteers visited vacant buildings, parking lots/vehicles, and known encampments and touched base with businesses open 24 hours daily. With this count, local government, nonprofit, and faith-based programs can better confront homelessness and strengthen community support by providing individuals with the assistance they need. Clinton County Social Services Commissioner Christine Peters, “These people are from the 129 zip code. They are our residents. They are not migrants. The migrant population has not been significant.”  

Social service leaders hosted a press conference yesterday to explain the PIT program and respond to media questions. The participants included United Way CEO John Bernardi, Executive Director of ETC Housing Corp Amanda Beaudette, Clinton County Social Services Commissioner Christine Peters, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, and JCEO CEO Nicole Laurin.

Here is the 54-minute-long press conference.

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ADK Medical Center, ADK Community College, Town of Keene projects receive significant funding

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New requirement would be in place starting in the 2025-26 school year

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As of May 7, anyone passing through airport security or a secure federal building will need REAL ID

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