Archives

Date

Summer Plans in a Sagging Economy

By Laura Knoy on Thursday, May 29, 2008.

High gas prices and a lagging economy could thwart Granite Staters’ plans for vacation and recreation. Some businesses will be hit hard, but others could possibly flourish as many choose to stay much closer to home. We’ll check in with New Hampshire’s hotels, restaurants, marinas, and campgrounds to ask how they’re holding up.

Guests

Tai Freligh, Communications Manager for the Division of Travel and Tourism Development at the Department of Resources and Economic Development
Cynthia Schauer, owner of Topsides Bed & Breakfast in Wolfeboro
David Reynolds, president of the New Hampshire Campground Association and owner of Sanborn Shore Acres in Hampstead
Brad Cunningham, Vice President for Warren’s Lobster House in Kittery, Maine
Frank Wolfe, co-owner of the Lake Street Garden Center in Salem

An Astronomical Update

By Laura Knoy on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.

A successful landing on Mars means scientists may finally learn if there was ever life on the Red Planet, a chance sighting of the beginning of a supernova explosion makes the history books, a third red spot on Jupiter means strange new atmospheric happenings there and the appearance of Mars, Saturn and later Jupiter in our summer skies means a great show for vernal stargazers. We’ll look at the latest that’s happening in our skies and beyond.

Guests

Mal Cameron, education specialist at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord and coordinator of its Educator Resource Center
John Gianforte, astronomy instructor for the Granite State College and co-founder of the Astronomical Society of Northern New England

To Spray or Not to Spray?

By Laura Knoy on Tuesday, May 27, 2008.

For most of us, summer mosquitoes are just an annoyance, but they can be dangerous if they carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus. Some towns spray insecticide each year to reduce the risk of these diseases, but others choose not to, saying there's potential harm in spraying as well. We’ll look at the debate over whether to spray or not to spray.

Guests

Alan Eaton, entomologist with the UNH Cooperative Extension and coordinator of their Integrated Pest Management program
Kim McNamara, Public Health Official for Portsmouth
Melodie Esterberg, Public Works Director for Rochester
Dr. Jason Stull, State Public Health Veterinarian at the Department of Health and Human Services

Reviving Rail in New Hampshire

By Laura Knoy on Monday, May 26, 2008.

As gas prices approach four dollars a gallon, trains are getting more attention, with many saying it’s time to add more rail transport for passengers and cargo. But others say the costs of rail far outweigh the benefits. We’ll explore the latest proposals for rail and the viability of trains in the Granite State.

Guests

Peter Griffin, president of the New Hampshire Railroad Revitalization Association
Leon Kennison, former Department of Transportation commissioner and current town administrator in Pittsfield

We'll also hear from

Kit Morgan, Bureau of Rail and Transit Administrator for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation
Bob Sculley, president of the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association

War and Place

By NHPR Staff on Sunday, May 25, 2008.

The Exchange takes a break for a special Memorial Day broadcast. We remember those who have served and fallen in war in many ways - in statues and plaques, in writing, photographs and movies, as well as graveyards and former sites of battle. This "Liner Notes" special explores the stories of people around the world and how they memorialize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Men of Granite: True Stories of New Hampshire’s Fighting Men

By Laura Knoy on Thursday, May 22, 2008.

A new book tells the stories of 49 Granite Staters who have fought in over 200 years of war - soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. They are Medal of Honor recipients, and men who were the namesakes of Army forts, airfields, and Navy destroyers. We talk with the author of “Men of Granite” to hear the stories behind these New Hampshire men who served their country and made significant contributions.

Guests

Bill McGee, author of “Men of Granite: True Stories of New Hampshire’s Fighting Men”
Stuart Wallace, New Hampshire historian and Associate Professor of History at New Hampshire Technical Institute

Agriculture Commissioner Lorraine Stuart Merrill

By Jon Greenberg on Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

Almost six months ago, Stratham dairy farmer Lorraine Stuart Merrill was sworn in as the state’s new Commissioner of Agriculture, replacing longtime commissioner Steve Taylor. Merrill takes the reins at a time where high fuel prices have been putting a renewed focus on local agriculture. We’ll talk with Commissioner Merrill about her time months on the job and what the department is doing to support local farms and farmers.

Guest

Lorraine Stuart Merrill, New Hampshire’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets & Food

The Lowdown on College Loans

By Laura Knoy on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

For decades, millions of college bound students have relied on government or private loans to afford higher education. But lately some private lenders are scaling back: they’re in enough trouble with today’s unstable credit markets and can't spend additional capital on students. We’ll look at how we got here, what Granite Staters are doing to cope, and the current debate over student loans in Congress.

Guests

Paul Basken, Senior Federal Government Reporter for the Chronicle of Higher Education
Tara Payne, director of the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation

We'll also hear from

Jerry Little, President of the New Hampshire Bankers Association
Ken Ferreira, Executive Director of Student Financial Services at Franklin Pierce and President of the New Hampshire Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Workforce Housing

By Laura Knoy on Monday, May 19, 2008.

Despite the decline in real estate prices, many moderate income Granite Staters still can’t afford a home, especially close to work. A new bill that just passed the legislature will make it easier for developers to get workforce housing projects approved, but some town planners worry the measure could tie their hands too tightly. We’ll look at workforce housing, how the bill may affect the real estate market and why some are worried.

Guests

David Boutin, Republican state representative from Hooksett
Kenn Ortmann, director of the Department of Planning and Development for the City of Rochester

We'll also hear from

Dick Anagnost, chairman of the Workforce Opportunity Council and President and CEO of Anagnost Companies
Robbie "Andrew" Robertson, Vice Chair of the Board of Selectmen in Deerfield.

Granite Staters React to the Earthquake in Southwest China

By Laura Knoy on Monday, May 19, 2008.

Last week's earthquake in China's Sichuan province killed over twenty thousand; many more were injured, and rebuilding the area’s infrastructure will take years to complete. While this happened half a world away, there are those in New Hampshire directly affected by the tragedy. We speak to some of them to hear their stories and their experiences.

Guests

Laura Colbert, former Senior Producer for NHPR who's lived in China for the last four years; she’s been in Chengdu since the earthquake
Yan (Alex) Peng, recent graduate of Southern New Hampshire University; Yan and his family are from Mianyang, one of the hardest hit places in the earthquake
Shenshen Lu, a graduate student at Dartmouth College’s Thayer School of Engineering who is originally from Chengdu, the largest city in Sichuan Province

We'll also hear from

Paul Leblanc, president of Southern New Hampshire University; he travels to China often to develop an Online MBA program in several major cities in China, including Chengdu
Bill Lozon, Vice President for Sales and Marketing for the Salem branch of UltraVision Security Systems Inc. He will be traveling to southwest China to help in rescue efforts with his company's "Lifelocator" system