Jan. 15 -  Land Use Change Tax under fire (Todd Selig, Durham Town Administrator)

House Bill 1515 proposes major changes to the assessment and use of the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT). This bill threatens local control, raises significant concerns on several levels, and should be killed.

The bill provides that failure to pay all property taxes on current use land within 30 days after the date of notice of tax will constitute a change of use, triggering payment of the LUCT. 

Land will be considered changed in use and subject to the LUCT if the landowner does not notify the local assessing officials within 30 days that the land has changed from one qualifying use to another. 

If any LUCT assessment is not paid within 30 days after the due date, the property shall be deeded to the municipality. 

These are extremely harsh penalties that, to our knowledge, municipalities are not seeking, and are neither in the interest of property owners nor the municipalities. Municipalities generally do not want to acquire land because of unpaid taxes, they simply want the taxes paid.

A hearing is scheduled before the House Municipal and County Government Committee next Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. in LOB Room 301.

Jan. 12 - Senate seeks to update phone regulations (NH Senate)

The Senate Energy Committee voted today to modernize the 100-year-old regulations governing telephone service providers, with Senate Bill 48.

Senator Bob Odell, the bill's prime sponsor, said that the legislation is necessary and long overdue. He said, "Telecommunication companies here in New Hampshire that provide landline services are seeking regulatory parity with cable and wireless providers. As the law stands now, landline companies operate under much more onerous regulations. When passed, SB 48 will represent a significant modernization of our current policies. We want the free market, not regulations, to dictate which companies gain or lose customers." He added, "Competition is already managing the retail market and creating better offers for customers."

Newbury, Bradford, Sutton, Goshen, Sunapee, Newport, and New London Fire departments responded to a fire at Hopewell Farms, 3 South Road in Newbury, shortly after 9 a.m. Jan., 8. The fire engulfed the barn where tilapia had been raised in an enclosed aquaculture system, killing all of the fish, several piglets and chickens.

Photo - Newbury FD

Newbury Fire Chief Henry Thomas said, "High gusts of winds and the large truss construction of the barn hampered efforts to extinguish the flames." He said that what caused the fire was undetermined and he would meet with the Fire Marshall for assistance with the investigation.

"All the firefighters did a superb job," Thomas said, noting they kept flames from reaching the house. Andover Fire Department covered for New London, Wilmot and Henniker, and Springfield covered for Sunapee while those firefighters were at the scene. "That is what is great about mutual aid".

Jan. 8 - "Mangled facts" in Manchester last night (FactCheck.org)

"Truth took a punch or two at the first of two GOP debates before New Hampshire’s critical presidential primary.

Romney, talking about taxes, said federal, state and local government consume 37 percent of the economy today compared with only 27 percent when John F. Kennedy was president. In fact, taxes now consume only 27.4 percent of GDP.

Paul blasted Gingrich for avoiding the draft during Vietnam, and Gingrich said Paul had a “long history” of inaccuracies. The truth is Gingrich was both a student and a father at the time, and probably would have failed the physical anyway, according to his stepfather, an Army man.

Santorum said the term “middle class” implies class warfare and is one “I don’t think we should be using as Republicans.” The fact is his own campaign used it in an Iowa flyer, and he has used it in the past himself.

Paul attacked Santorum as a “high-powered lobbyist.” Santorum was never registered as a lobbyist, though he earned more than $200,000 working as a consultant for a lobbying firm and an energy company.

Candidates also recycled some false or doubtful claims we’ve gone over before. Romney repeated his misleading claim that his firm Bain Capital invested in businesses that “have now added over 100,000 jobs.” Huntsman again claimed Utah was “No. 1” in job creation while he was governor, which isn’t true according to the standard statistical measure for employment. And Santorum again put words in President Obama’s mouth by claiming that the president “supported” the results of a disputed election in Iran."

More at factcheck.org

Dec. 31 - "It's Not About the Hike" comes to Newbury

Start your new year in the right frame of mind. Nancy Sporborg and Pat Piper present "It's Not About the Hike". It's free and open to residents and non-residents alike at the Newbury Town Office, Sunday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. 

It's for everyone - hikers, non-hikers, people who are sedentary or active, outdoor enthusiasts and indoor homebodies, 10 year olds and 90 year olds and everyone in-between. It is inspirational,  motivational and about pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones, overcoming fears, finding passions and living our lives to the fullest.

The one-hour presentation includes movies, music and photographs. Humorous and touching, the speakers share their personal lives in a way that makes the message and learning universal.

More about the presenters.

