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The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.

Comment Policy

The Peru Gazette welcomes comments on posted stories. The author MUST include his/her first and last name. No  foul or libelous language permitted. The Peru Gazette reserves the right to not publish a comment.

Recent Comments

Depot Theatre announces expanded 2025 main stage season; season passes now on sale

Click to the Adirondack Almanac Story 

COMMENTARY: Saving Arto, It’s Not Magic

Monaco’s Land of Make Believe heritage is safe–and on public display–at the Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown

Click here for Adirondack Almanac story 

Albany Republican Headquarters vandalized with swastikas

Click here for the News 10 story 

Guards ‘apparently intentionally’ disabled body cams before fatal inmate beating, DA says

Click here for Syracuse.com story 

Breaking up of two large drug trafficking rings lands 31 people in prison, officials say

Click here for Syracuse.com story 

Recent DEC Forest Ranger Actions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

Town of Harrietstown, Franklin County
Wilderness Search: On April 8 at 10:15 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a subject concerned about a 57-year-old friend who was one day overdue from a hike on Seward Mountain. Six Forest Rangers started searching at 2:30 a.m., and 12 more Rangers later joined the search. One crew located the subject’s snowshoe tracks after brushing below four inches of fresh snow. The Rangers followed those tracks for 100 yards and continued in that direction. At 12:36 p.m., the Rangers located the subject at the Ouluska Pass lean-to off the Northville-Placid trail. The hiker was tired, but otherwise in good health. Rangers escorted the hiker back to the trailhead where he was met by a family member. Resources were clear at 4:52 p.m.

Town of Burke
Franklin County
Law Enforcement: On April 13, Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger response to a wildland fire. Burke Volunteer Fire Department responded and extinguished a fire started by a subject illegally burning debris and leaves in their yard. A Forest Ranger issued a ticket for a violation of the statewide annual ban on residential brush burning.

Village of Saranac Lake
Essex County
Wilderness Search: On April 13 at 9:25 p.m., Forest Ranger responded to a call for a shoeless subject last seen walking into the woods. Rangers searched with Saranac Lake Fire Department and Saranac Lake Police. At 10:30 p.m., Rangers Adams, Corey, and Jansen located the 26-year-old in good health and walked them back to their residence. Saranac Lake EMS took over care of the subject.

Honoring Dispatchers: April 13 to 19 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, which honors the vital work of public safety telecommunicators, who are often the first point of contact for emergency calls.

Dispatcher Hanf

Dispatcher Nerp

Stefanik reintroduces by-partisan legislation to designate Plattsburgh Airport as a Port of Entry

April 17, 2025 – Elise Stefanik News Release 

Peru Gazette File Photo

While Plattsburgh International Airport qualifies as a port of entry under CBP’s criteria, it has not received this designation, which has resulted in increased costs for the airport and travelers flying in and out.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik reintroduced the bipartisan Border Airport Fairness Act to designate Plattsburgh International Airport as a Port of Entry (POE), saving the airport around $800,000 per year.

“The Border Airport Fairness Act will save Plattsburgh International Airport hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs by ensuring that it receives the designation it deserves. My legislation makes certain that Plattsburgh International Airport is equipped with the resources it needs to continue meeting the transportation needs of Upstate New York and North Country families and continue to provide access for tourists visiting our region,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

“I’m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on this bipartisan legislation to save South Texans and travelers from duplicative costs,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). “As our region continues to rapidly grow, it’s essential that our airports and transportation infrastructure not only keep up with increased demand for commercial travel but also continue to support critical federal operations. This legislation is an investment in our future.”

“This bill is great news for our airport and the people who rely on it. Removing the user-fee burden will help us put those dollars back into operations, maintenance, and future improvements,” said Robert Hall, Plattsburgh International Airport Committee Chairperson (D-Area 10, Plattsburgh). “We appreciate Congresswoman Stefanik’s continued support for keeping our airport strong and sustainable.”

