Friday Updates - May 29, 2026

Friday, May 29, 2026

A tractor trailer overturned on Route 4 near Back River Road on Tuesday of this week. Route 4 was closed down for a good part of the day. The driver survived but was taken to the hospital with injuries. Courtesy, Tom Daly

Durham resident Kate Glanz passed away last Saturday, May 16. She was predeceased in 2016 by her husband, Filson, a distinguished professor of engineering at UNH for many years. The Glanzes were central in the creation of the Community Garden at Wagon Hill Farm and the construction of the pedestrian bridge across the Oyster River. 

An unseasonably cool weather system will bring minor impacts to the region tonight into tomorrow morning. Rain will overspread the region this late afternoon into the evening. Winds will be strongest late tonight into Saturday morning. Snow accumulations up to a foot are possible across the highest peaks of the White Mountains with 2" to 4” down to 4,000 feet. Heavy rain tonight will bring a few rivers to near flood stage.

The Durham Farmers' Market returns Monday, June 1st and runs every Monday through October 5th, from 2:30-6:00 PM. The location has moved to the M&T Bank Parking Lot at 70 Main Street, right next to the previous location. 

Each market offers a rotating selection of fresh local produce, baked goods, lobster, canned goods, crafts, and more. Check out the interactive market map HERE ahead of time to see who is coming. With live music every week featuring talented local Seacoast musicians, it’s the perfect Monday ritual!

Opening day will feature a kids activity about the benefits of eating local. Dogs are always welcome, so bring your furry friends along to kick off the season!

The Durham market is managed by Seacoast Eat Local, a small nonprofit based in Lee. 

June 1, 2026, marks Administrator Todd Selig’s 25th anniversary with the Town of Durham. Prior to coming to Durham, he served in a variety of positions within both the municipal and school sectors including positions in Raymond, Laconia, New Boston, and Hopkinton. When Todd arrived in Durham, he initiated greater transparency within the operations of town government, including the eventual creation of the "Friday Updates," a robust DCAT OnDemand presence, Zoom access for public meetings, a social media presence, public forums, and other strategies. This has allowed the citizens of Durham a greater knowledge of what's happening in town and how to be involved in and engage with issues of interest in productive ways.

Todd has built strong relationships with UNH administration in order to collaboratively address issues issues of mutual interest and concern. He is especially pleased with the land conservation that has been done during his tenure, expansion of the local tax base, addressing the impact of off campus student housing within traditional residential neighborhoods, and the many improvements done downtown with new lighting, parking, sidewalks and bike lanes. During Todd’s time in Durham, the town has seen the building of a new Library and a new Town Hall, as well as a renovated and expanded Police Station, as well as significant upgrades and resiliency improvements with the water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

Todd’s goal has always been, through teamwork and partnership, to create an environment where all residents of Durham can be successful in the roles that they play in the town, whether it is serving on a committee or volunteering for/attending an event. Todd has enjoyed supporting Durham to be its very best. "It's a team effort," he says.

He plans to continue to serve Durham for several years more, at least through his current 7-year contract, which runs through December 31, 2030.

PROPERTY TAXES DUE JULY 2, 2026

The first installment for the 2026 property tax bills will be due on Wednesday, July 2, 2026. Property Owners should expect to receive tax bills by mail on May 29, 2026. Bills may also be viewed online at HERE.

Property tax bills are issued twice a year in Durham (May/June and Nov/Dec) and are due 30 days after the bill date. Bills may be paid by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Additional fees apply for credit or debit cards (online or in-person). Payments are accepted in person, online, by mail, or in the Town Hall drop box. Please contact the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office if you have any questions about your tax bill by emailing rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us. The Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri from 8am-5pm (closed WED).  

The above detour map is provided to show the road closure and detour layout over the duration of the Mill Pond Dam Removal project. This road closure and detour will begin next week (the week of June 1, 2026) and will coincide with contractor mobilization to the site. The sidewalk on Mill Pond Road will remain open and protected for pedestrian use. The schedule to begin construction activity and draw down of the impoundment are still contingent on the completion of the fish run in the Oyster River, the status of which is being closely monitored by NH Fish and Game and the Town of Durham.

