A life jacket from a survivor of the sinking of the Robin Moor
one of the early acts of aggression by a German U-boat against an American vessel
A helmet worn during the amphibious assault on Normandy in 1944
New Ipswich Museum of History owner Scott Kraska examines artifacts owned by New Ipswich soldiers
Residents explore the New Ipswich Museum of History on Saturday
The New Ipswich Museum of History has added several new displays
which will be available for public viewing at multiple open houses held this summer
The museum is a private collection owned by Scott Kraska
and housed in the former Appleton Elementary School gymnasium
bought the school to convert into a home for himself
and also did extensive work to the gym in order to house over 70 exhibits of mostly war memorabilia he has collected over the years
including displays about soldiers with connections to New Ipswich
Kraska has made his museum available for school tours
Open house dates scheduled for this year so far include April 19
The museum is open during open house dates from 9 a.m
Kraska has added or expanded several exhibits this year
including a display around one of his main showpieces
a full-size replica of a World War I ambulance
The display now includes information and artifacts about Richard Hall
the first volunteer ambulance driver who was killed in the war
The display includes information about Hall
as well as a piece of canvas from his ambulance
which was brought home by a friend of Hall’s
his official record card and a button from his tunic
Another new display includes a life jacket from an incident on May 30
in which a German U-boat torpedoed and sank an American merchant ship
before the United States had officially entered the war
They wanted to see what we would do,” Kraska said
“What happened was a lot of fist-thumping and foot-stomping
The German U-boat did not give the ship enough time to send a distress call
but allowed the crew and passengers to evacuate
The 35 survivors of the attack ended up in the water in lifeboats
and were adrift for several weeks before rescue
Another new display includes several artifacts related to the battleship USS Missouri
which was the location of the signing of the Japanese surrender in World War II
Most of the display centers around a different significant event on the Missouri – a kamikaze attack by a Japanese airplane
because a crew member was able to film the plane attempt to hit the ship
Kraska said that the captain of the ship ordered that the Japanese soldier have a proper sea burial
and there were some members of the honor guard who refused to stand,” Kraska said
The exhibit includes shrapnel from the plane
Kraska said a model of the Missouri is planned to be added to the exhibit this summer
Other new display items include the uniform of a Jewish World War II soldier
who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was the sole survivor of his unit
he was assigned to guard high-value Nazi prisoners in Nuremberg
and would eventually go on in civilian life to become a major uniform supplier for the Navy
For information on the New Ipswich History Museum, visit nimuseum.com or the New Ipswich Museum of History Facebook page
The museum is at 72 Academy Road in New Ipswich
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172
you agree with our use of cookies to personalize your experience
measure ads and monitor how our site works to improve it for our users
The owner of a lot on Willard Road in New Ipswich has proposed a sand- and gravel-excavation operation that would run for the next three to five years
causing concerns among neighbors about noise
dust and impacts to the road during a Planning Board hearing Wednesday
represented by owner Kenny Lehtonen and Jon Rokeh of Rokeh Consulting
outlined a plan remove about 30,000 cubic yards from the site over the next several years
it will be spread out over time,” said Lehtonen
who added there may be days when the pit is busy
with trucks making multiple trips in a single day
followed by days or weeks of total inactivity
He said the main route for the dump trucks transporting material would be from Main Street to Route 123
who lives across the street from the proposed pit
said he had “great concerns that our quiet residential street is about to be changed
possibly forever.” He said he was concerned about dust
saying the excavation would “impact every resident on the street
Willard Road resident Meredith Lund said she understood the right of people to use their properties as they please
but that it should not come at the expense of abutting property owners
She suggested that if the board does approve the application
such as limiting the hours of the operation to the middle of the day when traffic on the road is low
reducing the posted speed limit on the road and placing truck-entering signs
putting dust-abatement plans in place and to not run trucks during mud season
She suggested steep financial penalties for violations
and is concerned for their safety with trucks going by
and about whether the trucks would impact the road
Planning Board member Craig Smeeth voiced concerns about the impacts to the road
citing that residential roads should be used for residential traffic
and the potential safety concerns of having large vehicles going back and forth
He said the town’s master plan calls for retaining its bucolic
“If abutters are here standing on their own two feet
‘Don’t do this,’ we have to listen,” Smeeth said
The Planning Board and applicant answered some questions from residents
including that there would be no blasting and no processing of material on the site
and that there were no known wetland concerns
Lehtonen offered a tour of existing similar-sized pits
the board continued the hearing to its meeting on Dec
A committee tasked with reviewing concepts for housing development on Old North Main Street heard from Lakes Region Community Developers discussed the conceptual plan for the development of a 10-acre parcel
A 12-unit raised commercial building was pitched in 2024 to replace the shack businesses
but that idea was scrapped following public criticism
The site will be cleared and equipped with utility service needed for the new units by the end of 2025
with construction scheduled to start in 2026
A developer plans to construct six buildings with a total of 36 housing units
could soon see new life as an assisted-living and elderly housing facility
The White House wants to eliminate federal support for public media
Congress will vote soon on a proposal to slash millions from NHPR and NHPBS’ budgets
advocates braved the cold and wind at a public gathering at Bronstein Park in Manchester to take a stand against youth homelessness
JCPenney has sued the Steeplegate Mall’s owner
which wants to tear down most of Steeplegate and build some 600 apartments as well as businesses such as Costco or perhaps Whole Foods
New Hampshire Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald is implementing a hiring freeze and warning of potential layoffs across the judicial branch
as the Legislature looks to make deep cuts to the budget
NEW IPSWICH, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Officials with the Mascenic School District say a bullet found at the middle school after hours Thursday night was determined to be a toy.adButlerLazyLoad("1822419436797006732",100,["734403","734403","734403"],"177038");
Officials posted on Facebook Friday morning and said a small 2mm bullet was found at Boynton Middle School
Administration swept the building and at about 7:30 the district said that police were on site
In an update about 10 minutes later the district said that police confirmed that the bullet is a fake replica of a toy bullet
District officials reminded parents and guardians that it is important to talk with your children about bringing lookalike toy weapons and paraphernalia to school.adButlerLazyLoad("2488796077603957280",100,["734403","734403","734403"],"177038");
“We will always take necessary precautions when the issue of student and staff safety is in question,” SAU 87 officials said in the Facebook post
Anyone with questions or concerns should contact Boynton Middle School at 603-878-4800
Abbie is News Director and an award-winning reporter for Monadnock Media Group
recognized several times by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters
Abbie can be reached by email at atrombly@wkbkradio.com
A vacant Keene home under renovation was destroyed in an early morning fire
causing $375K in damages and prompting a multi-town firefighter response
Keene police officer Jake Dube identified in April 29 shooting that left Cullen Costa hospitalized; investigation into the incident is ongoing
Brattleboro police are investigating a South Main Street shooting that left one man hospitalized and temporarily closed nearby roads Saturday night
Eric Gagne joins My Keene Now & Next to preview Keene’s Thing in the Spring festival
Keene City Council approves traffic changes
and hears updates on downtown projects and the 2025-26 budget at May 1 meeting
Be sure you have your GPS enabled and try again
New Ipswich Select Board member Lou Alverez asks for another term at Tuesday’s forum
New Ipswich residents heard candidates make their cases at Tuesday’s forum at MRHS
Ellen Salmonson notes her ties to the district in seeking a full term on the School Board
Mitch Gluck is seeking a full term on the School Board after filling in as an interim member this year
Phil Andrews is seeking to join the New Ipswich Select Board and spoke at Tuesday’s candidate forum
Voters in New Ipswich heard from candidates Tuesday about their visions for the town’s governance and schools during a forum in the Mascenic Regional High School auditorium
Just over a dozen residents came to the event
a turnout that Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot
Alvarez has been on the board for three years
and said that the town must think of its future in terms of accommodating different generations
and we have to think of affordable housing for young people and for the elderly,” he said
Phil Andrews is seeking to join the Select Board
and noted his background as a director of engineering at a firm and running two laundromats as good experience for the position
“I’d like to see our town stay small and rural
A parent of four children who are homeschooled
Andrews proposed an idea regarding calls to police and fire departments
“What about user fees for some of the non-emergency calls to fire and police?” he said
and promptly announced that he was dropping his bid for the Select Board and endorsing Andrews for the seat
Cantu-Trevino said that age was the reason for him choosing to support Andrews rather than Alvarez
When asked after the forum if there were other factors in his decision
Noting that he’d moved to New Ipswich from Texas three years ago
Cantu-Trevino proceeded to address matters of the Mascenic School Board
“The School Board isn’t going to get any better
their children and their friends into (positions),” he said
and said that he would not take any questions
Two candidates for New Ipswich representatives to the Mascenic School Board touted their experience at different levels of education
Mitch Gluck is currently an interim board member completing the term of Rachel Anderson
Gluck is a former university professor who taught in the California State University System and at the University of Arizona
and was an administrator of a psychiatric hospital
He currently sits on the Finance Advisory Committee
and is seeking a three-year term on the school board
“Public education is a big part of my life
and last year’s (Mascenic School Board) deliberative session was very discouraging
the way people treated each other,” Gluck said
referring to a contentious session in 2024
“The role of leaders is to eliminate barriers
Gluck cited his administrative experience as being useful regarding costs
“I had a $47 million budget at my hospital
Ellen Salmonson is also completing a term on the board
“My children and my grandchildren have been and still are in the school system here.”
