New Hampshire State News

Police seek public’s help in search for credit card fraud suspects in Pelham, NH

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 15:41:10 +0000

Police are seeking the public’s help in their search for persons of interest in a suspected credit card fraud case in Pelham, New Hampshire.

The department released photos of the two suspects Sunday morning in connection with an incident Friday night at a Rite Aid.

Anyone who may recognize these suspects is asked to call Officer Simes at 603-635-2411.

https://twitter.com/PelhamNHPolice/status/1358422881194156032

Salem deliberative session takes to the web

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

SALEM, N.H. – The March 9 ballot was reviewed publicly and finalized with few changes at Saturday’s annual deliberative session.

Hairs to helping others

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

LONDONDERRY — They are best friends and wanted to take on another effort to not only celebrate that friendship but to help others.

Pappas checks in with NH small businesses

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas, D-N.H., spoke via Zoom Friday morning with several state small business owners, reaching out to get updates on their progress and also hear about challenges due to the pandemic.

Police ask for public’s help to ID man who allegedly robbed NH store

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 01:11:07 +0000

Police are asking for the public’s help to find a man who allegedly robbed a convenience store in Manchester, New Hampshire Saturday.

Officers responding to reports of a robbery at a Kelley Street store at 5 p.m. were told a man passed the clerk a note saying he was armed and demanding money, and fled the store with an unknown amount of cash, police said.

The man was described as a 5-foot 9-inch white male wearing sunglasses and a black face mask. Anyone with information is asked to call 603-668-8711

Region in a minute: Public library offers children's programs

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

HAVERHILL — The public library is offering a variety of children’s virtual programs this month. For more information and to register, visit haverhillpl.org under Calendar of Events.

Annual Musquash Field Day safer for 2021

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

LONDONDERRY — Due to the ongoing pandemic, the annual Musquash Field Day for 2021 will be a bit different this year.

Arts Cafe goes virtual

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

LONDONDERRY — The Londonderry Arts Council and its seventh annual Arts Cafe will have a new look this winter, going online through the month of February and featuring a collection of artists with their artwork and musical talents on display.

Audubon needs bird survey help

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

CONCORD — What’s happening with the birds this winter? While you’re at home during the pandemic, you can have fun counting birds and helping New Hampshire Audubon at the same time.

Couples can renew their wedding vows at NH Ice Castles on Valentine’s Day

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:10:35 +0000

NORTH WOODSTOCK, N.H. (WHDH) — The Ice Castles in North Woodstock, New Hampshire is giving couples the opportunity to express their love on Valentine’s Day during a special wedding vow renewal event.

Up to 50 couples can get their vows renewed at the winter wonderland on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

The mass vow renewal ceremony will be followed by cake and a sparkling cider or hot cocoa toast.

Each couple will also receive a souvenir photo to commemorate their special moment.

The socially distanced, interfaith event includes admission for the couple and two witnesses.

Tickets can be bought here for $250.

Sununu apologizes for vaccine scheduling woes, promises fix

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 02:10:35 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu apologized Thursday to state residents who have struggled with scheduling coronavirus vaccinations but promised a smoother process going forward.

“We tried it the federal way, that’s not working. This is New Hampshire, we’re going to jump right on top of it and find a better solution for our citizens,” he said. “We do apologize. We own that very aggressively, but we’re also going to do everything we can to own the solution.”

New Hampshire has been relying on the federal government’s vaccine scheduling system, in part because unlike other states, it is still setting up a statewide vaccine registry.

But that system proved problematic, with between 10,000 and 20,000 people unable to schedule their second doses anywhere close to the recommended time frame, Sununu said. Another 3,000 people had their appointments cancelled because the system accidentally let them sign up for federal and employer clinics for which they weren’t eligible, said Perry Plummer, who has been coordinating the vaccine process.

The state has been adding thousands of new second-dose appointment slots in recent days, and all those whose second appointments were pushed beyond the recommended dates will be able to reschedule, Sununu said.

“That is the guarantee we’re making to the citizens of New Hampshire,” he said.

And starting Sunday, those who are getting their first shots will be given the time and date for their second shots on the spot, he said.

