OPEN AT LAST

The crowning achievement in the evolution of the 45th Parallel EMS was realized on Saturday, with an open house and official opening of its new home on Ramsey Road in Colebrook. From left to right at the ribbon-cutting ceremony are Louie DeGray and Roland Roy of the 45th, N.H. Department of Safety Commissioner John Barthelmes, Canaan selectman Greg Noyes, Vermont EMS Bureau Director Dan Manz, Councilman Ray Burton, 45th Chief Harry Brown and board president Greg Placy, N.H. EMS Bureau Chief Suzanne Prentiss, 45th treasurer Perry Richardson, Charles Henderson of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen's office and Mary Lou Krambeer of U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes' office. (Photo courtesy of Kara Sweatt)

Pittsburg town meeting voters will be asked next Tuesday to vote on a $2 million bond for a new water system. The current system has had numerous problems and selectmen are cautioning residents that something needs to be done quickly.

The total construction cost for the system is an estimated $1,729,658. When other costs such as legal fees, easements, engineering, grant administration and land are factored in, that figure increases to $2,050,000. However, selectmen are hoping that various grants will cover up to 75 percent of the total cost, leaving $500,000 to be paid over 30 years.

Steve Lafrance of Horizons Engineering was on hand for a hearing on the bond issue last Monday evening, February 22, and explained the system's problems over the years. It was originally composed of two spring houses that directed water to a storage tank. In the 1970s, the spring houses were replaced by œ�two bedrock wells due to contamination.

Over the years the town has faced several violations due to water quality, including bacteria and low performance. Mr. Lafrance detailed the repairs that have been undertaken and the costs to Pittsburg taxpayers. At least six wells have been drilled at the site on Crawford Road, and there is "inadequate yield to supply the needs of the town."

The system serves 77 connections, plus the school and Echo Valley Village, and 30,000 gallons per day are required. Two wells out of seven are being used at the site, and one of the wells is condemned. In July, a boil water order was issued after a well tested positive for E. coli bacteria.

Storage is also a problem, as the existing tank holds 13,000 gallons and does not meet N.H. Department of Environmental Services standards, which require a capacity twice the amount of average daily demand. The tank also does not provide an adequate amount of water in the case of an emergency, such as an interruption in supply.

"Existing distribution lines are small diameter asbestos cement, cast iron, or plastic," Mr. Lafrance said, "which are prone to breaks and leakage and interruptions in service." The project would entail a complete overhaul of the system, including new wells, pump station, storage tank, distribution mains, service lines to individual homes, and water meters.

Two sites are being considered for the wells and tank: one is in the area known as the town farm at the end of Cheese Factory Road, and the other on state-owned land on the Clarksville side of Cedar Stream Road. An Initial Engineering Study is currently underway, with the help of $37,000 in grants, to determine the best routes to take.

If voters approve the bond issue, users can expect a $400 water bill per year beginning in 2012. Federal grants require that the users must pay for the system. Water meters will be used, but selectman Brendon McKeage said that does not necessarily mean there will be meter charges.

Some of the construction costs include $15,000 for pumps, $20,000 for a pump station building, $81,200 for 12,500 feet of six-inch water mains which Mr. Lafrance said is the minimum for adequate supply and pressure and $50,000 for a river crossing. He cautioned that the window of opportunity is closing, and that grant amounts are higher than they have been in twenty years and are unlikely to continue above 50 percent."

He also said that the current condition of the system dictates that something be done. He described Pittsburg's water system as one of the worst I've seen."

System operator Richard Lapoint said one potential issue is a well cave-in. If that were to happen, the town would have to truck in water to satisfy its needs.

One suggested option was to drill wells for all users, but the selectmen explained that there are no grants for that kind of project and the town would actually spend more. Mr. Lafrance pointed out that some landowners would not be able to accommodate the required 75-foot radius from a private well.

He also said there is no way to drill 75 wells and get adequate quantity and quality for everyone. Selectman Dan Shallow also expressed concern about legal issues if someone's well went bad.

The board agreed with Mr. Lafrance that the time to act is now, because grant funds are unlikely to remain this high. "I think you're looking at a window of opportunity that you may not see for a long, long time," said Mr. Shallow.

The bond issue requires a two-thirds vote to pass. Completion of the final design and permitting is expected by December, with construction done by November 2011. A preliminary engineering study is due to be finished in April.