She noted that her husband attended assemblies in the auditorium in which she was speaking
“He says it looks pretty much the same now as it did then
so we need some attention to our buildings,” she said
she noted three priorities she saw for the district
How do we improve our buildings in a financially responsible way
How can we attract and retain teachers?” she said
Planning Board Chair Deirdre Daley spoke to why she is seeking re-election
“(I) try to make sure that all the stakeholders in town are considered,” she said
Bernard Hamill noted his MBA in a pitch to join the trustees of trust funds
“Watching money is what I try to do,” he said
He is also seeking to be on the Board of Assessors
Youths race to the finish line in the New Ipswich 5K race in support of Isaac Phillips
was first acrooss the finish line during the 5K
and his mother Elizabeth Vachon wasn’t far behind
Jodi Gregroire of Heavnly Dogs traveled from Chelmsford
to serve food in support of Isaac Phillips Friday night at Mascenic Regional High School
Kianha Farrey and Lea Macinnis support the Phillips family Friday night at the food truck event at Mascenic Regional High School
Hundreds of people line up to support Isaac Phillips by patronizing food trucks at Mascenic High School that donated proceeds to the cause
Over 200 entrants participate in a 5K race Saturday morning in New Ipswich to support the Phillips family
Romeo Maki of New Ipswich was the first finisher in the unsupported youth division
and Jessica Blais register entrants for the 5K race Saturday morning in New Ipswich
Families from New Ipswich and beyond lined up Friday evening in the Mascenic Regional High School parking lot to patronize food trucks which had all come together in support of Isaac Phillips and his family
and proceeds from the food trucks went to support the family
“The whole Phillips family has been involved in the town - coaching
so it's great to support them," said Jessica Fortier of New Ipswich
Lines stretched from the front of the Mascenic parking lot to the row of spaces closest to the school by 6 p.m
Students from area schools sported T-shirts in support of Isaac over sports uniforms
Students said that the T-shirts were handed out at the schools
“It's great to see the community come together for this
Jodi and Shawn Gregroire of Heavnly Dogs traveled from Chelmsford
to support the Phillips family and serve a line which had well over 100 people in it at one point.
Isaac developed a limp during basketball season
which was subsequently diagnosed as synovial sarcoma
a form of cancer that attacks muscles and ligaments
Surgery and chemotherapy led to all-clear notice from doctors in 2023
but proximity to his spine made it difficult to safely remove all the malignant elements of the tumor
but continued only until October and now communicates with his classmates online
help for the 13-year-old and his family came via a Mascenic-Conant basketball tripleheader to support and raise money for the family
everyone at Friday's event seemed to have a story of interacting with the Phillips family
“We love Isaac - he's super nice,” said Maya Oliveira and Kianha Farrey
completing each other’s comment about their classmate
The support continued Saturday morning with a 5K race in New Ipswich
parents and a number of entrants pushing strollers paid a $20 registration fee to line up behind the tennis courts at Town Field for a 9 a.m
Jessica Blais and Becka Lyons were registering runners right up to the start
“Lots of people paid more than simply the $20 required to support the family,” Blais said
who taught Isaac in the sixth grade at Boynton Middle School
but that “He's gone through so much -- and he's so strong
It's nothing for me to do this to help out.”
Michael Tandus of New Ipswich was also new to such an event
“This is my first 5K - I wanted to lend my support,” he said
please reflect and pray for Isaac,” Blais told the crowd before shouting “Go!” She said that just that morning
the route had to be changed slightly because the original path had become too muddy with recent rains
Lyons is a member of the Monadnock Milers running club
She said that the high school’s track team was disappointed that they had to leave for a meet at Sanborn before the race started
As runners crossed the finish line,Tim Blais handed out water donated by the Country Mile store in Greenville
Island Bowls of New Ipswich donated gift cards to the first finishers in the divisions of male
White said that his mother grew up in Amherst
and that they were back in town during the Vermont vacation week
Lara Matthias of Peterborough was the first female finisher with a time of 17:44
The first unsupported youth across the line was Romeo Maki
Accompanying him were Josh Saari and Leanne Maki
and told the kids that we were thinking about running to support him
Asked about the turnout at the previous evening's food truck event and on Saturday morning after she cross ed the finish line
Laurie Hennault said she was not surprised
My grandkids play with Isaac's brother,” said the Jaffrey resident
“People here don't care if they don't know you
Select Board members spent several hours reviewing a draft of a new social media policy for town employees and making several revisions
Most of the revisions were not about the core tenets of the policy
but rather removing redundancies and items already covered by state or federal laws
in order to streamline the policy for the employee handbook
The board expects to review the revised policy at least one more time before final approval
The policy would apply to all town employees and volunteers
It would require town social sites to be approved by the town administrator or Select Board
which wold have access to them at all times
and passwords and sign-ins shared with the administrator
The town would have the right to disable comments on posts
Employees would be restricted from sharing confidential information
and all communication related to their role should be through official town accounts
Employees maintain their right to personal accounts
but would have to refrain from referencing their role within the town when commenting or acting in a personal capacity on social media
They would not be able use social media to campaign or lobby while representing the town in any capacity
the town has moved forward on the replacement of Highway Department vehicles
after several major breakdowns that occurred early this year
voters approved $50,000 for a new pickup truck and plow for use by the Highway Department
the Select Board approved the purchase of a truck from Claremont Ford
The cost to add a plow from Claremont Ford would have put the cost of the truck over the $50,000 approved by voters
Road Agent Peter Somero indicated to the board that he would seek a used plow for within the approved amount
The Select Board approved the purchase of the truck for a cost of up to $46,000
Board members also approved the purchase of another highway vehicle
The board discussed whether the vehicle should be leased to purchase or bought outright
and the board agreed that using existing capital reserve funds to save on interest and fees
which would have resulted in $30,000 additional cost over five years
The board agreed to use the Department of Public Works capital reserve funds to purchase the dump truck
the board announced that the Townwide Chili Cook-Off
originally scheduled for March 29 and postponed due to weather
and residents can register through the New Ipswich Recreation Department
The cost to taste and vote for a favorite chili is $5
The proceeds of the event go to support the town’s planned 175th anniversary celebrations
The New Ipswich Library was founded in the late 1800s under the leadership of Caroline F
along with the women of New Ipswich who took it upon themselves to raise the funds needed to build a public library
the New Ipswich Library became a hub for learning
culture and connection that is still true over a century later
Generous bequests from the residents of the town have allowed the library to grow
listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1991
The New Ipswich Library operates with a six-member staff and a board of trustees
the town votes on a warrant article to fund half of the library’s operating budget
the library’s endowment will be depleted in less than 10 years
The Friends of the Library assist with fundraising for special projects
but additional community support is essential to maintain services
The library not only offers a vast collection of physical books but also invests in digital resources to ensure all patrons have access to a variety of reading materials
1,300 e-books and 300 digital magazines were borrowed through OverDrive services
while almost 10,000 physical books circulated within the library
Not everyone has access to technology or the ability to purchase books
the internet and a variety of programs for community members of all ages
particularly through children’s programming
which helps young patrons engage with their community
The New Ipswich Library offers a wide range of programs and services
tax preparation and other assistance services
– Technology access: Free computer and internet use
– Community partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations to expand programs and services
1,476 total program attendees and 105 new library cards issued
The New Ipswich Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a vital community resource
Continued town funding is critical to keeping the library open for another century
donations or participation – ensures that the library remains a cornerstone of education
Melanie Kane is director of the New Ipswich Library
Fire Chief Ben Hatcher speaks to voters outside the polls on Tuesday
After a narrow defeat of a similar article last year
New Ipswich voters approved a full-time combined position for a fire officer
building inspector and code enforcement officer
Fire Chief Ben Hatcher was at the polls on Tuesday
asking for people to vote for the position
The town put forth a similar article last year
it asked for a fire chief in the full-time position
Hatcher said he had spoken to a lot of people in support of the position
and was hopeful that after the previous article had failed by less than 20 votes last year
He said towns without a full-time staff like New Ipswich often struggle to staff trucks
particularly during the day when firefighters are working out of town
“I don’t think it’ll be as close,” Hatcher said
and a lot of people seem to have noticed that.”
