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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 12 March 2020

Effective immediately, due to the declaration of Coronavirus as a global pandemic, we are taking the following precautions to avoid the spread of coronavirus:

• There will not be in-person coverage of public places or public events for the time being. We would encourage all such places and events to cancel public gatherings, and adhere to social distancing.
• Our staff will work through public channels, via e-mail, and by phone, to gather information for news reporting, rather than conducting in-person interviews.

Here are the steps that we’ve been taking at the newspaper’s headquarters, which is in the Founder’s home, and is encouraged at the homes of our staff:

• Everything that comes into the building from outside must be disinfected with wipes or spray, while not wasting disinfectant supplies in the process. This includes all groceries, packages received with spray disinfectant both inside and outside, mail received with wipes when possible on the outside, and handled as if they are contaminated on the inside requiring hand-washing after handling them, common sense about disinfecting, etc.
• Clothing is changed after going out into the public. It is washed with disinfectant solution, and the hamper is disinfected with disinfectant spray when it is emptied.
• All surfaces must be cleaned with disinfectant daily, even though there is little chance of the surfaces harboring the virus. High traffic surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis as well.
• Anything that is going out of the building, i.e. mail, packages, etc. must be produced in a completely clean environment, and cleaned when possible before leaving the building.
• Allow disinfectants to work for at least the minimum recommended time period that surfaces must stay wet for.
• When using a disinfectant spray, apply a fine mist that covers the entire object. Don’t waste disinfectant spray by soaking objects.
• Regularly disinfect your phone, computers, computer keyboards, tablets, and other electronic devices. They are high traffic areas, as you touch them after you have touched dirty surfaces, especially phones, tablets, and computers when in public.

Personal Hygiene:

• Never touch your face with unclean hands. Also, trim your fingernails to avoid germs collecting underneath them.
• Washing hands for 30 seconds with soap and water, whenever it is available.
• Wash hands regularly, even if you think they are clean, with common sense.
• Use of hand sanitizer containing 60-70% Alcohol when a sink isn’t available, such as out in public, on a regular basis. Apply enough hand sanitizer that the surfaces on the hands stay moist for approximately 20-30 seconds, and continue to rub them together until they are dry.
• Don’t touch high traffic areas if possible, such as elevator buttons, door handles, etc. If you do, use hand sanitizer to wash hands after touching those surfaces.
• Don’t use public bathrooms if possible. If using a public bathroom, wash hands vigorously with soap and water, and use a paper towel to open the door, and then throw the paper towel away. If this isn’t possible, such as the trash can not being near the door, then use hand sanitizer, even after washing hands if you’ve touched the door handle or any part of the door.

Home Security:

• NEVER let anyone you don’t know into your home.
• Consider every other person as potentially infected if you are not sick.
• If you are sick, with any condition, you should probably stay home.
• Stock up on supplies, and make sure they are secured inside your home. Do not communicate to any other person outside your home regarding what you have inside your home, including any food, medicine, and other supplies that you’ve stockpiled because of the crisis.
• Ensure there is nothing valuable in the house that would attract criminals.
• If the situation of the Coronavirus outbreak were to compromise law and order due to people running out of supplies, people that you either know or don’t know may try to come to your home to get supplies. Do not let anyone into your house during a national crisis.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 12 March 2020

In their continuing effort to assist New Hampshire citizens in getting REAL ID, the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles is pleased to announce the creation of the REAL ID Document Checker now available on the DMV website. This new interactive tool is dedicated to assisting customers with identifying the required documents when getting a REAL ID. The Document Checker will help customers in being fully prepared with the necessary paperwork which may save time during transactions and decrease the need for multiple visits. A link to the Document Checker can be found on the DMV web site at www.GETREAL.nh.gov

“Having appropriate documentation when arriving at the DMV is critical to an efficient and successful visit,” said DMV Director Elizabeth Bielecki. “Our Document Checker will be helpful when applying for REAL ID and we hope everyone takes advantage of it prior to heading to their local DMV office.”

Customers are encouraged to utilize this new tool on our website and take advantage of our additional Saturday hours for REAL ID transactions, including this Saturday, March 14, from 8am to 12pm in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Newport, Dover, and Twin Mountain.

For detailed documentation requirements and facts about REAL ID, visit www.GETREAL.nh.gov.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 12 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced a new presumptive positive test result for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. There are currently 6 positive cases in New Hampshire.

