Northeast Land Specialists, LLC is a family owned and operated business focusing on affordable, residential land projects in southern New Hampshire.
Call Us (603) 860-1988Gravel Driveway Repair in Merrimack, NH
While asphalt and concrete options are great, there's something unique about pulling your car into a gravel driveway. Maybe it's because they add a touch of rustic charm to your property. Or perhaps it's the fact that gravel driveways fit well in a range of settings and landscapes.
The bottom line is that gravel driveways are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking for a durable, cost-effective solution. They're resilient, versatile, eco-friendly, and relatively easy to maintain.
With time, however, it's inevitable that driveways undergo wear and tear. Gravel driveways, in particular, develop potholes, ruts, and more. These issues can create a sight for sore eyes on your property. They can also create hazards that can damage your car. One wrong step into a pothole and you could trip, fall, and become injured — and nobody wants to visit the largest hospital near Merrimack, NH because they fell in a hole.
Fortunately, quality gravel repair companies like Northeast Land Specialists can breathe new life into your entryway. If you're in search of reliable, experienced gravel driveway contractors in Southern New Hampshire with full-season warranties, look no further than Northeast Land Specialists.
- Call Northeast Land Specialists for Efficient Gravel Driveway Repairs at Affordable Prices
- Gravel Driveway Repair in Merrimack, NH
- Industry-Leading Gravel Driveway Repair in Merrimack, NH
- Top 3 Reasons to Consider a Gravel Driveway for Your Home
- Gravel Driveway FAQs
- Efficient Gravel Driveway Repairs at Affordable Prices
Industry-Leading Gravel Driveway Repair in Merrimack, NH
At Northeast Land Specialists, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier gravel driveway repair services across The Granite State. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our advanced gravel driveway repair process, which ensures your driveway remains smoother for longer. Unlike standard methods that merely fill potholes, our skilled team rebuilds your driveway from the ground up, resulting in a long-lasting, smooth, and compacted surface.
Why Choose Northeast Land Specialists?
Our specialized equipment, including the GradeMax gravel driveway grader and smooth roller vibrating compactor, coupled with our expert team, ensures a finished driveway that can withstand New Hampshire's harsh weather conditions. As a family-owned and operated business, we focus on affordable residential land projects, delivering personalized service and exceptional results.
We also offer additional clearing and land-related services, such as:
- Pad Installation
- Foundation Perimete
- Material Spreading
- More
The Northeast Land Specialists Difference
Why do so many of our clients send their friends and family members to our business when they need driveway maintenance? Ask yourself this — would you refer your family to a fast-food restaurant for a great steak or would you tell them to go to the highest rated fine dining restaurant in Merrimack, NH? Simply put, Northeast Land Specialists has developed an industry-leading gravel driveway repair process that sets us apart from the competition and keeps your driveway smoother for longer.
We understand that no two gravel driveways are exactly alike, and no two clients have the same needs. That's why we offer a range of choices when it comes to gravel driveway maintenance options to choose from.
Comprehensive Gravel Driveway Repair Options from Northeast Land Specialists
Affordable Reclamation
Our most affordable option for repairing gravel driveways involves reclaiming the materials already present on your driveway or parking area. If you've recently added gravel but it has become uneven or rutted, we can grind it down, level it out, and reshape it using a custom grader. We'll then compact it with a roller for a smooth finish and add additional gravel as needed after any potholes are eliminated.
Premium Enhancement
Our premium gravel driveway repair in Merrimack, NH, features a base layer of sturdy 1-1/2" crushed rock, along with a customizable top layer. This arrangement ensures optimal drainage and long-lasting performance. It is designed to support high traffic and requires very little upkeep over time. The base layer not only enhances the overall structure but also keeps the top layer securely in place for an appealing appearance.
Annual Maintenance Packages
Our yearly gravel driveway maintenance and service options provide cost-conscious ways to maintain a smooth and well-restored driveway. Effective maintenance of your driveway, parking area, and roads can help you avoid costly major repairs down the line.
Exclusive Full-Season Warranty
We take pride in our craftsmanship and offer a comprehensive full-season warranty on our services. For a fixed price, we guarantee that your driveway will be free from potholes and other surface imperfections until the onset of winter. In the unlikely event that any issues arise during the season, we will respond swiftly and effectively to resolve them at no extra cost to you. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we are committed to ensuring your driveway remains in optimal condition throughout the season.
