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Articles by Nicole Colson
MCVP Services to Transition to Claremont Nonprofit
KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Services provided by the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention are transitioning to The Center for Safer Communities, following months of organizational turmoil that resulted in the nonprofit being placed under court-ordered receivership. The transition took effect Oct.
New Court Challenge Claims New Hampshire Ended Vehicle Inspections Too Soon
CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A new federal lawsuit is challenging New Hampshire’s decision to end its vehicle inspection program, with the plaintiffs arguing the state violated federal environmental law by suspending inspections before receiving approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The complaint, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Concord, was brought by Wilton resident Marilyn C.
Colonial Theatre Prepares Mobile Stage Debut at August Music Festival
KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Colonial Theatre’s new mobile stage, funded by a $50,000 T-Mobile grant, will make its public debut at a downtown music festival. The annual music festival, founded in 2021, will be held Aug. 8 in the parking lot between the Colonial Theatre and The Showroom. Organizers say the festival will feature local musicians alongside regional headliners while also demonstrating how the stage can support free community performances throughout Keene.
Keene Property Owner and Former Senator Admits Misusing Federal Pandemic Relief Funds
Sanborn, 64, whose legal name is Anthony Sanborn, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Concord to one count of theft of government funds. U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for Oct. 15. According to federal prosecutors, Sanborn received an $844,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the U.S. Small Business Administration for his company, Win Win Win, which operated Concord Casino.
Federal Charges Renew Attention on Downtown Keene Property Owner
KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Federal prosecutors have charged former New Hampshire state senator and businessman Andy Sanborn with theft of government funds, alleging he improperly spent more than $255,000 in federal pandemic relief money on personal expenses after receiving an $844,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for his casino business.
New Hampshire Cold Case Unit Concludes 2007 Acworth Homicide Investigation
ACWORTH, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) State investigators have officially closed a nearly two-decade-old homicide case after concluding that Wayne Ring was responsible for the 2007 killing of Carrie Hicks at a home in Acworth, according to an announcement from the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and New Hampshire State Police. Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B.
Monadnock United Way Launches Youth Day of Caring Across Region
MONANDOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Students across the Monadnock Region will spend April taking on projects aimed at improving their communities, as Monadnock United Way rolls out a new youth-focused service initiative. The organization has announced its first-ever Youth Day of Caring, a program that will involve afterschool participants in a month-long series of volunteer efforts designed and led by students themselves.
New Hampshire Attorney General Urges Residents To “Slam The Scam” as Fraud Losses Continue to Rise
CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella is urging residents to stay alert to fraud as part of National “Slam the Scam” Day on March 5, a campaign aimed at helping consumers recognize and avoid scams. The New Hampshire Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau says scams continue to grow in both scale and sophistication, targeting seniors, families, small businesses, and even government agencies.
Keene City Council Holds Public Hearings on Keno, Social Districts Ahead of November Ballot
KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s City Council gathered Thursday night for a full agenda highlighted by two public hearings tied to questions that will appear on the city’s Nov. 4 municipal ballot — one asking whether to prohibit Keno in Keene, and another on whether to allow social drinking districts downtown. During the hearing on Keno, New Hampshire Lottery Commissioner Charlie McIntyre provided an overview of how the game operates and its contribution to state education funding.
Plymouth State’s Donald Birx Tapped as Interim President at Keene State College
KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The University System of New Hampshire has appointed Plymouth State University President Donald L. Birx to also serve as interim president of Keene State College, following the departure of longtime KSC leader Melinda Treadwell. The USNH Board of Trustees voted Wednesday night to support Birx’s dual appointment, which extends through June 30, 2026.
Keene Narrowly Approves Revenue-Sharing Deal With Local Casino
KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The Keene City Council has voted to accept money from Revo Casino and Social House, making the city the third municipality in New Hampshire to benefit from a state law that allows charitable gaming facilities to share revenue with their host communities. Councilors approved the agreement Thursday night by an 8-7 margin after a lengthy debate over whether accepting casino funds would help taxpayers or create ethical problems.
New Hampshire joins national legal fight to stop 23andMe from selling genetic data
CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire is stepping into the legal ring to block a controversial attempt by genetic testing company 23andMe to sell off its customers’ personal data in bankruptcy proceedings. Attorney General John Formella announced Tuesday that the Granite State is part of a 28-state coalition challenging the potential sale of highly sensitive genetic and health data belonging to millions of consumers.
