Kelly Egan

Sweet Readings, a summer reading challenge at Happy Cow Ice Cream Shop, in Laconia, returns for a second year. Those who complete the challenge are awarded a free small ice cream.Calise Houle, owner of Happy Cow, created the challenge, inspired by her own childhood memories of completing businesses' summer reading challenges.“When I was younger, Pizza Hut used to give you a free pizza if you read,” Houle said. “It was a huge thing, and we’re pretty old school here, so we’re just trying to encour...

Local musician Henry LaLiberte hit a milestone last year, playing 300 shows in 2025 alone. Almost all of his gigs were in the Lakes Region.Over the past 10 years, LaLiberte has become one of the area’s staple acoustic musicians, playing consistently at dozens of restaurants, including Patrick’s Pub & Eatery in Gilford, DOX on Winnipesaukee and The Alamo Texas BBQ at Weirs Beach, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Ristorante and Towns Docks Restaurant in Meredith, and 405 Pub & Grill in Laconia.“I'm amazed, a...

PLYMOUTH — When Victoria Kelly was younger, she loved doing her own nails, and her mom’s nails, for fun. Now, at 19, she is the owner of a salon and esthetics studio.Kelly opened Nails Via Victoria downtown, on June 4, a few minutes from the Plymouth State University campus.“It's amazing. I don't even know how to put it in words,” Kelly said. “I get to make everything my own. I can make my own schedule. I can paint the walls whatever color I want. It's really exciting.”Kelly, a Winnisquam Region...

MEREDITH—A Lego replica of Meredith Public Library built by teens is now on display. The idea of building a Lego replica, led by librarian MaryBeth King, is to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the library's building. King and the teens built the replica by referring to a photo of the building, using brick Lego pieces they already had, and some they ordered.

“We ordered some Lego castle bricks and just winged it,” King said. “We did it with no directions.”

Any teens who visited the library while the replica was being built were welcome to participate. Teens who worked on the build included Aria Klaft, Izabella Horne, and April Dudley.

“It’s cool that people took time out of their day to come to the library and work on it,” Dudley said.

By the time the structure was complete, King said a total of around 10 teens had worked on it.

“Every day I came back, and I saw little pieces added on,” Horne said. “It was really fun and unique.”

The replica is open on the top, so the inside of the library building can be shown. The group put together details including book shelves with actual book titles, and Lego figures reading inside.

“Everybody who worked on it got their own mini figure,” Klaft said. “It was really fun.”

“I thought the idea of putting mini books on shelves was super cool,” Dudley said. “It looks very realistic, and identical to the library.”

King estimates the replica took a full day to finish, with all the working hours put together. King hopes the replica will be on display for years to come, to show off how the teens worked together to complete the project.

“It took a lot of teamwork. We’re all like a little library family,” King said. “I’m sure if its handled with care, it will last.”

The library is open Tuesday through Saturday, at 91 Main St., for viewing of the replica. For hours, visit meredithlibrary.org. Meredith Public Library is closed Friday and Saturday, July 3-4, to celebrate Independence Day.

LACONIA — The Belknap Mill was vandalized twice last month. In both incidents, staff found at least one window broken in the early morning when coming in for work. Staff discovered the first broken window on June 10. According to police records, the call came in at 9:34 a.m.

“It looked like a big rock was thrown through the window,” said Fallon Reed, development manager for the Belknap Mill Society.

The next day, there were three more smashed windows, which a janitorial staff member found when they came in. Police records show their dispatch received the report at 5:42 a.m. on June 11.

“The first time, we thought could be accidental, but the second time seemed targeted,” Reed said. “We’ve never [suffered] vandalism to this extent, but we’re glad it was just damage, and nothing was stolen.”

Mill staff are currently working with police in an attempt to identify those responsible. The Belknap Mill Society addressed the damage in a statement released June 24.

