NH's Least Diverse Cities; Job Fair; State Senator Wins Award

CONCORD, NH — More money is coming to New Hampshire for child care providers as part of the American Rescue Plan.

According to the state's federal delegation, nearly $77.4 million in grants are coming to the state from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The money will be used to provide relief for child care providers and support working families who need access to affordable child care.

About $46.7 million will be child care stabilization grants with $29.7 million in child care and development fund grants.

State Senator Wins National Award

State Sen. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) was the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s 2021 Visionary Voice Award winner for New Hampshire.

A long-time advocate for victims of crime, Bradley was heralded for his leadership working to end domestic and sexual violence in the state by extending protections to survivors of sexual violence. He was a key legislator who worked to end the "Howie Leung Loophole" in state law, which allowed people in powerful positions, like teachers, to use their authority, in and outside of school, to abuse teens and children.

Bradley was nominated by the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Least Diverse U.S. Cities: NH Has 2

Two New Hampshire communities made WalletHub.com's 2021 least diverse cities.

According to the personal finance website, Rochester and Keene were 495th and 496th, respectively, on its latest least diverse list which studies America's largest cities in five categories: cultural, economic, household, religious, and socioeconomic.

Two communities in neighboring Vermont and one in Maine also made the list: Barre at 497th, Bangor was 498th, and Brattleboro was 500th.

Read the entire study here.

Pressing Business Question? You Might Be Surprised

CenturyLink Business also released a study this week on most Googled small business questions by state.

Surprisingly, 10 different questions were asked by potential small business owners around the country — from "What business to start?" and "How to apply for a loan?" In New Hampshire, the question was, "What is a business entity?"

To read the full report, visit this link.

It's Wildfire Season In NH

This week is Wildfire Awareness Week and the state forest protection bureau wants to warn the public to be aware of the dangers of fire not just to forests but also homes and personal property.

More than half the state is facing moderate drought conditions while the rest of the state is abnormally dry, according to officials.

Nearly all wildfires are started due to human behavior — with brush fires and campfires being common causes. Disposal of smoking materials, overheated engines, and sparks from machines also cause fires, too. During the previous five years, there was an average of 119 wildfires while close to 300-acres burn each year in the state.

Business Leaders: Wear A Mask

Seven different chambers of commerce are asking Granite Staters to continue to support local businesses while also following COVID-19 safety guidelines despite the end of the state's mask mandate.

The NH Commerce Corridor, which includes chambers from Concord, Nashua, Salem, Derry and Londonderry, and Merrimack and the Souhegan Valley, have created "Mask Up!" signs for businesses to download (here).

In early May, reopening guidelines in the state will transition to "universal best practices" and the chambers want customers to know that while they have been generous and supportive of local business, following safety guidelines is another important way to show support for businesses.

Market Days A Go For 2021

Concord's Market Days Festival, now in its 47th year, is a go for this year only a little later (like the old days), from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21.

Vendor signups are now underway, too. Click on this link here.

Who Needs A Job?

Tuscan Village is hosting a job fair from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday on the second floor of the Tuscan Kitchen, 67 Main St. in Salem. A number of stores and companies will be attending, looking for applicants.

For more information, send an email, and no RSVPs are needed.

Got a news tip? Send it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.