,

Together With Veterans Update

Last October WMWV spoke with former Army Captain Ray Gilmore, who was involved with a project called, “Together With Veterans.” The plan was to address Veteran Suicide by building social support networks within New Hampshire communities. If successful, methods developed in this program will be used in preventing suicide with other demographics. Gilmore says that there’s progress since our October meeting.  Together With Veterans is planning on assessing the Berlin, Gorham area on January 10th before they begin to offer training for local residents in February. The plan is to start in more populated communities and then build connections into the more rural areas surrounding them. He also says the project has added retired Navy Commander Steven Wyrsch to their lineup. Ray says, “His experience as both a veteran and healthcare executive will be crucial in helping to establish some standard practices across the north country to tighten up the safety net in the community.”

,

First Annual Fryeburg PD ‘Stuff-a-Cruiser’

Yesterday was the Fryeburg Police Department’s first annual ‘Stuff-a-Cruiser’ event. Officers teamed up with Molly Ockett Middle School’s PTA as well as local businesses and community volunteers to collect donated toys and clothes. Donated items will be given to less fortunate families this holiday season. Fryeburg’s Police Chief Joshua Potvin says it was an honor to take part in such a special community project. He says, “During the first event hosted by Fair Grounds Coffee, our cruiser was literally stuffed with hundreds of toys, clothes, and other holiday supplies along with cash donations.” The Fryeburg Police Department plans on hosting another ‘Stuff-a-Cruiser’ event this coming Sunday from 3pm – 5pm at Bradley Park.

,

KHS Bomb Prank

In what authorities now believe to be a prank, Kennett High School took precautionary measures yesterday to handle an alleged bomb threat on the school. The Conway Daily Sun reports the threat was found on an unassigned computer and stated a plan to attack the school this Friday afternoon. Kennett High School officials told the Daily Sun that the High School was cleared after school, and bomb-sniffing dogs were brought into the High School. They say a heightened police presence will remain for a short time. Officials say the student responsible for the message has been identified and they believe the alleged threat was actually a prank. Anyone with pertinent information is still asked to contact the Conway Police Department.

Here is the original press release from the Conway Police Department:

,

9% Ski Lift Tax

The NH Legislature will be taking up debate of a bill that would impose a 9% tax on ski lift tickets next month. The proposed tax would go towards creating a scholarship program for New Hampshire students to attend in-state colleges and universities. Supporters of the bill say students are leaving the state to go to college because of in-state tuition costs. Opponents say it’s likely to kill ski tourism in the state. If the bill passes New Hampshire would have the highest ski tax in the northeast. Valley resident and skiing enthusiast, Kevin Hamlin says he’s not a fan of the idea. “I don’t like it. I don’t know how that will affect people coming up. I mean, ski passes are already getting expensive as it is and to tax people to come up just to ski and enjoy the mountains and do something they love is- that’s getting a little out of control, I think.” New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu says he would veto any such bill as soon as it landed on his desk. He says it’s “another example of extremism of this legislature.”

,

Swift River Bridge Gets Festive Makeover from CED Conway

The town of Conway may have skipped an official tree lighting this year, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less Christmas spirit. If you happened to drive by the Swift River Bridge and enjoyed the Christmas lights that illuminate it, thank CED Conway. The business got permission from the town to decorate the bridge, which is located by Washington street. CED began putting lights on the bridge in early November. CED’s manager Nick Swan and volunteer Mike Lane were the two who did the work.

,

Mountain Meisters Information Night

It’s Mountain Meister Information Night at Cranmore. Kevin Hamlin says the night will highlight the details of the annual skiing series. Kevin Hamlin says, “We’ll go over all the changes that we’re doing this year. More for the captains and then any newbies coming in. You know, learn about Mountain Meisters. And then we’re going to show a ski film, ‘the collective.’” Organizers say Zip’s pub will also be open during the presentation. The meeting is at 6:30 tonight.