“Plattsburgh International Airport is one of our region’s most significant economic drivers, and this legislation addresses a longstanding barrier to its continued growth. Eliminating the financial strain of user-fee status will allow for smarter reinvestment in infrastructure and services. I commend Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership in advancing a solution that enhances regional competitiveness and long-term sustainability,” said Mark Henry, Clinton County Legislative Chairperson (R-Area 3, Chazy).

“This bill is only fair, treating Plattsburgh International the same as so many other airports,” said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Its adoption would secure our airport Customs operation permanently and thereby support the development of new international air activities here. And it would free valuable resources for airport marketing, air service development and other improvements. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik for being our champion in the House and will continue to support her efforts on our behalf. Onward and upward!”

Plattsburgh International Airport is one of only two primary commercial service airports in close proximity to the Northern or Southern Border designated as user-fee airports. This means the airports must pay out of pocket for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services such as security screenings, cargo security and examinations, and immigration inspections.

 

March Champlain car crossings down by 31% compared to last year, truck crossings up 12%

“We now have the border crossing numbers for Champlain for March and, as anticipated, car crossings were down 31% compared with March 2024,” reports Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Visitation was down 16% in February but we knew March was the month that tariffs and counter-tariffs hit, along with a heightened sense that many of our northern friends and neighbors would avoid travel to the U.S. for now.”
Douglas notes that part of the higher percentage can be attributed to the Easter break, when many Canadians traditionally travel in the U.S., falling in late March last year. “We also cannot define the relative degree to which three factors are all affecting cross-border travel,” he notes. “But it is a combination of a poor exchange rate for Canadians, a broad sense of hurt among Canadians, and the 25% surcharge imposed by Canada at the border as part of retaliatory tariffs.” While car traffic is down, the Chamber reports that truck crossings for March were up 12% and were up in January and February as well.
“We especially feel and appreciate the sense of hurt as one would with one’s family,” Douglas says, noting that the Chamber is engaged in a marketing campaign in Quebec via social media and TV that looks to differentiate the greater Plattsburgh area’s special connection with Quebecers, along with tools for area businesses to highlight the welcoming of Canadian visitors. “We need to remember that if visitation is off by 30% or more, that still means many of our neighbors are continuing to be here,” he notes.
The Chamber is hopeful that expected U.S.-Canada negotiations following the upcoming April 28th Canadian election can lead to an agreed way forward, but notes the need for a significant period of outreach, reconciliation and healing thereafter.
Full Press Release: https://bit.ly/42WxwwP
Welcome Canadian Signage: bit.ly/42aIG0y

Off-duty paramedics out on an anniversary dinner help save choking Central NY woman

Click here for Syracuse.com story 

NY-21 Rep. Elise Stefanik reportedly eyeing run for governor of New York

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Peru students are learning more about the environment at Earth Fest 2025

Miner Institute is teaching students how to test drinking water

Karley Tourville, Kaysha Korth, Melina Mitchell, Violette Surman, and Oliver Hurd are members of the Students Against a Vanishing Environment Club

By John T. Ryan

The Peru High School gym is bustling with activity from Tuesday to Thursday this week as 1,200 students participate in Earth Fest 2025. Sixteen environmental education and student organizations are on hand to answer questions, distribute literature, and conduct hands-on learning activities.

The school club Students Against a Vanishing Environment hosts the event under the guidance of teacher Greg Badger. Karley Tourville explained, “Our organization is trying to assist the school with composting and maintaining the gardens. We organize clean-up days.” Kayshn Korth added, “Some people don’t respect the environment. Often, there’s a lot of trash left on the school grounds that we can help clean up.” Club President Violette Furman stated, “We’re trying to educate younger students. Some spectators at football games don’t seem to care.” Melina Mitchell emphasized, “Sometimes high school events look like a trash bowl. Educating our youth is essential for the future. We’re doing what we can to empower them.”

Organizations represented at the event include the Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation Department, Casella, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Lake Champlain Basin Program, Compost For Good, the Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, Miner Institute, the North Country Clean Energy Hub, the Ausable Freshwater Center, Clinton/Essex Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Clinton County Health Department, the Adirondack Watershed Institute, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and the Point Au Roche Nature Center.

