🌱 Wrong-Way Driver Charged + Smoke Advisory + July 4 Fireworks Guide

Hello, Bedford. It's Paula Constance, your host of the Bedford Patch newsletter. Come along to find out everything that's happening in Bedford today. In this edition, we'll cover these stories and more...

• Driver charged after wrong-way crash.
• Wildfire smoke air-quality advisory issued Thursday and Friday.
• Fourth of July fireworks, concerts, parades and celebrations!

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But first, today's weather: Humid; a stray p.m. t-shower. High: 80 Low: 62.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Bedford Patch newsletter is sponsored by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Bedford Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top stories today in Bedford:

1. Aurora Gutierrez Ortiz, 30, of Manchester, is facing charges for driving a Chevrolet Impala on the wrong side of Boynton Street and crashing into a Ford Focus in Bedford. Ortiz had two children who "were not wearing restraints" in the back seat of the Impala, police said. One of the children was taken to the Elliott Hospital with "a head laceration" and the other was admitted for observation. A passenger in the Focus was taken to the hospital with a broken wrist and another possible injury. The driver of the Ford did not report any injuries, but "was taken to the hospital as a precaution." "Both vehicles had significant damage," officials said. (WMUR Manchester)
2. Where will you celebrate July 4th in 2023? "Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks, including shows, parades, and other celebrations in and around Bedford." Manchester will have fireworks on July 3 at Arms Park. Amherst plans to have fireworks on July 3 with a parade on July 4 and Merrimack will have a July 4 Pancake Breakfast and 4th Of July Fireworks - just to name a few! Find out more about Fourth of July weekend celebrations here: (Patch)
3. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to drift into New Hampshire Thursday and Friday. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services issued an air-quality advisory for high concentrations "of fine particle air pollution" over the next two days. NHDES officials advise sensitive individuals to limit outside activity and stay in air conditioning to avoid breathing in unhealthy levels of fine particle pollution. (Subscription/The Union Leader)

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Today in Bedford:

Thursday, June 29

• $30 Thursday — Seasonal Project (6:30 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Bedford. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• Congratulations, William (Bill) Thornton: "We want to congratulate and thank William (Bill) Thornton who retired last week! Bill has been our department’s prosecutor for the past 17 years! We want to thank him for his years of dedication and wish him well in his next adventure!" (Bedford NH Police Department via Facebook)
• Training weekend: "Our Day Camp staff are having a great training weekend in preparation for the summer. 🔥👧🏕️From fire building skills to age level development to giant bubbles, they are learning everything they need to be the best counselors ever!" (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)
• Summer Camp 2023 kickoff: "Art & Yoga Summer Camp 2023 We kicked off our Fantasy & Mythical week with dragons and dragon eggs! 🐉Then the kids ended the class doing yoga with Let's Play & Namaste." (The Canvas Road Show via Facebook)
• Channel 23 Moving to Channel 8: "ATTENTION BEDFORD RESIDENTS: BCTV Channel 23 Moving to Channel 8 Effective Aug. 1. Comcast Xfinity has informed the Town and BCTV that Channel 23, the school and education channel, will be moving to Channel 8 effective Aug. 1." (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)
• Draw adorable woodland creatures: "Join Miss Lee Ann to learn how to draw adorable woodland creatures! There will be 2 sessions of this program — both are different so it's up to you if you'd like to come for one or two! Registration is for Bedford cardholders." (Bedford (NH) Public Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Local Meal Service Feast & Fettle, Now Serving Bedford (June 30)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward live in Manchester! (July 13)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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