Dec. 30 - First flu cases of the season confirmed

NH Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has confirmed that one adult and two children in the state have contracted seasonal influenza. It is likely that flu has been circulating prior to these results, but flu is not a reportable disease, and DHHS is not notified of all cases.

“Now that we know it’s here, we hope this serves as a reminder to everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so,” said DHHS Public Health Director Dr. José Montero. For people who prefer to not get the injection, there is a nasal version of the vaccine for most people ages two through 49. 

Influenza is highly contagious, spreading through the air by coughs, sneezes, and direct contact with infected people. Flu symptoms usually begin one to four days after exposure to the virus.

Dec. 16 - Hannaford recalls ground beef

Hannaford Supermarkets this morning issued a voluntary recall of ground beef and is advising consumers to check for ground beef purchased at its stores with a "sell-by" date of Dec. 17 or earlier.

These ground beef products may be contaminated with a Salmonella typhimurium strain (S. typhimurium). The information received to date indicates that 10 people have become ill, all of whom have indicated that they purchased ground beef between Oct. 12 and Nov. 20.

For further information call Hannaford Customer Information Center, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - 800-213-9040, option 6.

Dec. 15 - Unseasonably warm temps delay snowmobile season

NH Division of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Trails annouced today that the snowmobile trail system that normally would open today will remain closed because of inadequate snow cover. Trail gates are closed and logging operations continue. 

Dec. 9 - How to vote by absentee ballot (Linda Plunkett)

Print and fill out the "application for state election absentee ballot", mail or give it to your Town Clerk, and the Town Clerk will mail to you a ballot to fill out and return. All materials (instructions, ballot, marking pencil and return envelopes) are included. Postage is not included, though. 

If you are a US citizen living overseas, there are special procedures for which you can vote via email.  

Mount Sunapee Resort opens for this winter season Sunday, Dec. 11 with top-to-bottom skiing and riding on the Main Mountain. Upper and Lower Blast-Off trails provide more than 6,000 feet of continuous terrain for advanced skiers and riders. The Sunapee Express high-speed quad chairlift will operate daily.

Snowmaking continues around the clock, as temperatures permit, to open additional terrain.

The Learning Center is not yet open, nor is there terrain open for novice or beginner skiers or riders.

Sunday, Dec. 18 is the first of two Cares and Shares days at Mount Sunapee. Skiers and riders who bring five non-perishable food items to the ticket window will pay only $35. The food is donated to local families and food shelters for the holidays.

More at Mountsunapee.com

Nov. 22- Neighboring towns assist at local house fire (Gayle Hedrington)

Croydon, Newport, Grantham, Sunapee, and Goshen Fire Departments responded to a fire at 37 Fletcher Road in Croydon Flat shortly after 7 a.m. this morning. The addition to the two story colonial house remained ablaze for about two hours. 

Property owners Kathy and Phillip Crowley of Chesterfield NH were not there at the time. Cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Nov. 18 - FDA cautions dog owners about chicken jerky products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning consumers about chicken jerky products from China for dogs (also sold as chicken tenders, strips or treats). In the last 12 months, there has been an increase in complaints associated with these products by dog owners and veterinarians.

FDA is advising consumers who feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Most dogs recover, but some have died.

FDA continues extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified a contaminant. Many of the illnesses reported may be from causes other than eating chicken jerky. Veterinarians and consumers should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the New Hampshire FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator at 800-891-8295 or go to www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Nov. 8 - More staff cuts at Dartmouth-Hitchcock by January

The state's largest health care provider is planning to eliminate up to 100 jobs in the next two months.

Newly appointed Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO, Dr. James Weinstein, told employees about the reductions last Friday, and  followed up with an email yesterday. Staff reduction is one of the measures taken in recent months as D-H seeks to close a $100 million deficit. 

This year, the state's 10 largest hospitals expect to provide more than $131 million of medical care for patients who can not pay. Those hospitals also will pay about $135 million in Medicaid "enhancement" taxes, bringing the total financial impact to $266 million. The tax is 5.5 percent of a hospital's patient revenues.

More at Valley News

Nov. 2 - Primary will be Jan. 10 (Linda Plunkett) 

Late this morning, Secretary of State Gardner announced the date of the Presidential Primary as JANUARY 10, 2012.

Nov. 2 - Fairpoint charges it was duped by Verizon

Suit charges Fairpoint "paid a princely sum for a collection of inferior assets that had no future."

A group of former FairPoint Communications creditors has filed suit against Verizon Communications, charging that the giant telecom is to blame for FairPoint's bankruptcy and continued financial troubles.

