Category: News

Hospital shooting

On Friday, Nov. 17, a state Department of Safety security officer was fatally shot at New Hampshire Hospital, a state-run psychiatric facility in Concord, the AP reported. Bradley Haas, who was previously the chief of police in Franklin, was working at the front lobby entrance when a man identified by law enforcement as John Madore entered the hospital and fired a handgun; Madore was then shot and killed by a state trooper assigned to the hospital, the Union Leader reported. Investigators found a U-Haul truck in the hospital’s parking lot containing an AR-style rifle, a tactical vest and several ammunition magazines, which they are investigating for possible connections to Madore, the AP reported. The shooting was confined to the hospital’s front lobby, and no other injuries were reported, according to the article. The hospital continued operations but was closed to visitors immediately after the incident, according to the report. There were 152 patient beds occupied on Nov. 17, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Early childhood ed

The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) is now providing comprehensive tuition assistance for individuals pursuing careers in early childhood education, potentially allowing students to earn credentials with little to no personal expense. According to a press release, this initiative is due to collaborations with the State of New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire’s College of Professional Studies and the NH Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Children Youth and Families. Scholarships available include Early Childhood Tuition Assistance and Granite Steps for Quality Tuition Assistance, along with the newly introduced CCSNH ECE Scholarships. These are designed to fill gaps left by other aid programs and make early childhood education programs more accessible to residents.

Better internet

New Hampshire is seeking public input on improving internet connectivity, especially in areas currently lacking service, NHPR reported. The state has received nearly $200 million in federal grants aimed at providing high-speed internet connections to about 25,000 residents who are part of the 8 percent of the state’s population without internet or a device to access it. The Department of Business and Economic Affairs is calling for suggestions from residents and community leaders on the best uses for these funds to enhance broadband access. Public comments are open until Dec. 13 and must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. For additional details, the public can visit the website at nheconomy.com.

Bank layoffs

The Bank of New Hampshire has announced the layoff of 19 staff members and has ceased accepting new mortgage applications, NHPR reported on Nov. 15. This decision, as stated by the bank’s president and CEO Christopher Logan, is a result of unstable markets and diminished returns on loans, the article said. According to the article, existing customers will not experience changes to their loans or services, and the bank will continue to service existing loans and those currently in process.

Fewer students

New Hampshire has experienced a consistent decline in student enrollment over the past two decades, with the New Hampshire Department of Education reporting a 1.4 percent decrease in public and public charter school students for the 2023-2024 academic year. According to a press release, this year’s enrollment stands at 165,095, down from 167,357 the previous year and significantly lower than the 207,684 students in 2002, reflecting a 20.5 percent decline over 21 years. Specific districts such as New Castle and Stewartstown have seen the most considerable declines, while others like Marlow and Landaff have experienced increases. Even the state’s largest districts, including Manchester, Nashua, Bedford, Londonderry and Concord, have not been immune to this trend, with all reporting fewer students compared to last year. This decline is mirrored in the state’s higher education institutions, with a 13 percent drop in enrollment at the University System of New Hampshire since 2019.

Behavioral health

The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) has released a bulletin, Docket Number INS 23-038-AB, to improve access to Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) services and address the reimbursement challenges faced by behavioral health practitioners. According to a press release, the bulletin provides guidelines for health insurers on the use of billing codes for BHI services, aiming to clarify billing protocols and the roles of Behavioral Health Care Managers, as well as the eligibility of clinical practitioners. The NHID recommends that insurers follow guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the American Medical Association to align with industry standards.

The Bedford Facilities Information and Communications Committee has announced the advancement of the South River Road Police and Fire Complex, with the town planning a new station and substation due to increased service demands since 1994. According to a press release, the project, located at 300 S. River Road, is estimated to cost $34 million, with an extra $2.5 million for existing facility renovations, funded by a proposed 20-year bond. This bond, expected to impact taxes by $0.531 per $1,000 property valuation, will be discussed in a public hearing on Jan. 24, 2024, followed by a March 12, 2024, vote. Public sessions and tours are planned to inform residents about the project.

Gov. Chris Sununu joined New Balance leadership on Monday, Nov. 20, for the groundbreaking of the company’s new manufacturing facility at 12 Innovation Way in Londonderry, which had been previously delayed. According to a press release, the event marked the start of a $70 million investment by New Balance into the 102,000-square-foot facility, with an expected addition of more than 150 jobs. The facility is scheduled to begin production in 2025.

C&J Bus Lines has announced the resumption of its bus services from Dover Bus Terminal to Boston’s Logan Airport and New York City, starting Feb. 4, 2024. According to a press release, the service will provide 26 daily roundtrip schedules between Dover and Logan Airport, along with a daily service to New York City. The Dover terminal, which operates 24 hours a day, offers free parking facilities. C&J has also introduced a reservation system for these routes. Visit ridecj.com.

