🌱 Was COVID A Natural Disaster? + Will Steeves Fill Open Hockey Spot?

Hello, everybody! Paula Constance here with your Thursday edition of the Bedford Daily, full of all the local news you need to know right now. Including:

• Moose's Pals celebrates local shelter pets.
• Maple Leafs hockey player Alex Reeves "deserves a chance."
• Hotels want the state Supreme Court to decide if COVID-19 was a natural disaster.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 42 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

1. Moose's Pals, the pet adoption column at InDepthNH.org, is featuring pets from the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. Meet Spooky, a black and white female domestic short hair cat who is 7 years, 5 months old and "spent most of her life in a basement." She's looking for a caring home "with someone who has a lot of patience and time." (InDepthNH.org)
2. A shoutout to Bedford native Alex Steeves, a rising player for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Based on consistent strong scoring for the team, sports writer James Reeve says he "deserves a chance" to fill an open left wing position. Based on Steeves' performance, "it's bound to happen," Reeves added. (Yardbarker)
3. Hotels want the New Hampshire Supreme Court to decide if COVID-19 was a natural disaster. Some hotels say they shouldn't be forced to pay local property taxes "when Gov. Chris Sununu effectively shut them down" during the pandemic. Cities, including Manchester, Keene and Laconia and the town of Bedford, countered that the shutdown caused by the pandemic isn't "what lawmakers had in mind when they exempted buildings from taxation during natural disasters." (Yahoo News)

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Today in Bedford:

• Pick Your Project Workshop (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Trees and wreaths for sale at the shelter: "Puff Pastry would like everyone to know that we still have Christmas trees and wreaths available for sale here at the shelter! Proceeds benefit the animals in our care, including this sweet boy!" (Animal Rescue League of NH via Facebook)
• Adorable ornaments: "Check out these adorable ornaments Troop 58261 from Merrimack made and donated! Awesome job!" (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)
• Dec. 15 is the last day to donate toys: "Dec. 15 the last day to donate to Toys for Tots! Our POD will be closing at 4 p.m. so now is the time for any last minute shoppers! We want to thank everyone who has donated." (Bedford NH Police Department via Facebook)
• Catch replays of your favorite teams on BCTV : "HIGHLIGHT 🚨 - Go BHS Bulldogs Boys Basketball's Aiden O'Connell (SR) gets up high to the rim and finishes the one-handed slam! He scored a team-high 29 points in a 91-75 season opener W against Manchester Central. Catch replays of the game." (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)
• Elf Academy: "Sign up for Elf Academy! Join the library staff in playing some games, laughing and enjoying some refreshments. Elf attire not required, but certainly encouraged! Click the link to register for your spot!" (Bedford (NH) Public Library via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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