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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Making News this week: The Pace and Price of Flood Recovery, The politics of Abortion, and the Powerball Senator. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Colin Manning of Foster's Daily Democrat. And, James Pindell of Politics NH.com here in Durham. Welcome to all of you. |
| Alstead VO broll Return to index of stories... |
We begin with the Floods and the escalating cost of Recovery. Damage to homes, businesses and roads will likely be in the tens of millions of dollars. FEMA will help with some of those costs --but, certainly not all. Joining us again by phone with an Update on Repair and clean-up efforts in southwestern NH: Donna Moxley from the Kenne Sentinel. Q DONNA: Bruce Cheeny -- was on the program this week. He tells me that calls to their OPERATIONS center are winding down -- and emergency officials are starting to ease-off of their 24-7 coverage. School in ALstead.open? Q TOWN MEETINGS held this week in ALstead to let everyone know what's next?? ** ALstead qualifies for aid -- Feds will cover 75% of the costs of PUBLIC projects.such as bridges and roads. ** What about PERSONAL bills of those who lost their homes or suffered extensive damage. Any info on WHO will pick up the tab??? Q Biggest ISSUES still remaining??? Q Phone and Power restored pretty much??? Q DONNA: I understand.Money, clothes, tools and supplies coming in from all over.Donations!! ** A Portsmouth-based credit union today donated 125 thousand dollars to help victims of last week's floods in New Hampshire. Q KEENE Pumpkin Festival.still on tap for Saturday???? ====================== Q Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray says roads are being opened, some at reduced capacity, and bridges are being repaired or replaced with temporary structures. |
| Flood Money Return to index of stories... |
Not waiting for Federal Dollars, The Governor went before the Legislature this week looking for 2-million to help communities with flood recovery NOW. Q COLIN/TOM: I imagine The Gov had tremendous support for that request? Q The STATE money would be a LOAN to be re-paid when federal disaster money comes in. Q DONNA: Any word on when the Disaster Declaration might be issued? Maybe by November 1st. Q JAMES: Governor says he's treating those affected by the floods just as if they were his own family. Q Gov Lynch busy meeting with officials dealing with repairs on flood damage. definetly hands-on --in this operation. ****** Q TOM: What's this about NH trying to collect $2.2 million from Massachusetts owes it for the creation of a flood control area. Q EMERGENCY officials still getting heat from those frustrated by the lack of answers? Q Donation/ Service Credit Union.presented the check to the Salvation Army which is assessing what flood victims need to put their homes back together. DONNA MOXLEY --from the Keene Sentinel thank you. We'll let you get back to work. |
| Gas Money Return to index of stories... |
Speaking of escalating costs. It looks like the price of GAS.is costing taxpayers a bundle in mileage reimbursment for State Lawmakers. House speaker Doug Scammon is cracking down on members. Q TOM/COLIN: Is this all spurred by the shortfall in the travel budget?? Q What's been the reaction of house lawmakers??? Q TOM/COLIN: What's the mileage rate now. Old rate 40 cents.went up 20% to 48-Cents a mile. Matches the IRS mileage rate. Q I understand House Speaker Doug Scammon is Asking members to look at ways to LIMIT spending -- and to practice better time management. |
| Ballot Positions Return to index of stories... |
NH Democrats -- not giving up the fight to get the TOP Spot on election ballots. This week a judge "Upheld" the state law that gives Republicans top billing. The democratic party now says they'll appeal. Q JAMES: That law --which puts Republicans in top spot , has been in place for 40 years? How does it work: The top spot goes to the party that gets the most total votes for all races on the ballot in the last election. Q JAMES: So everyone agrees Being FIRST has its advantages. But -- judge says advantage NOT large enuf to VIOLATE democrats' rights. Q Democrats say the judge acknowledges there's a problem -- just doesn't address it. Is this one of those perrenial lawsuits??/ |
| John Edwards Return to index of stories... |
John Edwards back in NH this friday. The former Senator and Vice Presidential candidate stopping at Dartmouth college --to promote an initiative encouraging young people to fight poverty. Q JAMES: This is all part of a national tour? Q JAMES: He's only stopping at 10 schools. Is it a coincidence that NH -- was one of the 10 sites. |
| Miers Abortion Return to index of stories... |
The politics of abortion heating up. New revelations about Harriet Miers' views on abortion -- "hint" that she would shift the Supreme Court away from abortion rights.The impact could be almost immediate. If confirmed by the Senate, Miers, who's never served as a judge-- would probably be thrust into a "tie-breaking" role on abortion cases -- possibly in her first week. The court will consider re-instating a New Hampshire abortion law next month. Q JAMES: Republicans want a confirmation vote on Miers before Thanksgiving -- which would put her on the court in time to immediately make a difference on abortion??? Q TOM/COLIN: On Nov. 30, the court will hear arguments on New Hampshire's parental notification law. Where do things stand now on the legal briefs in the case?? Any new players either in support of Ayotte -- or those lining up with Planned Parenthood which is leading the legal challenge of the law? ** While her vote would not be enough to overturn Roe v. Wade, President Bush's pick would play a crucial role in deciding how far states and the federal government can go to restrict abortions. |
