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NHEC And Union Workers Reach Tentative Agreement

PLYMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and union workers say they’ve reached a tentative agreement on new contract.

Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1837 went on strike May 7. Their contract expired April 30.

The union said a ratification vote was planned Thursday morning. The NHEC said the contract would need to be approved its board of directors, expected early next week.

A main sticking point was the utility’s provision to allow for changing pension and retirement plans for lineworkers without negotiation. The utility said with a federal mediator’s help Wednesday, an agreement was reached doesn’t include language the union had objected to. It also provides for modest increases in pay and pension benefits.

The union represents 85 workers. The utility has 84,000 customers in 115 communities.

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Family Of 6-Year-Old Glen Girl Diagnosed With Leukemia Looking For Help

GLEN, NH – The family of a young girl from Glen is looking for help as their little girl battles for her life.

Brooklyn Flag of Glen was an average 6-year-old girl born at Memorial Hospital and attending school at Bartlett Elementary School until one day Brooklyn came down with strep and her mom Jeanne noticed something wasn’t quite right.

“I didn’t think she looked right, she was so pale. The Pediatrician was amazing. He did a little feeling around in her belly and determined her liver was enlarged. Which was a dead give away.” Jeanne said adding “They did some blood work and she was flown to Maine Med because her blood levels were so low”

Last Tuesday it was confirmed Brooklyn has Leukemia.

Jeanne said that Brooklyn’s treatments will take about 2 years, which means a lot of expenses in addition to the medical expenses.

According to a fund raising page set up to help Brooklyn “there is a long road to remission ahead of Brooklyn and her family, and lots of medical expenses…any amount will help get Brooklyn to the life saving appointments she needs to beat Leukemia and grow healthy and strong” 

Jeanne said that though it has only been two weeks since Brooklyn’s diagnosis she’s doing well, and in high spirits.

The fundraising page also notes that Brooklyn is “a tough little 6 year old and she is going to fight this the only way she knows how, to fight like a girl!”

Jeanne noted that they are so thankful for all of the well wishes, prayers, and donations from the community. She said “It has definitely helped us get through the days.”

As of Wednesday the fundraiser has raised over $1,700 of their $2,000 goal donated by 45 donors.

Those wishing to help can by donating to a youcaringfundraiser set up for Brooklyn and her family by clicking here.

 

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NH Has 3rd Largest Drug Problem In The Country According To New Study

Source: WalletHub

 

New Hampshire has been ranked among the top 10 states for the highest drug use in the country.

In a recent a WallettHub study New Hampshire was ranked 3rd and Maine was ranked 18th for drug use per state.

13 University Professor around the United States conducted the study by comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia in three overall categories: 1) Drug Use & Addiction, 2) Law Enforcement and 3) Drug Health Issues & Rehab.

The study based its rankings on 20 metrics ranging from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and meth-lab incidents per capita.

New Hampshire ranked 8th for Drug Use & Addiction, 6th for Law Enforcement, and 28th Drug Health Issues & Rehab.

Other results include (1=Biggest Problem; 25=Avg.)

  • 18th – Share of Teenagers Who Used Illicit Drugs in the Past Month
  • 10th – Share of Adults Who Used Illicit Drugs in the Past Month
  • 30th – Opioid Pain Reliever Prescriptions per Capita
  • 3rd – Drug Overdose Deaths per Capita
  • 10th – Drug Arrests per Capita
  • 9th – Share of Adults Who Needed but Didn’t Receive Treatment for Illicit Drug Use in the Past Year
  • 21st – Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities per 100,000 People (12 Years and Older) Using Illicit Drugs

Maine ranked 7th for Drug Use & Addiction, 39th for Law Enforcement, and 31st Drug Health Issues & Rehab.
 
Washington DC had the highest drug use in the country.
 

Source: WalletHub

 
 
The full report can be found at wallethub.com

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Wolfeboro Teen Rescues Woman From Car That Plunged Into Lake

 

WOLFEBORO, N.H. (AP) — Police say a New Hampshire high school student jumped into the state’s largest lake to pull a woman from a car that had gone off the docks and into the water.

