|
This week's stories: (click on the headline
to jump to story)
 Crispin's
House wins night of softball
Police
problems explored
As
the new engineer, Murphy makes sure town is on the right road
Web
site revamped
Goffstown
police go to the dogs with new K-9 unit
Goffstown
Crispin's House wins night
of softball
By RUSS CHOMA
Staff Writer
rchoma@yourneighborhoodnews.com
GOFFSTOWN - Neighbor-hood News stunned
the Goffstown softball world, fending off a late-inning rally
and scoring an upset victory over the powerful Goffstown Police
Department team, 22-20.
The unlikely victory for Neighborhood News came in the fourth,
and final, game of the annual Crispin's House charity softball
tournament.
In other games, the Department of Public Works won over Main
Street 8-5; Rotary 19, Lions 7; and the Goffstown Fire Department
beat WZID 11-3.
Laurie Hambleton, league commissioner
and Crispin's House executive director, thanked all eight teams
who turned out this year and reported the fundraising effort
was a hit.
"I'm so thankful for the generosity of this community,"
she said. "So many people showed up to play ball, watch
the games, help with the activities and encourage others to have
a great time."
Hambleton reported the event raised $1,176 a sum which
will go toward supporting a slew of activities sponsored by Crispin's
House in an effort to encourage area youth to make positive choices. |
 |
FRENCH DIP Goffstown Police
Chief Mike French prepares to hit the water as Spencer Little,
12, and Andy Reilly, 11, work together to dunk the chief during
the Crispin's House Charity Softball Night at Villa Augustina
Fields on July 30. Reilly had hit the target but it didn't release,
prompting their hands-on approach. (Jerry Liptak Photo)
|
More than softball and fundraising, Crispin's House also took
the event as an opportunity honor one of Goffstown's most involved
citizen's, Dave French.
Prior to the nightcap game between Neighborhood News and the
GPD, French was presented with the Gail Thomas Here For Youth
Award. The award is given each year to a community member who
best exemplifies a positive role model and shows dedication to
youth and families in the community.
Dave French is director of Goffstown's Park and Recreation Department
and also serves as president of Goffstown's Junior Baseball league.
According to Mike French, president of Crispin's House board
of directors, the 25-plus years Dave French has been involved
in organizing youth sports and activities made him an obvious
choice.
"Our board of directors felt he was the most appropriate
award recipient because of all the positive programs and positive
energy that he gives to youth and the community," Mike French
said. "Dave is a can-do guy. One of the worker bees right
in there with everyone else constantly reffing basketball
games, umpiring softball games."
Mike French added, "He's a talented, dedicated guy. You
won't find anyone with more dedication to youth and families
than Dave."
Despite his ebullient praise for Dave French, Mike French was
noticeably less enthusiastic when asked about softball box scores.
As Goffstown's police chief, Mike French skippered the GPD team
to its second loss in three years. French said that despite falling
behind early, he was sure his squad would battle back to trump
the News team.
"I really thought we were coming back in the seventh inning,"
French said, adding the analysis: "Too little, much too
late. But as always, Crispin's House ended up coming out the
real winner in terms of fundraising, quickly changing the subject.
Neighborhood News Sports Editor Jerry Liptak seemed slightly
stunned by his team's victory. Proving journalists can be good
sportsmen, Liptak praised his opponents in blue.
"There's nothing like beating a better team," he said.
"Absolutely, no better feeling than beating a better team."
"And that night, our team got the job done," Liptak
said.
Though his squad has always had a reputation for being long on
journalistic integrity but short on athletic ability, Liptak
denied performance-enhancing drugs fueled his ragged crew of
scribes to victory.
New
Boston
Police problems explored
By DEVON CORMIER
Staff Writer
dcormier@yourneighborhoodnews.com
NEW BOSTON After discontent
became a problem in the police department, selectmen hired former
Methuen Police Chief Bruce MacDougall to meet with officers and
find solutions.
MacDougall, who was hired through Municipal Resources Inc., reviewed
the police department's policies and procedures, and offered
his recommendations.
