Friday Updates - April 18, 2025

Friday, April 18, 2025

A photo from last year's egg hunt. Courtesy, Todd Selig

Don't forget that the annual Egg Hunt is tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at Oyster River High School field. (See additional information below.)

The ORCSD School Board determined that the last day of the 2024-2025 school year will be June 18, 2025.

Sunday is Easter!

DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT | Here are some frequently asked questions we've been receiving...

The Durham Human Rights Commission discussed this issue at its meeting at 4 PM on April 17th. You can watch the informative presentation from Police Chief Rene Kelley and Deputy Chief David Holmstock on DCAT On Demand HERE. It begins at the 9 minute 55 second mark.

Q: Does the Durham Police Department (DPD) assist with federal immigration enforcement efforts?

A: No. The DPD does not enforce federal immigration laws. Federal immigration matters, including deportation or visa violations, are handled exclusively by agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DPD focuses solely on enforcing New Hampshire state laws and Durham municipal ordinances.

Q: Does DPD share resident information with federal or state immigration authorities?

A: Not as a routine practice. The department does not proactively share photos, warnings, arrest records, or residential data. If an outside law enforcement agency makes a request, it must be based on a specific, valid purpose. Each request is evaluated individually by the Police Chief and approved only when justified under the law.

Q: Is DPD an independent agency separate from the Town of Durham?

A: No. The DPD is fully integrated into the Town government. Its funding is controlled by the Durham Town Council, and the Police Chief reports to the Administrator.

Q: Does the Durham Police Department receive any direct state or federal funding?

A: Not at this time, though DPD has received funding for radar enforcement and additional police officers in the past through specific competitive grants. However, the Town of Durham receives significant state and federal funding, which could be placed at risk by adopting policies that violate state or federal laws. In FY 2024, Durham received approximately $7.5 million in funding that could be categorized as “state funding,” including:

$1.47 million in Meals & Rooms Tax distribution

$277,241 in Highway Block Grants

$72,365 in Municipal Bridge Aid

$851,739 in Environmental Grants

$2.39 million from the UNH Fire Services Agreement, plus substantial additional payments for services and infrastructure.

This does not include millions of dollars in Federal funding. Loss of these funds would have significant implications for the Town’s operations and financial health.

Q: What would happen if Durham passed a local ordinance that conflicts with state or federal law?

A: All proposed ordinances are reviewed by legal counsel before reaching the Town Council for a vote. If legal review identifies a conflict with higher-level laws, the ordinance is typically revised or withdrawn. Enforcing an ordinance that contradicts state or federal law could expose the Town to legal and financial liability and would not protect individual officers involved. Town officials such as Town Councilors, the police chief, and Administrator are all administered an oath to impartially carry out local ordinances and the laws of the state. State law supersedes local ordinance.

Q: Why didn’t Durham declare itself a sanctuary city?

A: In 2018, following much debate and community input, the Town Council chose not to pursue sanctuary city status. This decision reflected a desire to maintain legal integrity, uphold public safety while continuing to respect the civil rights of all residents, and preserve the Town’s access to important state and federal funding sources.

Q: What is Durham’s general approach to immigration-related concerns?

A: Durham seeks to strike a thoughtful balance: protecting the rights and dignity of all people in the community while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The Police Department’s practices reflect this commitment to safety, professionalism, and public trust.

Q: If residents were to witness concerning ICE activity—such as masked ICE agents with weapons detaining people from unmarked vehicles—should they contact the Durham Police Department?

A: Absolutely. If anyone feels uncomfortable, frightened, or believes a crime may be occurring, they should not hesitate to contact the Durham Police Department. In an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies, call 603-868-2324. The safety and well-being of everyone in the community is a top priority, and DPD encourages residents to report any suspicious or alarming activity.

MEDICARE FRAUD UPDATE PART #2 - There are an alarming number of cases in Durham so be sure to check your statement carefully...

Last week, Durham Police notified residents of several reports of fraud related to their Medicare accounts. Several more residents have contacted the police this week reporting the same. These reports indicate equipment and supplies being charged against Medicare accounts that beneficiaries never ordered, were never prescribed, and did not request.

Why is the fraud so widespread in Durham? 

Good question! Durham Police report that they don't have any leads on what is immediately responsible for what seems to be a cluster of fraudulent activity to Medicare beneficiary individuals in Durham. However, they do know that this type of fraud and abuse isn't new. 

