New Hampshire

A lawsuit alleging abuse at a NH youth center is going to trial. There are 1,000 more to come. – The Boston Globe

Published

2 years ago

April 9, 2024

A lawsuit alleging abuse at a NH youth center is going to trial. There are 1,000 more to come. – The Boston Globe

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — It started with three words: “They raped me.”

David Meehan’s disclosure to his wife seven years ago set into motion an unprecedented criminal investigation into New Hampshire’s state-run youth detention center, which was built in the 1850s as a “house of reformation.” It is now called the Sununu Youth Services Center, after former Gov. John H. Sununu, the father of the current governor.

Eleven former state workers face criminal charges, and dozens more are accused in the nearly 1,200 lawsuits former residents have filed against the state alleging abuse spanning six decades. The first lawsuit, filed by Meehan four years ago, goes to trial this week.

“It’s heartwarming in a way to know that I helped these other people find the strength to be able to speak the truth about their experience,” Meehan told The Associated Press in 2021. “But at the same time, it hurts in a way that I can’t explain, knowing that so many other people were exposed to the same types of things that I was.”

Meehan originally was the lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit that a judge later threw out. Now, his individual suit is the first to go to trial, with a batch of others expected later this year. Jury selection in Rockingham County Superior Court is expected to be completed Tuesday morning, followed by opening arguments.

The trial is expected to last weeks and will be the most public display yet of an unusual dynamic in which the state attorney general’s office has been simultaneously prosecuting perpetrators and defending the state against allegations raised in the civil cases. While one team of state lawyers tries to undermine Meehan’s credibility, a separate team will rely on his account to prosecute former workers during the upcoming criminal trials.

“This case and the criminal cases are closely interrelated,” Judge Andrew Schulman wrote last month. “The evidence in this case comes in part from the criminal investigation. In determining what course to choose in either venue, the Attorney General cannot possibly separate the facts into two piles, one civil and one criminal.”

Meehan was 14 when he was sent to what was then called the Youth Development Center in Manchester in 1995. Over the next three years, he alleges he was routinely beaten, raped hundreds of times and held for months in solitary confinement. According to his lawsuit, one worker who subjected him to nearly daily abuse initially gained his trust by giving him snacks and arranging for him to play basketball with local high schoolers. He accuses other workers of standing guard or holding him down during assaults, and says when he told a supervisor how he got a black eye and split lip, the man cut him off and said, “Look little fella, that just doesn’t happen.”

The lawsuit seeks at least $1.9 million for past and future lost income, plus compensation for pain and suffering, permanent impairment and loss of quality of life. It accuses the state of breaching its duty to act in Meehan’s best interest and of enabling the abuse by being negligent in hiring, training and supervising employees.

The state denies those allegations and maintains it is not liable for the intentional criminal conduct of “rogue” employees. The state also disputes the nature, extent and severity of Meehan’s injuries, argues that he contributed to them and that some of the alleged physical abuse in question was “excused as necessary to maintain order and discipline.”

The state also argues that Meehan waited too long to come forward. New Hampshire’s statute of limitations for such lawsuits is three years from the date of injury, but there are exceptions in cases when victims did not know of the harm or its link to the wrongful party.

On the criminal side, the statute of limitations for sexual assault involving children runs until the victim turns 40. Ten men have been charged with either sexually assaulting or acting as accomplices to the assault of more than a dozen teenagers at the Manchester detention center from 1994 to 2007, while an 11th man faces charges related to a pretrial facility in Concord. The first criminal trial had been scheduled to start this month, but a judge last week delayed it until August.

Schulman, the judge overseeing Meehan’s trial, has said those charges do not make anything in Meehan’s case more or less probable. He’s also warned Meehan’s attorneys to stick to the facts.

“This is a lawsuit, not a Manichean battle between light and darkness,” he wrote last month. “Improper appeals to passion, which ring like a bell that cannot be unrung, are the stuff that mistrials are made of.”

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New Hampshire

New Hampshire teacher resigns after alleged inappropriate communication with students online

Published

8 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Press Room

New Hampshire teacher resigns after alleged inappropriate communication with students online

A Salem, New Hampshire High School teacher has resigned after allegations of inappropriate interactions with students on social media.

“Definitely surprised. It just kind of hurts because he was a very liked teacher,” said senior Thomas Mallous.

The district confirmed that the Salem Police Department has been notified and that a criminal investigation is underway.

In a statement, Superintendent Maura Palmer said parents of students directly affected were notified immediately. The broader school community was informed of the teacher’s resignation on April 14.

Parents described the situation as troubling.

“I think it’s inappropriate,” said parent Inna Gacevic. “I think we need to be careful with our kids on social media, definitely. I have kids on social media, but I make sure that we don’t interact with teachers outside of school in that way.”

The Salem School District has a strict social media policy for staff. According to the policy, teachers are prohibited from “friending” students or sharing social media content unrelated to academic work.