High-Quality Gravel Driveway Material Choices
At Northeast Land Specialists, we offer an extensive selection of materials suitable for the top layer in your gravel driveway maintenance projects. One of the most popular options is our 3/4" crushed aggregate. This material showcases a striking gray hue, often accented with bluish undertones, depending on the source of the quarry. It not only enhances the visual appeal of your driveway, but also provides excellent drainage and stability.
Another excellent choice we frequently recommend is recycled asphalt. This sustainable option boasts a rich, deep brown color that adds a warm, earthy tone to your driveway. Plus, its composition makes it an environmentally friendly alternative, contributing to waste reduction while still ensuring a durable and attractive surface. Whether you prefer the classic look of crushed aggregate or the eco-friendly aspects of recycled asphalt, we have the ideal solution to meet your driveway maintenance needs.
Transforming Eyesores into Pride Points
Your driveway might seem like a straightforward, practical aspect of your property, but if it's bumpy, cracked, or draining poorly, it can become an unsightly nuisance. Even worse, poorly maintained gravel driveways can become a safety risk and a constant source of irritation. At Northeast Land Specialists, we believe that your driveway should enhance your home's curb appeal and overall functionality.
That's why we're passionate about tackling a variety of common gravel driveway woes, such as:
- Grading: Improper grading can cause water to collect, resulting in erosion and potential damage. Our specialists will evaluate your driveway and carry out necessary grading to ensure optimal drainage and a smooth driving experience.
- Potholes: Potholes are almost always an eyesore. When left untreated, they become more than a nuisance and can damage your car or even cause you to trip and fall. At Northeast Land Specialists, we fill in potholes and correct the underlying issues causing them, so you're not filled up with worry.
- Driveway Washouts: Heavy rainfall can lead to the erosion of loose gravel, resulting in unsightly ruts. To tackle drainage problems, we can employ materials such as reclaimed asphalt, which are designed to endure harsh weather conditions.
- Resurfacing: As time goes by, driveways wear down and lose their luster. Our gravel driveway company in Merrimack, NH can resurface and restore your driveway's aesthetic appeal and functionality. That way, your home value doesn't plummet, and your neighbors don't get upset about the eyesore next door.
Top 3 Reasons to Consider a Gravel Driveway for Your Home
After a stressful commute on the busiest highway near Merrimack, NH, there's something inherently relieving about pulling into a home with a gravel driveway. We often get questions from New Hampshire residents asking about the benefits of gravel driveways — often before their house is built and during the planning phase. If you want a driveway that is both affordable and practical, gravel might be the way to go.
Gravel driveways are easier to install and maintain than other options and offer excellent traction and drainage. They help keep your property free from puddles and water damage, as the porous nature of gravel allows rainwater to seep through. This feature not only prevents pooling but also minimizes the risk of ice forming during the colder months. Plus, the rough texture of the gravel provides better grip for vehicles, making it a safe choice, especially if you live in a rural area.
If you're on the fence about gravel driveways, keep these benefits in mind.
Maintenance and Durability
Gravel driveways are known for their resilience and minimal upkeep. Gravel is sturdy and can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions. In contrast to paved driveways that develop cracks over time, gravel driveways typically remain in good shape with minimal maintenance.
Gravel tends to be more durable because of its interlocking design. Small, angular stones fit closely together to form a stable surface. This helps to evenly distribute the weight of vehicles, which does wonders for preventing potholes and depressions. The porous quality of gravel also enables water to drain through, minimizing water damage and ice formation during winter.
Caring for a gravel driveway is also relatively straightforward and economical. You can rake it, add gravel, or if you need gravel driveway resurfacing in Merrimack, NH, you can call trustworthy pros for help, like Northeast Land Specialists. When compared to the complex and costly maintenance of paved driveways, gravel presents a more low-maintenance alternative.
Customizable Options
Gravel driveways provide a wide range of customization options, making them a popular choice among homeowners. You can select from different types of gravel, colors, and textures to create a driveway that reflects your personal style. This flexibility allows you to design a driveway that enhances the overall appearance of your home.
When it comes to choosing gravel materials, there are plenty of options to consider, such as:
- Crushed Stone
- Recycled Asphalt
- River Rock
- Pea Gravel
- Decomposed Granite
- More
Each type has its own unique color, size, and texture; for example, crushed aggregate provides a more textured look, while pea gravel presents a smoother finish. With such a variety of choices, it's fun to create a customized driveway that enhances your home's curb appeal.
