Portsmouth Herald
Harwood brings local flavor to inn’s new era
EXETER — To Katie Harwood, cooking is comfort — and as she steps up to the plate as chef de cuisine at Epoch Restaurant & Bar at the Exeter Inn, she hopes to serve up a memorable, cozy dining experience to guests. Harwood, who grew up in Exeter, took...
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Barricaded Hampton suspect arrested at Ann’s Lane home
HAMPTON — A Hampton man was arrested July 15 after barricading himself inside his Ann’s Lane home during a high-risk warrant operation, according to police. Jason J. Wagg, 49, was taken into custody at his residence at 54 Ann’s Lane following a...
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Convenient housing
A property sandwiched between Route 33 and Interstate 95 is being eyed for a 140unit multifamily apartment complex. ● The potential five-story building would be built at 1471 Greenload Road near the B&M Railroad line and Pickering Brook, opposite the...
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‘Wine for the people’
KITTERY, MAINE — In her native Arkansas, Katie Howard-Smith attended winetasting events at a small liquor store close to the Little Rock television station where she worked in sales. Those post-work sips sparked a fascination within Howard-Smith, who...
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A SWEET IDEA
YORK, Maine — A graduation celebration and two birthday parties had the Ciampa family on the hunt for an ice cream truck this summer — but after striking out, they decided to create one themselves. “I mean, what kid doesn’t want an ice cream truck...
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$16M oceanfront sale ranks third highest in NH history
NORTH HAMPTON — Balmoral, an oceanside home constructed for a one-term New Hampshire governor, has sold for $16 million, the third-highest single-family residence sale in the state’s history. The Little Boar’s Head estate, adjacent to the...
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WHEN THE MALL COMES CRUMBLING DOWN ...
NEWINGTON — The empty Mall at Fox Run, a 43year staple in the Seacoast, is close to being leveled as Torrington Properties’ demolition effort remains on pace to be completed by the end of 2026. The demolition of the longtime mall, part of Torrington’s...
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Captain Burke’s Store preserves lighthouse keeper’s legacy
YORK, Maine — A century ago, Captain Burke’s Store on Broadway sold just about everything a seaside town could need — fishing gear, bait, ice cream, soda, even real estate. Today the building serves as storage, but owners Herb and Tracie Carpenter...
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Hampton OKs project at Cinnamon Rainbows site
HAMPTON — The town Planning Board has approved a proposal to redevelop the former Cinnamon Rainbows surf shop and North Beach Bar & Grille site — destroyed by fire — into a four-story mixed-use building at 931 Ocean Blvd. The board voted unanimously...
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Shooter identified
HAMPTON — The man who died by suicide after allegedly shooting two people on Ocean Boulevard early Sunday, July 5, was an active-duty member of the U.S. Navy assigned to the USS Hampton, according to officials. Attorney General John M. Formella, New...
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EXETER AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION GUIDE
EXETER — One of the Seacoast’s biggest Independence Day and America 250 celebrations will unfold in Exeter, New Hampshire’s Revolutionary capital, with a parade, a 5K, live music, fireworks, historical reenactments and more. Exeter celebrates later...
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‘TODAY MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT’
PORTSMOUTH — Nadezhda Saliba, who is from Bulgaria, became a new U.S. citizen July 4, joined at the annual naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke Museum by her husband Brandon, her two young children, and her grandmother. Her grandmother had...
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Portsmouth Brewery building sold for $3M
PORTSMOUTH — Three years postpipe rupture and flooding, the closeddown former Portsmouth Brewery building has been sold for $3 million, ending an era for New Hampshire’s first licensed craft brewery. Party of Five Hospitality LLC, based in Portsmouth,...
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DYNAMITE DOGS
From Flo’s world famous hot dogs to the creative franks at local breweries, the Seacoast’s hot dog game is surprisingly strong. Here are some of the eateries that grill up hot dogs sure to satisfy that craving at the height of summer: Liars Bench...