Livable NH

AARP has unveiled the 10 top-scoring livable communities in New Hampshire according to its new AARP Livability Index. According to a press release, this index evaluates factors crucial for aging populations, such as housing, transportation, neighborhood elements, environment, health and community engagement. The highest-ranking communities in New Hampshire are Hanover, Lebanon, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Concord, Keene, Littleton, Goffstown, Peterborough and Manchester. While these communities have shown progress in job availability, environmental aspects and civic involvement, they all require improvements, particularly in housing affordability and access, as well as proximity to key destinations. The AARP Livability Index is a comprehensive tool that scores communities across the U.S. based on services and amenities impacting aging individuals, aiming to bridge the gap between current community provisions and the needs of older adults. The platform, accessible online at aarp.org/livabilityindex, allows users to search for scores by address, ZIP code or community and includes new features like the “Community Finder Quiz” and climate data for each location.

Organic rules

The organic certification process in New Hampshire is facing significant changes. According to a press release from the Free State Food Network, the National Organic Program, a federal standard for crops and livestock, has grown into a $50 billion industry but is now challenged by issues such as funding, potential corruption and lack of transparency. The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food (NHDAMF), the current accrediting agent for organic certification in the state, is considering relinquishing its role due to staffing challenges, rigorous program standards, and an outdated fee structure. While this move might end state enforcement of organic certification, it wouldn’t halt the issuance of certifications, as other agents could step in to fill the gap. Two legislative service requests are in place to address this issue: LSR 2024-2473 advocates for an agreement with the USDA for organic certification, while LSR 2024-2167 proposes removing the responsibility from the NHDAMF. Concerns have been raised about the National Organic Program’s governance, suggesting it now leans more toward commercial interests rather than the ethical and safety standards initially intended.

Future workforce

ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce program of the Community College System of New Hampshire, is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week from Nov. 13 through Nov. 19. According to a press release, the program, focusing on high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, health care, IT and more, combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training in an “earn-while-you-learn” model. The highlight of the week is the first-ever ApprenticeshipNH Summit on Nov. 17, aimed at strengthening New Hampshire’s workforce by connecting employers, career seekers and community organizations. The summit will feature interactive workshops, networking opportunities and Champion Recognitions for businesses and individuals leading in apprenticeship initiatives. Funded primarily by U.S. Department of Labor grants, ApprenticeshipNH has established more than 100 apprenticeship programs and supported 1,300 apprentices since its inception in 2017.

Liquor commission kudos

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) has been honored for the eighth consecutive year by StateWays Magazine in the Control State Best Practices Awards, according to a press release. Recognized for its alcohol responsibility programming and retail innovations, NHLC won awards for “Best On-Premise Partnership” for its New Hampshire Mocktail Month program and “Best Retail Innovation” for the ‘Tis the Season marketing campaign. New Hampshire Mocktail Month, initiated in 2020 in partnership with Brown-Forman, involves the state’s restaurant community in promoting alcohol-free “mocktails” to encourage responsible drinking. The ‘Tis the Season campaign, conducted during the 2022 holiday season, effectively used various media platforms to enhance customer engagement and sales.

Capital trip

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, more than 50 small business owners from across the country, including a group from New Hampshire, visited Washington, D.C., to address challenges regarding access to affordable capital, according to a press release. In response to the Federal Reserve’s consideration of the Basel III Endgame regulation, which is expected to increase the cost of business loans and credit lines, these business owners met with more than 40 lawmakers and senior Federal Reserve officials. They aimed to highlight the negative impact of this regulation on small businesses and presented a comment letter signed by more than 3,000 small business owners nationwide, with 44 signatories from New Hampshire. New Hampshire representatives included Dina Akel of Vieira Luxe, Shira Nafshi of The Trainer’s Loft, Danya Landis of Machina Kitchen & ArtBar, Celeste Burns of Burns Automotive Services, and Toutou Marsden of Dell-Lea Weddings & Events. Their efforts were part of a larger initiative to advocate for small businesses in the current high interest rate environment.

Returning for its 11th season, the Ice Castles attraction is set to reopen in North Woodstock, according to a press release. This year’s installation, with an anticipated opening in late December or early January, features a new design with slides, caverns, tunnels and ice sculptures. Tickets go on sale on Nov. 29. Visit icecastles.com/new-hampshire.

Ellie Mental Health, which describes itself as having an innovative and community-driven approach to mental health care, has opened a new location in Manchester at 25 Sundial Ave., in Suite 310W. According to a press release, the mental health franchise has been rapidly expanding nationwide. Visit elliementalhealth.com.

Join Derry Public Library (64 E. Broadway) on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 6:30 p.m. for an informative session with Dan Blakeman of Lifetime Retirement Partners, as he delves into essential retirement topics. According to a press release, Blakeman will cover a range of subjects including long-term care, Social Security, and the development of a solid financial plan for retirement. Register online at derrypl.org/adult/events/9564/retirement-planning-workshop.