Eco-Friendliness
Did you know that gravel driveways are less harmful to the environment than other options? Due to their permeability, gravel driveways allow for better drainage while minimizing water runoff. Unlike paved driveways that create hard surfaces, gravel driveways allow rainwater to filter through, significantly reducing the chances of puddles and preventing water accumulation in surrounding areas. This feature also helps mitigate flooding, erosion, and the transport of pollutants to nearby waterways, making gravel driveways an eco-friendly choice. Gravel driveways also boast a lower carbon footprint than other driveways. The process of producing and installing gravel requires less energy and fewer resources compared to that of paved driveways.
Gravel Driveway FAQs
At Northeast Land Specialists, we're experts in all types of gravel driveway repairs. Customers choose us because of our unwavering commitment to reliability, punctuality, and hard work. We recognize the importance of a well-maintained driveway and know how stressful it can be to have a driveway that's barely suitable for use.
Our goal is to relieve that stress and provide peace of mind with efficient, affordable repair options. When you choose us, you can rest easy knowing you're in for a hassle-free experience built on expertise and open communication. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about our gravel driveway repair services in Merrimack, NH.
Before we start a project, our gravel driveway contractors in cityname, NH, will ask several questions to better understand the scope of your project. Some of those questions may include:
- Basic Details: Some of the questions we ask could center around the length and steepness of your driveway, the type of material it's made of (like asphalt, gravel, etc.), and the areas designated for parking. We might also ask for info specific to your home, like whether or not your driveway is shared with a neighbor.
- Water Runoff: Does your gravel driveway have any drainage issues? Are they minor or major? We inspect your current drainage setup to ensure that any water runoff issues are solved. That way, your driveway will have a long lifespan and major maintenance issues will be kept to a minimum.
- Your Vision: When it's all said and done, what goals would you like to accomplish with your project? Do you lean more towards functionality—like effective water management and a smooth surface—or aesthetics, like material finishes? Northeast Land Specialists provides a range of gravel driveway repair options to meet your goals and exceed your expectations.
When choosing gravel for your driveway, consider factors like appearance, durability, and climate. The right gravel can make your driveway eye-catching and helps ensure it has a longer lifespan. Size and shape are important considerations when it comes to choosing gravel. Larger, angular stones, like crushed stone, provide stability and durability by interlocking to form a solid surface for vehicles. In contrast, smaller options like pea gravel offer a smoother appearance but may shift over time.
Color and texture also matter. Gravel comes in a variety of colors, from earthy tones to vibrant shades. Select a hue that complements your home or surroundings. The texture—smooth or rough—can significantly impact the overall look of your driveway
Gravel driveway restoration is often necessary after severe weather conditions, such as hail, snow, ice, or heavy rain, negatively impact your driveway. While a single storm usually does not cause significant damage, gravel driveways can struggle to withstand constant rainfall or hail over time. As a result, even the most durable gravel driveways will require occasional repairs and maintenance. At Northeast Land Specialists, our highly-trained experts can come to your home and inspect your driveway to see if resurfacing or other repairs are needed.
Efficient Gravel Driveway Repairs at Affordable Prices
At Northeast Land Specialists, we're experts in all types of gravel driveway repairs. Customers choose us because of our unwavering commitment to reliability, punctuality, and hard work. We recognize the importance of a well-maintained driveway and know how stressful it can be to have a driveway that's barely suitable for use.
Our goal is to relieve that stress and provide peace of mind with efficient, affordable repair options. When you choose us, you can rest easy knowing you're in for a hassle-free experience built on expertise and open communication. Contact our office today to learn more about to schedule your initial consultation or to learn more about our gravel driveway repair services in Merrimack, NH.
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Latest News in Merrimack, NH
Welcome FCP Live-In Care Coordinator Joseph Chinnici
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-hampshire/merrimack/welcome-fcp-live-care-coordinator-joseph-chinnici
This post is sponsored and contributed by FCP Live-In, a Patch Brand Partner.Community CornerJoseph Chinnici has joined FCP Live-In as a Care Coordinator, managing accounts in middle New Hampshire.FCP Live-In, Brand Partner|Updated Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 1:40 pm ETThis is a paid post contributed by a Patch Co...
This post is sponsored and contributed by FCP Live-In, a Patch Brand Partner.
Joseph Chinnici has joined FCP Live-In as a Care Coordinator, managing accounts in middle New Hampshire.
FCP Live-In, Brand Partner
|Updated Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 1:40 pm ET
This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
Joseph Chinnici has recently joined FCP Live-In as a Care Coordinator, where he will promote FCP Live-In's exceptional live-in home care services in the middle, New Hampshire area. FCP Live-In is a well-known provider agency that specializes in placing highly trained live-in caregivers in clients' homes. This expertise allows patients to recuperate or "age in place" safely, knowing they are in capable hands.
