Keene concludes its Ward Optimization Week (WOW) with a focus on Ward 5 from October 7-11. The citywide initiative, led by Keene Parks & Recreation and Public Works, targets infrastructure improvements, including road repairs, storm drain cleaning, and park maintenance. WOW also engages residents through social media and events like the upcoming Community Night at Wheelock Park on October 8. Locals are encouraged to share feedback and submit maintenance requests via SeeClickFix.
Mayor Jay Kahn discussed emergency preparedness and ethics reforms in Keene during an interview on WKBK Radio. He highlighted the need for improved flood mitigation and transparency in city council decision-making. Kahn proposed new rules requiring councilors to disclose potential conflicts of interest, including those involving family members, to increase public trust. He also addressed local infrastructure improvements and concerns about environmental impacts of a proposed solar project.
Keene will conduct a downtown parking assessment using drone technology from October 17-19, 2024, to analyze parking trends in key areas like Central Square and Main Street. The study, led by Weston and Sampson, aims to improve future parking planning.
Guerrilla Grill in Keene, co-owned by Western North Carolina native Adam Rector, is partnering with Queen of the South BBQ to aid victims of Hurricane Helene. The hurricane devastated towns across the Carolinas, leaving many without shelter or access to food and water. Guerrilla Grill is accepting donations of non-perishable food, water, and funds to support their relief mission, which departs on October 16. Donations can be made at the restaurant or via Venmo (@GuerrillaGrill) until October 15.
Nonprofits and religious organizations across New Hampshire are set to receive $2.4 million in federal security funding to enhance safety measures, thanks to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Spearheaded by Senator Maggie Hassan, the program ensures smaller states like New Hampshire can access critical resources for protecting vulnerable spaces, including houses of worship. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas also voiced support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to safeguard nonprofit and faith-based organizations amid rising threats. The funding follows Senator Hassan’s ongoing efforts to expand the program and her co-authorship of the Pray Safe Act.
Looking for things to do in the Monadnock Region this October? Enjoy peak foliage with an exciting lineup of events from October 4-6, 2024. Highlights include a Witches & Warlocks Dance Party in Keene, Punk-In-Fest at Modestman Brewing, and live music at Brewbakers on Friday. On Saturday, take a guided Walldogs Mural Tour or experience Classic Albums Live performing the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” at The Colonial Theatre. Sunday features Keene’s Fire Prevention Parade and the Domino Toppling Extravaganza in Brattleboro, VT. Perfect fall activities for every taste!
Lt. Meghan Manke of the Keene Fire Department spoke with WKBK’s Dan Mitchell about Fire Prevention Week and the department’s annual parade on October 6th at 1 p.m., featuring 11 local fire departments and high school bands. She also highlighted the importance of smoke alarms, urging proper installation and regular testing as part of this year’s fire safety theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You.” Manke also shared details on the department’s new 100-foot ladder truck and the Jaffrey Fire Department’s open house and breakfast buffet, also on October 6th.
Starting today, Keene’s West Street Well #1 will be offline for the fall and winter, which may lead to temporary water flow changes and brief discoloration for some residents. The City advises flushing systems by running cold water for 10 minutes if discoloration occurs. If the issue persists, residents should contact the Public Works Department. For those experiencing laundry staining, a free cleaning product is available at the Public Works office. Residents are reminded not to dry discolored laundry and can pick up the stain remover at 350 Marlboro St.
Early this morning, a serious accident involving a tractor-trailer and a car on Route 9 East in Keene left one woman with severe injuries. Emergency services responded within minutes to find the car engulfed in flames. Keene police had pulled the woman from the wreckage before the fire department arrived. Firefighters extinguished the blaze while containing hazards from the tractor-trailer. The injured woman was transported to Cheshire Medical Center, and although weather prevented air transport, she received life-saving care. Keene Police are investigating the cause of the crash, which closed the road for several hours.
Curator Taryn Fisher has transformed her cozy Keene home into an enchanting gallery, The Court Street Cottage: Taryn Fisher Fine Art, where local artists showcase their work in an inviting, intimate setting. Since launching the gallery in 2022, Fisher has focused on amplifying the voices of artists committed to social justice, environmental stewardship, and community activism. Her space offers a personal, home-like atmosphere that encourages visitors to engage deeply with art, blending professionalism with warmth. As she prepares for upcoming exhibitions, Fisher remains passionate about fostering connections between artists and art lovers.
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