Merrimack, NH|News|
Why Was That Helicopter Flying Around Town?
Public Service of New Hampshire officials were checking their power lines in town today.

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.
Public Service of New Hampshire officials were checking their power lines in town today.

Becky Ranes of Amherst, mother of Joshua Savyon, is scheduled to testify in favor of Senate Bill 318 on Tuesday morning.
Town Council to hold up to six meeting to finalize proposed 2014-2015 municipal budget and warrant articles.
Police say Michael M. Ozog, 47, allegedly locked another person in his home on Jan. 7 and refused to let them leave.
Public Works Department's overtime budget for snow removal is already feeling the strain of this winter's first significant storm.
Peter Bergin believes the law will remain on the Cemetery Trustees side regardless of what others may want to see happened at Cemetery Fields.
Here is a snapshot of activity from the Amherst Fire log from Dec. 30, 2013 through Jan. 3.
Here is a snapshot of activity from the Merrimack Police log on Dec. 24. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
The following information was provided by the Portsmouth Police log. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.
School Board to hold budget hearing on Monday night; volunteers needed to serve on town boards.
The Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Historic District Commission are meeting this week; Souhegan High to hold blood drive Friday.
Built in 1850, this Old Mont Vernon Road home offers plenty of antique charm to go with five bedrooms and nearly 3 acres of land.
This Old Mont Vernon Road home in nearby Amherst offers plenty of antique charm to go with five bedrooms and nearly 3 acres of land.
Members of the Souhegan High School National Honor Society to host blood drive on Jan. 17.
Merrimack Parks and Recreation Department to hold 22nd annual Winter Carnival on Feb. 22 at Wasserman Park.
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, and Jeanne Hulit, acting administrator of the Small Business Administration met with business leaders at La Belle Winery.
These two felines are available for adoption this weekend at the Human Society for Greater Nashua.
These two felines are available for adoption this weekend at the Human Society for Greater Nashua.