The proposed $23 million price tag for the municipal campus project was a thorn in many attendees’ paw during this week’s Peterborough (NH) Budget Committee meeting, reports ledgertranscript.com. As such, the committee chose to delay its vote on whether to recommend the town’s warrant articles to the March 15 meeting.

The project—building a fire station on Elm Street next to the community center—has been in the planning phases since June. The estimated price of $23.34 million was simply too high for some members, the report says. In addition, they had trepidation regarding the size—currently planned for 30,000 square feet—and site plan decisions.

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Residents, too, expressed concerns about the cost as well as the size of the facility, the report notes.

With market values being heavily skewed amid economic volatility, officials say the price could keep rising each year the project continued or is delayed.

However, architect officials say a more accurate cost estimate will be available at a future committee meeting.

The committee will meet on the night of the Select Board’s next scheduled meeting, March 15, at 6 p.m. to finalize votes, according to the report.

The Eureka Fire Protection District has received both praise and criticism after one of its apparatus was spotted at a truck convoy protesting COVID-19 mandates as it passed through the area earlier this week, reports myleaderpaper.com.

The trucker convoy came through Eureka this am. Impressive protest. The City was prepared and handled the crowd well. pic.twitter.com/Gf0bB5MJl7

— Sean Flower (@Mayor_Flower) March 1, 2022

Displaying an American flag, the apparatus was parked on the Central Avenue overpass Tuesday as the convoy passed below on I-44. The convoy is one of many headed to Washington, D.C., to protest, the report says.

Some people didn’t like it, and some people appreciated it, officials say.

Related: Eureka (MO) Orders New Apparatus, Works on Stations

Officials say the apparatus was present because Eureka Fire was asked to be there, and the district usually attends events when invited. A district apparatus was at a Eureka Black Lives Matter march held in 2020, the report says.

The report notes that the district said its presence at the convoy was not a political statement, and that, any time it partakes in such an activity, it has the ability to respond to calls.

In any case, the episode may lead the district to review its policy for trucks showing up at events, according to the report.

SALINAS, CA – Today, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $18 million in federal funding to replace the Nacimiento Fire Station that was lost in the Dolan Fire.  The U.S. Forest Service will use this funding to replace the fire station, barracks, engine garage, and pumphouse, as well as implement site utilities such as a water well, solar connections, and access roads. 

“The loss of the Nacimiento Fire Station during the Dolan fire was devastating for our firefighters and community.  Maintaining a functional fire station in such a remote location prone to wildfires is crucial to protecting the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding areas,” said Rep. Panetta. “After a few years and some fierce advocacy, I’m glad to see the federal government responding with significant funding to restore the emergency response capabilities at this location.  Considering our constant and extreme vulnerability to wildfires, as well as the resolve to fight those fires by our local fire personnel, I’m proud that the federal government is doing its part to rebuild this station and contribute to the safety of our region.”

“We appreciate Congressman Panetta’s efforts to help secure the funding needed to rebuild the Nacimiento Fire Station,” said U.S. Forest Service Monterey District Ranger, Tim Short. “This fire station has historically played a critical role for wildfire suppression along the Big Sur coast.”

These funds were provided as Supplemental Disaster Funding through the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act of 2021.  The disaster assistance funding is a share of the $1.36 billion of supplemental appropriations provided to the Forest Service.

New information has come to light regarding a February 25 pickup and fire engine crash on Highway 108 near Twain Harte (CA), reports mymotherlode.com.

The collision happened around 1:13 p.m. last Friday near the second entrance to Twain Harte, the report says. While trying to protect first responders and victims in a separate crash on the highway, a Twain Harte apparatus partially blocked the roadway and was hit.

Police officials say that 53-year-old Calin Smith of Pinecrest was driving his 1982 Chevrolet Silverado towing another vehicle on a flatbed on the westbound side of 108. When Smith saw the engine he applied the brakes but couldn’t stop in time due to his speed and the trailer’s lack of brakes, according to the report.

The passenger, Christine Smith, suffered minor injuries to both of her hands and was transported to the hospital. Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected to be factors in the crash, the report notes.