Category: News

News & Notes 20/07/30

lyCovid-19 updateAs of July 20As of July 27
Total cases statewide6,2496,441
Total current infections statewide565407
Total deaths statewide398409
New cases190 (July 14 to July 20)211 (July 21 to July 27)
Current infections: Hillsborough County328201
Current infections: Merrimack County3128
Current infections: Rockingham County127103
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Governor’s updates

On July 17, Gov. Chris Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-15, extending the state of emergency in New Hampshire due to the Covid-19 pandemic for another three weeks through at least Aug. 7. It’s the sixth extension he has issued since originally declaring a state of emergency on March 13.

On July 21, Sununu issued Emergency Order No. 59, an order that temporarily halts premium and signature requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries until 90 days after the termination of the public health emergency.

On July 22, Sununu released the Governor’s Covid-19 Equity Response Team’s report, offering immediate, short-term and long-term recommendations. The report includes recommendations to increase community testing, to assure testing sites have written protocols for community outreach and demographic identifier data, to assure healthy food access, to deploy Covid-19 response community health workers and to provide isolation and quarantine housing support.

During a July 23 press conference, Sununu announced the launch of the Empowering Youth Program as part of the Invest in the Future Fund, which allocates about $4.5 million of federal CARES act funding to ensure kids in New Hampshire have programs available to them that traditionally exist in the summer. About $2 million of that $4.5 million will be used for the Empowering Youth Program. “The goal … is just to provide funding for things like day camps, or recreational sports and other recreational programs, so we’re not just taking the summer in an isolated chunk,” Sununu said. “We want to create a continuum of opportunities for these kids that extend, as we finish out the summer and then move into the next year.” Now through Aug. 17, organization leaders can file an application by visiting goferr.nh.gov. To be eligible for funding, programs must serve youths, at least 75 percent of which are New Hampshire residents.

On July 27, Sununu issued Emergency Order No. 60, rescinding the state ban on reusable shopping bags in grocery stores, which had been in place since March 21. “We looked at the latest data, consulted with officials at public health and ask individuals to be courteous and respectful to retail/grocery workers by cleaning your reusable bags,” Sununu wrote in a tweet.

Details of all of Sununu’s Emergency and Executive Orders can be found at governor.nh.gov.

Laws and vetoes

Gov. Chris Sununu has signed into law and vetoed several House bills in the past week. Here are some of the highlights, according to press releases from the Office of the Governor.

HB 1135 was signed into law. Among other things, this law declares June 6 as D-Day Remembrance Day and Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day, and it makes Holocaust education compulsory in New Hampshire schools and establishes a commission to study best teaching practices for the subject.

HB 731 was vetoed, relative to raising the minimum wage. In his veto statement, Sununu said that when minimum wages increase, employees often end up with fewer hours, or jobs are eliminated. “Now is exactly the wrong time to pursue policies that will reduce the chances of Granite Staters being able to get back to work and that will further hinder our employers who are already struggling in this global pandemic,” Sununu said in his statement. “This bill would have meant fewer jobs and fewer available hours for our workers who are unemployed or underemployed.”

HB 1454 was vetoed, relative to alternative education. In his veto statement, Sununu said the bill would have “effectively killed” the Learn Everywhere program, which “empowers parents to find the best educational paths for their children, and allows students to access a broader range of courses than their schools could provide on their own.” He said the bill would restrict parents’ ability to find alternatives to their children’s education.

SB 124 was vetoed, relative to the minimum electric renewable portfolio standards. In his veto statement, Sununu said the bill could potentially cost electric ratepayers $300 million in new subsidies each year, and the state would need to use 20 square miles of land to achieve the solar energy goal set forth in the bill.

All legislative staff and legislators entering the Statehouse in Concord are now required to wear a mask, after the New Hampshire Joint Committee on Legislative Facilities voted 11-0 last week in favor of the mandate, according to a press release. Masks will be required in all public areas.

Live and Let Live Farm in Chichester, the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire in Bedford and the Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter will benefit from the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s “Allies for Animals” raffle, which features “some of the world’s most sought-after whiskies, bourbons, scotches and cordials,” according to a press release from the Commission. Raffle tickets are $100 and are available through Sept. 15 at liquorandwineoutlets.com/allies.

Help “Stuff the Bus” for students in the greater Nashua area on Saturday, Aug. 1, when United Way will be accepting donations of school supplies from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Staples in Nashua, Staples in Amherst, Big Lots in Nashua, and Sam’s Club in Hudson, according to a press release. Donations will also be accepted that day through Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, at Target in the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua. The supplies support back-to-school programs at the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, Nashua Goes Back to School, Milford SHARE Outreach and school districts in the region.

News & Notes 20/07/02

Covid-19 updateAs of June 22As of June 29
Total cases statewide5,5585,760
Total current infections statewide929958
Total deaths statewide339367
New cases233 (June 16 to June 22)212 (June 23 to June 30)
Current infections: Hillsborough County586586
Current infections: Merrimack County6665
Current infections: Rockingham County185194
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Governor’s updates
In the past week, Gov. Chris Sununu made multiple announcements in the state’s ongoing response to Covid-19.