A neighborhood meeting and Public Information Meeting were jointly held on Wednesday, May 15 to share information with abutters of the Mill Pond Dam and other members of the neighborhood regarding the Mill Pond Dam Removal Project. Thank you to all of those who attended and asked questions. In response to several questions that were posed at the meeting, below are details regarding project cost and funding status:

The construction bid submitted by SumCo Eco Contracting (in April 2025) included the lowest total cost to complete the project ($3,142,193) out of the four qualified contractors that submitted bids, and was therefore selected by the Town Council to complete the project in accordance with Durham’s Purchasing Policy. Other contractors that submitted bids for the project include TFord at $3,388,500, Sargent at $3,526,550, and S&R at $4,597,240.

A question was asked regarding the difference between the project costs presented within the Feasibility Study and the present-day cost of the project. Costs included within a feasibility study for various options were planning level costs, which was clearly articulated throughout the evaluation process. The selected option, dam removal, was further refined during final design. In addition, cost increases can be directly attributed to the following, which would have impacted any option selected:

• Abnormally high inflation since 2020.
• Increases in unit construction costs due to high fuel prices and increased trucking costs.

The Town was verbally notified by NOAA that the remaining $1.3 million dollars of grant funds designated for the project will not be released. Notwithstanding this regrettable news, the Town has still been successful in obtaining grant funding to support the project. Of the total estimated project costs related to construction and removal of the dam of approximately $3,692,193 (including the SumCo bid, VHB construction phase engineering services and Section 106 Mitigation Efforts), the Town has received construction funding from NOAA, NFWF, and NHDES grants totaling approximately $2,174,701, or 58.9% of total construction costs. This is in line with the estimated external grant funding % offset considered at the time of the referendum vote on the project.

The construction contract for this project was approved at the Town Council in October 2025. The contract was approved subject to either receiving the remaining funding allotment from NOAA, or the approval of a FY26 Capital Improvement Program Item in the amount of $900,000, which was included/approved by the Council as part of the approved FY 2026 budget. The current available funds are sufficient to complete the project, and not receiving the $1.3M as described above will have no impact on the scope or quality of the project, meaning the Town is not cutting out parts of the project or reducing mitigation efforts.

More details about the overall project including the NHDES Wetlands Permit and Contract Documents can be found HERE. A hard copy of the Mill Pond Dam Feasibility Study and some supplemental information have been provided to the Durham Public Library and is accessible for public review.

Construction activity is scheduled to begin sometime between June 1 and June 15, 2026, subject to the conclusion of the fish run.

Any questions can be directed to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at 603-868-5578 or via email at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us

This summer make a point of visiting Durham's own historic museum on the 2nd floor of 2 Dover Road (the old brick courthouse building). Take a look at the many items of Durham's history including the new exhibit of Revolutionary War portraits and relics of Durham patriots. 

The museum is open every Saturday until Labor Day from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Durham residents who hold a valid Durham Resident vehicle sticker and a UNH pool pass are reminded that free parking is available at the Depot Road Lot this summer when visiting the UNH outdoor pool. Within the lot, any white-lined space beyond the meters is free for vehicles displaying a resident parking sticker — these available spaces are indicated by the green lines in the photo above.

Areas not available for resident parking include the first 10 white-lined spaces on the left upon entering the lot, as well as any metered spots; both are indicated by the red lines in the photo. These spots are available for hours and days the pool is in operation. If you have any questions, please reach out to Durham Police at parking@ci.durham.nh.us. 

Some deer were seen taking a stroll along Hoitt Drive this week. Courtesy, Carol Birch

IMPORTANT VOTER INFORMATION! - LAST DAY TO CHANGE PARTY BEFORE SEPTEMBER PRIMARY

State law states that no voter may change party between the first Wednesday in June and the Primary. The Durham Supervisors of the Checklist have scheduled an open time on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm AS THE LAST CHANCE TO CHANGE PARTY AFFILIATION BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER PRIMARY

A session has also been scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm for general voter registration.