“The citizens of New Hampshire should not be asked to come back into this very difficult system to reschedule,” he said. “So we’re going to take care of that for you, we’re going to be right on top of it.”

In the next few weeks, the state will be transitioning to its own scheduling system for the next phase. Currently, the vaccine is available to those age 65 and older, those with multiple medical conditions, corrections workers and those living and working in facilities for disabled residents. The next phase will include teachers and daycare staff, and could start as early as April, Sununu said.

In other coronavirus developments:

___

NASHUA TRIBUTE

The city of Nashua has paid tribute to the more than 1,000 people in New Hampshire who have died of COVID-19.

As of Thursday, 74 people from Nashua had died of the virus.

“Add them up we must,” Rabbi Jon Spira-Savett of Temple Beth Abraham said in his opening prayer. “But at least today, for this hour, the only number is one. One person who died of COVID-19. Each one. One to her family, one to his friends, one to their community. Not an aggregate or even a list of names, but each name. A name I know, or you do. Today we remember, one by one.”

Jane Goodman, public health strategist at the city’s division of public health, said it is a time of sadness, of honoring the memories of those who have died, and a time of hope for brighter days.

Members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation also took part in the ceremony.

___

THE NUMBERS

More than 67,000 people have tested positive for the virus, including 433 cases announced Thursday that included numbers for two days. Nine additional deaths were announced, bringing the total to 1,085.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire has decreased increase over the past two weeks, going from 759 new cases per day on Jan. 20 to 451 new cases per day on Wednesday.

Police: Street sweeper crash led to DUI arrest

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 21:51:39 +0000

SALEM, N.H. – A man who crashed a street sweeper on Kelly Road was arrested and charged with DUI early Wednesday, according to police.

Londonderry town manager on editorial: It's bullying

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 21:15:38 +0000

LONDONDERRY — A town councilor who also happens to own and publish two local newspapers took some heat at a recent Town Council meeting, after fellow councilors warned her to be more careful when writing her weekly editorials.

Police: NH high school teacher arrested for child porn, paying minor for sex

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:52:35 +0000

A New Hampshire high school teacher is facing criminal charges after police say he paid a minor in exchange for sex and created and acquired videos depicting child sex abuse.

Joshua Harwood, 36, of Manchester, is slated to be arraigned Friday in Merrimack County Superior Court on charges including two counts of manufacturing child sexual abuse images, prostitution involving a child under the age of 18, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of child sexual abuse images, two counts of prostitution, and solicitation to commit sexual contact, according to the Concord Police Department.

Harwood, a former teacher at Concord High School, was arrested Thursday following a monthslong investigation into reports of inappropriate online activity and past physical activity, police said.

The investigation revealed that Harwood allegedly engaged in sexually explicit online activity with a person under the age of 18 and paid money for child sexual abuse videos and images.

On at least one occasion, investigators say Hardwood paid for sexual activity with a person under the age of 18. On two other occasions, he allegedly solicited sex from a person over the age of 18.

The alleged offenses occurred while Harwood worked at the school, according to police.

Concord Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Murphy says Harwood was immediately placed on administrative leave and issued a no-trespass order for district buildings and grounds after the allegations against him surfaced.

“I am outraged at this individual’s behavior. The District employed him in late July 2020 as a new employee, with the expectation of professionalism and as a positive role model for our students,” Murphy said in a statement. “Our district remains committed to maintaining the highest possible professional standards for the education, care, and safety of our students.”

Harwood refused bail and is being held at the Merrimack County House of Correction.

Police: NH men robbed gas station, broke into vehicles during early morning crime spree

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:28:00 +0000

Two New Hampshire men are facing criminal charges after police say they robbed a gas station and broke into multiple vehicles during an early morning crime spree on Thursday.

Cameron Ayers, 18, of Northampton, is slated to be arraigned in Rockingham County Superior Court on charges including robbery, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of alcohol, theft from a motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools, and loitering and prowling, according to the Hampton Police Department.

James Dustin, 18, of Hampton, has been charged with loitering and prowling, unlawful
possession of alcohol, resisting arrest, and criminal trespass, police said.