The person is an adult male from Rockingham County who traveled to multiple countries in Europe. The person self-isolated upon return from Europe and notified their healthcare provider after developing symptoms. Household contacts have self-quarantined.

DHHS conducted an investigation into this person’s activities and has determined the person has been isolated at home since returning to New Hampshire except to seek healthcare. NH DHHS has not identified any person other than household contacts in New Hampshire who may have been in close contact with this person while infectious.

Despite increased testing in our communities, the NH DHHS has not yet identified any widespread transmission in NH nor individuals who test positive without clearly identified risk factors (e.g. travel or contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case). Any person who develops a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) should stay home away from others and seek health advice by phone from a healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and any risk factors for COVID-19.

Given the increasing numbers of infections globally and around the United States, all persons should:

·  Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)

·  Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

·  Wash hands frequently

·  Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick

·  Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva

·  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For more information on COVID-19 in NH, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm. For the latest information from the CDC, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 11 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following update for March 11, 2020, on the new coronavirus, COVID-19. DHHS will continue to issue COVID-19 updates each day to provide media and the public with current information about the State’s efforts.

What’s New

DHHS is closely monitoring the global COVID-19 outbreak and emerging science in order to minimize the impact on the health of our population, including rapid identification, isolation, and testing of people with suspect COVID-19. DHHS is issuing the following updated guidance for our communities.

·  DHHS Expands Testing Capacity for COVID-19 

The State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) has increased its COVID-19 testing capacity after receiving additional testing supplies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The additional supplies will allow the PHL to test an additional 250 people who have been determined to qualify for testing.

·  NH Insurance Department Mandates Coverage for COVID-19 Testing

The New Hampshire Insurance Department has issued an order requiring New Hampshire insurers to cover costs associated with testing for COVID-19 without cost-sharing. The order includes information on actions insurers are advised, or required to take, including keeping residents informed about available benefits, telehealth options when possible, and expanding access to prescription medication refills.

·  NH Joint Information Center Offering Assistance to Local Emergency Management Directors, First Responders

The New Hampshire Joint Information Center has reached out to local emergency management directors, and police and fire chiefs in order to provide coordinated assistance and information around COVID-19. The JIC will serve as an information hub, streamlining the process of keeping local partners informed. 

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report
(updated March 11, 2020, 9:00 AM)

Number of Persons Confirmed 1	2
Number of Persons Presumptive Positive, awaiting CDC confirmation 2	3
Number of Persons with Test Pending in PHL 3	11
Number of Persons Tested (closed, tested negative)	74
Total Number of Persons Provided Specimens	90
Number of Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time)	250

1Includes specimens confirmed by CDC confirmatory testing.
2Includes specimens tested at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL) and other reference laboratories.
3Includes specimens received and awaiting testing at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL).

DHHS continues to test for COVID-19 in the NH Public Health Laboratories. DHHS is updating its website Monday through Friday to include a current summary of testing actions.

Previous Updates

·  DHHS Announces Fifth Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19

·  DHHS and DOE Address School Concerns Surrounding Educational Trips

·  First round of self-monitoring and self-quarantine process has been completed 

NH DHHS Daily Update on COVID-19 Archive

Because COVID-19, and all respiratory illnesses, are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, residents should take the same precautions as those recommended to prevent the spread of influenza:

·  Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)

·  Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

·  Wash hands frequently

·  Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick

·  Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva

·  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For more information, please visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 11 March 2020

As previously predicted, George Bailey and Jim Saccoccia have won three-year terms on the Select Board. Patricia Gingrich won a three-year term as Trustee of Trust Funds. Rick Walker won a three-year term as Cemetery Trustee. Karolina Bodney and Lindsey Maziarz won three-year terms as Library Trustees, and Karen Lee Towne won a one-year term as a Library Trustee. Ronald St. Jean won a two-year term for Town Moderator, and Nilda T. Janelle won a six-year term in the Supervisors of the Checklist.

The biggest news of these election results was that the Library (Article 03) didn’t pass. It required a 60% majority vote, and it only received 49.5% of the vote with 1144 votes. Article 02, Zoning – Solar Ordinance passed, as did the Stormwater Asset Management Grant (Article 04), the Operating Budget (Article 05), the Greenhill Road Bridge Replacement (Article 06), the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve (Article 07), and the Bridge and Culvert Capital Reserve (Article 08).