In a report released with accompanying comments from the selectmen,
he outlined the problems and possible cures to the internal strife
of the department.
"It's just growing pains," said New Boston Police Chief
Gregory Begin, who was hired in 2000. "It's me trying to
get people that have been here for awhile to understand a new
way of doing things."
Begin has been making some changes and, he said, other officers
will comply.
Selectmen said although there have been some problems, the department
has been serving the public to the best of its ability.
"Despite the internal issues that brought us to ask for
this review, their service to residents during this time has
been unaffected," the board said in its comments. "The
changes suggested are already being implemented."
Selectmen also decided to further enlist the help of MacDougall
in applying the solutions he suggests in his report.
Town Administrator Burton Reynolds said MacDougall's help was
invaluable in solving complicated issues within the department.
"His background as a police chief in a large city helped
him in understanding this situation," said Reynolds. "People
in the department respected his ability to be knowledgeable and
insightful about the situation."
The eight-page review shows that some of the major problems the
department faces include the loss of accreditation and the adoption
of community policing by Begin.
The report says Begin was mandated by the selectmen to implement
community policing, and be out and about in the community.
The departure from the department's law and order brand of policing
caused resentment, the report said. Law and order policing embraces
strict adherence to department policy and statute law.
The idea of community policing is to lend a helping hand. Begin's
philosophy didn't require the department to enforce every minor
infraction, but to use discretion.
The report said Begin would lose his temper with officers who
did not embrace community policing.
Begin has since "sought out the assistance of other chiefs,
has enrolled in a training session on accreditation, and has
agreed to an improved course of communication with his staff,"
the report said.
The problem of accreditation has also caused internal problems,
according to the report.
The loss of state accreditation has caused the resignation of
Lt. Tim Lamy from the position of accreditation manager.
State accreditation was granted to New Boston in 1998, and in
2000 when Begin started, the department lost its accreditation.
Begin apparently relied on Lamy to document compliances and maintain
the department's accreditation.
When Lamy saw Begin abandoning strict policy adherence, he started
to back away from the program and eventually resigned.
According to the report, Begin is taking a course to regain accreditation
and learn more about the process.
Begin will also be reviewing policies with Lt. Lamy and MacDougall
to find which ones caused misunderstandings. The review will
allow the pair to review police policies.
Two private meetings between the police department and selectmen
were held to discuss the internal problems.
On March 15, selectmen met with Begin and Lamy, and on March
24, selectmen met with former officer Mark Hewitt, who left over
discontent in the department.
In April they hired MacDougall to do a review and make suggestions.
MacDougall also suggested that selectmen work more closely with
the police department, and give the chief an annual list of goals
and objectives.
It was also suggested in the report that Begin meet informally
with Reynolds to discuss departmental matters.
Other matters in the report include stressful performance evaluations,
strained employee relations, grants, inadequate manpower and
not enough cruisers.
Goffstown
As the new engineer, Murphy makes sure
town is on the right road
 |
By JENNIFER CLAISE
Staff Writer
jclaise@yourneighborhoodnews.com
Goffstown's first town engineer, Meghan
Murphy, can finally say she has found a job she loves.
Murphy, 27, was hired to fill the newly created position in early
May after it became increasingly clear to town officials that
an engineer was needed.
Public Works Director Carl Quiram, a member of the panel that
hired Murphy, said that he was completely overwhelmed with the
workload prior to Murphy's hiring.
"Up until that point I was wearing
both hats," Quiram said.
The department was especially hard-hit in 2002, when the town
passed a $2.5 million plan for road improvements, he said.
"It's not as easy as you'd think," he said.
|
Meghan Murphy
|
Murphy came along at just the right
time for the town during one of the most hectic times of
the year, Quiram said.
"Meghan's had more than a full-time job since she came in,"
he said. "She came in during our busiest time, right in
the thick of things."
But Murphy said the fast-paced atmosphere of her job is actually
one of its perks.