Both sessions will be held at Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Rd.   Residents will be able to:

• Re-register if they have received a letter saying that they will be removed from the Checklist if they have not voted since April 2021
• Register as a new voter
• Request a change of name or address

Applicants for registration must bring paper or digital proofs of identity, age, citizenship, and domicile in Durham. Voters who wish to re-registration need only a valid ID and proof of domicile. Registration, re-registration, and changes may also be made with the Town Clerk any time that office is open.

Voters may check party affiliation online: https://app.sos.nh.gov/ If you have made a change since April 30, it may not show up on this website until AFTER June 2.

There is a new historical plaque on the Dover Road side of the Old Brick Town Hall building. The three-story brick commercial building at the intersection of Route 108 and Main Street was constructed by Durham shipbuilder and merchant Joseph Coe in 1825. It has served numerous purposes over the past two centuries including several municipal uses. it currently houses the Durham Historic Association Museum and the Durham Parks & Recreation Department.

The Historic District/Heritage Commission worked with the Durham Historic Association to develop the plaque. Many thanks to Nick Bennion, Public Works Buildings and Grounds Foreman, for his fine work in mounting the super-heavy plaque. (Note that the current building is referred to as “Town Hall,” the white structure across the street is “The Old Town Hall,” and the 1825 structure is “The Old Brick Town Hall.”)

NEW STORMWATER EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH – SPRING 2026 MS4 PROGRAM OUTREACH

Durham Public Works is excited to share new educational outreach materials related to stormwater pollution prevention with Durham’s residents and businesses! Several new flyers have been posted on the Durham Public Works, Engineering Division’s website, linked below.

This information was created alongside the New Hampshire Stormwater Coalition and NHDES. In addition, over the next few weeks, the Department will be sharing some tips for protecting our community and environment from stormwater runoff pollution in the Friday Updates.

Stormwater pollution prevention is the responsibility of dog-walkers, lawn caretakers, and septic system owners. The Town of Durham is required through our EPA issued Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit to provide outreach every year to mitigate runoff impacts to the MS4.

The website page with our new flyers is linked HERE. 

New trails signs carved by a volunteer are being installed at different Conservation properties as part of the Land Stewardship Subcommittee Kiosks and Signs project. Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

Why is it so important to recycle aluminum cans? Well, there’s actually lots of reasons! 

Aluminum cans are the most sustainable beverage package on virtually every measure. Aluminum cans can be recycled infinitely. Each time an aluminum can is recycled, it takes approximately 90 days for the can to complete the process and end up back on the shelf refilled with a new beverage.

Also, recycling aluminum saves 95 percent of the energy that is required to make aluminum cans from virgin bauxite ore.

Additionally, recycling aluminum reduces the amount ending up in landfills by a significant amount.

Should I crush my aluminum cans before recycling?

It’s important not to crush your aluminum cans before you recycle them. Crushed aluminum cans may fall through the spaces of the sorting equipment and can either be lost entirely or improperly sorted. 

Why should I consider bringing my aluminum cans to the transfer station?

The Durham Transfer Station accepts aluminum cans in designated locations on the recycling wall. By recycling aluminum cans, the Town receives recycling revenue which is put into the Town’s General Fund.

Sources: NH Recycles

Aluminum.org

Recycle Smart MA

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE

A free workshop - Raising Sheep for Wool Fiber Production - will be held Saturday June 6, from 10am to Noon at Durham’s Great Bay Wool Works at Liberty Hall Farm on Bennett Road.

Join Seacoast Eat Local and the Durham Agricultural Commission to learn more about raising sheep for fiber, including producing wool yarn for textiles and wool pellets for soil enhancement for gardening. There will be a sheep shearing demonstration and information on managing sheep for fiber and managing fleece for fiber production. Registration required, sign up at Seacoast Eat Local, HERE.

Your Durham neighbors Nancy and Earnst Linder and Chris Chance want to announce Rock My Soul’s summer concert lineup. Come and enjoy inspiring and educational music and help support our outreach to assisted living communities and area jails! Get tickets for the June 7 Word Barn meadow (Exeter) show now HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Reminder: Last Day of School is June 16

The last day of school for ORCSD students is Tuesday, June 16, with early dismissal.