Community members say those rules are critical but acknowledge the challenges of enforcement.

“It’s hard to keep track of that,” another parent said. “We can’t know what every teacher is doing outside of school or what every student is doing,but I think, for ethical reasons, as a teacher, you don’t do that.”

Mallous said interactions between teachers and students on social media should be off-limits. “It should be rule number one of being a teacher never interact with your students online,” Mallous said. “It’s just not acceptable.”

Officials have not released additional details about the investigation.

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New Hampshire

11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In New Hampshire

Published

20 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Press Room

11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In New Hampshire

New Hampshire is covered with forests and greenery, and many of its off-the-beaten-path towns sit right in the middle of it all. Waterville Valley is one such town, set against the White Mountains with Corcoran Pond, year-round outdoor recreation, and a tiny population of just 520 people. New Castle and Woodstock have the added advantage of gorgeous water views, with New Castle overlooking the Piscataqua River and Woodstock tracing the Lost River. Of New Hampshire’s many tiny towns, the 11 below offer some of the best glimpses of small-town living in the state.

Waterville Valley

Corcoran Pond, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.

It doesn’t get more off-the-beaten-path than Waterville Valley, with only one road in and out. The road through the town ends at the spectacular White Mountains. Although Waterville Valley’s population is less than 1000, it swells to 6,000 in winter for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, including the NH Special Olympic Winter Games in March. Summer trails include hiking and biking, as well as boating, fishing, and swimming. Waterville Valley’s own trail network offers excellent access to the surrounding landscape, while Corcoran Pond and the nearby White Mountain scenery make it easy to enjoy the outdoors in every season.

The authors of the popular Children’s Curious George books, former residents of Waterville Valley, founded the Rey Cultural Center, which focuses on art, science, and nature education through its many exhibits and programs.

Watch spectacular sunsets from Corcoran Pond and appreciate the beauty of seclusion.

New Castle

Off the coast of New Hampshire lies a town on an island. Originally named Great Island, New Castle is the only town in the state completely on an island. It provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and panoramic vistas of the Piscataqua River. History buffs will particularly enjoy exploring New Castle. Notable sites include Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Stark Historic Site, and Great Island Common, although Fort Constitution is currently closed for repairs.

Ashland

Located on the southern edge of the White Mountains and surrounded by the beautiful lakes region, Ashland is a charming town full of delightful surprises. Visitors can explore the historic Whipple House Museum, built in 1837 and once home to Dr. Whipple, as well as the Pauline E. Glidden Toy Museum, showcasing charming toys from the 1800s collected by Glidden. Don’t miss the Ashland Railroad Station Museum and the picturesque Squam River Covered Bridge, which are among the town’s beloved historic landmarks.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty to enjoy! Whether you’re hiking, biking, or engaging in water activities, Squam Lake, the Whitten Woods Trailhead, and the stunning White Mountain National Forest offer endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Woodstock

Initially, Woodstock served as a hub for the logging industry until 1911. In 1905, tourism emerged as a vital part of Woodstock’s economy thanks to its pristine setting in the White Mountains. Today, the town draws many visitors who come to explore and enjoy its charming, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. Discover the raw power of nature and breathtaking landscapes at Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves by walking along the wooden boardwalk through the gorge alongside the Lost River. Jagged rock formations, massive boulders, cascading waterfalls, a treehouse, and a suspension bridge invite every adventurer.

The Woodstock Inn Brewery offers backstage passes for guests to learn about the brewing process, live music, and spectacular igloo dining experiences. Another standout winter attraction in Woodstock is Ice Castles, a seasonal experience featuring ice slides, caverns, archways, crawl tunnels, and illuminated frozen sculptures.

Colebrook

In the Great North Woods Region is Colebrook, a stunning small town off-the-beaten path to relax and revive the body and mind. The town has preserved its centuries-old history by restoring and maintaining the architecture, historical markers, like the Coos Trail marker, and old-town ambiance. Magnificent buildings, such as the Citizen’s Bank and Hicks Hardware, can be viewed when walking through the town.

Moose watching and hunting are popular activities in Colebrook. The North Country Moose Festival takes place annually on the weekend before Labor Day. Exploring the countryside and its beautiful landscapes, the Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum celebrates the Poore family’s efforts toward Colebrook’s sustainability. In addition to the museum, the homestead offers picnic areas and hosts events such as field trips, demonstrations, concerts, and a six-week student program. For a closer connection to nature, the Beaver Brook Falls Wayside features hiking trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls and lush forests.

Chichester

Chichester is a town tucked neatly off the beaten path on the Suncook River. A prominent must-see in Chichester is the 1887 Thunder Bridge, crossing the Suncook River. The Chichester Historical Society keeps its heritage alive with many documents, artifacts, and knowledge of landmarks for public interest.

Family fun in Chichester is best experienced at Chuckster’s Family Fun Park, which provides a variety of activities for all ages, including go-karts, climbing walls, ziplines, bumper boats, and batting cages. Additionally, the Chichester Town Line Trail is a gentle two-mile route offering great wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery.