Officers responding to a report of a robbery at a Speedway gas station on Lafayette Road in Hampton around 2 a.m. learned that Ayers had stolen alcohol before attempting to drive away from the scene with Dustin.

A gas station clerk then reportedly fired a single gunshot at the suspects’ car, prompting them to ditch the vehicle and run off on foot.

About 40 minutes later, Ayers and Dustin were caught going through vehicles that were parked in a driveway on Towle Avenue, according to police.

The suspects tried to outrun officers but they were both eventually tracked down and taken into custody.

Police say additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of an investigation.

Skier found dead after New Hampshire avalanche, officials say

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:37:28 +0000

(CNN) — The body of a skier was recovered Wednesday after an avalanche in the New Hampshire Ammonoosuc Ravine in the White Mountain National Forest, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

It was the third time in less than a week where a back-country skier has died in an avalanche in the US.

The skier, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was reported missing Tuesday evening after he didn’t return home.

Rescue teams found his body around 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, according to a press statement.

The rescuers were helped when an avalanche beacon signal was detected at approximately 4:30 p.m., the department said. “The crew had to dig down approximately 13 feet of packed snow and debris before ultimately discovering the body of the missing skier,” according to the statement.

Earlier Wednesday, officials in Colorado confirmed the identity of three local officials who died in an avalanche in the San Juan Mountains.

They were discovered in more than 20 feet of avalanche debris, the San Juan County Office of Emergency Management said.

In Utah, a skier died Saturday after being buried by an avalanche in the back country of Summit County, according to the local sheriff.

Lawmakers seek more money to keep sewage out of Merrimack River

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Region in a Minute: Ex-Lawrence mayor Rivera endorses Martinez-Dominguez

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:29:00 +0000

LAWRENCE — Vilma Martinez-Dominguez has a major backer in her corner as she campaigns for the corner office at City Hall.

New Hampshire to ditch federal vaccine scheduling system

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:45:40 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire will ditch the problematic federal vaccination scheduling system in the next few weeks but in the meantime is adding tens of thousands of second-shot appointment slots per day, state officials said Wednesday.

Vaccinations began Jan. 23 for the 325,000 people in phase 1B of the state’s vaccination plan. That includes anyone age 65 or older, people with at least two qualifying medical conditions, corrections workers, and staff and residents of residential facilities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Problems have cropped up as some of those people try to schedule their second doses close to the recommended time frame of 21 or 28 days after the first. Some were given appointments two months later, and confusion has grown about how and when to reschedule.

The state tried to upload a large number of appointment times into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s scheduling system but was unable to add them all at once, Gov. Chris Sununu said Wednesday.

“The federal system couldn’t handle the influx we were giving it, so we’re sort of spoon-feeding it bit by bit,” he told the Executive Council.

The state plans to discontinue use of the federal system before the next phase begins, he said.

“The hope is as we get to 2A, we’re going to be on a fully state system,” he said. “I think everyone agrees this federal system is a real problem. It is clunky, it is messy. We can’t really control it. If there’s a problem we can’t slow it down, we can’t speed it up.”

Sununu said everyone in phase 1B will be able to receive their second dose within a week of the recommended date.

“The state will meet these deadlines, and we continue to urge patience,” he said in an email.

“It really isn’t a matter of the vaccine availability,” said Health Commissioner Lori Shibinette. “It is there. It’s getting the mechanics of the site up. We have the doses.”

In other coronavirus developments:

___

COLLEGE COMMENCEMENTS

New Hampshire colleges and universities are planning in-person graduation ceremonies this spring, with restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dartmouth College will limit its campus ceremony in June to graduating seniors and graduate and professional school graduates, with family and friends viewing online, President Philip Hanlon said in an email.

The college had hoped to also hold a delayed celebration for last year’s graduating class, but that won’t be happening, he said.

“None of these decisions come without heartbreak — for our students and their families, for our alumni, and for those of us in senior leadership who are faced with having to make them,” he said. “But it is our collective resolve to prioritize the health and safety of our community and our belief in the enduring nature of the Dartmouth fellowship that continues to strengthen our bonds, even in the midst of distance and disappointment.”

