LACONIA — The gate at Ahern State Park was closed on May 16 because of, according to a sign posted on the premises, “vandalism and abuse of park property.” Ahern is still open and only vehicle access has been restricted. Though the sign has been removed by the state parks and recreation department, the gate remains closed indefinitely.

EXETER — Lincoln Street School fifth-grader Taryn Hevel carefully walked through a muddy and slippery path toward the Exeter River. Her walk was slow, not because she was avoiding the possibility of slipping and falling, but because she was holding a cup of water containing a brook trout she had watched grow since January.