The suit claims FairPoint went bankrupt because of its "disastrous" $2.7 billion purchase of Verizon's landline and Internet operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont in 2008. FairPoint filed for bankruptcy 18 months after the acquisition.

More at NHBR

Nov. 1 - Colby-Sawyer College annual Faculty Art Exhibition

The exhibit will feature recent work by the studio art faculty in ceramics, digital/electronic art, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media work, sculpture and watercolor.

The reception is free and open to everyone, Thursday, Nov. 3, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Marian Graves Mugar Art Gallery, on the New London campus. The show runs through Dec. 16.

Exhibitors are Deborah Campbell (painting); David Ernster (ceramics); Nicholas Gaffney (photography); Brandy Gibbs-Riley (graphic design); Jon Keenan (ceramics); Michael Lovell (painting); Kurt McQuiston (digital/electronic art); Mary Mead (printmaking and sculpture); Jane Prophet (mixed media); Namita Sharma (graphic design and mixed media); Kristin Tupper (watercolor); and Bert Yarborough (painting).

Oct. 11 - Claremont Lowe's closes

Lowe's hardware stores in Claremont and Hooksett will close "in about a month" and the Manchester store closed "abruptly" last night, "without providing any notice to employees".

A Lowe's press release stated that the company is closing 20 stores nationwide and laying off about 1,950 employees. New Hampshire was the hardest hit. No other state had more than two stores close.

Inventory at the Hooksett and Claremont stores will be sold off in "close-out sales".

More at the Union Leader

Related to the story "Supplies needed for flood victims" below, please make checks payable to "Lake Sunapee UMC" with "Hurricanes 2011" as the notation. Send to Lake Sunapee UMC, PO Box 335, Sunapee NH 03782

Oct. 8 - Scientists studying Lake Sunapee to meet next week

From Oct. 10 to 14, more than 100 scientists from 24 countries will meet at Mount Sunapee Resort to "discuss freshwater lakes and reservoirs, including what can be done to keep them healthy in the face of population growth and competing demands." 

Lake Sunapee is home to one of 30 monitoring buoys deployed across the globe. Others sites are in Sweden, France, Ireland, Estonia, Canada, Taiwan, China, Brazil, Israel, and Australia. The instruments "record and transmit data, 24/7, about lake and reservoir conditions, such as temperature and oxygen levels. This information helps scientists and managers understand and respond to variables such as flooding, development, and introduced species." 

Portions of the conference open to the public will be Oct. 11, 5-6:30 p.m. when scientists will be available to discuss their research posters. On Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. "Dr. Justin Brookes of the University of Adelaide will address the global water crisis. Following his lecture, a panel of international scientists will review critical water quality issues, what scientists are doing, and how citizens can become involved."

This is the 13th Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network conference and is hosted by the Lake Sunapee Protective Association and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

Oct. 7- Deadline Oct. 14 to register and change party (Kimberly Hallquist)

New London - Supervisors of the Checklist will hold a session for additions and corrections to the Checklist on Friday, Oct. 14, 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. In addition to registering new voters, it will be the last time voters can change party affiliation prior to the presidential primary. New voters may continue to register at the Town Clerk's office until 10 days prior to the Presidential Primary. 

Springfield - Friday, Oct. 14, 7-7:30 p.m. (Tamara Butcher)

Grantham - Friday, Oct. 14, 7-7:30 p.m. (Lorie McClory)

Oct. 7 - Record-breaking visitor numbers expected this weekend

"The most scenic roads in New Hampshire are expected to be busiest with traffic during the weekend, said Bill Boynton, public information officer at the state Department of Transportation. As visitors tend to flock to the Lakes Region and White Mountains to witness fall foliage, Route 112 is expected to see traffic flow heavier than usual, he said." 

"According to AAA of Northern New England, this month's average price for regular unleaded gas in New Hampshire is approximately $3.45, compared to last month's average of $3.64."

More at Fosters.com

Area gas prices.

Oct. 7 - Supplies needed for flood victims (Lorie McClory)

The Grantham United Methodist Church is collecting supplies to assemble cleaning buckets for flood victims in Vermont and New Hampshire. This is being done through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Donations may be dropped off at the Grantham church Tuesday mornings between 9:30 and 10:30, or Sunday mornings between 8:30 and 11. The cost to assemble each bucket is approximately $55, so donations of the specific items needed and monetary donations are greatly appreciated.