Keene and Peterborough dental practice adopts new name, emphasizes community roots
MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Spring is here—and while the trees are budding and the flowers are blooming, for many, it also brings something far less welcome: allergy season. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), seasonal allergies are on the rise, now affecting about one in four adults and one in five children. If you feel like your symptoms are getting worse and lasting longer each year, you’re not imagining things.
Shaheen hears tariff woes in Peterborough, celebrates community gains in Newport | U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire
SOUTHWESTERN N.H. (MyKeeneNow) U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen spent last Wednesday crisscrossing southwestern New Hampshire, spotlighting two very different sides of federal policy — the strain of rising tariffs on manufacturers and the benefits of federal dollars flowing into local projects.
Senator Shaheen rallies health care leaders to protect insurance access for Granite Staters | U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) In a push to safeguard affordable health care for thousands of New Hampshire residents, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) met with state health care leaders today to highlight the urgent need to prevent rising insurance costs. At the center of the discussion was Shaheen’s proposed Health Care Affordability Act, a bill aimed at making permanent the enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to a news release.
Keene woman charged for allegedly contaminating products at a local business with her urine
MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The weekend is packed with live performances, art exhibits, and family-friendly festivities across southern Vermont and New Hampshire. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz, theater, or outdoor fun, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s happening: Friday, Feb.
Brattleboro’s historic Harris Hill Ski Jump returns this weekend
BRATTLEBORO, VT (MyKeeneNow) The historic Harris Hill Ski Jump in Brattleboro is set to host its annual ski jumping competition this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16. Organizers Melissa Gullotti and Jason Evans joined Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio last week to discuss the event’s highlights and preparations. With more than a century of tradition, the Harris Hill competition has been a staple in the ski jumping community since its founding by Fred Harris in 1922.
In case you missed it: Chef Luca Paris shares his favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes n WKBK Radio
(MyKeeneNow) Get ready for a Thanksgiving feast of ideas as Dan Mitchell sits down with Chef Luca Paris on the latest episode of What’s Cooking with Luca Paris on WKBK Radio. The two dive into alternative approaches to Thanksgiving traditions, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the holiday menu.
New Hampshire delegation backs $25 million boost for clean water | U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire
KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, welcomed the EPA’s announcement of nearly $25 million in new federal funding for New Hampshire to improve drinking water infrastructure, including efforts to locate and eliminate lead pipes.
Best fall foliage drives in the Monadnock Region
Monadnock Region, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As the days shorten and the crispness of autumn settles over New England, the small city of Keene, New Hampshire, prepares for its most visually spectacular season: peak foliage. This year, the best time to experience the vibrant colors in the Keene area is expected to be during the first week of October, with the prime dates falling around October 5-6, 2024.
New Hampshire secures nearly $30 million in federal funds to combat opioid crisis | U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire
(MyKeeneNow) – New Hampshire is set to receive nearly $30 million in federal funds aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing substance use disorder (SUD) crisis, thanks to efforts led by the state’s Congressional delegation. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, along with Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, played pivotal roles in securing the $29.9 million through the State Opioid Response (SOR) program, according to a news release.
Alstead nature trail project wins $10,000 grant, asks the community to vote for a chance to increase winnings
ALSTEAD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Distant Hill Accessible Nature Trail and Pavilion Project is the winner of a $10,000 grant as part of the annual Kubota Hometown Proud grant program hosted by the Kubota Tractor Corporation. In its fourth year, the grant program is aimed at providing support across the country for local nonprofit organizations and their unique initiatives.
New Hampshire reaches settlement with Cameo over consumer protection issues
CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow)– N.H. Attorney General John M. Formella announces that a coalition of 30 states has reached a settlement with Baron App, Inc., operating as Cameo. This settlement resolves an investigation into Cameo’s practices and policies surrounding videos created through its app. Cameo is a digital platform that enables consumers to purchase personalized videos from celebrities. It also allows businesses to book celebrities for promotional video endorsements.
Len-Tex manufactures in-demand vinyl wallcovering
When Len-Tex Wallcoverings opened in the early 1980s, the company’s mission was to make a big impact on the design world. Today, that mission is the same — while also making the smallest impact on the planet. President and CEO Don Lennon started the business as a way to continue his family legacy. Lennon described the type of wallcovering Len-Tex manufactures as a printed vinyl film that is then fabric-backed and embossed.