“Seeing this damage was difficult for our staff, volunteers, members, and everyone who values and supports its mission,” the statement reads. “As many of you know, the Belknap Mill is more than a historic building. It is a treasured landmark, a gathering place, and a living reminder of the history that shaped Laconia and the Lakes Region.”

In the release, the mill shared the launch of the Window Repair Campaign, created to allow community members to contribute to the mill’s financial requirements needed to repair the damage.

“We are asking our members and supporters to help us restore what was lost,” the statement continues. “Your contribution to our Window Repair Campaign will directly support the repair and restoration of the damaged windows and help ensure that the Belknap Mill remains a welcoming and beautiful community resource for generations to come.”

Community members wasted no time donating to the fund.

“In not even 48 hours, we collected $7,200 out of our $7,500 goal,” Reed said.

As of press time, the fundraiser has reached 98% of its goal.

For more details, visit belknapmill.org

GILFORD — The Lakes Winnipesaukee Sailing Association is introducing a new series of all-female adult sailing classes this year.The LWSA team is celebrating their 39th anniversary, and the second year for their new director, Theresa Martens. Martens pitched the idea of women's sailing classes at the end of last summer, after speaking with female members of the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club.“At the Thursday night races, ladies didn’t want to get yelled [at] on the water and lose their enthusiasm,” Mar...

GILFORD — Gov. Kelly Ayotte emphasized safety on the water this summer, during an event at Marine Patrol headquarters, along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, to kick off boating season June 11.The press event was organized by the New Hampshire Marine Trades Association. Speakers reminded boaters of the rules that come with operating a boat on New Hampshire’s lakes, and how to be safe and environmentally responsible when boating this summer. Along with Ayotte, speakers included Director of Stat...

LACONIA — Student speakers at Laconia High School's 148th graduation ceremony Friday night encouraged their classmates to cherish the memories."When you think back on this speech, don't remember me or what I said, just remember that your time is the only currency you can never get back," valedictorian Ava Noyes said. "Never be so busy planning your life that you forget to live it."Noyes was captain of the women's varsity soccer team, as well as a member of the school's math team, and National Ho...

WEIRS BEACH — When brothers Ethan and Oliver Roy, owners of Water Street Cafe, saw a building was available in the Weirs traffic circle, they met with the landlord to pitch their idea for a new shop.“The building’s always been a convenience store, smoke shop or a gas station, so we said, ‘You know what? Let's do food and delivery,” Ethan said. “‘Let's take everything we know with the food quality from Water Street and transfer it over to this new business.’ We're just really lucky and really exc...

MEREDITH — Kitty and Kevin Boyle started hosting outdoor open mics during the summer of 2020, because they loved music, and wanted to give local musicians somewhere to perform. Now, community members approach them in Walmart, to ask when their summer concerts will start again.The Boyles will begin their sixth Meredith Music by the Lake series starting Friday, June 5. The free, outdoor open mic concert series is at 6 p.m. every Friday night, through Labor Day weekend, at Hesky Park, overlooking L...

Boston has no shortage of specialty food shops where cheese isn’t just sold — it’s curated.

Grabbing pre-sliced, plastic-wrapped cheese from the grocery store is easy, but Boston’s independent cheese shops offer something more thoughtful: artisan selections, picnic-ready spreads, charcuterie boards, and expert pairings worth building a summer outing around.

From grab-and-go picnic boxes near the Public Garden to hand-cut sandwiches in Southie, these three local cheese shops can help you build...

LACONIA — A 35-year-old Laconia resident was charged last week with two counts of animal cruelty and negligence, after two emaciated dogs suffering from mange were put down, and more than a dozen animals were removed from his 869-square-foot home.

Aaron Arbor, of Warren Street, was taken into custody at 10:12 a.m. on May 6, following an investigation by Laconia Animal Control Officer Tanya Smith. Smith saw two dogs “under the ownership” of Arbor with ribs and back bones showing. They were “not in good health and needed medical assistance,” according to charging documents from Laconia District Court.