approving $60,500 for a half-year’s salary for the position in a 508-417 vote
Voters also supported the $3.6 million budget proposal in a 503-429 vote
The town also agreed to adopt a conflict of interest ordinance
stating that a person currently a party to a lawsuit against the Town of New Ipswich or its officers
boards or commissions cannot hold a position on any town board
committee or commission until the lawsuit is resolved
The article provides a one-year grace period from the date of its adoption for anyone currently in a position and involved with a suit against the town
Both former and current members of the town’s Planning Board have been involved in several suits against the town’s planning and zoning boards for approvals related to the Silver Scone tea party business in the town’s Village District
Only two articles did not gain voter approval
The first was a proposed zoning amendment which would have updated the town’s cluster subdivision regulations
Karen Miller of New Ipswich was at the polls Tuesday
She said residents didn’t have enough information
and the amendment strayed too far from preserving the town’s rural character for her to support it
“I feel like it’s not going to do what it says it’s going to do,” Miller said
The only other article to fail on the town’s warrant was a petition article to purchase a new large playground set for Memorial Field
The price was to include the purchase of the equipment
The article was not recommended by the Select Board in a 2-1 vote
in part because the cost was not a firm estimate
One of the closest votes of the day was a petition article to designate Willard Road as a scenic road
which requires additional steps before the removal of trees or stone walls on the road
Voters approved two articles for road maintenance
which together add up to $600,000 for the coming year
They also approved a total of $391,000 for the town’s capital improvement and expendable trust accounts for future capital purchases for various departments
The town town approved contacted services with the Souhegan Valley Ambulance for another year
and to support the New Ipswich Library with $45,000
Current Select Board member Lou Alvarez will retain his seat after a narrow win in a three-way race for the position
beating out Philip Andrews by only nine votes
In other contested races on the ballot this year
Joanne Meshna beat out Bernard Hamill for a two-year term on the Board of Assessors winning 463 votes to Hamill’s 316
Hamill fared better in his other contested race
Danielle Sikkila received 800 votes for the Board of Assessors
Debbie Deaton received 793 votes for a three-year seat on the Cemetery Trustees and Carl Toko received eight write-in votes for a two-year seat on the Cemetery Trustees
Lisa Carbone received 810 votes for clerk/tax collector
and Chair Deirdre “Dee” Daley will return to the Planning Board with 659 votes
The other empty seat on the Planning Board did not have an official candidate
but Aaron Bertram received 62 write-in votes
New Ipswich resident Jamie Kizner asked about recycling practices at the Transfer Station at the Select Board meeting on warrant articles
Town Adminstrator Debbie Deaton explained an offsett to the New Ipswich town tax rate Tuesday
New Ipswich’s town budget will be approximately $3.62 million
if voters approve the article recommended by selectmen at Tuesday’s budget hearing
A major factor in the increased cost of operations is salaries
Town salaries totaled $219,565.21 in the current budget
“This year we have a fully staffed Police Department
The Fire Department has more members and is seeking an increase in stipends,” said Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot
Finance Advisory Committee Chair Joe Woodworth added that last fall's brush fires pressed the Fire Department into duty more than expected
“Fire Department hours were up 35% due to those fires,” said Woodworth
Computer support will also cost the town more this year
and these are ‘must haves,’ ” said Woodworth
Town Administrator Debbie Deaton said that the town was able to lower the town section of the tax rate by using unspent funds
“Any amount over 10% left in the undesignated fund balance is returned
allowing the town to set a lower town portion of the tax rate for this year,” she said
A separate warrant article requests $102,295 for a new playground set at Memorial Field
Another warrant article requests $70,000 for a new DPW vehicle
“You can see the road through the floorboards of the current one,” said Talbot on the request
Town resident Jamie Kizner asked whether the town was doing all it could to recoup recycling funds at the town transfer station
suggesting that sorting could be done better
it could put money back into our revenue stream,” said Kizner
Deaton said that recycling is following the direction of Shaw and Son’s
The deliberative session will be held on Feb
Voting on all warrant articles and on town government positions will be held on March 11 from 7 a.m
Tory Wight trains on her street for the Boston Marathon
of New Ipswich will be standing at the start line for her latest marathon
wearing the bib number 28,322 – a symbol of just how big a race she is about to run: the Boston Marathon
Wight said she got her first experience running on the high school track team
but let it fall to the wayside as a young adult
She was in her mid-30s when she decided to pick it up again
by training for a “Run for Your Lives” zombie-themed 5K obstacle course
She looked up a “couch potato to 5K” training plan online
participating in races throughout the year
joining a local running club and going for the marathon
“I’ve always loved the way it makes you feel,” Wight said of running
“It’s the closest you can get to flying without a plane
And there definitely is such a thing as a runner’s high
And there’s a camaraderie – when you go to races
Half-marathons are one of her favorite events
and she has even taken on a challenge to run a half-marathon in all 50 states
having already completed races in California
Massachusetts and Arizona in addition to New Hampshire
with plans for races later this year in Vermont
But she also has a few marathons under her belt; while this will be her first Boston Marathon
with her first being the Manchester Marathon in 2017
“I was just looking to finish,” Wight said of her first marathon
‘Why do I do this?’ But when you get to the finish
Wight is in her tapering period of training
scaling down from her 20-mile-in-a-day peak
in order to recover enough for the actual race
She’s hoping for a time of 4 hours and 34 minutes
which she said is in line with other courses she has run with similar hilly terrain to the Boston Marathon
she said she’ll mostly just be happy to get to experience one of the races considered in the Abbott World Marathon Majors
I’m going to have a million butterflies,” Wight said
“I know just finishing is going to feel amazing.”
Wight said she plans to make the run without music
and plans to just take it in and enjoy the experience
She said the strategy has gotten her some of her personal best times in the past
John Poltrack of New Ipswich gathers samples of competitors’ chili to taste
A pot of chili served up at the New Ipswich Town-Wide Chili Cook Off on Saturday
Daniel Ziarnik-Case tries out different types of chili
a first-time chili maker (and first-time stove-user) walked away with the $100 grand prize at the New Ipswich Town-Wide Chili Cook Off on Saturday
The event is the first in a series of events that will be held this year marking the town’s 275th anniversary
and proceeds from the event will go toward funding the town’s celebration in October
and residents paid $5 for the right to try all seven entries and judge their favorite
Lincoln said he had a good feeling about his chances early in the event
were already starting to congregate in the bowl to indicate his was the best of the lot
Lincoln said entering the contest started as a joke
“Why not?” He said he found his recipe online
To make a proper chili for Saturday’s competition
Lincoln said he had to get up early on Saturday – about 5 a.m
– which made him question whether it was all worth it
and did almost all the prep work and cooking himself in his first attempts at cooking on a stovetop
Lincoln said he planned to use his winnings to take his friend to a viewing of “A Minecraft Movie” later that night
Lincoln wasn’t the only competitor new to the chili scene
So good luck to everyone,” said Daniel Ziarnik-Case with a laugh
Ziarnik-Case said he crafted his recipe by looking at several recipes online
he was just trying to support the town’s efforts to raise funds for its anniversary celebrations
“There was going to be at least one entrant.”
who said this wasn’t the first time his chili has been entered into competition
which means that he had already begun preparing a pot the previous week
when the cook-off was delayed due to icy conditions
“Chili always tastes better the next day.”
Wright’s chili is made using Wagyu beef raised in Mason
and his vegetables were smoked on charcoal before being mixed into the chili
said that when he was refining his chili for entry
had no beans and used a chili base instead of a tomato base
“And that’s one of the things that I never cared for in chili – was beans and tomatoes,” Talbot said
Talbot said he used fewer beans than in past chilis he has made
Talbot said he made a chili for the originally scheduled competition
saying that he believed his more-recent try was the better of the two
But he said he wouldn’t be voting for his own chili as the winner
and that’s the one getting my vote,” Talbot said
Amanda Bearse of New Ipswich submitted a chili that she has developed over the years and has become her go-to for family potluck parties
Bearse said her recipe is a good “all-round” chili
but the entries surprised her with their diversity
but so different – it’s all down to what you like
Jaxson Thibault of Jaffrey uses stickers and markers to make a Halloween pumpkin at last year’s Autumn Fest
Author and reenactor Allyson Szabo creates a campfire stew dish at last year’s Autumn Fest
Harper and Halley Somero fish for winning ducks at a children’s game during last year’s Autumn Fest
New Ipswich will celebrate the 2024 Autumn Fest this Saturday in Memorial Park
the Boynton Middle School 8th grade is running cow pie Bingo again this year
The Recreation Department is partnering with the class of 2027 for a raffle of a Playstation 5 and the X Box Series X
Sales benefit the class of 2027 and Memorial Field
and will be pulled at the end of the festival
The New Ipswich Fire Association will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers
including a taco truck will be on site for food options
Johno’s and Sullivan Land Management have sponsored two bouncy castles this year
one for older children and one for younger ones
there will be carnival games including the Monster Mash and Giraffe High Striker
Mike Ordway will be performing educational music on the main stage
Kosmic Kelly will perform kid-friendly science education experiments from 1 p.m
Ordway and Kosmic Kelly’s performances are sponsored by the Stearns Burton Lecture Fund
A balloon artist will be present all day this year
Town vehicles will be on the flat for a Touch-a-Truck event
“We’ve got a big list of things going on this year
it’s exciting,” said Recreation Director Mindy Buxton
The New Ipswich Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers for the event. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and can sign up in two-hour sessions. All volunteers will be entered into a raffle to win an Autumn Fest T-shirt and gift card for every hour worked. Volunteers can sign up for specific booths and times at tinyurl.com/NIAutumnFest2024
New Ipswich will be conducting a radio study to determine where trouble spots are and develop potential solutions
with the cost to be shared between affected departments
The Select Board met with representatives from fire
emergency management and highway departments on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of spending $5,000 to conduct the study
Assistant Fire Chief Cody Vaillancourt said that radio communication has long been an issue in certain parts of town
“We have significant radio communication issues at the Fire Department,” said Vaillancourt
who said the current solution is to have firefighters using their personal cellphones to stay in contact
including aging infrastructure at the department’s dispatch
and the other being New Ipswich’s hilly terrain
Police Chief Mike Abel said that the police use a different dispatch center
but the terrain problems affect his communications as well
He said that the department has better success with the mobile radios in the squad cars
but the body radios are where the officers find most of their issues
Abel said the officer is able to hear dispatch through the radio
but is unable to respond or relay information back
He said there are many situations where officers don’t have the luxury of returning to their squad car to report
noting that it is a safety issue to have an officer in the middle of an incident and unable to communicate
Abel said the study would be a good first step in identifying trouble spots and possible solutions
“The quality of communication is at the poor level
knowing areas of town that communication isn’t possible through radios allows the departments to go in with an alternate plan in place
but we’re willing to take that on,” Hatcher said of devising backup communications methods for affected areas
“I’d rather know now than when we have an emergency out there.”