The Fire Truck Capital Reserve also passed (Article 09), as did the Emergency Communications Upgrades Capital Reserve (Article 10), and the Fire and Rescue Equipment Capital Reserve (Article 11). The Tricentennial Celebration Expendable Trust passed (Article 12), in addition to the Cemetery Capital Reserve (Article 13), the Library Technology Capital Reserve (Article 14), and the Solar Energy Exemption – 100% of Value (Article 15). The Elderly Exemption passed overwhelmingly (Article 16), as did both the By Petition: Service Connected-Disability Credit and the Service-Connected Disability Credit (Articles 17 and 19).

Allow Keno in Barrington failed to pass in a narrow dissent (Article 18). The By Petition: Prevent Nuclear War passed with 1137 votes (Article 20), as did the By Petition: Resolution, Act on Climate Pollution with 1303 votes (Article 21). Also, the By Petition: Resolution for Fair Redistricting submitted by Rep. Matt Towne passed with 1487 votes (Article 22).

For the Annual School District Election, Annmarie Cummings won a one-year term as School District Clerk with 1953 votes. Cindy Taylor won a one-year term as School District Treasurer with 56 votes. Ronald St. Jean won a one-year term as School District Moderator with 1967 votes. Also, Garth Svenson won a three-year term on the School Board with 1233 votes.

The school district’s budget passed with 1477 votes (Article 02). A Paraprofessional 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement passed with 1522 votes (Article 03), and To add money from fund balance to Facilities Capital Reserve Fund passed with 1642 votes (Article 05), as well as Article 06: To add money from fund balance to High School Tuition Capital Reserve Fund with 1487 votes.

There were 7336 registered voters in Barrington, and 2328 turned out for this election, or 31.78%. For more information, please see the official results here.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 10 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following update for March 10, 2020, on the new coronavirus, COVID-19. DHHS will continue to issue COVID-19 updates each day to provide media and the public with current information about the State’s efforts.

What’s New

DHHS is closely monitoring the global COVID-19 outbreak and emerging science in order to minimize the impact to the health of our population, including rapid identification, isolation, and testing of people with suspect COVID-19. DHHS is issuing the following updated guidance for our communities.

·  DHHS Announces Fifth Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19

DHHS has announced a fifth presumptive positive test result for COVID-19. The patient is an adult male from Rockingham County who was tested in Massachusetts. 

·  DHHS and DOE Address School Concerns Surrounding Educational Trips

DHHS and the NH Department of Education (DOE) continue to work collaboratively to help school districts protect their school communities and address COVID-19 concerns, particularly for school districts who have school trips scheduled. Updated guidance for educational trips can be found at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/school-trip-guidance.pdf.

Because of the rapidly changing situation, DHHS and DOE recommend that schools closely scrutinize the purpose and destination of any planned travel and consider postponing any out-of-state travel for the time being. Because of travel restrictions in place in other countries, anybody who travels internationally risks difficulty returning and could potentially face quarantine in another country (e.g. Italy) and/or quarantine upon returning to New Hampshire based on the progression of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

·  First round of self-monitoring and self-quarantine process has been completed

A number of individuals have completed their quarantines and currently show no signs of illness, including those who participated in school trips to impacted areas. The cooperation and compliance of these individuals and their families have prevented the potential spread of COVID-19. We thank them for exercising these important preventive measures that protect the health of their neighbors and communities. 

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report
(updated March 10, 2020, 9:00 AM)

Number of Persons Confirmed 1	2
Number of Persons Presumptive Positive, awaiting CDC confirmation 2	3
Number of Persons with Test Pending in PHL 3	10
Number of Persons Tested (closed, tested negative)	53
Total Number of Persons Provided Specimens	68
Number of Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time)	228

1Includes specimens confirmed by CDC confirmatory testing.
2Includes specimens tested at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL) and other reference laboratories.
3Includes specimens received and awaiting testing at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL).

DHHS continues to test for COVID-19 in the NH Public Health Laboratories. DHHS is updating its website Monday through Friday to include a current summary of testing actions.

