[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6272302,"mediaKeyId","3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be","parentId",3027935,"title","Police update: drug-takeback, blood drive, school traffic and county dispatch payment discussed","audioSeconds",182,"startMs",1131350,"endMs",1313670,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be&start=1131&end=1313","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be/thumbnail_1131350.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272302/Loudon/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Police-update-drug-takeback-blood-drive-school-traffic-and-county-dispatch-payment-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272302-032b0c91821508c651fdc984df928902/orig.mp4?Expires=1775671035&Signature=MtuiNpGt5DNMQ5URQ~dlkag737rYMEbmOu3-G-svzi~Nz6eZgbnG89~bgswj1axz2pvd8NNEErF4LLFhawXzNE9W-td~3nnfQk7RxPReiWJcGS0uRLVmcIdBrFIOUReY2u5NP83Vki4L5T45GE1rUPJM86OkwTw4yX6wvY9OTTAHcG1rolvhmdZUKAAQbWoVpG9jDIiUeTvnxHwJFcl1MLTVO0SFyNURqt28xkzlFuCztDjLpIfLVQczskPdOtIY7FxjRHPWM1Pn0t953WJOx~Iunu9YOTcbpGISrBT5wX~TOB0f3RD-xSuktLcn2sdpHIiYSI~oHf5WjcFVfA18dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Loudon NH","date","2025-04-17T00:20:37.157Z","article","Loudon Police Chief Dana Flanders updated the board on outreach programs, officer staffing and raised a scheduling issue with the Merrimack County dispatch MOU that could affect budget timing.

Flanders announced community events: a drug take-back day scheduled for April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the seventh annual Battle of the Badges blood drive on May 1. He said cruiser repairs are complete and reported an increase in calls for service year to date (3,223 calls so far this year compared with 2,313 at the same point in 2024) and increased vehicle contacts. He also said Officer Hart is scheduled to return from the academy on April 25, and the department recently hired a part-time administrative assistant.

On dispatch services, Flanders and board members discussed the Merrimack County Dispatcher services MOU. The county requested annual payment for the full year in April rather than the traditional biannual, services‑rendered billing. The sheriff indicated a willingness to remain on the prior schedule, but the county’s calendar-year billing differs from Loudon’s fiscal-year cycle (July 1). Selectmen discussed options including paying the full county invoice in April (overdrawing a line item this fiscal year) or keeping the current schedule and inviting the sheriff to a work session to explain the change. The annual dispatch cost cited in the meeting was $41,000 (annual; half due now would be about $20,500). The board asked for a work session with the sheriff for clarification.

Why it matters
Dispatch billing timing affects the town’s cash flow and budgeting; prepaying could require drawing on current-year budget lines. The county’s billing calendar differs from the town’s fiscal year, raising a procedural question about how to handle future payments.

Next steps
Chief Flanders will continue to coordinate on school-traffic pilots, and Selectmen agreed to invite Merrimack County representatives for a work session to explain billing and usage accounting so the board can decide whether to shift to an annual upfront payment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Selectmen - April 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Police Chief Dana Flanders reported on public-safety outreach events, a traffic pilot at the school and raised a budget/timing issue with the county dispatch MOU and annual payment schedule.","taxTitle","Loudon, Merrimack County , New Hampshire","taxId",61624,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272306,"Town, fire officials emphasize lithium battery disposal as rising fire risk at transfer station",370,655490,1026290,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be&start=655&end=1026","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be/thumbnail_655490.jpg","/articles/6272306/Loudon/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Town-fire-officials-emphasize-lithium-battery-disposal-as-rising-fire-risk-at-transfer-station","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272306-2155e945c9296c653a7d767e36a51d92/orig.mp4?Expires=1775671035&Signature=f-tCkY5AS6EKGrfYSncqoB~KBGxm6dgBl1JKbBXmLpT0V9DXdZI-MAdWuT3~y8A4ZJ6cQ160avLcItCFEd6nl1PiIKslMEiKQLnG~RJZcAcTSuKDGkadNmJpDOlvWkbZk6NqOv9m1Zfh9WdPuPGWoQYu-HnIyxZIwdKjyUnMlNbmYaJoF~lw5MmPkNQQalNYabr2Fw163jmbjy~K0Pvfb3thF~mgesB~vRIQMrC7KXf7k6MedmefKhxNwF-f4b1xHLRcFO38OMKGhpyPA2M6-BTEWTw-YNtg7NBoxUI07Q~0Sz2wiq7x94TBf~veok0zvkJICxrMPW6LOSAlnA0SFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fire and highway officials told the board that lithium-ion battery disposal is an emerging hazard and that the town’s transfer-station procedures are being updated in anticipation of stricter state rules effective July 1.