(Issue of March 3, 2010)

NORDIC RACER

Dr. Bruce Katz (#39) donned his cross-country skis for the first-ever Great North Woods 30K Classic Race, held at The Balsams Grand Resort on Saturday, February 27, placing 24th in the men's division with a time of 2:39:58. Andrew Milne of Medford, Mass., was the clear winner with a time of 2:02:02. (Claire Lynch photo)

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The Swift Diamond Riders snowmobile club is preparing for the winter's main event, the New Hampshire SnoDeo this weekend at Coleman State Park in Stew-artstown.

The March issue of SnowGoer magazine named the SnoDeo one of the "Top 10 Must Experience Snowmobile Events" in the country, describing it as "known for being the first place in the Northeast where snowmobilers can go and try next year's models from all four manufacturers." Despite thin snow cover throughout most of the region, the trails around SnoDeo headquarters are in great riding condition, according to organizers.

The SnoDeo is filled with activities for the entire family including demo rides from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha. Also returning this year are ATV track demo rides by Can-Am and Camoplast, the traditional Antique Sled Parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, helicopter rides by CR Helicopters, and the heart-stopping show by the Rave X Freestyle Snowmobile Performance Team at 11 a.m. on Saturday, presented by Ski-Doo, the U.S. National Guard, Mission Trailers and Berlin City Auto.

The Swift Diamond Riders and SnoDeo are excited to welcome back the U.S. National Guard, along with 11 other returning exhibitors and eight new exhibitors. Back for 2010 are Absolute PowerSports, Chappell Tractors, First Colebrook Bank, Impact Global Industries, Mission Trailers, Profile Powersports, Sled Girls, Steele Hill Resort, Troy Arctic Cat and N.H. Fish & Game.

SnoDeo's new exhibitors are Al's Snowmobile, Allstate Insurance, Back-up Buddy, Capital Well Water Center, Jericho Motorsports of Gorham, JR's Steak & Seafood, the N.H. Department of Resources & Economic Development, and Jefferson Inn.

The Swift Diamond Riders snowmobile club, based in Stewartstown, boasts over 1,000 members. Admission into the event is $5, and participants can reach it by vehicle or sled. Proceeds from the SnoDeo benefit the club's trail maintenance program and other activities that promote snowmobiling in the North Country. More information may be found by visiting www.nhsnodeo.com or Face book.com/NHSnodeo.

(Issue of March 3, 2010)

DALTON GOES UP

Colebrook's Dalton Scott puts up a jumper over Littleton's Sam Brammer and Thomas Quillin (right) during quarterfinal action on Friday night in Colebrook. The eighth-ranked Crusaders won 74-66, ending the Mohawks' playoff run and earning a chance to face #4 Derryfield in last night's semifinal. (Karen Ladd photo)

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Basketball season has ended in the North Country, as the Pittsburg and Colebrook boys' teams were eliminated from the Class S tournament last week. The #11-ranked Panthers fell to #6 Pittsfield in the preliminary round last Tuesday, while #1-ranked Colebrook defeated #16 Profile, 61-50, but lost to #8 Littleton in Friday's quarterfinal.

Pittsburg was held to just 23 percent shooting during last Tuesday's preliminary round to Pittsfield, losing 56-37 in Pitts-field on February 23. Pittsfield used a 23-point second quarter to take the lead and never looked back.

Both offenses sputtered in the first quarter, with Pittsburg taking an 8-6 lead. The Panthers shot 3/13 from the field while Pittsfield went only 2/24. Senior Marcus Chase scored five points and grabbed four rebounds in the first eight minutes. According to coach Richard Judd, turnovers hurt Pittsburg, or they probably could have had a 10- to 12-point lead.

The second quarter saw Pittsfield outscore Pittsburg 23-7 on 10/17 shooting. Pittsfield went 6/10 in the paint and was a perfect 4/4 on two-pointers. The Panthers' offensive woes continued with a 3/14 performance in the second quarter and they trailed 29-15 at halftime.

The third quarter wasn't any better offensively for Pittsburg, shooting 19 percent and outscored 12-8. Pittsfield held onto the lead despite shooting only 4/18 and being outrebounded 15-9 in the quarter. Pittsfield carried a 41-23 lead into the fourth quarter and went on to win it, advancing to face #3 Groveton in the quarterfinal round.