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The Onion launches new InfoWars with 2 shows
The Onion has pressed ahead with its takeover of InfoWars, the conspiracy-laden media empire formerly owned by far-right provocateur Alex Jones. The satirical news site debuted its initial slate of programming just in time for America’s 250th birthday...
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Woodman Museum of Dover’s new 9/11 exhibit provided by first responder
DOVER — Maj. John Fischer, who has lived in Dover since 2017, was a first responder to Ground Zero following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Fischer said he was a member of the New York Naval Militia, serving as a military liaison to the New...
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NH BEACH WATERS SAFE
HAMPTON — Environmental officials say New Hampshire’s beaches remain safe for swimming even as millions of gallons of sewage continue flowing into the Merrimack River from just over the state border due to a Haverhill, Massachusetts, pipe...
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‘That’s her comfort space’
The owners of the Omelette Factory say the town is unfairly targeting them over their collection of six-foot rooster statues on their front lawn, which they say provide comfort to their daughter who has autism. ● Five-year-old Pyper LeBlanc loves...
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Pease airport flights keep going
PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth International Airport at Pease’s air traffic control tower is closed and will remain so until as late as Aug. 3, according to Pease Development Authority officials. The closure began on Friday, June 19 and was expected to last...
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Rye to ‘revisit’ beach parking
RYE — Facing outcry from residents, the town Select Board has agreed to revisit its decision to eliminate 90 free public beach parking spaces along Ocean Boulevard. McClure, a Portsmouth firm, was contracted by the town to study the possible...
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‘Overwhelmed’
PORTSMOUTH — Kristen Bourbon describes her daughter Norah as an “amazingly kind person and such a good friend.” “It’s just been such a great loss,” the Portsmouth mother said about “the very unexpected” passing of Norah Bourbon, a 9year-old New...
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York removes ‘eyesore’ Blinn House on Route 1
YORK, Maine — After town officials determined they could not burn the Blinn House, long considered an eyesore along Route 1, they are now moving forward with demolition instead. The Selectboard voted June 22 to award a $44,250 contract to Abbott...
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Soccer fans find their people at June Cork Pub
DOVER — Many England fans gathered at The June Cork Pub, for England’s World Cup match against Ghana on June 23. The British pub at 66 Third St. has been busy “nonstop, every day, open to close” since the tournament started, according to owner John...
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Converting businesses
NEWINGTON — The former Shogun Japanese Steakhouse property adjacent to the Spaulding Turnpike will be converted into a lumberyard. The $2.75 million sale of the 51-year-old 347 Shattuck Way building was finalized June 17. The buyer, North & South...
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Why Rye is closing popular public trails
RYE — With protecting wildlife in mind, the town’s Conservation Commission has begun to decommission several public trails, a decision being challenged by some Rye voters. The orange- and yellow-marked trails within Cedar Run and the Jim Raynes Forest...
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Massive water tank in $500M shipyard project
KITTERY, Maine — A $500 millionplus Navy project will target utility upgrades at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and adjacent towns, headlined by the proposed addition of a new 2.5 milliongallon water storage tank near the former Portsmouth Naval...
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SUMMER SETLIST
PORTSMOUTH — The sweet sound of summer music in the park is on its way. For 20 glorious evenings, new voices, familiar favorites and some of the most important voices in music today will fill Prescott Park in one joyful house party that will last into...
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Dover’s Evan Hennessey wins James Beard Award
CHICAGO — Renowned Dover, New Hampshire chef Evan Hennessey has been named winner of the 2026 James Beard Award in the category of Best Chef Northeast. “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” Hennessey said on stage as he accepted...
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Portsmouth Pride 2026 is a protest and a celebration
PORTSMOUTH — Serving approximately 500 LGBTQ+ youth across the state, the nonprofit New Hampshire Outright has increased its programming by 25% over the past year. Portsmouth Pride, the organization’s largest annual event, is set for Saturday, June...
