TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012
TUESDAY
Grandmother wants open roster policy for all youth leagues using city facilities LACONIA — Cheryl and John Baer, whose six-year-old grandson was denied a chance to play in the Lou Athanas Youth Basketball League this winter even though his registration fee had been accepted by the league, called on the Laconia Parks and Recreation Commission last night to establish an open roster policy for all youth sports teams using city facilities . see YOUTH page 8
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VOL. 13 NO. 139
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Tilton-Northfield fire chief could be fired Jan. 2 Brad Ober has not been able to meet residency requirement that some find to be ridiculous BY MICHAEL KITCH THE LACONIA DAILY SUN
TILTON — The New Year could begin on a sour note at Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS if the Fire Commissioners proceed to discharge Chief Brad Ober for failing to fulfill his intention of making his home in the district. “It’s absolutely insane,” declared Tom Gallant, who
not for the first time in his 27 years on the commission finds himself in the minority. But, he said, this is the first time that after finding himself on the losing end of a two-to-one vote he has openly challenged a decision of the majority. “I lost the battle, but I’m going on with the war,” Gallant said. “I will not support something as ludicrous as this.”
Commissioner Pat Clark, who with Paul Auger has pressed the issue, indicated yesterday that with the deadline for a decision of January 2 fast approaching another battle may remain to be fought. “We are going to get together on January 2 or thereabouts,” he said. “We (the commission) need to make up our minds on things. We have lots of
options,” he continued. “We can terminate him, grant another extension, waive the residence requirement. Anything is on the table.” Ober, who served as chief of the Ashland Fire Department and joined Tilton-Northfield Fire & EMS as the code enforcement officer in 2004, succeeded Steve Carrier, who left to head see CHIEF page 27
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The Town Cryer (Jeff Ruggles) welcomes folks as they take a horse drawn sleigh wagon ride through Gilford Village during the Bicentennial Committee’s Candlelight Stroll event on Saturday evening. The stroll was the final official event of the town’s celebration of its 200th birthday. (Karen Bobotas/for The Laconia Daily Sun)
Local officials focused on anxious kids & school safety BY GAIL OBER
THE LACONIA DAILY SUN
LACONIA — Community leaders including Mayor Mike Seymour, school Superintendent Bob Champlin, School Board Chair Joe Cormier, and Police Chief Chris Adams gathered yesterday morning at the SAU offices to assure the community that safety in local schools is their number one concern. Champlin said he had participated in a
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conference call with Gov. John Lynch, the commissioner and deputy commissioner of Education and Homeland Security Director Chris Pope. Describing the entire state as “in shock” over the horrific Newtown Elementary School, Conn. shooting last Friday that took the lives of 20 young children and six educators, Champlin said they are make sure at every level that Laconia schools are safe. He said Sunday was spent meeting with
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the 34 school district counselors, principals, nurses and leaders discussing the first day of school since the tragedy. “Our goal is not to focus on the details (of the rampage),” Champlin said, noting he has asked schools to keep televisions off and to continually reassure children and keep close eyes on those who may be struggling to understand. Adams said he has asked his routine see SCHOOLS page 9
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