Pittsburg will graduate Marcus Chase, Hunter Judd and Tyler Foote this year. Chase recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds while Judd had seven points and 10 rebounds. Foote grabbed eight rebounds, six on the offensive end.

Coach Judd said the team was also hurt by 32-percent foul shooting and the early turnovers, but said the Panthers played well defensively against one of the biggest teams in Class S. "We had plenty of chances, but we just couldn't put it in the hole," he said.

Coach Judd said overall it was a good year but thought the team could have won two or three close games. The team will lose a lot of scoring in Judd and Chase, who both recorded their 1,000th points this season, but he said the younger players improved at the end of the season and hopes they continue to improve.

The Patriots managed to hang with top-ranked Colebrook on February 23, but the host Mohawks team prevailed with a 61-50 win.

The first quarter belonged to Colebrook, who outscored the Patriots 21-8. Tyler Griffin had an outstanding quarter, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the first eight minutes. After the score was tied at 2-2, Colebrook went on a 12-0 run before Profile's Zach Bushway ended it with a triple at 2:04 left in the quarter. After a hoop from Dalton Scott, Will Shillieto scored and made a three-point play and it was 17-8. Alex Hibbard came on strong for the Mohawks at the end of the quarter, scoring twice including a shot down low as time expired.

Scott worked on Profile to begin the second quarter, scoring Colebrook's first ten points of the stanza as the Mohawks started to pull away. The score was 35-14 just past the midway point of the quarter after Hibbard and Jordan Fenn both scored, but Profile gained some steam with an 8-0 run to make it 35-22.

With just under a minute left, Hibbard tipped a missed Colebrook shot to Jared Raymond, who connected on the easy basket. After Shillieto made a pair of free-throws, Raymond hit one at the end of the quarter. Profile managed to keep the game within reach, trailing 38-24 œ�at the half.

The third quarter was even between the two teams, scoring 10 apiece. The score remained at 38-24 for the first 2:15 until Scott scored. Jake Kelley scored for Profile and Tyler Griffin responded with a basket of his own. Bushway sank a pair of free-throws to make the score 42-28 with a little over four minutes left in the quarter.

Bushway scored again, followed by a hoop from Hibbard, who had a strong game under the basket. Back-to-back baskets by Bushway and Max Simpson made it 44-34 with 1:42 left in the quarter. The Mohawks, who had been shaky from the charity stripe early on, got two big free-throws apiece from Tyler Griffin and Scott, putting Colebrook up 48-34 after three quarters.

Griffin and Scott both scored to begin the final stanza. The Patriots trailed 54-38 with six minutes left, still alive, but the window of opportunity was closing when a Scott free-throw and a Hibbard basket made the score 57-38 with 5:21 remaining.

The final blow may have come with 4:54 left, when Bushway received his fifth foul and his reaction led to a technical. Profile outscored Colebrook 12-4 from that point on, but the gap didn t close quickly enough as the Mohawks won to advance to the quarterfinal round.

Scott led all scorers with 23 points, followed by Tyler Griffin with 19, while Hibbard scored 14 and grabbed 11 rebounds. Bushway scored 15 and Simpson 12 for Profile.

Coach Buddy Trask said his team got out and ran the ball and his defense played "very well" in the first half and said Griffin had things going in the first quarter and Scott made plays in the second half. He also said the playoffs are "about players stepping up and playing," and Hibbard was able to do that and give Colebrook a big game.

A standing-room-only crowd turned out to watch the showdown between the 8th-seeded Crusaders and #1-ranked Mohawks in Colebrook on Friday. Despite multiple comebacks, Colebrook couldn't seal the deal as Littleton won the upset, 74-66. One of Colebrook's two regular season losses had been a 51-41 defeat in Littleton on January 18.

Littleton won the tip and Sam Brammer hit a three for the game's first points. This would be a familiar sight as Brammer hit seven threes, including five in the first quarter. The Crusaders quickly jumped out to a 16-4 lead, with Brammer hitting three more three-pointers in the stanza.

