[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6503018,"mediaKeyId","5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464","parentId",5671254,"title","Commissioner Stewart recounts testimony opposing mutual-aid bill changes, urges better pay and staffing for EMS","audioSeconds",671,"startMs",6073000,"endMs",6744000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464&start=6073&end=6744","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464/thumbnail_6073000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6503018/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Commissioner-Stewart-recounts-testimony-opposing-mutual-aid-bill-changes-urges-better-pay-and-staffing-for-EMS","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503018-6521d8fcd725e23772722d94609cc256/orig.mp4?Expires=1776081744&Signature=R6v3z3IPcB1p616PxP06QUiPwMQEpeWTEbbC~f9cFtG4cblC-TlvAvOoqz5XWTHj-IFfFakrQQ5G411-i7mcxsTymCWJ1zuXm-xv8Wiy5KnQofIfhkXprON4XIodUVdKgM9EO76E0roL24EOAPJ22sTwkfrlp6Xx6wLvqNBui4jyoxE2Q7d6I1mLbu5O~OYghfuqkHStxRh7Q74m9zjgzac4Hz9TMfBshAJ8v6fa30R9s1kuiNEwBwHOMm338T4cid1t7qeba~Mt2t11-nn1e16p6xrP6uz~TOdeBq0fyq1MF9QS7d094M7QFUrwO4PGy40grEUCiFNiTbTqoJUkfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cheshire County NH","date","2025-08-25T17:41:49Z","article","Commissioner Stewart told the Cheshire County board on March 12 that she recently testified at a legislative hearing regarding a bill related to mutual aid and EMS staffing. Stewart said she pushed back on testimony that would allow single-EMT ambulance responses or otherwise reduce in-vehicle medical staffing.

Stewart argued that reducing trained medical staff in ambulances risks patient outcomes. She described a personal example: in a critical call involving a chest-pain patient, multiple responders and advanced care were required, and she said such situations show why more than one trained medical responder is essential. Stewart also recounted that at the legislative hearing she pressed witnesses who argued staffing limits or temporary COVID-era changes were acceptable, and she said the county must prioritize quality emergency care.

Stewart told colleagues the underlying issue is staffing and compensation: she urged higher pay to attract and retain EMTs and paramedics, noting competition from private-sector jobs that pay similar or better rates without the same responsibilities. She said mutual-aid policy decisions should not substitute for adequate pay and staffing. Several commissioners agreed with Stewart’s concerns and discussed the policy trade-offs, liability and local expectations for EMS standards.

The commissioners did not adopt a formal position at the meeting but noted plans to continue engagement with the delegation and legislative contacts. Commissioner Stewart said she would remain involved in legislative conversations and advocacy on staffing and mutual-aid policy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/12/25 Cheshire County Commissioner's Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioner Stewart described testifying against a proposed mutual-aid or EMS staffing bill at a legislative hearing, arguing the county needs staffed ambulances and better pay for EMTs and paramedics to ensure quality emergency care.","taxTitle","Cheshire County, New Hampshire","taxId",66144,"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},6503024,"Regional planners outline microtransit proposal; commissioners raise concerns about Keene focus and county role",2537,2809000,5346000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464&start=2809&end=5346","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464/thumbnail_2809000.jpg","/articles/6503024/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Regional-planners-outline-microtransit-proposal-commissioners-raise-concerns-about-Keene-focus-and-county-role","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503024-6909e77b50f1b133da2a6305043e7907/orig.mp4?Expires=1776081744&Signature=o5LPATq3mtLnsFzWzGKKJnhaq3LmTeHwUv0ueHPmnrFvkrVgipoE4p1l8EhKjb6ZnuS3uwhgjTNJANVW8kZ~AtEYffnv8U9kW6D-bWTlwt~mr3pMLhRwCYxfrbiWWrNw5cYf0epJ0AJuPEDmFp7bKM0yxVn~tg8Cro~Bbmq6E8TxYXKcT29TvLFQMTcpl6kx7BZcQOrniHY0zNoUlLHrXphX81gryylHvenwiDrRw0WmhRWWanR4NGqv6uFdo4gWoLdFCCIZkOn6~XBHHIxxIhU0mWaUYL3oAfrBCk6VCqbVHLu1VqKWtQvy6I-g6PpNSydBrh-f-hwJ~pS8jwMJAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Southwest Regional Planning Commission briefed the Cheshire County commissioners on March 12 about a proposed “next generation” transit system that would use microtransit technology — app- or call-center–based shared rides — to expand mobility across the Monadnock region.

JB Mack, assistant director at the Southwest Regional Planning Commission, and Terry Johnson, the region’s mobility manager, described analyses and community outreach that led to a microtransit model. Presenters said the Keene area’s existing City Express and Friendly Bus services provide a baseline and that expanding hours and roaming service into a larger microtransit zone could increase annual ridership in a medium scenario from roughly 29,000 to about 64,000 trips with a modest increase in operating cost.

