A kitchen fire at Cherry Garden on Main Street was quickly extinguished Wednesday after an automatic alarm alerted Keene firefighters, limiting damage.

New Hampshire officials are reassessing the state’s vehicle inspection program after the Executive Council rejected a short-term contract extension, leaving the state without an approved vendor as a federal court case continues.

Keene Ice & Snow Festival returns Saturday as Mark Rebillard previews ice carvings, free family events and downtown fun on WKBK Radio.

Voters across the Fall Mountain district restored funding to the proposed school budget, protected key programs and rejected a capital reserve contribution ahead of March balloting.

Swanzey voters reviewed and amended warrant articles Tuesday night, debating the town budget, a new public works building, zoning changes and the future of voting procedure.

Keene Democrat Dylan Germana, 22, resigned from the N.H. House after the Attorney General’s Office raised questions about his residency and work-related travel.

The hope of Keene Mayor Jay Kahn and Public Works Director Don Lussier is to be able to put the Downtown Reconstruction Project out to bid again in the spring.

Voters in SAU 93 and the Keene School District will see a mix of contested and uncontested school board races on the March ballot following last week’s filing deadlines.