There are several news sources online reporting on years of fraud. In 2024, the Office of Government Accountability (OGA), reported there was at least $54.3 billion in improper payments made through Medicare. It also seems like a daily occurrence to hear about a data breach from companies, health care centers, and insurance providers. It's likely that this plays a role in the significance of the fraud that residents are becoming aware of right now.

If you suspect fraud or do not recognize charges on a Medicare Summary Notice that is sent to you, with your information on it, you should report this as fraud.

Medicare can be contacted at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or you can visit the website of Office of Inspector General, oig.hhs.gov/fraud, to submit a complaint.

If you are reporting fraud to Medicare, you may want to request a new number and card, although some residents have reported that information and option is not openly volunteered, so don’t forget to ask! If you have supplemental Medicare insurance, it may be worth a phone call to them too, notifying them of any issues.  

EXTERNAL ACCREDITATION REVIEW PROVIDES VERY POSITIVE REPORT ON DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT

The most recent CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) review for the Durham Police Department was highly positive. The CALEA compliance reviewer specifically praised the department's policies and the thorough documentation of compliance proofs, indicating strong adherence to national standards of law enforcement professionalism and accountability.

Key Findings…

• The review process "went exceptionally well," reflecting well on the department's preparation and ongoing commitment to best practices.
• The department's policies and documentation received direct commendation, indicating robust internal controls, clear procedures, and effective record-keeping buy staff, , which are essential for accreditation and earning the trust of the public.
• No significant deficiencies or concerns were noted in the report summary, indicating that the department meets or exceeds CALEA's rigorous national standards.
• The summary does not mention any substantial concerns or required corrective actions. The absence of negative findings is in itself a strong indicator of operational excellence and compliance at the Durham Police Department.

The CALEA assessment confirms that the Durham Police Department is operating at a high level of professionalism, with well-developed policies and strong documentation practices. The department's successful review supports continued community confidence in our local law enforcement services.

To download the full report, click HERE.

PUBLIC HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT FROM NHDES RE: MILL POND DAM REMOVAL WETLANDS PERMIT APPLICATION

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the NHDES Portsmouth Regional Office, Pease International Tradeport, 222 International Drive, Suite 175, Room A, Portsmouth, NH. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments regarding the wetland permit application to remove the Mill Pond Dam. Town staff and the consultant team will provide an overview of the project and take public comments.

The project is funded through over $4 million in state and federal grants that the Town has sought and been awarded, including:

•  $284,226 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) via the NHDES Critical Flood Infrastructure Grant for design and permitting.
• $290,000 from NOAA’s Community-Based Restoration Program for fish passage design at the Oyster Reservoir Dam.
• Approximately $3.2 million in construction funding expected from NOAA upon completion of design and permitting phases.

This restoration effort will improve fish passage, restore natural river functions, and address safety concerns. As part of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, federal agencies and consulting parties have evaluated potential impacts on historic and archaeological resources. Mitigation measures have been developed to offset adverse effects and will be formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement.

The Implementation Start Date (i.e. removal of the dam and restoration of the river channel) is planned to begin late summer 2025. Installation of the fishway at the Oyster Reservoir Dam is expected to occur in 2026.

For more details about the public hearing, click HERE.

LEGISLATIVE LEADERS SEEK TO PUT "A LEASH" ON TOWNS AND CITIES - An interesting article from NHPR

According to the article, in recent months, several New Hampshire lawmakers, particularly within the Republican majority, have proposed legislation aimed at curbing the authority of local governments, citing concerns that local boards — such as school boards, selectboards, town councils, planning boards, historic district commissions, and zoning boards (and indirectly the public through the public process) — are obstructing statewide progress.

These legislative efforts include a proposed cap on local school budget increases, school curriculum mandates and prohibitions, immigration issues, and initiatives to significantly curb local control around zoning issues pertaining to housing, effectively limiting the discretion of local planning & zoning boards. Proponents argue such measures are necessary to protect citizens’ rights and address statewide challenges, like housing shortages, more uniformly. 

Republicans and Democrats alike have made housing a priority in this legislative session resulting in bills, based on very different but in many cases strangely aligning outcomes, which if passed and adopted into law, would result in the erosion of local control around zoning. You can read an Op Ed by Admin. Selig around this issue HERE.

The NHPR article indicates these proposals have sparked significant debate within the GOP itself. Critics, including several prominent conservatives and libertarian-leaning figures, argue that these actions contradict the long-held New Hampshire principle of local control and risk centralizing government authority in ways that conflict with limited-government values. The push back reflects broader tensions stemming from the pandemic, a growing skepticism of local governance, and diverging views on how best to solve complex state issues. Fewer legislators have previously served in local government, fewer are originally from NH, and many simply do not understand or appreciate the importance and value of local decision making in our towns and cities. 