Road Agent Russ Pearl and Fire Chief Tom Planchette said the transfer station has completed an operational plan required by the state and is working to set up a dedicated collection method for lithium batteries (for example, a secure container). Pearl said batteries are currently brought to the transfer-station office and that the town will notify the public about proper disposal methods as state rules change. He noted the town is still researching recycling logistics and whether there are financial incentives for residents returning batteries.

Chief Planchette said lithium-ion batteries present a serious firefighting challenge because once they ignite they are difficult to extinguish and can force responders to remove the device and let it burn while protecting exposures. He recounted a local fire last year caused by a lithium battery in a toy and urged residents to follow disposal guidance. Fire and highway staff said they are coordinating messaging and materials from the National Fire Protection Association and awaiting a state commission report required by recent legislation.

Why it matters
Lithium-ion batteries (found in phones, laptops, e-bikes and power tools) can ignite during storage or compaction and are harder to control than typical combustibles. Transfer-station staff emphasized the town recently invested in a compactor and must avoid putting loose lithium batteries into that equipment.

Next steps
Town staff will develop a secure collection point at the transfer station, coordinate public outreach (social media, a ledger article) and consult with state Fire Marshal and NFPA guidance. The board asked staff to return with a public-notification plan and any budget implications.","Fire and highway officials warned of rising fire risk from lithium-ion batteries and described steps the transfer station is taking ahead of July 1 state requirements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272310,"Loudon officials discuss one-way and reversal plans to reduce school drop-off congestion",786,1204230,1991100,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be&start=1204&end=1991","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be/thumbnail_1204230.jpg","/articles/6272310/Loudon/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Loudon-officials-discuss-one-way-and-reversal-plans-to-reduce-school-drop-off-congestion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272310-cb34b32bc0605db219c87f50a0dcd5fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775671035&Signature=XQh3Zl~~xA2J4m6kV2N9mMmL3ScN31kV5-pMg3w6FXwWhaAe4CUeVvAO~Z8EAO3fDXL9sEIpxQpl1u7m1J5V95RniOtb1bAUk3onXjSJOyJ7shFK7~XaChuBWe~azQdlVumWwBrd0sa8YxT-V4dbFcTGAsUS-JEJr8SV8JcpX8PbE80501yCsEnRNdMIUtCyEV9h4ceY-cGn~tY9K1twjYC5s03lsgSJHpB1al6vLRyoAbQ66EHXVpztFpNpI6cqiISPna06I4lOnMdHKe92ZfxdCLdtLICXUc0W-fM~h3kxG20wdV59PBSlePQOZ7Yo9sxiMqpluXHw9smf3bGPpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Loudon officials discussed several traffic changes aimed at reducing congestion at Loudon’s school during arrival and dismissal, including a possible permanent one-way conversion of School Street and a planned test reversal of traffic flow on May 19.

The proposal comes after repeated complaints about cars waiting on School Street during pick-up and drop-off periods. Police Chief Dana Flanders said the school will try reversing the parking-lot flow for the first few days on May 19 with officers on site to assist while staff adapts. Flanders said the objective is to get cars into the school parking lot so fewer vehicles remain on School Street.

Selectmen and Road Agent Russ Pearl discussed a permanent one-way conversion of School Street — from Oak Hill toward the village — to maintain consistent driver expectations rather than a temporary, time-limited one-way. Selectmen noted potential downsides: the one-way would force some neighborhood drivers to detour, and a long backup could reach the Oak Hill intersection. The board also considered using the upper parking lot near the soccer fields for grade‑level pickups and stationing a staff member to move groups across the field at dismissal.

Road Agent Russ Pearl said reopening and maintaining the town-owned road behind the school (referred to as Old Concrete Road / the road to the fields) would be cheaper than building a sidewalk but would require legal and maintenance steps before the town could remove gates or change the road’s status. The board agreed additional review is needed on process, potential liability and timing. Pearl said constructing a permanent sidewalk and keeping two-way traffic could require moving the road away from houses and be more expensive.

Why it matters
School traffic affects pedestrian safety, traffic flow on town roads and daily commutes. Officials said any permanent change should minimize confusion and consider bus routing, emergency access and nearby intersections. The board planned further study and possible work sessions with the school and the sheriff’s office to clarify parking, circulation and enforcement.