The board discussed how the $5,000 cost of the study
based on an estimate from Beltronics in Nashua
as it was not included in the approved budget
Department heads indicated they were willing to split the costs between their current budgets’ communications lines
and either delay purchases or cover it with underspent line items for the coming year
The board also discussed whether there were remaining funds from the American Rescue Plan Act
grant received by the town that have been unspent
Town Administrator Debbie Deaton said all the funds had been allocated
but some projects had come in under budget
leaving a current balance of just under $1,400
She said that some of the projects using those funds were not yet complete
Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot moved to approve the radio study
using existing funds from department budgets
with the board assessing in the fall any remaining ARPA funding which might be used to offset the cost
the town plans to reinstate its defunct Building Committee to review town properties
The building has been used as the town’s police station
but the department moved to its current location due to mold issues
The town has made several attempts to mitigate the mold issue
the building is used for storage and houses the Green Center
Talbot said conversations about what to do with the building haven’t been revisited in several years
He said the previous Building Committee was tasked with looking at the current condition and suggestions for all town buildings
the committee included five members and a Select Board representative
and encouraged anyone who is interested in joining the committee to contact him at stalbot@newipswichnh.gov or through the town office
Rain ending this evening then becoming foggy
Two people were killed and a third was seriously injured as a result of a crash in New Ipswich early Saturday
Two people are dead and a third is seriously injured as a result of a crash in New Ipswich early Saturday morning
Troopers responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Turnpike and Temple roads just after midnight
An investigation found that a 1996 Honda Del Sol driven by Devin Lundgren
was traveling north on Turnpike Road when the vehicle collided with a 2015 Ram pickup traveling south and making a left turn
suffered serious injuries and was flown by helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester
Police said speed appears to be a factor in the crash but that it remains under investigation. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Trooper Isaiah Acquaye at Isaiah.J.Acquaye@dos.nh.gov or 603-223-4381
State Police are urging caution after four people between the ages of 17 and 21 were killed in three car crashes in Dublin
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Account processing issue - the email address may already exist
Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account
Officer Vincent Estrella-Reyes is presented a certificate of honor by Police Chief Mike Abel
Lou Alvarez and Chair Shawn Talbot with police officer Vincent Estrella-Reyes and Fire Chief Ben Hatcher
Police Officer Vincent Estrella-Reyes and Fire Chief Ben Hatcher
the New Ipswich Select Board recognized the lifesaving actions of Fire Chief Ben Hatcher and police officer Vincent Estrella-Reyes when they responded to a call on Sept
the New Ipswich fire and police departments and the Souhegan Valley Ambulance Service were simultaneously dispatched to respond to a report of a 47-year-old man
and found that the patient was not breathing and had no pulse
in front of a crowd of first-responders who attended the meeting
read a commendation for the two men that explained what happened next
“Chief Hatcher moved the patient to a safe location and began CPR
Officer Reyes arrived on scene within three minutes of being summoned to the residence
administering a shock that restarted the patient’s heart,” Talbot said
“Catholic Medical Center has stated that the quick recognition of the need for chest compressions and defibrillation was instrumental in saving this patient’s life.”
The patient was transported to Catholic Medical Center
and Talbot also acknowledged the continued lifesaving measures taken by the Souhegan Valley Ambulance Service and a Peterborough paramedic who continued to treat the man until he arrived at the hospital
The man has since been released from the hospital
were instrumental in the positive outcome of this situation,” Talbot said
“Both Chief Hatcher and Officer Reyes acted with remarkable courage
Their ability to remain calm under immense pressure
assess the situation and take swift and decisive action was nothing short of extraordinary
The teamwork and professionalism they demonstrated are a testament to their leadership and commitment to the town of New Ipswich.”
officers are not just there to uphold the law
assisting someone broken down on the side of the road or – as in this case – responding to support SVAS in an emergency situation when police or fire might be the first responder on the scene
Abel presented Estrella-Reyes with a certificate
and a letter to both Estrella-Reyes and Hatcher penned by Police Sgt
Weston Vollheim in acknowledgment of their actions that day
Old Country Road in New Ipswich is officially split into two separately named roads
after a vote of the Select Board on Tuesday
Board members discussed the possible split last week
at the request of residents of the road and the town’s road agent
after issues with 911 locating properties on the road
The board agreed in theory to split the road at that time
as they wanted a more-precise location for the cutoff between what would become Old Country Road and the newly named East Old Country Road
After measurements by Road Agent Peter Somero
voting 2-0 to create East Old Country Road from Route 124 and extending 1,443 feet
the town has scheduled its first meeting of the 275th town anniversary committee
The board also discussed whether or not the town could hold a candidate forum prior to the general election in November
The board directed Town Administrator Debbie Deaton to reach out to the winners of this month’s primary for all state positions on New Ipswich’s ballot
and to inquire about their interest and availability to attend a candidate forum in New Ipswich on either Oct
Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot also took a moment to acknowledge the tragic crash that occurred in New Ipswich in the early hours of Saturday morning
The two-car crash resulted in the death of both occupants of one of the cars
and the serious injury of the driver of the second car
Talbot acknowledged the loss of life in not only that crash
but in two other crashes in the region on Friday and Saturday
which resulted in a total of four deaths of young men ranging in age from 17 to 21
He said he also wanted to acknowledge the impact to first-responders in the wake of attending to such scenes
“It was made clear to me that there needs to be some follow-up with our emergency personnel,” Talbot said
adding that the board needed to consider potential mental health resources for those impacted
He noted that kind of trauma can be compounding
and lead to mental health burdens and burnout
“It’s a problem that’s just laying underneath the surface,” Talbot said
“I’d like to take a look at that going forward.”
Rollie Coates lifts his arms in celebration while receiving the Boston Post Cane
as Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot looks on
The gold-capped top of the Boston Post Cane
Selectman Lou Alvarez and Selectman Jason Somero during the presentation of the Boston Post Cane
New Ipswich honored Roland “Rollie” Coates
reviving a tradition that gifts the cane to the town’s oldest resident
The cane was last presented in 2009 to Lily Pakkala
but hasn’t been presented to the oldest citizen after Pakkala’s death in 2010
Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot said that the town was proud not only to honor Coates
but to revive the tradition “and the spirit of honoring the wisdom
strength and life stories of our most senior citizens.”
“Two out of three ain’t bad,” interjected Coates
“Mister Coates has lived through some of the most-profound challenges and changes in modern history
from the Great Depression and World War II and the technological revolution,” Talbot said
positive presence in the lives of his family
humor and strength are defining characteristics – as well as his singing.”
Coates has lived in New Ipswich for nearly 45 years
He was a founding member of the New Ipswich Artists League
and participated for many years in the Fall Foliage Arts Tour
16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with another on the way
Coates showed his noted good humor by testing the cane’s iconic gold cap
and thanking the many friends who had come to the meeting to see him receive his accolade
“Some of you have come a long way,” Coates said
Coates obligingly performed a snippet from the titular song from the musical “Guys and Dolls.”