Monadnock Region steps up efforts toward decarbonization
Thanks to a federal contract, two Monadnock Region towns will be the next to move toward being 100 percent renewable energy powered by the year 2050. A project (one of three nationwide) to replace fossil-fuel heating systems with cold-climate heat pumps in 200 buildings in Peterborough and Harrisville won a $700,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Month of the Young Child
Most of us know that young children have elastic minds that are constantly soaking up information from their surroundings, making the first few years of their lives crucial in their development.
Daniel J. White's Documentary "Monadnock
A lifelong resident of the Monadnock region, filmmaker Daniel J. White, didn't realize how little he knew about its namesake mountain until he started working on a documentary about it.
Halloween Events
With the spookiest season of the year just around the corner, it's time to unveil the thrilling lineup of upcoming events that promise to send chills down your spine and fill your October with ghoulish delight. A full lineup of Halloween weekend films and live events are in store at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey, starting this Friday, Oct. 27 with a screening of the original/uncut/restored version of "The Exorcist" followed by a Halloween dance party with CJ the DJ at 9:30 p.m.
How to Create the Perfect Holiday Photo
Planning a holiday photo shoot could easily be a chore ... but why not make it a memorable and even fun activity for you and your family? Some local photographers offer tips for creating that perfect card for everyone on your mailing list, and an experience that will have everyone in anticipation to smile for the camera and shout "Happy Holidays!" next December.
MoCo Arts Lights, Camera, KEENE! Fundraiser
Merlin and his apprentice will take you on a journey through a corrupted fairytale land where you'll meet your favorite characters like Goldilocks and Little Red Riding Hood and hear their stories from the villain's point of view. This isn't Disney or the Brothers Grimm, however-it's the theme of this year's MoCo Arts annual gala. That's right, it's time for Lights. Camera. KEENE! 2023, happening Saturday, October 28, at MoCo Arts in downtown Keene.
Xiu Xiu at Nova Arts; Plus Upcoming Shows at the Venue
By Nicole S. Colson/Photo by Cody Cloud When Jamie Stewart sat down with former bandmate Cory McCulloch in 2002 with a piece of paper and a pen in hand, he wrote down five musical influences on which they would focus: noise and experimental music, modern classical, Asian percussion, gay dance floor music, British post-punk and synth pop. That was the beginning of Xiu Xiu, hitting the Nova Arts stage next Saturday, the 28th in downtown Keene.
Brian Regan at the Colonial Theatre
By Nicole S. Colson In his 50s, Brian Regan wrote a bit about receiving his first piece of mail from AARP. Now in his 60s, his material is about-well, everything. "I talk about all different kinds of things―guns, people's philosophies on life-serious things," said the comedian and actor in a recent interview with ELF, "but I like to think about things in a funnier way. I do more lighthearted stuff."
Slaid Cleaves in Harrisville
Americana singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves has been called a master storyteller of the dirt of real life, his songs snapshots of regular people in small-town America. There's nothing more regular than spending his time (when he's not writing songs) building an addition to his outhouse. That's what he's working on during his annual stay at his cabin in rural Maine, his home state. While the Texas resident is visiting, he'll make a stop Thursday, Oct.
Samirah Evans and Her Band at Nova Arts
By Nicole S. Colson Since their last performance in Greenfield, MA almost two years ago to the day, Samirah Evans & Her Handsome Devils will take the stage as a band again this weekend and kick off a mini tour: First stop? Keene. The show this Saturday, Oct. 7, at Brewbakers Café, part of the Nova Arts concert series, also marks the band's first time playing together here in town.
Monadnock Table Harvest Festival Sunday, October 15, 2023
By Nicole S. Colson WALPOLE-The time for the annual Monadnock Table Harvest Festival is upon us when we can celebrate the abundance of autumn and everything the Monadnock Region has to offer. The 2023 event will take place Oct. 15 for the second year in a row at Alyson's Orchard, which has new owners. Adam and Taylor Naeck bought the 350-acre property and business in early January from founder Susan Jasse.
Song Sessions in Nelson
By Nicole S. Colson A group of renowned musicians who have performed together will get together in Nelson next weekend to share their expertise in songwriting and guitar playing. The Song Sessions, a series of songwriting, voice and guitar workshops, and a live concert will be hosted in Nelson from Oct. 13 through 15 in partnership with the Monadnock Folklore Society.
MONIFF Film Festival September 29-October 12
This year's Monadnock International Film Festival is a showcase of what happens when you not only adapt to life's challenges but thrive in the face of them. The 11th annual festival-also known as MONIFF-opens this Friday, Sept. 29 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 1. This year's line-up of in-person screenings and filmmaker Q&As will take place at SHOWROOM, a Colonial Theatre venue, Keene Public Library, and Park Theatre in Jaffrey.
