🌱 Contaminated Well Payments Not Tax-Free + Garden Plots Available

Good morning! It's Wednesday and I'm back with the most important things happening in Bedford today. In this edition, find out about these stories and more:

• State rebates for contaminated wells taxed as income.
• Bedford High School requires 24 course credits to graduate.
• Winning $5,000 raffle ticket to be drawn on Facebook Live.
• Open garden plots are available at the Educational Farm at Joppa Hill.

❤️ Love the Bedford Daily? Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free.

But first, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 54 Low: 31.

These are the great local businesses who sponsor the Bedford Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

• Are you looking to buy or sell a luxury property in the Bedford area? Marianna Vis of Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty has over two decades of experience matching buyers and sellers of luxury properties in Southern New Hampshire. With over 1000 homes sold and over 150 5-star reviews from clients, Marianna consistently produces results. For a free market valuation and staging consultation, email Marianna today at vis@nhmoves.com.

• Looking to grow your small business? Terzakis & Associates has been helping small business owners grow and succeed for over 20 years through advisory services and small business coaching. Whether you run a family-owned business, a medical or legal practice or offer professional services like investing or accounting, Terzakis & Associates can help you with strategy and tactics to thrive — and not just survive. Book a free half-hour consultation here to learn more.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

1. Who's paying the price for contaminated wells? Owners of thousands of local wells contaminated with deadly PFAS, forever chemicals from the Saint Gobain Plastics Plant in Merrimack, applied for reimbursement by the state for costly PFAS remediation. But they will have to count the payments as income on their tax returns. State officials explained that grant programs are taxable income. Bedford resident and citizen representative on the State PFAS Commission Michael Strand, "called it 'unacceptable'" for residents with PFAS-contaminated drinking water to have liability for contamination caused by a private company. Read more here: (New Hampshire Bulletin)
2. Bedford High School requires 24 course credits to graduate. Starting next year, the Manchester School District increased its required public high school course credits from 20 to 22.5 to bring graduation requirements closer to "similar districts." (Manchester Ink Link)
3. The last ticket was sold Monday for the Animal Rescue League's $5,000 Cash Raffle! That's happy news for our furry friends at the League, and one lucky raffle winner. Watch the ticket drawing on Facebook live, Friday, March 31 at 2 p.m. (Animal Rescue League of NH via Facebook)
4. Open garden plots are available to plant your favorite vegetables and flowers at The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill. Community plots cost $70 each for the season and are 10 ft. x 20 ft. "It's a beautiful space with plenty of sunshine and access to water, you just need to bring your own organic soil amendments and veggies/flowers." Find out more here: (Educational Farm at Joppa Hill)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Bedford Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Bedford Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Bedford:

• Paint Your Pet (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Send us your troop pictures: "Troop 20202 from Amherst/Mont Vernon, NH have been giving back! Recently, they donated over 1,000 puzzles🧩 and memory books to a local senior center. We'd love to see how your troop has been up to! Send us your pictures to customercare@..." (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)
• Live Election results and Highway committee meeting : Watch BCTV for live local elections results today, Tuesday! Also, at 7:15 a.m Tuesday, "watch the Highway Safety Committee meeting live on BCTV channel 22" here:" (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Polaris Charter School — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Capital City Craft Festival (April 1)
• Retro Pinball Night (April 1)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Get Spring ready with Modern Pest Services. (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll see you around.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and media producer. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Bedford Patch newsletter? Contact me at paula.constance.patch@gmail.com