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Over 50 people turned out for the Department of Environmental Services (DES) public hearing on the nomination of the Lamprey River and several of its tributaries for membership in the New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program. A review of the waterways being nominated and of the nominating process opened the hearing. (more)

Hi, My name is Lisa Nogueira and for the 16th year in a row I will be walking/running the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, September 12. The event is 26.2 miles and raises money for cancer research. I am walking in honor of many friends and family that have been affected by cancer. My goal is to raise $500.00. If you are interested in sponsoring me, you can send a check made out to the Jimmy Fund Walk to my home address (67 Mount Delight Road, Deerfield, NH 03037) or sponsor me online by going to jimmyfundwalk.org.

All donations are greatly appreciated! Thank you and please pray for a cure for cancer. Sincerely, Lisa

As we close out our final heat wave of the summer season, it's time to think about winter heating bills. Applications for the 2010-11 Winter Fuel Assistance are currently being accepted. You may call 1-800-639-3896 to set up your appointment.

To qualify, persons must (1) be responsible for paying heating bills to an energy supplier or indirectly as part of rent; (2) have yearly heating costs of at least $100; and (3) have a total household income that falls below federally established income guidelines for one month prior to application. (more)

On Wednesday morning, September 1, The Department of Transportation installed markers designating Route 43 in Northwood the Honorable Robert A. Johnson Highway. One sign is located just south of the Chesley Library, the other just north of the Deerfield line. Johnson served Northwood as town moderator, school moderator, Coe-Brown trustee and state representative at various times, beginning when he was in his 20s and continuing into his 90s.

A spokesperson for Save Our Groundwater (SOG) announced on August 31 that USA Springs has withdrawn its efforts to convince a bankruptcy judge to force the town of Nottingham and state of New Hampshire to honor previously issued permits. Some of the permits have expired and some will shortly do so. A company spokesperson said the court ruling is no longer needed to finalize an agreement with investors.

Visit NHBR for a full report.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) is expecting air pollution concentrations to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive individuals in Rockingham County on Wednesday, September 1. DES officials are calling for an Air Quality Action Day and advise sensitive individuals in these areas to take precautions to protect their health by limiting prolonged or heavy exertion. Sensitive individuals include children and older adults, anyone with heart or lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, and people who are active outdoors. Even healthy individuals may experience mild health effects and should consider limiting strenuous or prolonged activities. (more)

As of Monday, August 30, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has removed the Cyanobacteria Lake Warning for the southern end of Pawtuckaway Lake in Nottingham.

The Beach Inspection Program monitors the water at New Hampshire public swimming beaches from late May until early September. Personnel collect water for analysis at coastal and freshwater beaches. The water samples are analyzed for fecal bacteria to protect public health. For more information, visit NH Department of Environmental Services.

New Hampshire Senator Jack Barnes presents the 2010 Class I Championship trophy to members of the Coe-Brown Northwood Academy girls' softball team.

New Hampshire Senator Jack Barnes (R-Raymond) made an appearance during morning assembly at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy on Friday to present the championship trophy to the Academy's girls' softball team. The Lady Bears won the Class I State Championship in June for the first time since 1978, with their 5-3 win over previously undefeated Kennett High School.

Coach Tim Tenasco praised the girls' hard work and perseverance, saying, "People may have viewed us as the underdog but we proved them wrong."

Coe-Brown lost the title game to Portsmouth High School in both 2008 and 2009. They started the 2010 season with a record of one win and five losses and entered the tournament as the number 11 seed. Despite facing a two-run deficit in the final innings of the game, the girls rallied with four runs in the top of the seventh inning, securing the team's victory. (more)

A Cyanobacteria Warning has been issued for the southern end of Pawtuckaway Lake in Nottingham. Warnings are issued when a large bloom of possible toxin-producing cyanobacteria is identified in a lake. The warning will remain in effect until subsequent samples of algae show that levels of cyanobacteria have diminished. Lake users should avoid contact with the water in areas with blue-green globs, flecks, or clouds. This alert is not based on a toxin evaluation and is intended as a precautionary measure for short term exposure. If you notice anything resembling cyanobacteria, please refrain from wading, swimming, or drinking the water and keep all pets out of the water. (more)