Student groups involved include Students Against a Vanishing Environment, the National Art Honor Society, the National Honor Society, the High School Student Leadership Group, the Environmental Science Class, the Elementary Student Leadership Group, the Elementary Media Club, the Butterfly Effect Club, and the Science National Honor Society.

4/17/25 Correction – Violette Furman is Club President, not Karley Tourville as initially stated.

NYS Leaders describe the advantges of the soon-to-be-installed Smart Meters

Click here for a NYSEG link 

SUNY chancellor worries about chilling effect after Plattsburgh student set for deportation

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Prison guards indicted in connection with inmate’s death at CNY prison, governor says

Click here for Syracuse.com story 

SUNY Plattsburgh student to be deported after student visa revoked

Click here for the MSN Story 

CVPH Blood Drive on Monday, April 21

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Brive, Monday, April 21,  from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

The blood collected by the Donor Center provides more than 95% of the blood used at CVPH and is used to supply other hospitals in Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls.

St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the drive. 

Should I stay or go? Immigrants across U.S. consider self-deportation

Click here for the NPR story 

New Education Course for Lake Champlain Boaters

New York passed a law requiring anyone operating a motorized vessel to get and carry a boating safety certificate.

Click here for the WCAX story 

Peru Central to host Earth Fest 2025

Peru CSD will conduct Earth Day celebration workshops involving sixteen (16) environmental education organizations and student presenters from April 15th to April 17th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This is a three-day event to celebrate Earth Day and bring greater awareness of environmental issues to our students, staff, and community. There will be stations similar to a science fair, with various Earth Day activities. The venues will include the High School Gymnasium, Outdoor Courtyard, and Library.

The first two (2) days will be for Middle and High School students, and the third day will be for Grades 3-5 Elementary students. Over 1,200 students will view, interact, explore, and create with presenting organizations. Student club leaders will facilitate, guide, and assist presenters. Each station will take approximately fifteen (15) minutes and may include a presentation and activity.

Classes will be divided in half to accommodate approximately ten (10) students per station. Student groups will see three (3) station presentations and activities. After the event, students will be able to share their experiences with others.

Organizations Presenting include: Clinton County Soil & Water Conservation Department, Casella, DEC, Lake Champlain Basin Program, Compost For Good, Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, Miner Institute, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, North Country Clean Energy Hub, Ausable Freshwater Center, Clinton/Essex Cornell Cooperative Extension, Clinton County Health Department, Adirondack Watershed Institute, Adirondack Mountain Club, and Point Au Roche Nature Center.

Student groups include:

Students Against a Vanishing Environment, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, High School Student Leadership Group, Environmental Science Class, Elementary Student Leadership Group, Elementary Media Club, Butterfly Effect Club, and Science National Honor Society.

Please reach out if you have any questions and/or would like to schedule a visit.

Clinton County Fair Demolition Derby set for July 12

Clinton Community College Hosts Alumni Showcase Luncheon 

Photo Provided

CCC April 8 News Release Plattsburgh, NY – On Monday, April 7, Clinton Community College’s ASAP program hosted the CCC Alumni Showcase Luncheon, giving current students a chance to connect with graduates and explore how CCC helped shape their educational and professional journeys.