Most of the undergraduate members of the Class of 2021 are expected to be on campus for the spring term and will be tested twice a week for the virus.

The University of New Hampshire, meanwhile, is planning in-person ceremonies for both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021, Foster’s Daily Democrat reported.

The earlier class will be celebrated during two outdoor ceremonies on May 15, with a third ceremony possible on May 14 if enough graduates express interest in returning.

The Class of 2021 will graduate the following weekend, with five ceremonies based on academic colleges. Each graduate will be allowed two guests.

___

THE NUMBERS

More than 66,000 people have tested positive for the virus, including 354 cases announced Wednesday that included numbers for two days. Ten additional deaths were announced, bringing the total to 1,076.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire decreased over the past two weeks, going from 794 new cases on Jan. 19 to 459 on Tuesday.

New Hampshire to ditch federal vaccine scheduling system

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:39:00 +0000

Police arrest man accused of assaulting woman inside Manchester, NH apartment

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 15:34:48 +0000

Police arrested a man accused of assaulting a woman inside an apartment in Manchester, New Hampshire late Tuesday night.

Officers responding to a reported domestic altercation at 471 Maple St. just before 10:30 p.m. heard a commotion coming from one of the apartments, according to Manchester police.

They knocked loudly on the door of the apartment and identified themselves but no one responded, police said.

Officers forced their way into the apartment after police say they believed there was an immediate threat.

They found 44-year-old Kushmir Chaney, of Manchester, in the middle of the room with a woman lying on the floor beside him, police said.

She reportedly said that she and Chaney knew each other and had gotten into an altercation when Chaney grabbed her by the throat, impeding her breathing and causing her to fall to the floor.

Chaney was placed under arrest on a second-degree assault charge.

Dartmouth, UNH plan in-person graduation ceremonies

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:38:18 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire colleges and universities are planning in-person graduation ceremonies this spring, with restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The college had hoped to also hold a delayed celebration for last year’s graduating class, but that won’t be happening, he said.

Most of the undergraduate members of the Class of 2021 are expected to be on campus for the spring term and will be tested twice a week for the virus.

The University of New Hampshire, meanwhile, is planning in-person ceremonies for both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021, Foster’s Daily Democrat reported.

The earlier class will be celebrated during two outdoor ceremonies on May 15, with a third ceremony possible on May 14 if enough graduates express interest in returning.

The Class of 2021 will graduate the following weekend, with five ceremonies based on academic colleges. Each graduate will be allowed two guests.

Windham man remains jailed after review of charges he assaulted woman

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

WINDHAM — A 24-year-old Windham man with a lengthy criminal history will remain behind bars until his latest case, which involves allegations of assault by a former girlfriend, is resolved.

Police: Plow truck driver who left crash scene after running red light in NH turns himself in

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 16:58:28 +0000

A plow truck driver accused of driving away from the scene of a crash in Merrimack, New Hampshire turned himself over to police Saturday.

Officers responding to a reported crash at the intersection of Route 101A and Continental Boulevard just before 9 p.m. on Dec. 20 learned that a plow truck working with a pair of N.H. Department of Transportation plow trucks proceeded through a red light and was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on Route 101A, according to Merrimack police.

The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage and the operator was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries.

The plow truck reportedly did not stop.

An investigation revealed that the plow truck was registered to Gary Fitzgerald, of Weare, who advised that he was contracted by the state, police said.

It was determined that Esad Buco, 50, of Manchester, was allegedly the driver of the plow truck involved in the crash.

Buco turned himself over to Merrimack police Saturday after a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of conduct after an accident and disobeying a traffic control device, police said.

Buco was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in 9th Circuit Merrimack District Court on Feb. 9.

Part of I-95 in NH closed after tractor-trailer jackknives in snow

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 14:46:03 +0000

Part of Interstate 95 in New Hampshire is closed after a tractor-trailer jackknifed in the snow on Tuesday morning.

