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Third Hiker Within A Week Needs Rescue After Getting Lost Exploring Diana’s Baths

 

BARTLETT, NH – A third hiker within a week has gotten lost while exploring Diana’s Baths.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials say that conservation Officers along with US Forest Service, a Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy and Bartlett Police responded to call for a lost hiker on Friday on Red Ridge Trail in Bartlett.

Authorities said that 37-year-old Saima Firdoos went hiking to Diana’s Bath and stayed for a while to enjoy the fall foliage and watch the sun set.  Upon departing she took the wrong trail heading in the opposite direction from her parked vehicle at the Diana’s Bath parking area.  After realizing that she was on the wrong trail and unsure of her location she called 911 for assistance. GPS coordinates placed her about 1.5 miles from the trailhead parking area, and because she lacked a light source or any way to navigate rescuers were sent to her location.

Rescuers found her at 8:32 p.m, she was given a light and escorted back to an awaiting vehicle and then driven back to her vehicle at Diana’s Basin parking area arriving at 9:24 p.m.

Last Tuesday a Maryland couple ended up half a mile north of the summit of North Moat Mountain, after getting lost while hiking by Diana’s Baths.

Fish and Game Officials said that these incidents are good reminders to plan appropriately when recreating outside.  When hiking in the mountains always monitor the weather forecasts and alter or delay you hike if necessary.  The weather suddenly and frequently changes in the mountains; hikers should carry appropriate equipment for unexpected situations and be prepared to spend the night if necessary. Having appropriate gear aides in safety. Visit hikesafe.com for a list of recommended hiking equipment.

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Body Of Florida Man Found In Androscoggin River In Berlin

 

BERLIN, N.H. — Officials in New Hampshire say a man found dead and face down in the Androscoggin River likely drowned.

New Hampshire State Police say they found 62-year-old John Wells of Leesburg, Florida in the river at around 7 o’clock Saturday morning near Berlin, and pronounced him dead at the scene.

Officers said that Wells was camping along the river with friends Friday night.  One of the campers woke up Saturday morning and found Wlls next to the campsite in approximately sixteen to twenty-four inches of water.

Investigators said that the incident is still under investigation and alcohol impairment may be a contributing factor.

Responding agencies included the Berlin Police Department and Berlin Fire and Rescue.

If anyone witnessed this incident or has additional information, they are requested to contact New Hampshire State Police – Marine Patrol Sergeant Seth Alie at 603-227-2117 or via email at Seth.Alie@dos.nh.gov .

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District 2 Candidates Debate IN AARP Forum

 

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A forum for candidates in New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District featured the incumbent emphasizing what she’s done in Washington and her opponent focusing on what he wouldn’t do.

Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster and her Republican challenger, Steve Negron, met Thursday for a forum sponsored by AARP and the Concord Chamber of Commerce.

Negron said Congress shouldn’t tell states how to lower energy costs, should have no significant role in infrastructure projects and should let states control Medicaid spending through block grants.

He offered no specifics when asked for examples of working in a bipartisan manner. Meanwhile, Kuster described leading a bipartisan task force on the opioid crisis that passed dozens of bills as well as working with Republicans on the federal farm bill and on behalf of veterans.

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Memorial Hospital Names Interim CEO

Memorial Hospital Interim CEO Lee Myles. Photo courtesy of Memorial Hospital

NORTH CONWAY, NH –   Memorial Hospital will bring in a highly regarded Northern New England Hospital leader to be its interim chief executive officer.

Lee Myles, who for many years was the leader of St. Mary’s Health System in Lewiston, Maine, prior to his retirement in 2015, has agreed to take on the interim assignment starting on Oct. 22. He will step in for Scott McKinnon, who previously announced his retirement, effective Oct. 31.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Lee’s caliber stepping into this interim role, and it will be helpful that he will have some time with Scott to ease the transition,” said Laura Jawitz, chair of the Memorial Board of Trustees. Jawitz said Myles is not a candidate for the CEO role on a permanent basis, adding that the search for a permanent hospital leader is well under way and on track to be completed in March.
“Lee is ideally suited for this assignment. He is adept at community outreach and knowledgeable about all aspects of hospital management,” said Jawitz.

Myles began his career 40 years ago at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bangor, Maine, and held successive positions of increasing responsibility for 14 years before joining St. Mary’s – which is an affiliate of Memorial’s parent organization, MaineHealth -­ as its vice president and chief operating officer. He assumed the role of CEO at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in 2006 and in 2010 was named president and CEO for St. Mary’s Health System until his retirement at the end of 2015. Myles holds a bachelor’s degree from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., and a master’s in health administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Myles has been involved in community and hospital industry volunteer organizations throughout his career, including an active role with the Maine Hospital Association and as a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. His community and volunteer involvement includes a number of local and national organizations, including as a member of the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council Future Forum and as the Clinical Committee chair with the St. Boniface Haiti Foundation Board of Directors.

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Hotel Construction Starting At Former Home Of Fandangle’s

NORTH CONWAY, NH – Construction has begun on a hotel in North Conway it was in limbo for years. The Conway Daily Sun reports that work on the new 80-room Home2Suites by Hilton off of Route 16 next to the Verizon Store is set to begin next month and continue through till summer. The site is the former home of Fandangle’s restaurant which burned down in 2007.

Ashtok Patel, vice president of development for Jamsan Hotel Management of Lexington, Mass., told the Sun that the project is targeted for completion by next summer, however plans to build the extended stay hotel were finalized with the Conway Planning Board in 2014.

Patel said the delay in construction was due to the company working on other projects. 

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Man Arrested For Allegedly Throwing Coffee On Conway Gas Station Employee

61-year-old Geffrey Sundgren of Lovell, Maine stands accused of assaulting a Conway gas station employee. ~ Photo Courtesy of Conway Police

A Lovell man was arrested after throwing coffee on a Gas Station employee. According to Conway Police, Officers were called to the Conway Irving Saturday night for a domestic dispute.

When the Officer arrived the victim said that a customer later identified as 61-year-old Geffrey Sundgren was upset that the gas station was out of creamer for his coffee. After a brief exchange of words with the male employee, Geoffrey Sundgren threw the hot coffee at him and left the establishment traveling northbound on Route 16.

The employee suffered burns to his neck and was treated on scene by Conway Ambulance, but was not transported to the hospital.

Sundgren was arrested and taken into custody a short time late and charged with simple Assault. The charge holds a maximum penalty of a $2000.00 fine and up to one year in jail.

Police said that Sundgren has a prior conviction of simple assault from 2015.