Police are seeking information on the location of 29-year-old John Williams, of Madison Maine. Williams is described as 5’6” 120 lbs, brown hair, with sides that are shaved, with a more hair on the top and blue eyes. – Photo Courtesy of Maine State Police
NORRIDGEWOCK, Maine (AP) — A Maine county sheriff on Thursday urged a man sought in the killing of a deputy to turn himself in and told a community to stay vigilant during a manhunt in what is believed to be the first killing of a law enforcement officer in Maine in nearly 30 years.
The fatal shooting of Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole on Wednesday in Norridgewock triggered an intensive search for 29-year-old John Williams in and around the heavily wooded rural community about 60 miles (96 kilometers) west of Bangor.
“I’m asking John Williams, personally, if you are listening to my words today, I implore you to turn yourself in,” Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said at a news conference. He said authorities have had no contact with Williams.
Authorities told residents to keep their doors and cars locked, and said officers have been assigned to areas schools. They believe Williams is still in the area.
Lancaster said 175 to 200 officers from multiple agencies have been working on the case and are being assisted by law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
State Police Lt. Col. John Cote asked the public for help and stressed the safe return of Williams.
“He is the only one who can answer the questions we have,” Cote said.
Officials said Williams, of Madison, Maine, was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to face gun charges when he killed the sheriff’s deputy, stole his cruiser and robbed a convenience store.
Helicopters, armored vehicles and police cruisers were spotted around Norridgewock, and schools were locked down as federal, state and local law enforcement poured into the region to look for Williams.
Law enforcement officials said he had arrest records in Maine, Tennessee and Massachusetts.
That image contrasts with Williams’ days at Skowhegan High School, where a yearbook showed he once served as a class officer.
“When in school he was a nice, funny and an all-around good guy,” said classmate Casey Sprout-Costa.
Another classmate, Alex Stetkis, said Williams was an honor student who was class president in his junior year. But things went downhill when he started picking fights and getting into drugs.
“Most could not believe it,” Stetkis said of the news that Williams was suspected in the killing. “He was always kind and could have gone anywhere in life if he hadn’t gotten into drugs.”
Williams’ Facebook page features photos of him smiling at a graduation ceremony as well as other photos of him hiking, hanging out with friends and dressed in a suit at a wedding party. His last post in 2017 noted how he was starting a new job in nearby Anson, Maine.
Residents in Norridgewock, a town of about 3,500, were stunned Wednesday as state police and federal agents investigated a home believed to be where Williams lived with his girlfriend.
“We’re a little on edge. It’s unnerving knowing there’s a guy running around out there,” Tasha Raymond said.
The last time someone killed an officer in the line of duty was in 1989, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Gov. Paul LePage expressed his “deepest condolences” to Cole’s family in a tweet.
“If you live in Somerset County and the surrounding area, please cooperate with law enforcement and stay safe,” the Republican governor said. LePage also directed all U.S and state flags to be flown at half-staff for at least three days.
Cole has a son who also is a Somerset County deputy. Lancaster called Cole, a 13-year veteran of the department, an “outstanding employee, one of the finest deputies.”
Associated Press writers David Sharp in Portland, Maine; Kathy McCormack and Michael Casey in Concord, New Hampshire; and Alanna Durkin Richer in Boston contributed to this report.
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-26 10:07:532018-04-26 10:07:53Somerset County Sheriff To Suspect In Deputy Killing: ‘Turn yourself in’
PINKHAM, NOTCH, NH – Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race Officials have announced that they will institute testing for performance-enhancing drug use, beginning with this year’s race.
The men’s and women’s overall winners, along with other randomly chosen individuals, will be tested immediately following their completion of the all-uphill 7.6-mile footrace on Saturday, June 16.
Howie Wemyss, general manager of the Mt. Washington Auto Road said” We’re taking this step because unfortunately illegal performance-enhancing drug use is creeping into the mountain running scene as it has in other professional endurance sports,” He continued saying ““With this change we intend to maintain and enhance the credibility of winners’ performances and the validity of course records.”
The race organizers will follow standards for testing that are provided by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Officials said that on Mt. Washington, testing will be of urine samples obtained while the athletes to be tested are still at the summit, as soon as possible following the finish. In keeping with WADA practice, they will be chaperoned until their samples are ready to be given.
