Weare police arrested Stephen Corey, 36, of 17 Woodland Drive, Weare, on Monday, Nov. 16.

Corey was charged with two counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, reckless conduct, criminal threatening and simple assault.

Weare police conducted an investigation over the weeend involving alleged domestic abuse by Corey over a four-month period at his home.

The victim, identified as a 30-year-old female, field complaints with police, alleging Corey sexually assaulted her on two occasions. It is also alleged Corey pointed a rifle at the victim and threatened to kill her.

Corey is currently being held on $10,000 cash bail pending arraignment at Goffstown District Court.

When Wanda McLain contacted Peggy Bailey, director of the Weare Food Pantry, she had no idea just how timely her phone call would be.

McLain, president of the Weare Rescue Association, was calling to let Bailey know that she had a donation of more than $1,200 to present to the food pantry, in addition to more than 200 food items. What McLain didn’t know was that the food pantry in Weare had only about a week’s worth of food left.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Bailey. “I didn’t know what we were going to do.”

Part of the money was collected at a bonfire and fireworks display sponsored by the Weare Fire and Rescue Association on Oct. 30. Food donations were also accepted for admission to the event.

EMT Mark Bluteau was impressed with the town’s generosity.

“We asked for one nonperishable food item and people were handing over bags,” said Bluteau.

The Weare Rescue Association and the Weare Fire Association each made a $500 donation, pushing the total to $1,206.35.

According to Bailey, the need for food is higher this year, and the food pantry is seeing an increase in women, children and working families seeking assistance. While the need for food doesn’t change for people throughout the year, she finds that most people tend to think of giving more during the holidays. In fact, monetary donations from last year’s giving season carried the food pantry through the fall this year.

For Thanksgiving, the food pantry has teamed up with Weare schools to collect donations to make food boxes for the holiday, which will include 1a turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and canned vegetables.

Last year, Weare Middle School students donated more than 1,300 items to put in the boxes.

Nurse Pat MacNeil at Center Woods said the students really get caught up in the giving.

“They’re so proud, especially the little ones, when they bring something in to help someone else,” said MacNeil.

Nearly 70 baskets were made for local families in 2008, and that number is expected to increase this year.

Food boxes will also be made for Christmas, and the Angel Tree project will be up and running in the coming weeks. Christmas trees with tags on them will be in various locations in Weare, so community members can purchase Christmas gifts for children in need.

“Everyone is having it tough,” said McNeil, “but it’s nice to help the people having it tougher.”

Applications for Thanksgiving food boxes will be accepted until Nov. 18 and can be picked up at the food pantry Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. The Weare food pantry is located at Weare Middle School and is open on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the Weare food pantry at 529-0230.

While most middle schoolers in Weare enjoyed their time off from school during the summer, 12-year-old Lindsey Dutton spent her time trying to make her school a better place.

The seventh-grader worked with school administration to begin a student council at Weare Middle School.

“I saw that our school needed some help, and contacted Mrs. Potter over the summer,” said Dutton. “We, as a bigger group, could work to make things better.”

Potter received the idea with enthusiasm. “I’ve wanted a student council here for years,” she said. “I couldn’t wait for someone to be motivated to do this,” said Dutton.

Over the next several weeks, Potter, the school’s assistant principal, had Dutton do some research, and Dutton met with the assistant principal at Henniker Community School, which already has an established student council. Potter noted that Dutton had to take some risks if she wanted to get the project off the ground.

“She hates being in the spotlight,” Potter laughed.

Plans were in place by the beginning of the school year, and students warmed up to the idea immediately. Twenty-four seventh- and eighth-graders ran for positions, and 12 fifth- and sixth-graders came forward as well.

Elected positions on the council include president, vice president, homeroom representative and social committee chairman.

Those running for election to the council had to first write an essay, detailing why they wanted to run for student council and what they hoped to accomplish. They also had to have a campaign, complete with posters and speeches, and students voted for the candidates during lunches.

