I was raised by two teachers so educators will always hold a special place in my heart. My mom was an Elementary School music teacher and my dad taught theater and TV Production at the high school I attended. Yes, I did take his class, and no he didn’t give me an ‘A’ just because I was his daughter. I kind of wish he did.
Teachers are often underpaid and underappreciated as they have one of the most difficult and important jobs out there. I absolutely love what the Readers Digest publication is doing to highlight the best and most beloved teachers in the country.
RD is letting communities cast their votes on who they think holds the title of America’s Favorite Teacher. Whoever gets the most votes will appear in Reader’s Digest Magazine, win a trip to Hawaii, and take home $25,000. How amazing is that?
One of our own is in the running! Heather Griffin is a second grade teacher at Chamberlain Street School in Rochester, and she has been there for 9 years. Miss Griffin has a passion for teaching and it is very clear that this is what she was put on this earth to do. She says
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“My kids aren’t just students in a classroom, they’re family. I love them each wholeheartedly. We get to learn and have fun everyday.”
Heather is a quarter finalist for this award and with a few more votes she could be taking home the title and $25,000. How amazing would it be to see a teacher from our backyard win this?
Heather Griffin needs your vote and you only have a few days to do it, so vote here and share the link with your friends.
Best of luck, Heather! Even if you don’t win you are winner in our eyes and it is so unbelievable you got to this point. We’re so proud of you.
25 ‘You Know You are in Rochester, New Hampshire’ Moments
If you were born and raised in the Lilac city and you meet someone who shares that experience, you INSTANTLY find common ground. There are so many things to bond about! Here are 25 “You Know You are in Rochester” moments that only an OG Rochester native can relate to.
Gallery Credit: Kira Lew
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14 Favorite New Hampshire Restaurants, According to Granite Staters
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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