CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Legislation that would expand eligibility for state veterans cemeteries to allow for the interring of National Guard members and Reservists has been introduced by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, both Democrats. Under current law, in order to receive Department of Veterans Affairs grant money for improvements, state veteran cemeteries are barred from interring Guard members and Reservists due to rules requiring active service. The legislation would allow state cemeteries to decide whether to inter an honorably discharged Guard member, Reservist, or their spouse without jeopardizing the grants. U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, also a Democrat, is a bill co-sponsor.

For more information click here.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A survey that guided work on the reopening of New Hampshire schools shows considerable differences between parents and teachers when it comes to confidence in complying with safety measures. The state’s reopening task force heard from more than 56,000 respondents, including nearly 42,000 parents, as it developed the guidance published last week. According to results released Monday, just 8% of teachers said students would be able to maintain new restrictions such as social distancing, compared to more than 20% of parents. About 80% of parents said their children were eager to return, though parents and teachers were split on whether that should happen.

Locally, SAU 9 Administrators will be holding Zoom Listening Sessions over the next two weeks to give parents an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the current draft plans for reopening. For that complete schedule click here.

GORHAM, N.H. (AP) — Officials say a hiker had to be assisted down a trail and taken to a hospital after a snow formation collapsed on him in the White Mountains. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says 28-year-old Alphonse Riang, of Quincy, Massachusetts, had gone off the trail and under the Tuckerman snow arch to take a video when the arch collapsed, crushing him. Other hikers helped remove the large ice and snow blocks and moved him to safety. When rescue crews arrived they determined that Riang had suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Raing was assisted down the trail to a shelter where he was then taken by ATV to a parking lot. He was then loaded into an ambulance and taken to Androscoggin Valley Hospital.

ALBANY, NH– Today, Tin Mountain Conservation Center announced the well-deserving recipients of its annual awards.  Traditionally, these awards are presented at the Annual Meeting in May.  As with many events and awards, this year’s awards are being presented virtually.

“On behalf of the staff and the board of trustees, we want to thank and honor these folks for their many contributions.  We’re sorry that we aren’t able to present these awards and recognize these people and organizations in person,” said Lori Kinsey, executive director,  “We want them to know how much we appreciate all the time, talent and resources they have generously given to Tin Mountain. Since its beginning, 40 years ago this year, Tin Mountain has grown and thrived thanks to the tremendous support it has received from a strong and devoted group of volunteers, members, and businesses. The words Thank You often feel insufficient for the hours of time, seemingly endless energy, and resources generously offered and donated from our community.  Each year, Tin Mountain recognizes those people, businesses, and organizations whose efforts have gone above and beyond. This year more than ever, we feel the need to recognize the hard work and passion of these ‘shining stars.’”

There are five award recipients this year:

The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an individual(s) who has supported Tin Mountain events and/or daily activities. This year, we recognize Victor and Karen Vitek, who worked tirelessly the past few years organizing and entering the hundreds of items donated for the First Season benefit auction. When the decision was made to move the First Season Auction online, Victor and Karen went to work to upload pictures, and add detailed descriptions into the software. They helped test the site and fine tune listings to make sure everything was ready to go. This year’s Inaugural Online Auction was made possible thanks to the tireless dedication of Karen and Victor.

The Exemplary Service Award recognizes a current Trustee of the Tin Mountain Board of Trustees who has worked hard to make a lasting contribution to the organization. Leslie Schomaker came to the board with a strong financial background and quickly took on the role of treasurer as well as the herculean task of streamlining the financial reporting and moving the system online. What first seemed convenient quickly became indispensable with the shift to remote work in mid-March.

The Outstanding Environmental Educator Award recognizes a teacher who in addition to working with and supporting Tin Mountain in the classroom, works to further exploration and environmental stewardship. Dylan Harry, a science teacher and Director of the OLRC at Fryeburg Academy, began working with Tin Mountain several years ago. From the beginning, he enthusiastically jumped in, often co-teaching classes and utilizing local natural areas to better connect his students to the environment. He has been a champion for Tin Mountain, advocating for greater integration into Fryeburg Academy Curriculum and lobbying for administrative support of Tin Mountain programming.  

This year’s Business Volunteer Award is presented to an organization in the Mount Washington Valley that has consistently helped advance Tin Mountain’s mission and programs. Increasing awareness is essential to the success of Tin Mountain programs and events and there is no better way to be heard than through the Mt. Washington Radio & Gramophone group of radio stations including 93.5 WMWV, 95.3 Easy and Magic 104. The stations consistently promote Tin Mountain events, provide updates and program changes, and host Tin Mountain staff and Trustees for interviews on Drive Time. These stations are the voice of the valley and we appreciate it when that voice speaks for Tin Mountain and its programs and events. Roy Prescott of WMWV supports and participates in the Mt. Washington Century+ bike event, so we got him a very special bib number!

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual or organization who has been a champion for the environment and the community, not just for a year or two, but for the ‘long run.’ Upper Saco Valley Land Trust has certainly earned this distinction. Through thoughtful community projects such as the Pine Hill Community Forest, and agricultural and water initiatives, USVLT seeks not just to preserve land, but the Mount Washington Valley as a whole.  

For more information about Tin Mountain Conservation Center go to TINMOUNTAIN.ORG