The presentation proposed a phased rollout starting in Keene (expanded hours and territory) and later extending services countywide. Planners estimated that a core operating budget for the greater-Keene microtransit scenario could be shared among Keene, Marlborough and Swanzey and that Cheshire County could cover roughly 20 percent of a modest scenario (about $71,000 annually). Larger scenarios would require contributions from multiple municipalities and institutional partners such as Keene State College and Cheshire Medical Center.

Commissioners raised immediate concerns. Several said the proposal appeared Keene-centric and questioned asking small, rural towns to fund a service they might rarely use. One commissioner observed that many of the county’s smaller communities have populations under 1,000 and that paying into a regional operating budget for transit they cannot practically use would be a hard sell. Planners said the phased approach would begin modestly and would seek partnerships, institutional support, fare revenue and state funds; they also noted a potential state funding increase in upcoming budget cycles. Staff said the earliest feasible target for stand-up would be fiscal year 2027 and that the project team will continue outreach and refine sponsor and operating models.

No formal county commitment was requested at the meeting; planners asked the commissioners to consider whether Cheshire County could act as a sponsor — a role that could include managing grants or serving as a regional convener. Commissioners emphasized concerns about equity for rural towns and the county’s bandwidth to manage transit operations.","Southwest Regional Planning Commission presented a 'next generation' microtransit plan focused on the Keene urban area and a phased countywide approach. Commissioners questioned asking rural towns to fund a service they may not use and debated whether Cheshire County should sponsor the system.",{"_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},6503028,"Veterans nonprofit RuckUp asks Cheshire County for short-term funding; commissioners agree to split support and seek delegation approval",2439,328000,2767000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464&start=328&end=2767","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464/thumbnail_328000.jpg","/articles/6503028/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Veterans-nonprofit-RuckUp-asks-Cheshire-County-for-short-term-funding-commissioners-agree-to-split-support-and-seek-delegation-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503028-7128a636b8ab7816d5c5106f970476a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776081745&Signature=eXwgdx2hUPe9OzgXVqbfVg2mYGutQF5pp26dP6PvTh7MzvDxVbnU5IUzxer2s0BgyETFikX7eJ9dctdUY1S9vp-rI61u0gnUEYPyvZTyreIrVQbDaK4kR7RWv-~7XqaDgpc7RdPC1e9sWS-aFc7thUjGLYwBNZksjBfAmj3IvLVXfiobhht6r5AC-Kn-SbMTkoIk4hoheFQu0zx5tFeWHwmV3N0KBluVFm0LHfbZYkyLiToT4JuRksVb2ZElBi4hGVxRf~r3LoIbIzVlHRAqj32KvMqbuU5Badbi7~8EpwA7HS9u1M74pp8lyXmYxadaXqDZrfxWujzuusVas1fJwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from RuckUp, a volunteer veterans services nonprofit that provides outreach, counseling and advocacy for veterans, appealed to the Cheshire County commissioners on March 12 for short-term funding to cover an urgent financial squeeze.

Chris Minkler, president of RuckUp, and AJ Page, counseling director, described the organization’s services — outreach, group and one-to-one counseling, food shelf and assistance with VA and Social Security claims — and said RuckUp directly aided veterans across Cheshire County. Page said RuckUp distributed about $93,657 in direct assistance last year and helped secure roughly $1.889 million in benefit awards for clients through VA and Social Security claims work.

RuckUp asked the county for $20,000 as a short-term infusion, with the organization prepared to complete county outside-agency paperwork if it seeks ongoing support. Commissioners discussed two potential funding sources: opioid-settlement or abatement funds (which require delegation approval) and the Hemingway Fund (which the commissioners can allocate directly). Commissioners and staff debated timing and process: using Hemingway funds for an immediate payment and presenting an opioid-fund request to the delegation in the regular grant cycle.

County leadership proposed splitting the support: $10,000 from the Hemingway Fund immediately and $10,000 to be requested from opioid-abatement funds and considered by the delegation at its next meeting. Commissioners directed staff to prepare the paperwork for the short-term Hemingway disbursement and to bring a formal opioid-fund request to the delegation. Commissioner Skip and other commissioners asked for more detail about RuckUp’s partnerships; RuckUp representatives listed partnering groups such as ClearPath, Friends of Veterans, Easterseals and local motorcycle ride funders that assist with fuel and housing support.