[From Janet Lowell: Please make checks payable to "Lake Sunapee UMC" with "Hurricanes 2011" notation. Send to Lake Sunapee UMC, PO Box 335, Sunapee NH 03782] 

Items needed for each bucket:

• 5-gallon bucket with resealable lid 

• liquid laundry detergent (two 25-ounce or one 50-ounce)

• liquid household cleaner (12 to 16 ounces) that can be mixed with water (no spray cleaners)

• dish soap (16- to 28-ounce bottle)

• air freshener (aerosol or pump)

• insect repellent spray (6- to 14-ounce aerosol spray or pump with protective cover)

• scrub brush (plastic or wooden handle)

• 18 cleaning wipes ( hand wipes or reusable wipes, no terry cleaning towels)

• seven sponges

• five scouring pads

• 50 clothespins

• clothesline (two 50-foot or one 100-foot cotton or plastic)

• 24 roll heavy duty trash bags

• five dust masks

• two pair disposable kitchen gloves (rubber or latex)

• one pair work gloves (cotton or leather).

If you have questions or need items picked up, call Janet Lowell at 863-8820. Church address: 418 Route 10 South, Grantham, NH 03743

Oct. 6- Bridge repairs on I-89 tonight and tomorrow night (NHDOT)

NH Dept. of Transportation has scheduled maintenance for various northbound and southbound I-89 bridges, between exits 2 and 9, from 8:30 pm to 3:00 a.m. tonight and tomorrow. Some left lane restrictions will be applied. Arrow boards, signs and traffic cones will be used to guide motorists through the work zones.

Sep. 27 - Learn about Planning and Zoning Boards

Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about the Planning or Zoning Boards and how they work? Maybe you have thought you would be interested in serving on one of these boards. The link below will take you to the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission 2011 Fall Planning & Zoning Conference. There is a charge for the Conference to cover materials, speakers and refreshments.

2011 Planning and Zoning Conference

Sep. 27 - Mushroom poisoning increase "alarming"

The cool damp weather has encouraged a bumper crop of wild mushrooms, but NH Dept. of Health and Human Services has issued a warning about eating them. Public Health Director, Dr. Jose Montero, said that there has been an "alarming" increase in emergency room visits by people who have eaten poisonous mushrooms.

So far in 2011, NH emergency rooms have reported 31 cases of mushroom poisoning, with 18 of them just this month. "While this is just one means of tracking illness caused by mushrooms [it is] not necessarily
comprehensive", Montero said.

A wide variety of mushrooms grow here, and some are toxic. "As little as one bit of a poisonous mushroom can cause serious injury or death. Many toxic mushrooms look a lot like non-toxic ones". There is no approved treatment for mushroom poisoning. Symptoms may not begin until hours after ingestion and can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, severe diarrhea, a change in heart rhythm, and low blood pressure.

More about poisonous mushrooms.

Sep. 25 - October SRK Greenway hikes  (GerryGold)

The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge (SRK) Greenway Coalition's Fall 2011 hike schedule continues with four Greenway hikes crossing parts of Goshen, Sunapee, Springfield and New London. The hikes, all free to the public, are listed below. Please contact the leader at least a day before to get details on start time and location. Bring water, sun screen, hat, and a snack. (E) is Easy. (M) is Moderate. (D) is Difficult.

Oct 1 (Sat): Passing Snow Bound Farm and Star Lake Farm in Springfield (Trail #4). 4.1 mi. (E) Peg Bastien (456-2347).

Oct 8 (Sat): Gile Forest, the Overlooks, Royal Arch, Devil's Half Acre Pond, Great Brook cascade are on the way from Springfield to Pleasant Lake, New London (Tr#5). 8.4 mi. (D) Andy Hager (526-2846).

Oct 15 (Sat): Sunapee Lower Village to Deer Hill Rd on Trail #3. 7.3 mi. (M). Susan Chiarella (763-4661). 

Oct 22 (Sat): Old Province Road, Goshen, to Sunapee Town Offices via Webb Forest and
Red Water Creek Preserve (Tr#2). 7.3 mi. (M) Gerry Gold (526-2857).

The SRK Greenway Coalition is a non-profit volunteer organization that promotes hiking and land conservation. Hike all 14 sections for a certificate of completion! The SRK Greenway's 14 sections covering 75 miles of trails are open to all. For information, visit www.srkg.com

Sep. 16 - Lake drawdown dates announced

NH Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) announced today the annual fall drawdown dates of lakes and ponds controlled by DES-owned dams.

Drawdowns reduce winter ice damage to shoreline properties and reduce spring flooding. They also give waterfront property owners an opportunity to inspect and make any repairs, after securing a permit from the DES Wetlands Bureau.

