🌱 Wrong-Way Driver + Wind Knocks Out Power + Help Ukraine This Winter

Hi, everybody! It's Paula Constance with your new edition of the Bedford Daily. Let's get today started off right, with a quick dive into everything happening in Bedford today, including:

• Brian Nolan announces fourth humanitarian trip to Ukraine.
• Man arrested for driving into oncoming traffic in Bedford on I-293.
• Thousands lose power in high winds.

But first, today's weather:

Winds subsiding and frigid. High: 18 Low: 14.

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Here are the top stories in Bedford today:

1. A shoutout to Brian Nolan of Bedford, who is planning his group's fourth humanitarian trip to Ukraine in January. Refugees in devastated areas are facing an uncertain future without heat, electricity or clean water during the frigid Ukraine winter. Brian and volunteers with NH4Ukraine.org and partner United-Ukraine.org, a California-based nonprofit, will bring much-needed aid late in an upcoming January trip. Tax-deductible donations will be used to feed and clothe families, provide medicine and other life-saving essentials. Find out more here: (NH4Ukraine)
2. A Lowell man was arrested by Bedford police for driving the wrong way on I-293 on Friday. New Hampshire state police stopped Nikhl Israni, 22, driving "southbound" on I-293 North around 1 a.m. He entered Route 293 from Granite Street, driving toward oncoming traffic until police stopped him at the Everett Turnpike. Israni was arrested and charged "with reckless conduct, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and possession and transportation of drugs." (Daily Voice)
3. Friday's storm knocked out power for 132,000 in New Hampshire. Driving rain and powerful winds surged around 5 p.m., bringing down trees and branches "all over the state." Eversource reported significant power outages in Amherst, Bedford, Londonderry, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, Windham and surrounding communities. More than 82,000 local customers were without power. (Patch)

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From my notebook:

• Animal shelter lost power: "It's wet outside. And windy.... We have lost power. We have no phones/internet (this post made possible via spotty 4g connection) We are caring for the animals today, and that's about it." (Animal Rescue League of NH via Facebook)
• Drive sober this Christmas: "We want everyone to get home safe. Drinking and driving not only puts your safety at risk, but also risks the safety of others. Have a holly jolly Christmas and use a designated sober driver this weekend. #DriveSober" (Bedford NH Police Department via Facebook)
• Firefighters' greeting: "Sharing this Holiday Greeting from the Bedford Fire Department, NH Enjoy!" (Bedford (NH) Community Television via Facebook)
• Closed on Monday: "Just a reminder! 📆 Both our Bedford and Williston Offices and Stores will be closed Monday, December 26th! Bedford will reopen on December 27th and Williston will be closed until January 3rd." (Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. Wishing you a wonderful Holiday weekend! I'll be in your inbox again Dec. 27 with a new update.

— Paula Constance

About me: Paula is a contributing writer, author, and award-winning media producer. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking or watching fireflies in the sultry moments before sunset. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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