In a June 23 press conference, Sununu announced that $5 million in CARES act funding will go toward youth-focused programs in the Granite State, while $6 million will be used for mental health and substance abuse-focused programs and $7 million will be used for veterans service organizations.

On June 25, in a press conference, Sununu announced that all hotels, inns and campgrounds in the state were able to operate at 100-percent capacity starting on June 29, though the 14-day self-quarantining rules for out-of-state visitors still apply. He also announced the establishment of the Self Employment Livelihood Fund, which will provide up to $50,000 in funding to self-employed businesses in New Hampshire. To qualify, a business must not be permanently closed or be in bankruptcy and must not be a nonprofit. Applications will be accepted from July 6 to July 17.

Also on June 25, Sununu issued Emergency Orders No. 54, No. 55 and No. 56. Emergency Order No. 54 gives refunds of road tolls to private school bus owners or school bus lines when their vehicles are being used to transport meals to students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Emergency Order No. 55 extends the funding of the Covid-19 Long Term Care Stabilization Program through July 31. The program had been established in April, providing temporary stabilization funding through Medicaid for frontline workers in the state. Stipends of $300 per week have been distributed to full-time qualifying frontline workers, and $150 per week to part-time workers. Emergency Order No. 56 authorizes municipalities in the state to enter into agreements with property taxpayers on an agreed schedule for the payment of property taxes.

On June 26, Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-14, extending the state of emergency in New Hampshire due to Covid-19 for another three weeks through at least July 17. It’s the fifth extension he has issued since originally declaring a state of emergency on March 13.

Also on June 26, Sununu issued Exhibit J to Emergency Order No. 29, which had been issued on April 9. Emergency Order No. 29 requires state agencies, boards and commissions to submit recommendations to Sununu if any regulatory deadlines should be adjusted in response to the state of emergency. Per Exhibit J, annual Department of Education fees, such as licensing, licensing renewals, new courses, new programs and transcript requests, have been waived for FY 2020-2021. Details of all Emergency and Executive Orders can be found at governor.nh.gov.

Race fans
Approximately 19,000 fans can attend the Aug. 2 Nascar Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, according to a June 25 story from WMUR. The rescheduled Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 will be the largest spectator event in New England since the Covid-19 pandemic started, WMUR reported. The speedway will be limited to 35 percent capacity, and social distancing requirements and safety protocols will be in place, based on an action plan that was approved by Gov. Sununu. Employees will have to wear face makes; fans will be encouraged to wear them, but not required. Other precautions include prohibiting fans from bringing standard-size coolers, and cash will not be accepted. “Being outdoors, having it being for a limited time, having a system where you can ensure the physical distancing for the vast majority of the event … gives us a lot of confidence” that the event will be safe, Sununu said, according to WMUR. There are about 7,000 tickets left; the credits that were given out for the approximately 12,000 tickets that had been purchased for the July 19 race date can be used Aug. 2.

Risk protection
On June 28, the New Hampshire Senate voted 14-10 in favor of HB 687, which establishes a procedure for issuing extreme risk protection orders to protect against persons who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others. The bill will now go to Gov. Sununu’s desk.

“The NH Extreme Risk Protective Order bill is designed to put a speed bump in front of a person who has access to the most lethal means available to do themselves or others harm,” the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Debra Altschiller (D-Stratham), said in a statement after the vote. “It creates a tool for the people closest to someone suffering to prevent tragedy and get them help.” The bill’s co-sponsor, Senate Judiciary Chair Martha Hennessey (D-Hanover), said in a statement following the vote that New Hampshire’s suicide rate has risen 48.3 percent between 1999 and 2016, according to a report from the CDC. “In people under the age of 24, it is the second leading cause of death — it is clear that we must take action to address this crisis,” Hennessey said. “This bill creates a pathway for concerned family members and law enforcement to request assistance from our courts in protecting someone who may be a danger to themselves and others.”

Assault bill
On June 29, the New Hampshire Senate voted to move forward with HB 1240, relative to the grounds for sexual assault and related offenses, according to a press release from the Governor’s Office. “Ensuring there is proper justice for victims of sexual assault is paramount, and this will close a critical loophole and protect students from sexual assault at the hands of those in a position of authority over the victim,” Gov. Sununu said in a statement. According to the release, HB 1240 “amends the definition of sexual contact in the criminal sexual assault statutes. The bill also expands the elements of the crime of felonious sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault to include sexual contact between school employees and students, and to include circumstances when the actor is in a position of authority over a victim who is between 13 and 18 years of age.”

