New Hampshire State News

NH high school moving to remote learning after student tests positive for COVID-19

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:01:01 +0000

A high school in New Hampshire will be moving to remote learning next week after a student tested positive for COVID-19.

Rochester Public Schools officials learned of a positive COVID-19 case at Spaulding High School on Friday, according to Superintendent Kyle Repucci.

The student in question is currently self-quarantining in accordance with New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, Repucci said.

The student has not been in school since Sept. 9 but will be able to return to class on Sept. 24, as long as they are cleared by state health officials.

Out of an abundance of caution, Repucci said all high school students will participate in remote learning instead of in-person learning from Sept. 21 through Sept. 25.

No middle school students are believed to be impacted by the coronavirus case.

Lawrence man sentenced to 11 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:22:30 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A man has been sentenced in federal court in New Hampshire to 11 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking.

Court documents said Jorge Rodriguez, 23, who was living in Lawrence, Massachusetts, sold the drug to people from various New England states. On each day he worked, Rodriquez was given at least one 200-gram bag of fentanyl and was expected to sell it and return with about $6,000.

Rodriguez had pleaded guilty last year. He faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic, where he is from, after serving his sentence.

Police: NH man seen doing jumping jacks in neighbor’s driveway, sniffing shrub arrested on meth charges

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:54:32 +0000

A New Hampshire man who was seen doing jumping jacks in his neighbor’s driveway and sniffing a shrub last month has been arrested on methamphetamine charges, officials announced Friday.

Officers responding to a report of a shirtless man with no shoes doing jumping jacks in the driveway of a home on Island Drive in Merrimack on the afternoon of Aug. 22 found 36-year-old James Albert sniffing a shrub with his eyes closed, according to the Merrimack Police Department.

While speaking with Albert, an officer noted more behaviors consistent with drug use, police said. Albert was then found to be in possession of a bag containing a crystal substance, which he allegedly admitted was methamphetamine.

After Albert was taken to the hospital to be evaluated, police obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Albert was taken into custody on Thursday by officers who were responding to a reported disturbance at his house.

He has since been released on personal recognizance.

It’s not clear when he’ll be called to court.

Trumps arrive in NH to drum up support ahead of 2020 election

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 20:56:28 +0000

First lady Melania Trump toured a hospital in Concord, New Hampshire Thursday to highlight their work and programs created for babies born with health issues related to opioid exposure.

“Every day they work to give these newborns a fighting chance but they provide more than medical care,” she said. “They give these innocent babies and their families the gift of hope and love.”

During her visit, the first lady was joined by the Director of White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Jim Carroll and the two spoke with a mother and were educated about the work being done.

“Clearly here in New Hampshire you’re putting your arms around people and saying it’s okay we’ll get you the help that you need,” Carroll said.

Concord mother Caity Carter said she is happy to see Melania shining a light on the important work being done in New England.

“It’s wonderful, anybody from either party to come in here and put in the work and show the community you’re here,” she said. “It’s an ongoing crisis the more people we have supporting our mothers the better our communities from Concord, New Hampshire to Boston. “

Eric Trump was also in the Granite State on Thursday and made his way to Portsmouth on behalf of his father.

He signed autographs, took selfies and rallied support at a field office before heading off to a second event in Maine.

The first lady also visited a fire station that she and the president visited several years ago to get an update on their work to help victims of overdoses.

Unity despite distance: Windham's Blackout Cancer tradition continues

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 20:06:00 +0000

WINDHAM — In a typical year, Nathan Road neighbors will gather at one of the Blackout Cancer games in town together.

Coronavirus case count at NH high school climbs to 20

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 19:41:48 +0000

The coronavirus case count at a high school in New Hampshire has climbed to 20, education officials announced Thursday.

The cluster of coronavirus cases forced school officials in Windham, New Hampshire, to move high school students to an entirely remote learning model the night before the first day of class.

As of Thursday, there were three active COVID-19 cases among high school students, officials said.

All of the students who have been infected or in close contact with someone who has tested positive have been contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services and will adhere to a recommended quarantine time.