Colebrook started putting things together with 3:51 left in the quarter. Bryan Griffin scored while his brother Tyler hit a basket half a minute later. Bryan hit a free-throw and after missing the second one, Tyler was there to score as Colebrook reduced its deficit to five points. After another Brammer three-pointer, Dalton Scott responded with one of his own. After Colebrook got the ball back, Tyler Griffin went coast-to-coast to score and hit a free-throw after he was fouled.

After the Mohawks got a steal off of Littleton's inbound pass, Scott scored with 37 seconds left to tie the game, at 19-19. Littleton's Brammer and Thomas Quillin scored at the end of the quarter to put Littleton up 23-19.

Littleton's Justin Whipple scored to start the second quarter, and after a basket from Bryan Griffin, Whipple scored again, followed by a basket from teammate Mike Sheppard. After Raymond scored, Josh Smith made a basket of his own and later hit a free-throw after being fouled with 3:41 left in the half to give Littleton a 32-23 lead. After Whipple and Scott traded baskets, the Crusader's Jesse Ledoux hit both ends of a one-and-one with two minutes left. Sheppard scored the final basket of the half with 1:30 left to give Littleton a 38-25 lead at the break.

The beginning of the third quarter belonged to the Mohawks, who started with an 11-0 run. After Scott hit a free-throw, Raymond scored and was fouled on the play. After missing his charity shot, he ended up with the ball and scored to make it 38-30. Tyler Griffin scored back-to-back and Raymond hit a pair of free-throws to bring it within two, but the Crusaders responded with an 18-10 run to finish the quarter.

The run began with a three from Brammer, and after Raymond scored, Whipple hit a pair of baskets to make the score 45-38. Bryan Griffin missed a pair of free-throws, Sheppard scored twice, both teams traded baskets to finish the quarter, and Littleton led 56-46.

Tyler Griffin hit a free-throw at the beginning of the final quarter, followed by a hoop from Scott. Sheppard scored but later missed a pair of free-throws, which set up another comeback attempt by Colebrook. Bryan Griffin, Scott and Dylan Leach all scored to make it 58-55 with 4:22 left.

After a layup from Aaron Clark, Raymond scored to bring the Mohawks within three once again. Smith scored and Colebrook turned the ball over, allowing Brammer to make a layup and hit a free-throw to increase Littleton's lead to 65-57 with 1:48 left. Scott hit a three-pointer and Leach made it to the charity stripe but missed both shots. Colebrook immediately fouled and sent Whipple to the line. After he missed both of his free-throws, Raymond scored from down low to make the score 65-62 with a little over a minute left.

Colebrook began fouling, but Whipple and Aaron Clark hit both ends of one-and-ones to go up 69-62. Leach hit a big shot with 40 seconds left to make the score 69-64. After Brammer went 1/2 from the charity stripe, Scott missed a three-pointer in what might have been Colebrook s last chance. Littleton hit four of six free-throws to finish out the game and notch the win.

Brammer led all scorers with 29 points, including 21 from behind the three-point line, while Whipple scored 19 and Sheppard 13. Scott led Colebrook with 21 points, six assists, and six steals, while Jared Raymond had 16 points and Tyler Griffin had 14 points to go with eight rebounds and four steals. Bryan Griffin also had eight boards to go with four assists and a steal.

Coach Trask said the lack of defense in the first half "killed us." He said the team spent too much energy having to come back three separate times and its lack of depth showed but the boys' resiliency was also in evidence.

Littleton outshot Colebrook, 59 percent to 38, but the Mohawks had a 26-13 advantage in turnovers. Colebrook had a rough night from the three point line, going 2/17, and shot only 6/16 from the charity stripe. Littleton held Scott to 9/26 shooting.

Raymond, Scott and Cormick Frizzell will graduate after this season, during which the Mohawks notched an overall record of 17-3. "If someone had told us that we would have gone 17-3 at the beginning of the season, we would have laughed," said Coach Trask.

(Issue of March 3, 2010)

CLASSMATES MEET UP OUT WEST

Colebrook Academy classmates from 1977 got together at the Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale, Ariz., on February 17, after twenty years of no contact with one another. Mary (Harrigan) Trowbridge, Jo (Griffin) Knee, and Kathleen (Lemieux) Nowak had fun and hope to keep in better touch. All were into horses growing up, and Mary was at the show from her home in Bridgewater, Conn., to buy and sell horses. Kathy lives in Tucson and Jo resides in Vernon, Ariz. (Photo courtesy of Jo Knee)

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