WMUR-TV reports 18-year-old Zachary Cray was fishing off the end of the docks at Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro on Monday afternoon when he heard the crash just yards away. He saw a car roof, called 911, and jumped in.

Cray said the driver’s window was rolled down, and he and someone else who jumped in pulled her through it. A few other men joined to help pull her out of the water.

Rescue workers said it appeared that she hit the accelerator instead of the brake. She wasn’t hurt.

It took hours to remove the car from the water.

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Fallen Fryeburg Officer Honored In Washington D.C.

Fryeburg Police Chief Potvin stands with the parents of Officer Nathen M. Desjardins in Washington DC for the Police Unity Tour ~ Photo courtesy of Fryeburg Police Facebook page

 
WASHINGTON, DC – The Fryeburg Police Officer who lost his life while working to save another is being honored in Washington D.C. this week.

Three Maine Officers road 300 miles over 4 days in the Police Unity Tour in honor of Officer Nathen M. Desjardins who passed away last year due to a head injury he sustained while trying to rescue a canoeist on the Saco River.

 

Bicyclist nearing the end of their ride at the Police Unity Tour in Washington D.C. ~ Photo courtesy of Fryeburg Police Facebook page.

 
The Police Unity Tour is a bicycle ride to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum.

Fryeburge Police Chief Joshua Potvin is in D.C. with Officer Desjardins’ Mother and Father, escorting them around the city as they recognize their son.

Chief Potvin said that Officer Desjardins was honored during the ride in multiple ways noting “They ride with a plaque on their bicycles. They have wrist bands with his name and a watch date as well.” Adding that after the trek the riders presented those items to Officer Desjardins’ parents.

A wreath in honor of Fryeburg Officer Nathen Desjardins in Washington D.C. at the Police Unity Tour. ~ Photo courtesy of Fryeburg Police Facebook page.

 
Chief Potvin said that 28,00 riders raised 20 million dollars for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial 16,000 of which was raised by the Maine Chapter.

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White Mountain National Forest Celebrates 100 Years With Museum Exhibit

 

PLYMOUTH, NH – The White Mountain National Forest is turning 100 this year and is celebrating by looking back on defining moments.

On Wednesday the Museum of the White Mountains is opening “The People’s Forest: A Centennial Celebration of the White Mountain National Forest.” a special exhibit showcasing the many milestones of the forest through it’s 100 year history.

Cynthia Robinson Director of the Museum of the White Mountains said that the exhibit took about a year to put together and features somethings that have never been seen before including a collection of glass lantern slides from the 1900’s.

Robinson added “We worked with a lot of partners over the past year and a half to develop it (the exhibit). It talks about different non-profit organizations that are in the forest, maintaining trails, doing research, and it also has engaged a lot of Plymouth State University Students.

“The centennial year is a reminder to look back on where we’ve come while we prepare for the next 100 years with our partners and volunteers,” said Forest Supervisor Clare Mendelsohn. “We still have work to do to ensure this land is protected for future generations, and now, more than ever, we need you to join us.”

Today the Forest is nearly 800,000 acres and attracts several million visitors who hike, camp, climb and ski on their public land each year. The White Mountain National Forest has become a major part of the economic engine of New Hampshire contributing to the nearly 9 billion dollar statewide outdoor recreation industry that supports almost 80,000 jobs.

Located in Plymouth New Hampshire by Plymouth State University the Museum of the White Mountain National Forest’s mission is “to obtain, maintain, and provide access to resources and activities that educate and engage its audience with the region’s artistic, historical, geographic, and cultural treasures. Its purpose is to enrich the life and scholarship of the Plymouth State University community, researchers, and the broader public.

The exhibit opening reception is Wednesday May 16th from 5pm – 7pm. The exhibit will then remain at the museum till September 12th.

For more information about the exhibit go to plymouth.edu/museum-of-the-white-mountains/exhibitions/the-peoples-forest