Diversity training
The City of Manchester has received a $20,000 grant to implement a Diversity and Cultural Competency Program for representatives from all city departments, according to a June 28 press release. Mayor Joyce Craig announced the City of Manchester applied for the grant from the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation. “Our city employees serve one of the most diverse communities in the state, and it is critical that all our staff is equipped with the tools to assist individuals of all backgrounds,” Craig said in the release. “This program will create a network of city employees able to design and deliver quality cultural competency programs for all city staff.” The Mayor’s Multicultural Advisory Council — formed this year after Craig announced its creation at her State of the City Address — suggested this competency training, which will be facilitated by New Hampshire Health and Equity Partnership and the Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center. “I am very excited to see that the Council is already making an impact and bringing the positive changes we need to see happening in our city,” Arnold Mikolo, chair of the Mayor’s Multicultural Advisory Council, said in the release.

Health kits
Health and Wellness Kits will be distributed to 25,000 families across New Hampshire, according to a press release, after the New Hampshire National Guard packs them up and delivers them to participating schools and pick-up sites in the coming days. The kits include dental supplies, Deterra pouches to safely dispose of prescription medications, and several flyers that promote well-being. The Choose Love At Home program is also free for parents this summer at jesselewischooselove.org. “While we are all working hard to protect the physical health of our children, social and emotional well-being remains of the utmost importance,” Gov. Sununu said in the release.

The public is invited to a free virtual tradeshow as the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce presents its 29th annual Business Showcase on Thursday, July 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. According to a press release from the Chamber, this event is for anyone who wants to connect with local businesses and community leaders, whether you’re looking for a job, need help from a professional to plan a wedding or renovate your home, or you could use advice for growing your business or investments. Visit.ConcordNHChamber.com/business-showcase.

The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner opened July 1 and is offering self-guided tours and limited hours to practice social distancing guidelines, according to a press release. Temporary hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and reservations are requested by calling 456-2600 or emailing [email protected]. The Medicine Woods Trail and Arboretum are free and open to the public each day, according to the release.

Construction for the new 18,000-square-foot, three-story headquarters of Manchester-based Members First Credit Union will begin this month at the corner of Elm and Salmon streets, according to a press release. The building will include full-service banking, a two-lane drive-up and offices for the credit union’s executive management and back-office support teams.

Nashua is getting a new yoga studio: On Sunday, July 5, Vibe Yoga will open at 182 Main St. and will feature vinyasa-based yoga paired with “invigorating music,” according to a press release from owner Melissa Coppola. All of the classes will have “awesome playlists of all different types of music, with some classes specifically offering hip hop,” plus monthly classes with live musicians and DJs. Follow VibeYoga603 on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

News & Notes 20/07/23

Governor’s updates

Covid-19 updateAs of July 13As of July 20
Total cases statewide6,0686,249
Total current infections statewide621565
Total deaths statewide391398
New cases158 (July 7 to July 13)190 (July 14 to July 20)
Current infections: Hillsborough County354328
Current infections: Merrimack County3731
Current infections: Rockingham County134127
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Governor’s updates
Gov. Chris Sununu made multiple announcements in the past week amid the state’s ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On July 14, in a press conference, Sununu announced the creation of a new online portal through New Hampshire Employment Security, calling it a “centralized database for New Hampshire-based employers.” You can access it by visiting unemploymentbenefits.nh.gov and clicking on the “Covid-19 response recruitment” tab.

Also on July 14, Sununu announced the fall reopening plan for public schools across the state. The guidance documents were designed by the School Transition Reopening and Redesign Taskforce, providing districts with the flexibility to safely reopen, continue remote learning into the fall or adopt a hybrid model. The guidance includes multiple recommendations for professional development and staffing preparation, should a teacher or faculty member need to quarantine as a result of the virus. It also encourages school districts to actively communicate with students and faculty about social distancing and mask wearing. Sununu added that the guidance goes over transportation protocols and recommendations, such as encouraging assigned seating on school buses. Finally, the documents discuss what can be done if a school district elects to take the hybrid learning route, or a combination of in-person and remote learning and instruction. To view the full guidance recommendations, visit covidguidance.nh.gov and click on “K-12 Back-to-School Guidance.”

On July 15, Sununu issued Exhibit L to Emergency Order No. 29, which had been issued on April 9. Emergency Order No. 29 requires state agencies, boards and commissions to submit recommendations to Sununu if any regulatory deadlines should be adjusted in response to the state of emergency. Per Exhibit L, requests by employees of the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services to use floating holidays have been waived through June 30, 2021.

In a July 16 press conference, Sununu announced that the state’s Business Finance Authority will oversee the New Hampshire General Assistance & Preservation Fund (NH GAP Fund), a new fund of $30 million for individuals and businesses that did not meet the eligibility requirements for the Main Street Relief Fund, the Non-Profit Emergency Relief Fund or the Self-Employed Livelihood Fund. The application period for the NH GAP Fund began on July 21 and runs through Aug. 4. Franchises and new businesses in the state are among the potential applicants of this fund. Visit goferr.nh.gov to access the application.

During the same press conference, Sununu said the state is giving a $19 million grant to the University System of New Hampshire for remote learning transition assistance, as well as a $6 million grant to the state’s Community College system for tuition support.

Details on all of Sununu’s orders and guidance documents can be found at governor.nh.gov.