The school moved forward with reopening with a hybrid learning model on Monday as health officials continued contact tracing efforts.

High school athletic practices and try-outs have been suspended until further notice.

Senate Republicans preserve Sununu's vetoes

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 18:42:20 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. — Republicans were able to preserve Gov. Chris Sununu’s vetoes on all bills that came before the New Hampshire Senate on Wednesday.

Report: Drought is severe in parts of New Hampshire, Maine

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:05 +0000

Much of New Hampshire and parts of Maine are in a severe drought, according to a national weekly report released Thursday.

The State Drought Monitor maintained by the University of Nebraska lists 72.39% of New Hampshire in a severe drought. That’s up from 28.31% last week.

In Maine, 56.18% of the state is in a severe drought, up from 37.48% last week. A small part of Aroostook County — 3.56% — showed extreme drought conditions.

Nearly 44% of Vermont was listed in a moderate drought, unchanged from last week. Small areas of Essex and Caledonia counties showed severe drought.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services on Tuesday announced its annual fall drawdown of lakes and ponds controlled by its dams. It said because of the drought conditions, the levels of many of these lakes are already a foot or more below full. The drawdowns are conducted each fall to reduce winter ice damage to shoreline properties and to reduce spring flooding.

Salem officer indicted on felony charge

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:27:00 +0000

SALEM, N.H. — Police Sgt. Michael Verrocchi has been indicted by a multi-county grand jury based on allegations dating back to 2012, New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald announced in a public statement Thursday.

AG: NH police sergeant indicted years after leading authorities on high-speed chase

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 15:15:04 +0000

A police sergeant in Salem, New Hampshire has been indicted nearly eight years after he allegedly led authorities on a high-speed chase.

The New Hampshire Multicounty Grand Jury indicted Michael D. Verrocchi, 42, for reckless conduct with a deadly weapon — a Class B felony, Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announced Thursday.

Verrocchi, a member of the Salem Police Department who is currently off-duty, refused to stop for a fellow officer who activated his emergency lights and attempted to pull him over on Route 28 in Salem on November 10, 2012, MacDonald said.

He reportedly led the officer on a two-mile pursuit, during which time he blew through a red light and swerved around spike strips.

MacDonald said Verrocchi “recklessly engaged in conduct which placed or may have placed others in danger of serious bodily injury.”

A dispositional conference has been scheduled for Oct. 20 in Rockingham Superior Court.

Police: NH man facing charges after burning baby in ‘scalding’ hot shower

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 13:20:36 +0000

A New Hampshire man is facing criminal charges after investigators say he badly burned an 18-month-old baby boy in a “scalding” hot shower on Wednesday.

Caleb Marquis, 28, of Nashua, is slated to be arraigned Thursday in Hillsborough County South Superior Court on charges including second-degree assault, reckless conduct, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Nashua Police Department.

Officers responding to a report a child suffering from burns to his body and face at a home in the city around 5 p.m. found an 18-month-old baby who was in immediate need of medical attention, police said.

The baby, who was said to be known to Marquis, was taken to a local hospital before he was flown to Boston with serious burn injuries.

An investigation revealed that Marquis had been smoking marijuana when he placed the baby in the shower, according to police.

Marquis is being held at the Hillsborough County Jail pending arraignment.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Man indicted on murder charge in NH Timberland employee death

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 12:26:26 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A county grand jury has indicted a man on a first-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a woman at the company headquarters of Timberland in Stratham, New Hampshire.

Robert Pavao, 21, formerly of Berwick, Maine, is accused of killing Catherine Heppner on Feb. 9. The charge alleges Pavao stabbed her before, after or while engaged in the commission of, or attempting to commit felonious sexual assault. He also was indicted on a second-degree murder charge, accused of recklessly causing her death.

Pavao continues to be held without bail. He pleaded not guilty following his arrest. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney.

Authorities say Pavao was a security guard at the business headquarters in Stratham and had worked there for four months. They said he had no relationship to Heppner.

New England Flag Football League fined for bringing in out-of-state teams

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:12:44 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office has fined the New England Flag Football League $2,000, saying it violated a state emergency order during the coronavirus pandemic.

