Runners + Sununu On Shots + DEA Look-Alike Pill Danger + Foliage

Happy Wednesday, Bedford! Let's get caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 63. Wednesday night, partly cloudy. Low 47F.

Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

1. Where can you find a rapid COVID-19 test? That's what parents and schools are wondering as they are overwhelmed by a shortage of available COVID-19 tests due to high demand. Kelly Chausovsky discovered this when she received a call from the Bedford middle school nurse saying that her daughter had a headache — one of the 11 possible symptoms of COVID-19. Before her daughter could return to school, she needed to have a COVID-19 test, but as Chausovsky recalled, there was "not a single appointment" within 30 miles of Bedford. School nurses are doing their best, but New Hampshire is struggling to meet the high demand for rapid COVID-19 tests. (New Hampshire Public Radio)
2. A few notable Bedford runners were ready for a race on Sunday. Congratulations to runners, Charles Perreault, Melissa Perreault, and Charla Stevens from Bedford who participated in the 43rd annual Clarence DeMar Half Marathon at Surry Mountain Lake on Sunday in Keene. (The Keene Sentinel)
3. Don't believe it. That's what Gov. Christopher Sununu wants lawmakers to do as he urges them to reject misinformation and accept $27 million in federal funding to boost vaccinations in the state. The governor said he doesn't believe "in fighting with people" but was "very firm" about unquestionable data that vaccines work, and that they are safe and effective, even though some lawmakers were spreading "false information." Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette corrected state Rep. Ken Weyler, R-Kingston, who falsely claimed earlier in the month that most people hospitalized with COVID-19 "were fully vaccinated." (WMUR)
4. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued an urgent warning about counterfeit drugs that are made to look like legitimate medication that can be bought cheaply on the internet, but are actually loaded with fentanyl or methamphetamine (meth). A surge in medication-laced with drugs has been recently intercepted by law enforcement, prompting the urgent alert. The pills can be easily ordered by teens on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Celeste Clark, executive director of the Raymond Coalition for Youth, said that the pills are advertised as legitimate medicines, asking: "Are you stressed? Do you have anxiety? We have a pill for that." The Rockingham County Sheriff's Office recently seized 9,000 fentanyl pills destined for New Hampshire that were pressed to look like oxycodone. (WMUR)
5. Here's an insider's peek at peak foliage. You may want to check out the current New Hampshire foliage map as stunning colors begin to emerge in northern New Hampshire. (WMUR)

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Today in Bedford:

• PTG New Family Welcome @ Town Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Cozy Knit Blanket Workshop. (6:30 a.m.)

Bedford Patch Notebook

• Bedford (NH) Community Television: "Watch live this evening on BCTV channel 23 or online." (Facebook)
• Animal Rescue League of NH: "Feeling Lucky!? Only a few more days to purchase your chance to win 5,000!" (Facebook)
• Barbara Hebert Obituary (1952 - 2021) - Bedford, NH - Union Leader. (Legacy.com)
• Leo Waible Obituary (1932 - 2021) - Bedford, NH - Union Leader. (Legacy.com)

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Events:

• Medicaid 101 Webinar (September 30)
• Nashua Home Design Center Grand Opening (October 2)
• Charmingfare Farm's Pumpkin Festival (October 2)
• Call for Walkers: Register for the 33rd Annual Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk: Your Way (October 3)
• Fall Sturbridge MA Doll, Bear, Miniature and Toy Show and Sale (October 3)
• Charmingfare Farm's Pumpkin Festival (October 3)
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• VELUX Skylights & Roofing Experts (Details)
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• Onsite Interview Day (Details)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon! If you like these newsletters, consider bringing more friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Paula Constance

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Bedford Daily? Reach out anytime to paula.constance.patch@gmail.com.