Friday, March 30, 2012
friday
VOL. 12 NO. 215
LacONia, N.h.
527-9299
FrEE
Economic Development Council’s new strategic plan
Hospital focuses on bringing aging demographic into balance kicks off public phase of fund drive to help pay Red pants crooner belts out ‘You’re So Vain’ for new building By AdAm drApcho THE LACONIA DAILY SUN
MEREDITH — Faced with a growing demographic imbalance that poses a longterm threat to the Lakes Region’s economy, the Belknap County Economic Development Council has developed a new strategic plan designed to deal with the issues posed by an aging area population. The plan focuses on three goals: balanc-
ing the county’s demographic make-up, strengthening the region’s “creative” economy, and enhancing workforce development programming in the Lakes Region. “The plan is focused on making our region more attractive to younger, talented workers and creative entrepreneurs,” said outgoing BCEDC Chairman David Haley at the organization’s annual meeting held at Church Landing last night.
He said “A lot of people know that the Lakes Region is a great place to retire, but most people don’t realize that there will be a wealth of opportunities here for young people over the next decade. We need to get the word out and demonstrate all that this region has to offer to talented workers and entrepreneurs looking for opportunities.” Carmen Lorentz, BCEDC’s executive see BCEdC page 13
By michAel Kitch THE LACONIA DAILY SUN
LACONIA — When Justin Van Etten, the owner of Stewart’s Ambulance Service, told a curious employee yesterday that he was wearing a coat and tie to attend the launch of LRGHealthcare’s capital fundraising campaign, the employee replied “the hospital has taken care of us and we should take care of the hospital” and offered to make a personal contribution. Van Etten said that by the time he left Meredith for Laconia nearly half his employees had pledged donations. Speaking to board members, senior managers and major donors in the lobby of the hospital, Gil Schohan, co-chair of the campaign, said the “quiet phase” of the fundraising effort, which began in 2010, has raised $2.9-million toward the target of “at least $4-million.” The funds will be applied to converting all patient rooms at see LrGH page 11
Laconia High School social studies teacher Rick Crockford surprised the audience gathered last night in the school auditorium for a student/faculty talent show with his high-voltage cover of Carly Simon’s classic “You’re So Vain”. The judges were, however, apparently looking elsewhere because they decided the winners to be Hailey Miles and Gwen Huot (performing “Mirrors”, written by Hailey). Second place went to Ashley Marsh (dancing to “Look At Me Now”) and third place was split between the due of Morgan Lutz and Rebecca Dragon (performing “I’ve Never Told You”) and Danielle Cote (dancing to a montage). (Karen Bobotas/for The Laconia Daily Sun)
Lawyers argue over what jury can hear when murder trial starts on Monday By GAil oBer
THE LACONIA DAILY SUN
LACONIA — Who killed Leo Lapierre? The N.H. Attorney General’s
office says Jason Durgin, the 37-year-old former tenant of a South Main Street house-trailer kicked and beat LaPierre to death, while Durgin’s defense
team said they can provide evidence that someone else had both the opportunity and the motive to commit the crime. How much of this evidence
actually makes it to the eyes and ears of the jury is what presiding Judge James O’Neill must decide before Durgin’s see TriaL page 4
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