MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As 2024 draws to a close, the Monadnock region has witnessed a year of both challenges and triumphs, with communities coming together to support one another, adapt to unexpected shifts, and chart a course for a bright future. From civic achievements to community-building efforts, here’s a look back at the most significant stories of the year.

Resilience Amid Disasters and Adversity

Nature’s power was on full display this year, starting with Dublin’s second EF1 tornado of 2024 in June, which left behind minimal structural damage but a reminder of the unpredictable forces of weather. Later in the summer, severe storms struck Keene and the surrounding areas, displacing residents and causing widespread power outages. The storms caused over $1.4 million in damage, but local response teams quickly mobilized, helping residents recover.

Meanwhile, Keene’s Transfer Station was hit by two fires in the same week, the second of which destroyed an excavator, resulting in a $400,000 loss. The incidents, including the tragic crash of a plane that claimed two lives, were stark reminders of the region’s vulnerability and the importance of emergency preparedness.

Triumphs of the Community

Despite these setbacks, 2024 saw significant community triumphs. My Keene Now, Monadnock Media Group’s website offering free local news to the community, launched in early June.

Keene’s Wheelock Park celebrated the opening of its long-awaited dog park, a project made possible by a community fundraising effort. Keene also witnessed the appointment of new leaders, such as Carrah Fisk Hennessey, who transitioned from Keene State College softball coach to Parks and Recreation Director, and Don Lussier, promoted to Public Works Director. Meanwhile, Keene’s Fire Chief Jason Martin officially took over after years of dedicated service.

Keene’s efforts to expand housing options were recognized when the city earned the title of “Housing Champion” by the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. The city’s commitment to affordable housing, zoning reforms, and environmental sustainability became a focal point of the “Vision Keene 20-Forward” master planning process, which will guide development through 2045.

A Year of Change and Challenges

2024 was also a year of leadership transitions. Long-serving officials like Patty Little, Keene’s City Clerk for 43 years, announced their retirements, while others, such as Monadnock Conservancy Executive Director Ryan Owens, also moved on to new opportunities. Meanwhile, the Greater Monadnock Collaborative and local arts groups saw leadership changes, with new leaders taking charge at The Colonial Theatre and Monadnock Peer Support.

The cancellation of Keene Wizarding Week, a beloved annual event inspired by the Harry Potter series, marked a bittersweet moment as Warner Bros. issued a cease-and-desist letter, halting the event’s return in 2025. However, the community’s ability to pivot in the face of these challenges remained a defining characteristic of the year.

Civic Engagement and Growth

The year also marked a surge in civic engagement. The Keene City Council introduced a new winter parking system to ease snow removal, while the Finance Committee began exploring options to address parking concerns raised by downtown business owners. The city also introduced new initiatives such as “Ward Wednesdays” to foster greater interaction between residents and local government.

A significant proposal came in December with plans to overhaul Keene’s downtown infrastructure. Business owners expressed concerns about the disruptions the project might cause, but the city is working on strategies to mitigate these challenges, including appointing a liaison to handle issues as they arise.

A Year of Recognition and Reflection

The region also found ways to honor its community members. In November, the Fenton Food Drive raised nearly $17,000 and collected thousands of pounds of food for local families in need. Similarly, Ira Wilner of Monadnock Media Group was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for his decades of contributions to regional broadcasting, highlighting the area’s rich history of service and community spirit.

On a larger scale, New Hampshire received $30 million in federal funds to combat the opioid crisis, with a focus on treatment and recovery programs. This funding comes at a time when the state is grappling with a 52.1% rise in homelessness, an issue that has become a critical point of discussion for local organizations working to support vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead

As the region moves into 2025, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. New initiatives such as Keene’s “Vision Keene 20-Forward” master planning process and the regional push to address the rise in homelessness promise long-term positive impacts. The Monadnock region, despite facing hardships, has shown resilience and a renewed commitment to community growth.

The upcoming year will undoubtedly bring more challenges, but the collective spirit of the Monadnock region ensures that the community will continue to thrive, adapt, and push forward toward a sustainable and vibrant future.

In the words of one local leader, “Together, we’ve faced storms, both literal and metaphorical. And together, we will continue to build a future that is brighter than ever.”

From all of us at MyKeeneNow and across the Monadnock region, we wish you a peaceful and prosperous 2025.