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 Preshow Return to index of stories... |
Next on New Hampshire Outlook tonight we look to the north. for a tale of two towns and their fight to save a struggling economy. A very special family reunion in Lancaster and a preview of a bike race up Mount Washington. It's seven-point-six miles and all uphill. |
| Headlines Return to index of stories... |
Good Evening. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. |
| West Nile Mosquitos Return to index of stories... |
Public health officials say they have discovered the West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Salem. While the virus had been found in dead birds, this is the first time infected mosquitoes have been found in the state. The state says the discovery was not unexpected. The risk of people contracting the West Nile virus is low, and in most cases there are no symptoms or just mild, flu-like symptoms. |
| Intro Mill Trouble 2 Return to index of stories... |
More bad news today for Pulp and Paper of America. The State Labor Department will fine the company more than 100-thousand dollars for bouncing payroll checks to its workers in Berlin and Gorham. This comes at a time of great uncertainty for mill employees. And while the good news is that the North Country is not facing this crisis alone, the bad news is that there are no easy answers. Corespondent Theresa Kennett takes a look. |
| MILL TROUBLES 2 Return to index of stories... |
This is a story that has been unfolding since early February but the recent developments have been the most disturbing. Only a few weeks ago the Burgess Pulp Mill in Berlin and the Cascade Paper Mill in Gorham employed aproximately 860 people. Today there are fewer than 100. Go to stand up at 35:20 The rule of thumb is that for every job in the mill, there are three related jobs on the outside. You can imagine how worried that has people in the north country knowing that over 750 workers have been laid off with no idea when they will be called back. Go to Robert Theberge at 9:36 Its significant, since we have been going through this, sales in Berlin are down an of of 30 percent, some employers have been laying people off, the loggers have concentrated on Canada, so that has not been impacted as badly as we anticipated. Despite the recent failure of American Tissue to achieve refinancing, and their continued failure to pay over 3.6 million dollars that it owes Berlin, Robert Theberge, the city manager, says that he believes that the current owners may still turn the situation around. Go to Robert Theberge at 3:06 to 3:35 Their plan b sounds very sound for refinancing. They are not asking for the full amount they are only asking for half. How that works with their business plan and will they be able to pay the city back immediately. I don't know. Although Theberge had heard from several potential buyers for the mill, he did not know if American Tissue would ever consider selling. Go to Robert Theberge at 4:37 to 4:52 Its perhaps in their best interest to keep this mill because its a money make, it a pulp mill and alot of the epa issues have been grandfathered. I believer htey do need a pulp mill to keep all of their other mills running. Go to nats of hydro dam at 43:29 Another thing they need to keep the mill running is power Go to stand up at 42:03 This is one of the six hydro-dams that ppa owns and uses to provide power for both of their mills. Although the dams don't provide all of the power, they do provide a significant amount, having a tremendous effect on the bottom line. Go to Mike Waddell at 57:57 Now, we're going after those hydros because its 35 megs of power at 3 or 4 cents a kilowat to viable business interest. Mike Waddell has been a selectmen in the town of Gorham for 11 years and is the board's current chairman. Pulp and Paper of America owes the town of Gorham over 450,000 dollars in unpaid taxes. Waddell and fellow selectman, Glen Eastman, made the decision last week to take some very aggressive steps to acquire the hydro dams. Although only two are located within the township of Gorham, Waddell and Eastman feel that all six dams are critical resources for the entire region. Go to Waddell at 01:04:56 to 01:05:00 With those hydros, we do have a bargaining chip. They will also be pursuing the landfill located in the un-incorporated town of Success. Go to Waddell at 58:18 to 58:39 Every community needs a place to move its rubbish to and when that land-fill was opened all of the communities got together and supported the DES permit. Now they own it and insisted on doing all their legal work in NY, not in the state of NH. They would not sign a contract with the solid waste department. There is no mistaking the fact that the town of Gorham is not being as patient with the mill's owners as the city of Berlin. Go to Waddell at 54:43 to 55:08 If I could look up river and see results from the city of Berlin's behavior, I would follow suit. Right now as I recollect they are owed something like 3 million. and the taxpayers of Berlin are paying for it. Go to Waddell at They have shown no good will to the town of Gorham. All I have heard is horror stories: Waddel produced newspaper clippings of what happened in the small town of Lockland, Ohio. And Lockland