Rochester mobile homeowners rally to fight big property tax hikes: 'See us as residents'

By KAREN DANDURANT

ROCHESTER — Kevin Brigham, president of Hideaway Village, a mobile home park with 81 residents, is working to unite all nine mobile home cooperatives in the city. He's seeking to present a united front after a huge increase in property taxes.

North Country kayaker conquers the mighty Mississippi

By TOM EASTMAN

For most, it’s hard to imagine paddling the entire length of the Mississippi River, from its headwaters at Minnesota’s Lake Itasca all the way through the heartland of America to the Gulf of Mexico.

Epsom will face school budget cap proposal that would lead to 10% reduction

By JEREMY MARGOLIS

Epsom voters will decide in March whether to approve a proposed cap that would likely reduce the school district’s budget by about 10%.

State investigators in Andy Sanborn’s criminal case disqualified

By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN

A superior court judge denied an attempt by Andy Sanborn to have criminal charges against him dismissed but disqualified two members of the state investigative team from participating in the criminal case because they accessed information they shouldn’t have.

Concord residents frustrated over pay-as-you-throw program’s purple trash bag mandate

By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN

Every week, Concord’s purple trash bags are placed at the end of driveways, with varied opinions of the residents who place them there.

How does a purple Concord trash bag compare to a name-brand bag? The Monitor tested them to find out.

By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN

Roughly 16 years after Concord instituted a pay-as-you-throw trash program, residents are torn over how effective the program is, whether or not they like the bags themselves and the cost.

Karen Liot Hill lays out priorities on NH Executive Council

By RICK GREEN

Karen Liot Hill, who was sworn in last week as the new member of the N.H. Executive Council representing much of the Monadnock Region, said she will use the position to speak out about public health, housing and property taxes.

Transcripts in Hantz Marconi legal case show key witnesses doubted she broke law

By TODD BOOKMAN

New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Anna Barbara Hantz Marconi’s legal team is again asking a judge to dismiss her criminal case, this time pointing to newly obtained transcripts that appear to show several key witnesses — including former Gov. Chris Sununu — didn’t believe she requested any favors.

Rye Harbor restaurant sues over alleged mistreatment and illegal tax on sales

By TODD BOOKMAN

The father-and-daughter team that runs a popular lobster roll shack in Rye Harbor is suing the state — as well as the harbor’s longtime director — alleging that they were subjected to years of mistreatment including the imposition of an illegal “concessions fee” on their sales.

Former Hancock Police Chief Andrew Wood avoids jail time for claiming to work in Hancock, Richmond simultaneously

By JEREMY MARGOLIS

The former chief of the Hancock Police Department will avoid jail time for repeatedly claiming to have been working in Hancock and Richmond simultaneously, according to terms of a plea agreement reached in Merrimack County Superior Court on Tuesday.

Their voices, their stories: Personal experiences with special education

By RACHEL WACHMAN

Parents and advocates gathered alongside students at a rally in support of special education funding outside the State House with many more students and educators participating from their classrooms via Zoom. They say the state shouldn't downshift costs to the local level, which would continue to squeeze these badly needed, and legally-requires services. 

City Council defends, approves $40K for DEIJB consultant

By CATHERINE McLAUGHLIN

City Councilor Karen McNamara had heard the criticism, and she’d heard enough.

With colder temperatures, ice skating ponds are open

By CATHERINE McLAUGHLIN and ALEXANDER RAPP

For the first time in two winters, Concord residents have been able to spin and glide atop the ice on city ponds. 

Winter is here: Ice-in declared on Lake Winnipesaukee

By DAVID BROOKS

In the sort-of-official sign that real winter has arrived in New Hampshire, “ice-in” has been declared on Lake Winnipesaukee.

One couple works to secure housing after fire destroys their home in Franklin

By DANIEL SARCH

FRANKLIN — A house fire at 137 Prospect St. displaced five residents and their dogs on the last Friday in December. Two residents, Ashlynn Polk and her fiancé Cody Merchant, were living on the third floor of the building. Now, they are residing in a hotel room in Concord, with their two dogs. In addition to immediate financial assistance from the American Red Cross, their friend Rachel Capek started an online fundraising campaign to assist them in their time of need, and other residents have come to their aid. Their next door neighbor even got them new items for their dogs.

Merrimack Valley High School student killed following Andover crash into watery ditch

A young driver who attended Merrimack Valley High School was killed following a crash into a drainage ditch on a short stretch of road in Andover late Sunday night.

In Boscawen, housing friendly focus continues with Champions award

By MICHAELA TOWFIGHI

Kelle Jo Easler has worn a lot of different hats.

Lower winter power rates force change in Concord community power

By DAVID BROOKS

Relatively low winter power rates from the state’s electric utilities have led to a change in Concord’s community power program.

Granite Geek: Do heat pumps change the ‘turn down the thermostat at night to save energy’ equation?

Hometown Hero: Knowledge about health insurance can be a lifesaver for people in need

By DAVID BROOKS

Like all Hometown Heroes, Donna Toomey is always ready to help somebody in need. In her case, however, the need is often very specific.