After handing the cane and a certificate of honor to Coates
Talbot said that the cane was a tradition meant to honor the contributions of the town’s oldest citizens
“By reinstating the Boston Post Cane tradition
we are reminded that every generation builds upon the generation that came before
we honor him and all those that have come before who have carried the weight of time with grace and dignity,” Talbot said
“It is our hope that by reviving this tradition
we can continue to recognize the invaluable contribution of our town’s senior citizens
celebrating the rich lives they have lived and the legacies they leave for future generations.”
and Joe Bulger pack up produce from Bulger’s farm for the St
Jeremy and Joe Bulger and Susan Hadley-Bulger with their truck full of produce to donate to the food pantry
Jeremy Bulger packs up mini-pumpkins for the pantry
Joe Bulger donates acorn squash to the pantry
Nate Bulger and Susan Hadley-Bulger sort produce
Boxes of fresh vegetables for the taking at the St
Joe Bulger and Susan Hadley-Bulger load up their truck with fresh produce grown at their farm on Old Country Road in New Ipswich
But instead of taking it to a farmers’ market or farmers’ stand
where it will become part of the offerings
had not even finished unloading when they were approached by a patron of the pantry
they chatted about the Bulgers’ farm on Old Country Road
is getting along after being widowed some years ago
Old Country Road Farm is mostly a hobby for Bulger
who said that after retiring four years ago from a career in electrical engineering
Hadley-Bulger fell in love with a house in New Ipswich that had a three-acre plot next to the house
He said he decided to give cultivating it a go
Bulger said he played with the idea of a farmstand or selling the produce
but after visiting the food pantry once day
though some other farms prefer to do so anonymously
“They put a lot of love into growing these foods
we set up several tables full of fresh vegetables and fruits
and a lot of it is donated by the Bulgers,” Little said
Little said there are a lot of pieces that go into the puzzle of filling the food pantry beyond just purchasing food at the food bank or collecting donations
Donations from farmers are one piece of that puzzle
Another way to get fresh produce is through purchasing it directly from farmers with the Feeding New Hampshire grant
which provides funds to purchase locally grown and managed produce and protein from local farms
Vincent de Paul Food Pantry has been benefiting for several years now from the program
and intends to use it to purchase apples from Birchwood in Mason this week
Another avenue is the the Fresh Rescue Program
which helps save food that might otherwise be discarded from stores
Vincent de Paul has benefited from the program’s partnership with local Dollar General stores
The program allows for food that would be removed from shelves
to be donated to the pantry rather than discarded
Building those relationships has also resulted in some windfalls for the pantry when local stores had malfunctioning fridges or freezers
Rather than allow the food to thaw and become unsafe
Little was called in to take the food as donations
and was able to store it in the pantry’s large refrigerator
“We get thousands of pounds of food every month
because before they would have to throw out the food
and now they know it’s going to people that really need it.”
Little said it’s all part of the patchwork that goes toward keeping food on the pantry shelves
“This is all due to the community that supports us
It’s not just one person – it’s the whole community.”
Kristen Seitz with her Boston Marathon medal
wearing the medal that marks her completion of the Boston Marathon
Tory Wight of New Ipswich after completing her first Boston Marathon
Tory Wight of New ipswich at the Boston Marathon on Monday
New Ipswich runner Tory Wight joined thousands of other participants in the Boston Marathon on Monday – her first attempt at the iconic race
has participated in multiple other marathons and regularly does half-marathons
but this was her first participation in one of the World Marathon Major races
“My experience in this race was nothing short of spectacular
The crowd support and the attentiveness of all involved was invigorating,” Wight said
“The course is deceptively downhill from the start but becomes rolling hills toward the last half
The Heartbreak Hill didn't seem as harsh as most foretell
Each and every one of us was treated like a pro at the finish line.”
Wight also wore an extra bib declaring this her first Boston Marathon
“Tory,” and said that spectators who noticed cheered her name and congratulated her on her first run
but I plan to walk it off and get ready for a 10k this coming Sunday
you've got to get back in the saddle,” Wight said
Kristen Seitz of Peterborough ran her second Boston Marathon
I went in with no expectations and simply wanted to enjoy it
and that’s exactly what I did,” she stated
“It was a gorgeous day and the crowds came to hype us up
I high-fived so many kids along the way and soaked up all the cheers I could
My husband and friends were out in the crowds and even had a huge printout of my face along with custom T-shirts for my cheer squad
Seitz wrote about the “magic” that happened in the hills
I have two songs on my ‘Race Day’ playlist for him - songs he loved
One came on toward the beginning of Newton,” she stated
my cousin Michaela Tolman and aunt Carol Tolman (from my dad’s side of the family) yelled out my name
I didn’t know they would be out there and it felt like my dad was with me in that moment
The other song for him came on at Heartbreak Hill – I don’t know what I believe
but I know he was pushing me through those miles.”
InDepthNH.org (https://indepthnh.org/2024/09/21/two-died-another-seriously-hurt-in-new-ipswich-crash/)
– Two people are deceased and a third is seriously injured as a result of a crash in New Ipswich.At 12:05 a.m
State Troopers assigned to the Troop B barracks responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Turnpike Road and Temple Road
The preliminary investigation has determined that a 1996 Honda Del Sol
was traveling north on Turnpike Road when the vehicle collided with a 2015 Dodge Ram traveling south and making a left turn.Lundgren and a passenger in the Honda
were pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash
suffered serious injuries and was transported by medical helicopter to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.While speed appears to be a factor
all aspects of the crash remain under investigation.Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has further information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Isaiah Acquaye at Isaiah.J.Acquaye@dos.nh.gov or (603) 223-4381
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License
A generous gift in any amount helps us continue to bring you this service
InDepthNH protects independent journalism that holds government accountable to the people
Our investigative reporting prompts civil discourse that spurs citizens to action
corruption and influence-peddling while giving voice to the disenfranchised
InDepthNH fulfills the press’ watchdog role as envisioned by the founders of our democracy
InDepthNH.org is published by the New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism
Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News
Get unbiased nonprofit watchdog news sent directly to your inbox
The New Ipswich Fire Department during a ceremony recognizing various promotions in the department
including the pinning of new Fire Chief Benjamin Hatcher
the New Ipswich Fire Department saw a changing of the guard
as Fire Chief Gary Somero retired after 50 years in the service and Deputy Chief Benjamin Hatcher was appointed the new head of the department
Hatcher said he knows he has some big shoes to fill
He didn’t care about power – he cared about teaching you
Hatcher has been a member of the volunteer fire service for 12 years
and said that although he initially got involved due to a friend
his family has always espoused a community-first attitude
Hatcher has spent most of his firefighting career in New Ipswich
he was on the Groton Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT
He said the Groton department had a much higher call volume
and the mentorship of then-Groton Chief Steele McCurdy taught him a lot about the service and what it takes to be a leader
“You need to be the coolest person on that scene
and you have to act as though you’re moving as a snail
Gary had the same mentality – it’s something I really want to take from the both of them
It’s something that creates an ease with your firefighters,” Hatcher said
Hatcher said he didn’t seek a rank at Groton
because he knew it was not a long-term position for him
When he returned to New Ipswich’s department as a full member
he said he knew he wanted to start to take those steps
He was appointed as a lieutenant almost immediately
and started working his way through the ranks
Hatcher said one of his main goals will be growing the department
which Hatcher said is robust for a rural department
but flags compared to the department’s high of about 40 members
“It’s getting harder and harder to get equipment out the door – people don’t volunteer like they used to,” Hatcher said
is to have a full-time Fire Chief position
combined with the town’s building inspector and code enforcement positions
The measure was put forth in March as a warrant article
Hatcher said he plans to run an educational campaign over the next year and put the item back on the warrant next March
He said if the position does become full-time
as he already has a full-time job running Old Homestead Farm
Hatcher said the department is also anticipating the delivery of a refurbished pumper rescue truck that has been donated
It will be the first vehicle of its kind in their fleet
which Hatcher called “huge for New Ipswich and the surrounding communities.”
the Fire Department held a pinning ceremony for Hatcher
as well as multiple other officers who received promotions
including Cody Vaillancourt from deputy to assistant chief
Peter Kelleher to captain and Matt Hatcher to lieutenant
The department also celebrated adding six new members to the roster
including Connor Krichbaum and Kade Somero
who graduated from junior fire fighters to full department members
Ryan Murphy was added as a new junior member
and the department welcomed back Brett Vaillancourt
New Ipswich plans to replace one of its police cruisers this year – one of two vehicles purchased in 2020
Police Chief Michael Abel spoke about the replacement schedule and make a recommendation for which cruiser to replace
he was not recommending the oldest vehicle in the fleet be replaced
The current department fleet includes a 2017 vehicle which is used as a backup cruiser and on details when the department has multiple officers attending large events
Abel came to the board with quotes for replacing the 2017 vehicle and one of the 2020 vehicles
and said that his recommendation was that the town replace a 2020 cruiser which has required multiple expensive repairs
including for water leaks that threaten the electronic equipment kept in the vehicle
I’d like to replace the top car,” Abel said
referencing an inventory sheet with information about the department’s fleet
“It’s the one with the water leak; it’s caused us a lot of problems.”
