http://freekeene.com/2008/08/26/the-couch-enforcer/

One week ago, someone claiming to be from CITY OF KEENE “Code Enforcement” threatened me over a couch in my tenants’ yard. They use the couch for bird watching and it has been there for longer than I can remember. Now the Blue Light Gang has a problem with it? Whose property is this, anyway?

Today, 08/26/08 he returned and I had my camera ready. See the video at the above link.

Always available for comment,
Ian Freeman
Blogger, FreeKeene.com

(Goffstown, N.H.) Ten inmates completed a college-level course coordinated through a partnership between the New Hampshire Department of Corrections and Manchester Community College. The Medical Terminology class was made possible by a federal grant under the Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998 and was presented at the New Hampshire State Prison for Women in Goffstown.

The inmates were interviewed to establish their eligibility and ten were selected for the three-credit course, which was taught by the Manchester Community College instructor Susan Carbone. These credits can be applied toward a program certification at MCC or transferred to another college should any of the women choose to further their education upon release.

“This is a significant moment for these women and will be important for their futures,” Warden Joanne H. Fortier said.

“This was an amazing accomplishment that all ten women completed the course considering the daily challenges and demands they face in prison,” Warden Fortier added.

The facility is exploring other partnership options with Manchester Community College to determine if similar programs can be offered in the future.

(Concord, N.H.) Inmates from the New Hampshire Correctional Industries program at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord designed and built the wood furnishings for the new Gilford Public Library.

Approximately 150 custom built bookcases, tables, desks, computer work stations, and display cases were manufactured at the Concord facility over the past four months. Each item was built from raw materials and wood that was cut and fashioned to specifics. Thirty inmates working double shifts participated in the project.

The new library celebrated its open house on August 19, 2008, and patrons were able to see the new furnishings in every section of the building. Two weeks ago, four inmates from the Lakes Region Facility in Laconia also assisted the Friends of the Gilford Public Library when the new furnishings were moved into the building.

“This is a win-win situation. The inmates hone a marketable skill in the field of woodworking and the public benefits. It also showcases the positive work of the inmates at the Department of Corrections,” Commissioner William L. Wrenn said.

In a letter to Commissioner Wrenn, Kate Hamel, President of the Friends of the Gilford Public Library, thanked Correctional Industries and the Wood Shop for “their exceptional craftsmanship, service, and commitment” to the project.