Face coverings at school
The Manchester Board of School Committee voted Monday night to require face coverings when schools reopen, according to a press release from the Office of the Mayor. The board also voted in favor of modified classroom layouts with desks situated 6 feet apart. “By Aug. 10, Superintendent Goldhardt will present a reentry plan to help keep educators, staff, students and their families safe,” Mayor Joyce Craig said in the release. The board also pushed back the school start date by one week to Sept. 9, according to a report from WMUR.

House bill action
Gov. Chris Sununu was also busy signing and vetoing numerous bills in the past week, according to multiple press releases from the Office of the Governor. Here are a few of the highlights:

HB 1162 was signed into law. The legislation “enhances programs for at-risk children in New Hampshire and expands the Office of the Child Advocate” and allows unmarried couples to adopt, according to a press release from the House Majority Office. “This bill reaffirms our commitment and builds upon the progress we have made in reforming and enhancing the state’s child welfare system,” Sununu said in a statement. “While the Department of Justice has raised concerns regarding this bill as it pertains to the Office of the Child Advocate, I am confident that the Attorney General can work with the Office of the Child Advocate to ensure that the Office operates within appropriate legal limits and consistent with Constitutional requirements.”

HB 1240 and HB 705 were signed into law, both of which address sexual assault and related offenses, including in school settings. “We know that unfortunately, there are people out there who will use a power disparity to try and take advantage of others,” Sununu said in a statement. “This is something that even happens in schools. It is important that school be a place of trust and responsibility. If someone violates the trust and authority we place in them and takes advantage of a child, we are now able to act appropriately.”

HB 1280 was signed into law. “This bipartisan legislation lowers prescription drug costs for Granite Staters,” Sununu said in a statement. “Additionally, this legislation will inject transparency in drug pricing, allow New Hampshire to import low-cost prescription drugs from Canada, and puts a price cap on insulin to ensure no one will have to worry about being able to afford life-saving insulin. This bill now makes the cost of insulin in New Hampshire the lowest in the nation.”

HB 1645 was signed into law. It prohibits the use of chokeholds by law enforcement; prohibits private prisons in New Hampshire; requires police officers to report misconduct; further reforms bail reform; and provides funding to municipalities for psychological stability screening for candidates seeking certification as law enforcement officers.

HB 1266 was signed into law, making temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, ballot application and voting processes in response to Covid-19.

HB 1166 was vetoed. The bill addressed federal unemployment funding under the CARES Act. According to a press release from the Office of the Governor, the bill contains provisions that violate federal law and would make New Hampshire ineligible for federal unemployment funding. “Our job is to open doors of opportunity in times of need, not cut off federal support when families are struggling,” Sununu said in his veto message.

SNAP online
Anyone who gets Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now purchase and pay for groceries online, using EBT cards to purchase eligible food items through Amazon and Walmart, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The pilot program is in response to the pandemic, allowing SNAP recipients to stay home and practice social distancing. The benefits cannot be used for service or delivery charges, according to the release.

New PSAs
District of New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Scott W. Murray has announced the launch of public service announcements aimed at combating drug and gun crimes. According to a press release from the Department of Justice, the opioid crisis has led to an increase in gun use and guns being traded for drugs. In response, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has developed social media public service announcements to educate people about these illegal activities and their consequences. “Drug trafficking and violent crime jeopardize the safety and security of the citizens of New Hampshire,” Murray said in the release. “We are seeking to raise awareness about these crimes and to solicit the public’s assistance in helping us to make the Granite State safer. A fully informed public is a powerful deterrent against the harm caused by drug traffickers.”

North Conway has once again made the Top Ten Small Towns for Adventure list in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, according to a press release. This is the third year in a row that the town has made the list and is the only one that’s in New England. Access to Mount Washington and four-season recreation helped North Conway make the list, according to the release.

Deerfield resident Dwight Barnes will start a 1,000-mile walk on Aug. 17 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England. Barnes, a retired McDonald’s owner and operator, plans to start in Boston and walk 20 to 25 miles a day as he makes his way across New England.

The Veterinary Emergency Center of Manchester has a brand new, 12,800-square-foot facility at 2743 Brown Ave., according to a press release. The center offers 24-hour emergency care and features full digital radiology, a laboratory and surgery and monitoring equipment.

Coppal House Farm in Lee will hold its annual Sunflower Festival from Saturday, July 25, through Sunday, Aug. 2, to coincide with the flowers’ bloom dates. The weekend will feature a craft fair, live music, food vendors, a wine garden and animal viewings, and there will be special events during the weekdays as well. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Find ticket information at nhsunflower.com.

News & Notes 20/07/16

Covid-19 updateAs of July 6As of July 6
Total cases statewide5,9146,068
Total current infections statewide826621
Total deaths statewide382391
New cases143
(July 1 – July 6)		158
(July 7 to July 13)
Current infections: Hillsborough County512354
Current infections: Merrimack County5037
Current infections: Rockingham County157134
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Governor’s updates
In a July 7 press conference, Gov. Chris Sununu shared the latest unemployment numbers in the Granite State, which reflect a consistent downward trend since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. About 4,800 unemployment claims were filed in New Hampshire for the week ending June 27, according to Sununu — an 11 percent decline in new claims over the previous week and a nearly 90 percent decline from its highest peak during the pandemic.