The future of such proposals may ultimately hinge on Governor Kelly Ayotte, who has selectively supported limiting local authority in some areas such as supporting the ban of sanctuary cities but has not fully endorsed broader efforts like statewide zoning reform.

To read the full article, click HERE.

NH SUPREME COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF DURHAM PLANNING BOARD: Town & Campus, Inc. v. Town of Durham (April 14, 2025)

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has affirmed the Durham Planning Board’s approval of a site plan amendment for Clark Properties, LLC, rejecting the appeal brought by Town & Campus, Inc.

Here’s what was at issue and how the court responded:

Frontage Requirement: Town & Campus, Inc. argued that the site plan amendment would leave their lot without the required street frontage, making it nonconforming under Durham’s zoning ordinance.

The court disagreed, finding that Ballard Street continues to provide the necessary frontage for the lot. The amendment did not change Ballard Street’s status as a legal right-of-way, so the lot remains conforming.

Reliance on Town Planner’s Opinion: Town & Campus, Inc. also claimed the Planning Board acted unreasonably by relying on the town planner’s legal opinion about the frontage.

The court found that the Planning Board was justified in relying on the town planner’s assessment. The planner correctly noted that Ballard Street, even as a “paper street,” still counts as frontage under the ordinance.

Timeliness of the Challenge: Finally, Town & Campus, Inc. said it had raised its concerns in a timely manner.

The trial court had ruled that if there was a problem with Ballard Street’s frontage, Town & Campus should have raised it back in 2018, when the subdivision was first approved. The Supreme Court noted that, since it found Ballard Street does provide the required frontage, it did not need to address the timeliness issue further.

The NH Supreme Court’s decision supports the Planning Board’s process and upholds the original site plan amendment. Durham was represented in the case by Town Counsel Laura Spector-Morgan, who has been very successful in defending the Town in such matters.

To download the full decision, click HERE.

Last Friday, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire hosted the first Department of State International Visitor Program group in state for 2025.

Six visitors from Kosovo spent their final days of a two-week U.S. visit here in New Hampshire, focused on the topic of U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government. Their program explored how local communities across the country foster transparency, inclusivity, and citizen engagement in the policy making process.

During their time in New Hampshire, they met with the Town Manager of Bow, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, and the Administrator of Durham. Together, they explored how operating procedures and policies are designed to support community engagement, observed local government outreach efforts firsthand, and discussed the long-term value of involving citizens in governance at every level.

These kinds of honest, on-the-ground exchanges are very powerful. When people connect, listen, and learn from each other, real change in the world becomes possible.

CAN THE 1988 DEER MEADOW COLD CASE BE SOLVED? - A very interesting program from the Durham Historic Association.

You won’t want to miss the cold case mystery that the Durham Historic Association will present on Saturday, April 26, at its Annual Meeting at the Durham Town Hall at 2:00 p.m. You will hear from an eyewitness how, in 1988, three bodies were discovered during construction of a septic system for a new house in the Deer Meadow subdivision. Learn what the Medical Examiner and the State’s Archaeologist initially thought about the physical remains.

With help from the current state offices of the Medical Examiner, Forensic Investigator and Archaeologist, along with UNH anthropologists and historians, the DHA hopes to solve the mystery of who these people were. Come learn what the DHA is piecing together using the latest forensic evidence, as well as information from old maps, deeds, probate inventories, and genealogies. We hope to identify these individuals and illuminate what kind of lives they lived, so they may be reburied to rest in peace.

DPW IS EXPECTING A VISIT FROM THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS – Army Corps may conduct emergency preparedness reviews of Wastewater and Water Plants in the upcoming week.

The town has been contacted by the NH Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management regarding a planned upcoming exercise that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be conducting between May 5 – 9, 2025. One of their representatives will be calling the Water and/or Wastewater departments to determine if those departments can accommodate a visit from USACE. The drill will look at temporary power needs for buildings critical to the function of government, essential for public safety or a facility that is serving a critical function. Water & Wastewater treatment facilities were identified as critical by either population or being located upstream of a water intake.

It's expected that USACE will be contacting those department heads sometime this week to gain further information for the purpose of this exercise.

DPW ORGANIZES ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION FOR APRIL 25 AT 10:00 AM AT MEMORIAL PARK

The Town of Durham will be celebrating Arbor Day on Friday, April 25 at 10:00 AM with the planting of a public shade tree in Memorial Park located at the intersection of Main Street and Mill Road. The public is welcome to join in on the festivities. 

