“Libby Prison.” The only picture in existence. As it appeared August 23, 1863 / A. Hoen & Co. Richmond, Va. Print shows three men and a child standing in the foreground with tents labeled “C.S.A.” immediately behind them and the Libby Prison building in the background.
by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer
Camp Constitution Ladies’ Fifth Annual “Spring Fling” will be held at the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center, Alton Bay, Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4th
Activities include arts and crafts, classes on gardening, Bible studies, optional marksmanship training, and an evening campfire.
The cost for the weekend which includes two nights of lodging, five meals and materials will be $200 per person.
Payments can be made via PayPal account accessed from Camp Constitution’s website’ homepage, www. campconstitution.net or by check payable to Camp Constitution and mailed C/O Hal Shurtleff146 Powder Mill Rd. Alton, NH 03809.
To get an application, bring list, or have any questions, please E-mail or call Hal Shurtleff at campconstitution1@gmail.com Tel (857) 498-1309.
The twins, Charles and George King, knew that little money had been raised for the $3,500 cost to repair the coat, which was tattered and found to be moldy.
In the year 2016 two sixth grade boys in Gloucester, Massachusetts were asking for money to enable the community to conserve a man’s coat that for years had been on display at the Gloucester High School.
The coat had belonged to a former teacher and principal at Gloucester High School by the name of Albert W. Bacheler, and the boys knew that it had historical as well as sentimental value for the school
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TILTON - U.S. Navy and WWII Veteran, Dwight Smith Jr. recently celebrated his 100th birthday at the New Hampshire Veterans Home with family, fellow veterans, and staff.
Dwight Smith attended Mt. Herman Academy, completing grades 10-12, graduating at age 16. Two years at Green Mountain College in Vermont was the next stop on his track in life, before being drafted in the Navy in1943. After basic training at Great Lakes, Dwight trained in electronics, becoming a Radar Operator 3rd Class. While on the battleship U.S.S. South Dakota, Dwight made known his math skills, which landed him in the belly of the ship doing equations for ordinances. Those were long and arduous months, which culminated in Dwight volunteering and being selected for Navy V-12 program at Dartmouth College class of ’47. Being the only student with combat experience, Dwight was honored with flag bearer at graduation.
He received his Honorable Discharge in April 1946 from Bremerton, Washington. Looking to get his life off on the right track, he accepted
an entry-level position with Boston and Maine Railroad. The one constant thing Dwight expresses is a deep-seated confidence in himself; a willingness to stay the course, given an opportunity, knowing his work ethic would create success with time and patience. He rose through the Boston and Maine Railroad ranks over 26 years, earning a reputation for detail, which found him at age 30, youngest Station Manager in Springfield, VT. During this time, Dwight married the love of his life, Gertrude Emma, who together raised four children, two
girls and two boys. When visiting Conway, Dwight noticed the train station in town center. He inquired, expressing an interest in developing it and a three-way partnership was forged with local legend/businessmen Carroll Reed and Bill Levy. This new venture, the Conway Scenic Railway, saw Dwight purchase, without his wife’s permission (he winks), a steam locomotive—No# 7470, which would become the Conway Scenic Railroad’s workhorse and calling card in years ahead. Future owners would rename the engine the
“Dwight Smith” in August of 2019. His keen eye also discovered an 1898 Pullman Parlor Car, which was in need of many improvements. Four winters of rehabilitation at the hands of the entire family saw the “Gertrude Emma” take her place in the railroad yard as one of the oldest revenue earning Pullmans in the world.
Dwight was a born ambassador for the train industry, doing presentations for schools and libraries over the years. His children fondly remember the entire Smith clan, including the family dog, piling into his 1931 LaSalle Touring Car, another restoration project. They recall venturing out for countryside rides, to destinations unknown. Dwight joined the New Hampshire Veterans Home family in 2020. Later, in August of 2022, he was honored with a Congressional Medal of Honor on behalf of his father’s, Dwight Smith Sr’s, heroic actions during WWII.
When asked what piece of advice he would offer, Dwight quipped, “Stay on the right track.”
by Chris Bosak
Contributing Writer
What comes to mind when thinking of yearround birds in New England?
My guess is the first species that come to mind are songbirds such as black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, or white-breasted nuthatches. The next birds that come to mind may be slightly larger, like woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, or mourning doves. Then it may eventually get to even larger birds such as red-tailed hawks, barred or great horned owls, mallards or turkey vultures.
Some people’s thoughts may veer off to less obvious yearround species such as eastern bluebirds and American robins, which many people may not realize are found in New England during the winter.
My bet would be that belted kingfisher would not immediately come to mind. It certainly would not have for me. I thought about that when I saw one the other day in a rather surprising place, and it reminded me that they are, indeed, year-round birds in New England.
I was walking to the cafeteria at work when I heard a familiar rattling call off to my right. Along the walkway, two consec-
utive small bridges span streams, one of which is small and often nothing more than a dried-up bed, and the other is a bit larger and flows meekly in dry times and mightily after heavy rains.
I immediately spotted the kingfisher on a branch overhanging the larger stream, which still flowed despite being icy on the edges. The surface of the smaller stream was frozen over. All of the nearby ponds are frozen as well, which is why the sighting caught me off guard.
Not that seeing belted kingfishers in the winter is anything new. We usually find at least one or two during the Christmas Bird Count each year, but that is along larger rivers that rarely freeze. This mid-winter sighting near a small
stream seemed out of place.
To me, the belted kingfisher is one of the more overlooked and underrated birds in New England. Maybe it’s because they aren’t seen as frequently as many birds in our region. Or maybe it’s because when they are seen, it’s usually only one of them. I’ve certainly never seen a flock of belted kingfishers. I hold kingfishers in high esteem and think of them as being larger birds
than they actually are. They have large heads, big bills and oversized personalities, which makes me think of them on par with crows or small hawks in terms of size. In reality, belted kingfishers are about the size of a robin.
While kingfishers are indeed year-round birds in New England, there is a caveat. Not all kingfishers remain in New England, as many fly south for the colder months. The
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TILTON - The New Hampshire Veterans Home will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 139 Winter Street in Tilton. All donors will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice from the Red Cross. Donors can help save a life in just an hour. To make an appointment to donate blood or ‘Power Red’ collections, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or register online at https://rcblood. org/3PqwToE.
Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.
After the holidays during the cold New England winter months, the American Red Cross sees a decline in donors which can impact patient care. It’s critically important that donors make an appointment to give now to help maintain a stable blood supply.
Would you like to be part of a community of people who enjoy airplanes and aviation?
Would you like to make a difference, help a good cause and have fun doing it?
Then you’re invited to attend the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire’s upcoming volunteer open house, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
At the museum’s volunteer open house, you’ll meet current volunteers and learn about the many ways to help the Aviation Museum carry out its mission.
The open house will take place at the museum, which is located at 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry.
Volunteers are especially needed for the museum’s education outreach programs, which inspire young people of all ages about the physics of flight and the wonders of aviation. Volunteers are also sought to help operate the museum’s professional flight simulator, a highlight of any museum visit. No flight experience is necessary; the Aviation Museum offers basic training to all who are interested in learning about the simulator.
For the museum’s main exhibit floor, volunteers greet guests at the front desk, lead tours, and help staff the gift shop.
For the museum’s historical archive, volunteers help evaluate donations, catalog items, and help researchers.
Other volunteer positions needed asa well.