Before joining FCP Live-In, Joe served as the Senior Manager of Business Development at Paramount Healthcare Services, a home care agency located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. In this role, he developed relationships with hospitals, assisted living centers, aging centers, and other facilities. Additionally, he helped Paramount become an in-network provider for several insurance companies.
Prior to his time at Paramount, Joe worked as a Member Communications Specialist at Health Dialog in Bedford, New Hampshire, for 13 years. He has also held positions in account management at various marketing and print agencies.
Joe holds an MBA from Rivier University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Eastern Connecticut State University.
In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with his family. One of his hobbies is Olympic weightlifting, where he earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championships in Costa Rica.
Joseph is excited to be part of the FCP Live-In team and is dedicated to ensuring that seniors in the middle New Hampshire area can safely remain at home with their loved ones.
FCP Live-In provides the perfect, affordable solution for live-in home care services and has for over two decades. Our live-in caregiver agency is committed to providing a unique and customized in-home care assistance approach to senior care, with a lifestyle that offers enjoyment to the ones in our care and families with peace of mind. Your loved one remains at home in the safety and comfort of familiar surroundings with all the treasures they hold near and dear to their hearts. While FCP live-in preserves their independence, reduces the risk of injury, and maintains your loved one's need for privacy and dignity. For more information about our affordable live-in care solution, contact us at 866-559-9492, or visit our website www.liveinhomecare.com!
For more information about FCP Live-In's affordable live-in care solution, call 866-559-9492 or visit www.LiveInHomeCare.com, find them on Facebook, Twitter, Google, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.
This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.
​Legislative Updates by Rep. Maureen Mooney for March, 2025
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-hampshire/merrimack/legislative-updates-rep-maureen-mooney-march-2025
Greetings!The New Hampshire House is still in state budget season. The state budget should be out of the House no later than April 10, 2025. Once out of the House, the Senate works on it. The clock is ticking!Here are some highlights in Governor Ayotte’s 1,197 page proposed budget:- See Governor Ayotte's Executive Budget Summary: ...
Greetings!
The New Hampshire House is still in state budget season. The state budget should be out of the House no later than April 10, 2025. Once out of the House, the Senate works on it. The clock is ticking!
Here are some highlights in Governor Ayotte’s 1,197 page proposed budget:
- See Governor Ayotte's Executive Budget Summary: https://www.das.nh.gov/.../Governor_Executive_Summary_FY...
Here are some informative resources outlining the Governor’s proposed budget:
Find out what's happening in Merrimackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Governor Ayotte’s Budget for All of New Hampshire Fact Sheet:
https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt971/files/media/media_document/budget-fact-sheet.pdf
- Governor's Operating Budget (broken out by department): https://www.das.nh.gov/budget/2026-2027GovBudget.aspx
- Text to HB 1-A (including revenue estimates): https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/pdf.aspx?id=9982&q=billVersion
- Text to HB 2-FN-A-L: https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/pdf.aspx?id=9981&q=billVersion
- Budget information at this site: https://www.das.nh.gov/budget/index.aspx
The New Hampshire House of Representatives works on the Governor’s proposed budget now. Next month, the New Hampshire Senate works on it. Because state revenues are lower than expected and the Detention Youth Center settlements are ongoing, tough decisions must be made on what to keep, add, eliminate and/or amend.
It is critically important to know that the public is always welcome to testify and give input on the state budget. There are multiple opportunities to lend your voice to the biennial state spending discussion. The House public hearing on HBs 1 and 2 is on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 2pm.
Much more to come before a final state budget is adopted with a deadline of June, 2025.
Around Town
The Town of Merrimack has such a great history. Did you know that there were 819 residents in Merrimack in 1790? Can you name the four villages in Merrimack? Can you name the largest businesses in town? Find these answers and more at this site: https://www2.nhes.nh.gov/GraniteStats/SessionServlet?page=Community.jsp&SID=1&city=000619&cityName=Merrimack
See you around town!
Rep. Maureen Mooney is in her sixth term as a NH State Representative serving Merrimack. Her website is: www.votemooney.com and Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/maureenmooneynh.
Merrimack Edges Out ConVal Regional In Close Granite State Challenge Match
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-hampshire/merrimack/merrimack-edges-out-conval-regional-close-granite-state-challenge
Merrimack High School narrowly beat the ConVal Cougars, 330-290, in the quarterfinal round of Granite State Challenge.Tony Schinella, Patch StaffDURHAM, NH — Merrimack High School narrowly beat the ConVal Cougars, 330-290, in the quarterfinal round of Granite State Challenge on New Hampshire PBS to advance and stay alive to defend its title.Playing for the ConVal Cougars was 11th grader Lukas Baker, 11th graders ...