"Some days you can squeeze in a lunch, but most days you
can't," she said. "But, you know, I love it. I'm so
busy that the day just flies by."
As town engineer, Murphy is responsible for inspections of all
the town's new subdivisions, making sure that roads and pipes
are laid correctly, that the site has adequate drainage, and
that virtually every detail of the project is going according
to plan.
For things to run smoothly, Murphy also works with developers
at the beginning stages of projects to help spot any flaws in
the planning. This step helps avoid problems during construction,
thereby saving taxpayers money, Quiram said.
Additionally, Murphy oversees road repairs, and acts as a link
between the Public Works Department and other departments and
commissions in town, such as police, fire, planning, zoning,
and water and sewer.
"Before, there was a lack of communication between them,
and I'm working to try to change that," Murphy said.
But innovations are not uncommon to Murphy.
In 1999, Murphy earned a degree in civil engineering from the
University of New Hampshire, where she estimates she was one
of only seven or eight women to graduate with the degree that
year.
But Murphy said she has never been treated differently or unfairly
at work because she is female.
"It doesn't bother me at all," she said. "If anything
bothers me, it's my age and lack of experience, but not because
I'm a woman."
In fact, Murphy laughed as she recalled a lighthearted joke that
some former co-workers had made about her.
Murphy's first job was at Dufresne-Henry in Westford, Mass.,
where she was their first female engineer.
"It was kinda funny. we would do awards, and they gave me
the 'Woman Engineer of the Year' award, which was a joke since
I was the only one," she said, laughing.
Murphy then worked as a project engineer for CLD Consulting Engineers
in Manchester, where she became familiar with Goffstown while
doing construction inspections.
And that familiarity with the town was one of the key factors
that helped Murphy beat out eight other applicants, Quiram said.
"We hired her because she was most qualified. There were
a lot of factors that went into it, her experience, her familiarity
with Goffstown, and her personality all fit well with the town,"
he said.
And in addition to staying on top of the town's plans at work,
Murphy is in the planning stages of a more personal event her
wedding.
Murphy and her fiance, Chris, a civil engineer at TFMoran in
Salem, are planning an outdoor wedding in the Lakes Region on
Oct. 2.
The two met while working at Dufresne-Henry, she said.
Murphy said that she and Chris spend a lot of their free time
working on their new house in Epsom.
She also enjoys boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, quilting, making
afghans, and other "crafty projects," she added.
But since her new position takes up most of her time, it's a
good thing she enjoys it.
"I always said to myself that I wanted a job like this.
It's hard to find a job you can truly say that you love, but
I can."
New
Boston
Web site revamped
By DEVON CORMIER
Staff Writer
dcormier@yourneighborhoodnews.com
Residents can expect the benefits and convenience
of having an updated Web site within the next few months.
Town administrator Burton Reynolds said the Web site will be
created by Virtual Town Hall, a company that produces other town
sites around the country.
The new site will offer features that will allow viewers to download
permits and forms, and view agendas and meeting minutes.
"It is one of the ways we can improve service to the public,"
Reynolds said. "People won't have to worry about physically
being somewhere. They can just turn on the computer."
The town purchased software from Virtual Town Hall with money
in the parks and recreation fund. The fund is created by fees
that residents pay to participate in different classes and activities.
The contract with Virtual Town Hall is $995 a year, with a $395
startup fee. The money for the Web site will be budgeted for
next year, so it will come out of the town's general account.
Reynolds said the town's Web site is nice now, but it requires
a lot of volunteer work and knowledge of applications.
The new Web site will allow people at town hall to post notices
by using Microsoft Word documents, so it will be quick and easy
for anyone.
"We are improving service by allowing the Web site to be
user-friendly for us here at town hall," Reynolds said.
Reynolds has asked selectmen and department heads to look at
some sample Web sites from Virtual Town Hall at www.virtu
altownhall.net, and give him feedback.
The town has 60 days to get back to Virtual Town Hall and give
them information on what they want the new Web site to look like.
