🌱 Gas Pipe Break Evacuates Complex + Rent Increases + 100 Composters

Hello, hello. Paula Constance here with your Friday edition of the Bedford Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now. In today's issue, we have these stories and more:

• Large residential complex evacuated after dangerous gas line break.
• New Hampshire rents have increased by 40 percent.
• Looking for 100 residents to compost for a good cause.

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But first, today's weather: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 78 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

1. A large residential complex was evacuated by firefighters Thursday morning for a potentially dangerous gas leak on Technology Drive after a commercial lawnmower damaged a gas feed to the building. Around 8:45 a.m., fire crews and Bedford police closed the entrance to Connect 55 after a large building "due to the high flow of natural gas." Firefighters turned off the gas until Liberty Utilities arrived to assist. Firefighters resolved the issue in about 45 minutes and allowed residents to return to the building once it was safe to reenter. (Jeffrey Hastings for Patch)
2. An annual survey says rents in New Hampshire have increased 40 percent. That means someone renting a two-bedroom apartment "would have to earn $70,600 annually" to afford the average monthly rent including utilities of $1,764 in 2023. New Hampshire Housing released the 2023 NH Residential Rental Cost Survey on Wednesday showing the average household income in the state is $55,538 a year. At this income, renters can afford a monthly rent of $1,388. (Manchester Ink Link)
3. Hey Bedford! Le's support a sustainable future by composting. The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill joined in a community partnership with Renewal Garden & Compost. Once 100 Bedford households are composting their household food waste with the Education Farm at Joppa Hill program, Renewal Garden & Compost will donate $1,000 to the Education Farm! A win-win for everyone. Find out more here: (The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill via Facebook)

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Today in Bedford:

Friday, July 21

• Clocks, Rounds, Door Hangers and more (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Vermont flood victims: "We continue to think of all our Girl Scout sisters and families impacted by the devastating flooding in Vermont and New Hampshire over the past few weeks. We have reached out to the VSCs for impacted communities to offer assistance." (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)
• Cute summer craft: "Miss Jane found another cute craft project for you! 😊 Enjoy!" (Town of Bedford Recreation Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Learn more about your digital camera (July 27)
• Local Meal Service Feast & Fettle, Now Serving Bedford (July 31)
• Nashua Home Design Center Educational Series - Thursday, August 3rd (August 3)
• 2nd Annual Hero Pups Golf Tournament (August 7)
• Add your event

Featured job listings:

• Mailroom Clerk - Seasonal & Flexible Schedule (Details)
• Add your listing

You're caught up for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— 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