City Manager Evonne Kovach confirmed by telephone that American Tissue purchased a vacant mill complex in Lockland in 1990 and borrowed 1 million dollars from the town to make improvements to re-open the mill. But seven years later, Kovach says the mill was not opened and less than 50% of the 1,000,000 dollar loan had been paid back. Lockland sued American Tissue for non-payment of the loan and started eminent domain proceedings to take back the mill. The battle ended in April of 2000, the town of Lockland won. American Tissue was required to pay back an Urban Development Action Grant. And on the day that the eminent domain proceeding was to go before the court, American Tissue agreed to sell. Go to Mike Waddell at 01:07:10 This is an extremely complex and dangerous issue, but if the communities own the hydros we have a say in our future, otherwise we are just bystanders. Go to Glen - Well, they do talk about it and they are scared to death. Selectman Glen Eastman has lived in Gorhm for 48 years and is worried about the families in his town. Go to Glen at 01:51: Those younger people who have homes and a couple of kids in college are frightened and rightfully so. Go to Rodd Ross at 1:39:16 I have a program from 9 to 10 in th emoring called the forum where people call in to express opinions. Rod Ross works for WMOU and hears on a daily basis how people in his community are feeling about this situation. Go to Rod at 1:35:42 On one hand pretty badly but we've had this happen for so long that people are looking for other things. I think that it would have been much more difficult if this had happened ten years ago. As to how they are feeling about the current mill owners? Go to 01:46:50 That they don't trust them, worried about what's going to happen next, cutting off the puppy dogs tail one inch at a time. It's quite difficult. Senator Judd Gregg met with Berlin City officials Tuesday. Mayor Danderson took the opportunity to convey the results of a meeting he attended in NY with American Tissue Executives. Go to Danderson at 2:00:22 My opinion of that meeting is that they have no intention of selling the mill. They would rather run it into the ground. I don't know why, but they will not be selling any time soon. While the dire straits of the Pulp and Paper of America overwhelmed much of the discussion, several economic development opportunities were discussed, including a federal penitentiary. Go to Judd at 2:03:04 The Federal Bureau of Prisons is looking to relocate a federal prison in the Northeast..big commitment. If that this the route your community decides to go, I will go to bat for you. Go to Glen Eastmen I do hope that Senator Gregg and Senator Smith will hire an economic development specialist for the Berlin Gorham area, put an office up here and come up with a plan that can be implemented that will be in the best interest of north country. That is my hope. And while some still hope for a Mill resurrection, others are looking for new ways to take control of their financial futures. In the North Country, Theresa Kennett for New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Tag Mill Trouble Return to index of stories... |
Representatives from Senator Gregg's office will meet with north country officials next week to discuss economic development opportunities. One of the major topics of discussion will be the infrastructure requirements for a federal penitentiary. |
| Court Security Return to index of stories... |
The state Supreme Court today refused to hear a lawsuit on a plan to layoff New Hampshire's District Court officers. The suit was filed by twenty-nine regular and temporary court officers --- who were scheduled to lose their jobs today. They wanted the Supreme Court to delay the layoff plan and declare the state budget unconstitutional. Instead, the high court ruled that the case should be heard in Superior Court. As far as employment now -- court officers have the option of taking lower-paying, per-diem positions. |
| Business Outlook Return to index of stories... |
Investors weren't in a buying mood on wall street today. Analysts say there is some nervousness over the just-released minutes from the June Fed meeting. Some of the central bankers say they want to stop cutting rates to avoid possible inflation. |
| Wall Street Stocks Return to index of stories... |
The Dow closed down forty-seven seventy-five. The Nasdaq was down seventeen. and the S&P was off three point twenty-two. |
| NH Stocks Return to index of stories... |
Here's a look at stocks of interest to New Hampshire investors. Shares of Chubb were up a dollar-and-forty-three-cents. Fisher Scientific lost a dollar-forty. Keane Corporation was up forty-six cents. Oracle stock lost sixty-three cents. And shares of Pennichuck were down a dollar. |
| Into Mt.Wash Bike Race Return to index of stories... |
We'll have your forecast in a minute. But first, we're going to take you on a bike ride. It's 7-point six miles and all uphill through some of the world's most dramatic changes in weather. Some 600 cyclists are looking forward to the grueling challenge this Saturday in the 29th annual Mt. Washington Bicycle Hill Climb. The temperature can change as much as 40 or 50 degrees during the race. Producer Chip Neal follows one rider from the 26th Annual event. |
