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 HelloReturn to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Some all too familiar stories have reappeared this week including another mill closing in Berlin and a court ruling on education funding. Details on those stories and more in a moment, but first: Joining us from the State House in Concord we have Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan of the Telegraph. And in our Durham studio, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of the NH Business Review. Welcome all. |
| Fraser Papers Closed Return to index of stories... |
Once again, the pulp mill in Berlin is closing. But this time, nearly all sides are saying it's permanent. On Wednesday, the mill's owner Fraser Papers announced that it would cease operations at the mill as of May 6th. The closure means 250 workers will lose their jobs. The mill last closed in 2001 and opened again a year later when Fraser stepped in. This time, there are few hopes that a new buyer can be found. |
| Ed funding ruling Return to index of stories... |
There is a movie called the Neverending Story. It was made in 1984 and it's about the quest to save a magical kingdom. In New Hampshire, the Neverending Story is just as old, but it has a different plot. Here, it's about education funding plans and the challenges they face in court. This week, a new chapter was written as Londonderry and Merrimack won a court decision against the state. Both school districts had sued the state over the current education funding scheme, claiming it was unconstitutional. The plan was only enacted last year. This week, a Superior Court judge declared it unconstitutional because it leaves communities with widely varying levels of funding per student. |
| Education vouchers Return to index of stories... |
Speaking of funding education, the issue of school vouchers was taken up by the House this week. During a long debate on Thursday, legislators argued the merits of a voucher plan that would enroll an additional 2000 students each year for 8 years. The vouchers could be used for enrollment in any recognized educational institution, including religious schools. |
| Town Meetings Return to index of stories... |
A centuries-old tradition is renewed this month as New Englanders go to town meeting. But increasingly, the institution itself is under siege as some communities vote to discard the institution. |
| UNH Athletic Cuts 1 Return to index of stories... |
Just over a month ago, the University of New Hampshire Athletic Department announced it would be cutting four varsity sports: men's and women's tennis, men's swimming and women's crew. In addition, the ski team was cut in half. The cuts are part of an attempt to save about half a million dollars in costs. |
| Morning After Pill Return to index of stories... |
There are three bills dealing with emergency contraception this session. On Thursday, the House voted down a measure to give special protection to pharamacists who don't wish to dispense Plan B - the emergency contraception. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's it for this edition of New Hampshire Outlook. I'm Richard Ager. For Beth Carroll and for all of us here, thanks for watching. We'll see you next time. |
| Kerry to NH Return to index of stories... |
Contact: press@keepingamericaspromise.org 1-202-464-2155 KERRY COMMITTED TO DEMOCRATIC VICTORIES ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE IN 2006 Will Travel to New Hampshire on Saturday March 11th to campaign for local New Hampshire Democrats and keynote a dinner on behalf of the Nashua City Democrats and Hillsborough County Democrats WASHINGTON – As part of his continuing work for his Democratic leadership committee Keeping America’s Promise, dedicated to helping Democrats win on the local, state and federal level, John Kerry will visit New Hampshire on Saturday March 11th to campaign for two close friends and help two strong New Hampshire Democratic institutions raise funds for the upcoming 2006 election. Kerry will start his Saturday in the Granite State, at an event with State Senator Martha Fuller Clark at Widow Fletcher’s Tavern at 40 Lafayette Road in Hampton. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the event begins at 10:00 a.m. Kerry will meet with local activists who will be essential in Clark’s upcoming campaign. Kerry will then travel to Newmarket to campaign with State Senator Maggie Hassan. Kerry and Hassan will meet with community leaders and supporters at the Stone Church Restaurant on 5 Granite Street in Newmarket. Doors open at 12:00 p.m. and the event begins at 12:30 p.m. On Saturday evening, Kerry will keynote the first-ever joint dinner held on behalf of the Nashua City Democrats and the Hillsborough County Democrats at the Nashua Country Club, which is located at 25 Fairway Street in Nashua. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Kerry’s leadership committee Keeping America’s Promise has helped more than 100 candidates and party committees across the country in 2005 and 2006. Last year Keeping America’s Promise donated and raised more than $3.2 million dollars to support Democratic candidates, committees and causes. All three events are open to the press. For more information or if you wish to cover the event, please send an email to press@Keepingamericaspromise.com. ### |
| Smoking Ban Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Smoking Ban-Poll Poll:majority favors N.H. smoking ban in restaurants and bars dewho CONCORD, N.H. - As legislators prepare to vote on the issue, a new poll finds that most New Hampshire residents support banning smoking in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars. The University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll said residents support a workplace smoking ban by a margin of more than four to one. It reported 79 percent favored a ban; 18 percent did not. An even larger majority - 84 percent - said they were concerned about the health effects of secondhand smoke. Eighty-seven percent said workers should be protected from secondhand smoke. Of smokers polled, 58 percent said they believed the right of people to breathe clean air in restaurants and bars outweighed their right to smoke in those places. The poll questioned 402 voters in late January and was conducted for a coalition of health groups who favor a smoking ban. It has an error margin of four-point-nine points. --- On the Net: Clean Air Works: www.cleanairworksnh.org Smoking ban bill: http:/www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2006/HB1177.html AP-NY-03-06-06 1001EST |
| Cigarette Tax Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Cigarette Tax Lawmakers considering another cigarette tax dewdov CONCORD, N.H. - There is talk in the Statehouse of a new cigarette tax in New Hampshire. The state's top two senators, Senate President Ted Gatsas and Majority Leader Robert Clegg, are pushing for the tax. They say it could raise 30 million dollars a year, but industry spokesmen believe the tax would prompt a court challenge could end up costing the state more than 40 million dollars a year. The plan would have the state collect major tax revenue from all tobacco companies, including those already paying millions of dollars a year to New Hampshire and 45 other states as part of the 1998 tobacco settlement agreement. The proposed tax would be 41 and a half cents per pack of cigarettes, separate from the current 80-cent per pack tax. Other states have tried similar taxes, but courts, most notably a Minnesota court, have ruled the tax as unfair. Clegg says the proposal he backs contains provisions that would avoid the problems seen in other states. AP-NY-03-06-06 1220EST |
