Cause of downtown fire under investigation
Written by Barbara Tetreault
BERLIN – The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire that destroyed a vacant three story downtown building early Sunday morning. Berlin Fire Chief Randall Trull said the investigation will look at the possibility the fire was set.
The building, at 148 Pleasant Street, was acquired by the city at tax deed last year and had been vacant for a number of years. Trull said there was electrical service to the building but no electricity in the actual building.
He said the fire was reported at 4:09 Sunday morning by cell phone from a caller who noticed the heavy smoke.
"On arrival there was heavy smoke coming from the building," Trull said.
In fact, the chief said the smoke was so heavy, firefighters initially couldn't tell what building was on fire.
The department responded to the scene in two minutes with a four-person crew that attempted to do an interior attack. Trull explained at that point the fire was on the first floor and spreading to the second floor. He said the crew could not maintain the interior attack and the fire quickly spread through the rest of the building.
With the arrival of additional firefighters, Trull said the crew mounted a defensive position to successfully prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. He noted Greeting Jewelry is in front of the building and the former Family Dollar building abuts it on the north.
Trull estimated it took the department two hours to get the fire under control and firefighters continued to pump water on hot spots for another two. He said a total of 14 firefighters fought the fire.
Deputy State Fire Marshal John Southwell arrived and viewed the scene before an excavator from A D Excavating Construction was brought in to knock down the burned-out shell. Trull explained the building had collapsed and part of the façade was hanging, creating a safety hazard.
The chief said he was pleased at the support firefighters received at the scene. He said American Red Cross, Berlin Emergency Medical Service, Berlin Police and Public Works all responded. He said a number of citizens delivered drinking water for firefighters.
"It was a huge team effort," Trull said.
Trull said his department, Berlin police, and the state fire marshal's office are investigating the cause of the fire.
The city acquired the building as well as the neighboring property at 121 Main Street last year from the Annette M. Kimball Revocable Trust for non-payment of property taxes. The Berlin Industrial Development and Park Authority has hired an architectural firm to help it redevelop the 121 Main Street building, which formerly housed Family Dollar. BIDPA had talked about demolishing the 148 Pleasant Street building and using the space to expand options for 121 Main Street.
The building, at 148 Pleasant Street, was acquired by the city at tax deed last year and had been vacant for a number of years. Trull said there was electrical service to the building but no electricity in the actual building.
He said the fire was reported at 4:09 Sunday morning by cell phone from a caller who noticed the heavy smoke.
"On arrival there was heavy smoke coming from the building," Trull said.
In fact, the chief said the smoke was so heavy, firefighters initially couldn't tell what building was on fire.
The department responded to the scene in two minutes with a four-person crew that attempted to do an interior attack. Trull explained at that point the fire was on the first floor and spreading to the second floor. He said the crew could not maintain the interior attack and the fire quickly spread through the rest of the building.
With the arrival of additional firefighters, Trull said the crew mounted a defensive position to successfully prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. He noted Greeting Jewelry is in front of the building and the former Family Dollar building abuts it on the north.
Trull estimated it took the department two hours to get the fire under control and firefighters continued to pump water on hot spots for another two. He said a total of 14 firefighters fought the fire.
Deputy State Fire Marshal John Southwell arrived and viewed the scene before an excavator from A D Excavating Construction was brought in to knock down the burned-out shell. Trull explained the building had collapsed and part of the façade was hanging, creating a safety hazard.
The chief said he was pleased at the support firefighters received at the scene. He said American Red Cross, Berlin Emergency Medical Service, Berlin Police and Public Works all responded. He said a number of citizens delivered drinking water for firefighters.
"It was a huge team effort," Trull said.
Trull said his department, Berlin police, and the state fire marshal's office are investigating the cause of the fire.
The city acquired the building as well as the neighboring property at 121 Main Street last year from the Annette M. Kimball Revocable Trust for non-payment of property taxes. The Berlin Industrial Development and Park Authority has hired an architectural firm to help it redevelop the 121 Main Street building, which formerly housed Family Dollar. BIDPA had talked about demolishing the 148 Pleasant Street building and using the space to expand options for 121 Main Street.
Last Updated on Monday, 20 May 2013 22:57
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New York man receives head injuries in Route 16 accident near Pontook
DUMMER – A New York man received serious head injuries when the 1967 Porsche he was driving struck a tree head-on in an accident Saturday afternoon on Route 16.
State police reported George Gates, 60, of Lloyd Harbor, N.Y. was traveling south on Route 16 from Errol when the vehicle came into the section of "S" curves just north of the Pontook Dam. Police said the car was traveling too fast and Gates lost control and the vehicle went off the west side of the road, scraped a utility pole, and hit a tree head-on.
Because of the age of the car it had only a lap belt, which Gates was wearing. He had to be cut out of the vehicle by Milan EMS and the Milan Fire Department. Gates was taken by Med-Flight to Maine Medical Center in Portland where he was listed Sunday in stable condition.
Police said two other vehicles were traveling with the Gates car but the drivers did not witness the accident. There were no passengers in the vehicle with Gates.
