Thank you: Amherst Soccer Club/Hampshire United Soccer Club’s 27rd Annual Memorial Day Soccer Tourney – We wish to express our gratitude to the Towns of Amherst and Milford, the Amherst and Milford Recreation Departments, the Amherst and Milford School Districts, MCCA, Dwayne Andreason- DDA Trucking, the residents of Amherst and Milford plus all of our wonderful volunteers for their support and work during our annual soccer tournament. This tournament would not be possible without the people and organizations named above and so many others that work tirelessly behind the scenes. We were blessed with exceptional weather over the three-day event, which had 300+ teams coming from all over New England. Thanks for helping us showcase what a great community we have!

For more information regarding our club please visit our website at www.amherstsoccerclub.com – Board of Directors, ASC/HUSC.

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N.H. wins Wire Act lawsuit

CONCORD – This week, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire issued a ruling setting aside the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2018 opinion regarding the Wire Act.

The 2018 opinion had found the act applied to all forms of online gambling, including lottery sales via the internet. In its decision, the court maintained the Wire Act applies only to transmissions related to bets or wagers on a sporting event or contest.

Gov. Chris Sununu said this ruling will save the state millions of dollars in public education funding.

“Today’s ruling is a historic victory for the state of New Hampshire and we are proud to have led this effort,” Sununu said. “New Hampshire stood up, took action, and won – all to protect public education in our state. I would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office and the Lottery Commission for their work on this critical case.”

On Feb. 15, Sununu, Attorney General Gordon MacDonald and New Hampshire Lottery Executive Director Charlie McIntyre announced the filing of a complaint, challenging the DOJ’s opinion that the 1961 Wire Act applies to lottery sales via the internet.

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Hassan and Shaheen introduce bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, both D-N.H., joined colleagues this week to introduce the Strengthen and Fortify Existing Bridges Act, which would establish a program to provide funding specifically dedicated to repairing and replacing bridges in poor condition.

In New Hampshire, 224, or 9% of the state’s bridges are structurally deficient.

“In New Hampshire and across the country pedestrians and cars are traveling over bridges that have been weakened by age or overuse, which threatens public safety and hurts our economy,” Hassan said. “I am pleased to join in reintroducing this important legislation to fund much-needed projects to rebuild – or in some cases replace – our aging bridges.”

“My legislation would provide an overdue initial investment to repair our nation’s bridges, which will also help create jobs,” Shaheen said.

In New Hampshire, more than 220 bridges are listed as structurally deficient or in poor condition. The SAFE Bridges Act would authorize an additional $2.75 billion annually through Fiscal Year 2025 to enable states to repair and replace bridges in poor condition, as well as maintain the surface coating and corrosion protection systems on eligible bridges.

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Ribfest getting closer

MERRIMACK – While some will be barbecuing in their backyard Father’s Day weekend, others will save themselves the trouble and attend the Great American Ribfest & Food Truck festival.

From June 14-16, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack will host more than 20 BBQ teams and food trucks and expect a crowd of 20,00 attendees during the course of the weekend. Aside from all the food offered, there will also be 30 merchandise vendors, more than a dozen activities for kids and nine bands performing throughout the weekend, encompassing rock, blues, country and Top 40. The Ribest benefits the local Merrimack Rotary Club.

“We are so excited to host this great community event and raise some much-needed funds for local charities,” Merrimack Rotary President Robert Best said. “We can’t wait to open the gates and kick-off summer with some great BBQ, great beer and great family activities.”

All festival proceeds benefit the local community and beyond, as Merrimack Rotary annually supports college scholarships for local youths, Coats for Kids, Habitat for Humanity, three local food pantries, Pure Water for the World and other causes.

There will be bus shuttles available, and information regarding parking and tickets can be found online at, https://www.greatamericanribfest.com.

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State Homeland Security chief named

CONCORD – Wednesday, members of the Executive Council confirmed the appointment of Jennifer Harper of Laconia, New Hampshire, as the Director of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

“Jennifer has dedicated her career to the protection and well-being of others, and with more than 27 years’ experience in emergency management, is well-qualified to serve in this new role,” Gov. Chris Sununu said. “I am confident that with Jennifer at the helm of HSEM, New Hampshire citizens will be well served.”

“Jenn has proven her leadership ability and tireless work ethic time and time again while serving alongside our local, state and federal partners during disaster relief and response efforts,” Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn said. “I have no doubt she will continue to ensure the safety of New Hampshire’s residents and visitors and I thank the Executive Council for its decision.”

Harper has more than 30 years of experience in state government with more than 27 years in emergency management.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to be the first female director of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management,” Harper said. “I stand ready with the dedicated team at HSEM to work collaboratively with our local, state and federal partners to further the State’s prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts. Together, we all play an important role in the safety and security of New Hampshire’s citizens and visitors. I thank Gov. Sununu, the Executive Council and Commissioner Quinn for entrusting me with this honor.”

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Nonprofits receive grants

BANGOR, Maine – The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation recently awarded grants to several nonprofit organizations in southern New Hampshire.

The foundation awards grants, ranging from $2,000 to $25,000, to New Hampshire nonprofits with worthy initiatives that make communities more prosperous, more livable, and more vibrant. Grant applications are reviewed quarterly.

Recipients included Arts in Reach in New Castle, New Hampshire Jumpstart Coalition in Hillsborough, The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover, YMCA of Greater Nashua in Nashua, and The Mayhew Program with funding to support their Concord area program.