Agathe et Adrien at NECCA
A pair of circus artists will show what happens when you take gender norms and literally flip them upside down. The Montreal-based acrobatic circus duet, Agathe et Adrien, will present their show, "N.Ormes," this Saturday, Sept. 30, at the New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro.
Two Keene women team up to promote local, sustainable wines
New Hampshire's rocky granite hills and cold climate don't seem like they would be ideal for grape-growing. In fact, the state is not a legally designated and protected grape-growing region. Yet wines are being made here - and as climate change continues to affect the western states which have dominated the country's winemaking industry, New Hampshire will become a more desirable location.
With draft horses and determination, these Westmoreland farmers work the land
For a farm to be sustainable, it needs to be self-contained. This has been - and will always be - the goal at Hillside Springs Farm in Westmoreland. Frank Hunter, who has farmed most of his life, uses Belgian draft horses to plow, spread compost, make beds and cultivate the garden. The horses keep the pastures on the 55-acre farm nicely grazed and provide valuable manure for composting.
Pat Metheny at the Colonial
In a world where it appears accomplished musicians have all the answers, Pat Metheny never stops asking questions. The jazz guitarist, composer and band leader makes a stop in downtown Keene this Friday, Sept. 15, for a performance at the Colonial Theatre.
Jeffrey Foucault at Nova Arts
For the past couple years, Jeffrey Foucault's life has been partly defined by loss-which has influenced his art in new and unexpected ways. Foucault will perform as part of the Nova Arts series this Saturday, Sept. 16, at Brewbakers Café in downtown Keene.
Ready... Set... Gaga!
By Nicole S. Colson / Keene Pride Courtesy Photos If anyone has taught us to be loud and proud-and purely ourselves-it's Lady Gaga. So, it's only fitting that her self-confidence be honored. A group of drag performers will do just that in Just Be a Queen: A Lady Gaga Tribute, the event that will kick off Keene Pride Week this Saturday. Sept. 9, at Keene's Colonial Theatre.
Welcome to Keene Pride 2023!
There's an entire rainbow of fun in store this month, all in the name of Pride. The second annual Keene Pride Week opens Sept. 8, with a Lady Gaga tribute show happening Sept. 9 and culminating in the Keene Pride Festival Sept. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. in downtown Keene.
Keene Music Festival 2023
Another Labor Day weekend is upon us, which can only mean...it's time for the Keene Music Festival. The 22nd annual event happens this Saturday, Sept. 2, featuring more than 11 hours of free music from more than 60 performers on six stages throughout downtown Keene.
Folk Rock & New Orleans R&B Hits the Region
By Nicole S. Colson From 20s ragtime to Motown and far beyond on the musical timeline, two artists performing in the area at the end of the month will bring it all to audiences. Depending on your tastes, you'll have to choose between The Kennedys-playing Peterborough's Bass Hall-and Tuba Skinny-taking the Latchis Theatre stage in Brattleboro-both appearing Thursday, Aug. 31.
Mole Hill Theatre is Back
With a pandemic in the rearview mirror, it's time for Mole Hill Theatre to reopen its doors and audiences to put on their dancing shoes again. The theater has a full lineup of live music this summer and fall once again.
Ken Burns The American Buffalo Preview at Park Theatre
The animal that once was a revered creature seen as equal to humans, became an industrial commodity and later a symbol of our relationship to the natural world is the subject of a film that will be previewed in Jaffrey this weekend. A sneak preview of renowned documentarian Ken Burns new film, "The American Buffalo," premiering on PBS in October, will be shown this Sunday, Aug. 20, at Jaffrey's Park Theatre.
Theater Roundup
By Nicole S. Colson / Courtesy Photos All the world's a stage this month: there are no less than three-count 'em, three-plays to choose from over the next two weekends in the Monadnock Region. The first, "Helen Keller-Champion of the Disabled," will be staged this Saturday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Samuel E. Paul Community Center on South Street in Troy, a performance hosted by the Troy Historical Society and the Gap Mtn. Lions Club.
Arts Alive Elevate the Arts Fest
By Nicole S. Colson / Courtesy Photos If access to creativity is a human right, a downtown event coming up this weekend is granting it to all who attend. Arts Alive! will host its second annual Elevate the Arts Fest this Sunday, Aug. 13, in the Gilbo Avenue parking lot (behind Margaritas Mexican Restaurant) to celebrate and showcase the arts in the region.
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