| Education Return to index of stories... |
The nation's report card is out and NH school kids fared well, for the most part. NH's 4th and 5th graders scored higher than the national average in math and reading. But, not all schools measured up. Dozens of school districts learned they are not performing up to federal standards. Q TOm: What happens when schools get on the list. Q Low-income and special ed students scores.prevent some schools from meeting standards. The test is required under the federal NO Child Left Behind law. Some questioning the meaursing system. NH students consistenly score above the national average in all grades and subjects. Q Participation in the testing -- is tied to receiving TITLE 1 Funding. What are the implications for those and No child Left Behind. |
| Gregg Powerball Return to index of stories... |
Talk about Luck. Senator Judd Gregg --rarely takes a chance on lottery tickets -- but this time it paid off. His ticket was a "runner-up" in this week's 350-million dollar Powerball drawing. The lucky ticket was purchased at a gas station in Washington, D-C. When he saw the winning numbers -- Gregg thought he'd won about a hundred bucks. Turns out it was 853-thousand dollars?? Q News spread quickly thru the capital -- just as they were quarreling over how to trim the budget?? Q Getting LOTS of suggestions on how to SPEND that money? Q Gregg isn't in desperate need of money; his Senate financial disclosure statements show he owns between $1.5 million and $6.2 million in stocks and other investments. Q Q I understand he bought his staff members a lottery ticket? Q So - what will he do with the winnings? Should he give it all to charity? Should he keep it? Q Says his wife told him don't spend it, she has plans for it?? Q How will the voting public perceive his actions with the money? Any influence?? |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to Tom and Colin in Concord, James here in Durham. Thank you for watching. I'm Beth Carroll. We'll see you next time. |
| Mass Flood Money Return to index of stories... |
Governor to Ask Fiscal Committee on Wednesday For $2 Million to Help Communities Hurt by Flooding CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch will ask the Legislative Fiscal Committee on Wednesday for the authority to provide up to $2 million to help communities with catastrophic flood damage. The money would provide assistance to communities that need immediate financial help to begin rebuilding. The money would be repaid when the communities receive federal disaster funds. "Although we expect to receive federal disaster assistance, our most devastated communities cannot afford to wait to begin rebuilding. These funds will help make sure that our communities can move forward with fixing their roads and bridges immediately," Gov. Lynch said. "Members of the legislature have expressed their strong support for these rebuilding and recovery efforts, and I thank them for their assistance in providing this support to our communities," Gov. Lynch said. The Fiscal Committee meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Legislative Office Building in Concord. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov wire 10/18 AP-NH--Flooding-Lynch Lynch meets again with officials repairing flood damage dewfn CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says remarkable progress has been made in repairing flood damage in southwestern New Hampshire, but much work has to be done. Lynch met this morning in Alstead with local officials and representatives of state agencies, utility companies and the Red Cross to get an update on the work and make sure everyone who has been able to return to their homes has power and telephone service. The governor has made many trips to the hurricane zone since October tenth. On the way back to Concord after today's meeting, he told The Associated Press he has visited the area in person because he can bring state resources to bear to address problems quickly. Lynch says he wants families affected by the floods treated just as if they were his own family. CONCORD, N.H. - The Transportation Department says it will take 25 million dollars to rebuild roads damaged by the floods and crews are trying to get the work done before winter freezes the ground. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, meanwhile, says the floods in Cheshire and Sullivan counties destroyed 43 houses, seriously damaged 40 and left 700 homes with lesser damage. FLOODING Flood road damage estimated at $25 million avbrew CONCORD, N.H. - The Transportation Department estimates it will take 25 million dollars to repair roads damaged by the floods and crews will have to scramble to get a lot of work done before winter freezes the ground. Transportation Commissioner Carol Murray says roads are being opened, some at reduced capacity, and bridges are being repaired or replaced with temporary structures. Crews are concentrating on Routes 123, 123-A, Nine, 12, Ten, 119, 124 and 63 in southwestern New Hampshire. Federal Emergency Management Agency teams report the floods in Cheshire and Sullivan counties destroyed 43 houses, seriously damaged 40 and left 700 homes with minor damage. The Department of Health and Human Services, meanwhile, recommends