Paul Kirsch, elite athletes’ liaison for the race, offered this observation about the new policy: “Clean sport is important to keep a level playing field in MUT (Mountain/Ultra/Trail) racing events. I am very glad that the Mt. Washington Race is taking the issue seriously and beginning to drug-test.”
Initial reaction from elite mountain runners familiar with the Mt. Washington race has been similarly positive. “That’s such a great step in the right direction,” said Joe Gray of Colorado Springs, Colo. Gray, who has undergone such testing in races elsewhere, has won the Northeast Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race in each of the last four years and also won the 2016 World Mountain Championship. “Hopefully more races will follow Mt. Washington’s lead!”
Kasie Enman of Huntington, Vermont, the 2011 women’s world mountain running champion, added, “There is a perception out there about some MUT races that testing isn’t as stringent, that the door is a little bit open for cheating athletes who want to sneak under the radar. It’s important that we remove that perception and ensure a fair race for all the clean athletes in our sport. Thanks to Mt. Washington Road Race for taking this important step. I’ll be proud to toe the starting line there this June.”
Now in its 58th year, the Northeast Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race on June 16 will have racers ascend the Mt. Washington Auto Road from Pinkham Notch, N.H., to the summit of Mt. Washington. For More information about the Northeast Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race Anti-Doping policy go to https://www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com/mount-washington-road-race/for-racers/race-course-details
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-26 09:43:372018-04-26 09:43:37Delta Dental Mt. Washington Road Race To Start Drug Testing
PINKHAM’S GRANT, N.H. – A Massachusetts man was located at a luxury hotel after an hours long search in the Presidential Range. According to New Hampshire Fish and Game Officials at 3:48 am Sunday 70–year-old Christophe Chamley was reported as overdue from a hike in the White Mountains by his wife when he didn’t return home.
His family did not have a hiking itinerary for him and Chamley was said to have a medical condition which added urgency.
Rescue teams from NH Fish and Game Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue, Snow Rangers from the US Forest service and snow cat operators from the Mount Washington State park began rescue operations around 10:00 AM.
Rescuers were brought up to the top of Mt. Washington via snow cat and started searching the above tree line trails. While other search teams were deployed on trails below tree line and working up the mountain.
A National Guard Helicopter was brought in and started to search from the air.
While updating the family on the search missions authorities were informed by them that they had just spoke with the Mount Washington Hotel who told them that Chamley had checked in at 1:00 AM on the 23rd. After authorities confirmed that Chamley was in fact at the hotel they called off the search.
Chamley said he had taken a cab from AMC Pinkham to the Appalachia parking lot on route 2 in Randolph leaving there at 7:45AM. He said he summited Mt. Adams and Jefferson while on Jefferson he decided to bail off on the westerly side and go down the Caps Ridge Trail, to Jefferson Notch road to the Base road and down the Base Road to the Mount Washington Hotel checking in at 1:00 AM.
Authorities said that when he arrived at the hotel he sent a message to his wife which did not go through and he did not confirm that she had received his message.
Fish and Game Officials said in a statement “Failure to communicate plans and confirm that loved ones had received his message that he was all right caused the reporting of him overdue coupled with his age and medical condition caused an urgent response from Fish and Game where none was needed. A waste of time money and resources which could have easily been avoided. ”
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-24 12:41:092018-04-24 12:41:09Mass Man Found At Luxury Hotel After Triggering Search In White Mountains
A GMC truck that rolled over and crashed into a guardrail on Heather Hill Road late Saturday night ~ Photo Courtesy of Dorothy Lane
CONWAY, NH – There was a Rollover in Hale Estates this weekend. According to the Conway Police Lt. Christopher Mattei authorities were notified of a Rollover on Heather Hill Road at around 11:16 pm Saturday with the caller noting that there was beer around the vehicle.
When Officers arrived the found a 2001 GMC Sierra Pickup truck that had rolled over and crashed but there were no individuals with the vehicle.
Shortly after Police received a call from one of the passengers of the Truck who told them that after the accident they walked down to Transvale Acres because none of the 5 occupants could find their phones or get a call out after the accident.