Below are the lakes in our area that will be lowered, the brooks and rivers that will be affected by water released, drawdown date and depth in feet:

Sunapee Lake, Sugar River, Oct. 10, 2.5'

Little Sunapee Lake, Kidder Brook, Oct. 15, 1'

Kezar Lake, Lane River, Sept. 30, 2'

Mascoma Lake, Mascoma River, Oct. 10, 3'

Webster Lake, Chance Brook, Oct. 10, 2'

Sep. 14 - Hazardous waste and medications disposal (Linda Plunkett)

The third of four scheduled disposal dates for hazardous waste and unwanted medications is this Saturday, Sep. 17, at the Newport Highway Garage, 449 South Main Street (Rt. 10). Electronics collection is at same location, but there is a fee.

The next collection day is Oct. 15, 9 am - noon at the City of Lebanon Solid Waste Facility, 370 Plainfield Road (Route 12A).

Click here for more information, including of list of acceptable and unacceptable items.

Sep. 7 - Beach bacteria advisories removed

NH Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) has removed beach bacteria advisories from the beaches listed below, because the swim season is complete and testing has ended for the season.

Dewey Town Beach on Lake Sunapee, Sunapee
Opechee Park Cove, Laconia 
Beards Brook Town  Beach, Hillsborough

The American Red Cross is directing all community members with food and clothing donations to The Haven in White River Junction, VT. In turn, The Haven is distributing this emergency food and clothing to all Irene victims who are in need.

Through its Outreach Program, the Haven has also set up a fund specifically to help Irene victims with various emergency needs. All funds donated will go directly to those who have been devastated by the natural disaster.

The Haven is working in partnership with all area resources to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.

To donate food and clothing, stop by The Haven, 713 Hartford Ave., White River Junction, VT. To donate funds you can send a check, call with a credit card number, or go to www.uppervalleyhaven.org to make a contribution online. Please specify "Hurricane Irene."

Aug. 31 - S.R.K. Greenway hikes for Sept. (Gerry Gold)

The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge (SRK) Greenway Coalition's Fall 2011 hike schedule crosses seven of the 14 sections from Newbury harbor, touching parts of Goshen, Sunapee, and Springfield to reach Wilmot Center. September's three Saturday hikes are listed below. All hikes are free to everyone. Please contact the leader a day before the hike for details on start time and location. Take water, sun screen, hat, and a snack. (E) is Easy. (M) is Moderate. (D) is Difficult.

Sept 10 (Sat): Mt. Sunapee, Lake Solitude and Summit Trail in the Fall - walking from Newbury to Goshen!! 5.4 mi. (D) Nate Richer, 763-2127.

Sept 17 (Sat): Bog Mountain in Wilmot via streamside and woods trails with more great views. (M) Lee Carvalho, 735-5719.

Sept 24 (Sat): From Great Brook in New London, uphill past historic Bunker Farm site and Wilmot Town Line to Rte 4A. 3.2 mi (E). Brian Faughnan, 526-7838. 

The SRK Greenway Coalition is a non-profit volunteer organization that promotes hiking and land conservation. Its 14 sections with 75 miles of trails are open to all. For information, visit www.srkg.com

Aug. 29 - Springfield road closures and damage report (Tamara Butcher)

North end of Town Farm Rd closed due to washout. Town Highway crew is working to get this repaired today and tomorrow. Expect to have it reopened tomorrow afternoon.

Twin Lake Villa Rd in front of the Villa is damage and is expected to remain closed for some time. Residents of the west end of Twin Lake Villa Rd will need to use Main St to Golf Course Rd. Travel is still possible from the New London side of the Villa up to the east side of the Villa.

Main Street/State Route 114 leading to Grantham is closed at 4242 Main Street (just before the town line) due to culvert washout.

Route 4A east of Shad Hill is damaged. The road is passable using one lane. State workers are doing repairs.

Springfield suffered minimal damage. Minor cleanup and sweeping will take place in the next week or so.

If you know of any areas that need attention please contact the Town Office. 

  Aug. 27 - The Fells auction rescheduled (The Fells)

Because of Hurricane Irene, The Fells 11th Benefit Auction, scheduled for tomorrow, has been rescheduled to next Friday, Sep. 2, 5-8 p.m. Reservations for tomorrow will be added to the guest list for Friday. New reservations at the "early-bird" price of $60 are being accepted. Reserve on-line or call 603-763-4789 x3.

Aug. 26 - Bacteria advisory issued for Dewey Beach (DES)

NH Dept. of Environmental Services (DES) issued a beach advisory this afternoon for Dewey Town Beach on Lake Sanapee.

DES announced the advisory because water samples showed bacteria levels above the state standard, indicating possible presence of disease-causing organisms, or a toxic cyanobacteria scum. Advisories like this recommend avoiding water contact at the beach until further water samples reveal safe conditions. Sunacom will post any change in this advisory.

