N.H. Backstory

A proposal to add names to the Vietnam Memorial Wall was rejected because the shipwreck occurred outside the designated Vietnam war zone. 

Though Merrimack Valley High School changed its mascot 15 years ago to be represented as lions, "Chief Wahoo" made a reappearance in signage for its 50th anniversary, which ignited conversations about racism and traditions. 

Ray Duckler shares two local veterans stories in honor of Veterans Day. 

Mothers Lori Desmarais and Cherri Thorne believe they lost their children due to a mental health disorder, not domestic violence. 

Concord Monitor columnist Ray Duckler sits down with Jill Fudala, a goat farmer from Pittsfield, to talk about ice cream made from raw milk, which is illegal to sell in New Hampshire.

Ray Duckler reminisces on three recently deceased members of the community: Tom Friedenberg, Greg Makris and Bill Ahearn. 

Ray Duckler talked to students, teachers and administrators about the struggles Pittsfield is facing with school funding. 

On May 24, Tom Arnold handed the reins to a long-time employee to take over his ice cream and burger restaurant, a fixture on the Heights for more than 25 years. 

In 1906, a Pembroke man killed his mother-in-law, his wife and their five children, before setting his house on fire and killing himself as he was about to be caught. 

Journalism, in order to survive and thrive, is always changing. Ray Duckler and Geoff Forester discuss a path ahead focuses on local topics and digital platforms. 

Kristen Vermilyea shares the story of breast reduction, how her boobs shaped her identity and how society objectifies women through their appearance. 

A laundromat owner shares her experiences dealing with people who are homeless in Franklin and a local group's efforts to help combat the growing problem. 

David Afflick - an actor - and his wife, Seraphim - a singer - live in New Hampshire and are pursuing their dreams to be professional entertainers with commercials, movie appearances, stage shows and more. 

Ray Duckler talks with Jack Shields about his efforts to place a "Bill of Rights Nativity" in Concord's City Plaza as a statement on the religious Nativity located in the same plaza, nearby. 

Ray Duckler talks with Cathii Lapierre about her dog, Poppy, who ran out of the house while she was carrying in supplies and was hit by a driver who didn't stop. Poppy died from his injuries. 

Ray Duckler interviews Safiya Wazir, a new American, running for the N.H. House of Representatives for District 17, which covers ward 8 in Concord, the state's capital.  Learn more by reading "Refugee running for state rep looking to make history" and "27-year-old former refugee defeats life-long Concord resident in Democratic primary for state rep."

Bob Tewksbury recently was inducted into the Merrimack Valley High School Hall of Fame. To this former big leaguer, that was a big deal.

The Rev. Robert Wood, who died this week at age 95, was a giant within the gay rights community 50 and 60 years ago, a man of God who dared fight for gay marriage and anti-discrimination laws long before society was ready. Rejean Blanchette and Bob Paradis, who were married by Rev. Wood five years ago and now live in Deerfield, N.H., share their reflections on the man Wood was. 

Mary Knee and Jeff Smith share their recollections of growing up in Concord in the 1950s and '60s. 

Mary Knee and Jeff Smith share their recollections of growing up in Concord in the 1950s and '60s. 

Ron Klemarczyk is a local forester for the city of Concord and surrounding towns. He recently returned from fighting wildfires in Colorado. 

Jim Spain and Geoff Souther discuss the mystery and history of the NH State Hospital cemeteries. 

Phillip Desmarais was killed in Vietnam in 1968. Little did columnist Ray Duckler know that when he was telling the story of the man 50 years later, it would help a family reconnect.

Ray Duckler and Geoff Forester tell you about Herman Mudgett, who was born in Gilmanton, N.H., and went on to become H.H. Holmes, the notorious Chicago serial killer. Now, some are theorizing that Holmes was in fact Jack the Ripper, who terrorized London over seven months in 1888.