The Aviation Museum of N.H., located at 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, N.H., is a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization dedicated to celebrating New Hampshire’s role in aviation history and inspiring tomorrow’s pioneers, innovators and aerospace professionals. For information about volunteering at the Aviation Museum, visit www.aviationmuseumofnh. org or call (603) 669-4820. Follow the Aviation Museum on social media at www.facebook. com/nhahs.
Methodology returns to Gunstock for a fourth consecutive year on Saturday, February 8. Methodology is a snowboard-only event open to riders of all ages. The speed competition with an added freestyle element is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Gunstock’s Smith trail. Riders will be timed as they navigate a bank slalom course before performing their best Method Air Grab. Time will be deducted from each participant’s course time based on their Method execution. Winners in eight categories will claim sponsor prizes. A raffle, open to all, will take place during the awards presentation in Gunstock’s Pistol Pub following the competition. Prizes are provided by event sponsors: Vans “Off The Wall”, Arbor Snowboards, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Slush the Magazine, Electric, MIZU, Avalon7, Eastern Boarder, Gozney, Sun Bum, Crab Grab, and Live Free Goods. All snowboarders are welcome, and two runs are allowed per entry. Proceeds benefit the Chill Foundation, an organization that encourages youth to overcome adversity through boardsports.
Registration is limited and a Gunstock lift ticket or season pass is required to participate. The registration fee is $26.05. Riders can secure their place in the competition, and learn more about Methodology, at methodologysnow.com. For participants who are not Gunstock season passholders, event-only lift tickets are available and priced at $50 at gunstock.com. Helmets are required.
Gunstock has partnered with Effective Edge, a nationally known terrain park design company, to deliver this competition to the New England snowboarding community. Located in the heart of the legendary Winnipesaukee Lakes Region.
On Thursday, February 6, Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough will host their second annual Professional Development Day for educators, Cultivating Teacher Care at the Castle. “We want to provide a unique and relaxing day of learning that showcases Castle in the Clouds and all we have to offer,” said Debbi Finkelstein, Director of Education & Partnerships at Castle in the Clouds. “Our mission is all about sharing and educating, so this program fits in perfectly.”
The event is designed for educators who teach kindergarten through grade 12, but Finkelstein said preschool teachers and collegelevel instructors are also welcome. During the event, educators will have the opportunity to network and participate in activities such as mindfulness journaling, crafting, and yoga. The event will also feature an informational session, Good Food, Good Mood, with nutritionist Katy Magoon and From Canvas to Film: Exploring the Art & Artists of Lucknow, a presentation by Castle in the Clouds Curator & Director of Preservation Robin Sherman. Taking place on Thursday, February 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cultivating Teacher Care at the Castle requires pre-registration and costs $150 per person. Lunch will be provided along with a short hike around the property, weather permitting. Each educator will be entered into a raffle with the opportunity to win a complimentary Castle in the Clouds Family Membership, a Family Four Pack, and a $50 gift certificate for use at the estate. Interested educators in New Hampshire and surrounding states can pre-register and learn more at castleintheclouds.org. Castle in the Clouds will also host a free annual Teacher Open House in June with more information to be released soon.
by Brendan Smith Weirs Times Editor
2025 is a big milestone for me in a few ways.
First off it marks forty years since I moved to New Hampshire from Long Island, New York at the age of twenty-nine. Now at sixty-nine years of age, I am still a proud Flatlander.
This year also marks thirty years since I first contributed a column to the Weirs Times in 1995. (Yes, it was November, but I’m not getting any younger, so I’ll take the win.)
One of the accomplishments I have been proudest of since, and there are many including at least a dozen unsuccessful runs for governor as candidate for the Flatlander Party, has been the ongoing work of our group FATSO (Flatlanders Adjusting To Solitary Oblivion) a support group for new transplants to the Granite State adjusting to their first few winters here.
I started the group with my good friend Vinnie, who was also from New York. Many don’t know that Vinnie finally gave up on New Hampshire winters and last year officially moved to a condo in South Florida.
But I have kept at it and FATSO still thrives, though times have changed over the decades.
This winter things have gotten off to a slower start than usual with the lack of snow here in Central New Hampshire and not many have reached out to us for help. But the recent forecast of some snow this week as well as temperatures that might dip into negative numbers, has given us hope for some phone calls from desperate newcomers as well as some much needed new funds into our budget.
Still, just as it looked like things were about to pick up again for this important New
Hampshire institution, a new and unexpected problem has arisen.
You may know what I am talking about if you have watched the local New Hampshire news. It has become the lead story on more than a few of their newscasts on the days there isn’t either a significant weather event imminent or some local politician wasn’t caught do something.
It seems that FATSO has recently come under attack by a certain group who see the acronym as a slur; an offensive and politically incorrect word that is offensive to some (as well as offensive to some who aren’t really offended but choose to be offended because others are).
Being the founder of FATSO (and proud of it I might add) I am being hounded and chastised, mostly by anonymous folks on social media as well as emboldened crowds of protesters outside of our office.
(Just the other day there was a handful protesting loudly and followed my car. Oddly enough, one was holding a sign the said “Free Gaza”. I’m pretty sure he was just confused on what the protest du jour was supposed to be.)
I must admit it was a surprise to me. FATSO has been around for nearly thirty years and never was this an issue before. In fact, I have heard nothing except praise over the years for the important work we (me) have done.
In the past two decades the number of FATSO charters around the state as well as Maine and Vermont have quadrupled as we have saved countless Flatlanders (mostly from New York and Massachusetts) from embarrassing themselves during their first winter months as full-time resdientd. I have even been presented with a plaque from one of our own governors for our work. (I won’t mention which one to keep him out of this latest brouhaha, I
can only tell you his last name rhymes with Yoo Hoo. (I’m told out present governor wants nothing to do with it now.)
I am quite saddened by this horrible turn of events. To be riding high on the crest of this great accomplishment to only come quickly crashing down amidst the shattered shells of public opinion has been hurtful. It has also caused me to take stock of the situation and see if we have enough fortitude (whatever that is) to continue of the present path or to kowtow to the nattering nabobs of negativism who scream for my scalp.
Should I give up on FATSO that dream created thirty years ago as well as the many who depend on the group. Those many summer vacationers who decided to throw caution to the wind and move her full time, only to be overcome with confusion of a lake now too cold to frolic in as well as lobster rolls that can no longer be consumed on outdoor patios and suddenly felt alone.
And FATSO was always there to help.
I also must take into consideration those who might be hurt by our name as well as those who make sure that they are constantly reminded that they should be.
It was suggested to me by a good friend that maybe I could continue the FATSO idea but just change the acronym. I did think about that but couldn’t come up with anything catchy, plus it would just confuse former FATSO users who might refer us to friends.
I also have a large inventory of FATSO memorabilia.
I called Vinnie to ask him what he thought. He didn’t answer, obviously somewhere in the sun.
So, should I cater to the woke crowd and change the FATSO name?
Nah!
“I Really Only Did It For The SocksStories & Thoughts On Aging”
Order your autographed copy today for $16.99 plus $3 shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like.) Make out checks or money orders for $19.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: Socks Book c/o Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 Or order online at BrendanTSmith.com
(Autographed copies also avail. at the Weirs Times)
“I Really Only Did It For The SocksStories & Thoughts On Aging”
Order your autographed copy today for $16.99 plus $3 shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like.) Make out checks or money orders for $19.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: Socks Book c/o Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 Or order online at BrendanTSmith.com
(Autographed copies also avail. at the Weirs Times)
This series
of Letters From
God is an attempt to put the thoughts of God as revealed in the Scriptures as they relate to individuals and the nation of the USA.