The guardrail on Heather Hill Road in Hale Estates was smashed after a GMC truck crashed into it Saturday night. ~ Photo Courtesy of Dorothy Lane
After an investigation Police said they believe that 22-year-old Kenneth Haskell, of George Town Massachusetts, was driving down Heather Hill at a high rate of speed, lost control of the Truck on a sharp left hand turn causing the vehicle to skid and roll over being stopped by a guard rail.
Lt. Mattei said that they determined the cause of the crash to be excessive speed and that alcohol was not a factor.
Haskell was given a must appear summons for reckless operation.
Haskell received a non-life threatening injury in the crash and he along side 3 other passengers were transported to Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment of their injuries.
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-24 10:46:432018-04-24 10:46:43Mass. Man Injured In Hale Estates Rollover
CONWAY, NH – S.T.A.Y. MWV is once again looking to help Mount Washington residents saddled with Student Debt. They are now accepting applications for student debt scholarships worth a collective $10,000.
Their Annual Student Debt Scholarship helps pay back the student debt of our local young professionals, making it easier for young people to settle here.
Together with their partners, they have awarded $13,000 in student debt scholarships over the past two years.
Scholarships will be given to several individuals in various career fields in the Mount Washington Valley. Scholarships include:
$1,000 sponsored by the Conway Area Lion’s Club and is earmarked for those in the medical/health care field with an emphasis on eye care.
Up to $3,000 sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of the Mt. Washington Valley and earmarked for teachers in SAU 9 or MSAD 72.
$1,000 sponsored by the Mountain Garden Club and is earmarked for those in an environmental or agricultural field.
$1,000 sponsored by the North Conway Rotary Club and is open to all those exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
And the STAY MWV scholarship is $3,000 and is open to all.
Applications must be postmarked by Friday May 11th and winners will be announced at the Leadership MWV gradation on June 5th.
STAY MWV is a group of young professionals in the Valley, whose mission is “to attract and retain a vibrant young professional population in the Mount Washington Valley.”
For more details email staymwv@gmail.com or call the Chamber at 603-356-5701 ext 300.
CAMPTON, NH – The White Mountain National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed burns in the coming weeks. Officials with the White Mountain National Forest said that the conditions from mid-April until the end of May are expected to be favorable for prescribed burns.
Prescribed burns are planned in multiple towns in the Mount Washington Valley including Albany, Bartlett, Milan, Berlin, Gorham, and Chatham.
Officials said they also plan to do controlled burns in Benton, Stark, Randolph, Carroll, and in Gilead, Albany and Batchelder’s Grant in Maine.
The goal of the burns are to improve habitat for wildlife; reducing hazardous fuels that can contribute to spread of wildfires; and restoring fire dependent ecosystems.
Significant preparations are made prior to conducting prescribed fires.
Burn units are surrounded by existing roads and trails to allow for more efficient operations, or control features may be constructed. Trained fire personnel remain on scene throughout the burn.
The White Mountain National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed burns and environmental factors including temperature, humidity, atmosphere stability, wind-direction and speed as well as smoke disbursement are all taken in to consideration prior to each burn. If any of these conditions are not favorable, the prescribed burns will be postponed.
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-23 09:41:462018-04-23 09:41:46Forest Service Officials Plan Prescribed Burns For White Mountain National Forest
ROCHESTER, NH – A man has been arrested in Rochester a stand off with police that lasted hours. Rochester police said that at around midnight 30-year-old Ryan Cortina, of Rochester, was arrested after authorities performed a forcible entry into a trailer he had refused to leave since 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon.
WMUR-TV reported yesterday that Police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at the Amazon Park Campground. The Stratford County SWAT Team was called in after Cortina refused to leave the trailer.
A woman who was with Cortina was brought to safety as police evacuated the trail park and closed several roads in the area. The woman was reportedly uninjured.
Cortina was taken to Maine Medical Center for treatment of unknown injuries, that Police said were not related to the forcible entry. He will be facing multiple assault charges with other charges possible.
Police have called in a bomb squad to investigate the trailer today because they are concerned it may be booby trapped with explosives.
Once Police made sure the area around the trailer was safe residents of the park were allowed back into their homes.
CONCORD, NH (AP) – The New Hampshire House has killed a bill that would have allowed intoxicated people to sleep it off in their cars without being charged with drunken driving.
