🌱Seabrook Scare + Sheriff Concerns, New Gun Law And Schools + Drought

Good morning! It's me, Paula Constance, your host of the Bedford Daily — back in your inbox with everything that's happening in Bedford today.

Love the Bedford Daily? Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe for free.

First, today's weather:

A partly sunny day today. High: 87 Low: 67.

🏡 Looking for more real estate leads in Bedford? Let us help you reach prospective home buyers and stand out from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Bedford:

1. A new New Hampshire gun law that went into effect when it was signed Gov. Chris Sununu on June 24 is causing concern among county sheriffs. The new law "prohibits state and local officials from enforcing federal firearms laws, agency rules, or executive orders" unless the laws or rules also exist in state law. Two county sheriffs asked for "clarification" about how to enforce the law, that "limits their ability" to enforce the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990," which stops a person from possessing a loaded firearm on school property, as well as federal laws that "prohibit firearms possessions for people convicted of domestic violence." New Hampshire law enforcement, Attorney General John Formella said in a memo to law enforcement that the new law "would not affect the ability to report people who appear suspicious or dangerous." (Manchester Ink Link)
2. The state is asking for New Hampshire residents to voluntarily limit lawn watering to help save water, as a moderate drought has been declared across New England. Water restrictions are already being imposed in some areas across New Hampshire. Environmental officials are asking residents to only water lawns and flowers in "the early morning" or "later in the evening." A drought monitor map released Thursday shows all of New Hampshire "in a moderate drought, with a sliver of the southeastern part of the state in a severe drought." Environmental officials said conserving water "will be key" as temperatures rise over the summer. (WMUR)
3. The state said that the Seabrook Nuclear Power plant didn't immediately report that there was a mistaken activation of its emergency alert system, and Hampton Fall residents want answers. Around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, many residents and visitors along the coast heard the warning sirens on nine of the 121 speakers within a 10-mile radius of the nuclear plant "telling them to leave the beach, close all doors and windows, and tune into a local radio station for more information." "Be thankful that it wasn't a real situation," said Rye Fire Chief Mark Cotreau. Officials said the incident served as a reminder "for people living within a 10-mile radius," which includes 18 communities, including the city of Portsmouth. NextEra Energy and the state Department of Homeland Security "have put together a guide on what to do in an emergency." (WMUR)

Today in Bedford:

• Sprinkler Storytime for Ages 0-12. (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Crystal Lake Reopens: The Manchester Health Department announced Thursday that the public beach at Crystal Lake has been re-opened for swimming. Analyses of water samples taken on July 13, indicate that E. coli levels are now within acceptable limits. (Manchester Ink Link)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Summer Block Party at the Currier Museum (July 16)
• Bluegrass BBQ (July 23)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Rise Private Wealth Management Earns National Recognition for Leadership in Corporate Philanthropy (Details)
• Add your announcement

Job listings:

• Support Advisor (Details)
• Add your job listing

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back soon with a new update.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a freelance writer, author, and award-winning media producer. She is committed to media projects that empower, engage, and help make the world a better place. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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