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Fire strikes 1700s home
PORTSMOUTH — A second-alarm fire in a circa-1750 South End home June 17 sent one city firefighter to the hospital and forced the closure of several surrounding streets. The Portsmouth Fire Department was called by neighbors at 4:52 a.m. reporting the...
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‘Yes Chef ’ success
Lee Frank is returning to the kitchen he led as executive chef 12 years ago – this time with Mazon, a new fine dining restaurant of his own. ● Frank, a two-time James Beard Northeast finalist, had just learned he needed to close his restaurant Otis in...
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Oceanfront creations
The Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic kicks off this week with 10 of the best sand sculptors in the world competing for bragging rights and $25,000 in prizes. ● Sculptors have three days — eight hours each day — Thursday, June 18, through...
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Rye can shut out barn swallows
RYE — A county judge has ruled the Goss Farm barn can be closed off from nesting barn swallows, siding with the town and its Conservation Commission. The Rye Conservation Commission voted in February to seal off the barn to the swallows, blocking them...
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Valedictorian urges 2026 grads to live with ‘meraki’
YORK, Maine — Valedictorian Tessa Spaulding urged her fellow graduates in York High School’s Class of 2026 to take something important with them as they venture into the world that awaits them: Meraki. That’s a Greek word that means “doing something...
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BID FAREWELL TO MALL AT FOX RUN
NEWINGTON — The razing of the shuttered Newington Park Shopping Center has commenced, clearing the way for Torrington Properties to begin building the new Seacoast Landing in spring 2027. The old Savers thrift store building is the first structure to...
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Driscoll’s Pub brings Irish comfort food to Newmarket
NEWMARKET — Tim and Samantha Driscoll saw an opening for an Irish pub in downtown Newmarket — a town where they’ve already spent years working in the restaurant scene. That chance came when Mia Bar and Lounge closed at 156 Main St. earlier this year....
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From TikTok to Hampton Beach
HAMPTON — For Joon Park, better known as JP Sandman to his one million-plus social media followers, competing in the Master Sand Sculpting Classic might be akin to a wide-eyed vocalist hopping up on stage at the Casino Ballroom to harmonize with Mike...
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‘IT’S BEEN SUCH A JOURNEY’
HAMPTON FALLS — Aubry Bracco has been on a whirlwind ride since being voted the winner of “Survivor’s” 50th season and the winner of a $2 million payout, the highest in show history. “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” marked the fourth season of...
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Class of 2026 urged to enjoy every moment
PORTSMOUTH — Ferris Bueller-esque advice was repeatedly given to Portsmouth High School’s Class of 2026 at the June 5 commencement: Slow down and aim to savor every moment. Class valedictorian Daniel Sabalakov, salutatorian Claire Audet and departing...
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MAN CHARGED IN COLD CASE KILLING
KITTERY, Maine — A Portsmouth, New Hampshire man has been arrested and charged with the murder of Maxine Bitomski, a 73-year-old woman found dead in her Colonial Road residence in January 1993. Daniel Jolly, 59, was arrested June 4 on the murder...
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Building community one smile at a time
RYE – Portsmouth High School senior Ryan Swartz said it’s nice to see your vision come to life, and it makes it even more special when the vision is to make people smile. Swartz, along with fellow Portsmouth senior Cote Bellaud, came up with the idea...
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Dudley Street Pizza coming to Kittery
KITTERY, Maine — Long before her days opening and operating cafés left and right, Deb McCluskey got her start in her family’s Winterport, Maine, pizzeria. Dudley Street Pizza at 68 Wallingford Square in Kittery — the latest business opening in the...
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Best Seacoast bars to watch the World Cup
The obsession of this summer is World Cup soccer. It’s the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, including the United States, with 16 cities hosting games. It’s also the first World Cup tournament to include 48 teams, an expansion from...
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$200 MILLION PLAN UNVEILED FOR MCINTYRE
PORTSMOUTH — Developer Anthony DiLorenzo has filed his initial plan for the proposed redevelopment of the iconic former Thomas J. McIntyre federal building property, which is located in the heart of downtown near the city’s popular waterfront. “The...