What’s next
The school will test a traffic-flow reversal on May 19 with police support. The board requested more detail and asked Russ Pearl to develop options and an implementation plan, and to return with recommendations on structural changes (one-way designation, parking reconfiguration or reopening and improving the road behind the school) for a future meeting.","Selectmen, the road agent and police chief debated making School Street one-way or reversing traffic flow and other steps intended to reduce morning and afternoon congestion around the school.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6272315,"Loudon selectmen approve permits, appointments and road bid authorization",3097,51160,3148610,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be&start=51&end=3148","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3027935-5c4b6d0e0412e58cba1318014d61a6be/thumbnail_51160.jpg","/articles/6272315/Loudon/Merrimack-County/New-Hampshire/Loudon-selectmen-approve-permits-appointments-and-road-bid-authorization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272315-f41a9a8af657b198948fb05485c72e71/orig.mp4?Expires=1775671035&Signature=TJHmLBNBkKMGX6s5KswgwWKoQctZS~BaKAwr1at4B90zX1zuJZ0pY2YHsdyug450B0yWx2GX2aMIS56p8qZTCitdhVojeKowCH3tWqSTUZ8k~LqtRXr1lMtvvfBTr-OsdsldodtDpjrE3IMBvIgmSrpPtH6WOQ1mzAWaN1MerCz~HrmhJmoe5QM96zNjGn1GKy8wJhg~NnGozMWyUpFvWRovS-YqWx98mvqJRky-QFZtH4B7GqAFnoooJ6iScxI6snFjZ2tlaYFpjK9qc1RPWoE4JzlW3uSihmPOxXNG2dcXWerxjYF3-5vXF2eEINFNpG6ighf~CAFF1MhKzqVkGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Loudon Board of Selectmen voted on a slate of routine and substantive items, approving permits, reappointments and authorizations including a one-year trail permission for snowmobile use and instructions for a road bid.

The board voted to accept the consent agenda, approved a special-event permit for the Southern New Hampshire Corvette Club’s car show and granted a Hawkers and Peddlers permit to Robert Phillips doing business as New Hampshire Mini Donuts for April 14, 2025, through April 14, 2026 (inspection and final food-truck checks required before operation). The board authorized Road Agent Russ Pearl to seek bids for Clough Hill Road (5,150 feet long and 22 feet wide) and approved a one-year landowner permission for the New Hampshire Snowshakers to use a list of roads for trail access rather than the five-year term the club requested.

Selectmen reappointed and appointed a series of emergency and volunteer positions: they authorized continued town possession and use of six pieces of equipment from the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (a winch, electric forklift, compressor, skid unit, 5-ton cargo truck and a 30 kW generator on a trailer) and approved appointments and reappointments for fire wardens, deputy wardens and issuing agents as recorded in the meeting packet. The board also made multiple committee appointments across the town’s advisory groups (Alternative Energy, Conservation, Trails, Recreation, Economic Development, Records Retention and others) with staggered terms.

Several motions were unanimous or passed by voice vote. The board approved a motion to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A (personnel/hiring) at 7:08 p.m.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda: Approved (motion by Selectman Miller; second by Selectman Griffin; voice vote: Aye).
- Board of Permits: Special-event permit (Southern New Hampshire Corvette Club/car show): Approved (consensus).
- Hawkers & Peddlers permit (Robert Phillips/New Hampshire Mini Donuts, 04/14/2025–04/14/2026): Approved (condition: town food-truck inspection required before operation).
- DNCR equipment (retain/maintain six items): Approved (motion by Selectman Miller; second by Selectman Griffin; voice vote: Aye).
- Fire warden and deputy warden appointments: Approved (motion by Selectman Miller; second by Selectman Griffin; voice vote: Aye).
- Clough Hill Road bid authorization (5,150 ft × 22 ft): Approved (motion to authorize Road Agent Russ Pearl to solicit bids; motion moved and seconded; voice vote: Aye).
- Snowmobile trail permission (New Hampshire Snowshakers): Approved for one year on listed roads (motion to grant one-year permission; voice vote: Aye).
- Multiple committee appointments (listed in minutes): Approved (voice votes recorded).
- Motion to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91‑A (personnel): Approved (roll-call recorded; motion seconded).

Background and next steps
The board noted some items need follow-up: the hawker/peddler must schedule a food-truck inspection before opening; the road-agent will proceed with the formal bid request for Clough Hill Road; and the Snowshakers application paperwork will be marked as one year and returned so the group can meet Fish & Game submittal deadlines. Several appointments will require signatures on posted forms.

The board’s packet indicated additional routine staffing and volunteer appointments that were approved by voice vote. Where the packet or motion text did not list dollar amounts or deadlines, the minutes record those fields as not specified.","At a regular meeting, the Loudon Board of Selectmen approved a consent agenda, several permits and reappointments, authorized bidding for Clough Hill Road and granted one-year trail permission to the New Hampshire Snowshakers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Police update: drug-takeback, blood drive, school traffic and county dispatch payment discussed

Town, fire officials emphasize lithium battery disposal as rising fire risk at transfer station

Loudon officials discuss one-way and reversal plans to reduce school drop-off congestion

Loudon selectmen approve permits, appointments and road bid authorization