The Town of Durham proudly holds the distinction of being the longest-running Tree City USA community in New Hampshire, celebrating 47 consecutive years of commitment to urban forestry. Arbor Day, a national holiday dedicated to recognizing the vital role of trees, underscores the importance of this achievement. Trees provide countless benefits to our communities — they enhance soil and water conservation, store carbon, moderate local climates by offering shade and regulating temperature extremes, expand wildlife habitats, and strengthen the land's resilience to climate change.

Tuesday April 22, 2025, will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Durham has a long legacy of conserving historic sites, scenic landscapes, farms, forests, recreational areas, wildlife habitats, wetlands and shorelines, and drinking water supplies. This tradition dates back over 100 years, beginning when Olinthus Doe left his farm on Bennett Road to the Town in his 1909 will.

This week we'd like to highlight the Milne Nature Sanctuary. This property on Mill Pond Road was given to the Town by Margery and Lorus Milne, UNH professors and authors of over 55 books on natural history, so that residents could come, not for active recreation, but to enjoy the site as a “source of serenity” and “a place to observe undisturbed nature. 

The Milne Nature Sanctuary Committee has worked tirelessly to remove invasives, establish native plants and make the Sanctuary a welcoming place for wildlife and people alike. They are now looking for local resident volunteers to join them in their efforts, even an hour of your time can make a difference. 

For more information, please email the Town's land Stewardship Coordinator Veronique Ludington vludington@ci.durham.nh.us

Did You Know?  April is Earth Month!

April is Earth Month! This week, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about recycling.

Can I recycle my aluminum foil?

Yes, aluminum foil can be recycled. First, it must be rinsed/wiped clean of all food or other residue.

Should I replace screw on caps or leave them off? 

If you can, place plastic caps back on the original bottle and include them in your recycling. Metal caps should go in the trash. Loose bottle caps should go in the trash. They are small and tend to fall through the equipment at recycling processing facilities. 

What about lids? 

This is a trickier question to answer. Depending on the type of lid, the answer can vary. For instance, coffee cup lids cannot be recycled and must be put in the trash. Metal lids, however, can be recycled. We encourage you to use the search engine at www.RecycleSmartma.org to find the answer to your particular type of lid.

Can I recycle toothpaste tubes?

Yes, but not in your curbside recycle bin. The Durham Transfer Station has a specific bin for oral care product recycling. The bin is located right outside the green hut. You can drop off floss containers, toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and electric toothbrush heads for recycling in this designated recycle bin.

What do I do with my greasy pizza boxes?

Pizza boxes can be composted! Bring them to the Durham Transfer Station and put them in the compost bins. You can include any leftover pizza, but please be sure there is no plastic in the boxes. If you are looking to recycle your pizza boxes, only the non-greasy parts of the box can be recycled.

Source: Recycle Smart

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

WATER QUALITY FRIENDLY LAWN CARE - Tips on where not to pile yard waste

One of the first activities drawing us outside in the spring is tidying up the accumulation of twigs, pine needles, and decaying leaves left behind during the winter. As this plant material decomposes, it releases nutrients, so there’s no need to aim for immaculate, but important to let the sunlight through.

The bulk of the raked-up yard waste should be put in an area where it can compost away from any drainage area or water body.

NEVER, rake yard waste into a storm drain, down a riverbank, or adjacent to any water body. Excess nutrients in a water body lead to algae blooms that rob aquatic and marine animals of oxygen, obscure water clarity, and even decrease adjacent property values.

Learn more about composting HERE.

JOIN SCOUT TROOP #154 FOR "TRASH THE TRASH DAY"

On Saturday, May 3, Durham's Scout Troop #154 is sponsoring a community clean-up day for the town's center. Bring the whole family and help clean up Durham's downtown from any trash or debris left over from the winter.

Meet at 10:00 a.m. on the 3rd in the bottom parking lot of the Community Church of Durham. This is an outside event, rain or shine, so dress accordingly and bring your own water bottles.

For more information on Facebook, click HERE.

Protect the community’s outdoor playgrounds for yourself, your pooch, and the environment. Add your name and the Town (Durham!) in the form at the link HERE and take the pledge to scoop the poop, every time. Did you know that NHDES reports out which Towns have received the most pledges!? Please help to show how much our community cares.

Also, if you see that someone has left their pooch’s poop behind, please pick it up!

