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🌱 Patch AM: Why Portsmouth’s beloved longtime city clerk says she felt pushed out

Be sure to catch Healthy Kids Day at the Exeter Area YMCA! on the Portsmouth Patch calendar

Thursday April 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey hey Portsmouth! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Why Portsmouth’s beloved longtime city clerk says she felt pushed out
  • How Portsmouth volunteers quietly keep Gather’s busy food center running daily
  • Which Portsmouth athletes shined in this week’s Seacoast sports roundup?

Also on today's calendar: Healthy Kids Day at the Exeter Area YMCA! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What can go UP the chimney DOWN; but can't come down the chimney UP? 🤔 (Answer below!)


From our Partner Today's Portsmouth Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's best mobile network in the US, according to Ookla Speedtest. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Portsmouth Patch AM possible. Find a T-Mobile store near Portsmouth.


Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 55 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Friday: A brief shower or two, temps: high: 65, low: 50.
  • Saturday: Cooler with a few showers, with a high of 51 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Ex-city clerk Kelli Barnaby felt forced to retire, calls it 'devastating' (seacoastonline.com) — Portsmouth’s longtime city clerk Kelli Barnaby says she felt pressured by city leadership to retire earlier than planned after 38 years of service, calling the experience devastating. City officials, including the mayor and city attorney, praise her work but emphasize the city manager’s authority over personnel decisions, while a new clerk has already been selected.    

2. Gather honors volunteers who fight hunger on Seacoast: How you can help (seacoastonline.com) — Gather’s Community Food Center on Heritage Avenue in Portsmouth relies on about 60 volunteers a day to feed thousands of Seacoast households, and just honored Portsmouth resident Dave Erickson as Volunteer of the Year at 3S Artspace. The story highlights how local volunteers stock shelves, cook meals, run mobile markets, and create a welcoming, market-style pantry experience for neighbors facing food insecurity.    

3. Tuesday Seacoast Roundup: Dover boys lacrosse senior nets seven goals (seacoastonline.com) — Portsmouth High athletes had a big day, with boys and girls tennis sweeping Coe-Brown and track standout performances from Molly Flynn, Leiana Cory, Brenna Perkins, Sophie Starr, and Brendan Kumph. A Portsmouth middle school baseball team also opened its season with a strong win at Leary Field, while other Seacoast schools logged notable lacrosse, softball, and tennis results.    

4. Seacoast Man Arrested After Chase, Fleeing From Trooper: New Hampshire State Police Roundup (patch.com) — State police say a Portsmouth man was arrested after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop on the Route 1 Bypass, prompting a perimeter search with Portsmouth officers, K-9s, and drones before he was found in Dover. The roundup also highlights a statewide 911 award and several recent Seacoast and Troop A arrests, including multiple incidents in Portsmouth.    


📸 Around Portsmouth

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Support Seacoast Clubhouse during their Spring Fundraiser —Sarah B. Read on Patch
  • UNH Marks 10th Annual Digital Marketing Conference with Industry Leaders and Cutting-Edge Insights —UNH PD&T Read on Patch
  • Dog near the Rye State Park who appears to be lost.
    Some people are calling animal control to report a lost dog if you know who this fella belongs to. (Nextdoor Lower Lang and Eastwood)
  • I live on Newington Rd and left my bulkhead door open yesterday to air out the basement.
    There was a very friendly black and white cat sleeping down there this morning. I fed him and opened the basement door so if anyone was missing a… (Nextdoor Pease)

Ok Portsmouth! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: UMBRELLA (Thank you JEANNE S. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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