The bill, which had passed the Senate last month, was voted down in the House on Thursday. It would have specified that sleeping or resting in a parked car would not be considered driving or attempting to drive under the driving while intoxicated laws.
Supporters argued that sobering up in a car shouldn’t be considered an attempt to drive, but rather an attempt not to kill someone.
Opponents argued the bill would have unintended consequences because it would also exempt behavior outside of a car. They said that could allow drunken drivers to avoid charges after crashes if they exit their vehicles.
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-19 14:05:592018-04-19 14:05:59NH House Kills Bill That Would Protect Drivers Sleeping It Off In Cars
HOUSTON,TX – New England Leaders are remembering former first lady Barbara Bush for her promotion of literacy, compassion, and sense of humor.
Bush was the wife of former President George H.W. Bush and the mother of former President George W. Bush.
She passed away yesterday (Tuesday) at her Houston home at age 92.
She died just a day after the family announced that she would not seek further treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and congestive heart failure.
As first lady, she created the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Maine Medical Center named its children’s hospital in her honor.
Maine Gov. Paul LePage and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins praise Bush for her charitable spirit.
Governor Chris Sununu, whose father was a part of H.W. Bush’s staff while he was a teenager, said “Having known Mrs. Bush for the better part of 30 years, no one personified the idea that we must strive to leave the world better than we found it more than she did.”
Former Governor and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan said in a statement “Tom and I join a grieving nation in mourning the loss of former First Lady Barbara Bush. On her many trips to New Hampshire over the years, Granite Staters got to know a strong and remarkable public servant who never hesitated to speak her mind and share with us her humor and wit. Mrs. Bush’s legacy of generosity and devotion to country will live on, and our hearts go out to the entire Bush family during this difficult time.”
Another former Governor and current U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement saying “My heart goes out to the entire Bush family during this difficult time,” said Senator Shaheen. “During Barbara Bush’s many trips to New Hampshire, we came to know and respect her principles and character. Both as First Lady and as a private citizen, Barbara Bush devoted her time and energy to improving the lives of others through numerous charities, and leaves behind a legacy through her tireless work promoting literacy. I offer my most sincere condolences to the Bush family and friends, and the American people, as we all mourn her loss.”
Governor Chris Sununu today announced that in accordance with the President’s proclamation honoring former First Lady Barbara Bush, all U.S. and state flags in the State of New Hampshire should be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-18 15:25:502018-04-18 15:25:50New England Leaders Remember Former First Lady Barbara Bush
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – Americans are getting an extra day to file their taxes after key elements of the IRS website crashed on deadline day.
The IRS said that individuals or businesses with a filing or payment due Tuesday now have until midnight Wednesday to complete the task.
Earlier Tuesday, Americans who had waited until the final day to file online got an unwelcome surprise: The agency’s website for making payments and gaining access to other key services was down due to what Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin later described as a “high-volume technical issue.”
The website was back online late Tuesday.
“This is the busiest tax day of the year, and the IRS apologizes for the inconvenience this system issue caused for taxpayers,” Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter said in a statement. “The IRS appreciates everyone’s patience during this period. The extra time will help taxpayers affected by this situation.”
No additional paperwork is needed to get the one-day extension, the IRS said.
The IRS snafu also caused problems for popular third-party tax preparers such as Turbo Tax and H&R Block. Both said that they would hold on to customer tax returns and file after IRS system reopened.
The agency did not say how many people were affected by the outage. But last year, about 5 million tax returns were filed on the final day of the traditional tax season. Electronic filing is the most popular way to file in the US.
The IRS said that at this point, the problem appears to be a hardware issue. It provided no further details on the cause or severity of the problem.
Tax day fell on April 17 this year because April 15 was a Sunday and April 16 was Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C.
Former IRS Commissioner John Koskinen warned last year of a possible system failure, due in part to underfunding of the agency. Among the areas that he said were underfunded were the agency’s aging information systems.
Frustrated taxpayers and baffled observers took to social media to complain. Political leaders weighed in publicly as well.
Democrats quickly blamed federal budget cuts to the IRS as part of the problem, and pushed to protect taxpayers from penalties.
“We know for certain the IRS’s lack of funding is compounding these kinds of problems,” said Sen. Ron Wyden Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. “We don’t want taxpayers and middle-class folks and small businesses penalized. They didn’t do anything wrong.”