The league, which is based in Massachusetts, hosted a tournament in Epping, New Hampshire, last month. In addition to New England, teams came from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. However, the emergency order and state guidance for amateur and youth sports says teams from outside New England are not allowed at competitive sporting events in New Hampshire.

The attorney general’s office said the league’s president, Austin Bradshaw, understood the guidance, and that Bradshaw wrote to the office that the league had redone the schedule without non-New England teams.

Messages seeking comment were left with league Wednesday.

___

THE NUMBERS

As of Wednesday, 7,780 people had tested positive for the virus in New Hampshire, an increase of 33 from the previous day. The number of deaths remained at 438. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire increased over the past two weeks, going from 20 new cases per day on Aug. 31 to 34 new cases per day on Sept. 14.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia or death.

12 NH high school students, 1 teacher told to quarantine after coming in contact with COVID-19 positive student

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:10:46 +0000

Twelve New Hampshire high school students and one teacher have been forced to quarantine after coming into contact with a COVID-19 positive student during freshman orientation.

“While we do not have any details on this individual, we hope that this person, if symptomatic, recovers quickly. We will continue to be diligent in our efforts to maintain sanitized and safe facilities across the whole SAU,” said Superintendent Dr. David Ryan.

All students and staff who enter School Administrative Unit 16 schools for any reason must complete a health screening that includes temperature checks and the screening questionnaire.

All of the individuals participating in orientation were wearing face coverings and adhering to social distance protocols that are in alignment with CDC standards, according to Ryan. The classroom has already been sanitized by the school district facilities staff.

Man held without bail in connection to NH fatal stabbing

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:46:22 +0000

A 21-year-old man has been held without bail connection to the fatal stabbing of a woman in Stratham, New Hampshire.

Robert Pavo, formerly of Berwick, Maine, has been indicted by the New Hampshire Multicounty Grand Jury in connection with the death of Catherine Heppner on February 9, according to Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald

He is charged with one count of first-degree murder for knowingly causing Heppner’s death by stabbing her before, after, and/or while engaged in or attempting to commit felonious sexual assault.

He is also charged with one count of second-degree murder for recklessly causing Heppner’s death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life by stabbing her.

No further information was released.

Man held without bail in connection with fatal NH stabbing

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:46:22 +0000

A 21-year-old man has been held without bail connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman in Stratham, New Hampshire earlier this year.

Robert Pavo, formerly of Berwick, Maine, has been indicted by the New Hampshire Multicounty Grand Jury in connection with the death of Catherine Heppner on Feb. 9, according to Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald

He is charged with one count of first-degree murder for knowingly causing Heppner’s death by stabbing her before, after, and/or while engaged in or attempting to commit felonious sexual assault.

He is also charged with one count of second-degree murder for recklessly causing Heppner’s death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life by stabbing her.

No further information was released.

Jill Biden, Doug Emhoff campaign for spouses in New Hampshire

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:06:56 +0000

Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff traveled through New Hampshire on Wednesday to campaign for their spouses who are seeking to become the 46th president and vice president of the United States.

The wife of Joe Biden and the husband of Kamala Harris began the day in Bedford, where they hosted a listening season to hear from Granite Staters living with pre-existing conditions who rely on the Affordable Care Act.

They also discussed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ commitment to protecting access to life-saving care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden and Emhoff later met supporters in Manchester to kick off the Biden for President New Hampshire yard sign distribution program.

They concluded their day by meeting with Granite State veterans and military families in Dover.

AG, news outlets argue over making list of dishonest police public

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 20:59:11 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. — Solicitor General Dan Will argued to the state Supreme Court Wednesday that the Laurie List of untrustworthy law enforcement officers should remain secret because it is “imperfect” and was never intended to be made public.