God, Did You Cause The Devastating Fires In California?
California is burning and it is devastating! I am your creator God and I reign sovereignly over the earth. There is no power or authority greater than me. In light of this fact, it is understandable to ask, if I caused these fires. You must understand however, that I am without sin or evil (James 1:13). I cannot cause the evil destruction that is so palpable to you these days with this catastrophic human loss.
I want to remind you that when I created the heavens and the earth and all of human life, everything I made was good. The phrase “it was good” was repeated after each stage of creation leading to a perfect environment in which only “life” was present in my creation (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). After I crowned my creation by fashioning human life in the form of a man and woman, who bore my image unlike any other aspect of my creation, I deemed it “very good.” (Genesis1:31). There was no pain, suffering or death in any of my created work. When you think of me you must never think of me as evil or creating evil.
All evil, including the evil aspects of the fires that ravage California today are ultimately the result of your choice to reject me and the perfect
environment I created. Immediately after creating mankind, I told them that if they trusted me, walked with me and obeyed me, they would remain in relationship with me, a holy God. In this relationship I, who alone possess life, would continue to enliven them and they would continue to enjoy the incredible blessings of life without any of the manifestations of destruction, decay and death (Genesis 2:1617). Their fateful decision to make themselves so-called “gods,” through a decision to not obey my wisdom and create their own wisdom, brought the specter of death to them and to all who descended from them, who followed in their fateful decision to walk away from me. “There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). I, like so many human parents who love their children, watched them walk away from my love and into the hands of evil people and practices that would use and abuse them even to death.
How, you might ask, does this relate to your questions about the recent fires in California? I have never caused evil that brings death, but I do use evil, which you have brought on yourselves, for good. I have to work with your sin and foolishness, to restore you to life. Unfortunately, since you won’t allow me to manage you with “life,” I have to use the aftereffects of the destruction you bring into your lives to convince you to return to me and to the life that only I can give.
After the first man and woman sinned or dis-
obeyed me and brought death into the world, it created a domino effect of death. It impacted everything they touched, including the perfect environment I created for them. Not only did they begin a death process but so did the created earth upon which they and you live. I described it in my book, the Bible as “creation was subjected to frustration,” as “its bondage to decay” and as “the whole creation has been groaning.” (Romans 8:20-22). It reflects that the earth is also in the death throes, even as humanity is. It began to die as a result of many factors. Most significantly, because humanity became detached from my wisdom and the “life” only I could give, their management over creation was foolish and destructive.
quences, not causing them, I use your foolishness to wake you up to your need for me and my wisdom. Like wayward children, as the Prodigal son, only painful consequences brings them back to the love of their Father (Luke 15:11-24).
So much of what is being destroyed today in California and around the world is because of stupidity and sinfulness of leaders and people who have followed their faulty human wisdom that always produces disastrous consequences. In California you are now seeing the fruit of that faulty wisdom, which I have long seen. Sadly, you are now experiencing the tragic consequence from a long history of fatal mistakes, that actually enabled the catastrophic effects. In the book of Ecclesiastes in my book, the Bible, Solomon said, “I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.” (Ecclesiastes 7:25). By allowing these conse -
There are many other factors that contribute to this disaster but let me conclude with both sad and good news. The sad news is that since that first “fall” away from me, tragic consequences of sin have been repeated over and over. It included destructions of nations due to evil leaders, deadly wars and cataclysmic natural disasters. But it will get worse. You have begun a plunge into foolishness and sinfulness that will one day encompass most of the earth. Please read the final chapter of my book, the Bible, entitled Revelation. It reveals the condition of godless mankind before my son, Jesus, returns to consummate human history. Read it a weep. But, now the good news. I am already sending many to comfort and care for you in your loss. And for all who turn from their sins and ask for forgiveness, my son’s payment on the cross for your sins will remove the penalty and restore you to me and eternal life. All those who do, will know “life” even in a dying world but also know “perfect life” forever. Let those who have ears listen and “live.” (Revelation 3:22).
I love you, God
These letters are written by Rev. Dr. Sam Hollo of Alton, NH
by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist
This week, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees began their Senate confirmation hearings. After four years of the administrative malaise of the Biden administration, the nominees proved to be a breath of fresh air. They completely reject the failed philosophies of the Biden years -- and the contrast is absolutely stunning.
Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth explained that it was time to “bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense.” His laser focus would be on “warfight-
ing, lethality, meritocracy, standards and readiness.” To do that, Hegseth pledged to eviscerate so-called diversity, equity and inclusion standards, explaining, “The strength of our military is our unity -- our shared purpose -- not our differences.”
For that absolutely anodyne perspective, Democrats raked Hegseth over the coals. Sen. Jack Reed, DR.I., angrily intoned, “Our military is more diverse than it has ever been, but more importantly, it is more lethal than it has ever been. This is not a coincidence.” Of course, diversity has literally nothing to do with lethality; the notion that an army formed from members of different ethnicities but without common purpose would somehow overcome an
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Luck, the saying goes, is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
That’s good luck. What about bad luck? It’s the opposite. Bad luck is what happens when lack of preparation meets an ongoing threat.
We’re watching this play out now as fires tragically turn large swaths of Los Angeles’ most valuable real estate to ashes, with a massive price paid, including human lives.
We’re just starting to read about dry fire hydrants caused by water shortages resulting from dumping water into the ocean to protect smelt fish.
by John J.
A series of widening wars, growing humanitarian crises and simmering foreign conflicts are among the list of foreign policy/security woes confronting President Donald Trump. From day one of his Administration the President must assess and prioritize U.S. policy interests in key regions both on the geo-strategic and political fronts.
The previous Biden Administration was noted for a plethora of foreign foibles from day one; scrapping the U.S./Canada petroleum Keystone XL Pipeline literally during its first hours to the shameful military de-
bacle in Afghanistan later in 2021, to a series of questionable polices from Ukraine to Venezuela.
But the Biden team excelled in compassion Charades, high profile policies in which the stylized drama often appeared good through a TV lens but in reality was only shadows mixed with risky outcomes. Biden’s blundering coupled with mainstream media complicity deepened risk for American interests globally and compromises President Trump’s foreign policy inheritance. Here are some key regions and challenges facing the new President.
Middle East: The horrors of the Hamas terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 triggered a wider war in Gaza which later spilled into Lebanon. Despite a tenuous and
Operations budget cuts at the Los Angeles Fire Department, approval of a bloated union contract and LA fire chief Kristin Crowley announcing DEI as a top priority. Stopping work to upgrade power lines adjacent to where fires now rage to make them fire- and wind-resistant because the work threatened an endangered plant species. And, in addition, dangers caused by fires ignited by the sprawling presence of LA’s homeless.
Most of us know about this phenomenon. Something bad happens and after the fact we wonder why we ignored taking care of a problem that should have been obvious.
It is this sense of foreboding that played a major factor in the 2024 election, reelecting Donald Trump and See PARKER on 20
long awaited cease-fire, the region could easily reignite. The positive outcome has been that Israel had bloodied and decimated the Iranian backed Hamas as well as Hezbollah. Equally, but for different reasons, the Russian and Iranian supported regime in Syria has collapsed.
The Islamic Republic of Iran remains vulnerable after a series setbacks through the loss of its terrorist proxies and Syrian ally. Iran is the place to watch as well as the evolving Islamic regime in Damascus. So too are the Iranian backed Houthi rebels in Yemen who threaten the Red Sea maritime lanes of communication south of Suez. Libya’s civil war has festered.