Aug. 26 - New London announces emergency plans (New London Town Admin.)

This morning, the New London Town Administrator's office released plans developed by the Emergency Management Committee for the impending hurricane.

"The Committee decided that in the event that a shelter is needed, Whipple Town Hall will be the first facility to be used. Whipple Hall has a generator so there will be power at that location. Cots will be moved to that location today (Friday) to be ready in the event that we need the facility. 

"Colby-Sawyer College will be broadcasting from their station WSCS 90.9 FM. This will be a dependable source of information as they also have a generator so they will be able to broadcast even during power outages. Please take the time now to make sure your radio is set to that station.

"Now is a good time to take out the 2011 Emergency Planning Guide that was mailed to all residents last month. The packet contains a window placard to alert emergency personnel whether you need assistance (red side) or that you are okay (green side) and they can continue on to assist others. Remember to put it in a window that can be seen by emergency personnel when they approach your home.

"Call 526-9444 to hear regularly-updated messages from the Emergency Management Committee throughout the storm. You may also want to check the State of NH website, ReadyNH, for statewide storm information. That website is at www.nh.gov/readynh.

"Dial 911 if you have an emergency and need emergency personnel to respond to your home.

"Finally, Chief Lyon asks that everyone remember that generators and gas grills should remain outside and away from structures when in use to avoid the deadly consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Please be assured that all essential town officials will be monitoring this situation throughout the weekend so that any requests for emergency services will be responded to as quickly and as efficiently as possible."

Aug. 26 - Precautions during and after hurricane 

During an extended power outage, food safety is an issue. DHHS recommends the following:

Never taste food to determine if it is safe.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain cold.

The refrigerator should keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold temperature approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed.

Food can be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below.

Get block ice or dry ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is expected to be out for an extended time. 

Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after four hours without power.

Keep the following in mind in dealing with flooding:

Storm water can carry sewage, chemicals, germs, and fuel. 

Avoid floodwater and flooded areas. Wear protection if you must travel through flood water.

If your well has been flooded, make sure it is tested and disinfected before using water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.

Disinfect any items that come in contact with floodwater with a ¼ cup of bleach per gallon of water.

Moisture accelerates mold growth which can cause disease and allergic reactions. Remove standing water and wet items from indoors as soon as possible.

Aug. 25 - Movie Night next Friday in Springfield (Tamara Butcher)

Updated today by Tamara Butcher, the corrected date is Friday, Sep. 2, 7 p.m., Town Office lower level. Free admission, $2 for popcorn and raffle ticket.

Aug. 22 - Newport library book sale next Saturday (Gayle Hedrington)

The 56th Annual Richards Free Library Book Sale begins next Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m., with a special preview at 8 a.m. for Friends of the Richards Library.

In addition to books, videos, DVDs, CDs and related items for sale, will be the Library's renowned "Cookie Walk". The library is seeking donations of homemade cookies. Please call the library at 863-3430 to arrange drop-offs.

Luncheon on the Library porch, a favorite of attendees, will be provided by the Library Trustees, and the Children's Tent will have expanded activities. Come and enjoy the day at Richards Library, 58 North Main Street in Newport. Admission is free. 

Aug. 16 - Packed house at Newbury Planning Board meeting (Ken Schuster)

More than 60 people filled the Newbury Town Office meeting room this evening as the Planning Board discussed documents for a proposed 34-unit HUD-funded development near Newbury harbor. Attorney Ken Neilson represented the private non-profit corporation, Community Action Program (CAP), headquartered in Concord. According to Neilson, after CAP finishes with establishing the building complex, management "probably" would be turned over to a private, non-profit "Newbury elderly housing board".

Responding to a question by Planning Board member Bruce Healey, Neilson said that the residences would be "tax exempt," but would make "payment in lieu of taxes with three options".

Katheryn Holmes, Chair of both the Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment, displayed a map commissioned by the Town of Newbury for the Planning Board's Master Plan of 2008 that delineated areas of wetlands conservation and wildlife. Holmes pointed to the proposed development site and said that it was completely within the highest-ranked habitat on the map. She repeatedly told the Planning Board members to read the conservation report.

Attorney Neilson said "all abutters" of the proposed site were notified of a meeting with CAP, and "about 35 people showed up." Two of the primary abutters said that they had never received notification of the meeting. Neilson said that it was also posted in the local newspaper and probably at the post office.

June Fichter, Executive Director of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA), said that she had made several suggestions to CAP about possible impact on the lake's health. She said that some changes had been made, but not the most important one, which was to reduce the number of units in the development.