As a reminder Durham Ordinance #2018-5 and Chapter 49 of the Town Code requires the removal of dog excrement/feces. 1st offense is $25, 2nd offense is $50 and 3rd offense is $150.

Alexa D’Onofrio, a sophomore nursing student at the University of New Hampshire, is making a significant impact in the Durham community by combining her passions for firefighting and nursing. Having begun her emergency response career as a teenager in Connecticut, D’Onofrio is now a member of the Durham Fire Department’s call force, working shifts alongside her rigorous nursing studies. She values the hands-on experience and advanced training she receives both in the classroom and on emergency calls, and she is committed to serving the community while pursuing her education.

D’Onofrio’s ultimate ambition is to become a flight nurse, a role that integrates her emergency response skills with advanced medical care. She encourages other students to get involved with the fire department, emphasizing the personal and professional rewards of public service and the department’s flexibility for student schedules. Her dedication and dual involvement not only enrich her own learning but also strengthen the connection between UNH and the Town of Durham, serving as a model for student engagement in community service. To view a full story in UNH Today, click HERE.

TRAFFIC/CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY – Dirt Road Grading Scheduled for Dame Rd., Longmarsh Rd., Winecellar Rd., and Wagon Hill Farm Driveway.

Please be advised that Durham Public Works’ contractor for its Dirt Road Grading Program, Arthur Hartford Construction, will be performing grading operations along Dame Road, Longmarsh Road, Winecellar Road, Wagon Hill Farm entrance, and 254-262 Main Street beginning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

The roadway will be restricted to one lane in the work area with alternating traffic between 7:00am and 5:00pm. Access to adjacent residences, businesses and institutions within the work areas will be maintained at all times. Disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be minimal; however, we ask that the commuting public seek alternative routes if possible and allow additional time to reach their destinations. We thank you for your patience. This schedule is subject to change without notice due to weather, mechanical issues, and other conditions. For additional information please contact Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578.

Construction activities are in full swing along Madbury Road for the Phase 3 Roadway, Drainage, and Streetscape Project and the Phase 2 Watermain Utility Replacement Project. G.W. Brooks and Son of Freedom, NH is seen in the above photo installing materials for the new closed drainage system just north of Garrison Avenue. Traffic on Madbury Road continues to be restricted to northbound only between Garrison Avenue and Edgewood Road, with southbound traffic detoured.

Access to adjacent residences, businesses, and institutions within the work areas will be maintained at all times. Disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are expected to be minimal however, it is highly suggested that the commuting public seek alternative routes if possible and allow additional time to reach final destinations.

The Town of Durham’s Wastewater Treatment Plant was showcased this week at the Oyster River Sustainability Committee’s Community Dinner held at the Oyster River Middle School. Chief Operator Matt Collins (pictured), explained the often-overlooked side of clean water – what happens to it after you’re done using it!

The Durham Wastewater Treatment Facility treats over one million gallons of wastewater per day, returning clean, safe water to the Oyster River, and Great Bay downstream. This was a great opportunity to showcase the efforts of the Wastewater Division and how their efforts protect public health and the environment.

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - If applicants don't have all required certifications, DPW may be able to work with them to ensure they obtain such within a reasonable time frame.

Buildings and Grounds Division – Maintenance Laborer

This position involves using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance, construction, and operations of Town-owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and functionality of the Town’s municipal services. The position performs laboring tasks and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor and Operations Manager in this versatile and exciting role.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the maintenance of grounds and building systems. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement and possess a Category B Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or have the ability to obtain it within 1 year of hire. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on April 25th, 2025.  

Solid Waste Division Supervisor

The successful candidate will undertake meaningful and challenging work involving the management of the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center and the Town’s Curbside Collection Program to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.

This full-time position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. The salary range for this position is from $26.90 to $33.97/HR, depending upon qualifications. Normal work hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 07:00 AM – 03:30 PM.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in municipal solid waste operations and in the operation of commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events, and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on May 5th, 2025.  

Part-Time Seasonal Laborers

The successful candidates will assist the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance.

The salary for these part-time, seasonal positions is $16-18/hr, depending upon qualifications. These 40-hour/week positions run from May-August and normal work hours are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday.

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Please submit applications to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on May 17th, 2025.    

Highway Division – Heavy Equipment Operator

The position performs laboring tasks when not assigned to equipment operation and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, Assistant Public Works Director, and Public Works Director in this versatile and exciting role.