As to the hostages held by Hamas, 33 will be released including 3 Americans in the cease-fire deal.
But Hamas understood the dire consequences of not releasing hostages (some of them) given Donald Trump’s clear warning of “Hell to pay,” should they not do so. This recalled the Iranian regime’s quick capitulation to the incoming Reagan Administration, when the Ayatollah surrendered over 50 U.S. hostages from the American Embassy. Deja vu January 1981!
Ukraine: The full scale war and Russian invasion was unleashed in Biden’s second year, the largest war in Europe since WWII. In Ukraine, the Biden efforts supported risky military escalatory measures against the aggressor Russia through its sending over $185 billion in military and economic aid supporting the
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(StatePoint) Radon— an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas found in homes and buildings at high levels throughout the United States— is the second leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 21,000 deaths each year, and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who don’t smoke.
The American Lung Association is partnering with Protect Environmental to educate and empower communities nationwide to take action to prevent lung cancer this January, which is National Radon Action Month, and throughout the year. As part of the campaign, they are answering some frequently asked questions about radon: What Is Radon? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the ground. Uranium in soil and rocks breaks down to form radium. As radium decays, radioactive particles (radon gas) are released into the air.
Why is radon found in buildings? Radon gas enters buildings through cracks in walls, basements, floors, foundations, and potentially, through water used in showers and faucets, trapping it inside.
Why Is Radon Harmful? Radon gas particles can be inhaled in your lungs, attacking cells with dangerous, cancercausing radiation. Radon exposure has no immediate symptoms; however, the long-term
threat of health problems, including lung cancer, is serious. How Is Radon Detected? The only way to know the radon level in your home and workplace is to conduct a radon test. Dangerous radon levels have been found in every state, so every building should be regularly tested. Testing is the first step in reducing risk of radoninduced lung cancer and is recommended every two to five years, even if you have a mitigation system. The Lung Association and Protect Environmental are offering free radon test kits to homeowners in select communities across the United States. Visit Lung.org/protect-environmental to learn more and check your eligibility for receiving a test kit. What Should I Do If I Detect High Radon Levels? Radon gas is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action to reduce radon if levels are 4.0 pCi/L or greater, and to consider similar actions when the radon level is between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L. If you discover high radon levels in your home, a radon mitigation system should be installed to reduce the amount of radon to a safer level. Just be sure you work with a professional who is certified in radon mitigation. Using unqualified professionals may lead to faulty installation, which can cause property damage and even increase indoor radon levels.
The American Lung Association’s campaign to raise awareness on the importance of radon testing is supported by Protect Environmental. For more information, visit Lung.org/protectenvironmental.
“I’ve been to too many homes where no one
knew to test for radon until someone in the home got the devastating diagnosis of lung cancer,” says Kyle Hoylman, chief executive officer of Protect Environmental. “Taking action to reduce radon through mitigation and regular testing is an investment in the lung health of everyone in the building and could be a lifesaving improvement.”
by Tim Moore Contributing Writer
An open hole in the ice on Lake Winnipesaukee last Friday that skimmed with ice and received an inch of snow overnight that night is one reason an abundance of caution needs to be used to avoid accidents.
Well, it’s official. Ice in was declared by Emerson Aviation on January 13 this year and unlike last year, the ice in the broads lasted more than 24 hours. Now that the high winds have subsided, the ice can thicken and hopefully reach the point that more wind or a freak day of rain doesn’t wipe it out. As an ice angler and guide, I’m alarmed when I see people preparing to head out because ice in was declared and disappointed when people are critical of Emerson Aviation for declaring ice-in, as if the term somehow implies it will support a person. There is a big difference between icein and safe ice, of which the latter doesn’t really exist.
Safe ice is a relative term. There is no such thing as truly safe ice, but once it is thick enough to support a person, many refer to it as safe. As many know, ice in is declared on Lake Winnipesaukee when the entire lake is covered with ice, but that doesn’t mean it is safe to venture out onto it. There are many factors that affect the formation of ice, such as temperature, currents, and wind. Wind played a huge part this year. While we had over a week of below freezing temps, winds over 30MPH kept many areas from freezing. When the winds did arrive, there
were many small holes in the ice that couldn’t freeze. I was checking one area and found anywhere from 8-inches to 10-inches of good clear ice, but scattered here and there were isolated areas of open water. Some holes were as large as 40-feet x 150-feet.
The biggest threat with areas that freeze later than others is, like the holes I just mentioned, the wind died down and they all froze over later that night. Then, the next day a little over an inch of snow fell, completely hiding those sketchy ice areas. This is the same situation we had during the ice fishing derby in 2017, when three people died in one day after snowmobiling across areas that skimmed and received a few inches of snow the night before. It’s the reason I won’t go anywhere without checking the ice
thickness first. Before I take clients out onto the ice, I spend days carefully and methodically checking ice.
With all that said, ice in and more forecasted cold temps are great news for communities such as ice anglers. It means a longer season and hopefully fewer accidents. It means more real estate for ice anglers during the upcoming Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby February 8 and 9. If you plan to venture out onto the ice, be careful and check the ice for yourself. The trouble with second or third hand reports is that the way information is relayed could cause it to be misunderstood or misinterpreted. It’s the reason why I never offer ice thickness reports when I give fishing reports. Remember those holes I mentioned? It’s almost impossible for
me to give accurate locations on them, so I tell people the general area of them and hope they exercise an abundance of caution. The next couple of weeks should be interesting in terms of ice thickness. Check back in two weeks for my ice fishing Derby prep column.
Tim Moore is a fulltime licensed professional fishing guide on Lake Winnipesaukee. He owns and operates Tim Moore Outdoors, LLC. He is a member of the New England Outdoors Writers Association, and the producer of TMO Fishing on YouTube and the Hooked with TMO Fishing Podcast. Visit www. TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information or email info@TimMooreOutdoors.com with questions or comments.
by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer
The best steak I have ever had was, is, and forever will be the Ribeye!
And the best ribeye I ever had has got to be the one I had while in Wyoming. It was June, 1991. I was twenty-one and mom and dad were in the traveling phase of their life, this year it was Wagons West! They invited me and of course I said yes. It was an opportunity to see someplace other than New Hampshire and I hadn’t taken a vacation since starting at the store three years before. Other than a handful of New England states and a few Canadian Provinces I hadn’t seen much of this continent up to that point in my life. (And still haven’t!) But to say it didn’t take much convincing for this young man to “go west” was an understatement.
As part of a tour group from New Hampshire, we traveled to many popular destinations of several western states: Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, Wyoming’s Devils Tower, as well as Yellowstone National Park and the towns
of Jackson Hole and Cody with its beautiful museums all featured prominently on this trip. Points of interest in Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah were all part of the trip.
It was me, the youngest of the tour group, and a bunch of “old people”. The next youngest person in the group was probably in his late 30’s, an avid sightseer and amature photographer, he was part of the “core” group as were mom, dad, and about a dozen others who frequently traveled together. Most everyone were either retired or semi-retired with the average age of the group being somewhere north of 70. Not exactly a raucous group to be sure. But staying at the
Old Faithful Inn in YellowStone National Park was quite literally a blast, about every 90 minutes give or take a few. Up to that point I had only heard about Old Faithful. It truly is a sight to marvel at, as were the hot springs, the elk and bison that wandered aimlessly through the park, and the many pools, rivers, waterfalls and scenic vistas seen from hillside switchbacks. Situated on the grounds adjacent to the historic geyser is a massive rustic log lodge with a mezzanine that overlooks a bustling lobby. And it is here that memories are made. Where one of the best slices of thick Prime Rib (ribeye) was served up in the dining room. Afterward you could go out to enjoy
the cool of the evening air as you watched Old Faithful erupted. Then finish off the evening with a beverage of choice while sitting in the comfort of a club chair in the mezzanine surrounded by this enormous rustic wooden structure steeped in history, observing from your perch the dying embers in a massive fireplace and the waning evening activities of the lobby below.