Held in the Moore Building’s second-floor atrium, the event featured a complimentary lunch for attendees as they listened to alumni stories, explored various career paths, and asked questions. The panel provided students with first-hand insights into the diverse opportunities available after graduating from CCC.
The alumni panel featured a wide range of fields and experiences:
Eugene Ayotte is a Systems Programmer/Analyst at Clinton Community College. He graduated from CCC in 2019 with an associate degree in Liberal Arts: Math and Science and earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2022.
Sedona Runyon is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the New York State Education Department. She earned her associate degree in Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Science from CCC in 2012, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2014 and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University at Buffalo in 2017.
Ian Underwood is a Manufacturing Engineer at Monaghan Medical Corporation. He graduated from CCC in 2015 and continued his education at Clarkson University, where he graduated in 2019.
Anna Hewitt-Channell serves as the Business Development and Marketing Manager at Dannemora Federal Credit Union. She graduated from CCC in 2016 with an associate degree in Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Science and later attended SUNY Empire State College.
Niki Rivers is an Assistant Professor in the Nursing program at CCC. She is a proud alumna of the college’s Nursing program.
Dana Lee is a Substance Abuse Counselor at Champlain Valley Family Center. She holds an associate degree in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from SUNY Canton (1991), a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from SUNY Plattsburgh (1996), and earned both an associate degree in Human Services and a certificate in Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling from CCC in 2020.
Brandon Menard is a Constituent Services Representative for New York State Assemblyman Billy Jones. He graduated from CCC in 2014 with an associate degree in Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Science and earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2016.
Sue Hagar works in education and outreach for the Lake Champlain Basin Program. She graduated from CCC in 2012 with an associate degree in Environmental Technology and earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Management, and Planning from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2017.
The Alumni Showcase Luncheon served as an inspiring reminder of the success CCC graduates achieve and highlighted the diverse career pathways available to students through a CCC education.

ACW seeks submissions for Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency

The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) is now accepting submissions for its 12th annual Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency – a fully funded, two-week residency at the Lodge on Twitchell Lake near Big Moose, NY. Submissions are due by May 19.

Each fall, ACW welcomes six poets, fiction writers and creative nonfiction writers – three from the Adirondack region and three from anywhere around the world – to the Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency. Selected writers will enjoy a dedicated two-week period for creative immersion with plenty of inspiring writing spaces both indoors and out. The residency also fosters connection through fireside gatherings and family-style meals, complemented by opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. This year’s residency will take place from Sunday, September 21, to Sunday, October 5.

“The Anne LaBastille Memorial Writers Residency is such an incredible opportunity; we are so proud to offer it,” said Nathalie Thill, ACW’s executive director. “I know several residents who applied many times over the years and didn’t get in and then suddenly, they got in. It seems to happen at the right time for them, and they are always so appreciative of the time and sense of community they receive there. I can’t wait to see who we will welcome this year.”

Application Requirements:

Interested writers should prepare a brief, third-person bio, a detailed work plan describing their objectives for the residency and a writing sample showcasing the applicant’s best work in their genre (up to 10 double-spaced pages or 2,500 words maximum). To ensure impartial review, the applicant’s name must not appear anywhere on the writing sample. Selection will be based on the quality of the submitted writing, as well as the residency work plan. A $30 application fee is required.

For an additional $60, ACW will provide applicants with editorial feedback on their submitted writing samples including a detailed, 500-word letter from a panelist on strengths and areas for improvement. Reach out to info@adirondackcenterforwriting.org with any questions about the application process.

Learn more and apply to this year’s residency at adirondackcenterforwriting.org/residency. The residency is generously provided by the estate of Anne LaBastille, who wrote books that inspired generations of people to love the outdoors, including Woodswoman and Beyond Black Bear Lake.

The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words together for 25 years through provocative events and meaningful programs. For more information about ACW, visit adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook and Instagram.

AGENDA – Peru Town Board Regular Meeting of April 14, 2025 @ 6 p.m.

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  1. Roll Call 
  1. MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);
  1. MOTION: Acceptance of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of March 24, 2025 and Special Meeting of April 8, 2025.
  1. Community Input. 
  1. DISCUSSION/MOTION: 
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Acceptance of Internal Audit for the Town Court System.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Trespasz Law Bond Counsel Retainer Letter.
  1. DISCUSSION: Update on the Telegraph Rd. Culvert Project by C & S Engineers.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   Approval to Close H26 Capital Project Bank Account.
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Council Comments
  1. DISCUSSION: Other Business: Department Head Comments.
  1. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.
  1. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Pay April 2025 Bills.
  1. MOTION: Adjourn to Executive Session.
  1. MOTION: Return from Executive Session. 
  1. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

An Open Secret’: Sackets Harbor ICE Raid Shows the ‘Reality’ of New York Dairy Country

Click here for the New York Focus story 

St. Augustine’s Community Meal/Soup Kitchen Menu for Wednesday, April 16, 2025  

Ham and Potato 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!