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Seacoast Landing TIF district OK’d
NEWINGTON — The town’s first tax increment financing district was approved by voters in a special meeting May 30, paving the way for Torrington Properties’ Seacoast Landing redevelopment project to move forward. The TIF district, which will fund $9...
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Graduates celebrate, urged to pursue ‘unique paths’
DOVER — The 62nd commencement at St. Thomas Aquinas High School on May 29 saw 85 students celebrate their accomplishments, with most headed to college, some to the military and some entering apprentice programs. Almost 200 family members packed the...
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HOUSING CONSTRUCTION BOOM MOVING FAST
PORTSMOUTH — The city is in the midst of a housing boom, with hundreds of units under construction, soon to be completed or recently completed. Despite the torrid pace of housing construction in Portsmouth, the demand for both luxury condos and...
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‘Quite an interesting guy’
HAMPTON — When Army veteran Kyle Saltonstall stepped to the podium at Hampton’s American Legion Post 35 Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25, the crowd met a speaker whose path to service has been anything but ordinary. Saltonstall, 44, spent years with...
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Woman killed by son was beloved volunteer
DOVER — Eileen Shevelin, the 78-year-old woman found dead in her home, is the victim in a murder-suicide, killed by her son, according to autopsy results released May 27 by the New Hampshire attorney general. Thomas Wallace, 57, killed his mother in...
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Global honeybees art project coming to Portsmouth Middle School
PORTSMOUTH — The city has reached a contract with a New York artist to create a Good of the Hive mural and art project in the courtyard of the Portsmouth Middle School. Former city councilor Chris Dwyer, who now chairs the city’s Public Art Review...
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$2M homes to be built beside late Ruth Griffin’s farmhouse
PORTSMOUTH — A pair of luxury single-family homes will be built beside the locally famous Ruth Griffin residence and former Half-Acre Farm, though the late politician and public servant’s home won’t be touched in the construction. Chinburg Properties...
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Mural honors former slave’s legacy of freedom
PORTSMOUTH — Celebrating the 230th anniversary of her escape from slavery, Ona Judge Staines became a permanent icon of the city’s landscape with a mural dedicated in her honor and to her determination to be free. On Saturday, May 23, the Black...
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Portsmouth honors sailors eternally ‘on patrol’
PORTSMOUTH — On the Friday before Memorial Day, the city annually conducts a ceremony to honor sailors lost at sea, within sight of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the oldest continually operating shipyard in the nation. On May 22, the public gathered in...
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FIERCE FIGHTING AT COUNTRY’S FOUNDING
ROCHESTER — One American flag among the estimated 550 being placed at Rochester Common for Memorial Day weekend honors the sole Revolutionary War hero in the annual Field of Honor display. Each flag represents one of the country’s fallen from wars and...
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‘A steadfast champion of our core principles’
Barney Frank, a longtime Massachusetts lawmaker who was the first U.S. congressman to voluntarily come out as gay, died May 19 after being in hospice care in Maine. He was 86. Frank, from Newton, represented the Fourth Congressional District of...
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Hampton Beach heat hits 90s
HAMPTON — A scorching 94-degree day packed Hampton Beach on Tuesday, May 19 — and by late afternoon, police were breaking up fights and declaring an unlawful assembly after a sudden downpour. Portsmouth topped out at 94.1 degrees and Rochester hit 93,...
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Hampton Beach Memorial Day weekend 2026
HAMPTON — The beach is ramping up for the unofficial start to summer as the restaurants and shops on Ocean Boulevard prepare for Memorial Day weekend. Live music will be playing across venues big and small for the weekend of May 22 to 24, with...
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Googie’s Sandwich Shoppe to close after 25 years
PORTSMOUTH — A quarter-century after its founding, Googie’s Sandwich Shoppe will permanently close at May’s end. Rich Wentworth, owner of the 148 State St. business, will retain the rights to the name and didn’t rule out reviving the joint elsewhere...