Republicans have targeted the agency for budget cuts since taking control of the House in 2011, relenting a bit this year to help the IRS implement last year’s overhaul of the tax code.
The IRS typically recommends that taxpayers use electronic filing to avoid common mistakes. Online filing is quicker than dropping something in the mail — when the site works, of course.
___
Associated Press writer Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.
https://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpg00Tonyhttps://www.wmwv.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/logo-1.jpgTony2018-04-18 08:42:082018-04-18 08:42:08Taxpayers Get Extra Day To File After Website Snafu
Somerset County Sheriff To Suspect In Deputy Killing: ‘Turn yourself in’
NORRIDGEWOCK, Maine (AP) — A Maine county sheriff on Thursday urged a man sought in the killing of a deputy to turn himself in and told a community to stay vigilant during a manhunt in what is believed to be the first killing of a law enforcement officer in Maine in nearly 30 years.
The fatal shooting of Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole on Wednesday in Norridgewock triggered an intensive search for 29-year-old John Williams in and around the heavily wooded rural community about 60 miles (96 kilometers) west of Bangor.
“I’m asking John Williams, personally, if you are listening to my words today, I implore you to turn yourself in,” Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said at a news conference. He said authorities have had no contact with Williams.
Authorities told residents to keep their doors and cars locked, and said officers have been assigned to areas schools. They believe Williams is still in the area.
Lancaster said 175 to 200 officers from multiple agencies have been working on the case and are being assisted by law enforcement in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
State Police Lt. Col. John Cote asked the public for help and stressed the safe return of Williams.
“He is the only one who can answer the questions we have,” Cote said.
Officials said Williams, of Madison, Maine, was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to face gun charges when he killed the sheriff’s deputy, stole his cruiser and robbed a convenience store.
Helicopters, armored vehicles and police cruisers were spotted around Norridgewock, and schools were locked down as federal, state and local law enforcement poured into the region to look for Williams.
Law enforcement officials said he had arrest records in Maine, Tennessee and Massachusetts.
That image contrasts with Williams’ days at Skowhegan High School, where a yearbook showed he once served as a class officer.
“When in school he was a nice, funny and an all-around good guy,” said classmate Casey Sprout-Costa.
Another classmate, Alex Stetkis, said Williams was an honor student who was class president in his junior year. But things went downhill when he started picking fights and getting into drugs.
“Most could not believe it,” Stetkis said of the news that Williams was suspected in the killing. “He was always kind and could have gone anywhere in life if he hadn’t gotten into drugs.”
Williams’ Facebook page features photos of him smiling at a graduation ceremony as well as other photos of him hiking, hanging out with friends and dressed in a suit at a wedding party. His last post in 2017 noted how he was starting a new job in nearby Anson, Maine.
Residents in Norridgewock, a town of about 3,500, were stunned Wednesday as state police and federal agents investigated a home believed to be where Williams lived with his girlfriend.
“We’re a little on edge. It’s unnerving knowing there’s a guy running around out there,” Tasha Raymond said.
The last time someone killed an officer in the line of duty was in 1989, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Gov. Paul LePage expressed his “deepest condolences” to Cole’s family in a tweet.
“If you live in Somerset County and the surrounding area, please cooperate with law enforcement and stay safe,” the Republican governor said. LePage also directed all U.S and state flags to be flown at half-staff for at least three days.
Cole has a son who also is a Somerset County deputy. Lancaster called Cole, a 13-year veteran of the department, an “outstanding employee, one of the finest deputies.”
Associated Press writers David Sharp in Portland, Maine; Kathy McCormack and Michael Casey in Concord, New Hampshire; and Alanna Durkin Richer in Boston contributed to this report.
Delta Dental Mt. Washington Road Race To Start Drug Testing
PINKHAM, NOTCH, NH – Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race Officials have announced that they will institute testing for performance-enhancing drug use, beginning with this year’s race.
The men’s and women’s overall winners, along with other randomly chosen individuals, will be tested immediately following their completion of the all-uphill 7.6-mile footrace on Saturday, June 16.