that people working in areas that might be contaminated should make sure they have received tetanus booster shots in the last ten years. Under the State House Dome - October 16, 2005 State House Dome: NH still awaiting $2.2m Mass. owes for flood compact Tom Fahey -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the State House Dome WITH SO MUCH in the news about floods, it’s worth noting that New Hampshire is still trying to collect $2.2 million that Massachusetts owes it under the compact that created the Merrimack River Valley Flood Control Commission. The program took private property in the valley about 50 years ago to create flood control areas that kept the Merrimack from overflowing here and in the Bay State. The agreement said New Hampshire would compensate towns for what they lost in property tax payments when the land went into the control zone. Massachusetts was to pay its part because its residents benefit from keeping the Merrimack inside its banks. Around the mid-1990s, Massachusetts became, well, a deadbeat. Sometimes it just doesn’t pay, other times it pays part of its bill. Last year it sent $202,000 of $412,000 it owed. Arbitration hasn’t gotten anywhere. “Massachusetts has really been stonewalling it,” Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Roth said Friday. The Bay State doesn’t even appoint commissioners to the agency anymore, he said. “The state is planning to take action. We have made legal recommendations” on how to proceed, he said. Maybe next time Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is in town, in his non-Presidential primary campaign mode, he’ll bring the checkbook. —— Park it: The price of gas is costing taxpayers surprisingly high payments to state representatives who make frequent trips to Concord. The House cut mileage checks for $744,000 for travel members made between Dec. 1 and Sept. 30. The old 40.5-cents-a-mile rate went up 20 percent, to 48.5 cents a mile on Sept. 1, matching the rate the IRS sets for tax purposes. The high expense — nearly $11,000 for one House member — brought a crackdown from the House Speaker’s Office. Rep. Doug Scamman warned in a letter he sent Friday that the House faces a $200,000 shortfall in its travel budget. He said he expects another mileage increase on Jan. 1. With floods and the energy crunch, he said, “it is more important now than ever that we, as legislators, lead by example in looking for ways to limit spending.” No one will get reimbursed for travel on Mondays or Fridays unless pre-approved, under his new policy. And he’s putting an end to letting representatives “phone it in.” Until now, reps have been allowed to get credit for mileage by calling in from other state offices. Now they need to sign in personally at either the Legislative Office Building or the Speaker’s Office. Scamman called for better “management of time spent doing business in Concord.” Some members show up nearly every day of the week, including several summer weeks when the State House is all but deserted. It makes sense that representatives who live farthest away get the highest payments for their trips. Even so, you might be surprised to learn that House accounting records show Rep. Robert Theberge of Berlin racked up the biggest payment, $10,747 for 104 trips. After him was Rep. Richard Morris, collecting $8,686 for 162 round trips from Seabrook. Rep. Peter Franklin, who collected $8,411 for 198 trips from his home in Newport, made more trips than any other House member. He sits on the House Finance Committee and the Legislative Fiscal Committee. The other two in the top five were Rep. Howard “Crow” Dickinson of Conway, $7,367 for 159 trips, and Rep. Barbara Hull Richardson of Richmond, $6,914 for 129 trips. The five best traveled, besides Franklin, were Rep. Richard Marple of Hooksett, with 193 trips from Hooksett, costing $2,201; Rep. Peter Goyette, 181 trips from Hudson, $6,099; Rep. John Gibson of Merrimack, 176 trips costing $5,009; and Morris. All of them topped the top four Republican leaders, who averaged 130 trips in the same period. === The ins and outs: Money comes in, something goes wrong. Sound familiar? Here we’re talking about state government, not household budgets. The state closed its books in June with an $80 million surplus. But $30 million was spent to balance the current budget. Then energy prices went crazy, and the state will be lucky to put away half of that $50 million. Two weeks later, an audit of the state Highway Surplus Account turned up $83 million. But about $25 million of that has been promised to towns that need voter approval for road projects next spring. That leaves $58 million available, although technically the state can tap the entire surplus. Then we got the floods in Cheshire and Sullivan counties. The federal government will picks up 75 percent of much of the eventual costs. While the state’s turnpike fund is under the microscope over E-ZPass costs and Spaulding Turnpike is long overdue for upgrades, a big hunk of the $58 million may have to go into flood repairs. The first eyeball estimate last Sunday was that damages would be in the $30 million range. Later in the week it hit $100 million. Gov. John Lynch’s spokesman, Pamela Walsh, said no one in her office is going to guess. Anyone who does, she said, “is using a made-up number.” That didn’t stop Rep. John Gibson last week from urging Speaker of the House Scamman to call a special session before January. Gibson wants to target $20 million of the 2005 surplus to cities and towns that were hit by the floods last week. === Raiding