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 broadband@livefree.nh.gov. 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.