Merrimack High School narrowly beat the ConVal Cougars, 330-290, in the quarterfinal round of Granite State Challenge.
Tony Schinella, Patch Staff
DURHAM, NH — Merrimack High School narrowly beat the ConVal Cougars, 330-290, in the quarterfinal round of Granite State Challenge on New Hampshire PBS to advance and stay alive to defend its title.
Playing for the ConVal Cougars was 11th grader Lukas Baker, 11th graders Ben Michaud and Remy Kekuewa-Colon and 12th grader Owen Beaulieu. The Cougars' alternates were 12th grader Kyle Austin and 11th grader Brian Alonso. The team was led by coaches and social studies teachers Eric Bowman and Chris Heider. ConVal enrolls 737 students and enrolls students from Antrim, Bennington, Dublin, Francestown, Greenfield, Hancock, Peterborough, Sharon and Temple.
The Merrimack High Tomahawks was led by 12th-grade captain Erin Murray along with 12th-graders Liam MacIsaac and Maeve LaRock and 11th-grader Avis Clever. The team's two alternates were 12thgrader Hikari McDowell and 11th grader Lauren Murby. The team was coached by chemistry teacher Dr. Sara Campbell and physics teacher, Liz Dumais. The two-time defending champions enroll 1,087 students.
The game opened with a question about diving, which stumped both teams. Merrimack picked up 10 points on the next question about Sherwood Forest and ConVal picked up points on a question about the St. Lawrence River and the game was on!
ConVal added 20 points to their score on the Unitil Power Question, correctly identifying Leo Tolstoy as the author who wrote in his novel War and Peace, "Power is a word the meaning of which we do not understand." They added another 10 points to their score on the next question about the Venus flytrap.
Find out what's happening in Merrimackfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Merrimack came back with three correct answers in a row on questions about Maurice Sendak, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the game Battleship. Not to be outdone, ConVal picked up 40 points on questions about Frosty, Snoop Dogg, the only mountain above 20,000 feet in the U.S., and the movie in which Angela Lansbury played a teapot.
At the end of the round, Merrimack held a slim lead of 110-100.
“We knew ConVal was a good team. We knew it was going to be tough. I was excited in the first round, we started to pull away a little bit,” said Coach Campbell.”
In the Three Strikes and You're Out Round, each team gets a 10-question category and each team member gets one question starting with the captain. The team continues to answer questions until they miss three questions. Each team also has three passes in each round. If a team answers all 10 questions correctly, they pick up an additional 10 points.
This round was tough on both teams.
ConVal correctly answered the first question about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, but failed to pick up any points on questions about Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac, or the now-abandoned Portsmouth Naval Prison, which was featured in the 1973 movie, The Last Detail and the team only picked up 10 points in the round.
Merrimack captain Erin passed her first question about Marlon Brando to her teammate Liam, who came up with the wrong response. The team couldn't answer the next two questions about Mike Pence and the number of blackbirds baked in a pie in the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Six Pence" and the round ended in a 110-110 tie.
In the 60-Second Round alternates join their teams. Each team picks a 10-question category and has 60 seconds to answer the questions. If they answer all ten correctly, teams get a 10-point bonus. Team members can confer in the round, but the captain answers.
ConVal chose the category “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” All the answers in the category included the words “wolf” or “wolves.”
The team easily answered eight of the 10 questions in the category correctly, only missing questions about Wolfgang Puck and the Irish wolfhound.
The two remaining categories were "Hit a Brick Wall" and "Banned Books." Merrimack chose "Hit a Brick Wall." All the answers in this category included the word or the sound "brick." The team missed only two questions - one about the Pink Floyd song, "Brick in the Wall" and the other about what a physical store is called - brick and mortar.
The round ended in a 190-190 tie.
In the final round, each correct answer is worth 20 points, but teams lose 20 points with an incorrect answer and a lead can be easily lost or gained in the round.
With the score tied, it was important for both teams to play carefully, as an incorrect answer would lead to them losing points.
The first question was a special video question asked by Miss New Hampshire, Emily Spencer about a 2002 case dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court that sought to establish that the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was part of New Hampshire, not Maine. ConVal gave an incorrect answer and lost 20 points.
Merrimack picked up 40 points on the next two questions about Confucius and the semicolon.
ConVal picked up 40 points on a video question from NH author Rebecca Rule about the Fisher Cats and a math question about the area of a room.