Troopers responding to a report of a crash on the southbound side of the highway in Hampton before 9:30 a.m. found the tractor-trailer blocking three travel lanes, according to New Hampshire State Police.

There were no reported injuries.

Motorists are being urged to slow down due to snowy road conditions.

Only the far right lane is open for travel at this time.

https://twitter.com/NH_StatePolice/status/1356609660166488065?s=20

Mass. state police sergeant relieved of duty after allegedly assaulting woman in NH

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 13:00:34 +0000

A Massachusetts state police sergeant is facing several charges after allegedly assaulting a woman in Exeter, New Hampshire early Sunday morning.

Sgt. Bryan Erickson is set to face a judge Tuesday in Rockingham Superior Court on charges including second-degree assault, simple assault, obstructing report of a crime, disobeying an officer, criminal trespassing, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle, according to court documents.

An officer responding to a reported 911 hang-up on Cypress Way just before 3 a.m. saw a man, later identified as Erickson, standing in the garage before he shut the door, a police report read.

The officer knocked on the door and spoke to the woman who called 911, who reportedly said that Erickson, her boyfriend, had just assaulted her and left the residence on foot through the back garage door.

Additional officers responded to Deepmeadow Variety where the woman said he usually parks his pickup truck and found the vehicle traveling inbound on Linden Street before turning onto Gary Lane.

They activated the emergency lights on their police cruisers, prompting Erickson to flee outbound on Court Street toward Kingston at about 80 mph, police say.

The officers were unable to stop the truck before it left Exeter, according to the police report.

The woman told officers Erickson was a Massachusetts state trooper who is married to another woman but that they had been in a relationship for about a year.

She told Erickson that he could stop by her residence to talk and end their relationship, the police report read.

During that discussion, the woman said Erickson took her phone, threw her down on the ground, covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming, put his hand over her neck, head-butted her twice, scratched the inside of her cheek, and blocked the doorway.

The woman noted that Erickson appeared drunk and claimed he hung up on 911 when she called for help, prompting her to try to call 911 two more times.

Officers reported observing minor bruises and scratches on the woman.

State police say they took Erickson into custody at his home early Sunday morning and transported him to Exeter for booking. He was relieved of duty and all his state police equipment was seized.

A departmental hearing is scheduled for Erickson later this week to address his duty status.

An Internal Affairs case has also been open.

“We condemn, and have zero tolerance for, the actions as alleged,” state police said in a statement. “We will take appropriate administrative action as warranted by the outcome of the criminal case in New Hampshire and our own internal investigation.”

This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.

Fierce fire consumes Jefferson, NH town hall

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:48:58 +0000

An investigation is underway after the town hall in Jefferson, New Hampshire went up in flames Monday night.

Firefighters responding to a reported fire on Presidential Highway around 8:30 p.m. found heavy flames coming from the building, which has been deemed a complete loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

No additional information was immediately available.

Day of Giving gets new, safer look for 2021

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

LONDONDERRY — An annual celebration of life and community support will get a newer, safer look for 2021.

Controversial right-to-work bill clears one hurdle

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. — Making New Hampshire a right-to-work state moved one step closer Monday as a Senate committee voted along party lines 3-2 to recommend passing the bill.

NH man arrested on aggravated sexual assault charge

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:34:07 +0000

A Bradford, New Hampshire man is facing sexual assault charges, police said Monday.

Police began investigating an alleged sexual assault that took place in Bradford during the week of Jan. 17, officials said. On Monday, police arrested Russell R. Steiz, 51, in connection with the incident.

Seitz was charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault.

He was released on personal recognizance and will be arraigned at a later date.

Windham police warn of car thefts

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:54:00 +0000

WINDHAM — Police are asking for residents in the area of Mountain Village Road and Gordon Mountain Road with home surveillance systems to check for recordings of thefts.

Salem voters to choose new selectman, fill other offices

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:34:00 +0000

SALEM, N.H. — Salem residents have declared candidacy for several available elected positions.

