Top N.H. News Stories: Manchester Monarchs Bid Adieu, Famous Bear Returns

Political stories took a back seat this week to the Manchester Monarchs calling it quits after 18 years. It was one of the most-read stories on NHPR. Manchester's mayor thanked the minor league hockey organization—which in the ECHL saw declining attendance—for being a part of the community. Others wondered what will come next for the SNHU Arena.

A day earlier, Mayor Joyce Craig greeted another of the Democratic presidential hopefuls, having lunch with Sen. Kamala Harris. 

Roundup of other top stories in New Hampshire:

• Eversource has its day in the New Hampshire Supreme Court, arguing that it deserves a near Site Evaluation Committee hearing on its proposed Northern Pass tranmission line. Opponents, including Conservation Law Foundation and the Forest Society, told the court Eversource failed to present any new, compelling evidence. READ THE STORY. In a different energy story, opponents of Eversource's Seacoast Reliability transmission line filed appeals this week asking the high court to review part of the SEC decision in that case. 

• The highest toilets in the Northeast are in need of upgrades. Legislators working on the state’s capital budget say that the toilets and waste disposal system atop Mount Washington are in need of improvements. Sen. Jeb Bradley cites the need for upgrades amid increasing popularity of Mount Washington State Park, with the Sherman Adams Visitor Center amenities including restrooms and cafeteria.

  

  Credit Courtesy of Patricia Campbell

• Mink Finds Her Way Back to Hanover. The famous Hanover bear nicknamed Mink, after Mink Brook, has returned to her home range, N.H. Fish & Game wildlife biologist Andrew Timmins says. The bear, after being deemed a nuisance bear, was relocated to an area near the Canadian border last year. She gradually made her way back to the Upper Valley, with Fish & Game leaders tracking her along the way via GPS.

• Ethics Committee Reviews Complaint About House Majority Leader's Union Role: The Legislative Ethics Committee took up a complaint lodged against Majority Leader Doug Ley, who is also president of the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. It was filed by Christopher Mazerall, who lost to Ley in last year's election.

• Marijuana Legalization Bill ‘Re-referred’ in Senate Committee. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to hold a marijuana legalization bill in committee for further work. The move makes it unlikely such legislation will move forward this year. Opponents applauded the step, saying the bill wouild allow the cannabis industry to prey on vulnerable populations in New Hampshire. 

• Senate Blocks Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags, Straws The Senate has killed a bill that would restrict single-use plastic bags in New Hampshire. It also nixed a bill designed to limit the use of plastic straws at restaurants. 

• The Executive Council has denied Pamela Smart's latest bid for a chance at freedom. It was a unanimous decision, and applauded by Gov. Chris Sununu.

• Donald Hall's house to be preserved: The farmhouse at Eagle Pond, where former U.S. and N.H. Poet Laureate was inspired to write so many of his great works, was purchased for $395,000 with a plan for the property to be preserved.