AG, news outlets argue over making list of dishonest police public

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 20:59:00 +0000

Windham High students to return to class Tuesday

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 20:55:56 +0000

WINDHAM — Windham High students are expected to return to classes Tuesday after the Department of Health and Human Services' investigation into a coronavirus outbreak among students at the school concludes, Superintendent Richard Langlois said at Tuesday night's School Board…

Airman from New Hampshire killed in accident in Kuwait

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 19:21:08 +0000

A U.S. Air Force staff sergeant from New Hampshire has died from non-combat injuries suffered in an ATV accident in Kuwait, the Department of Defense said.

Ronald Ouellette, 23, of Merrimack, died Monday, Col. Craig Peters, 439th Airlift Wing commander, said in a news release. Ouellette was assigned to the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts.

The accident happened at the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

The accident is under investigation.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement that Ouellette was an American hero whose service to the country “will never be forgotten.”

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said in a statement, “We have a solemn obligation to always honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Ouellette and hold his family close.”

Police: Barricaded man threatened roommate, officers with gun in Manchester, NH

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:47:52 +0000

A man barricaded himself in his apartment after threatening his roommate and police officers with a gun in Manchester, New Hampshire late Tuesday night, police said.

Officers responding to a report of a man who had threatened his roommate with a gun at 100 Sentinel Court around 11:30 p.m. were able to get the roommate out of the apartment safely as they attempted to make contact with the suspect, 26-year-old Joshua Williamson, according to Manchester police.

Williamson would not come out of the apartment and made threats over the phone that he would point a gun at officers if they entered, police added.

After nearly an hour of phone calls, a Bearcat was deployed and verbal commands were given on a loud speaker for Williamson to come outside.

He eventually did leave the apartment but allegedly kept making threatening statements.

Officers were eventually able to convince Williamson to surrender, police said.

Two guns were reportedly found inside the apartment.

Williamson is set to be arraigned Wednesday in Hillsborough Superior Court — North on charges of criminal threatening and resisting arrest.

New England Flag Football League fined for bringing in out-of-state teams

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 13:46:42 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office has fined the New England Flag Football League $2,000, saying it violated a state emergency order during the coronavirus pandemic.

Messages seeking comment were left with league Wednesday.

Jill Biden, Doug Emhoff to campaign for their spouses in New Hampshire

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:53:42 +0000

Jill Biden and Doug Emhoff are traveling throughout New Hampshire Wednesday to campaign for their spouses who are seeking to become the 46th president and vice president of the United States.

The wife of Joe Biden and the husband of Kamala Harris will begin the day in Bedford, where they will host a listening season to hear from Granite Staters living with pre-existing conditions who rely on the Affordable Care Act.

They will also discuss Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ commitment to protecting access to life-saving car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden and Emhoff will then meet supporters in Manchester to kick off the Biden for President New Hampshire yard sign distribution program.

They will conclude their day by meeting with Granite State veterans and military families in Dover.

‘Everything is believable with him’: A homegrown opponent ready to face off against the Celtics

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 22:00:16 +0000

One of the stars of the Miami Heat has a big fan base here in New England.

Shooting guard Duncan Robinson is one of the best in the world at what he does and he got his start shooting hoops while growing along the seacoast in Newcastle, New Hampshire.

He is an unlikely hoops hero who went to a small high school and then on to Phillips Exeter Academy. His first year of college ball was played for Division 3 Williams in Western Mass. back in 2014.

“He’s definitely a local product and loves his teams here,” Robinson’s coach from Phillips Exeter Jay Tilton said. “It will be really interesting. This will be the challenge for a lot of people tonight who are longtime Celtics fans. But, I’ll tell you this, I am a big Duncan Robinson fan.”

While he was able to move on to Michigan for the remaining three years, he went undrafted until he was finally given the change to play in the Miami Heat organization. He only played 15 games in that first season.

From there on is was there he really began to shine and was able to work his way up the roster with hard work and grit.

“He spent so much time honing his craft in his free time,” Tilton said. “He didn’t need people to structure workouts for him. He was very independent in that regard and you can tell right away that he had a really high ceiling.”

The teenager from Exeter has grown into a man and thus into a star in the NBA — something Tilton said he had no idea would happen.

