🌱64 Cats Rescued + Fiery Plane Crash +Gobain PFAS Cancer Link

Hello, Bedford! It's Sunday, so let's get started with everything happening in our area today.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny today and breezy, cool. High: 45. Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

1. 64 Black-And-White Tuxedo Cats Rescued: Bedford residents who want to adopt a cat may find one at the New Hampshire SPCA’s new Stratham Shelter. The Shelter is home to more than four dozen black-and-white tuxedo cats and kittens rescued Thursday from a Kensington, New Hampshire home. Police discovered the cats at the home of a couple in their 60s or 70s after the man was admitted to Exeter Hospital with with an accidental gunshot wound he received cleaning a rusty gun. When police went to the address, they found the house "overrun with cats." The town’s health officer condemned the home as it had toxic levels of ammonia from cat urine. When the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescued the cats, they said more and more cats seemed to be coming from every corner of the house. Lisa Dennison, executive director of the New Hampshire SPCA, said taking in 64 cats and kittens at one time "is a large volume of cats" and they need a few weeks to get them ready for adoption. Anyone who wants to donate to help with their care, or adopt a cat or kitten, is asked not to call, but to visit the SPCA Stratham Shelter website. You can read more here. (The Union Leader)
2. Firey Plane Crash In Bedford: One person died in a fiery plane crash along the banks of the Merrimack River in Bedford late Friday night. Police
   Chief John Bryfonski said in a news release that the Bedford Police Department responded to a plane crash after receiving multiple 911 calls about a plane crash just after 11:30 p.m. in the area of the Merrimack River and Reed Drive. According to WMUR News 9, the small turboprop plane went down while approaching the runway at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport just after 11:30 p.m. Video showed the Swearingen SA-226 plane that was operated by Castle Aviation consumed in flames. The pilot reported engine trouble en route from the Essex County Airport in Fairfield, New Jersey to the Manchester airport. The Bedford Police Department said that the pilot killed in the crash was the only occupant. Investigators have tentatively identified the pilot as Emanuel Vomvolakis, 23, from Michigan. No surrounding buildings were hit as the troubled plane approached the airport. (WMUR)
3. High Cancer Rates In Merrimack Investigated: On Friday, officials said they are continuing to investigate high rates of Kidney cancer in Merrimack to determine the impact of contaminated drinking water. Officials said it's too early to tell if there's a link between the number of cancer cases and environmental factors, but the numbers of kidney and renal cancers from 2009 to 2018 were higher than expected. The state Department of Health and Human Services has been looking into whether or not any of the cancers may have been caused by high levels of PFOA chemicals, also called "forever chemicals" from the Saint Gobain Performance Plastic Plant in Merrimack that has permanently contaminated wells and drinking water in Merrimack, Litchfield, and parts of Bedford. The state is planning to have virtual town halls to answer questions and address people's concerns. You can find out more here: (WMUR)

Today in Bedford:

• The Craftworkers' Guild Annual Holiday Fair (10 a.m.)
• Macramé Wine Bottle Tote & Wood Sign (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Animal Rescue League of N.H.: "We are excited and honored to have finalized a partnership with Chris' Hero Pets yesterday! This partnership will help to match shelter pets into loving homes with veterans." (Facebook)
• Riddle Brook School, Bedford NH: "Congratulations to RBS Strings Club and Fourth Grade Chorus! They did a beautiful job at the Winter Concert!" (Facebook)
• Bedford NH Police Department: "This Monday, Dec. 13th is the last day to drop off Toys for Tots donations at our POD!" (Facebook)
• Bedford School District: "There will be a School Board Meeting starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021." (Facebook)

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Now you're ready to head out the door on Sunday. See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Paula Constance

About me: I am a freelance writer, author, and media producer. I am committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place.