Latest Links: NH Pensions “Lavish” Says Chicago Taxpayer Group, New Cell Tower (And Better Broadband) For Coos County

New Hampshire’s Business And Economic News In Brief

State’s ‘stunning pensions’ called lavish by taxpayer group – ” New Hampshire needs to reform its government-employee pension system, according to a Chicago-based taxpayer group that on Tuesday publicized the top pension payments for retired city, county and state officials… But an official with the union that represents Manchester police officers quickly criticized the information, particularly its focus on highest-paid pensions rather than average or even lowest-paid.” New Hampshire Union-Leader

Warm spring, late freeze crimps Mass. apple crop – “Apple production is down nationwide except Washington state, about 20 million bushels below the 225 million bushel average, Gedris said. Final numbers will be released next spring. New England produces only a few million of the total nationwide, and the estimated regional loss of 25 percent to 40 percent fares better than top producers like Michigan with an estimated 85 percent loss. But many New England orchards say they will likely have to shorten their pick-your-own season and find other ways to make ends meet.” Associated Press

Coos County to get 195-foot cell tower – “A 195-foot tower has been approved for Groveton’s Morse Mountain to improve broadband and cell service for central Coos County. Gov. John Lynch, a member of the Northern Border Regional Commission, supported the project and participated in a conference call Monday during which the commission voted to award a $200,000 grant to the Northern Community Investment Corporation.” New Hampshire Union-Leader

Weirs sleep lobby out in force against night club expansion – ” Faced with apparently conflicting reports from two acoustic engineers, the Planning Board last night deferred a decision on the request of Anthony Santagate to host live bands on the upper floor of the Tower Hill Tavern at Weirs Beach as neighboring innkeepers warned excessive noise would ruin their businesses.” Laconia Daily Sun

Longtime Port City barber shop in peril – “PORTSMOUTH — Another long-standing downtown business is in jeopardy. The Clip Joint Barbers, an institution in the local hair-cutting industry for more than 30 years, will have to move from its current location on Pleasant Street. If a new home isn’t found, it will face closure. Longtime barber Debbie Ann Oliver said Tuesday the business has faced the difficult task of finding a new home since the death of its owner, Debra Phillips, in November.” SeacoastOnline.com

Contractor accused of bilking several victims – “A local repairman is accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars from homeowners and then never doing the work. The Merrimack County Grand Jury has indicted 30-year-old Timothy Currier, of Derry, on theft charges after residents accused him of taking money for repairs that were never done.” WMUR