But really Eric, beyond the memories that food creates, why, you ask, is ribeye the perfect steak? Because, I answer, ribeye is that quintessential blend, that ideal ratio of muscle to fat. That eye of perfectly marbled muscle surrounded by the kind of fat interspersed with flecks of beef that just melts as it cooks.
When I began my apprenticeship as a meat cutter thirty-five years ago the store I worked at sold boneless ribeye under the name Delmonico steaks for about $7.00 per pound. A price considered a king’s ransom to a nineteen year old who could barely afford rent, insurance, and keeping his ten year old jalopy running on $5.00 per hour. But once I tasted this magnificent steak I knew right then it was destined to be my favorite. Pan seared, broiled, grilled over a hot bed of charcoal briquettes, it did not matter. It wasn’t until later in life that I discovered the only way to have
Grill & Galley
83 Main Street, Alton
603.875.3383
Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com
Stoneface - IPA
Moat Mtn. - Blueberry
Great Rhythm - Pale Ale
Baxter - Coastal Haze
603 - Amber Ale
At Hart’s Turkey Farm
Restaurant
233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith 603.279.6212
hartsturkeyfarm.com
Fiddlehead - IPA
Guinness
Tuckerman Pale Ale
Allagash - White
603 - Amber Ale
+6 More On Tap
At Funspot
579 Endicott St N., Weirs
603.366.4377 funspotnh.com
Founders - CBS (2019 Vintage)
Woodland Farms - Monroe
Lone Pine - Winter Carnival
Zero Gravity - 40 Thieves
Lawson’s - Mad River Maple
Barreled Souls - Peach
Apricot Sourpuft Girls
+6 More On Tap
403 Main Street Alton Bay, NH 603-875-1234
fosterstavernbythebay.com
Tuckerman pale ale
Aqua Vue Haze
Allagash white
Maine Lunch
Guinness
Stoneface IPA
+10 More On Tap
At Johnson’s Seafood & Steak
69 Rt 11, New Durham
603.859.7500
eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham
Lone Pine -Brightside
Widowmaker -Blue Comet
Shipyard -Smashed
Pumpkin
Jack Abby -Red Tape
Muddy Road -1762 Porter
Northwoods -Autumn Buzz +30 More On Tap
Porch & Pub
286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro
603.569-3662
Morrisseysfrontporch.com
Morrisseys’ 20 Year Lager by Great North
Smithwick’s
Guinness
Harp
Concord Craft Safe Space +11 More On Tap
18 Weirs Rd., Gilford
603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com
Patrick’s Slainte House Ale
Great North - Moose Juice
Guinness
Clown Shoes - Bubble Head
603 - Winni Amber Ale
Tuckerman - Pale Ale +9 More On Tap
6 East Side Drive, Alton Bay,NH 603-875-2110
Tuckerman - Winter Ale
Maine Beer - Lunch
Fiddlehead
Stoneface
Michelob Ultra
Bud light
At The Craft Beer Xchange
59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach
603.409.9344
FB @craftbeerxchange
Jack’s Abby – Blood Orange
Wheat
Golden Rod – Mango Cart
1911 – Raspberry Cider
Kettlehead – Dreamstate
Able Ebenezer – Lady of the Lake Lager
Last Chair – Powder Bear +30 More On Tap
** Tap listings subject to change!
Rippers
OPEN
IFPT Hockey Club
Wild Cards
A Bunch of Nobody’s
Dogs III
ICE HOLES
Grassy Pond
Rover Kings
Settlers of Capo
OTT
Jagr Bombs
Sav Crew
30+ OPEN
Puck Bearers
Conqys
Dirty Dekes
Bud Knights
Winnipesaukee Whalers
The Original Stix
Bear Islanders
Plimoth Hams
Broots Magoots
Cabaret
PADDY’S
Labatt Blue Balls
The 68’s
Young Guns
Scuba Steves
Women’s Open
Zoomass
The Boston Beauties
Stamvegas Cuties
Flong
Eastern Propane & Oil
The Broads
Had Beens
40+ OPEN
Crompton Bombers
Hoptown Bulldogs
Shrinkage
Polish Embassy
Team BioSteel
Eastern
Dangleberries
50+ OPEN
Markham Metals Puck
Steelers
Andover Convalescents I
Bumbles
Shooting Blanks
The Boot
DarkStar
RC
Bills Auto
Shinny 35+
The Sellouts
Tuukka Dump
Tri State Sprinkler
Blades of Gray
Buncha Somebodies
The Mighty Cucks
Toxic
Prestige Worldwide
Barry Ponds
Loons
Hopothecary Ales
STATE
Chowdah Cannons
Coors Lightning
Puck Monkeys
Baker Bruisers
Done By Saturday
Outlaw Josey Walers
Turkeys
Predators
Iceholes
Boston Harbor Rats
Ogies
Massholes
United Cultivation
Fish Cove Eskimo
Brothers
DangleBerries
Krackin
Angry Yeti
10 Thumbs
NH Silver Bullets
Mugs
Hatrick Swayze
Emerald Bandits
Davis & Towle Insurance Group
Green Mountain Boys
Odo’s Amber
Boston ARTCC
NYDP
Jagr
Hands
Triboro
Mounted Reinbeers 2
Dunkie Danglers
THE SQUAD
THE SQUAD TOO
Tony C’s Hockey Club
Soup Dawgs
Easton Fection
Sundercutters
Hardo City
Kelley’s
Sunnyvale’s Finest
Purple Nurple
TJ Yoshi
Ingalls Pictures
Brunt Workwear
The Locals
Community Sauce
Central House
Shamrock Entertainment
The Aulet Sisters
Gunrack
Boston Harbor Rats II
Healthy Scratches
Green Beavers
Sweater Kittens Hockey Club
Thirsty Turtles I
Thirsty Turtles II
Quick Pinch
Cape Ann Cannabis
Townies
Log Splitters
Tea with Ms. McGill
Yellow Snow
Green Kits
Waukewan Wetshack
The Junior Boot
Hoboken Hounds
Jungle Catz
D.O.G. Street Bullies
The Degens
Beer
Brewliners
Almost Average
River Monsters
United Cultivation 2
South Shore Chiefs
Tropics
Icemen
Masterskaters
Plimoth Pilgrims
Freebies
Center Street Brewery 1
Center Street Brewery 2
TWIG
Atlantic City 7-Outs
NW Pest Control
Chestnut Chillys
The Micks and Rick
The Old Steam Engines
The Mighty Drunks
Ivy Lane Gang
TNH Elite
Sheridan Street Hooligans
Dirty Mike & The Boys
Reggie Gremlins
Mounted Reinbeers
Reefers
Brewins
Unhung Heroes
Wheeler Boys
Mug Shots
Live Free & Dangle
Icemen
Punch List
Puck Luck Hockey
Southie Sharks
ECH Bulldogs
Frozen Piggies
Spare Parts
The Maggots
Fat Pucks
@thenoregretzkies
Glory Hounds
Drunk Uncles
Mutha Puckers Boston
HIBLITS
STAGS
Sudz & Budz Hockey Club
Mooseknuckles
Puck Ewe
SeaBass
Beer Thrashers
Just The Tip
Casella
Bearded Clams
Looneybin Knuckleheads
BLUE WAFFLES
The Barn Burners
Bob House Benders
Puck Nuts
Chug Puckers
Freezers
Remax Hackers
Casella Waste Sys -
tems- Blue
The Bad Guys
RVA River Rats
TC’s Training-O’Brien Car Care
If you can’t spin her; Turner
Rusty Nuts
THURSDAY, JAN. 30TH
5:00 - 10:00 pm Coors Light Welcome Party & Player Check In Location: Winnipesaukee Ballroom, Church Landing, 281 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith, NH 03253
FRIDAY, JAN 31ST
7:00 am Event Shuttles Begin from Event Parking Lots
7:00 am Tournament Village Opens
8:00 am-4:35 pm Tournament Games
9:00 am Coors Light Tournament Village
- Common Man Food Truck
- Eastern Propane
- Brunt Workwear
- PHC Official Merchandise by Streaker Sports
10:00 am Stage Opens with DJ and Tournament MC Adam Furious
