🌱 Manchester Seed Library Coming Soon + COVID-19 Cases Reach Lowest

Hello there, Manchester. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Snow, heavy early, 3-6". High: 36 Low: 26.

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Here are the top three stories in Manchester today:

1. Interested in starting a garden? The Manchester Seed Library is coming to the area this April and will be offering different seed options for the season. Open through August 2023, seeds will be available for check-out on the second floor of the library, outside of the NH Room. Those interested can stop by the library to browse available seeds to take home and plant. Manchester Seed Library also welcomes seeds from gardeners to keep its sustainable collection growing. You can learn more at the link. (Manchester City Library)
2. COVID-19 cases in the Manchester area reached its lowest point for the first time since December 2022. As of Friday, there were 930 reported active cases in the state, compared to last Thursday's 1,120 reported active cases. The last time active cases were reported below 1,000 was on Nov. 24, 2022, with 895 cases. It's been three years since the first reported case of COVID-19 in New Hampshire. (WMUR 9)
3. A Manchester man has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the death of 83-year-old Robert Prest. According to police, Robert Gagnon, 45, bludgeoned Prest to death with a hatchet after a robbery attempt. Robert Gagnon is accused of stealing a gun and BMW sedan from Prest, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Along with the murder charge, Gagnon was indicted on one count of attempted murder for shooting Carlos Quintong, 44, in Brookline the same day. (New Hampshire Union Leader)

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Today in Manchester:

• Pop Up Picnic Park Date for Couples At Livingston Park (10:00 AM)
• Crafturday: Macramé Wall Hanging At Goffstown Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Live DJ And Delicious Bites At Even Restaurant & Bar (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• This week, Manchester police said good luck and farewell to Officer Mark Aquino. After 21 years of service with the Manchester Police Department (MPD), Officer Aquino is retiring as a serving member of MPD's traffic unit. Learn more about his contributions at the link. (Manchester NH Police via Facebook)
• Looking for a furry companion? Mr. Man is up for adoption! He is described as a curious cat with a strong dislike of cats and dogs, so a home free of both is strongly encouraged. Those interested in adopting him can complete an application at the link. (Manchester Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is revisiting her nearly-decade-long fight to get Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill for Women's History Month. The legislation was first introduced in 2015. "It seems to me if we can put a man on the moon in a decade, we ought to be able to put a woman on our currency in a decade," Shaheen said. (WMUR 9)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.