The round went on with both teams picking up points and keeping the score close and with less than a minute left in the game, the score was tied 250-250.
Merrimack picked up 60 points on the next three questions about the beluga whale, David Copperfield, and scurvy, bringing the score to 310-250. ConVal picked up 40 points on questions about toucans and Ukraine and the score was now 310-290 with time for only one more question.
A correct answer by ConVal or an incorrect answer by Merrimack would tie the game. A correct answer by Merrimack would win the game. Merrimack captain Erin buzzed in and correctly identified Phoebe Bridgers as the artist who released the album Stranger in the Alps in 2017, locking in the win for Merrimack by a final score of 330-290.
ConVal left the game knowing that they had proven themselves to be worthy opponents. “I think we did a pretty solid job. Merrimack has been the past champion for several years. We kept it pretty close, and I think we did a pretty good job,” said ConVal’s Remy Kekeuwa-Colon.
His teammate Owen Beaulieu. agreed. “I thought the match was close. The second round was a little rough, but I think we kept it close, and we kept it tight the whole game.”
Merrimack's captain Erin Murray attributes her team's win to teamwork. “I think the fourth round is our most important round. We can play a strong fourth round. And that’s a lot of buzzing, and knowing the answer, and just trusting in your team, knowing who knows it the best, and letting them get it, because I think we can't just rely on our middle round anymore.”
Merrimack’s coach Campbell is already thinking about what her team needs to do as they move on to the semifinals. “We are going to make sure they get some rest and stay calm. It’s very easy to psych yourself out for something like this. We need to make sure that we play our game and not worry about them playing theirs.”
Merrimack will move on to the semifinal against the winner of the match between Bedford and Profile on the next game of Granite State Challenge airing on Thursday, April 24 at 8:30 p.m. on NHPBS. You can also stream it on the PBS App, the NHPBS YouTube channel, or online at nhpbs.org/gsc.
Test your knowledge with Granite State Challenge online quizzes, and more at the Granite State Challenge web page, or try your hands at daily brain teasers on the Granite State Challenge Facebook page.
Granite State Challenge is funded by lead sponsor Unitil with additional funding from Bangor Savings Bank, Safety Insurance, NEA New Hampshire and Aroma Joe’s.
Granite State Challenge is hosted by Bow High School teacher Jon Cannon. Cannon has a long history with Granite State Challenge. You might say he grew up with the game. He was a member of the Belmont High team when he was in high school, was a member of the NHPBS Granite State Challenge crew when he was in college at UNH and was the coach of the Bedford High Granite State Challenge team.
New Hampshire PBS inspires Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs and services on-air, online, via mobile, in classrooms and in communities. Beyond its award-winning television programs, New Hampshire PBS is a leader in education and community engagement. nhpbs.org
Submitted by New Hampshire PBS
Merrimack town officials meet after voters reject budget
Jon Schoenheiderhttps://www.wmur.com/article/merrimack-budget-voters-council-meeting-41025/64447292
MERRIMACK, N.H. —Merrimack's town jobs may be at risk, as the council works to decide what to cut back on after voters rejected the new budget earlier this week, leaving a $2 million deficit for the next fiscal year.Thursday night, Merrimack Town Council members began discussions on what to eliminate during a public meeting. It comes after around 4,000 of Merrimack's 20,000 registered voters cast their ballots to reject a new budget proposal Tuesday.This is the second year that a default budget is ...
MERRIMACK, N.H. —
Merrimack's town jobs may be at risk, as the council works to decide what to cut back on after voters rejected the new budget earlier this week, leaving a $2 million deficit for the next fiscal year.
Thursday night, Merrimack Town Council members began discussions on what to eliminate during a public meeting. It comes after around 4,000 of Merrimack's 20,000 registered voters cast their ballots to reject a new budget proposal Tuesday.
This is the second year that a default budget is being put in place.
Town Council Vice Chair Nancy Harrington said she was confused as to why no one spoke up before the vote.
"We were transparent the whole time," she said. "There were many opportunities that the public had to help us. We had concerns, we had questions, and they didn't."
The biggest concern among council members are possible staffing cuts, with up to 73% of the budget made up of personnel.
"It's going to be a hard conversation," said council member Andy Hunter during the Thursday meeting, "but I don't know how you get there without having that discussion."
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Other possible cuts include overtime for town employees, infrastructure projects like paving, and community events like the Christmas parade.
The idea of paving received broad pushback when it was brought up during deliberations.