Reynolds said he hopes the new site will be up and running within
90 days. The Web site will remain at the same address, www.new-boston.nh.us.
Goffstown
Goffstown police go to
the dogs with new K-9 unit
By RUSS CHOMA
Staff Writer
rchoma@yourneighborhoodnews.com
GOFFSTOWN Back in
the late 1960s, Goffstown was the first law enforcement agency
in the state to field a K-9 unit. For years, the tradition of
a four-legged deputy continued.
Unfortunately, the program died out in the mid-1990s, and for
10 years Goffstown has had to rely on other departments when
a K-9 unit is needed.
And those situations occur with surprising frequency.
So after a year of planning, and with the assistance of a nonprofit
organization for working dogs, the department recently welcomed
Rex, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, to the force.
Handled by officer Keith Chauvette, Rex will enter regular patrols
early this fall after receiving a training certification.
Waist-high and tipping the scales at 85 pounds, Rex may strike
some as intimidating.
|
That, Chauvette said, is
certainly one of the advantages of having Rex patrolling with
officers.
"A lot of people see (police dogs) chasing after the bad
guy and catching him, and he'll do that if he has to," Chauvette
said.
Rex is trained in "suspect apprehension" police
jargon for grabbing onto a suspect and holding him down until
officers arrive.
Chauvette is quick to say that the department is not aiming to
scare people. Although capable in tracking and catching suspects,
Rex is just as valuable in finding missing persons, or searching
for evidence or contraband, Chauvette said.
"He's not a drug dog yet but, hopefully, in the near future,"
Chauvette said.
As Rex works on getting his certification, Chauvette said he
is settling into his new surroundings.
Rex was born and trained in Germany, before coming to the U.S.,
where he spent several years working with the Northwood Police
Department.
Loping through the corridors of the Goffstown police station,
Rex appears as comfortable as any American police dog, but Chauvette
still gives his commands in German.
Inquisitive in nature,
Rex rushes to greet new faces, but quickly shows himself to be
mild-mannered and amiable when not working.
|
 |
Goffstown police officer Keith Chauvette
has a fast friend in Rex, the department's new K-9 member. The
5-year-old dog will be on regular patrol beginning this fall.
(Russ Choma Photo)
|
As part of his role as a K-9 officer, Chauvette takes Rex home
each night. In the few months since joining the family, Chauvette
said Rex has proven to be a very "likable dog."
According to Chauvette, who has two young children, ages 1 and
2, Rex is a relaxed dog with a penchant for playing ball. Yet,
when it's time to work, Rex seems to know playtime is over.
"When he sees me start getting dressed in my uniform, he
knows it's time to go to work," Chauvette said. "He
knows when to turn it on and when to turn it off."
A laid-back dog is much easier to work with than a constantly
aggressive animal, Chauvette said. It also broadens the possibility
of doing community outreach programs.
"He's going to be a great tool," Chauvette said, leading
Rex outside to play ball. "And it's a lot of fun. You get
a partner with you all the time."
Not only will Chauvette have a partner all the time, Police Chief
Mike French said the department will have a resource it can always
count on.
"We've had situations where we had to rely on either the
state police or Manchester police for a K-9 unit," French
said. "And while both those agencies have been timely and
generous, their ability to provide timely response is getting
less because of their own demands."
With the help of Selectman Philip D'Avanza, French said he contacted
the Working Dog Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps
law enforcement agencies find dogs for service.
The organization was able to provide Rex to Goffstown for free.
The rest of the money for the program has come from a myriad
of sources, French said.
A line had been added to the budget this year, but French said
donations from the Goffstown Police Association and an anonymous
donor have made the new unit possible.
Thanks to fundraising by criminal justice students at New Hampshire
Technical Institute, Rex was recently fitted, for free, with
a $1,500 dog-sized bulletproof vest.
"It's been an effort that took a lot of work by a lot of
people," French said, "It's taken the board of selectmen,
the budget committee, the police association, Working Dog, private
citizens and, of course, our own personnel in order to bring
this valuable program back to the community."
|