Howie Wemyss, general manager of the Mt. Washington Auto Road said” We’re taking this step because unfortunately illegal performance-enhancing drug use is creeping into the mountain running scene as it has in other professional endurance sports,” He continued saying ““With this change we intend to maintain and enhance the credibility of winners’ performances and the validity of course records.”
The race organizers will follow standards for testing that are provided by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Officials said that on Mt. Washington, testing will be of urine samples obtained while the athletes to be tested are still at the summit, as soon as possible following the finish. In keeping with WADA practice, they will be chaperoned until their samples are ready to be given.
Paul Kirsch, elite athletes’ liaison for the race, offered this observation about the new policy: “Clean sport is important to keep a level playing field in MUT (Mountain/Ultra/Trail) racing events. I am very glad that the Mt. Washington Race is taking the issue seriously and beginning to drug-test.”
Initial reaction from elite mountain runners familiar with the Mt. Washington race has been similarly positive. “That’s such a great step in the right direction,” said Joe Gray of Colorado Springs, Colo. Gray, who has undergone such testing in races elsewhere, has won the Northeast Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race in each of the last four years and also won the 2016 World Mountain Championship. “Hopefully more races will follow Mt. Washington’s lead!”
Kasie Enman of Huntington, Vermont, the 2011 women’s world mountain running champion, added, “There is a perception out there about some MUT races that testing isn’t as stringent, that the door is a little bit open for cheating athletes who want to sneak under the radar. It’s important that we remove that perception and ensure a fair race for all the clean athletes in our sport. Thanks to Mt. Washington Road Race for taking this important step. I’ll be proud to toe the starting line there this June.”
Now in its 58th year, the Northeast Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race on June 16 will have racers ascend the Mt. Washington Auto Road from Pinkham Notch, N.H., to the summit of Mt. Washington. For More information about the Northeast Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race Anti-Doping policy go to https://www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com/mount-washington-road-race/for-racers/race-course-details
Mass Man Found At Luxury Hotel After Triggering Search In White Mountains
PINKHAM’S GRANT, N.H. – A Massachusetts man was located at a luxury hotel after an hours long search in the Presidential Range. According to New Hampshire Fish and Game Officials at 3:48 am Sunday 70–year-old Christophe Chamley was reported as overdue from a hike in the White Mountains by his wife when he didn’t return home.
His family did not have a hiking itinerary for him and Chamley was said to have a medical condition which added urgency.
Rescue teams from NH Fish and Game Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue, Snow Rangers from the US Forest service and snow cat operators from the Mount Washington State park began rescue operations around 10:00 AM.
Rescuers were brought up to the top of Mt. Washington via snow cat and started searching the above tree line trails. While other search teams were deployed on trails below tree line and working up the mountain.
A National Guard Helicopter was brought in and started to search from the air.
While updating the family on the search missions authorities were informed by them that they had just spoke with the Mount Washington Hotel who told them that Chamley had checked in at 1:00 AM on the 23rd. After authorities confirmed that Chamley was in fact at the hotel they called off the search.
Chamley said he had taken a cab from AMC Pinkham to the Appalachia parking lot on route 2 in Randolph leaving there at 7:45AM. He said he summited Mt. Adams and Jefferson while on Jefferson he decided to bail off on the westerly side and go down the Caps Ridge Trail, to Jefferson Notch road to the Base road and down the Base Road to the Mount Washington Hotel checking in at 1:00 AM.
Authorities said that when he arrived at the hotel he sent a message to his wife which did not go through and he did not confirm that she had received his message.
Fish and Game Officials said in a statement “Failure to communicate plans and confirm that loved ones had received his message that he was all right caused the reporting of him overdue coupled with his age and medical condition caused an urgent response from Fish and Game where none was needed. A waste of time money and resources which could have easily been avoided. ”
Mass. Man Injured In Hale Estates Rollover
CONWAY, NH – There was a Rollover in Hale Estates this weekend. According to the Conway Police Lt. Christopher Mattei authorities were notified of a Rollover on Heather Hill Road at around 11:16 pm Saturday with the caller noting that there was beer around the vehicle.
When Officers arrived the found a 2001 GMC Sierra Pickup truck that had rolled over and crashed but there were no individuals with the vehicle.
Shortly after Police received a call from one of the passengers of the Truck who told them that after the accident they walked down to Transvale Acres because none of the 5 occupants could find their phones or get a call out after the accident.
