In case you missed it, here are some of the Concord Monitor's most popular stories from last month. Subscribe today to keep in touch with the news & events in your local community.

Profane political signs at Bow construction site spur debate: Free speech or foul play?

Local officials the state, including nearby Belmont, have remained at odds with residents displaying political signage on their properties. Cities and towns across have struggled to balance free speech while attempting to enforce their zoning ordinances, especially for signage along public roadways.

Homeless camp to be cleared for planned mixed-use development

The 22 acres located on a triangle of land sandwiched between Manchester Street and the highway is owned by a family trust, which is in the early stages of seeking approval from the city for plans to turn the area into a huge mixed-use development with as many as 266 housing units in five buildings, as well as a gas station, car wash, sandwich shop and convenience store.

Concord High School seniors walk out of class to protest lost privileges

The group argued that they deserve the privileges usually granted to seniors, particularly since the class has had to deal with high school during a pandemic and revelations of sexual misconduct by two teachers.

Several buyers interested in forfeited Vermont ski resort

After attempts to sell the Jay Peak ski area were halted at the start of the pandemic, sale discussions have been taking place with several parties this year, according to a update from the receiver appointed after the former owner was accused of fraud in 2016.

Pitco to build new frialator manufacturing facility in Concord

The new plant at 15 Integra Drive will combine Pitco’s three existing locations in Bow, Concord and Pembroke into one complex with offices, manufacturing and warehouse space. About 400 jobs will be based at the facility, which is close to the Soucook River and near the border with Pembroke.

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Large Loudon hydroponic greenhouse bought by national firm that wants to make it larger

The region’s biggest greenhouse grower of salad greens, Lef Farms of Loudon, has been purchased by a national firm which plans to enlarge it. New York-based Brightfarms purchased Lef (pronounced "leaf") this summer for an undisclosed amount. The company says it plans to "immediately expand" Lef’s partly automated facility to "eventually become a 14-acre growing hub for the region, supplying 4 million pounds of locally grown lettuce to New England supermarkets."

New arcade opening in downtown Concord

The owner and operator of Wow Fried Chicken and Subs, is looking to expand Concord’s downtown experience, planning to open a new arcade for the general public. Abbas, a small business owner, has operated his restaurant for nearly seven years and wants to create a new experience for his customers. The building, adjacent to Wow Fried Chicken at 5 Pleasant St., contains Abbas’ arcade on the top floor, with the ground floor operating as a venue hall for birthdays and events.

With donuts and a plan, this group in Warner saves orphaned bear cub

The rescuers named the cub Joppa. Kilham said Joppa was eight months old, nine at the most. He said Joppa weighed 20 pounds when he arrived at the center earlier this month. He was due to be twice that weight by this age. The cub needed to be saved. Or else. "The cub would not have survived through the winter. There was not enough high-quality food out there. Bears have a social hierarchy, and when it comes to food, single cubs are down on the list,"Kilham noted.

Granite Geek: You've never heard of this Concord manufacturer that's very famous (to a select few)

The Mellen Co. Inc. has been in the Concord area since the 1960s but don’t feel ashamed if you don’t recognize the name. Designing and building very high-temperature ovens for specialized processes used in industrial manufacturing and also in research

Revolving door at DCYF: 'As soon as they hire one new person, two people leave'

Turnover is endemic in offices across New Hampshire — in a state that employs a total of 283 child protection workers, 196 have quit or transferred out of their positions since 2019, according to data from the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services.