Previous Updates

·  Travel Guidance for Individuals at Increased Risk for Health Complications from COVID-19

·  DHHS and DOE Working to Address School Concerns and Avoid Unnecessary School Closures

·  Precautionary Guidance for Town Meeting Locations 

NH DHHS Daily Update on COVID-19 Archive

Because COVID-19, and all respiratory illnesses are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, residents should take the same precautions as those recommended to prevent the spread of influenza:

·  Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)

·  Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

·  Wash hands frequently

·  Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick

·  Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva

·  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For more information, please visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 10 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the fifth presumptive positive test result in New Hampshire for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. This person is an adult male from Rockingham County and is self-isolated at home. Any household contacts are self-quarantining. 

This person was identified as a contact to a case of COVID-19 in another state. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tested and notified NH DHHS of the presumptive positive case.

DHHS is conducting an investigation into this person’s activities and has determined they remained at home while ill except to seek healthcare. NH DHHS will notify any persons who may have been in close contact with this person while infectious.

Despite increased testing in our communities, the NH DHHS has not yet identified any widespread transmission in NH nor individuals who test positive without clearly identified risk factors (e.g. travel or contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case). Any person who develops a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) should stay home away from others and seek health advice by phone from a healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and any risk factors for COVID-19. Given the increasing numbers of infections globally and around the United States, all persons should:

·  Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)

·  Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

·  Wash hands frequently

·  Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick

·  Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva

·  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For more information, please visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 09 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following update for March 9, 2020, on the new coronavirus, COVID-19. DHHS will continue to issue COVID-19 updates each day to provide media and the public with current information about the State’s efforts.

What’s New

DHHS is closely monitoring the global COVID-19 outbreak and emerging science in order to minimize the impact to the health of our population, including rapid identification, isolation, and testing of people with suspect COVID-19. DHHS is issuing the following updated guidance for our communities.

·  Travel Guidance for Individuals at Increased Risk for Health Complications from COVID-19

Emerging data from China show that people with medical conditions and those older than 60 years are at increased risk of serious health complications and even dying if they become ill with COVID-19. Everyone should monitor the CDC’s Travel Health Notices and avoid travel to any country with a level 3 travel notice (China, Iran, Italy, South Korea). Older adults and those with other medical conditions should talk with their healthcare providers before any domestic or international travel and consider postponing travel to minimize their risk from COVID-19.

·  DHHS and DOE Working to Address School Concerns and Avoid Unnecessary School Closures

DHHS and the NH Department of Education (DOE) continue to work collaboratively to help school districts protect students and communities, and address COVID-19 concerns. We offer and update many resources available both through the DOE and DHHS. The most recent school guidance from DHHS can be found here. As the global COVID-19 epidemic unfolds, there are likely to be more people in NH identified with COVID-19, and close contacts will be asked to stay home and self-quarantine, which may directly affect students and school staff.

NH DHHS will continue to have a scientifically-based and collaborative response that balances reducing risk of disease transmission with school continuity. When DHHS identifies risk from COVID-19 to a school community that warrants closure, DOE and DHHS will collaboratively alert and advise the impacted SAU. Currently, there is no recommendation for any school to close over COVID-19 concerns. We continue to work with the NH DOE to keep school communities updated. It is critical that school districts coordinate their COVID-19 response with DHHS and DOE to make informed decisions to protect their communities.

·  Precautionary Guidance for Town Meeting Locations

Tuesday, March 10, 2020 is Town Meeting Day in New Hampshire. To help prevent potential spread of COVID-19 at town meeting locations, the New Hampshire Secretary of State has provided the most recent CDC polling location guidance to town election officials. The above public health recommendations apply to all polling workers and attendees. In addition, the CDC recommends election officials implement the following COVID-19 precautions for town meeting locations:

·  Stay at home if you have fever, respiratory symptoms, or believe you are sick

·  Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces

·  Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs after cleaning

·  Practice hand hygiene frequently

·  Clean and disinfect voting associated electronics (e.g., voting machines, laptops, tablets, keyboards) routinely

·  Ensure bathrooms at the polling station are supplied adequately with soap, water, and drying materials so visitors and staff can wash their hands

·  Provide an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for use before or after using the voting machine or the final step in the voting process

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report (updated March 9, 2020, 1:00 p.m.)

Total Number of Persons Tested	56
Number of Confirmed Case(s) 1	2
Number of Persons Tested (current, presumptive positive) 3	2
Number of Persons Being Tested (current, test pending) 2	8
Number of Persons Tested (closed, tested negative) Number of Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time)	44 225

1 Includes specimens confirmed by CDC confirmatory testing.
2 Includes specimens received and awaiting testing at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL).
3 Includes specimens that have tested presumptive positive at NH PHL and are in route to CDC for confirmatory testing.