This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. The salary range for this position is from $25.09 to $28.59/HR, depending upon qualifications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the safe operation of equipment used in road and utility construction and maintenance in addition to heavy equipment operation and maintenance procedures. Preference will be given to applicants with excavator experience. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on May 20th, 2025.   

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Planned April School Closures

April 28 - May 2 - All Oyster River schools will be closed for April Break.

June 18: Last Day of School

On April 16, the ORCSD School Board determined that the last day of the 2024-2025 school year will be June 18, 2025. June 18 will be a full day of school, and students will be dismissed at their usual time.

ORCSD Joins NEA v. ED Federal Lawsuit

On April 10, the ORCSD School Board and Superintendent Shaps notified families of their recent action of joining a federal lawsuit that speaks to the heart of our school system’s mission, values, and shared vision for public education. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire (ACLU-NH) represents ORCSD at no cost to the district. ORCSD takes seriously its civic responsibility to advocate for our students, teachers, and families to ensure that we can offer a high-quality education for all students and create the conditions in schools where everyone is respected, valued, and appreciated. We hope this next step will support a democratic, informed, and engaged community as we work together to protect our children’s future. Additional information is available HERE.

April 15 Community Dinner

Thank you to everyone who attended the April 15 community dinner. We estimate that 250 meals were served. If you attended the event and enjoyed your evening, we hope you will consider giving the ORCSD Child Nutrition department and custodial team a shout-out by completing this form HERE. Additional information and photos are available HERE.

May 6 & 27 Strategic Planning Sessions

Superintendent Shaps invites the Oyster River community to join him at Oyster River Middle School on May 6 and May 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., for two Strategic Planning Sessions. This is an opportunity for Oyster River community members to contribute to ORCSD’s next 5-year strategic plan. During these two identical sessions, Dr. Shaps will guide participants through the World Café protocol, a collaborative and interactive approach to group discussions designed to share ideas and generate collective insights. Please let us know if you plan to attend by completing this form HERE so we can accommodate everyone.

ORCSD is Hiring Bus Drivers

8 open positions. Join our Transportation team and support student success! We offer great pay at $26.74 per hour, a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, term life and long-term disability, and 403 (b) with annuity. ORCSD drivers get 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid sick time, and up to a $1,000 annual perfect attendance bonus. Guaranteed work week with a choice of weekly hours from 20, 25 or 30, and summer hours (for those interested). Apply HERE today.

April 22 ORMS Band Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

April 23-24 Mast Way Musical

6:30 - 7:30 p.m., both performances of Seussical Jr. by 3rd and 4th grade students are in the Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

May 13 ORHS Ensemble Concert

6:00 - 7:30 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

May 16-18 ORHS Spring Musical: MAMMA MIA!

Four performances in the Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Tickets sold at the door: $7 for students and $10 for adults, cash only please. 

• May 16: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• May 17: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
• May 17: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
• May 18: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

CELEBRATE UNH THEATRE & DANCE 101st ANNIVERSARY ON APRIL 26!

For over a century, the University of New Hampshire’s Theatre & Dance Department has educated and graduated generations of artists. This year, on our 101st Anniversary, we are celebrating the incredible students, alumni, artists, and educators that have sustained Theatre & Dance as a pillar of excellence at UNH.

Enjoy a spectacular evening of performances and celebration honoring the history of UNH Theatre & Dance. Alumni spanning nearly six decades are invited to take part in this milestone anniversary.

5 pm: Pre-Reception with refreshments, UNH Museum of Art 

7 pm: Live Performance, Johnson Theater  

Pre-Reception & Performance Ticket: $50.00 (limited capacity)

Performance Only: $25.00

Can't make it to the show? Livestream from your home: $10.00

To register your attendance and for more information, click HERE.

The 101st UNH Theatre & Dance Anniversary Celebration is underwritten in fond memory of Gary Russell O’Neal ’73 by his loving sister. 

Join us for a special Pysanka egg decorating workshop with artist Christina Vogel.

The event will begin with a 30-minute educational session covering the history and cultural significance of Ukrainian Pysanka egg decorating, followed by a hands-on workshop where participants can create their own beautifully decorated eggs. 

Refreshments and all supplies will be provided. Please register in advance HERE so that we can ensure enough supplies for everyone.

Bikes have been dispersed across the campus and Durham community and can be accessed by any students, staff, faculty, and Durham community members for free (!) using the Movatic app – Just scan the QR code on the bikes. Cat Trax bikes can be ridden anywhere within Durham (but don’t leave at residential properties).

For more information on the Cat Trax program, click HERE.

Free Bike repair clinics! May 2 10am-2pm at Durham Public Library.