Despite the heavy March 19 snowfall, there were several errands around town that couldn’t be put off. Driving Routes 11 and 4, and secondary roads such as Plains, Switch, Chase Hill, Old College, Cilleyville, and others, I was struck by how effectively the storm was being fought. I wouldn’t have wanted to travel the same distance on the roads of […]
The main event in Concord this week (February 11 to 17) was the unveiling of Governor Hassan’s budget for fiscal years 2014-2015. I have a copy of the budget summary and would be glad to lend it to anyone interested. In this budget, the governor will make some assumptions about revenues; for instance, a raise […]
The flu reports have been non-stop this season. You can’t miss them on the radio, on the TV, or even in The Andover Beacon. Last month there was an update on flu count for all schools within the district. It seems that diagnosed flu cases in local schools are few or non-existent. That’s great news. […]
An unfortunate recent incident at our shop resulted in the need to contact the Andover Police Department for assistance. Officer Dan Shaw responded immediately. He provided a thorough investigation and kept us up to date on its progress. His interactions with us – and with the individuals involved – were thoughtful and compassionate. In addition, […]
It’s a start on a plan to deal with town bridge problems.
Of the 20 bridges owned by the town, eight are on the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Red List, three are closed, two are limited to foot traffic, one is structurally deficient, one is functionally obsolete, and four are in good shape. If the Morrill Hill Road Bridge project is completed this year, we […]
Public input welcomed on February 5 at Town Hall
Successful bi-partisan rescue of the Newfound School District, thanks to efforts by Senator Forrester (R) and Representative Gary Richards (D). Committee assignments: I got Public Works and Highways. David Karrick got Ways and Means. I have had many requests from constituents on topics ranging from school board rules to wind farm information to animal rights. […]
Half-day program is a disadvantage for Andover kids
(For a photo of the afternoon kindergarten class, look here.) A warrant article proposing full-day kindergarten at AE/MS will be voted on at School District Meeting on Monday, March 4. As parents and as professionals, we have all felt the need for a few more hours in the day. This is certainly the case in […]
CCSS reading mandates make the need critical
The budget to be voted on at School District Meeting on Monday, March 4, will include money to hire a reading specialist at AE/MS. Andover Elementary/Middle School, like all other New Hampshire schools and those of most of the United States, is trying to embrace the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). As some in the […]
The ladies of the Andover Service Club (ASC) and I wish to express our best wishes to the Andover community and to neighbors in the surrounding towns who have supported ASC for the past year. You have helped us to fulfill our mission of service to the people of the community and the state. May […]
Too busy? No excuse! This is important work.
Dennis Fenton, a long-time member of the Board of Selectmen, wrote these words in 2009 when he decided to retire from the Board. With his permission, we’re re-running this to encourage people to consider becoming a candidate. First, the fact that you are busy is not a legitimate excuse! Everyone can use that one, but […]