The Peru Gazette

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the WCAX story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Story Update – 2/5/25 – Click here for the MYNBC5 story

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Snowmobile Accident: On Feb. 1 at 2:20 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch called NYS Forest Ranger Adams about a snowmobile accident near McCauley Pond. Ranger Adams was on snowmobile patrol and reached the scene with Ranger O’Connor at 2:45 p.m. Saranac Lake Rescue and Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department were assisting the 39-year-old subject from New Jersey. Rangers Lewis and Praczkajlo helped package the patient in a litter and joined rescuers in transporting him to the trail and a staged UTV. An ambulance met the UTV for transport to a Life Net helicopter at Lake Clear Airport, which took the subject to the hospital. New York State Police (NYSP) alerted rescuers that the patient died from his injuries. Resources were clear at 4:41 p.m. Judging by the tracks, NYSP and Rangers determined the snowmobiler lost control around a left turn and crashed into several trees.  

Click here for the NCPR story 

Farmer hopes to succeed Elise Stefanik 

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

                “I am hearing from several North Country businesses, local officials, and consumers who are extremely nervous about the impending tariffs on Canada. The decision to move forward with the broad 25% tariff on Canadian goods will be highly detrimental to consumers and manufacturers in the North Country. Our area transportation equipment companies will be unable to pass along higher costs due to multi-year fixed-price contracts, and non-Canadian manufacturers in the area that need to source raw materials from Canada could see their supply costs increase by $16 million annually. Energy costs will increase as the North Country relies on Canada for 100% of its natural gas, huge quantities of Canadian hydro power help supply our grid, and most of the region’s heating oil and gas come from the Port of Montreal. Construction material prices will also increase as a large quantity of our region’s asphalt, cement, lumber and other building materials come from Canada. Warehouses where Canadian goods are sent for U.S. distribution will see diminished activity, which could impact job availability. Additionally, consumers can expect the cost of food, vehicles, and homes to rise. Canada has responded with 25% tariffs on several U.S. goods, especially agricultural products, which will severely impact our farmers. Canada has been a wonderful partner in helping build the North Country economy that has brought new businesses, jobs, and goods to our region for many years, and these tariffs will stifle that collaboration. Our region has always welcomed our neighbors to the North with open arms, and I fear that these tariffs will negatively impact our friendly relationship. I hope that this decision is short-lived, and I will work with local and federal partners to encourage a reversal of these tariffs as soon as possible.”

The Albany Times-Union reports that New York’s Democrats are considering pushing back the date of a special election to fill Elise Stefanik’s congressional seat when she leaves to be ambassador to the United Nations.

State Senator Dan Stec, who declared his candidacy for the seat in Congress, issued this statement.

Click here for the WCAX story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

By Ellenburg Center 10th Grader Clara Parsons 

Click here for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise story 

The Peru Central School District is seeking candidates to fill two (2) at-large seats on the Board of Education due to the upcoming expiration of the terms of Ms. Sarah Graves and Mr. Steven Peters.

The three-year term for each seat runs from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028.

The Petition for Nomination of Candidate form is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except for school holidays, or via BoardDocs on the District’s website.  Petitions must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, and shall state the names and residences of the candidate and petition signers.    The candidate’s phone number shall also be stated.

The qualifications that must be met to run for the school board are:

• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old
• A qualified voter in the District
• Able to read and write
• A resident of the District continuously for one year before the election
• Cannot be employed by the Board
• Cannot live in the same household with a family member who is also a member of the Board

Petitions must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025.

The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Stefanik has been nominated to serve as the US Ambassador to the United Nations for the Trump administration

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Longtime lake manager Guy Middleton steps into leadership role

UPPER SARANAC—The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) Board of Directors has announced Guy Middleton’s promotion to executive director, effective Jan. 1.

Middleton, who has served as USF’s lake manager since 2001, will now lead all aspects of the Foundation’s operations. This marks introducing the executive director role at USF, a pivotal step in the organization’s growth and mission to protect the Upper Saranac watershed.

“Guy Middleton has been the backbone of USF’s programs for well over two decades,” said USF Board President Tom Swayne. “Most recently, he successfully managed the complex renovation of the Bartlett Carry Dam, ensuring its long-term safety and resilience. His passion for protecting the Upper Saranac watershed and his exceptional leadership and organizational skills make him the perfect candidate to guide the USF into this next chapter as our first executive director.”

As lake manager since 2001, Middleton has played a vital role in managing invasive species, conducting water monitoring programs, and spearheading community education initiatives. Over his 23 years of service, he has become widely recognized across New York State and nationally for his expertise in aquatic invasive species management and lake ecology.

Middleton’s extensive background includes degrees in environmental science, land use planning and wilderness leadership from North Country Community College and the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh. He has also worked with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and Northwood School, further enriching his knowledge and dedication to environmental stewardship.

“Our lakes and communities face increasing challenges from water quality issues, invasive species, shoreline degradation and other ecological threats,” Middleton said. “The impacts of these challenges are far-reaching. My focus remains on exploring and implementing innovative approaches to mitigate these issues and preserve our freshwater resources for generations to come.”

“Guy Middleton’s appointment as executive director of the USF is clearly the right choice at the right time for this role,” said Ross Whaley, a member of the USF Board of Directors who is past president of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and former chair of the state Adirondack Park Agency. “He is passionate about protecting Upper Saranac Lake and the larger Adirondack watershed, demonstrating persistence in his work, and patience with others and institutions. He exemplifies the effectiveness of intelligence, hard work and civility.”

“On behalf of the entire Paul Smith’s College community, we extend our warmest congratulations to Guy Middleton on his appointment as executive director of the Upper Saranac Foundation,” said Zoe Smith, vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Paul Smith’s College (PSC). “For decades, PSC’s Adirondack Watershed Institute has had the privilege of collaborating closely with USF and working alongside Guy in his tireless efforts to protect the Upper Saranac watershed. We are confident that under his leadership, USF will continue to thrive.”

Middleton is deeply connected to the Adirondack community. He grew up in Lake George, has been a longtime resident of the Tri-Lakes area and has spent countless days on the water. Over the years, Middleton has developed a deep understanding of the importance of science in addressing environmental issues. An avid outdoorsman and expert skier, he is well known for his years as a ski coach at the New York Ski Education Foundation and Northwood School. He and his partner, Cammy, split their time between Lake Placid and their family home on Upper Saranac Lake.

The Upper Saranac Foundation is a nonprofit, science-guided organization seeking to preserve, enhance and protect the natural beauty, environmental quality and recreational enjoyment of the Upper Saranac Lake watershed through selective support of projects related to overall water quality. The Foundation is funded through tax-deductible donations. Activities include aquatic invasive species prevention and management, lake dam maintenance, monitoring water quality and promoting environmental awareness. To learn more, visit usfoundation.net.

Pulled Pork 

Macaroni & Cheese

Vegetable 

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!

An important resource for local residents

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

See the list of local industries that will be adversely affected 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

The Cape Vincent Ambulance Squad and Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department alleges that two people who have worked or volunteered in those organizations have stolen around $500,000.

Click here for the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story