| Meth/Flu Briefing Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Lawmaker Briefings Officials to brief lawmakers on meth, flu dewho CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire lawmakers are getting briefings today on two threats to the state: methamphetamines and the avian flu. Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen, U.S. Attorney Thomas Colantuono and representatives from the attorney general's office will talk about meth, a potent drug showing up increasingly in the state. Health officials also will give an update on the avian flu that is spreading across Asia, Africa and Europe, and what the state is doing to prepare for potential cases here. AP-NY-03-07-06 0544EST |
| North Country Rep Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--North Country Representative McLeod named interim rep for the North Country dewho CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch has picked a retired state official to be his interim representative in New Hampshire's North Country. Lynch says retired State Parks Director Rich McLeod of Franconia will be his eyes and ears in the region as he looks for a permanent replacement for Peter Benson, who resigned recently. Lynch says the closing of pulp and paper mills in Berlin and Groveton make this a critical time for the North Country and make the position of a North Country representative even more important. He said McLeod has extensive experience in state government, deep connections to the North Country and an understanding of the issues facing the region. AP-NY-03-09-06 1025EST For Immediate Release: Contact: Pamela Walsh Thursday, March 9, 2006 271-2121 491-7124 Governor Names Rich McLeod of Franconia To Serve as Interim North Country Representative CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today named Rich McLeod of Franconia to serve as his interim North Country staff person. McLeod will start work today. "At this critical time for the North Country, with the announced closure of the Berlin pulp mill and the recent closure of Groveton Paperboard, the position of Governor's North Country representative is even more important. I want to make sure someone representing my office is on the ground in the North Country, ensuring that the state is doing everything possible to assist workers and North Country officials," Gov. Lynch said. "I am pleased that Rich McLeod has agreed to serve in this position on an interim basis. Rich has extensive experience in state government, deep connections to the North Country, and an understanding of the issues facing the region," Gov. Lynch said. McLeod is the retired director of state parks. Gov. Lynch accepted applications for the North Country staff position through yesterday, Wednesday, March 8th. He plans to soon begin interviewing candidates to serve as the permanent North Country staff person. # # # Pamela Walsh Communications Director Office of Gov. John Lynch 271-2121 pamela.walsh@nh.gov |
| groveton paper Return to index of stories... |
AP-NH--Groveton Paper Board Ex-workers at Groveton mill eligible for special aid dewho CONCORD, N.H. - Former employees at Groveton Paper Board company are eligible for special federal aid because foreign imports cost them their jobs. Workers may be eligible for training, job search allowance, relocation allowance and reemployment services. The state says all former employees of Groveton Paper Board who lost their jobs or had hours reduced after January fifth of last year should contact their nearest state Employment Security Office. The mill closed this month, laying off 220 workers. AP-NY-03-09-06 1230EST |
| key: Economy / Business Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/10/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Some all too familiar stories have reappeared this week including another mill closing in Berlin and a court ruling on education funding. Details on those stories and more in a moment, but first: Joining us from the State House in Concord we have Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan of the Telegraph. And in our Durham studio, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of the NH Business Review. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| key: State Politics / Government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/10/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Some all too familiar stories have reappeared this week including another mill closing in Berlin and a court ruling on education funding. Details on those stories and more in a moment, but first: Joining us from the State House in Concord we have Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan of the Telegraph. And in our Durham studio, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of the NH Business Review. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| key: Education Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/10/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Some all too familiar stories have reappeared this week including another mill closing in Berlin and a court ruling on education funding. Details on those stories and more in a moment, but first: Joining us from the State House in Concord we have Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan of the Telegraph. And in our Durham studio, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of the NH Business Review. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| key: Health / Health Care Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/10/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Some all too familiar stories have reappeared this week including another mill closing in Berlin and a court ruling on education funding. Details on those stories and more in a moment, but first: Joining us from the State House in Concord we have Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan of the Telegraph. And in our Durham studio, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of the NH Business Review. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| key: Recreation / Leisure / Sports Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/10/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Some all too familiar stories have reappeared this week including another mill closing in Berlin and a court ruling on education funding. Details on those stories and more in a moment, but first: Joining us from the State House in Concord we have Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan of the Telegraph. And in our Durham studio, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of the NH Business Review. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |
| key: UNH Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 3/10/06 HOST: Richard Ager Length: 26:10 minutes Hello. I'm Richard Ager, Beth Carroll is off. Welcome to this week in review edition of New Hampshire Outlook. Some all too familiar stories have reappeared this week including another mill closing in Berlin and a court ruling on education funding. Details on those stories and more in a moment, but first: Joining us from the State House in Concord we have Tom Fahey of the Union Leader and Kevin Landrigan of the Telegraph. And in our Durham studio, Edith Tucker of the Coos County Democrat and Jeff Feingold of the NH Business Review. Welcome all. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Tom Fahey\The Union Leader, Kevin Landrigan\The Telegraph, Edith Tucker \Coos County Democrat, Jeff Feingold\NH Business Review |