120 COVID-19 Bedford Deaths + Top Runner + Big Nansen Waking Up

Good morning, Bedford! Paula Constance here with your brand-new copy of the Bedford Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Sunshine and clouds today. High: 75. Tuesday night, showers developing late. Low: 58.

Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

1. Over the past 18 months, 120 Bedford residents have died from coronavirus. The state reported 3,211 new infections last week with 4,173 active cases as of Friday. Nearly a third, or 1,000 of the new cases, were children (19 or younger). (Patch)
2. Vaccinations have stalled in New Hampshire over the past three months, despite efforts of health officials to make it easy for everyone to access the coronavirus vaccine. In March, the number of fully vaccinated people was up by 40%, but since July, the state has only had an increase of 1.7%. A vaccination van made its way across the Granite State with several stops, including one on Sunday outside of the Manchester bingo hall. The state offers several options for people to get the vaccine, including making them available at local pharmacies, some without the need for an appointment. (WMUR)
3. Bedford runner AJ Pratt took top place in the men's division of the popular 10K Portsmouth Market Square road race on Saturday, finishing with a time of 39 minutes and 48 seconds. The day got off to a confusing start when some runners veered off course. Organizers on Sunday were still trying to find out what happened. The 44th annual Market Square festival and race returned to downtown Portsmouth this year after being canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Seacoastonline.com)
4. In New Hampshire's North Country, "Big Nansen" is awakening from slumber. An ambitious effort is underway to restore what was formerly the highest ski jump in the world. The Milan NH project, near Berlin, is progressing but will require additional fundraising for the next phase. Scandinavians who came to work in the northern New Hampshire paper mills brought their love of skiing with them, forming the Nansen Ski Club in 1882. The Big Nansen Ski Jump was built between 1936 and 1938 and was named after Greenland explorer Fridjof Nansen. Big Nansen was also the site of the first Olympic ski-jumping tryouts in 1938. (Patch)

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Today in Bedford:

• Social Security Seminar (7:00 PM)

Bedford Patch Notebook

• Bedford Police Department: "Join us this Thursday, along with the Bedford Fire Department, NH for our Open House, Sept 23rd from 5-7 p.m.! Take pictures with Mischka the Comfort Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog, enjoy cruisers rides, watch fun demonstrations and more!..." (Facebook)
• Bedford Public Library: "The Bedford Public Library is excited to now offer notary services! This service is free for Bedford residents or $5 for non-residents. Calling ahead or scheduling an appointment is strongly recommended..." (Facebook)
• Bedford Police Department: "Trick or Treating in Bedford October 31st from 6-8 p.m.! #BedfordNH #Community #Halloween." (Facebook)

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— Paula Constance

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