🌱 Sean Donahue Best Teacher Finalist + 'Do Your Job' Cold Case Rally

Hi all. Paula Constance here with your Wednesday edition of the Bedford Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know today, including these stories and more...

• Bedford teacher Sean Donahue finalist for the 2024 Teacher of the Year.
• SUV crashes into Bedford Toll Booth Sunday.
• "Do Your Job" sign at Attorney General's Office rally by friends and family of 130 unsolved murder and missing person cases in New Hampshire.

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But first, today's weather: Mainly cloudy, showers around. High: 75 Low: 63.

Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

1. A shoutout to Bedford teacher Sean Donahue! The sixth-grade math teacher at McKelvie Intermediate School is one of four finalists for the 2024 NH Teacher of the Year. The four finalist educators are from Manchester, Bedford, Keene and Pembroke. They were selected from 20 semifinalists (chosen from a group of 92 nominees.) Christine Brennan, deputy commissioner and member of the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, said in a statement: “These educators represent the heart and soul of teaching, and we are proud of their many contributions to the field." (Subscription/The Union Leader)
2. An SUV crashed into the Bedford toll plaza in the northbound lane Sunday night, backing up traffic on the FE Everett Turnpike. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation called state police to report an SUV "struck the northbound toll plaza in Bedford" Sunday around 7:15 p.m. Traffic was diverted around the crash until a tow truck arrived to remove the vehicle. No injuries were reported. (Bedford Patch via news partner Jeffrey Hastings)
3. "Do Your Job," read a sign held by a family and friends at a rally in pouring rain outside the Attorney General's Office in Concord Tuesday. They were there to "collectively ask for help and better communication" for the 130 unsolved murder and missing person cases involving their loved ones in New Hampshire. In a news release, Mike Garrity said many cold cases in the state had been solved, including identifying a murdered woman found in Bedford from a 40-year-old cold case. Jane Boroski was at the rally. She is known as the lone survivor of the unsolved Connecticut River Valley Killer after being stabbed 27 times on Aug. 6, 1988, on her way home from the Cheshire County Fair in Swanzey when she was seven months pregnant. See the list of New Hampshire cold cases here: (InDepthNH.org)

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From our partner:

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From my notebook:

• Arumugam is Gold Award Scholarship recipient: "Meet Nikhitha Arumugam! Nikhitha is a proud GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship recipient. She is one of 110 recipients awarded a $10k scholarship. Nikhitha's Gold Award focused on addressing attitudes towards other cultures." (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)
• Thank you, New England Turf Solutions: "We can't thank Mark and his crew from New England Turf Solutions, LLC enough for his honest, reliable, top-notch service and quality installation! For all of your turf needs, we HIGHLY recommend New England Turf Solutions, LLC!" (Animal Rescue League of NH via Facebook)
• BCTV covers 2023 sports season: "All Go BHS Bulldogs fall sports teams are back and gearing up for another exciting season of Bulldogs athletics! Our coverage on BCTV and 105.1 starts in just a few days; so stay tuned for notices of upcoming live broadcasts." (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)
• Bedford Public Library Farmers' Market table: "The Library had a table at the weekly Farmers' Market Tuesday at Murphy's Taproom on Route 101." (Bedford (NH) Public Library via Facebook)
• Streamlined dismissal program: "RBS is streamlining our dismissal program for students! Please see the graphic below and the tutorial link for adding the app to your phone home screen." (Riddle Brook School, Bedford NH via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Alex Minasian Jazz Trio Concert to Benefit the Andres Institute of Art (August 20)
• Local Meal Service Feast & Fettle, Now Serving Bedford (August 31)
• Add your event

You're in the loop for today. 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