the piggy bank: Some wonder where the Department of Education got $232,237 to repay the federal government for special education funds it wrongly used to train teachers to use the state’s assessment tests. After the Disabilities Rights Center challenged the state, the feds got interested and rejected the state’s defense of the spending. Total amount owed: $441,187. Commissioner Lyonel Tracy sent a letter with the check asking the feds to take the balance out of future special ed payments to the state. He said the state hadn’t budgeted for the debt, “therefore in order to avoid the need for legislative approval, the above request would work best.” That didn’t sit well with Rep. Fred King, who chairs the Fiscal Committee, which meets Wednesday. “That’s inappropriate. I sympathize with him. It’s a mess he inherited, but this is not the right way to go about it,” he said. “I can assure you... we will be discussing this with the commissioner.” So where did Tracy find the money? Turns out the check came out of funds the education department had left at the end of the year. In fact, Commissioner Tracy cleaned out the piggy bank, every penny, and left his department with a zero balance on June 30. === Key condition: Rep. Sheila Francoeur defended Speaker Scamman last week over the “friend of the court” brief controversy. Francoeur said it was she who approached Scamman and asked him to sign the brief. “It was always a condition of his that he see the brief before he would sign,” she said. “That condition was not met.” Scamman told reporters who heard of the commitment that he thought the law was unconstitutional, but never mentioned the conditioned promise until conservatives erupted in anger. The brief argues that the state’s parental notification law is unconstitutional. The law requires that a parent be notified 48 hours before a daughter 18 or younger has an abortion. —— FYI: Scamman’s office has hired Kelly Dowling as its new information officer. She replaced Danielle Grant, who left to continue her education in North Carolina. Dowling’s 20 years of job experience includes serving as American Heart Association regional director and assistant to Nashua Mayor Bernie Streeter. —— Enviro ratings: The New Hampshire Legislature is not the friendliest of places for Mother Earth, according to the Granite State Conservation Voters Alliance. The group issued a five page mid-term legislative report card on the environment last week. It gave senators an average grade of 54 percent and House members an average 45 percent on issues that included land protection funding , mercury contamination, air quality and park protection. The alliance said 73 House members and four senators, all Republicans, scored goose eggs on the issues. Seventy-nine representatives and six senators, all Democrats, got perfect scores. The full report is at www.voteconservation.org. |
| travel Return to index of stories... |
Park it: The price of gas is costing taxpayers surprisingly high payments to state representatives who make frequent trips to Concord. The House cut mileage checks for $744,000 for travel members made between Dec. 1 and Sept. 30. The old 40.5-cents-a-mile rate went up 20 percent, to 48.5 cents a mile on Sept. 1, matching the rate the IRS sets for tax purposes. The high expense — nearly $11,000 for one House member — brought a crackdown from the House Speaker’s Office. Rep. Doug Scamman warned in a letter he sent Friday that the House faces a $200,000 shortfall in its travel budget. He said he expects another mileage increase on Jan. 1. With floods and the energy crunch, he said, “it is more important now than ever that we, as legislators, lead by example in looking for ways to limit spending.” No one will get reimbursed for travel on Mondays or Fridays unless pre-approved, under his new policy. And he’s putting an end to letting representatives “phone it in.” Until now, reps have been allowed to get credit for mileage by calling in from other state offices. Now they need to sign in personally at either the Legislative Office Building or the Speaker’s Office. Scamman called for better “management of time spent doing business in Concord.” Some members show up nearly every day of the week, including several summer weeks when the State House is all but deserted. It makes sense that representatives who live farthest away get the highest payments for their trips. Even so, you might be surprised to learn that House accounting records show Rep. Robert Theberge of Berlin racked up the biggest payment, $10,747 for 104 trips. After him was Rep. Richard Morris, collecting $8,686 for 162 round trips from Seabrook. Rep. Peter Franklin, who collected $8,411 for 198 trips from his home in Newport, made more trips than any other House member. He sits on the House Finance Committee and the Legislative Fiscal Committee. The other two in the top five were Rep. Howard “Crow” Dickinson of Conway, $7,367 for 159 trips, and Rep. Barbara Hull Richardson of Richmond, $6,914 for 129 trips. The five best traveled, besides Franklin, were Rep. Richard Marple of Hooksett, with 193 trips from Hooksett, costing $2,201; Rep. Peter Goyette, 181 trips from Hudson, $6,099; Rep. John Gibson of Merrimack, 176 trips costing $5,009; and Morris. All of them topped the top four Republican leaders, who averaged 130 trips in the same period. CONCORD, N.H. - A lawyer for several news organizations told the state Supreme Court today that a law sealing financial records in divorces and child support cases is unconstitutional. The law took effect last year. Before that, financial