Authorities say a juvenile has been arrested and charged with second degree murder in shocking events out of Madison, New Hampshire this past weekend. Officers responded to a call at around 6:40 Friday evening (2/15) to reportedly find Melissa Hatch dead. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds including deep wounds to the neck according to the autopsy’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Jennie V. Duval. Ms. Hatch was 42. Since the suspect is a juvenile, Police cannot give additional information about the individual that has been arrested at this time. Attorney General Gordon MacDonald’s office says the investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to call New Hampshire State Police Sgt. Marc Beaudoin at 603-223-8678.

The community of Madison and the surrounding area is rallying in response to this tragedy. Friends have started a GoFundMe account for Melissa, nicknamed ‘Missy,’ and the children she left behind. The account, which can be found HERE, features donations and posts from family, friends, and people who have just been generally moved by the story. Media outlet InfoNH reports that the family dog was also injured in the attack and may have been trying to help defend the victim. River, a long-hair chihuahua, presumably sustained injuries during the attack. Since then, she has been through surgery and is in recovery. Donations can be made for River’s medical bills at THIS GoFundMe page.

US Representative Chris Pappas took to the floor of the House of Representatives to criticize the Wayfair Decision yesterday. The Supreme Court decision allows States to tax sales to people within their States, even if the business selling the product is located elsewhere. Representative Pappas cites his visit to the Mt. Washington Valley and specifically White Mountain Puzzlers and Lupine Pet in his criticism. Pappas says the decision threatens to shut down the internet sales of many New Hampshire businesses because they are unprepared to take on the sales tax burden of other States across the country.

Maine could be changing their flag soon if a House Provision introduced last week makes it way through the legislative process. Maine House Provision 508 was introduced by state Representative Janice Cooper to change the current Maine State flag back into the flag the State had prior from 1901 to 1909. The alternative state flag would be much simpler with a white field, a green pine tree in the center, and a blue star to the top left. Advocates for the change point to online surveys that rate Maine as having one of the worst flag designs in the country.

The “new” design would actually be the design Maine previously used between 1901 and 1909.

How much snow is too much for your roof? Obviously the answer to that depends on your particular home, but the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety recommends definitely getting your roof shoveled off by two feet of snow, which can weigh as much as 60 pounds per square foot. They note it’s also important to remember that fresh snow doesn’t weigh as much as older snow or ice, which is much more dense. This doesn’t mean that your roof is necessarily safe below two feet of snow. The National Research Council Canada recommends keeping an eye on signs your house may give that it’s under strain from the snow. These signs can include unusual sounds from the roof or supporting walls, visible movement of walls or sagging of ceiling and cracking of drywall or plaster. Other signs may include doors that jam or water leaks that show up after a big snow fall.

Keeping your roof clear of snow can save you and your wallet a lot of hurt this winter.

Delays

Schools

SAU 9, Conway – 2 Hour Delay

SAU 13, Freedom, Madison, Tamworth – 2 Hour Delay

Lillipution Montessori – 2 Hour Delay

Mount View Montessori – 2 Hour Delay

Robert Frost Charter School – 2 Hour Delay

White Mountain Waldorf School – 2 Hour Delay

To Report a Cancellation or Delay contact our Office at 603-356-8870

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