| MT. WASH RACE Return to index of stories... |
This story follows one racer in the 26th Annual Mt. Washington Bicycle Hillclimb. We meet Geoff Hamilton from Marblehead, Ma. He says there is nothing else like this race. 7.6 miles up to the summit of Mt. Washington at 6288 feet. Racers have to contend with up to 22% grades, high winds, and 40 to 50 degree temperature changes. It is a grueling task for the 600 cyclists who race each year. Since this story was taped the new course record is now 50 minutes and 21 seconds set by Tyler Hamilton, Geoff's brother. Race day this year is on Saturday August 25 at 7 AM with starting activities at the base of the Mt. Wahsington Auto Road. All proceeds go to support the Tin Mountain Conservation Center providing environmental education programs to 2000 students in the North Country. for more information go to www.tinmt.org |
| Tag Mt. WAsh Bike Race Return to index of stories... |
Geoff Hamilton will be racing once again in this year's event after skipping last years race. His brother, Tyler owns the course record of 50 minutes 21 seconds. Proceeds from the race go to the Tin Mountain Conservation Center, which provides environmental education courses to 2000 children in the North Country. |
| Intro Mt. Washington Return to index of stories... |
From the top of the summit now, we go to Katie Koster of the Mount Washington Observatory who tells us what it was like on the summit today and what we can expect for tomorrow. |
| MT. WASHINGTON Return to index of stories... |
Katie Koster- reporting - Observer Picture: http:/www.mountwashington.org/download/nhptv/08-23-01.JPG Mt. Washington Observatory\Today on the Summit\High: 59 degrees\Wind: Variable\Mostly cloudy\Visibility: 40 miles Tonight\North\Mostly cloudy/Chance of showers\Lows: 50 - 55\Winds: N 5 - 10 mph\ Tonight\South\Partly cloudy/Chance of showers\Lows: 55 - 60\Winds: N 5 - 10 mph\ Tomorrow\Statewide\Mostly cloudy in am\Becoming partly sunny\High: 70 - 75\Winds: N 10 mph |
| Intro Wedding Anniversary Return to index of stories... |
Last weekend the Great North Woods played host to the social event of the season. The 60th wedding anniversary celebration of Eugene and Marie Beloin. But as producer Chip Neal found out it was actually a celebration of family - a very big family. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of New Hampshire Outlook. We'll be back tomorrow at 7:30. Good night. |
| founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundadtion Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| key: culture /arts Return to index of stories... |
DATE:8/23/01 TOPIC:Last weekend the Great North Woods played host to the social event of the season. The 60th wedding anniversary celebration of Eugene and Marie Beloin. But as producer Chip Neal found out it was actually a celebration of family - a very big family. SEGMENT LENGTH: 6:06 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Emilie Langford Beloin\Daughter Eugene & Marie Beloin\60th Wedding Anniversary Chip Neal\N.H. Outlook Denise Chase\Daughter |
| key: economy Return to index of stories... |
DATE:8/23/01 TOPIC:More bad news today for Pulp and Paper of America. The State Labor Department will fine the company more than 100-thousand dollars for bouncing payroll checks to its workers in Berlin and Gorham. This comes at a time of great uncertainty for mill employees. And while the good news is that the North Country is not facing this crisis alone, the bad news is that there are no easy answers. Corespondent Theresa Kennett takes a look. SEGMENT LENGTH:9:14 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Theresa Kennett\NH Outlook Mike Waddell\Gorham Selectman Glen Eastman\Gorham Selectman Rod Ross\WMOU |
| key: health Return to index of stories... |
DATE:8/23/01 TOPIC:We'll have your forecast in a minute. But first, we're going to take you on a bike ride. It's 7-point six miles and all uphill through some of the world's most dramatic changes in weather. Some 600 cyclists are looking forward to the grueling challenge this Saturday in the 29th annual Mt. Washington Bicycle Hill Climb. The temperature can change as much as 40 or 50 degrees during the race. Producer Chip Neal follows one rider from the 26th Annual event. SEGMENT LENGTH:5:27 NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Geoff Hamilton\Marblehead, Ma. Mike Cline\Dir. Tin Mountain Conservation Center Dick Devellian\Race Organizer Geoff Hamilton\3rd Place 1:03:54 Dorrie Martell\1st Place Women |
| Monday 11:30 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook. Can you remember your first day of school? We'll give you some tips to help you AND your first gfrader. Join us Monday at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Tag Wedding Anniversary Return to index of stories... |
Our congatulations to Eugene and Marie Beloin and we understand there are plans to restore "Old Red" and drive it in the Colebrook 4th of July parades once again. |
| Tonight 11:30 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. A tale of two towns and the struggle to save an industry and their local economies. Here at 11:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Judicial Conduct Return to index of stories... |