The next Planning Board meeting on this subject will be open to the public at 7:45 p.m., Sep. 20.

Aug. 15 - Girl Scout Troops Forming  (Liz Tentarelli)

Girl Scout troops are forming now in most towns of the Green and White Mountains Council. Girls in kindergarten through grade 9 who want to have fun and develop skills in an all-girl setting are encouraged to sign up for troop placement. Home-schooled girls of similar ages are welcome too.

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is committed to offering Girl Scouting to every girl. Financial aid is available from the Council for families needing help with the registration fee and uniforms.

Some troops currently exist in the area towns. Many of them have openings for new members.

Trained volunteers lead the troops. More adult volunteers are needed to lead and assist new troops so that all girls can be placed. Sharing Girl Scouting with your daughter is a rewarding experience, say the many parents who have become leaders.

Short-term volunteers are also needed, such as helping girls with particular badges or doing paperwork for the cookie sale. Women who remember the joys of their own Girl Scout days particularly enjoy sharing their skills with girls in these limited assignments.

For more information about girl placement and adult volunteer opportunities, phone Liz Tentarelli, the volunteer support coordinator for the Kearsarge/Sunapee area as well as Andover, Webster, and Salisbury, at 763-9296.

Aug. 1 - Cornish-Windsor covered bridge closed next Saturday (NHDOT)

NH DoT will close the Cornish, NH-Windsor, VT covered bridge over the Connecticut River from 10 am to 1 pm, Aug. 6 for traffic control during the 58th Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl football game, and activities in Windsor.

Motorists should use NH Route 12 between Claremont, NH and Ascutney, VT, or Interstate 89 between Lebanon, NH and Hartford, VT during the closure period.

July 25 - Route 114 Bradford-Henniker road work (NHDOT)

NHDoT announced today "pavement preservation projects are getting underway this week on sections of NH Route 28 in Alton and Wolfeboro, and NH Route 114 in Henniker and Bradford."

Microsurfacing and paving in Henniker and Bradford will start at the bridge over US 202/NH 9 and continue north 8.5 miles to NH 103. Traffic control will include alternating one-way traffic using flaggers.

See information here.

July 21 - Imported firewood ban now law 

A quarantine of out-of-state firewood is now in effect. Violators  are subject to confiscation of their firewood and a fine.

"Invasive pests of trees are often spread through the transportation of firewood, which can be infested with insects, even if there is no visible evidence" said State Entomologist Piera Siegert. State Entomologist Kyle Lombard said "We surveyed firewood use at campgrounds and found that 40 percent of the out-of state campers brought it from home. We have seen that every stick of firewood taken from these campers had insects, to the tune of about 30 per piece.”

"The health of our trees and forests are linked to the health of our state; socially, economically, and environmentally," said New Hampshire State Forester Brad Simpkins. "We must all share the responsibility to protect this wonderful resource for ours and future generations."

July 20 - Heat Advisory for tomorrow 

A Heat Advisory will be in effect tomorrow from noon 8 pm. With high temperatures in the 90s and dew points near 70, the heat indices will be about 100 degrees.  This could lead to heat illnesses for children, the elderly and those performing strenuous physical activities. 

Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS, says “There are simple, common-sense precautions to take, including remaining in an air conditioned environment whenever possible, which is the number one protective measure, drinking plenty of fluids, but avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar, wearing light clothing, and limiting outdoor activity.”

Symptoms of heat exhaustion are cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and/or fatigue. Symptoms of heat stroke are red skin that is hot to the touch; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. The temperature may rise dramatically and the patient’s skin may feel dry. 

If someone is experiencing heat stroke, they should be moved to a cool place and be cooled down with water if possible, and emergency medical help should be called immediately because heat stroke can be life threatening.

July 5 - Lebanon exit 19 south on I-89 to close all day next Tuesday

Weather permitting, exit 19 southbound on I-89 will be closed July 12, from 8 am to 5 pm for construction. Motorists are advised to take exit 18 during that time.  

July 4 - Sun screen ingredient may increase tumor growth

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) study indicates "a form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions. This evidence is troubling because the sunscreen industry adds vitamin A to 30 percent of all sunscreens."

This is the 34th summer in a row that the FDA has failed to come up with guidelines to protect consumers. EWG researchers have numerous concerns about existing sunscreens, including overstated claims and inadequate protection from UVA, the primary cancer-causing rays. Meanwhile, according to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, affecting one out of five Americans.

