News

The City of Keene’s Downtown Infrastructure Improvement Project will present its final design at a City Council MSFI Committee meeting in December, marking the last public input opportunity before construction begins. Key design elements include improved pedestrian and bike access, enhanced Railroad Square, and tree additions. The first construction phase, focused on Central Square, is scheduled for May 2025. Public engagement events, including “Coffee and Hard Hats” sessions and monthly MSFI Committee updates, will keep residents and businesses informed. Sign up for updates at KeeneNH.gov/Downtown.

Brianna Finke played hero for the Owls as she not only scored the first goal in program history, she scored the game-winning overtime goal for the Keene State College women’s ice hockey team in their 3-2 overtime win over Plymouth State University for the first win in the Owls’ program history. 

Brattleboro Fire Chief Leonard Howard III announces retirement after nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the Brattleboro Fire Department. Having risen through the ranks since 1987, Chief Howard reflects on his career, leadership values, and contributions to the community. His achievements include organizing the career staff union, developing Brattleboro’s Rental Housing Registry, and guiding the department’s shift to a municipal emergency services model. The town has begun the search for a new chief.

A Putney man, Zachary Goldberg, 42, was arrested after allegedly pointing a firearm and using abusive language in a Vinegar Lane altercation. Charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and a hate crime, Goldberg is set to appear in Vermont Superior Court on November 4.

Keene High School’s field hockey team has made history, winning the Division I state title with an undefeated 18-0-1 season. The Blackbirds secured a 1-0 victory over Dover, thanks to Olive Thatcher’s late goal. This first-ever championship win marks a milestone for Keene High, as the team celebrated with a hometown parade, greeted by cheers and a police and fire escort.

A 75-year-old hunter from Swanzey was rescued from rugged terrain on Fisk Hill in Wilton, NH, after slipping and suffering a head injury while helping his son recover a deer. Conservation officers and emergency crews assisted in the rescue.

KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Temperatures will be more seasonable this weekend, with highs in the low 50s over the weekend.

Looking for something to do in the Monadnock region this weekend? From outdoor movies and live theater to music spanning Led Zeppelin tributes and reggae grooves, there’s something for everyone. Here’s the highlights:

The Vermont Association of Broadcasters (VAB) will present the 2024 Distinguished Service Award to Ira Wilner, chief engineer at Monadnock Media Group, during the Hall of Fame & Awards Gala on November 16 at The Farmhouse at Essex Resort & Spa. Recognized for his 50-year career in broadcast engineering in Vermont and New Hampshire, Wilner’s contributions include founding Wilner Associates, setting up transmission towers, and designing studios for local stations. Known for his commitment to public service, he played a vital role in creating the Vermont Emergency Alert System and continues to mentor aspiring engineers.

Keene, NH, has launched the “Vision Keene 20-Forward” report, outlining a master plan for sustainable growth over the next 20 years. Focusing on community engagement, the initiative aims to enhance affordable housing, support local businesses, improve transportation, and prioritize environmental resilience. Key findings from the 2024 Community Snapshot Report reveal trends in population stability, increased household earnings, and a high livability index. The project will move into its next phase in early 2025, with opportunities for continued stakeholder involvement. For more details, read the full report.