affidavits were usually open. Lawyer William Chapman said the state constitution requires that court records be open unless there's a compelling state interest in sealing them. That's so the public can scrutinize the courts and make sure rulings are fair, including alimony and child support awards. In the past, the court has ruled in favor of unsealing financial affidavits in divorces. Assistant Attorney General Mary Schwarzer said times have changed and it's vital to protect individuals from identity theft. AP-NY-10-20-05 1541EDT Court hears arguments on law sealing financial forms in divorces By KATHARINE WEBSTER Associated Press Writer CONCORD, N.H. -- A law that seals financial statements in divorce and child support cases turns the state constitution's requirement of open, accountable government on its head, a lawyer for several news organizations told the state Supreme Court on Thursday. Lawyer William Chapman said the Legislature usurped the court's authority to set rules for the judicial branch and flouted a series of rulings asserting that court records must be open unless there's a compelling state interest in sealing them. Then, judges must use the least restrictive means of protecting the private information. "This court has said in two cases that a general right of privacy doesn't cut it," Chapman said. Assistant Attorney General Mary Schwarzer said the Legislature properly regulates many aspects of divorce through laws. Also, the law allows judges to unseal affidavits if there's a compelling reason to do so. In the previous cases, the court was not asked to balance the individual's constitutional right of privacy against the public's right of access to court records, she said. The law "strikes a reasonable balance between two competing constitutional rights," she said. Financial affidavits contain so much sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and the names and birthdates of minor children, that sealing them is the least restrictive way of protecting that information. Opening them constitutes "an invasion of the home" and invites identity theft, she said. The law makes all financial affidavits in domestic cases confidential except to the couple, their lawyers and certain officials. It also makes it a crime for anyone to show an affidavit to an unauthorized person. Before the law took effect in August 2004, most financial affidavits were open. A court rule allowed people to give an affidavit to a court clerk under seal, but many people acting without lawyers did not know they had that option. If anyone challenged the sealing, the person seeking to keep the records closed had the burden of showing why. In 2001, the court applied that standard to the divorce records of former state Supreme Court justice and congressman Charles Douglas, ruling his financial affidavits should be released with only the Social Security and financial account numbers blacked out. Douglas then encouraged the Legislature to pass the sealing law and filed a written brief supporting it. Five newspapers, The Associated Press, the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters and WMUR-TV sued, arguing that public access to court records is essential to ensure legal proceedings are fair, including financial awards in divorces. A Merrimack County Superior Court judge disagreed and upheld the law last year. The news organizations appealed to the Supreme Court. When questioned by the justices Thursday, Schwarzer said the information in individual financial affidavits contributes little to the understanding of how courts function. Anyone who believes a judge is biased or that their spouse has been untruthful about their financial assets can petition to unseal the affidavits, she said. Parties also can file motions about the finances and argue about them in open court without being penalized, she said. Several judges questioned the apparent inconsistency of requiring that affidavits themselves be sealed, but allowing the same information to be disclosed in a court hearing or brief. Chief Justice William Broderick also asked why someone's wages should be considered private, when ugly allegations of physical abuse or adultery are not. "That could be very awkward and embarrassing," he said. The newspapers suing include the Concord Monitor, The Keene Sentinel, Valley News, Portsmouth Herald and The Telegraph of Nashua. © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy. NEW HAMPSHIRE AP NEWS Sen. Judd Gregg wins $853,492 in Powerball Flooded synagogue gets help from friends of other faiths Court hears arguments on law sealing financial forms in divorces Son found after Coast Guard search, father missing Pick 3, Pick 4 day draw numbers State watching Hurricane Wilma's path State continues preparations for pandemic No N.H. jackpot winner, but won ticket was worth 850 thousand Ticket sold in Oregon wins Powerball jackpot Tax preparer pleads guilty to preparing 40 false returns Megabucks Man fighting charge that he attempted to kidnap teen in N.J. Community shocked over lawyer's arrest Fifth person in two-state drug operation pleads guilty Portland newspapers cut 21 jobs Case of girl pushed out window heads to superior court Administration increasing job-retraining efforts in wake of hurricanes in Gulf Coast N.H. Supreme Court begins Webcasting oral arguments Red Cross says more help needed in western N.H. Attorney General warns of jury duty scam |