The euthanized dogs, Loki and Paws, appeared to have a skin issue that included marks and rashes. Loki appeared “very sick and weak due to the lack of hydration and/or food.” Paws was removed from the home wearing a urine-stained sweater emitting a strong odor.

The residence harbored an “overwhelming” scent consistent with “animal urine that had not been cleaned and had been left stagnant in a home.”

“Due to both animals clearly having a lack of food and care under the control of Arbor, I decided to place Arbor under arrest for two counts of cruelty to animals,” reads Officer Tyler Rouse’s deposition.

“It was a neglect case, not abuse. He was not giving them the proper care, but he wasn’t beating them,” Laconia Chief of Police Matt Canfield said. A total of 14 animals were removed from the house, including nine dogs, four cats and one rabbit.

The animals were brought to several rescue operations, including the New Hampshire Humane Society and the Conway Area Humane Society.

“We take animal abuse seriously,” he said. “If animals don’t have a voice to stand up for them, they’re on their own.”

Arbor’s former wife took custody of two or three dogs, he said, and told police she was relocating to Campton. According to court documents, despite being divorced, Arbor and his ex-wife shared the home on Warren Street, with their animals, before Arbor was charged.

Arbor wrote, “the dogs don’t stay in the same area of the house,” and, “Ex wife can confirm she doesn’t allow contact or care with her animals.”

Police, along with Mayor Mike Bordes, believe she has since moved back into the house.

“They found a loophole, and those animals are in the same situation. I’m not OK with that,” Bordes said. “I’m making calls and seeing what can be done about this.” Bordes also serves the city as a Republican in the Statehouse.

“I don’t think they should have another animal for the rest of their life,” he added, a pet owner himself. He received video footage from neighbors showing the ill animals, and said it made him sick.

“Being in the same household is just as bad. We don’t put children back into bad homes. Why do we do it for dogs?”

Jessica Dooley, who resides across the street, was “quite surprised myself to hear about this.”

Mange is a contagious, skin disorder infecting the hair follicles of animals resulting in severe itching, hair loss and scabs. It shouldn’t occur in safe domestic environments.

“I’m not able to comment on this specific case, but I can tell you that anything these animals may have experienced is far from isolated. Across New Hampshire, my colleagues and I respond to abuse, neglect, hoarding, and unethical breeding on behalf of dozens of municipal partners every single day. In some cases, animals arrive sick, starved, and suffering. The work of restoring them to health and safety is among the most important aspects of our mission,” wrote Charles Stanton, executive director of the New Hampshire Humane Society, in an email to The Sun. “What makes that work even harder is watching legislators undermine it. We deal with the consequences of cruelty so that others don’t have to. The least we deserve is legislators who take our expertise seriously rather than advancing personal agendas at the expense of the animals we serve.”

Arbor was released from custody on a promise to return to court. A hearing on the charges is slated for Thursday, June 18, in Laconia District Court. Reached by phone, he declined to comment.

According to the court documents, Arbor is not allowed to have any dogs or animals, according to the conditions of his release.

There are a few more chances to see school theater productions before the end of the semester, with two upcoming shows in the Lakes Region this month.'Anastasia'Members of Laconia Christian Community Theatre at Laconia Christian Academy will perform “Anastasia: The Musical,” Friday through Sunday, May 15-17, at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, in Meredith.The production is open to the public, and inspired by the 1997 animated princess film of the same name. The story follows Anya on her journey to u...

Spoilers ahead for “The Drama.”
“Good Will Hunting” (1997), “Little Women” (2019), “The Departed” (2006), “The Holdovers” (2023), and “Spotlight” (2015): several blockbuster movies in the past 30 years that have been known for their Boston filming locations. Now, A24’s newest film “The Drama” (2026), starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, can be added to this list. 
“The Drama” follows couple Charlie (Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) as they deal with the anxiety and anticipation that comes with pl...