On July 8, the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery announced more awardees for the Healthcare System Relief Fund, according to a press release, including nearly $11 million in CARES act funding for long-term care facilities in the state and about $6 million for other health care facilities.

The application period of the New Hampshire Self Employed Livelihood Fund will end on July 17. Self-employed businesses that qualify can access applications online at goferr.nh.gov.

Bill decisions
On July 10, Gov. Chris Sununu took action on a handful of bills, according to multiple press releases from the Office of the Governor.

Sununu signed HB 1129, which contains a portion of the Senate Democrats’ Granite Promise Plan addressing municipal, school district and village district budgets during the state of emergency, into law. Among other things, the bill allows for optional town meeting procedures during the state of emergency declared in response to Covid-19.

Sununu vetoed HB 712, a bipartisan bill that would have created a mandatory family and medical leave insurance program funded by a 0.5 percent tax on wages. “Whether one chooses to characterize it as a ‘premium on wages’ or a ‘payroll deduction,’ the reality remains that if it looks like an income tax, functions like an income tax, and takes more money out of the paychecks of hard working taxpayers like an income tax, then it is an income tax,” Sununu said in a press release.

Sununu also vetoed HB 1247, relative to mortgage defaults and nonpayment of rent during the Covid-19 state of emergency. The moratorium on evictions that was ordered in March expired July 1; this bill would have extended the moratorium. Sununu wrote in his veto message that in phasing out the moratorium, the eviction notice requirement has expanded from seven days to 30 days for new evictions initiated for nonpayment of rent that came due during the moratorium. He also noted that the $35 million in CARES Act funds used to create the New Hampshire Housing Relief Program will help people avoid losing their housing by offering assistance for past due rent and other housing-related expenses like utilities, and assistance to maintain or secure more permanent housing. “We must remember that property owners have also struggled throughout the Covid-19 pandemic,” Sununu wrote. “Small property owners who rent 10 units or fewer account for 90 percent of rental units in New Hampshire. They too have financial obligations that must be met, including mortgages, taxes and utilities. Denying property owners the opportunity to pay their bills is a recipe for them removing these rental units from the market … and further exacerbating the shortage of rental units that already exists across New Hampshire.”

Sununu vetoed HB 1672, relative to absentee voting, as well. According to his veto message, Sununu’s administration supports HB 1266, which makes temporary modifications to the absentee voter registration, absentee ballot application, and absentee voting processes that are specifically in response to Covid-19. He is expected to sign that bill this week.

Sununu will also take action on HB 1166, a portion of the Senate Democrats’ Granite Promise Plan addressing worker safety and unemployment insurance.

Jury trials
The New Hampshire Superior Court will conduct a walk-through for a pilot jury in late July with the first pilot trial planned for mid-August, according to a press release. Jury trials had been postponed since the start of the pandemic; since then, a committee has met weekly to create guidelines that will allow for jury trials to resume while making sure that jurors, witnesses, attorneys, judges and court staff follow stringent health precautions. Although the New Hampshire Judicial Branch stayed open during the Emergency Order, the Superior Court put nearly 1,000 jury trials on hold. “With a thorough plan for sanitation and careful enforcement of mask wearing, social distancing and symptom screening, we think we have the necessary template for beginning in-person jury trials,” Chief Justice of the Superior Court Tina Nadeau said in the release. “The committee, with the input from defense attorneys and prosecutors, determined that virtual criminal jury trials are not feasible at this time because they raise a host of constitutional concerns.”

Catholic schools
All Catholic schools in the state will reopen in the fall with classroom-based instruction, according to a press release from David A. Thibault, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Manchester. “Since March, many parents have struggled to balance their own telecommuting with assisting in the education of their children at home,” said Thibault. “Teachers have missed the one-on-one interaction with their students, and students have missed their teachers and friends. Everyone involved rose to the challenge but we recognize that remote learning is not ideal.” The diocese has worked with each school to ensure that the reopenings will be safe and is prepared to adjust plans if the Covid-19 situation changes. The Catholic Schools Office also announced a new Transfer Incentive program for any students in grades 1 through 8 who are transferring from a non-Catholic school; they will get $1,000 of tuition for the first year and $500 off the second year. Students in grades 9 through 12 transferring from a non-Catholic school will get $2,000 off tuition in the first year and $1,000 off in the second year, according to the release.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen was scheduled to visit the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region’s Early Learning Center in Laconia on Tuesday to talk about the challenges that child care providers are facing during the pandemic, according to a press release from Shaheen’s office. Shaheen also planned to talk about her efforts in the Senate to include child care support in the next round of Covid-19 legislation.

The New Hampshire State Library in Concord has reopened to the public, with safety measures in place, including appointment-only access. Appointments will be scheduled in 30- and 60-minute sessions between the hours of 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, according to a press release. Onsite services include genealogy resources, microfilm and other materials. To schedule an appointment, visit nh.gov/nhsl or call 271-2144.

