Rape Victim Calls Plea Deal ‘An Absolute Abomination’ | Fire Weather Danger Warning | More: PM Patch NH

Beach cleaned, Made in NH initiative launched, cellist practices, center named a best maternity hospital, student voter resources released.

By Tony Schinella, Patch Staff

Apr 23, 2026 4:49 pm EDT

PM Patch NH for April 23, 2026. (Tony Schinella/Patch)

CONCORD, NH — Here are some share-worthy stories from the New Hampshire Patch network to discuss this afternoon and evening.

This post features stories and information published during the past 24 hours.

In Merrimack County Superior Court, Rape Victim Calls Plea Deal For Ex- ‘An Absolute Abomination’: Richard French Jr., first convicted in 2025, received 4- to 8-year and 1 to 2-year prison sentences Thursday, connected to other rape cases.

Grass, Twigs, And Other ‘Dry Fuels’ Could Lead To Elevated Fire Weather Danger In NH, Forecasters Say: Central and southern Granite State cities and towns need to take precautions to contain brush fires and uncontrolled fire spread.

Academy Students Remove 100-Plus Pounds of Trash From Hampton Beach: A school cleanup with Surfrider volunteers brought 333 students and staff to Hampton Beach on April 17.

Made In NH Initiative, To Promote Local Businesses Statewide, Launched In Bedford: State leaders and business owners gathered in Bedford on Wednesday to launch a new branding platform for New Hampshire businesses.

New Hampshire Secretary Of State Offers New Voting Resources For Student Voters: The new guides explain registration, domicile, absentee voting and ID requirements before the Sept. 8 primary.

Nashua Medical Center Named One of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals For 2026: Newsweek and Statista gave Southern NH Medical Center a five-ribbon rating for maternity care in 2026.

Manchester Cellist Invited To Queen Elisabeth Competition Returns To MCMS For Rehearsal Friday: The Manchester Community Music School alumnus Roric Cunningham will return for a local rehearsal on April 24.

Bank Robber, Sexual Assaulter, With 40-Plus Year Criminal History, Wanted On Parole Violation: NH DOC: Corrections is searching for Michael J. Wells, who is wanted by the state parole board. He is known to frequent both Concord and Manchester.

Franklin Thief, Out On Bail, Arrested On New Theft, Willful Concealment Charges: Concord Police Log: Plus: Barnstead woman faces conduct after an accident charge; man arrested twice in 39 hours; reckless operation on Second Street.

Hiker Found Dead In Franconia | Fatal Lakes Region Officer-Involved Shooting Update | More: PM Patch NH: Indictments, student robotic update, carriage house torched by fire, former Rep. to be sentenced on child sexual abuse charges in June.

Here are some other posts readers may have missed:

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