For more information about Bangor Savings Bank Foundation grants, visit www.bangor.com/community/foundation.

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Sununu vetoes appropriation bill

CONCORD (AP) – New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has vetoed a bill that would have made an appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services for Medicaid provider rates, saying that with a new budget in place soon, the measure’s now redundant.

The bill would have made an appropriation for Medicaid provider rates for mental health, substance use disorder, emergency shelter and stabilization services. It would have provided for rate increases that would end July 1.

Sununu said Friday that passing the bill might have made sense in January, but “we are now less than 30 days away from its end date.” He said its funding will be discussed as part of the budget

process.

Sen. Dan Feltes, D-Concord, said the veto is dangerous for continued access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

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Man charged with murder

LONDONDERRY (AP) – Police have arrested a New Hampshire man in connection with the death of his wife.

The New Hampshire attorney general’s office said Friday 46-year-old William Argie was charged with second-degree murder, accused of causing the death of his wife by strangling and/or smothering her.

Authorities found 39-year-old Maureen Argie at the couple’s home in Londonderry in April.

William Argie is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday. It wasn’t immediately known if he had a lawyer.

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Man accused of voting in 2 states

CONCORD (AP) – A New Hampshire man has been accused of voting in that state and in Massachusetts during the November 2016 general election.

Thirty-six-year-old Todd Krysiak, of Alton, New Hampshire, was arrested Friday on one count of voting in more than one state. Prosecutors say he also voted in Leominster, Massachusetts.

Krysiak is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Belknap County Superior Court.

It wasn’t immediately known if he had a lawyer and a number couldn’t be found for him.

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Local graduate headed to CG Academy

BROOKLINE – The U.S. Coast Guard Academy announced that Brookline resident Elizabeth Atkinson was recognized for superior academic achievement and leadership potential.

Atkinson, who is a 2019 graduate of Hollis Brookline High School, accepted an appointment to attend the Coast Guard Academy Scholars program and will be sworn in as a member of the CGAS Class of 2020 on July 15. The appointment represents a one-year scholarship worth approximately $35,000, including active-duty military pay and benefits.

She will attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island, to complete a one-year preparatory program prior to attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.

Fewer than 100 students were selected from a pool of more than 600 candidates considered this year for the scholars program. A full appointment to the academy will be tendered to Atkinson upon successful completion of the preparatory program.

Elizabeth is the daughter of William and Gail Atkinson of Brookline, and granddaughter of Barbara Atkinson of Nashua, and June and Pete Ostergaard of Arcadia, Florida.

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Workshop for 2020 Census set

NASHUA – Preparations are underway in Nashua and across the country for the 2020 U.S. Census. Representatives of Nashua nonprofits, community organizations, business leaders and educational leaders are invited to participate in a Census Solutions Workshop for the 2020 Census. It is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. Thursday at Nashua Community College, Room 150.

Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess will speak, while the workshop will feature a presentation from local representatives of the U.S. Census Bureau, Nashua Regional Planning Commission, Lamprey Health and members of the Nashua Complete Count Committee.

Workshop participants will form groups for breakout sessions, answering questions to get a better understanding for how to make the 2020 Census a success in Nashua.

Donchess called for the creation of a Complete Count Committee, which follows a structure set up by the U.S. Census Bureau. Mayor’s Office staffers, city directors, city staff and community leaders have come together to form the committee to increase awareness for and to motivate Nashua residents to respond to the 2020 Census.

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Sununu lets bill become law

CONCORD – On Monday, New Hampshire Senate Bill 139, an act establishing a committee to study options for lowering student debt, became law without the signature of Gov. Chris Sununu.

“If the Legislature was serious about reducing student debt they would have included the $32.5 million in student loan assistance my budget provided,” Sununu said. “Instead of pushing study committees, the Legislature had a chance to take real action in support of students, but instead passed legislation that kicks the can down the road.”

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N.H. man allegedly tried

to fight police officer

MANCHESTER — At 5:10 p.m. Monday, Community Policing Officer Anna Marie Martin was on a bike patrol on when she allegedly saw two men coming out of Bunny’s Market with beer.

The men sat down in an alleyway off Elm Street and Martin saw them drinking beer.

She rode over to them, prepared to give them each a citation for drinking in public.

One of the men, later identified as 56-year-old Dennis Delisle, allegedly refused to give the officer any identification and swore at her.

Delisle allegedly got up and tried to walk past the officer. When she tried to hold him back, he allegedly became increasingly hostile. Delisle allegedly began to posture as though he was about to fight.

Another officer arrived to assist. When the two tried to handcuff Delisle, he allegedly began to struggle, trying to hit Martin.

When officers brought him to the ground, he allegedly ended up pushing so hard the handcuffs went flying into the alleyway. Another officer and a K-9 arrived. At that point, Delisle calmed a bit.

However, he still allegedly made threats to punch Martin in the face. He was handcuffed and taken back to headquarters for booking.

During fingerprinting, he allegedly attempted to strike an officer, refused to listen, and began to struggle again.

Officers tried to put him in handcuffs again, but he allegedly resisted to the point that a Taser was deployed. With this and the combined effort of four police officers, the handcuffs were successfully put on Delisle.

Delisle was charged with two counts of resisting arrest, criminal threatening, and obstructing government administration. He will be arraigned in Manchester Circuit Court on July 16.