Luther: Had heroin, steroids in school

Luther: Had heroin, steroids in school

Pembroke Academy is at the center of a firestorm it probably deserves to be in the middle of.  According to a story published in the Concord Monitor, which was sent to us by a loyal listener with kids in the school over the weekend, the school kept hush hush the arrest of its thirty six year old Dean of Students, Rekha Luther.  Luther, who was hired in September, was cuffed on school grounds for possessing heroin and anabolic steroids on school grounds, and taken away through a back door not visible to students.  Her resignation was accepted by the Pembroke School Board on March twenty second.

The arrest came to light not because the school informed parents, but because a parent discovered it in the Pembroke Police Department’s online arrest log.  Needless to say, parents are furious and school officials are refusing to comment because, quote “it’s a personnel issue.”

Pembroke: Cover up exposed

Pembroke: Cover up exposed

According to the article, the Pembroke P D began an investigation after a quote whole bundle end quote of hypodermic needles were found at the school.  Their investigation led to Luther, who the article reported lost her fiancé last June to the heroin epidemic.  Police Chief Dwayne Gilman said there was no evidence that Luther bought or sold either the heroin or steroids at the school.  He defended the covert arrest and removal of Luther saying quote “the kids don’t need to see that” and said he’d do the same if a student was arrested to avoid the perception that the school was quote full of heroin.  Oh My HEAD!  We’ve linked to the Monitor’s story.  Of course, we will discuss.

Moodys: Pans Pinkerton

Moody’s: Pans Pinkerton

Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded bonds issued by Pinkerton AcademyIn a report issued Thursday, which was brought to our attention by yet another loyal listener, Moody’s announced it had lowered Pinkerton’s rating to Baa2 from A2 on more than thirty four million dollars in revenue bonds it issued through the New Hampshire Health and Education Facilities Authority.

Moody’s said the downgrade was a result of Pinkerton’s failure to deliver its F Y Fifteen annual audit and accountant’s report or Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee as required by its agreement with the authority.  Moody’s also said the downgrade reflected quote:

Pinkerton: Ineffectual financial management

Pinkerton: Ineffectual financial management

“ineffectual financial management and weak internal controls for oversight of audit and compliance functions…The downgrade further reflects the fact that a notice of default with an outstanding acceleration of debt over thirty four million dollars exists and the academy has insufficient funds relative to outstanding debt to meet an accelerated obligation.”

Moody’s also said that if the underlying issues weren’t corrected, Pinkerton could be in for further downward rating which they said could be quote “multi notch.”  The report did note that the downgrade did not reflect upon Pinkerton’s core educational business and mission and that it had met all principal and interest obligations relative to those downgraded bond issues.  Pinkerton has not responded to our email requesting comment.

News from our own backyard continues after this.

Heart Association Lace up and Go WalkThe American Heart Association’s Lace Up & Go National Walking Day is scheduled for this Wednesday, April 6th in honor of National Walking Day.  The walk is free and will begin at 11:30 at the Brady-Sullivan Plaza in Manchester.  Mayor Ted Gatsas and Elliot Hospital and Health Systems CEO Jim Woodward plan to walk at the event.

Prescott: Running for Executive Council

Prescott: Running for Executive Council

District Twenty Three State Senator Russell Prescott, Republican from Kingston, has announced he will run for the District Three Executive Council seat this fall.  The seat is being vacated by incumbent Christopher Sununu, who will seek the G O P nomination for governor.  Prescott will formally launch his campaign this Wednesday with an event at the Holy Grail Restaurant in Epping.  Prescott said quote, “In my five terms as a State Senator, I’ve learned there is nothing more important than being an officeholder that listens to voters.  Constituent service is a vital trait in NH politics…This will be my top priority if elected.”

Goffstown Rail Trail: Improvements to begin

Goffstown Rail Trail: Improvements to begin

The Goffstown Police Department has announced that improvements to the Rail Trail will resume starting tomorrow, or at least they’re scheduled to.  We’ll see what the weather brings.  Anyway, as a result, the trail will be closed in various areas.  The department is asking people to use caution and expect delays. For more information, visit Goffstown Police dot com.

From the median on Goffstown Road

From the median on Goffstown Road

The Manchester Police and Fire departments and AMR Ambulance responded to a motor vehicle crash in the area of the Amoskeag Rotary and Goffstown Road.  At the scene, they found an injured forty six year old Manchester man in the median.  The victim was transported to Catholic Medical Center with multiple serious injuries and later sent to a Boston area hospital.

Police in search of driver

Police in search of driver

The preliminary investigation indicates that a dark colored pick-up truck that may have been involved left the scene prior to police arrival.  The person from this truck may have information on what happened.   This crash remains under investigation by the Manchester Police Traffic Unit Collision Reconstruction and Analysis Team.  Anyone with information is urged to contact the department’s Traffic Unit at 7 9 2 5 4 4 0.

Accident photos courtesy of Jeffrey Hastings / Frame of Mind Photo

That’s news from our own backyard, Girard at Large hour ___ is next!

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