"It's something that's easy to do today, but in 10 years, it creates a nightmare," said Council Chair Finlay Rothaus. "So those are generally the things that I want to at almost all cost, avoid."
While council members work to determine eliminations, Harrington is issuing a call for the people of Merrimack to speak out on what they want to prioritize for the next budget.
"Contact us and say, 'No, you're full of baloney. Do this,' or 'What you're doing is great, but do this.'"
Town Manager Paul Micali will come back with budget options for the council to choose from in the coming weeks. Whatever choice they make, it needs to be enacted before June 30.
Merrimack Defeats Winnisquam Regional On Granite State Challenge On NH PBS
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-hampshire/merrimack/merrimack-defeats-winnisquam-regional-granite-state-challenge
The Tomahawks defeated the Bears, 290-160, in the first round Thursday.Tony Schinella, Patch StaffDURHAM, NH — The Winnisquam Regional High Bears fell to the Merrimack High Tomahawks on Granite State Challenge by a score of 290-160 in the first round of Granite State Challenge on New Hampshire PBS.The Bears made their return to Granite State Challenge after many years with a team led by 12th grade captain Beni Gr...
The Tomahawks defeated the Bears, 290-160, in the first round Thursday.
Tony Schinella, Patch Staff
DURHAM, NH — The Winnisquam Regional High Bears fell to the Merrimack High Tomahawks on Granite State Challenge by a score of 290-160 in the first round of Granite State Challenge on New Hampshire PBS.
The Bears made their return to Granite State Challenge after many years with a team led by 12th grade captain Beni Griffin joined by 12th graders Claire Langevin and Joe Curtin and 11th grader Marcus Morrissette. The team’s alternates were 11th grader Georgia Shartar-Howe and 10th grader Kevin Dore. Coaches for the team were science teacher Jeremy Shambaugh and social studies teacher Stephanie Shepard. Winnisquam Regional High School enrolls 446 students and serves the towns of Sanbornton, Tilton and Northfield.
Their opponents, the Merrimack High School Tomahawks, are the two-time defending champions and are looking for a three-peat this year. The team was captained by 12th grader Erin Murray along with 12th graders Liam MacIsaac and Maeve LaRock and 11th grader Avis Clever. The team alternates were 12th grader Hikari McDowell and 11th graders Bridget Clark and Lauren Murby. The Merrimack team was coached by chemistry teacher Dr. Sara Campbell, and physics teacher Liz Dumais.
The Merrimack Tomahawks entered the NHPBS studios in their iconic electric blue vests and black bow ties with a mixture of both excitement and confidence.
“I think our biggest strengths as a team are probably that we get along pretty well, and we have fun with ourselves,” said Merrimack team captain Erin Murray. “But we also know when to take it seriously, and we know each other's strengths.”
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Cheering the team on was State Rep. Maureen Mooney.
“New Hampshire takes great pride in the student participants of Granite State Challenge in Merrimack, in particular, student team members and coaches are revered for their knowledge, perseverance and courage to demonstrate and share their vast understanding of multiple subject areas,” Mooney said. “I've seen the show several times on television, but that doesn't beat actually being here. It's truly a community event, and New Hampshire PBS does a great job of hosting everybody and supporting this fantastic program.”
Donning brand-new pullovers with Granite State Challenge and their school’s logo, the Winnisquam team captain Beni Griffin said, “This is our first time in the games in a long time. We've all prepared really well, so I'm hoping that today we can show off what we've done.”
Looking at the future of the Winnisquam team Beni was hopeful, “We're very lucky that we have younger people on the team. We are confident that the sophomores and juniors on the team will carry the torch after the seniors graduate.”
Speaking about the mood of her team, Winnisquam coach Stephanie Shepard expressed how excited they were to be at the NHPBS studios.
“The kids are ready, we're ready, and we're looking forward to the opportunity."
Merrimack’s Maeve and Erin took their team to an early lead of 60-20, answering history and humanities questions correctly. While Winnisquam’s Jo and Claire picked up 20 points for their team on questions about the Great Wall of China and giraffes.
Beni picked up 40 more points two to draw Winnisquam closer, but Merrimack’s Avis and Erin swiftly swooped in and scored 60 consecutive points, including the Unitil Power Question worth 20 points and a New Hampshire civics video question from the NH Secretary of State’s Office, ending the round with a 130-40 lead.
“Three of my players are new this year. The only one returning is my captain, so getting out to a lead in the first round is a real confidence booster for new players,” Merrimack coach Campbell said. “It definitely helps them feel that they can continue to succeed, even when they have a hard round.”