School News

ORHS Graduation Ceremony is June 5

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! The ceremony, located at the UNH Whittemore Center, will start at 5:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the Streaming ORCSD YouTube channel HERE.

ORMS Service Palooza 2026

On Thursday, May 21, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) students and staff participated in Service Palooza, continuing a tradition that has brought students together for community service since 2012. After a school-wide assembly, students participated in a wide range of service projects throughout the community, engaging in conservation efforts, visiting elderly residents, doing ground maintenance, assisting a food pantry, cleaning emergency vehicles, and more. Learn more HERE.

Mast Way Art Show: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

Each year, art teacher Trista Fitch works tirelessly to transform Mast Way into a vibrant gallery of student creativity. The beloved Mast Way Art Show has become a cherished annual tradition that showcases the artistic talent of our students. Learn more HERE.

More school news is available at ORCSD.org/news.

Coming Events 

Please consider supporting Oyster River students and staff by attending the following exciting events in the schools! The District's full calendar of events is available online HERE.

May 29: Mast Way Art Show

5:30-7:00 p.m. Mast Way School (23 Mast Rd, Lee, NH 03861)

May 29: ORHS Coffee House

6:00-8:00 p.m. Multipurpose Room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of the award-winning student publication Mouth of the River. The $5 admission can be purchased at the door and is one of MOR's primary fundraising sources. Food and drink are included with admission.

June 2: ORHS Science Showcase

6:00-8:00 p.m. Library at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

Unfortunately, due to scheduling circumstances, the June 8 Band-a-Palooza will be cancelled this year. We know that this may be disappointing for some, but we appreciate everyone's understanding. We will revisit this idea next year.

Oyster River Lacrosse is teaming up with Chick-fil-A in Newington! Tell your Team Member that you support the Oyster River Lacrosse Program from 5:00pm - 8:00pm on June 1st and 20% of the sales brought in by the group will be donated back to us. When using the app, click on Community Cares Event and use code 05321. Thank you for supporting Oyster River Lacrosse and youth sports without our community!

The Oyster River Middle School Girls Lacrosse team wrapped up their season this week with their BEST game of the year — and an exciting 12–10 win over Rye! Earlier in the season, the teams battled to a tie, but this time the Bobcats finished strong and earned the victory. The girls played with incredible energy, teamwork, and confidence from start to finish.

The growth this team showed throughout the season was undeniable and truly on display in their final game. The coaches are so proud of this talented group, all the hard work they put in this season and hope to see them all back on the turf next year. Go Bobcats!

The Oyster River Middle School 8th grade girls had the opportunity to meet with members of the Oyster River High School Girls Lacrosse team for a Q&A session. It was a great chance for our future Bobcats to ask questions about what to expect next year, learn more about the transition to high school lacrosse, and get to know some of their future teammates.

The high school girls went above and beyond, taking the time to write personalized handwritten notes to each of our 8th graders. It was such a thoughtful gesture and a wonderful example of the supportive culture that makes Oyster River Lacrosse so special.

Building connections between middle school youth and high school programs is what a strong Bobcat lacrosse community is all about. Thank you to the ORHS players for welcoming future Bobcats with such kindness and encouragement!

From her days as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall to pioneering the first university aerial dance program in the country, Gay Nardone has spent over four decades inspiring countless students, transforming lives, and elevating the art of jazz, tap, and aerial dance at UNH and beyond. Her passion, dedication, and artistry have left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to learn from her.

On June 6 from 7-9:00 p.m. on the Johnson Theatre Stage there will be a celebration honoring Gay. Produced by retired professor Carol Lucha Burns, this tribute will also feature dances from Gay’s immense treasure chest of choreography with current student dancers AND alumni from decades past.

The musical artistry of Kathy Fink and Christopher Leavy as well as featuring award-winning New York City Cabaret performer Helen Baldassare as MC compliment the evening’s celebration of a true professional who exemplifies what it means to shape people’s lives through the Art of Dance.

This is a free event but there is limited seating, so reservations are required. To make a reservation, email cburns@usnh.edu