DHHS continues to test for COVID-19 in the NH Public Health Laboratories. DHHS is updating its website Monday through Friday to include a current summary of testing actions.

Previous Updates

·  NH MMRS Supports State Efforts to Test People for COVID-19

·  DHHS Guidance for People with a Family Member in Self-Quarantine

·  COVID-19 Testing Capability Expands

·  Federal Funding Bill for COVID-19 Response Approved by U.S. Senate

NH DHHS Daily Update on COVID-19 Archive

Because COVID-19, and all respiratory illnesses, are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, residents should take the same precautions as those recommended to prevent the spread of influenza:

·  Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)

·  Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

·  Wash hands frequently

·  Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick

·  Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva

·  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For more information, please visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.

Details

Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 09 March 2020

Barrington residents will be voting for electing Town officials on Tuesday, March 10^th, 2020, including two Select Board members, a Trustee of Trust Funds, a Cemetery Trustee, three Library Trustees, a Town Moderator, and a Supervisors of the Checklist. There are only two candidates running for the Select Board, and the ballot asks for you to vote for not more than two, so it’s pretty much guaranteed that George Bailey and Jim Saccoccia will become Select Board Members for the next three years. Patricia Gingrich is the only candidate running for Trustee of Trust Funds, so it is most likely that she will win, as well as Rick Walker, our Fire Chief, for Cemetery Trustee.

For the Library Trustees, there are two separate sections to vote for the three open positions. One section asks to vote for not more than two between the following three candidates: George Bailey, Karolina Bodner, and Lindsey Maziarz. The remaining category for Library Trustee only has one candidate, Karen Lee Towne, who will likely win since there is no one running against her.

There is also only one candidate running for Town Moderator – Ronald St. Jean, who will likely win the two-year term. There is also only one candidate running for the Supervisors of the Checklist – Nilda T. Janelle, who will likely also win her six-year term.

There are 21 articles up for a vote tomorrow, including the heated debate about the New Library, which will be decided based on the outcome of Article 03, which reads:

“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $4,239,877 (gross budget) for the construction of a library and community center, including but not limited to building construction, site work, architectural fees, engineering, permitting, inspection, furniture, commissioning and other expenses to occupy the building, and to authorize the issuance of not more than $3,998,877 of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33) and to authorize the Select Board to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon. The remaining $241,000 required for the project will come from the Barrington Library Foundation. [3/5th (60%) Majority Required]. Note: This appropriation is in addition to Warrant Article #5, the operating budget article. This article is recommended by the Select Board 3-0. This article is recommended by the Advisory Budget Committee 3-2. This article will have no impact on 2020 property taxes but there is a commitment to make payments in future years which will increase property taxes in those years approximately $0.31 per $1,000 of assessed value or $93 per year on a $300,000 property.”

Article 15 is also a very important issue, which would allow the city to discount the taxes of a home with a solar installation at its full value, rather than the $5,000 limit under State law. It reads:

To see if the Town will vote to modify the provisions of RSA 72:61-64 inclusively, which provide for an optional property tax exemption from the property’s assessed value, for property tax purposes, for persons owning real property, which is equipped with solar energy systems intended for use at the immediate site. Such property tax exemption shall be in the amount equal to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying solar energy system equipment under these statutes. This article would replace the existing $5,000 solar exemption. [Majority Vote Required]. This article is recommended by the Select Board 3-0. This article is recommended by the Advisory Budget Committee 4-1.

Article 22, which was submitted by Rep. Matt Towne, would urge the New Hampshire General Court to appoint an independent redistricting commission that draws the new district maps in a way that does not rely on partisan data such as election results or party registration or favor particular political parties or candidates. This would avoid gerrymandering in New Hampshire, so that when districts are drawn after the 2020 Census, they don’t favor a specific political party simply by their boundaries.

Article 20 is a petition to prevent nuclear war, by calling on the United States to lead a global effort to prevent nuclear war by renouncing the option of using nuclear weapons as a first-strike capability, ending the sole, unchecked authority of the President of the United States to launch a nuclear strike, by taking U.S. nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert, canceling the plan to replace the entire U.S. arsenal with more advanced nuclear weapons, and actively pursuing a verifiable agreement among nuclear-armed states to eliminate their nuclear arsenals.