Tupelo Drive-In Derry will host the 12th annual benefit concert for the Center for Life Management, a nonprofit mental health center, at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 17, according to a press release. Broken Arrow – A Tribute to Neil Young will perform. Tickets are $100 per car and can be reserved at tupelohall.com.

The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce announced on July 9 the winners of its 17th annual Eminence Awards, which highlight people, businesses and nonprofits that contribute to their industry and the Greater Nashua region, according to a press release. The winners are: Non-Profit of the Year: Nashua PAL; Small Business of the Year: TS Event Productions; Volunteer of the Year: Nashua Police Department’s Chief Michael Carignan for his work with Marguerite’s Place; Business of the Year: Optiline Enterprises; and Young Professional of the Year: Grant Morris of New Sky Productions.

News & Notes 20/07/09

Governor’s updates

Covid-19 updateAs of June 29As of July 6
Total cases statewide5,7605,914
Total current infections statewide958826
Total deaths statewide367382
New cases212 (June 23 – June 30)143 (July 1 – July 6)
Current infections: Hillsborough County586512
Current infections: Merrimack County6550
Current infections: Rockingham County194157
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Governor’s updates
On June 30, Gov. Chris Sununu issued Emergency Orders No. 57 and No. 58 amid the state’s ongoing response to Covid-19. Emergency Order No. 57 gives temporary emergency wage enhancements of $3 per hour to park management and roadside laborer employees of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources whose duties include restroom cleaning and trash disposal functions at facilities within Hampton Beach State Park. The order is applicable for any qualifying time worked from June 19 through Oct. 23.

Emergency Order No. 58 is an order terminating Emergency Order No. 3, which was issued on March 17, prohibiting all providers of electric, gas, water, telephone, cable and other utility services in New Hampshire from disconnecting or discontinuing service for non-payment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under Emergency Order No. 58, Emergency Order No. 3 will terminate on July 15.

On July 6, the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR), in conjunction with the state Department of Revenue Administration and New Hampshire Employment Security, announced the opening of the New Hampshire Self Employed Livelihood Fund (SELF) application period. Sununu had announced the establishment of the fund in a June 25 press conference. The New Hampshire SELF program builds on the success of the Main Street Relief Fund. To qualify, a business must not be permanently closed or be in bankruptcy and must not be a nonprofit, a franchise or a national chain. Applications can be accessed online at gopher.nh.gov and will be accepted through July 17.

Also on July 6, Sununu issued a statement in response to President Trump’s upcoming rally in Portsmouth on July 11, saying that it is “imperative” that all attendees wear masks. “I am pleased to see the campaign will be handing out face masks and hand sanitizer to all attendees, as has been true at all public gatherings … where social distancing is hard to maintain,” he said.

Details of all Emergency Orders and other announcements can be found at governor.nh.gov.

All the bills
The New Hampshire House of Representatives sent several bills to the governor’s desk when it met June 30 for the last day of the 2020 session. Here are some of the highlights, according to multiple press releases from the House and the Senate:

• HB 1166, HB 1129, HB 1246, and HB 1247 — pieces of the Granite Promise Plan — include provisions for workers’ protections; annual meeting and budget provisions for municipalities, school districts and village districts; enhancements for child care scholarships and long-term care facilities, and modest protections for renters and homeowners now that the moratoriums on evictions for nonpayment of rent and foreclosures expired July 1.

• HB 1240 includes protections for victims of sexual assault by those in a position of authority in the education system, and authorizes temporary marriage officiant licenses and apportions a portion of the license fee to domestic violence prevention.

• HB 1162 is an omnibus bill encompassing several pieces of legislation aimed at increasing equity and safeguards for Granite State children and families. “This legislation … allows for unmarried couples to adopt children … and provides legal security for all children brought into the world through assisted reproduction,” chair of the House Children and Family Law committee Rep. Pat Long (D-Manchester) said in a statement. “This legislation also establishes and improves oversight of children’s services, including the office of the child advocate, and clarifies statute providing for insurance coverage during children’s early intervention services.”

• HB 731 would increase the state’s minimum wage gradually to $12 by January 2023.

• HB 1582 is an omnibus bill relative to veterans’ protections. “In this legislation we assist our veterans to start businesses, find jobs and apprenticeships matching their skill set, obtain physical and mental health services, prevent suicide, achieve license and certification reciprocation, access educational opportunities for themselves and their families, and we continue the fight to end veteran homelessness,” Sen. Jon Morgan (D-Brentwood) said in a statement.

• HB 1111 would expand broadband access across the state.

• HB 1558 is comprehensive education legislation. “The comprehensive education bill passed today is very important to our schools and the children they serve. Assuring that students have access to special education and behavioral health resources and that schools have the resources to offer needed programs will be especially important as education moves back into the classroom,” Rep. Mel Myler (D-Hopkinton), chair of the House Education Committee, said in a statement.