118 New Hampshire guard members to deploy to Middle East

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 16:48:45 +0000

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire National Guard members, who have helped manage food banks and administer COVID-19 tests and vaccines during the pandemic, are preparing for at least a nine-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

“We cannot thank you enough,” Gov. Chris Sununu said Monday in a ceremony for 118 members of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, the 172nd Infantry (Mountain).

Masked guard members were socially distanced and seated in Milford, while Sununu and New Hampshire’s congressional delegation spoke from other places during the online ceremony.

Guard members had been sent to Washington following the Jan. 6 siege at the U.S. Capitol to remain for the presidential inauguration.

“I felt safer with your presence, and I’m very grateful as you helped us to ensure the peaceful transition of power for this country,” Congresswoman Annie Kuster said. She was evacuated from the U.S. House chamber while wearing an emergency gas mask on Jan. 6.

About 350 soldiers from the Vermont Army National Guard, as well as soldiers from Connecticut and Colorado also are deploying to multiple locations across the U.S. Central Command.

Police investigating after 16-year-old brought to NH hospital with gunshot wounds

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:23:17 +0000

Police launched an investigation after a 16-year-old suffering from two gunshot wounds was brought to a hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire on Sunday night.

Officers responding to Elliot Hospital around 9:40 p.m. spoke with the victim and those who brought him in but police say they were uncooperative and not forthcoming with information.

They did learn that the incident occurred in the area of the Dunkin’ near Valley and Lincoln streets, police said.

Officers reportedly found several shell casings in the area of 336 Lincoln St.

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

Region in a Minute: 'Tiny Saints' products sold to help parish

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000

METHUEN — The Knights of Columbus St. Monica Council 14725 has teamed up with Tiny Saints to host a contact-free, online fundraiser from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28.

Education turns 180 degrees in a matter of months

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0000

If you doubt elections have consequences, just look up the bills before the House Education Committee this week.

Fire hits Danville home, garage

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:22:34 +0000

DANVILLE — A fire caused extensive damage on Sunday to a home at 43 Sweet St.

Salem police stuck with contract, again

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

SALEM, N.H. – Salem police will continue to work under an expired contract now that negotiations with town officials have failed for a second consecutive year.

Welcome donations

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

LONDONDERRY — It was another opportunity for those wanting to give a special gift during challenging times.

Shaheen hears NH leaders' challenges

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

It was a way for town leaders across the Granite State to share their stories, concerns and challenges they face as the pandemic continues on.

Police rescue hawk found by I-95 in New Hampshire

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 01:31:52 +0000

Police rescued a wounded hawk found on the side of the interstate in New Hampshire Saturday, officials said.

A trooper responding to reports of an injured hawk on I-95 found the bird the road, officials said.

The hawk was taken to a refuge in Epping.

https://twitter.com/NH_StatePolice/status/1355648701956575232

Maskless NH lawmaker runs hearings after out-of-state trip

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 23:30:06 +0000

Drivers warned of upcoming lane, ramp closures on I-495 in Haverhill

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

HAVERHILL — State transportation officials are warning drivers about lane and ramp closures and roadblocks on Interstate 495 in Haverhill that will take place between Sunday and Saturday of next week.

Londonderry voters to hear town, school budget details

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000

LONDONDERRY —Voters here have a big weekend of budget consideration ahead as both the school district and town plan annual deliberative sessions.

NH man accused of trying to meet up with children, possessing child porn held without bail

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 01:15:46 +0000

A New Hampshire man is facing child pornography charges after police allegedly found pornographic images of children in his Grantham home Thursday, officials said.

The investigation began when a cyber tip was sent in from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which alleged that a computer in a Butternut Road residence had been illegally used to download or distribute photos of prepubescent children being sexually abused, according to a release issued by state police.

After investigating, police carried out a search warrant at the home belonging to Ricardo Vera and allegedly found five images within. They believe he may have used various social media accounts to communicate with and potentially make in-person contact with children.

Vera travels to Mississippi and Florida frequently and is known to have lived in Texas in 2017 and New Jersey from 2007 to 2014.

He appeared before a judge in Sullivan County Superior Court on Friday and was detained.

Authorities are urging parents whose children may have come into contact with Vera to have a conversation about his behavior toward them.