Police report speed appears to be the cause of the accident. Also assisting at the scene were personnel from Public Service of N.H. and Mr. Auto of Berlin.
State police reported George Gates, 60, of Lloyd Harbor, N.Y. was traveling south on Route 16 from Errol when the vehicle came into the section of "S" curves just north of the Pontook Dam. Police said the car was traveling too fast and Gates lost control and the vehicle went off the west side of the road, scraped a utility pole, and hit a tree head-on.
Because of the age of the car it had only a lap belt, which Gates was wearing. He had to be cut out of the vehicle by Milan EMS and the Milan Fire Department. Gates was taken by Med-Flight to Maine Medical Center in Portland where he was listed Sunday in stable condition.
Police said two other vehicles were traveling with the Gates car but the drivers did not witness the accident. There were no passengers in the vehicle with Gates.
Police report speed appears to be the cause of the accident. Also assisting at the scene were personnel from Public Service of N.H. and Mr. Auto of Berlin.
Last Updated on Monday, 20 May 2013 22:57
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Gorham Paper and Tissue gets new CEO
GORHAM - Gorham Paper and Tissue announced it has Michael Cummings as its new full-time Chief Executive Officer.
The company said Cummings brings more than 20 years of manufacturing leadership experience with various companies in the paper, packaging and technology sectors.
Cummings will manage the day-to-day business and drive the overall strategic direction for the mill. His immediate focus is to capitalize on the rapid growth of the company in specialty markets by accelerating innovation through product development, optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the overall customer experience.
"I am impressed by the progress Gorham has made over such a short period of time, the company has tackled the energy platform, installed a state-of-the-art tissue machine and now invested in hiring a full-time CEO," said Cummings.
"There is a solid strategic plan in place and long-term viability for the business. I am excited to harness the momentum and lead this business to the next level," he said.
The Gorham leadership role had previously been filled by Dick Arnold, who acted in a dual capacity for Patriarch Partners as the president and CEO for both Gorham and Old Town Fuel and Fiber in Maine. Arnold's knowledge and leadership skills are needed exclusively at Old Town to commercialize its bio-refinery project, a cutting-edge technology that transforms paper by-products into bio-fuels or feedstock.
"Gorham has tremendous untapped potential. I am confident that we will continue to strengthen the business and grow," added Cummings. "Knowing the importance of the mill to the White Mountains region, I am thrilled to be leading a portfolio company of Patriarch Partners, an organization committed to reinvigorating manufacturing in America. The ultimate measurement of success for me will be creating new jobs in the community."
Cummings joins Gorham from Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he served as the Director of Global Operations within the Slides and Specialty Glass business unit. Previously, he served as COO in the consumer division of Crane & Company. Prior to that Cummings was the Senior Vice President of The Newark Group – a manufacturer of paperboard and packaging.
Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Gorham targets niche technical markets with a broad portfolio of customized Tissue, Towel and Specialty Packaging, Converting, Engineered and Printing Papers. Using scale and leanness as an advantage, the company challenges industry convention with its manufacturing flexibility, product development lead times and go-to-market strategy. In May 2011, the Gorham facility was acquired with support from investment funds managed by Patriarch Partners.
The company said Cummings brings more than 20 years of manufacturing leadership experience with various companies in the paper, packaging and technology sectors.
Cummings will manage the day-to-day business and drive the overall strategic direction for the mill. His immediate focus is to capitalize on the rapid growth of the company in specialty markets by accelerating innovation through product development, optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the overall customer experience.
"I am impressed by the progress Gorham has made over such a short period of time, the company has tackled the energy platform, installed a state-of-the-art tissue machine and now invested in hiring a full-time CEO," said Cummings.
"There is a solid strategic plan in place and long-term viability for the business. I am excited to harness the momentum and lead this business to the next level," he said.
The Gorham leadership role had previously been filled by Dick Arnold, who acted in a dual capacity for Patriarch Partners as the president and CEO for both Gorham and Old Town Fuel and Fiber in Maine. Arnold's knowledge and leadership skills are needed exclusively at Old Town to commercialize its bio-refinery project, a cutting-edge technology that transforms paper by-products into bio-fuels or feedstock.
"Gorham has tremendous untapped potential. I am confident that we will continue to strengthen the business and grow," added Cummings. "Knowing the importance of the mill to the White Mountains region, I am thrilled to be leading a portfolio company of Patriarch Partners, an organization committed to reinvigorating manufacturing in America. The ultimate measurement of success for me will be creating new jobs in the community."
Cummings joins Gorham from Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he served as the Director of Global Operations within the Slides and Specialty Glass business unit. Previously, he served as COO in the consumer division of Crane & Company. Prior to that Cummings was the Senior Vice President of The Newark Group – a manufacturer of paperboard and packaging.
Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Gorham targets niche technical markets with a broad portfolio of customized Tissue, Towel and Specialty Packaging, Converting, Engineered and Printing Papers. Using scale and leanness as an advantage, the company challenges industry convention with its manufacturing flexibility, product development lead times and go-to-market strategy. In May 2011, the Gorham facility was acquired with support from investment funds managed by Patriarch Partners.