5:00 pm Coors Light Tournament Village Close
5:00 pm Last Event Shuttle Departs Tournament Village to Event Parking Lots
SATURDAY, FEB. 1ST
7:00 am Event
Shuttles Begin from Event Parking Lots
7:00 am Tournament Village Opens
8:00 am-4:35 pm Tournament Games
9:00 am Coors Light Tournament Village
- Common Man Food Truck
- Eastern Propane
- Brunt Workwear
- PHC Official Merchandise by Streaker Sports 10:00 am Stage Opens with DJ and Tourna-
ment MC Adam Furious
1:00-3:00 pm Zapcorion on Stage
5:00 pm Coors Light Tournament Village Close
5:00 pm Last Event Shuttle Departs Tournament Village to Event Parking Lots
8:00 pm Playoff Brackets/Schedules Announced (Online)
SUNDAY, FEB. 5TH
8:00 am Parking Lot Opens at Middleton/LaValley’s Building Supply
8:00 am Coors Light Tournament Village Opens
9:00 am-2:00 pm Playoff Games
1:15 pm Championship Games
2:00 pm Coors Light Tournament Village Closes
The above schedule of events is subject to change, any changes will be posted at... pondhockeyclassic.com/nephcscheduleofevents
Deeds’ Pizza
New Hampshire
Brewns’
Monday Night Jacks
Camp Hope Hockey
No Clowns Allowed
Pond Hockey Hooligans
Beaver Beaters
Lacaretta
Ricotta Warriors
Sons of John Wensink
Chancellors of Dangleslavia
Wizard Sleeves
Healthy Scratches
Desire
Mediocre Mallards
The Bucks UA
Shinny 50+
Planet Fitness - No
Critics
Boston Whalers
Off The Bench Hockey Club
Suzanne Hanrahans
The Flying Eggplants
Direct Kitchen
Hit The Net
Cheevers Pack
Johnny Cash
Dump ‘n Chase
Benson Lumberjacks
Doggie Style
Bud Heavies
Andover Convalescents II
Those Guys
Reggie Dunlop
WHDH Shamrocks
Mammoths
NOG
Iron Hearts
Essex 73’s
The Boot 2
TNH (Tuesday Night Hockey)
Stan Jonathans
Shed Kids
Frog Rock Tavern
DUSTER
Fireball Hockey
Fireball Hockey-Black
What About Bob?
Beers
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Happy Cows
Rain City Bitch Pigeons (RCBP)
Yo Soy Twig
Who’s Jerry Puck Ewe Too Methuen Goons
Frosty Mugs
Kraken Beers
Semi-formals
South Shore Seamen
Beacon Bears
Puck-It
Hawt Baux
Tampa Bay Magic Manatees
WOMEN’S DUSTER
4Play
Bitchin’ Babes
Blind Betty’s
Red Hot Chili Puckers
Bad Booze Bears
Saucy Dames
Wrinkly Panthers
60+ OPEN
Paugas Bay Night Owls
WHDH Shamrock Legends
Nagog Construction
Milton Maple Leafs
army with unified purpose but without racial diversity is absolutely asinine. But such nostrums have governed our military policy for decades. That’s how we end up with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley disclaiming on the evils of “white rage.” Reed went on to criticize Hegseth for his negative appraisal of the restrictive rules of engagement often promulgated by the Defense Department.
“As someone who’s led men in combat directly and had to make very difficult decisions, I
thought very deeply about the balance between legality and lethality, ensuring that the men and women on the front lines have the opportunity to destroy with and close the enemy and that lawyers aren’t the ones getting in the way,” Hegseth replied. Hegseth understands that all too often, the rules of war are turned against the humane parties to any conflict while those who abuse those rules are treated to their benefits.
Meanwhile, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., was having a meltdown of her own.
Enraged at past Hegseth comments suggesting his opposition to women serving in frontline positions, she ranted, “You said in your statement you don’t want politics in the DOD. Everything you’ve said in these public statements is politics. ‘I don’t want women, I don’t want moms.’ What’s wrong with a mom, by the way? Once you have babies, you therefore are no longer able to be lethal?” Of course, as Hegseth made clear, what he was saying was that any factor that stands in the way of military efficacy ought
to be put aside. But for the left, the purpose of the military is to promote social policy rather than to win wars. Hegseth will be approved this week. And he should be. For too long, the American military has been run by generals focused on winning the internal political warfare within Defense rather than winning actual wars. For too long, members of the American military have served at the whim of those who are willing to risk their blood to preserve utopian fantasies about the antiseptic possibilities of warfighting. That era is over. If only it had ended long ago.
Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and cofounder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. To find out more about Ben Shapiro and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.
it better was to buy it as a roast about 10 to 12 inches in length, boned, and then tied back onto the rack and roasted. Then using those bones and scraps to create a rich delicious beef broth from which to make French Onion Soup. (Another article for another time!)
Names for the ribeye steak may vary from region to region and from country to country. Monikers may also depend upon if the steak is cut from a roast (post cooking) or cut as a steak (prior to cooking). Generally speaking, if you order a ribeye, bone in or boneless, a Delmonico, a Tomahawk Chop, a Maudeen Center Cut, a Spencer Steak, a Scotch Fillet or a Whiskey Fillet, what you should see on the plate when presented before you is a ribeye in some form. Bone in or boneless will again depend upon the specific locations interpretation of the cut ordered.
Whether it is cut from the rack (the ribs) or served as a steak, the ideal ribeye is to be served with a steaming cup of Au jus and a side of Horseradish sauce.
And in winter, the best ribeye is served while enjoying the warmth of a fire with good company as the snow gently falls outside. In the summer, nothing beats a ribeye on the grill, served up with corn on the cob, potato salad, and lots of laughter among family and friends.
Recently we had been given four ribeye steaks, semi boneless, these steaks were from a beef critter raised by friends of ours. The steaks were delicious! I confess it is a rarity for me to cook steaks of this caliber. I liken ribeye to a fine european sports car, it is not something that I can readily afford to ruin. So, it is reserved for those rare guilty pleasure moments of eating out at a nice restaurant. My philosophy being, if I ruin it, I own it. But if I order it and they ruin it, I can send it back.