Abel said the department has been out of its regularly scheduled replacement program for several years
mostly due to COVID and supply-and-demand delays
took more than a year to be delivered from the date it was ordered
He said that as the town was overdue for a replacement
there was sufficient funds in the police expendable reserve to purchase a new vehicle
plus an additional $65,000 which was added in March and will be available for use in 2025
Abel presented two possible scenarios for replacement
Because the model for that car has changed since the department purchased it
which is usually transferred from car to car
won’t fit and would have to be ordered new
Abel acknowledged that costs for municipal vehicles are going up steeply
noting that when the town purchased the 2017 cruiser
but the town in recent years had seen that trend and adjusted its annual capital reserve request for the police expendable fund
Abel said that has put the department in a good position to continue to replace vehicles on a reasonable time frame
The 2020 vehicle has about 62,000 miles on it
but Abel said the 2017 vehicle sees less frequent use as a backup car
“It’s hard to recommend keeping a 2017 over a ‘20
Abel said he did not require an immediate decision
particularly as he needed to receive an up-to-date quote on replacing the vehicles
though he said he had recently spoken to the dealership and was informed that the current quotes are at least roughly accurate
but conceptually agreed to the replacement of the 2020 cruiser
with Selectman Jason Somero noting that reliability was a major factor
“Sounds like everyone is agreeable and understands,” agreed Chair Shawn Talbot
Cale Buxton makes a call for traveling during a junior referee training in the Mascenic gymnasium
Cayden Emerson calls a holding foul during a referee training
Sienna Gregory makes a call during a scrimmage to test her refereeing skills
Zachary Alix makes a call during a scrimmage
Cale Buxton makes a call during a junior referee training in the Mascenic gymnasium
Bobby Griffis gives feedback to junior referees Cayden Emerson and Sienna Gregory
Bobby Griffis acts out a player challenging a call made by Cayden Emerson during a referee training
Sienna Gregory stops the play during a referee training
Cayden Emerson prepares to restart the play
A young referee makes a call on the court of the Mascenic Regional High School gymnasium
That’s because this call wasn’t made in the middle of an actual basketball game
run by Bobby Griffis as part of his brush-up course for junior referees
The course is part of a program begun in New Ipswich by Griffis and the New Ipswich Recreation Department last year in order to fill a need for qualified referees for youth recreational programs
Griffis is one of the few certified referees in the area – one of only two in New Ipswich
He said the lack of referees is a persistent problem
the state is looking for officials across all sports,” Griffis said
and we’re trying to recruit younger officials into the ranks.”
a past president of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials
and current interpreter/trainer for the local IAABO board that covers New Ipswich
said that there are a number of issues creating the problem
They include an aging base of existing referees and bad sportsmanship from spectators
coaches and players alike making the job unappealing
The first step is to get student-athletes and those already involved with the sport at least some training
of New Ipswich is one of four junior referees who went through the program last year
and took the refresher this year in preparation for another year
got started in basketball through recreation leagues and now plays in high school
and loved how respectful and positive they were
Knowing I had the opportunity to be that role model I grew up with made me super excited to do it,” Sienna said
said he was extremely nervous the first game he refereed
while reffing is a more individual exercise
Cayden said that by the end of last season
he could tell the difference the experience was making
and that having a mentor in Griffis was also key
said that he has grown not only in his refereeing skills
but the experience has also helped him grow as a basketball player and seeing the game from the opposite side
Four of the five teenagers who qualified last year – with the fifth leaving for college – elected to return this year for the brush-up course and to referee again
with a fresh seven signing up to take the full course
They will be certified as junior officials by the IAABO
It’s a lesser certification than a full referee
but does include 10 hours of classroom time and three hours of on-the-court training
Fully badged officials go through a total of 40 hours of classroom training and 10 to 12 hours of court training
“There’s almost too many for the schedule,” Buxton said
which she admits is a great problem to have after struggling to find officials in the past
Buxton said junior referees are generally put on younger grade levels
where players are still at the level of mostly learning the game
A fully certified official is required for New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association
so the referee shortage remains an issue for high school games
having referees with a quarter of the training as a fully badged referee is better than having coaches or parents pulled from the bench and given a whistle – a tactic New Ipswich has fallen back on more than once
Griffis said implementing the junior program came after an annual meeting for IAABO officials
He said he was able to start the program with a few tips that pushed the program ahead
learning from others who had gone before him
he scheduled the classes right before the start of basketball season
with no gap for the potential referees to forget the skills they learned in class
He also made sure he or another adult was on hand in the early part of the season
to be backup for conflicts and a sounding board
After his own experience putting junior refs through the program
Griffis said he would advise others who are interested in doing the same to also take the personalities of the referees into account when pairing them to referee games
and create good working pairs so that all referees can progress
The lack of officials has been a persistent problem
but has been exacerbated in the last few years
According to a 2022 survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations
approximately 33,000 high school officials across 43 states left their jobs compared to the pre-pandemic 2018-2019 season
that number is estimated to be as high as 50,000
Murphy said that basketball has become a year-round sport between school
and there are not enough officials to go around
There are only about 350 to 400 IAABO officials across the entire state
and an aging population of existing referees
He said IAABO implemented a junior referee program a few years ago
hoping to spur some young blood to join the organization officially as adults
aside from Griffis’ program in New Ipswich
the only other community he’s aware of that has implemented the idea is Portsmouth
Cayden has texted with Griffis about game footage and what calls were made
you have to be very specific,” Cayden said
and part of that is just needing more experience
Bobby [Griffis] still sees a lot more than I do
Griffis said he has been proud to see his students grow
to the point they can handle defending their calls
“There was one point I was getting ready to stand up and have someone back down
Fire Chief Ben Hatcher speaks on a proposal for a new full-time position for a code enforcement officer
Jamie Kizner writes an amendment to the road construction articles
Jason Somero and Shawn Talbot at the New Ipswich deliberative session on Tuesday
The New Ipswich Fire Department will be making a second try at creating a combined position that will include a firefighter
code enforcement officer and building inspector position
after a similar article failed narrowly last year
The article was amended during Tuesday night’s deliberative session
held in the Mascenic Regional High School auditorium
The previous article called for a fire chief to be part of the position
while this year’s article asks for a “fire officer.” Fire Chief Ben Hatcher explained that the officer would likely be of captain rank
and would be able to address the administrative work on the department along with being ready to respond to active calls
Hatcher said staffing volunteer departments during the day is increasingly difficult
citing a recent house fire when the Rindge department was only able to respond with two firefighters
And need for firefighters is only going up
Hatcher said – the department responded to 38% more calls this year than the previous
Hatcher moved to amend the article during the deliberative session
reducing the requested amount for half a year’s salary and benefits from $63,500 to $60,500
He said the adjustment was based on the increases already in the budget
and the amount would still allow the department to be competitive while saving at least some funds
He said of the $121,000 cost for the total year of the position
the Select Board retook their vote on whether to recommend the article
and the vote went from 2-1 to unanimous in support
There were several articles related to the Highway Department
The town has always requested funding for road reconstruction in two articles
the articles ask for $350,000 and $250,000
Road Agent Peter Somero said the intent for the funds in the coming year is work on Wilson Hill Road
Old Beaver Road and the reconstruction of Old Wilton Road
Resident Jamie Kizner moved to amend the first article to reduce it by $100,000
He said that he was looking for places to reduce the budget or warrant articles that wouldn’t completely derail the town
and also to possibly increase a later request for funds for the Highway Department vehicles
Somero gave a short slideshow presentation on the state of the department’s fleet
which he said has four vehicles in need of repair
two of which needed to go into the shop for work after breaking down in a storm the past weekend
He said the oldest plow the town has is 13 years old
when ideally they would be retired at eight to 10 years
“Some have had issues since I started at the department eight years ago,” Peter Somero said
is requesting $50,000 to replace one of its pickup trucks and plow attachment
The funds would replace a Ford 2012 pickup
The Highway Department Capital Reserve Fund is part of a larger article requesting funds for various capital reserve and expendable trusts
The Highway Department is requesting $95,000
as is the Fire Department for its capital reserve
The total requests for capital reserves and trusts is $391,000
Selectman Shawn Talbot warned the crowd that as the Highway Department’s vehicles approach their end of life
the town is likely to increase the ask for the Highway Department as soon as next year
There are three petition articles on the warrant this year
including a proposed conflict of interest ordinance
which is specifically aimed at members of boards involved in lawsuits with the town or its boards
The ordinance would be adopted with the authority of RSA 31:39-a
which allows towns to create bylaws that provide “care
preservation and use of the public cemeteries
libraries and other public institutions of the town.”