RuckUp leaders emphasized that the organization is volunteer-run, that donated funds go directly to veterans, and described caps on the outreach program (typically $600–$800 per veteran family without additional board approval). Commissioners agreed to place the funding request on the delegation agenda and to approve a short immediate Hemingway disbursement pending formal paperwork.","RuckUp, a volunteer veterans services nonprofit, requested a $20,000 short-term county contribution; commissioners discussed using Hemingway Fund and opioid-abatement funds and directed staff to provide $10,000 now and pursue the remainder with the delegation.",{"_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},6503033,"Cheshire County votes to accept DHHS Opiate Abatement grant amendment adding $188,375 and extending term",86,234000,320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464&start=234&end=320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464/thumbnail_234000.jpg","/articles/6503033/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Cheshire-County-votes-to-accept-DHHS-Opiate-Abatement-grant-amendment-adding-188375-and-extending-term","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503033-56c66a2af3bf04a9384d9b2d6a309c78/orig.mp4?Expires=1776081745&Signature=Bv~wddR4pQqkt7cgUoRz7tcjSccYM7cQ0OXMUAc65Pe9FOkcbhF2B4H~36UgU8PfqvQC~ik91FKeDMvf6TUu~V7K4DSmvThh47zhGZyPvf25LsQBt~mnRabl~1YTU~plaXFdE02jKEIleGbZPRNtvVE5jZNPR-IKRnK7NoSptypnOpM3ADUf0w2tfe89VoNSiDksWnmem9qm0FyAnTUHM1COcT-t97MqnwkTtOF1a6t4JjsAQZ-Lel3K104lbYeR-tF8V61SGIsqaaEtc1GdgQFn6drNAd16vPQt66r9YgTFGyYI~InqYIYkcDm3R50kz01BGw57WdG0ABm76L2ItQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cheshire County Commissioners on March 12 voted to accept and sign an amendment to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Opiate Abatement Program grant.

County staff read the agenda item at the meeting: the amendment extends the grant term through June 30, 2027 and adds $188,375 in funding to provide recovery coaching, care mentoring and recovery support services for Cheshire County Drug Court participants. The board then moved to accept the grant and recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

Commissioner Clark, Commissioner Stewart and Commissioner DeBernardo each voted yes when the board called the roll. County staff said the amendment will be executed via the county signature process and that the document is prepared for signature.

The county indicated that the grant is one of three funding sources that supports treatment-related services in the county and that the amendment both extends the time period and provides additional operating funds for recovery support services tied to the drug court.

The commissioners did not amend the grant terms during the meeting; the action was to accept the amendment and authorize signature.","The board unanimously approved accepting and signing an amendment to the Department of Health and Human Services opiate abatement grant that adds $188,375 and extends the agreement through June 30, 2027 to support recovery coaching and mentoring for Drug Court participants.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6503038,"Cheshire County commissioners grant short-term FMLA extensions for two employees",115,113000,228000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464&start=113&end=228","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671254-f1cf97a56e2c32c48428163cc389c464/thumbnail_113000.jpg","/articles/6503038/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Cheshire-County-commissioners-grant-short-term-FMLA-extensions-for-two-employees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6503038-c3eaeb452c268478ed0f79bd420aec68/orig.mp4?Expires=1776081745&Signature=NShqAjnuwU2UMW4R3ETr84NohmMiLBgKWFAKZ5WxDXvlagGlpE98V8YoH4kEHJHjzu3LaGFF-2zAvUrD4rT2ghKkILWYlJxq0BajXGuDbgiQMLrFgeYhhVkRFRWO1sHTZjlx2eaVsio4jkg8D4hOOMWk~NooaFfdhGgV2fQ-BsExqy~Xmaz3FDQJqVcDMqyuDX050r5CsBs026neIOl1RvHvi4kC3O-kPmUMTs2OKtQZO3Xj3RuVV~OGYvVqHK3Tfpo-FAWUA2PL6LrMyYMuPU2QHmGLOFbnWola3Y1Cu2kp52BU631kHqqFBDPmqUhBqG-vlP8qmDlwLDKEcjwVcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cheshire County Commissioners on March 12 approved short-term extensions to two employees' leave under family and medical leave rules.

The extensions cover a Maplewood employee with an unresolved leg injury and a sheriff’s department dispatcher who needs additional treatment following childbirth complications. County staff described the Maplewood worker as a 20-year employee and said they would grant a final extension to May 1; if the employee cannot return to full duty on May 1, the county will consider termination until the employee is again able to work at full duty. The dispatcher was approved for up to eight additional weeks to recover and return to full duty in dispatch.

The board moved and seconded the extension requests and recorded votes. Commissioner Clark, Commissioner Stewart and Commissioner DeBernardo voted yes on both actions.

County staff framed the Maplewood extension as the last short-term accommodation available before personnel action would be required. For the dispatcher, staff described ongoing medical complications related to childbirth and requested the temporary leave to permit treatment and recovery.

The commissioners did not identify further accommodations or alternative staffing plans during the recorded discussion. The county will treat the May 1 return-to-work date and the eight-week timeframe as the administrative deadlines cited by staff for future employment decisions.

No additional policy changes were made; the items were handled as personnel decisions under the county’s existing leave procedures.","The Cheshire County commissioners approved short extensions to two employees' family/medical leave: one Maplewood staffer until May 1 and one sheriff's dispatcher up to eight weeks while they receive further treatment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioner Stewart recounts testimony opposing mutual-aid bill changes, urges better pay and staffing for EMS

Regional planners outline microtransit proposal; commissioners raise concerns about Keene focus and county role

Veterans nonprofit RuckUp asks Cheshire County for short-term funding; commissioners agree to split support and seek delegation approval

Cheshire County votes to accept DHHS Opiate Abatement grant amendment adding $188,375 and extending term

Cheshire County commissioners grant short-term FMLA extensions for two employees