This aside, it does not stop me from having one once in a while, and when it’s free, all the better. So how does one cook a Ribeye Steak? The best way, I have found, is to begin by pan searing it in a cast iron skillet and then finish it in a
hot oven. How long? That is an individual preference. I like my steak to be medium rare to medium. I like it with a nice char or sear on the outside and red in the center with the juices running red. Coincidentally, this is a preferred method of many and instructions abound on the internet. A good rule of thumb when cooking steak however, is to finish your steak early and see if it is to your liking. You can always add to the cooking time, but you cannot go back. Perhaps you too will find ribeye to your liking? No matter the season steak is one of those things that is never out of place whether it be the holidays, a party, a summer gathering, or just a simple feast. Enjoy!
SERVINGS:1 Time: Approx. 20 Minutes (Including Prep Time)
- Begin with a completely thawed Ribeye steak. Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat a well seasoned cast iron skillet on the stove top to just about smoking. While heating the skillet, pat dry the steak with a clean paper towel and season one side of the steak to taste (TT) with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the steak, seasoned side down, in the heated skillet and let sear for about three to four minutes. Flip, season, and repeat.
- Using a hot mit or pot holder, place the cast iron skillet (with the steak in it) into the hot oven and bake / roast for about 5-6 minutes for medium rare to medium.
- Remove from the oven (be careful not to burn yourself) and plate the steak along with your potato, vegetable, or chosen side dishes. Top with a pad of butter.
community. The young students hoped to help the school’s Committee for the Arts by raising money for the project.
Albert W. Bacheler was born in the country of India in 1842, being the son of missionary parents. In 1862 Bacheler was a resident of New Hampton, New Hampshire where he was preparing for college at New Hampton Literary Institution. He responded to President Lincoln’s call for men to become soldiers in the Union Army and was mustered into the service of his country as a Private in the 12th NH Volunteer Regiment, Company E. Bacheler was promoted to Cor-
members of the regiment being taken captive and marched to the Confederate Libby Prison.
poral in May of 1864 and to Sergeant in June of the same year.
On November 17th of the year 1864 he was on the picket line at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, with other members of the 12th when the Confederates conducted a raid that resulted in one of the New Hampshire regiment being killed, seven wounded, and Bacheler and 36 other
On arriving at Libby Prison most of the valuables belonging to the Union soldiers were taken from them and they were put to work making shoes for the Confederate army. One of the captive soldiers working there was Benjamin B. Thompson of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. He was a thirty year old man who had been mustered into the 12th NH Regiment, Company K in March of that year of 1864. Thompson’s job was to install the soles in the shoes, and he would cut the soles almost in half so they wouldn’t stay together long when an enemy soldier started wearing them, a fact that could not be seen when the shoes were inspected.
On December 12,1864 Bacheler and Thompson, with other prisoners, were allowed to shop for “eatables” at a store across from the prison which was owned by Mr. Pryor, the prison keeper. After making their purchases the two men, while other prisoners were engaging Pryor, ascended some stairs to the third floor of the store, where they hid themselves. After inquiring about the missing prisoners, the storekeeper was convinced that they had been returned to the prison. Bacheler and Thompson remained secluded in the third floor of the building until midnight.
Having discovered a large amount of cloth used to make tents, they cut it into strips and made a rope from it which was thirty feet long. This they
Harper’s Weekly Illustration of escaped Prisoners from Libby Prison being captured
hung from a window and used it to descend to the ground, though the rope lacked 10 feet of reaching it. Once on the ground they found that the yard was enclosed by a 15foot high board fence which they were able to scale with the aid of some boards and boxes they found.
Having conquered the barrier of the fence they found themselves in the yard of a private home guarded by a bulldog which attacked them but was subdued and persuaded to lie on the porch by Ben’s abilities in calming canines. They then realized that there was a sleepy sentinel just a few feet away, but Ben climbed another fence and walked away whistling and Albert did the same a few minutes later.
The danger of being re-captured, however, was not over for the two Union soldiers. Before dawn arrived the escapees found
themselves at a site where apparently barricades or some type of fortifications were being installed. Ben Thompson tried to cross over a ditch by walking across a log, but he fell into the water in the ditch and Albert had to go in and rescue him. When the morning light came the two escapees laid down under a large cottonwood tree and slept for a few hours. When they woke up it was raining and they “were chilled to the marrow,” but they remained in their secluded place to avoid capture. Sometime in the afternoon a hunting party of fifteen or twenty men with three dogs came within a few rods of the hiding place of Bacheler and Thompson. They were chasing a gray squirrel and did not discover the two soldiers who were hoping to eventually find a camp where there were Union troops.
When night came Al and Ben continued walking through the woods and underbrush until another morning arrived and they found a dwelling place which was inhabited by colored folk, apparently in slave quarters. They were welcomed and fed by the slaves and then allowed to sleep in the loft of the building. While they were sleeping a company of Confederate soldiers stopped at the dwelling and inquired if the inhabitants had seen the two prisoners who had escaped from Libby Prison two nights before.
When another night came the escapees again started walking, hoping to find the Chickahominy River, which they did and were able to cross over because the water was low at that location. From there they took a southern route, which may seem strange for Union soldiers to
go south instead of north, but they knew that there were Union troops near the James River and hoped to find them.
As another morning dawned Albert and Benjamin found another cabin inhabited by colored people and asked for help, which was given. They were given food and their chilled bodies were warmed before they were escorted through a field to an open shed about forty yards from the cabin. Cornstalks were being stored in the shed and the two white men hid under them to take cover and rest during the daylight hours. All was not calm and peaceful for the men, however, for about four o’clock a white man arrived at the scene with a mule and wagon to take a load of cornstalks. As he took his pitchfork and loaded his wagon with cornstalks that covered the escapees, the colored man who
had provided the hiding place kept telling the white man that he was loading too many cornstalks and that he was going to kill his mule by overloading his wagon. A tine from his pitchfork went through Thompson’s pants but did not harm him. Though the man who took the cornstalks didn’t discover the men hiding under them, as soon as he was gone they also left that hiding place in fear that he would return for another wagon load.
More about the escapees and the coat on display at Gloucester in Part 2 next week.
from 7 Tennessee. All five went for President Trump in 2024.
making him the second president in U.S. history to return to the White House for a second nonconsecutive term.
The most powerful message people send is voting with their feet. This we see in the annual one-way rental survey issued by U-Haul. UHaul lists the top states that people have left and the top states to which they have moved.
Number one in the country in departures was California. People started leaving California even before L.A. started burning. The next four in departures were Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Four of these five states voted for Kamala Harris in 2024. Top states as destinations were South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Florida and
In 2024 Donald Trump captured 49.8% of the popular vote compared to 46.9% in 2020 and 45.9% in 2016.
Trump succeeded in a historic recapture of the White House riding on a pervading sense among the American people that things are not right. And a pervading sense that without attention to the problems staring us in the face, we’re in for trouble. And that the way to ignore it all is to leave Democrats in charge.
We know what these problems are. We just endured four years of a Biden administration that has been looking right through them. This should be time for fastening seat belts. Donald Trump’s return to the White House will
not be like his first election. There is no learning curve. Trump hits the ground now knowing how Washington works and how to get things done. And no one doubts that Donald Trump wants to get things done.
Long Term Substitute Teacher in Grade 3
Position begins immediately and runs through on or around February 14, 2025.
president enters office with an acute sense that there is no time to waste. And that is a good thing. There is no time to waste.
Please send letter of intent, resume, transcripts, certification, district application and three letters of reference to:
We are facing a bloated government, a nation filled with illegal immigrants, a military that cannot meet recruitment quotas, a Navy short of ships, government agencies strapped by DEI policies, our kids across the nation forced to attend public schools controlled by left-wing teachers unions peddling moral relativism and secular humanism, and a dangerous world where we have clear enemies -- Russia, China, Iran -- that want to undermine American values and influence.