Anyone who believes their child may have been abused is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Michael McLaughlin at 603-419-0130 or by email at Michael.McLaughlin@dos.nh.gov or Detective William Neilsen at 603-0931-0854 or by email at William.Neilsen@dos.nh.gov.

The investigation into this matter is still ongoing.

Additional charges are anticipated pending forensic analysis of the digital evidence seized.

Firefighters brave frigid conditions while battling house fire in Pelham, NH

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:36:10 +0000

Firefighters braved frigid conditions as they battled a house fire in Pelham, New Hampshire Friday morning.

Crews responding to a reported fire on Thomas Avenue around 9:45 a.m. found heavy smoke coming from the home.

Surrounding towns also responded to offer assistance.

Crews worked to put out the flames as wind chills reached below zero degrees.

The cause remains under investigation.

No additional information has been released.

https://twitter.com/PelhamNHPolice/status/1355175212455747585

Nashua, NH woman arrested in pedestrian hit-and-run that left victim seriously injured

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:02:39 +0000

A 20-year-old Nashua, New Hampshire woman is facing criminal charges in connection with a hit-and-run pedestrian crash in November that left a victim with serious injuries, police said.

Tamara Abukhalaf was arrested on a warrant Thursday night on a charge of conduct after an accident after she was determined to be responsible for a Nov. 18 crash in the area of the Nashua House of Pizza on East Hollis Street that left a pedestrian seriously injured, according to Nashua police.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Nashua Police Crime Line at 603-589-1665.

Dolan named Salem police chief

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 02:02:00 +0000

SALEM, N.H. – Acting police Chief Joel Dolan was announced as the department’s permanent leader this week.

Fire officials investigating after building near Lake Winnipesaukee goes up in flames

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:03:56 +0000

Fire officials investigating after a building near Lake Winnipesaukee goes up in flames.

Cellphone video captured a large fire consuming the service building at the Meredith Marina.

Ashley Dunn said she could see the flames and smoke as she pulled into work at a nearby veterinarian office — and then came the explosions.

“That was the biggest thing we have oxygen tanks here for surgery and things so we were turning off all of the oxygen and had all of our car keys on us ready if the police officer said that any more explosions were a concern,” she said.

From a distance, smoke could be seen filling the air.

Meredith Fire Chief Ken Jones said the call came in just before 5 p.m. and by the time they arrived, the service building was fully engulfed.

Ann-Marie DeWitt shot some video of the fire and told 7NEWS she could see ashes coming across the bay and heard a few explosions.

No one was inside the building at the time and firefighters say while the weather created a challenge they managed to keep the flames contained to the building.

“Pretty much we kept the burn to the building,” Jones said. “We did lose a total of four boats two or three other ones have taken heat.”

Jones said it is likely that the explosions were caused by gas and oil in the building.

Fire officials said that some contamination did get into the lake.

In a jam: Kitten freed from jar, looking for ‘fur-ever’ home

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 23:48:14 +0000

A kitten that was caught in a sticky situation is now looking for a “fur-ever” home.

Tara Kawczynski founder of Odd Cats Sanctuary said her friend in New Hampshire spotted a 5-month-old cat that had its head stuck inside a jar under her husband’s car earlier this month.

“They tried to approach her and she got spooked and she ran so they had to hunt her down,” she said. “It took about 12 hours.”

The couple eventually caught the frightened feline and were able to cut the jar off her head before rushing her to the vet.

“Remarkably she only had wounds around her neck and her ears from that, nothing too serious,” Kawczynski said.

Kawczynski believes the kitten was looking for food when she got stuck.

“I’ve never seen this situation before we’ve seen lots of cats and kittens hurt, but I’ve never in my entire rescue career have heard of a situation like this,” she said.

It is unclear how long her head was stuck inside but Kawczynski said she was severely underweight and dehydrated when she was found.

The kitten is now recovering and will be brought to the Odd Cats Sanctuary for more care next week before being matched with her forever family.

“She probably will be nervous from the trauma so just be understanding and patient and if she’ll adapt to the indoors after experiencing the harsh street life,” Kawczynski said.