| edwards Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Edwards Edwards visits Dartmouth today jayho HANOVER, N.H. - Former Senator John Edwards brings his effort to encourage young people to fight poverty to New Hampshire's Dartmouth College today. Edwards, the Democratic vice presidential candidate in 2004, is doing a national tour of ten colleges and universities to tout the start of the start of Project Opportunity, an initiative of the Washington-based Center for Promise and Opportunity. The program encourages young people to get involved and promote programs that expand opportunities for the poor. AP-NY-10-21-05 0804EDT |
| Tonight at 10 Promo Return to index of stories... |
Monday on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us Monday at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. =============================== Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook: Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Public Television. |
| Divorce Ruling Return to index of stories... |
A law that seals financial statements in divorce and child support cases -- is being challenged by NH media outlets. Lawyers argue its unconstitutional. The law took effect last year. Q TOM/COLIN: What seems to the issue in the case?? Q Lawyer for the A-G's office -- says there's somuch sensitive information on the affidavits that releasing them violates the constitutional right of privacy. Q AG's office says times have changed.its vital to protect individuals from identity theft. |
| EZ Pass Return to index of stories... |
E-Z Pass, - is proving to be a hit with motorists. -- It's almost as popular as CASH at tollbooths. But, Bargain prices for the electronic transponders have taken a toll on state coffers. The EZ-Pass program was the topic before 2 legislative panels last week. Q TOM: How much did those bargain basement prices for transponders COST the state. Is turnpike Fund.out of Money??? Is that the fund.that might be tapped for some infrastructure costs from all the FLOODING??? Q JAMES: A lot of motorists are finding the EZ pass system Easy to use. Numbers of those USING E-Z Pass. way Up. Q There's talk of Pulling out exact COIN and token buckets inJanuary. Have to pay ATTENDANTS come January. Cmsr Murray says its actually QUICKER to pay an attendnat than toss coins in a basket?? Q TOM: How much did the state spend on TRANSPONDERS.and what did they make on sales to motorists??? Costs state 24-dollars. Expect a RUN on transponders in JAN.when you can no longer use TOKENS. |
| Mt Washington snow Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Mount Washington Snow CORRECTION Mount Washington beats 24-hour snowfall record dewavbfn Corrects date in last graf MOUNT WASHINGTON - While most of New Hampshire continues to enjoy a warm fall, it's like the dead of winter on Mount Washington. A snowstorm that began Saturday set two monthly records. The summit got 34 inches of snow between Saturday and yesterday, the most from a single storm in October. And it got the most in a 24-hour period for the month, with 25 and a half inches between noon Sunday and noon yesterday. Weather observer David Balfrey said this morning that it looks like January or February, with 12-foot drifts and tons of ice that has to be chipped off their instruments. Balfrey says he and his fellow observers are confident they will beat the record for October snowfall. They are only five and a half inches short of the record of 39-point-eight inches set in 2000 and more snow is on the way. AP-NY-10-18-05 1847EDT MOUNT WASHINGTON - The weather observers atop New Hampshire's Mount Washington have been getting an eyeful in the last few days. The summit got 34 inches of snow between Saturday and yesterday, and beat the record for the most snowfall in 24 hours. Between noon Sunday and noon yesterday, 25 and a half inches of snow piled up. AP-NH--Mount Washington Snow CORRECTION Mount Washington beats 24-hour snowfall record dewfn Corrects that both records were for the month of October MOUNT WASHINGTON - While most of New Hampshire continues to enjoy a warm fall, it's like the dead of winter on Mount Washington. A snowstorm that began Saturday set two monthly records. The summit got 34 inches of snow between Saturday and yesterday, the most from a single storm in October. And it got the most in a 24-hour period for the month, with 25 and a half inches between noon Sunday and noon yesterday. Weather observer David Balfrey said this morning that it looks like January or February, with 12-foot drifts and tons of ice that has to be chipped off their instruments. Balfrey says he and his fellow observers are confident they will beat the record for October snowfall. They are only five and a half inches short of the record of 39-point-eight inches set in 1969 and more snow is on the way. AP-NY-10-18-05 1131EDT |
| Supreme Court web Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Court Webcasting N.H. Supreme Court begins Webcasting oral arguments CONCORD, N.H. - Want to see and hear what's happening at the New Hampshire Supreme Court? Log on. Starting today, the high court will broadcast over the Internet video and audio of all oral arguments, making it one of 20 state courts around the country to embrace so-called Webcasting of its hearings. In addition to offering live broadcasts, archived recordings of the proceedings also will be available from the court's Web site. Chief Justice John Broderick says the technology brings an important new level of public access to the court system. On the Web: www.courts.state.nh.us AP-NY-10-19-05 0843EDT CONCORD, N.H. - Starting today, the New Hampshire Supreme Court will broadcast over the Internet video and audio of all oral arguments, making it one of 20 state courts around the country to embrace so-called Webcasting of its hearings. In addition to offering live broadcasts, archived recordings of the proceedings also will be available from the court's Web site. |