“He was definitely was a late bloomer in the sense that you know, physically he needed some time to kind of put it all together,” he said, “So many people ask me all the time, ‘Isn’t it unbelievable what Duncan is doing?’ I used to say that. Now I think everything is believable with him.”

Tilton said he now finds himself rooting for his player no matter what uniform he wears.

“I’ll say this, I wore my Heat sweatshirt on the walk today and I got a few funny looks,” he said.

While he may not have been the best player back in high school, Robinson has made himself someone the Celtics are going to have to worry about as they head into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Salem to sell old fire station

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:49:39 +0000

SALEM, N.H. — Town officials hope to sell the former North Salem fire station this autumn.

Chris Nicoli wins businessperson of the year award

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:39:51 +0000

SALEM, N.H. — Known for his charisma, smile and dedication to Salem, Chris Nicoli was recently named Businessperson of the Year by the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce.

N.H. Supreme Court to hear Laurie List dishonest cop case Wednesday

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:34:36 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. — The much-anticipated oral arguments that will determine if the unredacted Laurie List of dishonest law enforcement officers will finally be made public will be heard Wednesday with one disqualified justice and two Superior Court judges sitting in.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, enacts face mask ordinance

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:19:47 +0000

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — The city of Portsmouth is the latest New Hampshire community to approve a face mask ordinance.

The City Council voted 7-2 Monday night to approve the measure, which went into effect immediately and lasts until Jan. 4, 2021, Seacoastonline.com reported.

The masks are required inside public places and outdoors when social distancing of 6 feet (2 meters) between people who aren’t in the same household can’t be maintained.

The penalty for not wearing a mask won’t exceed $25.

Those exempt from the ordinance are people with medical and health-risk conditions; children age 6 and younger; and people eating or drinking at a business licensed in the city for that purpose.

Some of the other communities that have passed a face mask ordinance include Exeter, Newmarket, Durham, Concord, Nashua, Keene, Lebanon, and Plymouth.

___

THE NUMBERS

As of Monday, 7,714 people had tested positive for the virus in New Hampshire, an increase of 18 from the previous day. The number of deaths remained at 436. The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire increased over the past two weeks, going from 21 new cases per day on Aug. 30 to 36 new cases per day on Sept. 13.

Senators ask for drug-trafficking information on dark web

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:19:22 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire is asking the U.S. attorney general’s office and the FBI for a progress report on illegal drug trafficking, particularly of fentanyl and other opioids, on a hidden part of the internet known as the dark web.

Hassan was joined by fellow Democrat U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, of California, and Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, of Texas, in a letter Tuesday asking for information regarding the work of the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement, known as J-CODE.

That was created by former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2018 to develop a strategic plan to disrupt and dismantle dark web marketplaces that facilitate the distribution of opioids. The senators wrote that the dark web can provide anonymity to those who use it, hiding identities and locations.

The senators asked whether the Justice Department has a system that tracks indictments and investigations related to crimes involving the dark web and opioids; if authorities have been able to determine which countries opioids are coming from on the dark web; and whether there are technology companies that provide secure or encrypted communications that don’t cooperate with law enforcement with respect to drug trafficking.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the Texas senator’s name is John Cornyn, not Cornym.

Police: Suspect stole gun from car, fired it toward man chasing him down in NH

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 14:20:26 +0000

A man is facing multiple charges after he stole a gun from a car and fired it toward someone who tried chasing him down in Manchester, New Hampshire on Monday, police said.

Donald Freese, 29, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Hillsborough Superior Court — North on charges of theft by unauthorized taking, criminal threatening, loitering and prowling, resisting arrest and reckless conduct.

Officers responding to a reported firearm theft in the area of Ashland and Bridge streets around 7:40 p.m. received a notification from dispatch that a man was chasing a suspect and a shot had been fired, according to Manchester police.

Upon arrival, officers met with the man who had been chasing the suspect after confronting him for being in his friend’s car, police said.

The suspect, later identified as Freese, allegedly pointed a gun he had found in the car at the man before running off.

The man began to chase Freese, who then turned around a fired a shot, police said.

A police-deployed drone spotted Freese lying down in a backyard on Hall Street.