“Running made me feel more responsible,” said Garrett Thomas, who ran for vice president.

Eighth-grader Austin Boisvert added that in running, students had to promise to “try to do,” rather than say, “I will do.”

“You have to know that not everything you want to do will be done,” said Boisvert.

Potter hopes the student council will provide middle school students with an organized way to get information, and while the council will be taken seriously, not all policies will change because of council recommendations.

“We can’t change every policy, but students will gain a better understanding of why things are the way they are,” said Potter. Dutton is happy with the results of her labor this summer.

She admitted that she did not expect to have such a large group respond to her idea.

“I just want people to feel good about themselves here,” she said. Fellow student Cam Bonenfant, agreed.

“We want to make school fun, and be a place kids want to go, not just have to go.”

At least 100 people who arrived to attend a Weare Planning Board public hearing Sept. 24 about a proposed asphalt production plant were turned away from Town Hall because there wasn’t enough room to accommodate everyone.

Naomi Bolton, town administrator and town planner, said she conferred with Fire Department officials, who determined the meeting space was too small.

The hearing was rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Weare Middle School, after The Goffstown News went to press. The proposal in question was brought forward by Chris Bolton, owner of Mt. William systemInc., who wants to build a 5-ton to 6-ton hot-mix asphalt facility at 1225 River Road. The 1,550-acre property currently serves as a sand and gravel production plant.

Chris Bolton is the brother of Frank Bolton, who is a member of the Planning Board. Chris Bolton is also the brother-in-law of Naomi Bolton. Her husband also works for Chris Bolton at the sand and gravel facility.

Naomi Bolton said Sept. 24 that Frank Bolton would not vote on any issues concerning his brother’s proposal, not just because they’re related, but because Frank Bolton’s property abuts the Mt. William Inc. facility.

Naomi Bolton said she oversees the town’s planning office but cannot vote on the board.

“I shuffle papers and take minutes and that’s about it,” she said. “There’s no conflict.”

Chris Bolton did not return a call for comment; Frank Bolton could not be reached.

Neighbors around the facility have mobilized and more than 150 people were expected to attend the public hearing before it was rescheduled. Many say they’re upset over potential impacts to the environment, safety, quality of life and home property values.

Eric Rinehimer of Roosevelt Drive said one reason he’s upset is because he lives in a development that was constructed by a company owned by Chris Bolton less than a decade ago.

“The developer who built the neighborhood is the same man who owns the gravel quarry operation and is proposing to put an asphalt plant there,” Rinehimer said. “If that was there in the first place, none of us would have bought homes in that area.”

Neighbors drafted a letter to the Planning Board with the help of an attorney, outlining reasons why they’re concerned. They ask 15 specific questions, primarily about environmental concerns. The location is in close proximity to the Piscataquog River.

“Our preliminary research shows fumes from asphalt plants are known to have carcinogens,” neighbor Joanne Harrison said. “In the communities where these are, property values plummet.”

The letter complains that too few abutters were notified because the impact of the project far outreaches the immediate neighbors.

Rinehimer said he wants safety concerns addressed.

“The bigger concern I have is what if things go catastrophically wrong,” he said.

Rinehimer, who lives with his wife and two children, said the family has enjoyed their view from their house atop an 800-foot peak, which would directly overlook the asphalt plant. He’s also concerned about quality of life and property values.

“We’re concerned about property values,” Rinehimer said. “Most other asphalt plants are operating in industrial areas or near highways, not in the middle of a residential and rural area,” he said. “You’re talking about 28-ton asphalt trucks going up and down a road not made to handle that kind of truck traffic. Then you have kids waiting for the school bus.”

John Stark football’s head coach, Bob Clarke, tried to tell his athletes they’d played well in a 12-6 loss to host Pembroke Academy on Saturday, Sept. 12.

They disagreed.