| State Crematories Return to index of stories... |
ap wire 10/18 CREMATORY RECOMMENDATIONS Special committee recommends tighter regulations on crematories dewho CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch says he will work with the Legislature to implement a series of recommendations to tighten regulations on crematories in the state. A special committee Lynch formed in February has given him several recommendations to try to avoid a repeat of discoveries at the Bayview Crematorium in Seabrook last winter. Bayview was not licensed and investigators found a decomposing body in a broken cooler and two sets of remains being cremated in one oven. The committee is recommending the state require crematory owners be licensed, regulate crematories through the state board that also covers funeral directors, inspect crematories regularly and make changes to ensure the proper identity of remains. CONCORD, N.H. - A special state committee has come up with a series of recommendations to tighten regulations on crematories in New Hampshire. Governor John Lynch formed the group in February after discoveries at the Bayview Crematorium in Seabrook. Bayview was not licensed and investigators found a decomposing body in a broken cooler and two sets of remains being cremated in one oven. For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Tuesday, October 18, 2005 271-2121 491-7124 Governor's Crematory Task Group Makes Recommendations For Improving Oversight of Crematoriums CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch's Crematory Task Group today released comprehensive recommendations to improve the oversight of crematoriums in the state. Gov. Lynch formed the task group after the discoveries at the Bayview Crematorium in Seabrook this winter. "Like many New Hampshire citizens, I was deeply disturbed by the discoveries at the Bayview crematorium in Seabrook. Families coping with the loss of a loved one should know that their family members will be treated with respect and dignity," Gov. Lynch said. "I will work closely with the legislature to implement these recommendations so that families will know that cremations in New Hampshire are conducted respectfully and carefully," Gov. Lynch said. The Task Group recommended: Requiring the Licensing of Crematory Owners: Although, funeral directors and embalmers are currently licensed, crematory owners are not. Instead, Health and Human Services and local officials must approve plans prior to construction, and HHS must inspect the crematory and approve its use after construction. The Task Group recommends that New Hampshire law be amended to provide for the licensing of crematory owners through the State board governing funeral directors and embalmers. Under the Task Group's recommendations, the board would be granted rule-making authority relative to the construction of crematories; the inspection and licensing of crematories; the operation of crematories; educational and training requirements for crematory operators; and receiving and investigating complaints. Put in Place Safeguards to Detect Unlicensed Facilities: To ensure that unlicensed facilities do not operate in the State of New Hampshire, the Task Group recommended a number of new safeguards, including 1 on-site posting of crematory licenses; 2 requiring any person who transports human remains to a crematory to possess a copy of the valid and unexpired crematory license; and 3 public dissemination of any denial, suspension, revocation or non-renewal of a crematory license. Require Regular Inspections of Crematoriums: The Task Group recommended that the State Board of Registration of Funeral Directors and Embalmers establish routine and comprehensive inspections of crematoriums, taking place at least every two to three years. Strengthen Consumer Protection Laws: The Task Group recommended strengthening the state's consumer protection laws to 1 prohibit the commingling of cremated remains; 2 require a non-combustible body tag identification system; 3 add education and training requirements for crematory operators; 4 create an enhanced enforcement system for addressing unacceptable operations at a crematory; and 5 require mandatory compliance testing for public health, occupational health and environmental standards. A copy of the task force's full report is attached. |
| Avian Flu Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Avian Flu State continues preparations for pandemic jaycon CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire health officials say the threat of an avian flu pandemic means residents showing symptoms would be quarantined to prevent -- or at least slow -- the spread of the disease. Doctor Jose Montero, the state epidemiologist, says between 360 and two-thousand New Hampshire residents would die in such a pandemic. As many as 36-hundred people would need hospitalization and 65 percent of the state would be infected. In a typical year, 200 people in New Hampshire die from more common forms of flu. Montero says quarantines would only be used during the initial stages of the pandemic because the state lacks the resources to isolate thousands of people. Such measures also would be useless once the disease is widespread. Quarantines likely would mean people being asked to stay home, closing schools and businesses, canceling large public