Officers ordered Freese to come out but he would not comply, so a K-9 was sent in to apprehend him, police said.

Detectives say they are actively looking for the stolen gun.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Police: Woman facing charges for assaulting person in car in NH restaurant drive-thru

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 13:23:06 +0000

A woman is facing charges after she allegedly assaulted someone while seated in a car in a restaurant drive-thru in Merrimack, New Hampshire on Saturday afternoon.

Officers responding to a local hotel for a report of a domestic altercation around 1:30 p.m. met with the victim who said they had gotten into an argument with Jocelyn Monnie, 41, while in a car in the drive-thru of a nearby restaurant, according to Merrimack police.

Monnie allegedly struck the victim in the chest and threatened to stab them.

They returned to the hotel parking lot, where the police were called.

The victim advised that Monnie walk away from the scene before officers arrived; however, she was located a short distance away, police said.

Following a brief investigation, Monnie was arrested on charges of domestic violence and criminal threatening.

She was released on personal recognizance bail and is expected to appear in 9th Circuit Court, Merrimack Division on Oct. 19.

Outstanding in their fields

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:00:00 +0000

DERRY — What started as a 96-field contest on Twitter has resulted in a local high school being tops when it comes to having the best playing field for football.

NH police investigating drowning at Bear Island

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:35:39 +0000

Police are investigating a drowning of Bear Island in New Hampshire Sunday, officials said.

Officers responding to reports of a water rescue at off the island in Meredith at 7 p.m. found neighbors had pulled a man who had been struggling in the water ashore, police said. First responders performed CPR but the 72-year-old man died at the scene, police said.

The man’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The drowning is under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call 603-293-2037.

NH police investigating drowning near Bear Island

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 21:35:39 +0000

Police are investigating a drowning that occurred off Bear Island in New Hampshire on Sunday, officials said.

Officers responding to reports of a water rescue near the island in Meredith at 7 p.m. found neighbors had pulled a man who had been struggling in the water ashore, police said.

First responders performed CPR but the 72-year-old man died at the scene, police said.

The man’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The drowning is under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call 603-293-2037.

Police searching for suspect accused of stabbing dog walker in broad daylight in NH

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:38:50 +0000

Police are searching for a suspect accused of stabbing a dog walker in broad daylight in Manchester, New Hampshire on Sunday.

Offices responding to a report of a man who had checked himself in to Elliot Hospital for stab wounds around 4 p.m. met with the victim who said he had been walking his dog in the alleyway behind Domino’s on Amory Street when an unknown man approached him and attempted to rob him, according to Manchester police.

The two struggled before the suspect started swinging a knife around and stabbed the victim twice, police said.

The suspect is described as a white man in his 20s or 30s with medium length hair that has a “flip” on the front.

He reportedly has tattoos on his neck and another tattoo of a word under his eye.

He was last seen wearing a red shirt and jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call Manchester police at 603-668-8711 or the Crimeline at 603-624-4040.

Organizer of Old Man memorial hopes for more volunteers

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:36:07 +0000

Now that the memorial to New Hampshire’s iconic Old Man of the Mountain is complete, an organizer of the project says maintaining it and keeping alive the memory of the fallen granite profile will be paramount.

On Saturday, officials attended a ceremony celebrating the project at Franconia Notch State Park. The last parts were a fishing platform at Profile Lake and a pathway.

The massive, naturally formed granite profile attracted tourists to Franconia Notch for about 200 years before it crumbled in 2003. Since then, a nonprofit legacy fund has created a memorial plaza, featuring seven steel “profilers” that recreate the Old Man’s image.

The legacy fund will turn over the site to the state and will reorganize as a volunteer group called the Friends of the Old Man of the Mountain. It will help maintain the memorial.

“We hope we can find some dedicated people to carry it on,” said Dick Hamilton, a past president of the legacy fund, the Caledonian-Record reported. “Right now, the Friends group has six members and we hope to expand that considerably, especially with young people who have an affinity for the park.”

The memorial also includes a new bridge at the south of the end of the lake, which is stocked yearly with brook trout.