For proof, Clarke could point to the mud-covered uniforms – and faces – of his Generals, or his quarterback’s wrapped thumb, which sidelined him for a spell but ultimately couldn’t keep the signal-caller from the huddle.

The players, on the other hand, could argue turnovers and other mistakes cost them a good chance at victory following a loss to Division-III powerhouse Portsmouth a week earlier.

Both Clarke and his charges were correct.

David Wilson, who ran well throughout the game, roared into the end zone to give Stark a first-quarter lead; quarterback and fellow senior Sean Barnes threw well in terrible conditions, then shook off a dislocated thumb to return late in the fourth quarter; and junior linebacker Ian Kuck delivered some jarring hits on defense. But fumbles and a devastating fourth-and-1 penalty late in the final stanza were too much to overcome.

“They put in a fantastic effort,” said Clarke after addressing his frustrated team. “But obviously the execution needs to improve.”

After the head coach’s talk, some of the players vocally urged a renewed commitment from their mates during weekday practices, as well as a reminder the entire team is responsible for each game’s outcome – win or lose.

Stark has a low number of varsity athletes – 28 were listed for the PA game – and Clarke said just 15 play regularly. That means stamina is going to be a concern as every game proceeds.

“We’ve got to try to pick them up and encourage them as much as possible,” said Clarke.

Weare Old Home Day takes place Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the center of Weare.

On the village green there will be more than 30 demonstrators, artisans and artists, along with the local farmers market and food vendors. Included are alpaca and sheep products, felting, spinning, tole and landscape painting, puppets, rug hooking, quilting, knitting, whittling, flintlock rifles, basket making, clay and ceramics, soap, herbs, aprons, bags, handmade jewelry and more.

Events include:
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stone Memorial Building lawn – demonstrators/handcrafted items, children’s games, Weare Historical Society Museum, Weare Historical Society specialities from the grill, South Weare Improvement Society beverages
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Weare Town Hall – Friends of the Library and Lions book and bake sale
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weare Middle School – Weare high school reunion
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., gazebo green – Weare Farmers Market
• 10 a.m. to noon, gazebo – Bluegrass band
• Noon to 2 p.m., gazebo – The Rakes of Milford
• 2 to 4 p.m., gazebo – Jeff Dearborn and the Contoocook Blues Society
• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., safety complex – Weare Fire and Rescue

Association chicken barbecue and Fire Department open house A number of organizations are involved, including Weare Historical Society, which hosts the event, Weare Agricultural Commission, Weare Heritage Commission, farmers market, South Weare Improvement Society, Weare Fire and Rescue Associations, Weare High School Reunion, American Legion Post 65, Village Chapel Baptist Church, Weare Athletic Club, Friends of the Library and the Lions.

A Weare man has been arrested and accused of raping an 18-year-old at a party he hosted for his twin daughters this month, authorities said.

Gilberto Soto, 40, of 43 Hejo Road, was arraigned Friday, Aug. 14, on charges of aggravated felonious sexual assault, sexual assault and providing alcohol to minors. Soto allegedly served the woman eight shots of vodka before the assault, authorities said.

He was arrested at his home the night before his arraignment in Goffstown District Court.

While requesting that cash bail be set during the arraignment, Weare police Sgt. Lou Chatel referred the judge to Soto’s “pattern of behavior.” He later cited an affidavit suggesting Soto had had sexual contact with two other teenage girls in recent months. The girls were interviewed as part of the investigation.

“We had two other reports … similar reports. But we found that no laws were broken,” Chatel said.

This isn’t the first time Soto has received attention from news media. In March 2008, he told an interviewer on the ABC news magazine show “20/20” that he wanted to “tie a rope” around the neck of then-17-year-old Damon Hadley of Henniker and drag him with his car. Soto had been arrested for punching Hadley in the parking lot of John Stark Regional High School after Hadley and Soto’s daughter, who was then 15, were caught skipping school to have sex.

