5 Belmont residents receive Heritage Commission awards

BELMONT — Five Belmont residents are the recipients of 2026 Community Heritage Awards, distributed by the Belmont Heritage Commission for contributions to preserving the town’s heritage and history during the Oct. 21 selectboard meeting.

Joe and Jenn Thomas received the Preservation of Traditions Award, which recognizes local efforts in preserving regional history, farming, and historic properties. The Thomases have put extensive work into renovating their 1890s home, preserving its historical integrity and features.

Katie Van Cura and Kelly Lewis, both art teachers at Belmont schools, received the Exceptional Commitment to Community Award, which honors individuals, staff, and students who show dedication, volunteerism, and service to the community.

The educators helped engage students in Belmont’s Old Home Day by leading their creation of unique holiday decorations including windsocks, paper flags and posters, hung around Belmont Village. Their contributions to the event made for a more joyous occasion for community members, and their efforts did not go unnoticed.

Now-college student Riley DeGange received the Youth Leadership Award, which highlights a high school student who serves as student representative on local town boards and contributes to community projects. She formerly served as the student representative to the commission, and helped rally volunteers for the commission’s annual Senior Citizens Food Drive.

Jack and Vicki Donovan presented the awards before the regular business portion of the meeting continued.

In other meeting news, Public Works Director Brian Jackes provided an update to the board regarding the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program Commission study about forming a regional wastewater authority. As it currently sits, the program is managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

The commission voted unanimously to move forward as a regional authority, and Jackes read a letter of support on behalf of the Town of Belmont during public comments.

In other WRBP news, the board selected two representatives to attend a site visit at Belmont’s pump station alongside Jackes, joining members of the Department of Business of Economic Affairs and Northern Border Regional Commission. Board member Jon Pike, along with Chair Ruth Mooney, will represent the town.

The site visit gives the opportunity to hear about the project’s progress and celebrate a grant the town was awarded earlier this year.

“WRBP applied for and received a grant, and was awarded $2 million to go toward the force main that needs to be replaced,” Alicia Jipson, town administrator, wrote via email.

Finally, Jackes sought permission from the board to sell an aging plow, and the board unanimously supported this.

The auction of 200 Daniel Webster Hwy — the location of the China Garden restaurant — was discussed again, as the $700,000 bidder recently backed out.

“The property was taken for tax deed in July 2025. It went to auction and the high bidder of $700,000 backed out,” said Colleen Akerman, assessing administrator and executive assistant, who said the next highest bidder, at $600,000, officially closed on the property. “The deeds have been signed. The town has recouped $188,919 in back taxes with all associated fees and penalties due under RSA 898.”

The selectboard’s next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, with an agenda mostly focused on safety.

The board will address a request by the Belmont Police Department to use propertyroom.com to auction off evidence and also accept a highway safety grant amendment. The Belmont Fire Department will also provide a budget update.

The Belmont Budget Committee will host their first meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Tioga Meeting Room in the Belmont Mill. The meeting will include the election of officers, an explanation of the role of the budget committee, and highlights of the state budget.

Jipson will give a slide presentation about the budget before the committee begins its initial review of budgets for general assistance, the Heritage Commission, parks & rec, the beach, patriotic purposes, and legal, to name a few.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.