Monthly Archive for January, 2011

The Messenger – January 28, 2011

The Messenger - January 28, 2011 Issue
In This Issue

Virginia Irwin named Newport Superintendent

The SAU #43 School Board spared little time in naming a replacement of retiring Superintendent Michael Marcinkus. Acting at a special meeting that night, the board hired Virginia Irwin as Interim Superintendent for the next 18 months or until a new Superintendent can be hired.

Duncan-Jenkins Trust reports banner year

The Trustee of the Duncan-Jenkins Charitable Trust hosted the trust’s Annual Dinner last Thursday. Trustee Douglas Hatfield was pleased to report that despite the unstable and uncertain stock market since the Trust was established in 2001, it has increased the market value. As of the end of 2010, the market value of the Trust investments was $6,314,300, representing a 20 percent increase over the $5 million it started with. Because of the increased value, Grants Committee was able to make larger grants this year, and expect to have more than $250,000 available for the 2011 year.

Three convicted of animal cruelty

A husband and wife from Deering entered no contest pleas on cruelty to animals charges after 40 cats and one dog were found in their home last year. Randy M. Emery and his wife, Phyllis Emery, entered the plea agreements in the Henniker District Court. Randy M. Emery was sentenced to five months in jail, suspended for two years on the condition of good behavior.

DAR presents area Good Citizens Awards

The Mercy Hathaway White recently celebrated the winners of “The Good Citizen Award” during their Christmas Tea on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. Each of the Good Citizen winners shared a little bit about themselves and their plans for continuing education. The Good Citizen Award is presented to high school seniors who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.

Henniker selectmen trimming the budget

The Henniker selectmen have approved an operating budget of $4,166,675 for presentation at next week’s public hearing, but have indicated that further cuts may be made depending on the sentiments expressed by taxpayers at that hearing. Although the budget is up slightly and would increase the tax rate by only .35/$1,000, Tom Watman indicated he would like to make further reductions resulting in a fl at if not reduced tax rate. Leo Aucoin agreed, saying he would like to see another $50,000 trimmed from the budget. “These are the times you have to make the tough cuts.”

Download The Messenger – January 28, 2011 Issue (5.9MB PDF)

The Messenger – January 21, 2011

The Messenger - January 21, 2011 Issue
In This Issue

Speed limit remains 50 mph on Newport Road

The New London Selectmen reviewed the data requested from the State of NH regarding the speed study on Newport Road which revealed that the average speed was 49 mph, with a range of 45-55 mph. In the DOT’s opinion, changing the speed limit in this area was unlikely to change the traffic pattern, thus the State does not recommend lowering the speed limit from 50 MPH.

Newport Superintendent gone after 6 months

Michael F. Marcinkus, Superintendent of Schools for SAU #43 in Newport resigned suddenly and last week, leaving the School Board scurrying to name an interim superintendent to lead the Newport and Croydon schools for the rest of the year. The Board immediately met in executive session Friday night to begin the process

New London bond refinancing saves money

New London Finance Officer Carol Fraley, who reported that she had gone back to the banks and three came back with bids (Ledyard did not bid). Lake Sunapee came in at 2.7% for all bonds, including the two presently at Sugar River; Sugar River stayed at 3.25% for the two they presently have and 3% for the new one and did not bid on the longest bond; and Mascoma was 3.51% for the longest one and 2.8275% but only if the town moved its primary bank account to them.

Hillsborough Pride hosts Candidates Night March 2

Hillsborough Pride will again host a Candidates Night at the American Legion Hall from 7-9 PM on March 2, 2011. Candidates for Hillsborough municipal or Hillsboro-Deering School District offices are invited to present their view in this public forum

Download The Messenger – January 21, 2011 Issue (3.8MB PDF)

The Messenger – January 14, 2011

The Messenger - January 14, 2011 Issue
In This Issue

H-D voters facing a $20 million budget

A large crowd, dominated by teachers, administrators, support staff and parents attended Monday’s H-D School District Budget Hearing. For the second year in a row, the School Board has proposed an operating budget that equals the default budget. This year the figure is $19,713,125.00 up $778,746.00 or 4%. Voters will also be asked to approve a new teacher’s contract which increases salaries $123,277.00 in 2011, and another $209,574.00 in 2012.

Kearsarge voters face $37+ million budget

The 100 plus voters at the Kearsarge Regional School District’s deliberative session yesterday were presented with a pair of budget proposals which each called for more than a $1 million increase over the current budget. The school board is asking for $37.5 while the budget committee has proposed $37.2 million.

The decision: Is Hillsborough pro or anti growth?

The Hillsborough Economic Development Commission recently met with the Planning Board. Commission Chair, Rex Gray said that they wanted to meet with the Planning Board because of a concern that they wanted to present the same face to potential business owners that Hillsborough is a business friendly town. Gray said that people don’t always have a clear vision of what is expected, and if they knew what was required they could be set, but that often it seems that more questions are raised, and more things get added to what is needed.

Peterborough’s Acqua Bistro is closed

A popular Peterborough restaurant has been closed after a 10- year run in Depot Square. Acqua Bistro proprietor Pamela Parker of Hancock, blames increased competition and reduced business for the closing.

Download The Messenger – January 14, 2011 Issue (3.7MB PDF)

The Messenger – January 7, 2011

The Messenger - January 7, 2011 IssueIn This Issue

Antrim officer awarded Life Saving Citation

Antrim police officer Brian Lord was recently awarded the Antrim Police Department’s Life Saving Citation for his actions in responding to the report of a person who was not conscious and not breathing. Antrim Police sgt. Sean Cavanaugh said many of the details of the incident could not be released in order to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. At the incident, Lord took immediate action by performing CPR and getting the resident’s pulse back.