events. Officials are considering how to handle people who object to being quarantined. State laws allows police to arrest those who violate mandatory quarantines. It also allows people to challenge quarantines in court. AP-NY-10-20-05 0629EDT AP-NH--Gregg-Vaccines Bill to speed vaccines moving through Congress dewjayho WASHINGTON - New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg wants to make it easier for the United States to produce the vaccines it would need in the event of a biological attack or flu pandemic. Gregg says legislation which he cosponsored would protect companies from the liability that has scared them away from vaccine development. The measure passed a Senate subcommittee yesterday. Gregg says it's important for the full Senate to get behind the legislation to allow speedy investment in drugs and vaccines. AP-NY-10-19-05 0919EDT WASHINGTON - New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg wants to make it easier for the United States to produce the vaccines needed in the event of a biological attack or flu pandemic. Gregg says legislation he cosponsored would protect companies from the liability that has scared them away from vaccine development. The measure passed a Senate subcommittee yesterday. AP-NH--Avian Flu-Quarantine Health officials hold avian flu training avbfls CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire officials today begin the second in a series of training sessions on how to deal with a possible outbreak of the avian flu. The public health officials sessions are on the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, prisons and public health in handling an outbreak, and any quarantine that might be imposed. Today's session is in Concord, with another this month in Lancaster. AP-NY-10-19-05 0513EDT |
| information Return to index of stories... |
dewnas CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Democratic Party plans to appeal a judge's ruling that upheld the state law that has given Republicans the top spot on election ballots for the last 40 years. Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Kathleen McGuire agreed with those who challenged the law that being first had its advantages, but she ruled it's the Legislature's prerogative to write such a law. She also found that the advantage to G-O-P candidates was not large enough to find that it violated Democrats' rights. State Democratic Chairwoman Kathleen Sullivan says the ruling essentially acknowledges problems with the law but does not address them. AP-NY-10-19-05 0752EDT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: NH Democratic Party, 225-6899 STATEMENT ON BALLOT-ORDER CASE CONCORD, NH -- Below is a statement by New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sullivan on the Superior Court decision to keep a ballot-order that benefits Republican candidates. "This decision takes two important steps forward. The Court definitively concluded that the order of candidate names on the ballot does, in fact affect the outcome of our elections. The Court also found that the current ballot order does favor Republican candidates. These are important facts. We respectfully disagree with the Court's conclusion, which essentially acknowledges the problems of our current ballot laws but does not address them. We plan on appealing the case to the state Supreme Court, which is bound to follow the facts as established by this case -- and which now strongly favor our complaint." ### AP-NH--Ballot Position Judge upholds law on ballot position dewnas CONCORD, N.H. - A judge has upheld the state law that has given Republicans the top spot on New Hampshire election ballots for the last 40 years. Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Kathleen McGuire agreed with those who challenged the law that being first had its advantages in the voting booth, but she ruled it's the Legislatures prerogative to write such a law. She also found that the advantage to G-O-P candidates was not large enough to find that it violated Democrats' rights. The top spot goes to the party that gets the most total votes for all races on the ballot in the last election. So, McGuire wrote, voters decide where the parties are placed. The lawyer representing those who challenged the law says they may appeal to the state Supreme Court. AP-NY-10-18-05 1022EDT |
| key: National Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 10/21/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:43 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Making News this week: The Pace and Price of Flood Recovery, The politics of Abortion, and the Powerball Senator. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Colin Manning of Foster's Daily Democrat. And, James Pindell of Politics NH.com here in Durham. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, James Pindell \PoliticsNH.com |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 10/21/05 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 25:43 minutes Hello. I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. Making News this week: The Pace and Price of Flood Recovery, The politics of Abortion, and the Powerball Senator. Here to talk about all this and more from Concord: Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Colin Manning of Foster's Daily Democrat. And, James Pindell of Politics NH.com here in Durham. Welcome to all of you. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\Union Leader, Colin Manning\Foster's Daily Democrat, James Pindell \PoliticsNH.com |
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