In 2016, Emerson College sophomore Bella Aresta saw Justin Bieber with front row seats for $260. Now, that amount barely gets you in the door for most popular artists. 
Over the past 10 to 15 years, concerts have turned into more than just one-night events: Seeing your favorite artist in concert is now a financial and time-consuming burden, and the majority of that burden comes from online ticket retailers. 
“Tickets disappear so quickly, so you have to move fast,” Aresta said. “No matter how fa...

The biggest movie event of the year premiered this November, and Boston movie theatres were a sea of pink and green for “Wicked: For Good.”
At AMC Boston Common 19, almost every showing of “Wicked: For Good” that Friday and Saturday sold out the morning of. Fans received special posters and ate their popcorn out of souvenir “Wicked” buckets as Ariana Grande made them laugh and cry in the same five minutes, and Cynthia Erivo hit jaw-dropping notes while flying through the air. There wasn’t a dry...

In addition to industrial and residential spaces, The Village on Technology Hill will include a child care center and a retail building, and various other amenities, according to the company in charge of construction.“We’re excited to be a part of this,” said Joseph Campbell, president of North Branch Construction. “It’s a three-year project that is being completed in phases, and it’s right on schedule right now.”The first part to finish will be the retail zone, set to be completed in October. T...

Londonderry High School has partnered with the Londonderry Fire Department to create a new high school fire safety Extended Learning Opportunity that will begin during the next school year.The program is designed for sophomores and juniors who have an interest in pursuing a career in the fire safety field. Students will gain hands-on experience before graduating from high school, which could give them a head start in pursuing a related career further, Londonderry Fire Dept. Lt. Anthony Maccarone...

Branley, who attended Pinkerton Academy, became interested in the Windham town administrator position to work closer to where he grew up.“I had that familiarity and it was just an exciting opportunity. It’s a larger town with a lot going on,” Branley said. “I went through the interview process and got the sense it was going to be a good fit and so far, so good.”Branley graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and a master’s degree i...

The event is held annually by the Windham Citizens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Jessica Chasse, the organization’s treasurer, has helped host the event for the past four years.“This provides a safe space full of joy and love (where) people get to be who they want to be when they’re here,” Chasse said. “If that’s just for a few hours, one day a year, that’s everything, especially for a lot of these people.”Present at the event were representatives from the New Hampshire Youth Movement (NH...

Mague discovered her love of journalism through taking the entry level journalism class offered at the high school. Mague was “a little unsure,” about taking the class, but Mary Dewinkeleer, LHS’s journalism teacher and the Lancer Spirit adviser, pushed her to try it.“I never really knew what journalism was, it’s just such a different type of writing,” Mague said. “Once we wrote our own articles, I (thought) ‘I love this. I really, really love this.’“(Mague) has continued to impress me more and...

The town has held annual cleanups for more than 20 years, but Beautify Londonderry became an official town committee after the COVID pandemic.Jocelyn Fraga Muller, president of the Beautify Londonderry committee, said the annual cleanups slowed down a little bit during and after the pandemic, but the community wanted to bring the event back.“In the last 10 years it started declining a little bit, but we’re trying to build it back to the big community event that it once was,” Muller said.Since th...

A new bench has been placed at the Londonderry tennis courts in memory of lifelong Londonderry resident and 2020 Londonderry High School graduate James “Jay” Hayes.Hayes, 22, passed away suddenly in April of last year. Hayes was an active part of the Londonderry community, playing tennis from the age of 4 to 18, as well as being captain of the 2020 Londonderry High School boys tennis team and a member of the 2019 Div. I state champion football team.Dozens of Hayes’s family members and loved ones...

Whether you’re a rom-com enthusiast or a die-hard horror fan, “Heart Eyes“ reaches all movie fans this Valentine’s Day. Starring Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding, “Heart Eyes” is the perfect combination of a sappy love story for the hopeless romantics and a gory jumpscare for the thrill-seekers. 
Wearing a mask that resembles a twisted adaptation of the heart-eyes emoji, a notorious serial killer has slaughtered dozens of couples each Valentine’s Day in Boston and Philadelphia. Which...