Police were called to a DEM hearing, Portsmouth's "Teacher of the Year" resigned, and another snowstorm brought an opportunity for sledding.

It all happened last week. Here's a look back at our coverage from Jan. 17 to 23:

Monday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Torch Run Brightens Portsmouth's Monday

Local military members from the Navy and Marine Corps braved cold temperatures to support the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Torch Run Monday morning. With approximately 20 runners, the start location was changed from Patriots Park to the other side of the Rt. 114 due to snow. This did not damper the runners' enthusiasm and encouraging words were exchanged by all. Preparing for more than an eight-mile run, gloves and hats were prevalent with a few stating "I hope I make it."

Tuesday

Island Park Residents Demand Answers from DEM on Arsenic, Newspaper Ad

Island Park residents reacted in anger at Tuesday's public meeting with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) after questions arose about the meeting's public notice and arsenic levels at the former town landfill. The public meeting, hosted by DEM at Town Hall, was held in order for residents to ask questions regarding the digging project taking place at the site of the former town landfill in Island Park. AP Enterprise, the private owner of the land at Park and Mason avenues, is recapping this land and seeking a change in the Beneficial Use Determination, or BUD, which was previously approved by DEM.

Wednesday

'Teacher of the Year' Kimberly Cunningham Resigns from Portsmouth Schools

On Wednesday, we learned the Portsmouth School Committee accepted a resignation from 2010 "Teacher of the Year" Kimberly Cunningham. Committee Chairwoman Cynthia S. Perrotti said this was the second "Teacher of the Year" to resign from the Portsmouth school system this school year, 2010-2011. “We need to find out why these teachers are leaving," said Kathy Melvin. "We need to have an investigation.”

Thursday

Video: Students Test Power of Suggestion, Softball Bats at Portsmouth Middle School's First Science Fair

Sports equipment tests and the "power of suggestion" were among the more than 200 projects featured at Portsmouth Middle School's first science fair held Wednesday at the school. The winner of the science fair will proceed to compete in the state science fair, which will be held in February.

Friday

Blogger John McDaid Withdraws Open Meetings Complaint Against Portsmouth School Committee

Portsmouth resident John McDaid, who operates the blog Hard Deadlines, withdrew his Open Meetings Act complaint against the Portsmouth School Committee in connection with their search for the next superintendent on Friday. McDaid's complaint, dated Jan. 13, accused the School Committee of violating the Open Meetings Act at its meeting on Jan. 11. The withdrawal came after actions were made by the school committee to address concerns raised by McDaid.

Video: Portsmouth Kids Show Who's Sledding King at King's Grant Fellowship Friday

With Portsmouth schools closed on Friday due to another winter storm, there was only one thing for children to do: go sledding! Dozens of Portsmouth kids took to the hills at King's Grant Fellowship Church on Friday afternoon with tubes, sleds and snowboards in hand.

Saturday and Sunday

A Gathering of Fiddlers and Fishermen

On Saturday, Common Fence Music held its annual Gathering of Fiddlers and Fishermen, an open-mike tribute to the sea. The night was full of local talent starting with a traditional Irish "Seisiún," where musicians gather for an "unplugged" jam session of Irish tunes. A steady parade of musicians follows, including some fiddlers and some fishermen. And some are even both!