• Comprehensive election law bills HB 1266 and HB 1672 — “Including concern for Covid-19 as a specific reason to request an absentee ballot will provide clarity to voters in the upcoming fall election, and the provision to permanently expand absentee balloting will assure equal access to elections moving forward. I urge the governor to sign this crucial legislation,” Rep. David E. Cote (D-Nashua), chair of the House Election Law Committee, said in a statement. House Republican Leader Dick Hinch (R-Merrimack) released the following statement in response to the House voting to concur with HB 1672: “The Attorney General and Secretary of State have already issued guidance allowing absentee balloting in the primary and general election for those who have concerns voting in person due to Covid-19 ensuring all New Hampshire citizens are able to vote in the 2020 elections. Spending CARES Act funds for brand new programs, such as online voter registration, is unacceptable and puts our state’s reputation of having clean and fair elections at risk.”

• HB 578, HB 1246, HB 1520, HB 1623 and HB 1639 address health care needs in the wake of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

• HB 1280 is an omnibus bill that increases prescription drug affordability and improves access to affordable health care for Granite Staters.

• HB 1494 covers a variety of workers’ protections including health and safety standards and a state death benefit.

• HB 1623 is omnibus legislation that seeks to ensure coverage and reimbursement for health care services provided through telemedicine on the same basis as services provided in office visits.

• HB 1639 addresses long-term public health crises. “Long running public health emergencies such as New Hampshire’s opioid crisis may very well be exacerbated by the economic and social impacts of Covid-19,” Sen. Tom Sherman (D-Rye) said in a statement. “This legislation takes steps to give the state the necessary funding and tools to gain a clearer picture of what works, and how we can expand treatment and recovery options.”

No indoor vaping
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has modified the definition of “smoking” in the Indoor Smoking Act to include the use of e-cigarettes and devices. Under the new law, according to a press release from DHHS, smoking is defined as “having a lit cigarette, pipe, or any device designed to produce the effect of smoking, including devices … that may include, but are not limited to, hookahs, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, and vape pens.” The Indoor Smoking Act says all tobacco products are prohibited in enclosed workplaces and enclosed places accessible to the public, including restaurants, bars and vape shops.

The homeowner of 10 Currier Dr. in Manchester got an unwelcome surprise the night of July 2 when a car crashed through her living room while she was watching TV. According to a press release from the Manchester Police Department, the car had swerved off Wellington Road, hit a utility pole, then crashed into the home. Both the driver and the homeowner were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, though there was significant damage to the pole and the home. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Final paving work was scheduled to begin July 7 on Route 102 in Londonderry and will continue for about two weeks, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day, according to a press release from the NH Department of Transportation. There will be alternating one-way traffic between the Derry/Londonderry town line and the intersection of Michael’s Way. It is part of a $62.2 million project that encompasses work on I-93 in the Exit 4 Derry/Londonderry area and Route 102 reconstruction, according to the release.

The Stone House in Hooksett, eligible to be placed on the state and national registers of historic places as an example of an early 20th-century period house, may be demolished to make way for a storage facility, according to a press release from the Hooksett Heritage Commission, which is petitioning to stop the demolition. The commission is hosting a public hearing Thursday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 16 Main St.

Jim Hansen, a fifth-grade teacher at New Searles Elementary School in Nashua, has been named New Hampshire’s recipient of the National University System-Sanford Teacher Award and will receive $10,000 in recognition of his work supporting student development and achievement, according to a press release. Hansen frequently travels to Kenya and uses his fifth-graders’ poems as learning tools for Kenyan students, then brings his Kenyan students’ poems back to New Hampshire to show his students that they have similar dreams and aspirations despite their different cultures and life experiences.

News & Notes 20/06/25

Governor’s updates

Covid-19 updateAs of June 15As of June 22
Total cases statewide5,3455,558
Total current infections statewide984929
Total deaths statewide320339
New cases321 (June 9 – June 15)233 (June 16 – June 22)
Current infections: Hillsborough County621586
Current infections: Merrimack County7466
Current infections: Rockingham County199185
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

On June 16, Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-11, establishing the New Hampshire Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community and Transparency. According to a press release, the commission is composed of members of the public, representatives of the NAACP and the ACLU, as well as members of the state’s Police Standards and Training Council and Commission for Human Rights. The newly established commission is being given 45 days to engage with stakeholders in the community and develop recommendations for reforms to enhance transparency, accountability and community relations in law enforcement in the state. Its report will be posted publicly on the governor’s website.

On June 17, Sununu issued Emergency Order No. 53, an amendment to Emergency Order No. 36, which had been issued on April 24, ensuring worker’s compensation coverage of state first responders who have been exposed to the coronavirus. Per Emergency Order No. 53, “first responder” includes any individual covered by the definition of “emergency response/public safety” worker and any member of the New Hampshire National Guard ordered into active state service.

On June 18, Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-12, an order directing the formal establishment of the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council on Substance Misuse and Prevention. Members of the council advise Sununu, from a youth perspective, on legislation, events and media pertaining to substance misuse. The council consists of up to 21 members, each appointed by Sununu, in grades 9 through 12 in the state. The council meets monthly and will submit a report of its activities to Sununu on or before Nov. 30.