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Summer preview
YORK, Maine — New restaurants, a rooftop bar, capybaras and more are coming to York for the 2026 summer season, as well as popular road races and the annual York Days celebration. The hippie-themed Vibe has taken over the former Rick’s Restaurant...
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New Hampshire campus carry bill amended
The New Hampshire Senate on May 14 passed a bill that would allow faculty — but not students — to carry weapons on the state’s college campuses. The original bill, HB 1793, would have barred public colleges and universities in New Hampshire from...
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WHAT’S NEW THIS SUMMER
Hampton Beach is already buzzing with early season activity as businesses reopen like Bernie’s Beach Bar and free entertainment returns to the Seashell Stage for Memorial Day weekend. “We are really excited, and we have a lot of great stuff happening...
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York may roll back Harbor parking meters
YORK, Maine — The town’s Selectboard will consider rolling back some of the newly added metered parking spaces in York Harbor after hearing concerns about the impact on local staff and residents. A public hearing is scheduled for May 18 on potential...
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La Mulita Coffee plans expansion project in Rye
RYE — La Mulita Coffee’s owners aspire to expand their shop and roasting business while also building multifamily housing units, condominiums and retail space on their property adjacent to the traffic circle at Foyes Corner. Two new mixed-use...
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A UNIQUE STAY
PORTSMOUTH — The Grand Heritage Suites in developer Mark McNabb’s new Treadwell Mansion Boutique Hotel are a combination of high-end features and Portsmouth history. Liam Annis, the business operations manager for the hotel in the heart of the city’s...
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Cheese Louise pays MIT living wage
PORTSMOUTH — The minds behind Cheese Louise are urging fellow Seacoast restaurant owners to pay their workers a living wage at a rate recommended by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All part- and full-time employees at Cheese Louise’s downtown...
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Portsmouth rail trail use surges
PORTSMOUTH — The number of people using the city’s section of the New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway — which is more commonly known as the rail trail — can reach as many as 1,200 on weekends. David Allen, who is president of the nonprofit New Hampshire...
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What city’s budget means for tax, water and sewer bills
PORTSMOUTH — The city’s fiscal year 2027 budget has been proposed by City Manager Karen Conard at $157,971,390, she said during a City Hall press conference May 7. The proposed city budget represents a net increase of $7,676,450 or 5.11% over the...
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THE EDGE
DURHAM — University of New Hampshire officials expect the state economy will be bolstered with the development of The Edge, a massive mixed-use, research and residential community planned for the western portion of the school’s campus. In November,...
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‘Not sent off alone’
YORK — As the sun broke through after days of chilly April rain, about 30 people gathered at the First Parish Cemetery in York to honor a man none of them had known. James, 80, had no friends and family to attend his funeral. His wife, Dorothy, is...
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What’s the Vibe?
YORK, Maine — Pancake tacos and the Jerry Garcia sandwich have landed in York Village as the hippie-themed Vibe restaurant prepares to open its doors. Tie-dye décor and jam-band memorabilia fill the former Rick’s Restaurant space at 242 York St.,...
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Rye to hold special meeting on barn swallows
RYE — Advocates of the migratory swallows blocked from entering the Goss Farm barn have petitioned for a new ordinance to protect bird colonies in town. Nesting barn swallows that journey to Rye each year are barred from accessing the historic barn,...
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‘Life is short’
HAMPTON — Whether at the beach on Ocean Boulevard or in the Route 1 space attached to Lamie’s Inn, the Higgins family always found passion and meaning in running the Old Salt. “I don’t think in 40 years there’s been a day that I didn’t want to go to...
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Trails in jeopardy
RYE — Conservation Commission members will soon decide which public trails to close in town in the interest of protecting wildlife and natural resources. Rachel Stevens, a local ecologist formerly employed by New Hampshire Fish and Game, was...
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