The New Hampshire Supreme Court is updating it's judicial code of conduct. The update is a move to restore public confidence in the court. Chief Justice David Brock was accused of ethical trangressions and impeached by the House last year. He was acquited, but critics have called for more accountability and a more open disciplianry process. Brock says the new code recognizes the role of judges has changed since the court first adopted the code in 1973. avblaahofls -- The New Hampshire Supreme Court has modernized its judicial conduct code on ethical standards for judges in their professional and personal lives. The updated code takes effect October first. It is based largely on the American Bar Association's 1990 model code. Yesterday's announcement said the justices also considered New Hampshire's existing code and recommendations made in January. Chief Justice David Brock said the updated rules recognize that the role of judges has changed since the court first adopted the code in 1973. The new code is the latest of changes the court has made to restore public confidence since Brock was impeached by the House more than a year ago. He was accused of several ethics transgressions. Although the Senate acquitted him, the charges led to calls to make judges more accountable and to open up the disciplinary process. |
| Monday 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook. Can you remember your first day of school? We begin our back to school week with some tips to help you AND your child. Join us Monday at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Tonight 7:30 Return to index of stories... |
Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook. Reporters from around the state give us their perspective on the week's headlines. Join us tonight at 7:30 only on New Hampshire Outlook. |
| Toll debate Return to index of stories... |
Drivers tired of paying tolls on New Hampshire highways could soon get some encouraging news. A new Department of Transportation report - expected to be released next week - includes a plan to phase out some state tolls. The idea was assesed by Connecticut-based Wilbur Smith and Associates, who says that it IS financially possible. Among the changes --- removing tolls on exits ten through twelve on the Everett Turnpike.and only collecting tolls on one side of I-95 in Hampton. The study is drawing some criticism. Executive Councilor Peter Spaulding says eliminating tolls would cause an increase in the gas tax. After it's released, the report will be presented to the Governor and the legislature. |
| Abenaki Protest Return to index of stories... |
The Abenaki Nation of New Hampshire and Vermont is protesting an expansion of the Squam Lake Region in Holderness. Charles True of Boscawen, chief of the Abenaki Nation of New Hampshire, says the construction is disturbing a Native American burial ground. The group wants the center to stop construction and talk about alternatives, but science center director Will Abbott the site may not harbor any remains. An archeologist will be present during excavation, which was scheduled to start today. AP-NH--Abenaki Protest dewman Abenakis protest Science Center construction -- Native Americans are protesting an expansion at the Squam Lakes Science Center in Holderness , saying the construction is disturbing a burial ground. Members of the Abenaki Nation of New Hampshire and Vermont marched near the Science Center entrance yesterday. Charles True of Boscawen, chief of the Abenaki Nation of New Hampshire, says the group wants the center to stop construction and talk about alternatives. Science center director Will Abbott says the center isn't convinced the construction site harbors any remains. An archeologist will be present during excavation, which is scheduled to begin today. |
| Rail Service Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Rail Service Some New Hampshire students will get a extra class this fall. in railroad safety. Passenger rail service scheduled to start in the eastern part of the state means those who live in surrounding communities will have to be more careful around the tracks. Several area fire departments will also get training. Eighty schools, all located within 5 miles of the tracks, will get the special safety instruction. dewdov Railroad stepping up safety training as passenger service gets closer -- Many school children in New Hampshire Seacoast communities will have an extra lesson their schedules this fall -- railroad safety. With passenger rail service coming in a couple of months, rail officials are stepping up safety training for school kids and emergency personnel. Eighty schools within five miles of tracks are targeted for safety sessions. Officials in Durham also are concerned about safety at the University of New Hampshire. For years, students have crossed the tracks illegally to travel from one side of campus to another. About a month before service startes, Amtrak will provide a train to area fire departments for training. |
| website Return to index of stories... |
For information on tonight's program, and links to our guests and interviews, visit our web site at nhptv.org. You can see and hear streaming video of our broadcasts and participate in our daily poll. If you've got a story idea or comment on our program you can call us at 800-639-2721. |