The Peru Gazette

According to the company, the cost of day-night rates in January and February were 60 to 70 percent higher than the previous year

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Sonya Smith, director of NYSBDC, with Assemblyman Billy Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was recognized as the Legislative Small Business Champion by the New York Small Business Development Centers (NYSBDC) on Wednesday in Albany. The recognition highlighted his ongoing support for small businesses across the state, as well as his service on the Assembly Small Business and Agriculture Committees.

“I am extremely grateful for this recognition,” Jones said. “Our local small businesses are the backbone of the North Country. It is no secret that I enjoy supporting them and meeting small business owners across my district to hear firsthand about their experiences and what I can do to help them as their representative. Increasing economic opportunity for these businesses is one of my priorities down here in Albany, and I am thankful that my work is having an impact.”

Sonya Smith, the NYSBDC state director, was excited to recognize Jones’ work. “Assemblyman Jones’ support for the NY Small Business Development Center and its mission to provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs has made a meaningful impact on businesses statewide,” Smith said. “We celebrate his leadership and dedication to ensuring that small businesses, especially those in rural areas, receive the support they need to grow and succeed.”

NYSBDC provide business advisement, training, and research to small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state. NYSBDC was in Albany on Wednesday to celebrate National Small Business Development Center Day.

March 20, 2025 – (Plattsburgh, N.Y.): What started as discussions among local Rotarians quickly turned into a community donation from its members at yesterday’s Rotary meeting! President Ed Kirby announced that over the next five years, the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club will be pledging a $50,000.00 donation! 

The news was announced after the Rotary Board unanimously approved the project donation. It will be a team effort to raise the funds and a donation that will largely impact the YMCA. The 2025 donation amount will be $25,000.00, and the incoming Presidents of Rotary will be responsible for helping raise the $5,000.00 for the following 4 years. (Incoming Presidents) who will help raise the remaining $20,000.00 include Betsy Vicencio, VP and CFO of the Northeast Group; Kerry Haley, the Associate VP of Philanthropy at CVPH; Anna Hewitt-Channell, Business Development and Marketing Manager at DFCU; Justin Ihne, CEO of YMCA.)

“Our members completely amazed me today with the overwhelming support of this proposal.  This donation is what Rotary is all about,” President Ed Kirby shared. 

Justin Ihne, CEO of the YMCA and a Rotarian, was thrilled and honored to hear fellow Rotarians wanted to be so involved with this Capital Campaign Project. When he heard the news on Wednesday, he formally thanked everyone.

Plattsburgh Rotary Club is a service club that meets every Wednesday at MHAB Life Skills Campus Dining Hall at 12:00 pm. Noon Rotary is one of the three largest clubs in the district, and it has over 100 members. If you are interested in becoming a member and giving back to your community, come join us at a meeting or visit their website today! www.portal.clubrunner.ca/1408

Elizabeth Shalton and William Regazzi identified as victims of the overnight fire on Margaret Street

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

55,661 Tickets Issued Statewide for Various Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations

1,224 Tickets Issued Statewide for Impaired Driving

March 21, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced law enforcement agencies throughout the State issued 55,661 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,224 tickets for impaired driving, during a statewide mobilization targeting impaired drivers before, during and after St. Patrick’s Day. The enforcement period ran from March 10-17. 

“Public safety is my number one priority, and alongside our partners in law enforcement, we’re cracking down on dangerous and illegal driving that puts our communities at risk,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll always stand up to protect the people of New York, and I encourage everyone to drive responsibly over holidays, celebrations and beyond.”

During the campaign, State and local law enforcement officers utilized sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The statewide initiative was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC).

Click here for the Syracuse.com story 

Click here for the NCPR Story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call

4. MOTION: Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of March 10, 2025, and Special Meeting of March 18, 2025. 

5. Community Input. 

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval of Clinton County Youth Bureau Contract.

7. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION: Approval to Loan Money from the General Fund for the Temporary Partial Payment of the 2025 Western Star Plow Truck.

8. DISCUSSION: Telegraph Road Culvert Project Engineering Update. 

9. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Approval to Hire a Property Appraiser for the Jenkins St.

 Property.  

10. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Town Council.

11. DISCUSSION: Other Business, Dept. Heads.

12. DISCUSSION: Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

13. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay Bills – March 2025

14. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

15. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

16. MOTION:     Adjourn.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

L-R Matt Boire, Bill Meyers, Gary Douglas

Chamber of Commerce News 

A highlight of the event is the presentation of the Irish Person of the Year Award, recognizing individuals who exemplify exceptional dedication to volunteerism in business, community, or civic activities. This year, we proudly honored Bill Meyers, Market Area Manager at Casella Waste Systems.

Bill’s unwavering commitment to community service and leadership made him a standout choice. A devoted husband to Wendy and father to Connor and Hannah, Bill values family deeply. His impact extends far beyond his professional role—he has been an active member of the Chamber for years, serving as Board Chair in 2021, guiding the organization and its members through the challenges of the pandemic.

Bill is known for fostering strong relationships, mentoring young professionals, and sharing insights on teamwork and employee development. His leadership extends into the community, where he is a passionate supporter of SUNY Plattsburgh’s athletic programs, a sponsor and coach for the Mariners, and a dedicated volunteer across numerous organizations.

He is an active member of United Way, where he was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2024, and contributes his time and efforts to Adirondack Health, the CVPH Foundation, Elmore SPCA, and various youth athletic programs.

His generosity, dedication, and community spirit make him a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Irish Person of the Year Award.

“Bill Meyers is a perfect honoree,” said Garry Douglas, Chamber President. “He’s unassuming and truly committed to our area, its people, and so many good causes. His community service includes leading the Chamber during the pandemic, providing steady support for our team as we looked to help our business community through uncharted waters. Congratulations to Bill on this highly deserved recognition and our thanks for all that he has done and continues to do.”

Special Thanks to Our Contributors

The North Country Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt gratitude to Matt Boire for his incredible efforts in writing, scripting, and delivering a show filled with laughter and charm.

We also recognize Chris Boire of Boire Benner Group for his generous contributions in videography and editing, producing high-quality skits that kept the audience entertained. Chris’s creativity and enthusiasm brought an extra layer of fun to the event.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. We hope you enjoyed the celebration as much as we did and look forward to carrying on this wonderful tradition for years to come.

Gardner now faces several felony charges in New York.

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Click here for the Adirondack Almanac story 

In-depth story details many of the challenges facing today’s schools, including here in Peru, NY 

Click here for the excellent NCPR story 

Click here for the News Channel 13 story

Clinton County had a slight decline of 0.02%. New York’s total population increased 0.66% last year to about 19.87 million. The state’s population grew in the second year in a row, but it’s still 1.18% (237,000) lower than in 2020. 

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Vermont Public story 

Canadians are shunning Vermont-made goods and canceling trips to the state.

Click here for the VTDigger story