After an investigation Police said they believe that 22-year-old Kenneth Haskell, of George Town Massachusetts, was driving down Heather Hill at a high rate of speed, lost control of the Truck on a sharp left hand turn causing the vehicle to skid and roll over being stopped by a guard rail.
Lt. Mattei said that they determined the cause of the crash to be excessive speed and that alcohol was not a factor.
Haskell was given a must appear summons for reckless operation.
Haskell received a non-life threatening injury in the crash and he along side 3 other passengers were transported to Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment of their injuries.
STAY MWV Accepting Scholarship Applications
CONWAY, NH – S.T.A.Y. MWV is once again looking to help Mount Washington residents saddled with Student Debt. They are now accepting applications for student debt scholarships worth a collective $10,000.
Their Annual Student Debt Scholarship helps pay back the student debt of our local young professionals, making it easier for young people to settle here.
Together with their partners, they have awarded $13,000 in student debt scholarships over the past two years.
Scholarships will be given to several individuals in various career fields in the Mount Washington Valley. Scholarships include:
$1,000 sponsored by the Conway Area Lion’s Club and is earmarked for those in the medical/health care field with an emphasis on eye care.
Up to $3,000 sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of the Mt. Washington Valley and earmarked for teachers in SAU 9 or MSAD 72.
$1,000 sponsored by the Mountain Garden Club and is earmarked for those in an environmental or agricultural field.
$1,000 sponsored by the North Conway Rotary Club and is open to all those exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
And the STAY MWV scholarship is $3,000 and is open to all.
To access the application online, head to: www.staymwv.com.
Applications must be postmarked by Friday May 11th and winners will be announced at the Leadership MWV gradation on June 5th.
STAY MWV is a group of young professionals in the Valley, whose mission is “to attract and retain a vibrant young professional population in the Mount Washington Valley.”
For more details email staymwv@gmail.com or call the Chamber at 603-356-5701 ext 300.
Forest Service Officials Plan Prescribed Burns For White Mountain National Forest
CAMPTON, NH – The White Mountain National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed burns in the coming weeks. Officials with the White Mountain National Forest said that the conditions from mid-April until the end of May are expected to be favorable for prescribed burns.
Prescribed burns are planned in multiple towns in the Mount Washington Valley including Albany, Bartlett, Milan, Berlin, Gorham, and Chatham.
Officials said they also plan to do controlled burns in Benton, Stark, Randolph, Carroll, and in Gilead, Albany and Batchelder’s Grant in Maine.
The goal of the burns are to improve habitat for wildlife; reducing hazardous fuels that can contribute to spread of wildfires; and restoring fire dependent ecosystems.
Significant preparations are made prior to conducting prescribed fires.
Burn units are surrounded by existing roads and trails to allow for more efficient operations, or control features may be constructed. Trained fire personnel remain on scene throughout the burn.
The White Mountain National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed burns and environmental factors including temperature, humidity, atmosphere stability, wind-direction and speed as well as smoke disbursement are all taken in to consideration prior to each burn. If any of these conditions are not favorable, the prescribed burns will be postponed.
Rochester Standoff Ends Peacefully
ROCHESTER, NH – A man has been arrested in Rochester a stand off with police that lasted hours. Rochester police said that at around midnight 30-year-old Ryan Cortina, of Rochester, was arrested after authorities performed a forcible entry into a trailer he had refused to leave since 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon.
WMUR-TV reported yesterday that Police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at the Amazon Park Campground. The Stratford County SWAT Team was called in after Cortina refused to leave the trailer.
A woman who was with Cortina was brought to safety as police evacuated the trail park and closed several roads in the area. The woman was reportedly uninjured.
Cortina was taken to Maine Medical Center for treatment of unknown injuries, that Police said were not related to the forcible entry. He will be facing multiple assault charges with other charges possible.
Police have called in a bomb squad to investigate the trailer today because they are concerned it may be booby trapped with explosives.
Once Police made sure the area around the trailer was safe residents of the park were allowed back into their homes.
NH House Kills Bill That Would Protect Drivers Sleeping It Off In Cars
CONCORD, NH (AP) – The New Hampshire House has killed a bill that would have allowed intoxicated people to sleep it off in their cars without being charged with drunken driving.