Hadley’s mother said Soto’s arrest did not surprise her.

“The segment on ‘20/20’ clearly speaks to what kind of person he is,” Lisa Hadley said. “So, no, it doesn’t surprise me.”

Judge Paul Lawrence ordered that Soto continue to be held on $10,000 cash bail or surety. About four hours after his arraignment, he posted bail and was released from the Hillsborough County House of Corrections.

The woman reported the alleged rape to police the morning of Aug. 2, a few hours after she said it occurred at Soto’s home during a combination birthday party and high school graduation celebration for his daughter.

According to the affidavit, after the alleged rape, the woman told Soto’s daughter what happened, who said, “This is the third one he did this to.”

The alleged victim said she had accompanied Soto and his wife, Mary Ellen Soto, and their daughters to a Shaw’s supermarket in Goffstown before the party, where the parents bought alcohol that was later consumed by the teens.

She said that at one point, after Mary Ellen Soto had gone to bed, Gilberto Soto and she played cards, and every time she lost a hand, she drank a shot of vodka.

“Mr. Soto poured her approximately eight shots of vodka, which she drank and described herself as being very drunk,” the affidavit said.

The woman told police that a few minutes later she passed out in a bathroom and Soto helped her up. Soto allegedly walked her down a flight of stairs because she was too drunk to have walked without assistance, the report said.

At the bottom of the stairs, Soto allegedly touched the victim inappropriately. He then escorted her to his 18-wheel truck, where he brought her inside and raped her, authorities said.

According to the affidavit, Soto acknowledged having had sex with the woman but said it was consensual.

The woman said she called her brother a short time after the incident and went to police a few hours later. DNA evidence was taken, and test results are due back in a few weeks, police said. Soto, who owns a truck driving business, was arraigned in the presence of his sister and his wife, who continuously covered her face in a hooded sweatshirt.

Soto could not be reached for comment. According to the judge’s order, Soto is not allowed to have any contact with the woman, is prohibited from using drugs or alcohol and must check in with Weare police weekly.

He is due back in court Friday, Aug. 21, for a probable cause hearing. Trial is set for Sept. 22.

The federal government is offering money, but the town isn’t sure it wants the dough.

That’s because a handful of residents say there’s no such thing as a free lunch -- or a free hand-out from the federal government.

More than one person spoke out against a $22,372.50 federal grant at a Weare Board of Selectmen meeting recently. It is a second installment of federal money the town has qualified to cover cleanup costs associated with last December’s ice storm.

But Jim Leary, a local business owner, said the cleanup is over and the town shouldn’t accept the money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“If we don’t need to go to the FEMA well … then we shouldn’t have our hands out for it,” Leary said. “I see a lot of money being wasted. It’s all coming out of our pockets. We pay into the FEMA fund, too. It doesn’t just magically appear.”

Selectmen delayed action on the item because Chairman Tom Clow said Selectman Keith Lacasse, who was not present, requested to postpone the vote until he could lay out his opposition to the grant.

Public Works Director Carl Knapp argued the selectmen should vote to accept the money because the government is merely reimbursing the town for dollars already spent.

He said the separate $38,000 FEMA grant the town accepted earlier this year was used to cover the costs of a wood chipper that aided his department with tree cleanup after the storm.

Chairman Clow explained that the second grant, if accepted by the board, could not be spent arbitrarily and likely would be used to help offset the local tax rate later this year. “It will be treated as revenue,” Clow said. “It’s not money that we can just spend, but it’s there (in the general fund).”

Johnna Grzywacz, also a Weare resident, asked questions about how the money would be used if the grant is accepted. She said she is not convinced it’s money the town needs.

“We need to protect our tax money and we need to ask questions,” Grzywacz said. “I used to be a person who took for granted the authority of the government was the authority. But we are the authority. I want to give some thought to what it means to accept this grant.”