The ordinance would make it a conflict of interest for a person to be a party to a lawsuit against the town or one of its boards
committees or commissions while holding a position on any town board until the suit is resolved
It would include a provision allowing anyone currently in a position on a board one year to resolve the suit
a member of the Planning Board who is currently involved in a suit against decisions made by the planning and zoning boards regarding Silver Scone Teas
asked if there was a “specific instance” driving the petition
if there was something that came before the board that involved a conflict of interest
“Why is that not sufficient?” Smeeth asked
The submitter of the petition did not speak to it during the deliberative session
Other petition articles included designating Willard Road as a scenic road
which means approval from a town body must be granted before significant cutting or removal of stone walls can be done
Willard Road resident Meredith Lund spoke to the article
clarifying that dangerous or nuisance trees
are able to be removed without that process
An amendment was made to the article to specify that the approval could come from the Planning Board or another town-identified body
as typically the Conservation Commission has taken that role in the past
The final petition article is for $102,295 for a large playground set for Memorial Field
with Talbot saying that there was not enough information or a firm bid
and that the request had been above the amount anticipated to be needed for possible price inflations due to tariffs
He said he would not object to including a new playground set in the capital improvement plan and saving for a few years for it
Voting on all articles is scheduled for March 11 from 7 a.m
Produce for sale lines the tables at the country market
The hayride loads up for a ride down the road
Elizabeth Maxcy-Humphrey of Temple demonstrates spinning technique in the petting zoo area
Theodore Krook digs for a prize in the Dino Dig game at the New Ipswich Children’s Fair on Saturday
Children’s Fair facepaint booth volunteer Summer Ketola paints a dinosaur on the cheek of Avery Blair
Fran Cook and John Korsman run the chicken barbecue pit
Volunteers Jessica DeFrancesco and Karyn Veeser don matching red
white and blue to run the checkout counter for the country market
Vance and Kuster Jala of Rindge share a bag of cotton candy
aims for the high numbers on the Hi-Low Bowl
Iona Ojala of Rindge eats a sugary treat at the Children’s Fair in New Ipswich on Saturday
chicken barbecue and plant and book sales at the Children’s Fair in New Ipswich on Saturday at the New Ipswich Congregational Church
Julia Mills of New Ipswich gets her face painted by volunteer Brittney Brooks
Declan Muhonen of New Ipswich is the dunk tank target
Sara Costello of Greenville paints a pumpkin she picked out of the pumpkin patch
A cow from Patricia’s Ark is the arbitrator of “Cow Pie Bingo.” STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI—
Nora Rathbun of New Ipswich tries her luck at the ring toss
or “Pammy the Balloon Twister,” creates a monkey on a coconut tree for a child
Signs point residents to attractions at Autumn Fest
Laityn Shuttle of New Ipswich tests his mettle against the strength tower
Hudson and Halle Cutter of Temple fish for prizes
Vendors fill the baseball field at Memorial Park
Mia Ketola of New Ipswich decorates a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch
which serves as a fundraiser for the town’s Parks and Recreation Department
Nerf wars and food trucks on Memorial Field on Saturday
The New Ipswich Select Board has approved a new cruiser for the Police Department and a computer for one of the existing cruisers
the board took two votes on new equipment for the Police Department
approving $61,000 for a 2025 Police Interceptor cruiser
and $6,030 for a new tablet and mount for the police chief’s administrative car
Police Chief Mike Abel spoke about the need to replace the department’s 2020 cruiser
calling it a persistent “problem child” with multiple issues
and said it is only used in emergency situations
Abel said the town’s cruiser capital reserve is about $160,000
well in excess of the estimated $61,000 quote to replace the cruiser
The board unanimously voted in favor of using capital reserve funds to replace the cruiser
The tablet and mount for the chief’s car will match the setup of two of the department’s existing cruisers
Abel said the department has about $2,500 left in the hardware budget
and a significant surplus due to staffing shortages to cover the remainder
He said in addition to their administrative uses
the computers are also useful for things like having a copy of the criminal code and maps during pursuits or searches
The board approved the purchase from the current budget
The discussion of the use of cruiser tablets led to a larger conversation around the Police Department’s technology
Abel said the department’s process for inputting information from calls is far out of date compared to the available technology
We’re doing everything by hand,” Abel said
Abel said that every interaction with the public
he has to write down the details of the people and vehicles he interacts with
and fill out the report with the information back at the station
it’s possible to get a Department of Motor Vehicles or a background history on a person
and use that information to fill the report on the current call
“All of this could be done in real time at the stop,” Abel said
Abel said that a new system was at the top of his request list for American Rescue Plan Act
Abel said hours are being spent transcribing the information
“The real goal is how do we keep our officers on the road,” Abel said
especially since the department is currently short-staffed
with four full-time officers where six are budgeted
and one of those officers is still undergoing field training
He said he has no full-time candidates prepared to take the next academy cycle in January and would at the earliest start their training in May
so they would not be ready to join the department until the fall of 2025
Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot said the town has moved away from using budget surplus to fund unbudgeted items
but given the department’s current staffing and the inefficiencies of the current system
he would consider using the surplus from the empty staffing positions to fund a new system and transferring the current system’s data
He asked the other board members if that was an idea they were willing to entertain
Selectman Jason Somero said the town had used surplus in order to complete Police Department renovations
He said he saw long-term savings in the time saved by officers
Talbot requested that Abel secure an updated quote and an estimate of the amount of funds remaining in his department budget for discussion at an upcoming board meeting
Josiah Hakala of New Ipswich has won state titles both as an individual and as part of the Mascenic High School golf team
and now he can add another accolade to his list – 2024 PGA Boys High School Golf National Invitational champion
Hakala shot a third-round 65 Wednesday to rally from a tie for fourth to win the tournament in Frisco
which drew more than 300 golfers from around the country
Hakala’s third-round score gave him a tournament record 14-under-par 202 and a one-shot victory of Davis Hartwell of Oregon
with whom he had been tied after first two rounds
set by Anawin Pikulthong of Arizona in 2020 and tied by Jake Albert of Virginia in 2022
Hakala won individual state Division IV championships in 2022 and 2023
He also led Mascenic to the 2023 Division IV team title
the lowest team score in Division IV history
Hakala attributed his success at the national tournament to his faith and preparation
“I attribute it all to first and foremost my Savior Jesus Christ
because without him I wouldn’t be here,” stated Hakala
“I put countless hours into my game and on the practice area just preparing for tournaments like this and it's really nice to see it pay off for sure.”
570-yard first hole at WestRidge Golf Course
then solidified his lead by chipping in for a second eagle on the par-5 6th hole
my best round of the week was probably day two on (Fields Ranch) East," stated Hakala
it was just kind of my day and I played really well
Hakala will receive exemptions into the 2024 Junior PGA Championships at Congressional Country Club and the 2025 North & South Junior Championship at Pinehurst Resort
Hometown Heroes sponsor Savings Bank of Walpole
Mike Smith at the start of the 2023 Dead Possum
Mike Smith with the Mascenic girls’ cross-country team that won the state title in 2023
Mike Smith with the Mascenic boys’ cross-country team that won the state title in 2021
“I don't know how many lives he changed through his coaching
but I can tell you his coaching changed mine.”
Those were the words of Elizabeth McGurk nominating her former coach at Mascenic High School
as the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript Hometown Hero for July
“He makes running accessible for the greenest runner as well as the veteran,” she wrote
“Many of the parents of kids he's coached end up becoming lifelong runners themselves because of the community-building Smith does
stories – community -- that has been carefully hand-crafted by Smith
He's brought diverse people together to share experiences outside
He's worked tirelessly year after year to benefit all of us.”
Smith said he began running cross-country as a middle-school student at Mascenic after a friend encouraged him to try out with him
“I didn’t really have a lot of talent for any other sports,” he said
“You can overcome the genetics you got from your parents by putting your nose to the grindstone.”
and returned to the school to teach environmental science
When the cross-country coaching job opened
“I saw (teaching at Mascenic) as a way to get into coaching cross-country,” he said
“All I wanted to do was coach cross-country.”
approached Smith about working with the school’s track teams
pitching it as a way to develop a rapport with the cross-country runners
and I’ve been coaching track ever since,” he said
outdoor track for 26 years and indoor track for 20 years
with his teams and athletes winning multiple state titles along the way
Having started a new job outside the district
he retired from coaching at Mascenic after the most-recent season
saying there would have been times he couldn’t be there for the students
Smith influence on the local running community extends beyond the schools
the umbrella organization for his non-Mascenic running activities
Monadnock Regional Milers and the annual Dead Possum half-marathon in March
The origin of the Dead Possum was Smith and his wife deciding to run a half-marathon each weekend one October
he plotted a half-marathon course through Mason
the four people who took part found two dead possums on the side of the road and a third a little ways up the road
the last mile includes running up Mascenic hill
and Smith moved the race to March to provide a way for his runners to stay in shape
although he said it has always been open to all who wanted to participate
said he enjoyed coaching middle school and high school students because of the way the sport provided personal growth and taught lessons in hard work
“I just know how good the sport can be for those who take it up
I love working with kids and seeing them develop,” he said
adding that he got “just as excited by someone who’s never going to be a top-tier runner maxing out their ability” as someone whose gifts meant they would always be successful
having not come out for cross-country as a freshman before joining the indoor track team
She eventually ran at Keene State College and now runs ultramarathons
with her last effort an eighth place overall and first in her division at the Manitou’s Revenge 53-miler in Windham
“She went from being a nobody to winning a state championship in the two-mile,” he said
Each month, the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript will recognize one of our region’s many Hometown Heroes. Nominate a Hometown Hero at tin yurl.com/3ctykcnv
The pilot of a small aircraft was taken to a local hospital after crashing in New Ipswich Tuesday
New Ipswich Road Agent Peter Somero was conducting routine duties at the town’s transfer station when he looked up and saw a small airplane circling
he said he thought it was someone sightseeing
checking out the cleared area of the transfer station
“I looked up and saw a plane flying really low
I thought they were just checking out what was going on at the transfer station
I think it’s trying to land here,” Peter Somero said
Peter Somero said the plane never got to attempt a landing
the thing just dropped into the trees and disappeared,” Peter Somero said
it lost lift and just fell out of the sky.”
