Massachusetts experienced a statewide 911 outage earlier today, leading to confusion among residents in neighboring New Hampshire. An initial alert did not specify that the outage was confined to Massachusetts, prompting concerns from individuals near the border. A follow-up alert clarified that New Hampshire's 911 services remain fully operational, with no reports of callers being unable to reach emergency services.

In response to the ongoing heat wave, the Community Action Partnership of Stratford County (CAP) is setting up cooling centers and providing essential resources such as water and meals. Cooling locations will be available in Rochester at Infinity Peer Support and SOS Recovery, with specific hours outlined for public access. CAP is also seeking donations of bottled water, Gatorade, and sunscreen to support those in need during the extreme temperatures.

Additionally, Rochester's public pools will open this Saturday, June 22, at noon, offering free swimming to residents. Proof of residency will be required for entry, and unaccompanied minors must present a school ID.

The meeting also acknowledged the Elks' annual Flag Day event, which took place on June 14, and celebrated the retirement of Fenton Gruen, a prominent local contractor known for significant projects in the area. Gruen's contributions to the local economy and his commitment to hiring local contractors were highlighted as part of his legacy in Rochester.

The city council then moved on to discuss candidates for a vacancy in Ward 2, with a structured approach to ensure fairness in the selection process.