WORDS ABOUT WILTON: Gail Hoar – Where the past is present

The other day, I joined Michael Dell’Orto on his back porch. Michael is someone who people may have seen for decades serving on various Wilton committees or working behind the scenes in other ways but know little about.

IN OUR SCHOOLS: Wilton-Lyndeborough superintendent and principal celebrate successes

“We had a terrific year at SAU 63.” stated Superintendent Paul Weaver. “We have been focused on continuous improvement and have seen tremendous growth in many areas. Our students are achieving their target growth rates as reflected in our ongoing diagnostic testing, as well as demonstrated improvement in their standardized scores.”

Lawmakers reach deal on $16 billion two-year budget

By CHARLOTTE MATHERLY

Dave DeTour, of Weare, feels for the nearly 200,000 Granite Staters who rely on Medicaid health insurance.

Paul Baird sentenced in child pornography case

Paul Baird of Keene – a former bus driver for the company that serves the ConVal School District – was sentenced Wednesday for his role in sexually exploiting a minor female victim under the age of 12 to produce child sexual abuse material.

Shear enjoyment: as alpacas get their wool removed at Sleeping Monk Farm in New Ipswich, owners talk joys of raising the animals

By ASHLEY SAARI

An alpaca was led into the barn at Sleeping Monk Farm in New Ipswich, where a mat was laid out and Harvard Alpaca Shearing awaited.

New Ipswich talk focuses Barrett family’s connection to forming ASL

By ASHLEY SAARI

A famous New Ipswich family has an intimate tie to the formalization of American Sign Language and the American School for the Deaf.

Hillsborough County rejects ICE-related funding

By LAU GUZMAN

As national immigration enforcement efforts continue to ramp up, Hillsborough County residents used a local budget meeting June 18 and 19 to voice their concerns about the ways that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is interacting with the community.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Greenville adds Tuesdays

By ASHLEY SAARI

Tuesday brought a change of routine for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Greenville, as it opened up its doors to walk-ins.

Alleged repeat robber charged

By ASHLEY SAARI

A man who robbed the TD Bank in New Ipswich in 2014 has been charged with multiple counts related to a robbery at the same location in early April.

Hancock starting new formula for construction permits July 1

By DAVID ALLEN

The cost of securing a permit for construction in Hancock has been brought in line with prevailing standards, with a new method of calculating the expense taking effect next month.

Mascenic student Emily Goodrich headed to national conference

Emily Goodrich, a 10th-grader at Mascenic Regional High School, placed fifth in the state at the New Hampshire Educators Rising competition with her original children’s book, “Lacey’s Marvelous Adventure.” Her high score qualified her for the Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando, Fla., from June 26 to 29.

Smokey Bear sign could be returning in Temple

By DAVID ALLEN

A firefighting icon that also serves as an warning tool could reappear in Temple in the near future.

Hancock sets Indepedence Day celebration

The Town of Hancock will host its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks on Sunday, June 29, starting at 5 p.m. at Moose Brook Park, 33 Forest Road.

High Street Bridge in Antrim closing for construction

The High Street Bridge in Antrim will close to traffic in early July for construction and is expected to reopen by early December.

Volunteers find evidence of Abenaki activity during archaeological workshop in Depot Square in Peterborough

Volunteers found debris from Abenaki activity during a workshop with archaeologist, Franklin Pierce University professor and author Robert Goodby at Depot Square in Peterborough June 21.

Tiny Stories returns to Putnam Park in Peterborough

Firelight Theatre Workshop will present its sixth annual Tiny Stories event Saturday, June 28, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Putnam Park in Peterborough. The event is free and open to the public.

Hancock Farmers and Artisans Market returns June 26

The Hancock Farmers and Artisans Market will open for the season Thursday, June 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the Town Common at 50 Main St., Hancock. The weekly market, organized by the Hancock Recreation Committee, will continue Thursdays through Aug. 14.

Jaffrey community supper set for June 26

A free community supper will be held Thursday, June 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the United Church Mildred Cutter Parish Hall, 54 Main St., Jaffrey.

Summerfest brings fun and games to Main Street in Wilton

By DAVID ALLEN

A rare non-rainy Saturday was the setting for Wilton’s Summerfest on the town’s Main Street.

HOMETOWN HEROES – Denise Barlow is a stalwart at the American Legion in Jaffrey

By BILL FONDA

Lisa Hall of Sharon wound up at the American Legion post in Jaffrey after someone recommended it as a place to do karaoke.