Last Updated on Monday, 20 May 2013 22:57
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"Stand up for Veterans" provides information about services to vets
By Debra Thornblad
The Berlin Veterans' Center hosted “Stand up for Veterans” at the center last Friday, designed for veterans and other local residents to learn about veteran services in the North Country.
The standing room only event had several speakers able to provide information about services available for veterans, particularly those who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. It was followed by an open house and barbeque at the center.
North Country Veterans first began organizing in 2009 with a conference held at the Gorham American Legion. The following year, with attendance expected to be over 200, the conference was held at a larger location, the Berlin National Guard Armory, Jo Moncher, Bureau Chief, Mililary Programs, N.H. Department of Health and Human Services, explained.
There are 130,000 veterans in the state, she said. Last year 526 homeless veterans were serviced, most in the southern part of the state.
“Many are hidden, helped by friends, law enforcement, or others in the community,” Moncher said. “It's harder to identify and service homeless veterans in the North Country, we don't have the services here (as in the southern part of the state).
Because of this, partnerships and collaboration are important, she said, giving as an example the donation of 100 hygiene kits, which were available that day, as well as scarves and hats, donated by the Red Cross.
The New Hampshire North Country Veterans Committee has also put together a 2013 Homeless Veterans Resource Guide, which serves veterans in northern New Hampshire, Vermont and western Maine.
“Our motto is 'help without hassles',” Jay Sprinkle, a Vietnam veteran with the Berlin Vet Center, said. “We get them in the door, see them immediately, and take care of their issues.”
He said last year the local center had over 2,000 visits and served 185 veterans. This year they are on track to serve 250 veterans. Addressing one fear veterans often have, Sprinkle said no one has access to their records unless they okay it.
The center can provide assistance on a number of issues, including education about re-adjustment. “It can be quite daunting and challenging at times,” he said.
Ray Burton, Executive Counselor, said the federal government has budgeted $2 million for veterans in New Hampshire.
He said he was leaving here with a homework assignment. “I've got to do a better job reaching out to those provider groups (which provide services to veterans),” he said.
Pastor Dave Cantor, Team Leader for the Berlin Vet to Vet Program and a Vietnam veteran, said the VA was not as helpful or forthcoming to those coming back in the 1960's and 70's as they are now.
“I don't think they knew what to do with us all. That's not the case today, but some veterans still don't trust the government. Vet to Vet helps bridge that gap,” he said. “We believe if each one could reach one and teach one, we might make a difference.”
New Hampshire Vet to Vet organized in 2011. Locally meetings are held at the Family Resource Center in Gorham and at the state prison. They are in talks with starting meetings at the federal prison as well, Cantor said.
Cantor said Vet to Vet has helped dozens who didn't know what's available get into programs that help them. He said he was particularly proud of the help they gave to two veterans at the state prison. Both had met their minimum sentence, were eligible for parole, but had no place to go, and so had to stay until they met the maximum sentence. Vet to Vet helped them get into Harbor Homes and get jobs. They're not in the system any more, he said.
Cantor mentioned the homeless shelter in Plymouth, which serves all of the North Country, as well as a new 50-unit condominium complex in the planning stages, to be called Soldier to Soldier. It will provide homeless veterans with shelter as well as a path towards buying into it.
“If you are a veteran and don't have any personal needs yourself, consider joining up and paying it forward to those just coming back,” Cantor said.
“Homelessness represents a point of personal crisis,” Rob Norris, VA Homeless Outreach Worker based at the White River Junction VS Medical Center, said. “It's hard to look for a job, a home, and keep up with medical appointments.”
Norris reviewed several of the resources here in the North Country, including health care for homeless veterans, HUD section 8 housing vouchers and supportive services for veteran's families.
The final speaker of the day was John Pagan, Captain (Retired), U.S. Army Reserve, who spoke about homelessness from personal experience.
“Can you look someone in the face and tell if they're homeless or suffering from PTSD?” he asked. “We carry our wounds deep in our souls.”
“I couldn't recognize my star was descending, that I was basically homeless,” Pagen, a couch-surfer for 10 years, said. “It's hard to live in a world that doesn't look right any more, wasn't home any more.
He said it was a minor stroke in 2008 that woke him up to that reality.
“It may take 20 years before post traumatic stress manufactures itself, we need to make sure there's a safety net available when it does,” he said.
In response to questions after the speakers, attendees learned there are no definite plans for another homeless veterans' shelter north of Plymouth, although there has been some interest expressed in one in Bethlehem.
There are plans for a community based outreach center underway for Colebrook.
The White River Junction VA Medical Center is talking with Androscoggin Valley Hospital about providing some medical services at AVH.
A grant application for $50,000 per year for three years has gone to the Tillotson Fund. The money would be used for outreach.
There is also an initiative being discussed for a Veterans' Medical Card that would be used by veteran's at any medical facility.
Anyone looking for more information can call the Berlin Vet Center at 752-2571 or visit the center on Route 16 between Berlin and Gorham.
Last Updated on Monday, 20 May 2013 22:57
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