Henniker’s Que Pasa closed by fire

A popular Henniker restaurant has been closed after a fi re authorities say began with the spontaneous combustion of oily rags and caused heavy damage early Monday morning. The owners were present when fi re officials inspected the inside of the converted barn, which also houses building owner Philip Richardson’s accounting Office. The fi re destroyed much of the roof and broke through the restaurant’s second floor, which the family used for food storage and office space.

Newport kicks off a year long celebration

Newport residents kicked off their Semiquincentennial (250th) Year at a gala event on New Year’s Eve at the Newport Opera House. They came to eat and see the shows. Children’s activities included games, face-painting, and a photo backdrop for a commemorative photo. The highlight of the evening was at midnight as the town clock and area church bells rang, there were two blasts from the historic 1847 cannon followed by 250 seconds of fireworks, visible from the common and Main Street area.

Download The Messenger – January 7, 2011 Issue (3.6MB PDF)

In New Hampshire – January 2011

In This Issue

Ice Fishing classes offered for free

CONCORD, N.H. – The temperatures are dropping, and lakes and ponds are beginning to freeze over, tell-tale signs that Old Man Winter is almost here. Once the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over, why not get outside and enjoy the New Hampshire winter by taking an ice fishing class?

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Let’s Go Fishing Program, in partnership with other groups, will be offering several ice fishing classes open to the public this winter. Classes are free. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your space…

Rosewood Country Inn and The Candlelite Inn join together for Inn to Inn Snow Shoe Getaway

Bradford, NH – There’s never been a better opportunity to get out and experience a stunning New Hampshire winter than with the Inn To Inn Snow Shoe Getaway being offered by the Rosewood Country Inn and The Candlelite Inn, both situated in the picturesque Lake Sunapee Region. This package will be offered for two weekends only: January 14 to 16 and March 4 to 6, 2011.

NH Snowmobile Season Right Around the Corner

The 2010-2011 snowmobile season is right around the corner, the projected opening date is December 15. The NH Bureau of Trails and the volunteer snowmobile clubs have been making preparations on the trails to be ready for riders. The Bureau is recommending riders get their equipment ready to go and registered early, that way they are ready for the start when the snowfalls. Snowmobile registrations are the primary funding source for snowmobile trail projects and winter trail grooming. So, registrations are vital to the program.

Snowmobile safety classes underway

CONCORD, N.H. — Don’t wait until the last minute to sign up for snowmobile education classes offered across the state. To operate a snowmobile in New Hampshire, any person age 12 or older must have either a valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License or have successfully completed an approved Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) Safety Education class taught by volunteer instructors trained by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

IN New Hampshire – January 2011 – download PDF

NH Homes & Home Improvement – January 2011

Download In NH Home & Home Improvement - January 2011 (3MB PDF)In This Issue

Saving energy might not be as diffcult as you think

While saving energy and lowering your bills during the winter takes some personal sacrifice, it might not be as hard as you think. With a combination of changing your habits and a few simple fixes, it’s possible to realize significant savings on your utility bills.

Warm up your kitchen with cozy colors

Whether you’re an aspiring top chef, a novice cookie maker or anything in between, the kitchen can serve as the central meeting place for family and friends. Using warm wood colors and accents, while opting for the newest styles, instantly creates a more inviting look for your kitchen. Here are some ways to warm up your kitchen with color.

Gardening season doesn’t have to end when the ground freezes

Falling leaves and frost often bring bittersweet feelings for gardeners. On one hand, you reflect warmly on all that was accomplished during the season – be it a bumper tomato harvest or vivid memories of the color displays during each part of the growing season. On the other hand, you can’t wait to get the spade in the ground in the spring and it’s driving you crazy.

Save money by conserving water

Water may not be the renewable resource you think it is. In fact, 36 states anticipate shortages by 2013, according to U.S. government estimates. But the good news is you can reduce the amount of water you use in the home, which in the end will save you money on your water bill.

Selling your home? Add value during winter months

If you’re planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects.

Download NH Home & Home Improvement – January 2011 (3MB PDF)

Senior Lifestyles – January 2011

Download Senior Lifestyles - January 2011 (3.4MB PDF)In This Issue

Put out the welcome mat for guests

When your youngest child packs up and drives away – to college, a new job or his first apartment – the quiet in the house can be unsettling at first. Then it hits you, your ‘empty nest’ is a remodeling opportunity. You now have the time to redo that guest bathroom and design the ultimate bath retreat. From the start of your redesign project, be on the lookout for products that offer socially sustainable design. There is a wide selection of watersaving toilets, faucets and showerheads that will meet your needs and style.

Is your health passing the test?

Chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately, health screening tests are an easy way to detect these conditions early, so you can prevent symptoms from worsening.

Seniors shoulder a large credit card debt burden

Younger generations of Americans have long looked up to their elders as paragons of good financial common sense. So it’s surprising to find out that many seniors are facing high levels of credit card debt. A study by the University of Michigan Law School showed that 7 percent of the people fi ling for bankruptcy between 1991 and 2007 were aged 65 and older – the fastest growing age segment to file.

Don’t overlook these tax breaks on your 2010 return

Every year, taxpayers miss out on hundreds or thousands of dollars in tax breaks simply because they don’t know the benefits exist. “Figuring out what tax breaks are available, whether you qualify, and what forms you need can be tricky,” says Jessi Dolmage of TaxACT, makers of tax preparation software. Dolmage offers some tips for taking advantage of commonly missed deductions and credits…

Download Senior Lifestyles – January 2011 (3.4MB PDF)

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