Though Merrimack Valley High School changed its mascot 15 years ago to be represented as lions, "Chief Wahoo" made a reappearance in signage for its 50th anniversary, which ignited conversations about racism and traditions.

Monitor shares Veterans Day stories

Nov 11th, 2019 6m 6s

Ray Duckler shares two local veterans stories in honor of Veterans Day.

Mothers come together in tragedy to encourage mental health awareness

Nov 4th, 2019 4m 48s

Mothers Lori Desmarais and Cherri Thorne believe they lost their children due to a mental health disorder, not domestic violence.

Raw Milk Ice Cream: Is It Healthy?

Aug 16th, 2019 19m 38s

Concord Monitor columnist Ray Duckler sits down with Jill Fudala, a goat farmer from Pittsfield, to talk about ice cream made from raw milk, which is illegal to sell in New Hampshire.

Remember three important members of the community

Jul 8th, 2019 7m 54s

Ray Duckler reminisces on three recently deceased members of the community: Tom Friedenberg, Greg Makris and Bill Ahearn.

Pittsfield School District struggles with education funding

Jun 3rd, 2019 9m 31s

Ray Duckler talked to students, teachers and administrators about the struggles Pittsfield is facing with school funding.

Arnie's Place sold to a new owner

May 24th, 2019 17m 33s

On May 24, Tom Arnold handed the reins to a long-time employee to take over his ice cream and burger restaurant, a fixture on the Heights for more than 25 years.

Pembroke's mass murder no one remembers

Apr 22nd, 2019 17m 35s

In 1906, a Pembroke man killed his mother-in-law, his wife and their five children, before setting his house on fire and killing himself as he was about to be caught.

The Backstory talks about a new road ahead

Apr 10th, 2019 10m 2s

Journalism, in order to survive and thrive, is always changing. Ray Duckler and Geoff Forester discuss a path ahead focuses on local topics and digital platforms.

Director shares the backstory of 'Beyond Boobs' documentary

Feb 25th, 2019 50m 5s

Kristen Vermilyea shares the story of breast reduction, how her boobs shaped her identity and how society objectifies women through their appearance.

Homeless in Franklin

Feb 7th, 2019 40m 16s

A laundromat owner shares her experiences dealing with people who are homeless in Franklin and a local group's efforts to help combat the growing problem.

David and Seraphim Afflick are following their dreams in the world of entertainment

Jan 18th, 2019 26m 54s

David Afflick - an actor - and his wife, Seraphim - a singer - live in New Hampshire and are pursuing their dreams to be professional entertainers with commercials, movie appearances, stage shows and more.

The separation of church and state during the holidays

Dec 3rd, 2018 22m 12s

Ray Duckler talks with Jack Shields about his efforts to place a "Bill of Rights Nativity" in Concord's City Plaza as a statement on the religious Nativity located in the same plaza, nearby.

An escaped doggie pal met a tragic end

Dec 3rd, 2018 17m 25s

Ray Duckler talks with Cathii Lapierre about her dog, Poppy, who ran out of the house while she was carrying in supplies and was hit by a driver who didn't stop. Poppy died from his injuries.

Safiya Wazir, once a refugee from Afghanistan, is now a Concord citizen running for office

Oct 22nd, 2018 23m 28s

Ray Duckler interviews Safiya Wazir, a new American, running for the N.H. House of Representatives for District 17, which covers ward 8 in Concord, the state's capital. Learn more by reading "Refugee running for state rep looking to make histo

Bob Tewksbury threw softly, won big

Sep 19th, 2018 25m 49s

Bob Tewksbury recently was inducted into the Merrimack Valley High School Hall of Fame. To this former big leaguer, that was a big deal.

Reflections on the Rev. Robert Wood, a man of God and gay rights

Aug 22nd, 2018 29m 38s

The Rev. Robert Wood, who died this week at age 95, was a giant within the gay rights community 50 and 60 years ago, a man of God who dared fight for gay marriage and anti-discrimination laws long before society was ready. Rejean Blanchette and