On June 22, Sununu issued Executive Order 2020-13, an order amending Executive Order 2020-11, an order issued six days earlier that establishes the New Hampshire Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community and Transparency. Per Executive Order 2020-13, a criminal defense attorney will be added as a member of the commission.

Details of all Emergency and Executive Orders can be found at governor.nh.gov.

DCYF
The New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth, and Families has made “substantial progress” over the past few years, according to new data released by the Department of Health and Human Services. “When I took office in 2017, New Hampshire’s DCYF was in crisis with unacceptable results for our kids,” Gov. Sununu said in a press release. “We made children a top priority, created a new set of standards, made the right investments and have exceeded expectations with our outcomes.” DCYF Director Joseph Ribsam said in the release that the department has rebuilt its Child Protection System, and in doing so has seen positive trends like caseloads going down, workforce numbers going up, and the number of children finding permanent homes going up. For example, the average assessment caseload per social worker reached 93 in January 2016 and is now at 17, and the number of overdue open assessments has gone from 3,500 in November 2015 to 747 as of June, according to the press release. Ribsam said in the release that these trends were evident even prior to the pandemic, during which fewer calls have been coming in.

Food access
A new website, neighborhoodprovisions.org, has been created to help elderly and immunocompromised patients and community members in need find food options that can be delivered to their homes. According to a press release, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health is collaborating with community partners to facilitate food distribution to those populations during the pandemic. Locally, that includes Granite United Way, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Families in Transition and the office of Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig. “It’s been difficult for some of my patients to know what resources exist,” Roshani R. Patel, M.D., a surgeon at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester, said in the release. “They are overwhelmed. Many can pay for food but can’t find a central location to see what their options are.” The website includes a list of restaurants, small grocers and farms, support and delivery help, according to the release.

Septic troubles
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has seen an increased percentage of applications to replace failed individual septic systems over the last few months compared to 2019, according to a press release. With more people staying home due to the pandemic, there is an increased use of home septic systems, and system overload may be contributing to the increased number of failures, according to the release. In addition, disposing of antibacterial cleaning materials in septic systems can also lead to premature system failure. Visit getpumpednh.com for information about proper septic system maintenance.

Ride on
The Manchester Mounted Patrol Unit — police officers Kelly McKenney and Andrew Choi along with horses General Stark and Valor — has received a $1,200 donation from Members First Credit Union, a sponsorship that helps keep the self-funded unit on patrol, according to a press release. The unit has been patrolling the city, including the downtown area, since 1999 and serves as an ambassador of the Manchester Police Department by attending public events, parades, schools and police demonstrations, according to the release. Donations like these help cover expenses associated with operating the unit. Find “Friends of Manchester Mounted Patrol” on Facebook.

Teacher of the Year
The New Hampshire Department of Education has chosen 11 semifinalists for the 2021 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year award, selected from 30 nominees, according to a press release. The semifinalists are Alyssa Balboni, third-fourth grade, Parker-Varney, Manchester; Danielle Boutin, ELL, Ledge Street School, Nashua; Sarah Carlson, third grade, Plymouth Elementary; Maryanne Cullinan, Enrichment, Great Brook Middle School, Antrim; Christina Duffy, Social Studies, Hampton Academy; Lauren Elliott, first grade, Winchester School; Steven Juster, English, Londonderry High School; Jay Keough, Criminal Justice, Spaulding High School and R.W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, Rochester; Kathleen McCaffrey-Pomerleau, second grade, Main Street School, Exeter; Benjamin Rodon, Humanities, Amherst Middle School; and Tina Sturdivant, Biology, Pinkerton Academy, Derry. This year, instead of site visits, candidates submitted videos that showed how they transitioned to remote instruction. Now the semifinalists will be tested on their public speaking skills by visiting the department to answer this question: “What is your platform and how can you use that to elevate the teaching profession?” From there, finalists will be visited in their schools in September, if schools are open, with a final recipient selected in October, according to the release.

The Warner Historical Society will present a free online talk about the effect of the railroad on farming and mill development along the Warner River on Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m., according to a press release. Email [email protected] to register. During the discussion, you will be able to ask questions and talk to the presenters.

City Hall in Manchester has resumed in-person services, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to a press release. Masks are required for employees who work with the public and are strongly recommended for anyone entering the building. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available. Using online services is still recommended if possible, and processing fees will now be waived temporarily for all online services, according to the release.

Get your dog some ice cream and help the canines of Second Chance Ranch Rescue in New Boston at the same time. Throughout the month of July, Dairy Queen on Second Street in Manchester will be donating 100 percent of proceeds from every pup cup sold at the drive-thru, according to a press release.

Free bagged lunches will be available to kids under 18 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nashua Public Library this summer, according to a press release. There will also be bags of nonperishable foods available Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The library parking lot will have a designated space with a curbside pickup sign. You can either use the intercom to request food or call 589-4600, and there is no ID required.

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