🌱 Dixieland Florist Gone After 57 Years + Witness-Tampering Charges

Hello, all! It's Paula Constance, your host of the Bedford Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with the most important stories and events happening in Bedford today. In this edition, find these stories and more...

• Dixieland Florist is closed!
• Bedford indictments include 16 witness-tampering charges.
• Ben Steeves from Bedford named a rookie hockey player to watch.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny; breezy, cooler. High: 43 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

1. After 57 years in Bedford, Dixieland Florist & Gift Shop is closed! Owner Debbie Nelson said "she is still is still trying to get the word out" to its loyal customers. The business, which closed in January, was built in 1935 by Nelson’s grandfather as a grocery store. It then became a "wholesale leather business for cobblers," until Nelson's mother and grandmother opened the flower shop in 1965 when Nelson was 14. Customers dropped off gifts and wished Nelson well in her retirement when they found out Dixieland was closing. (Subscription/The Union Leader)
2. Hillsborough County handed down several indictments connected to Bedford, including 16 witness tampering charges for Craig Carter, 47, of Manchester, who is "accused of retaliating against an intimate partner" after she provided information to the Bedford Police Department. He was also indicted for "asking her to withhold testimony" through Facebook messages. Jeffrey Chessie, 28, of Bedford was indicted on a first-degree assault charge after being accused of "striking a woman’s hand with a baseball bat on Oct. 8, 2022, in Manchester," and Megan Burke, 34, of Manchester, was indicted on several drug felonies from May 14, 2022, in Bedford. (Bedford Patch)
3. National Collegiate Hockey Conference freshman Ben Steeves, a Minnesota hockey player from Bedford, was named as one of six NCHC freshmen on the Tim Taylor Award Watch List. (The Rink Live)

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Today in Bedford:

New Hampshire CPR / EMT Training Course: Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 9 Cedarwood Dr. #12, Bedford. Sign up here: (NHCPR)

From my notebook:

• Young artists in print: "Yay! We have some young artists that are in newspaper. 👏🎨🖌" (The Canvas Road Show via Facebook)
• "Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk." "Be the #MVP of the night by being the sober #DesignatedDriver. 🏈 Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. #SuperBowlLVII" (Bedford NH Police Department via Facebook)
• Valentine's Day craft ideas: "Looking for some fun craft ideas for Valentine's Day? Miss Jane thought these might be fun to check out." (Town of Bedford Recreation Department via Facebook)
• BCTV schedule: "Here is this week's BCTV program and live events schedules. Please visit www.bedfordtv.com for online and on demand viewing. Thank you for Watching! 👀" (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)
• A sweet Valentine's Day idea: "Here's a sweet idea! Skip the chocolates and flowers this Valentine's Day and send an eCard to your loved one by making a donation in their name instead." (Animal Rescue League of NH via Facebook)

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You're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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 follow 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