In the Three Strikes and You're Out Round, each team gets a 10-question category and each team member, starting with the captain, gets one question. The team continues to answer questions until they miss three questions. Each team also has three passes in each round. If a team answers all 10 questions correctly, they pick up an additional 10 points.
Merrimack went first in the second round but was stumped early. Liam was the only Tomahawk to answer a question right, earning 10 points in the round after using two passes.
This allowed the Winnisquam Bears to chip away at Merrimack’s lead. Beni answered the first question correctly, and then Claire passed her question to Marcus, who knew the answer. The Bears got through seven questions before striking out and earned 40 points by using their passes strategically. The round ended with Merrimack in the lead by a score of 150-80.
“We're definitely going to keep playing three strikes rounds. But honestly, every time we practice those we’ve done very well. It was very surprising to have such a rough round. But we’re going to work on that and just keep practicing and expanding our knowledge,” said Merrimack’s Erin Murray.
In the 60-Second Round, two alternates join their teams. Each team picks a ten-question category and has 60 seconds to answer the questions. If they answer all ten correctly, teams get a 10-point bonus. Team members can confer in the round, but the captain answers.
Round three was intense. Since the Winnisquam Bears were behind, they chose first and picked the “Victory is Mine.” category. This category’s answers involved winners in sports.
Winnisquam team captain Beni knew many of them but conferred with her teammates and alternates to ensure that they did not miss out on any points. They answered the first six questions in a row correctly before their first mistake, and in the end the team picked up 80 points.
The pressure was on the Tomahawks, as those 80 points by the Bears brought them to a 10-point lead as Merrimack started their category. Merrimack chose “Call Me,” a category where each answer included the word “call” or word with the letters “c-a-l-l” in that order.
The Merrimack team faltered twice on the first four questions, putting themselves in a dicey situation, but the Tomahawks showed their experience by answering the last six correctly to score 80 points. This meant that Merrimack was able to maintain their lead into the final round with a score of 230-160.
“That was definitely good because we were a little nervous once they started getting up and they were getting closer. And we’re like, ‘Okay, we still have our lead. We’re still ahead, we’re still good,” said Merrimack captain Erin Murray on their performance in round three.
In the final round of the game, each correct answer is worth 20 points, but teams lose 20 points with an incorrect answer and a lead can be easily lost or gained in the round.
Merrimack dominated the final round. Erin and Avis answered questions confidently, despite each missing the answers on two questions.
Many of the questions stumped the Winnisquam Bears, and they fell short of making up the difference, but their performance was very good against a very competitive Merrimack team.
“It was great to be here because we hadn’t been here in so long and we weren’t sure if we would even qualify,” said Winnisquam team captain Beni Griffin. “So, it was great to have that come to fruition and be here, and we did great. I think that everyone had a lot of fun.”
“We will definitely keep working on our knowledge base. But also doing a lot more with the buzzers. I think a lot of times we knew the answers, and we could see them buzzing, but we were just out-buzzed on most of the questions,” said Winnisquam coach Shepard.
As the team celebrated the win, Merrimack coach Dr. Sara Campbell reflected on the game. “They did a great job. They worked together very well. I was especially happy with the second round, their teamwork in that round was great and looking to each other for the answers and the way they tried to use their passes, with, I think, a really hard Three Strikes round,” said Campbell.
The Merrimack Tomahawks will play the ConVal Regional High Cougars in the quarterfinals on April 17 at 8:30 p.m. on New Hampshire PBS.
Catch the next game of Granite State Challenge as the Bow High takes on Profile High on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. on NHPBS. You can also stream it on the PBS App, the NHPBS YouTube channel, or online at nhpbs.org/gsc.
Test your knowledge with Granite State Challenge online quizzes, and more at the Granite State Challenge web page, or try your hands at daily brain teasers on the Granite State Challenge Facebook page.
Granite State Challenge is funded by lead sponsor Unitil with additional funding from Bangor Savings Bank, Safety Insurance, NEA New Hampshire and Aroma Joe’s.
About Host Jon Cannon: Granite State Challenge is hosted by Bow High School teacher Jon Cannon. Cannon has a long history with Granite State Challenge. You might say he grew up with the game. He was a member of the Belmont High team when he was in high school, was a member of the NHPBS Granite State Challenge crew when he was in college at UNH and was the coach of the Bedford High Granite State Challenge team.
About New Hampshire PBS: New Hampshire PBS inspires Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs and services on-air, online, via mobile, in classrooms and in communities. Beyond its award-winning television programs, New Hampshire PBS is a leader in education and community engagement.
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