Merrimack, NH|News|
Merrimack Teen Charged with Assaulting Family Member
Ryan Mercier, 17, was charged with domestic simple assault and criminal mischief on Dec. 26.

Birthdate: July 5, 1964
Tel. 603-369-9173
e-mail: robert.cook@patch.com
Married to Mary.
Son: Patrick, 7
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I have evolved from a lifelong Democrat to an Independent who prefers to vote for the best qualified candidates instead of party lines.
Religion
I was baptized a Catholic and my son was baptized a Methodist, but I do not really subscribe to any particular religion. I fully respect others' freedom to worship in whatever religion they choose.
Local hot-button issue
Like many other communities in New Hampshire, Portsmouth has done its best to weather the economic storm as best as it can and keeps moving forward with new commercial and residential development. Maintaining the level of municipal and educational services this city is accustomed to seeing continues to be a challenge.
My beliefs: Fairness, equality and tolerance. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
Ryan Mercier, 17, was charged with domestic simple assault and criminal mischief on Dec. 26.

More than 400 people have signed a special Facebook page pledging that they will no longer text and drive.
A snapshot of Amherst Police activity on Dec. 20. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
The following information was provided by the Portsmouth Police log. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
If you're out of work, looking for a new job, or even a first job, check out some of these local listings.
Town offices to close Wednesday for New Year's Day; more snow headed this way later this week.
Town offices to be closed on Wednesday for New Year's Day; more snow on the way later this week.
The Amherst town offices and many other businesses will be closed all day on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
The Town Offices, public schools and the library will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
John P. Ferraro died on Friday in a motor vehicle accident on Route 101A in Amherst.
John P. Ferraro died on Friday in a motor vehicle accident on Route 101A in Amherst.
December 2013 may be remembered as a very tragic month following the deaths of John Bachman and John Ferraro, both of Amherst, and Eric M. L'Ecuyer of Merrimack.
December 2013 may be remembered as a very tragic month following the deaths of John Bachman and John Ferraro, both of Amherst, and Eric M. L'Ecuyer of Merrimack.
A snapshot of Amherst Police activity between Dec. 16 and 20. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
The following information comes from the Exeter Police log. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
The following information was provided by the Portsmouth Police log. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
Friends and family celebrate the life of John Bachman; snow and rain could make for a messy Monday morning commute.
More snow and rain make for slippery commute this morning; town offices to close Wednesday for New Year's Day.