Michaela Champlin, Principal 225 Winter Street • Laconia, NH 03246 Or email packet to: mchamplin@laconiaschools.org
As Republicans go right to work to extend the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in Trump’s first term, and deal with the border and energy, the American people should step up 100% behind them.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED E.O.E.
Those that think there is time to waste might re-focus on the horror sweeping Los Angeles.
Bad luck is what happens when lack of preparation meets an ongoing threat.
Call Joe 603-387-9103
For sure our 47th
The Inter-Lakes School District is seeking a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for the 25/26 school year. The successful applicant must meet all required conditions of employment and hold a valid Speech-Language Pathologist license with the State of New Hampshire. Application Deadline: Open until filled Professional Applications can be found at: https://www.interlakes.org/jobs
Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now.
Please submit cover letter, resume, transcripts, certifications, application and three letters of reference to:
ones we see in New England may very well be birds that spent their summers in Canada, and, for them, New England is south. Many of our breeding kingfishers may indeed be well south of here now. As was the case for me last week, kingfishers are often heard before they are seen. Their rattling call often gives them away as being present on a pond or river. They likely would have gone unseen if they remained quiet. Often, they combine rattling with a flight to a different nearby perch, further giving away their presence.
Full-time school year position
Under the direction of the Building Principal and the Director of the Office of School Wellness, the School Social Worker will provide direct and indirect social work services to students experiencing social, emotional and/or behavioral challenges that interfere with their performance in school. In addition, the School Social Worker will work with students and families experiencing homelessness and facilitate communication between school, home, and community providers.
Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Social Work
Current New Hampshire Certification School Social Worker or Statement of Eligibility
Experience working with schools, in school settings, or with school-age students preferred.
Applications accepted until filled.
Please send letter of intent, resume, 3 letters of recommendation and Laconia School District application to: Amy Gregoire Director of the Office of School Wellness 39 Harvard Street • Laconia, NH 03246 agregoire@laconiaschools.org EOE
Belted kingfishers, of course, are also unique in that females are more colorful than males. Both sexes are blue-gray and white,
* Art * Antiques Fine * * Jewelry * Silver * Judy A. Davis Antiques
One Item or Entire Estate ~ Cash Paid For:
All Antiques: American and Continental furniture, paintings, oriental rugs and bronzes. Historical documents, old books and maps, nautical items, barometers and sextants. Old prints, movie and travel posters. Old photography, cameras and musical instruments. Gold and Silver U.S. and foreign coins Civil war and all military items, guns, swords, medals and old flags.
Old advertising, wooden and metal signs, vintage whiskey and wine, old weathervanes, old pottery, old jugs, crocks and textiles, lamps and lighting, glass and china.
Old toys, banks, trains, sports memorabilia and comic books.
Over 40 years experience in the antique business. Chinese and Asian arts, jade, ceramics, oriental textiles, furniture and art.
Classic car s and motorcycles, gas pumps, oil cans and signs 25 year s and olde r.
All estate and contemporary jewelry, diamond rings, brooches, Patek, Rolex, all watches and charm bracelets.
All Fine Gold and Silver Jewelry Sterling silver flatware, tea services, trays and all silver and gold.
Karen Koch, Human Resources Coordinator Inter-Lakes School District 103 Main Street, Suite 2 Meredith, NH 03253 or e-mail to: karen.koch@interlakes.org EOE
We have an opening in our custom canvas shop. Large new shop. Climate controlled. Three industrial sewing machines. In our shop we provide anything from minor repairs to installations and custom fabrication of frames, tops, cockpit/bow covers, mooring covers etc. We fabricate and install snap in and Seadek flooring. We perform upholstery repairs and recovering.
We offer a generous benefits package with guaranteed year-round employment. Pay based on experience. If you have skills in this area, contact us right away. This is a great long term career position with potential to grow with us. Come to the Service Reception Desk at 958 Union Ave in Laconia. Fill out our application and get interviewed right away. E-mail inquiries to jasonmarceau@irwinmarine.com
but females also have a rust-colored belt on their upper bellies. Out of the more than 100 species of kingfisher worldwide (mostly in Asia, Africa and Australia), the belted kingfisher is the only one we have in New England. There are three species in the U.S.: belted, green and ringed. Based on photos I have seen, green kingfishers are really cool-looking birds. Maybe one day I’ll get to southern Texas to see one for myself. Not that I’m disappointed seeing only belted kingfishers. I love their unique looks, sounds and personalities, which makes me even more grateful that they are year-round New Englanders.
The Tilton-Northfield Aqueduct is looking for a full-time permanent Water Operator. The position involves the operation and maintenance of a water treatment and distribution system. Position requires a current New Hampshire driver’s license, ability to lift 80 lbs., heavy equipment operating experience; being able to respond to emergencies, be on a rotating on-call schedule and live within 30 minutes of the Tilton-Northfield area. Overtime is required.
Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED; possession of a NHDES Grade 1 Water Treatment and Grade 1 Distribution License (or must be willing to obtain these licenses within the first year and a half of employment).
The Tilton-Northfield Aqueduct Co. starting pay is $20.00 plus an hour or depending on experience. The benefits package includes health, dental, paid vacation, sick and holidays plus more. Please send letter of introduction with resume and references to: Tilton & Northfield Aqueduct Co., Inc. 14 Academy Street Tilton, NH 03276 or tnwd@metrocast.net. Applications are available at our website t-nwaterdistrict.com or at the office.
The successful applicant will be required to pass a background check, a DMV check and a drug test. EOE/ADA/AA
Kyiv government.
The NATO Alliance remains vital but its 32 member states must carry larger military burdens as Trump pressed for already in his first Administration, especially the agreed to 2 percent GDP defense spending minimum.
Latin America: Rocky relations continue with Venezuela as the U.S. has rightly shunned the Cuban-backed Maduro regime but at the same time not played political hardball against that regime exporting tens of thousands of migrants, often with gang
and criminal connections, across America’s southern border. Open borders have encouraged human trafficking into the USA. Significantly Mexican people smuggling cartels pose a direct danger to the United States. The U.S. borders must be secured.
China Policy: The growth of China’s military poses a clear and present danger to the U.S. In Senate confirmation hearings, as Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) stated clearly, “without swift and substantive policy shifts, China will remain
the ‘biggest threat’ to American prosperity in the 21st Century…If we don’t change course, we are going to live in the world where much of what matters to us on a daily basis from our security to our health will be dependent on whether the Chinese allow us to have it or not,” Rubio testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Beijing’s threats to democratically ruled and self- governing Taiwan looms. Though the small New Hampshire sized island off the China mainland no longer has a formal U.S. defense treaty as does Japan and South
Korea, Beijing’s military intimidation has grown exponentially. China has never renounced the use of military force against what it deems a “renegade province.”
Marco Rubio vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses and deterrence to prevent a “cataclysmic military intervention.”
Moreover we still face North Korea’s growing missile proliferation and nuclear capacity which endangers South Korea, Japan, American bases and Hawaii.
Sudan, Somalia and Congo remain massive humanitarian crises where millions languish in starvation. So
does Haiti.
In a world mired in conflict and humanitarian chaos only a strong, focused and pro-active America can reset and recalibrate the equilibrium and serve as a positive force for change.
The challenge now begins.
John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China.
by Parker & Hart
A PURPOSE
THEME THIS WEEK: -DROP
Answers on Page 21