Sunapee

Sunapee is a charming small town that welcomes visitors year-round. During summer, Strolling along Sunapee Harbor offers live music, shops, and dining experiences, especially at The Livery. Visitors can also take a scenic lake cruise or a dinner cruise around Lake Sunapee. In spring and fall, the area is perfect for hiking and biking, while the Adventure Park at Mount Sunapee Resort in nearby Newbury provides additional family entertainment. In winter, the mountain’s ski trails are popular among skiers.

Sunapee’s intriguing past is brought alive at the Sunapee Historical Society’s Flanders-Osborne Museum and the Sunapee Archives on Main Street. In nearby Newbury, explore The Fells, the 83.5-acre 20th-century John Hay Estate, and its six gardens.

Hinsdale

Hinsdale hosts the oldest continuously operating post office in the same building in the U.S., operating since 1816. The area spans 37 acres along the Connecticut River, featuring landmarks like the Ebenezer Hinsdale House, Fort Hinsdale, and the Ebenezer Hinsdale Farm. The site includes livestock and agricultural barns, plus a blacksmith shop. Located in the Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area, Hinsdale offers numerous trails suitable for all skill levels. An easy trail leads to the Walter H. Child Monument and connects to Miners Ledge, which provides stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley and the Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield.

Hinsdale is part of the popular 13,300-acre Pisgah State Park, which offers excellent outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horse riding, bird watching, ATV and snowmobiling, and many water sports. Since it is off-the-beaten-path, far from city entertainment, Northfield Drive-In, which has entertained people since 1948, is great for a family outing.

Ossipee

Ossipee, sharing its name with the Ossipee Mountains, is a hidden outdoor haven composed of several small villages nestled in the hills. The area features Ossipee Lake, its rivers, and the mountains, offering plentiful opportunities for fishing, swimming, hiking, and skiing. At the Ossipee Historical Society’s Grant Hall Museum, visitors can see men’s and women’s clothing, a spinning wheel, a bootmaker’s stand, and Civil War artifacts. The historic Whittier Bridge, which crosses the Bearcamp River and stands as an Ossipee monument, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Campton

The Campton Falls, also known as Beebe River Falls, is a 28-foot-tall waterfall nestled amidst lush vegetation but easily accessible to visitors. It flows throughout the year, offering stunning views of this natural attraction. Campton features 18 historical markers, including sites like the Campton Congregational Church, Campton Pond and Dam, the Campton Town House, and Campton Hollow, one of the original settlements.

The town’s conservation efforts enable visitors to enjoy preserved natural areas such as Blair Woodland Natural Area, Pattee Conservation Park, and West Branch Brook Forest.

Squiggles adds entertainment to this off-the-beaten-path town. It’s more than just a store in an 1826 building that sells locally sourced products, including gifts, toys, and candies. It also hosts a vintage arcade with games like air hockey, various pinball machines, and Pac-Man, all operated with quarters. Additionally, the venue offers mini-golf and a function hall.

Shelburne

Shelburne, a small town with about 360 residents, may be off the beaten path, but it is vibrant and rich in history. Nestled along the Androscoggin River and surrounded by the White Mountains, it is part of the scenic Presidential Range Trail. The town consistently charms and impresses visitors year-round. Notable landmarks include The Shelburne Birches, which features a bronze plaque honoring military service members, and the Stone Fish, a unique piece from Mason’s 1900 stone collection that stands as an interesting landmark.

New Hampshire’s small towns, gloriously placed within luscious mountain ranges and alongside rivers and the coast, might be off-the-beaten-path, yet they offer excellent outdoor and historical activities that cannot be experienced in a city. New Hampshire is a state for all seasons: winter invites skiers to the mountain slopes, summer invites water sport enthusiasts, and spring and fall invite hikers, bikers, and rock climbers to its countless trails through dense forests, waterfalls, and covered bridges.

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New Hampshire

New details in man’s suspicious death in Laconia, NH

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

Press Room

New details in man’s suspicious death in Laconia, NH

A man whose death is being treated as suspicious in Laconia, New Hampshire, was identified on Wednesday, but officials have yet to reveal many details about what happened.

The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office identified the man found dead at an apartment on South Main Street Tuesday as John Anderson, 62.

He lived at the residence, which officers were called to for a welfare check Tuesday morning, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Anderson was due for an autopsy on Thursday, officials said. The procedure usually reveals a cause and manner of death.

Prosecutors haven’t shared more information about what’s believed to have led to Anderson’s death, or if anyone was suspected in it. But the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office has said that his death isn’t believed to be connected to the killing of a woman in Laconia, also reported on Tuesday.

State and local police were investigating what happened. Officials have said there was no known threat to the public.

Anyone with any information about the investigation was asked to call the state police tip line at 603-MCU-TIPS.

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