He said the plane wasn’t visible behind the trees
and he was able to use that to direct police to the crash when they arrived
According to a press release issued by the New Ipswich Police Department on Tuesday afternoon
Fire Department and Souhegan Valley Ambulance Service responded to the report of the crash at about 12:52 p.m
New Ipswich Fire Chief Gary Somero said when emergency crews arrived
they found a two-seat experimental aircraft
had extricated himself from the cockpit and was able to walk out of the woods to a Souhegan Valley Ambulance for evaluation
Gary Somero said the plane had landed upright
that kind of caught him,” Gary Somero said
Gary Somero said there was no fuel spillage as a result of the crash
The New Ipswich Police Department and the FAA are conducting an investigation into the incident
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the New Ipswich Police Department at 603-878-2771
The transfer station in New Ipswich is only open on Saturdays
Peter Somero said any change of hours this week
will be announced on the town’s website and on the electronic sign at the transfer station entrance
Ken MacInnis of New Ipswich adds sauce to a completed barbecue cook
are awarded the grand championship trophy after winning the a barbecue competition in Connecticut
the win that bought them entry to the world championships in Tenessee
Brandon Saldoni of Nashua practices cooking ribs in preparation for the world championships
Brandon Saldoni of Nashua practices cooking ribs in preperation for the world championships
Brandon Saldoni and Ken MacInnis with their grand champion trophy from the Connecticut Barbecue Challenge
The House of Que competitive barbecue team is on the road
headed to the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Tennessee – a longtime dream of team members Ken MacInnis of New Ipswich and Brandon Saldoni of Nashua
The two qualified for the honor after winning a state championship title at the Connecticut Barbecue Challenge
an automatic ticket to the world championship
“It’s unreal,” said Saldoni of getting the opportunity to go to one of the biggest events in competitive barbecue
“It’s the Super Bowl of barbecue,” said MacInnis
Making it to the world championships was especially meaningful for the two
since despite individually competing in barbecue for several years now
they are new as a team – the Connecticut Barbecue Challenge was only their third competition cooking together
MacInnis said he initially planned to enter the competition solo
But when word came down that a win would mean a ticket to the world championship
MacInnis said he knew they stood a better chance together
The two met through barbecue competitions about a year ago
“We’re both the missing links on each other’s team.”
has owned Bentley’s Famous Barbecue – named for his son – for the past 17 years
MacInnis works as a category manager in the Whole Foods meat department
and said he became interested in barbecue when in 2007
that included a barbecue hot bar with in-house smoked meats and bacon
MacInnis said Saldoni brings the flavor profiles and recipes
while Saldoni said MacInnis brings structure
“The collaboration just really worked,” MacInnis said
And that chemistry is something the competition is really about
Barbecue brings people together,” Saldoni said
MacInnis said even in the competition world
teams often have camaraderie with each other
and the New England teams who are headed to the world championship have been in contact with each other about their routes and stops along the way
and why more and more people are getting into this sport – the community of people
The world championship competition has a total of 85 teams competing
including champions from every state as well as international teams
Teams will compete in four main categories: chicken
The House of Que team is also participating in the “Chef’s Choice” and dessert categories
MacInnis said they’ll be participating in all four main categories
They source their ribs from Illinois and make their brisket from Wagyu beef
MacInnis said the quality of the meat can make or break a good competition cook
The Jack Daniels 2024 World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition is Oct
Jim Feldhusen puts on a Santa costume for his annual duties as “Firefighter Santa.” STAFF PHOTO BY ASHLEY SAARI
James “Captain Jim” Feldhusen told New Ipswich Fire Chief Ben Hatcher that he had no regrets – that if he had to live his life over
Feldhusen died on Aug. 23 from esophageal cancer, which his doctors had said is likely linked to his career of approximately 40 years as a volunteer firefighter
including as a firefighter on both the New Ipswich and Greenville crews
Feldhusen is the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript Hometown Hero for September
Feldhusen exemplified one of his favorite quotes
read at his memorial service – “I have no ambition in this world
But we who know the work which a fireman has to do believe his is a noble calling.”
Feldhusen began his career in volunteer firefighting at 18
as soon as he was able to join the service,
He followed in the footsteps of his father
and continued to serve in that capacity as long as he was able
Feldhusen wasn’t just a member of the New Ipswich and Greenville fire departments
He played a very important role every holiday season
donning the red suit and firefighter helmet as “Firefighter Santa” in Greenville
and helping to start the New Ipswich department’s “Pictures with Santa” annual fundraiser
Despite only having finished chemotherapy treatments last December
Feldhusen still made the rounds as Firefighter Santa on Greenville’s fire truck
“Buddy the Elf,” played by Charlie Jackman
“It was something he loved to do for the town
and for the kids,” said Greenville Fire Chief Ben Buttrick
“He loved getting on top of the fire truck and getting paraded around town
He did it for the all the right reasons – he wasn’t there for him
Hatcher said Feldhusen was a mentor to him
In addition to his dedication to the fire service
having been heavily involved in coaching youth sports in the area
and having served as New Ipswich’s building inspector
“For more than half of my career in the fire service
I served under Captain Jim,” Hatcher said at a memorial for Feldhusen
“Not all of us here today got to call him ‘Captain Jim.’ Some of us called him coach
but all of us got to call him a great friend
personally and for many members of the New Ipswich Fire Department
Buttrick also said Feldhusen was always willing to help and to share his knowledge
“He was always eager to talk people up,” Buttrick said
It didn’t matter that I was on Greenville and he was on New Ipswich
to give you constructive criticism – he had a way of saying things
that you didn’t even know you were getting it.”
Buttrick said Feldhusen was always energetic and happy-go-lucky
“If you had another 10 or 20 of him on your department
you would have the best department you could ask for
There was no job that was too little or too big
He would figure out how to get it done,” Buttrick said
and out of the self-gratitude to say ‘I was there
Each month, the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript will recognize one of our region’s many Hometown Heroes. Nominate a Hometown Hero at tinyurl.com/3ctykcnv
2025 at 11:00 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A habitual offender was indicted on charges in Hollis and Merrimack
NH — A Hillsborough County grand jury indicted the following people recently
on a felony second-degree assault-domestic violence charge
He was accused of strangling an intimate partner on Sept
Robert J. Brown, 25, of Union Street in Nashua, on a felony burglary charge
He was accused of kicking in the rear door of a building on Sept
Nicholas K. Bueno
on a felony aggravated felonious sexual assault-domestic violence charge
He was accused of raping a former intimate partner on June 14
He was accused of strangling an intimate partner on June 23
Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Hillsborough County Superior Court South and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports
Matthew Caruso, 28, of Orange Street in Nashua, on three felony counts of motor vehicles; penalties
He was accused of driving on Ash Street in Hollis on May 23
and the Everett Turnpike in Merrimack on Oct
after being deemed a habitual offender by the NH DMV in June 2023
He was accused of obtaining a Puerto Rican driver’s license belonging to another on a forged license on Aug
Trevor Hart, 34, of Cheney Street in Manchester, on domestic violence and two criminal threatening charges, all felonies. He was accused of using a gun to threaten an intimate partner and two other people in Nashua on Aug. 24, 2024. Read more about this case here: Manchester Man Arrested On Gun Threat Charges In Nashua
Richard Kinney
on two felony controlled drug act; acts prohibited charges
He was accused of failing to register a pickup truck with police on May 2
Kreisz is a sex offender due to an aggravated felonious sexual assault charge from August 2011
on six felony possession of child sexual abuse images counts
He was accused of possessing videos of girls being raped by men and other videos on Aug
Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel
Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight
New Ipswich and Francestown in less than 16 hours over the weekend
A 17-year-old from Antrim was killed in Dublin
died after crashing into a tree in his hometown
The Antrim teen’s name has not been released yet
but he and his two passengers in the Dublin crash were students in the ConVal School District
we have lost several individuals on New Hampshire roadways,” Lt
Chris Storm said in a video posted to the State Police Facebook page
“The New Hampshire State Police ask that you please slow down
we can make New Hampshire a safer place to live and drive.”
The deluge of deadly crashes began Friday at approximately 12:30 p.m
when a 17-year-old Antrim boy died after crashing into a tree on Perry Pasture Road in Dublin
Two 16-year-old passengers (a boy from Antrim and a girl from Peterborough) were injured
the teen girl was walking around the scene of the heavily damaged car and the two boys were unconscious and trapped in the wreckage
The 17-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene
Firefighters extricated the 16-year-old boy from the car
An ambulance took him and the girl to a hospital for treatment
“This is a profound moment for our school community
and it’s essential that we come together to support one another in the days ahead,” Interim Superintendent Dr
ConVal High School Principal Heather McKillop encouraged parents to talk with students to help them process the tragedy
The district said it will have support resources available at the high school beginning Monday morning
including counseling services and therapy dogs
The school postponed all sporting events Friday
a 1996 Honda Del Sol driven by Lundgren collided with a 2015 Ram pickup truck on Turnpike Road just at approximately 12:05 a.m
Investigators said speed appears to have been a factor in the crash
Trottier was driving a Subaru Crosstrek on Route 136 around 4:15 a.m
Police are investigating the cause of the crash
dpierce@unionleader.com
A driver is dead after his vehicle crashed into a tree in Francestown early Saturday morning
ConVal School District is in mourning after the death of a 17-year-old student in a car crash in Dublin on Friday afternoon
As a driver’s-education teacher and former police officer
Scott Rogers is worried that young drivers don’t understand the risks they take
Email notifications are only sent once a day