Half of the money for the $150,000 project came from the state, and the rest was raised by the legacy fund through donations and sales of granite stone pavers at the plaza, engraved with names and messages of individuals, families, organizations, and businesses.

Hamilton said about 35,000 people visit the plaza each year between the Memorial Day and Columbus Day holiday weekends.

The image of the Old Man has been a symbol of New Hampshire for generations, appearing on the state quarter, highway signs and license plates. The stone profile was first discovered in 1805.

Haverhill library offers virtual programs

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

HAVERHILL — The public library is offering a variety of virtual programs. More information and registration is available at haverhillpl.org under Calendar of Events.

NH farmers markets surviving, but fears rise as weather cools

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

When COVID-19 struck New Hampshire for the first time in March, the Salem Farmers Market didn’t miss a beat.

N.H. farmers markets surviving, but fears rise as weather cools

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

When COVID-19 struck New Hampshire for the first time in March, the Salem Farmers Market didn’t miss a beat.

COVID-19 worries don't cool voter enthusiasm

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 08:00:00 +0000

The 2020 state primary election is history and now it is on to the general election in what is expected to be one like no other.

Officials find body of Methuen man reported missing in NH

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 19:16:28 +0000

Police have recovered the body of a Methuen man who was reported missing after going fishing in New Hampshire, officials said.

Joseph Moreau, 83, went fishing on Lake Massabesic Friday and didn’t return, police said. Officials found his canoe floating upright along with his gear, and found his car near the Auburn-Manchester, New Hampshire line.

Members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game dive team found Moreau’s body on Lake Massabesic in Auburn on Sunday, officials said, and an autopsy will be performed Monday.

Why this New Hampshire independent voter is supporting a third party candidate — again

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:28:28 +0000

<p>‘I would rather “waste my vote”, as many would say, than pretend I support someone else’</p>

Polls, plexiglass, and the pandemic

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000

It was a primary election like no other, with polling places dotted with safe-distancing reminders, masks, hand sanitizer and plenty of plexiglass.

Methuen man missing after canoeing in New Hampshire

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 01:19:00 +0000

An 83-year-old Methuen man has not been seen since Friday, when he launched his own canoe at Clair’s Landing in Auburn, New Hampshire, state police announced late Saturday.

The animal rescuer

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 00:05:23 +0000

SAN DIEGO — In a state where wildfires are a fact of life, residents — many of whom own horses — are urged to plan ahead and develop emergency safety plans. But wildfires can escalate quickly, leaving no time for…

Police searching for Methuen man missing after NH fishing trip

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 23:37:54 +0000

Police are searching for a Methuen man who has gone missing after going fishing in New Hampshire, officials said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 603-293-2037.

Police searching for Methuen man who went missing after NH fishing trip

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 23:37:54 +0000

Police are searching for a Methuen man who was reported missing after going fishing in New Hampshire, officials said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 603-293-2037.

Police: Missing 40-pound African cat located safely in New Hampshire

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 13:34:12 +0000

A 40-pound African Serval cat that went missing in Merrimack, New Hampshire on Thursday has been located, police said on Saturday.

Spartacus, a house pet, reportedly ran off from a home on Peaslee Road and caused quite a stir over the past couple of days. The exotic cat was tracked down not too far from the home and has been reunited with its owner.

“It was trapped near its home and is in good health,” Merrimack police said in a social media post on Saturday.

Officers are thanking the public for its interest in Spartacus and for spreading the word when it went missing.

NH reports no virus cases linked to Aug. 28 Trump rally

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 12:49:26 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire’s health commissioner says there have been no cases of the coronavirus linked to President Donald Trump’s rally in Londonderry two weeks ago, and only one person who attended another large event – Motorcycle Week in Laconia – has tested positive.

About 1,400 people attended the president’s rally in an airport hangar in Londonderry Aug. 28. Many were not wearing masks, despite Gov. Chris Sununu’s order making them mandatory for gatherings of more than 100 people.

Meanwhile, officials say Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess is one of three people at City Hall who tested positive in cases connected to a single group activity.