Sunscreens sold in Europe, even by US manufacturers, have five times more UVA protection than those available in the US. Companies can choose among seven safety-proven UVA filtering ingredients for their products for Europeans, but only three of them can be in products for Americans. Manufacturers have been waiting more than five years for the FDA to approve the same ingredients for the US market.

More at EWG.

More at NRDC.

June 28 - State forest service asks pool owners for help

Kyle Lombard, of the NH Forest Health Office, and UNH forestry professor Karen Bennett are asking pool owners to help gather information about the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB). ALB has the potential to wipe out most of the state's maple syrup, lumber and tourist industries. 

Trees in Worcester, MA had been dying every year for a decade until the cause was linked to ALB, three years ago. To stop further spread, thousands more trees were cut down and burned. Investigators discovered that some Worcester homeowners had been collecting ALB in their swimming pools for years prior to the 2008 identification.

"Because there isn’t a reliable trap for ALB and using the Worcester-experience, we are looking for ALB in swimming pools. Last summer, we tested this approach with 34 public pools. Thankfully, we didn’t find ALB, but we found many longhorned-type beetles, so we know this survey method works. If ALB is New Hampshire, we think we will find them in swimming pools."

Help us by looking at the debris from your swimming pool. In addition to a swimming pool, you need:

* A digital camera.
* An active email address.
* Ability to follow instructions to upload your pictures to a website.

More at UNH Extension, Longhorn Beetle Project.

June 26 - PolitiFact® now on Sunacom (Ken Schuster)

With the 2012 political season hard upon us, Sunacom will help you separate fact from fiction with reportedly unbiased reporting by the St. Petersburg Times, and other sources. We will run a continuously-updated overview right here in the left column on Sunacom's Front Page.

Reporters "examine statements by members of Congress, the president, cabinet secretaries, lobbyists, people who testify before Congress and anyone else who speaks up in Washington. We research their statements and then rate the accuracy on our Truth-O-Meter – True, Mostly True, Half True, Barely True and False. The most ridiculous falsehoods get our lowest rating, Pants on Fire."

Mount Sunapee Resort announced the 10 Mount Sunapee Council Scholarship Awards recipients for the 2011 school year, today. The awards are for students of the three regional high schools: Sunapee, Newport and Kearsarge. The one-year scholarships are valued at $1,000 each with the opportunity to re-apply for the following year.

Recipients are: 

Katie Brode, Sunapee

Emily Weinberger, Sunapee

Leanne Rubchinuk, Newport

Nicholas Sullivan, Newport

Anna Buchar, Bradford

Lindy Heffernan, Sutton Mills

Matthew Wilson, Newbury

Jay Cady, New London

Tasia Rechisky, Sunapee

Jerel Ward, Warner

More about these recipients, and additional scholarships and information.

Top of page 

This year's "sugaring" season was New Hampshire's best on record, surpassing the 100,000-gallon mark for the first time ever.

"It was an exceptional year all around," said Robyn Pearl, publicist for the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association. "It just kind of blew the top off."

USDA statistics show that New Hampshire produced 87,000 gallons of maple syrup last year, and this year it jumped to 120,000 gallons with the same number of taps.

I tapped only four trees this year, and the sap poured out almost like from a spigot. After boiling down almost three quarts of syrup (about 40 quarts of sap makes one quart of syrup), the sap was still running! If you've never done it, it's worth the experience to make even a half cup of incredible syrup from your own trees. It's so easy to do.

More at NHBR

June 14 - New London Town Administrator hired

Next Monday will be Kimberly Hallquist's first day on the job as New London's Town Administrator, according to today's announcement by NL Selectmen.

Kim is a Southern New Hampshire University graduate, with a Juris Doctor degree from the UNH School of Law, focusing on municipal law. She has been a staff attorney for the Local Government Center in Concord for the past six years. Prior to that, she was a staff attorney for the Disabilities Rights Center, Inc., Administrative Assistant for the Town of Carroll, NH, and the owner of Four Seasons Motor Inn in Twin Mountain, NH.

June 14 - Today is Flag Day

"Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day. " 
- usflag.org

More about our flag.

June 9 - New I-93 Hooksett Tolls cash lanes begin June 14

Beginning next Tuesday, June 14, only the three right lanes in both directions will be open for cash at the I-93 Hookset Toll Plaza. A fourth lane will be a cash lane during seasonal or event traffic spikes.

NHDOT says, "Approach signage on top of the plaza will clearly indicate the appropriate lanes to use for both cash and E-ZPass. Motorists are reminded that their E-ZPass transponders can be used in any lane while cash will only be accepted in the right-most lanes. The speed limit in E-ZPass lanes is 25 MPH and is enforced by State Police."