CONCORD: Many high school students across New Hampshire have received dual degrees by earning both a high school diploma and an associate degree from one of New Hampshire’s seven community colleges. Through its Early College program, the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) provides opportunities for high school students to earn dual credit and explore diverse subject areas at low or no cost to New Hampshire families. Through the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Scholarship program, eligible New Hampshire students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade get two free courses per year and a discounted rate for additional courses. From 2022 to 2025, Early College enrollment in NH increased 25% to a total of 10,863 students in the 2024-2025 academic year. The number of credits earned by Early College students increased 28% between 2022 to 2025, with a record of 59,840 posted for 2025.
GORHAM: White Mountain Paper Company (WMPC) has completed Project Nave, a $2 million replacement of its boiler system that will support the mill’s manufacturing operations, improve energy efficiency and secure the jobs of 72 employees. The project was partially funded through the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ Paper & Pulp Manufacturing Industry Stabilization Program, alongside the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. WMPC partnered with MB Mechanical, which oversaw the design, installation and commissioning of the new boiler.
PLYMOUTH: The New Hampshire Electric Cooperative board of directors approved a rate increase resulting from higher energy costs in the wholesale energy supply market. Beginning Aug. 1, the basic Co-op Power Charge, which includes the cost the co-op pays to purchase electricity on behalf of its members from the wholesale electricity market, will be increasing from 8.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 11.5 cents per kWh. The cost of these purchases is passed through to members who do not purchase power from an alternative supplier or through aggregation. The co-op does not add any additional charges or fees to its Co-op Power Charge. For more information, visit nhec.com/schedule-of-feesrates/.
PORTSMOUTH: American Cruise Lines is scheduled to make 10 port calls to Portsmouth this year as part of its Grand New England itinerary, more than doubling last year’s total of four. The American Cruise Lines fleet will sail into Portsmouth from Rockland/Camden, Maine and depart for Gloucester, Massachusetts, offering guests scenic views, historic exploration and local culture over a span of 11 days, visiting ports throughout the region. The Pease Development Authority, Division of Ports and Harbors, is also currently in discussions with another major cruise operator to expand future offerings in 2026 and beyond, reflecting strong interest in New Hampshire as a cruise destination.
CONCORD: The NH Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) has again been named a recipient of the Federation of Tax Administrators 2025 FTA Award for Innovation and Excellence in Tax Administration. The award was given for NHDRA’s Timber Tax campaign, which was developed and implemented to raise awareness and compliance for New Hampshire’s Timber Tax. Launched in late 2024, the Timber Tax campaign highlighted several resources for landowners, municipalities and loggers on its newly redesigned website, including details on how the Timber Tax is assessed, necessary forms, FAQs, guidance for municipalities in administering the Timber Tax and links to partner organizations.