There are 11 appropriations articles that would have no impact on 2020 property taxes. Article 05 would set the default budget to $7,300,847. If defeated, the default budget will remain at $7,167,887. Article 06 would appropriate $2,000,000 for the purpose of replacing the bridge on Greenhill Road over Isinglass River, and to accept $1,600,000 from the State of New Hampshire. The remaining $400,000 would come from the unassigned fund balance and would not raise taxes.

Article 18 would allow keno games (gambling) in Barrington if passed. Article 12 would raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000 towards the Tricentennial Celebration Expendable Trust, which would have no impact on taxes. There are also two similar articles regarding Service-Connected Disability Credits, in both Article 17 and Article 19, as follows:

Article 17

To see if the Town will vote to modify the provisions of RSA 72:35 for an optional tax credit of $2,550 for a Service-Connected Total Disability on residential property, with a plan for future incremental increase. [Majority Vote Required]. This article is recommended by the Select Board 4-0. This article is recommended by the Advisory Budget Committee 4-0. (BY PETITION)

Article 19

To see if the Town will vote to modify the provisions of RSA 72:35 for an optional tax credit of $2,550 for a Service-Connected Total Disability on residential property, with a plan for future incremental increase. This article, if passed, only takes effect if Article 17 fails to pass. [Majority Vote Required]. This article is recommended by the Select Board 4-0. This article is recommended by the Advisory Budget Committee 4-0.

Conner MacIver, in response to a question about the two similar articles, said this:

"One was a petitioned article; one was brought forward from the Select Board. They were amended at Deliberative Session to reflect the same amount."

To see the entire ballot, click here. To see additional voting information from the Town of Barrington, click here.

The Town Administrator did cite that the polling location will be following these guidelines to ensure safety in light of the Coronavirus outbreak in the United States.

Details

Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 08 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following summary of today’s press briefing.

On March 8, DHHS held a press briefing to discuss the two new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, one in Rockingham County and one in Grafton County. State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan and Beth Daly, Chief of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control discussed the COVID-19 investigation in New Hampshire and steps residents can take to limit further spread of the coronavirus in the state.

Summary of Dr. Chan’s remarks

• Since Monday, March 2, the State Public Health Laboratories has conducted 47 COVID-19 tests. Approximately half of these were tested on Saturday, March 7.
• There are now four cases of COVID-19 in the State. The first two presumptive positive cases identified last week have been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Results are currently pending for 5 tests. There have been 38 tests that were negative. Approximately 150 persons across the state are monitoring their health.
• The two most recent presumptively positive results will need confirmatory testing at the CDC. Both individuals are isolated and staying home. Household and close contacts are being advised to self-quarantine and stay home.
• These new cases broaden the COVID-19 investigation.
• These new positive detections will continue to raise concerns in our communities. Officials with the Division of Public Health Services are working with communities, hospitals, and public health partners to prevent further community transmission.
• The coronavirus can spread very easily from person to person, primarily through spread of respiratory droplets (e.g. coughing and sneezing) from a person who is infected.
• The primary driver of this global epidemic is people who are having symptoms and infected with COVID-19. People who have contracted the virus can spread it very early in the course of their illness when symptoms may be mild.
• Because of the way this virus spreads, people who are having flu-like symptoms such as fever, respiratory illness, or muscle aches should practice social distancing and stay home until symptoms end.
• DHHS will provide updates on the investigation, especially any new settings of potential exposure that needs public notification.

Summary of Beth Daly’s remarks

• DHHS and healthcare partners have been preparing for this type of novel respiratory virus for many years. This includes planning for an influenza pandemic. These plans are readily adapted for COVID-19.
• Among the most important preparedness activities is ensuring the State’s capacity to identify a suspected case of COVID-19. DHHS has provided guidance to our healthcare providers on patient screening and triage in order to identify a potential case, isolate the person appropriately, and to inform DHHS. This system has ensured the ability to identify potential cases.
• There is also specific written guidance for long-term care facilities, schools and businesses to support COVID-19 preparedness. Businesses are encouraged to support their employees to stay home when ill.
• Working with our partners, we are planning for potential community transmission in NH. We continue to maintain daily communications with federal, state, and local partners to continue our preparedness and response efforts.