The bill, which had passed the Senate last month, was voted down in the House on Thursday. It would have specified that sleeping or resting in a parked car would not be considered driving or attempting to drive under the driving while intoxicated laws.
Supporters argued that sobering up in a car shouldn’t be considered an attempt to drive, but rather an attempt not to kill someone.
Opponents argued the bill would have unintended consequences because it would also exempt behavior outside of a car. They said that could allow drunken drivers to avoid charges after crashes if they exit their vehicles.
New England Leaders Remember Former First Lady Barbara Bush
HOUSTON,TX – New England Leaders are remembering former first lady Barbara Bush for her promotion of literacy, compassion, and sense of humor.
Bush was the wife of former President George H.W. Bush and the mother of former President George W. Bush.
She passed away yesterday (Tuesday) at her Houston home at age 92.
She died just a day after the family announced that she would not seek further treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and congestive heart failure.
As first lady, she created the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Maine Medical Center named its children’s hospital in her honor.
Maine Gov. Paul LePage and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins praise Bush for her charitable spirit.
Governor Chris Sununu, whose father was a part of H.W. Bush’s staff while he was a teenager, said “Having known Mrs. Bush for the better part of 30 years, no one personified the idea that we must strive to leave the world better than we found it more than she did.”
Former Governor and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan said in a statement “Tom and I join a grieving nation in mourning the loss of former First Lady Barbara Bush. On her many trips to New Hampshire over the years, Granite Staters got to know a strong and remarkable public servant who never hesitated to speak her mind and share with us her humor and wit. Mrs. Bush’s legacy of generosity and devotion to country will live on, and our hearts go out to the entire Bush family during this difficult time.”
Another former Governor and current U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement saying “My heart goes out to the entire Bush family during this difficult time,” said Senator Shaheen. “During Barbara Bush’s many trips to New Hampshire, we came to know and respect her principles and character. Both as First Lady and as a private citizen, Barbara Bush devoted her time and energy to improving the lives of others through numerous charities, and leaves behind a legacy through her tireless work promoting literacy. I offer my most sincere condolences to the Bush family and friends, and the American people, as we all mourn her loss.”
Governor Chris Sununu today announced that in accordance with the President’s proclamation honoring former First Lady Barbara Bush, all U.S. and state flags in the State of New Hampshire should be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.
Taxpayers Get Extra Day To File After Website Snafu
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – Americans are getting an extra day to file their taxes after key elements of the IRS website crashed on deadline day.
The IRS said that individuals or businesses with a filing or payment due Tuesday now have until midnight Wednesday to complete the task.
Earlier Tuesday, Americans who had waited until the final day to file online got an unwelcome surprise: The agency’s website for making payments and gaining access to other key services was down due to what Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin later described as a “high-volume technical issue.”
The website was back online late Tuesday.
“This is the busiest tax day of the year, and the IRS apologizes for the inconvenience this system issue caused for taxpayers,” Acting IRS Commissioner David Kautter said in a statement. “The IRS appreciates everyone’s patience during this period. The extra time will help taxpayers affected by this situation.”
No additional paperwork is needed to get the one-day extension, the IRS said.
The IRS snafu also caused problems for popular third-party tax preparers such as Turbo Tax and H&R Block. Both said that they would hold on to customer tax returns and file after IRS system reopened.
The agency did not say how many people were affected by the outage. But last year, about 5 million tax returns were filed on the final day of the traditional tax season. Electronic filing is the most popular way to file in the US.
The IRS said that at this point, the problem appears to be a hardware issue. It provided no further details on the cause or severity of the problem.
Tax day fell on April 17 this year because April 15 was a Sunday and April 16 was Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C.
Former IRS Commissioner John Koskinen warned last year of a possible system failure, due in part to underfunding of the agency. Among the areas that he said were underfunded were the agency’s aging information systems.
Frustrated taxpayers and baffled observers took to social media to complain. Political leaders weighed in publicly as well.
Democrats quickly blamed federal budget cuts to the IRS as part of the problem, and pushed to protect taxpayers from penalties.
“We know for certain the IRS’s lack of funding is compounding these kinds of problems,” said Sen. Ron Wyden Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. “We don’t want taxpayers and middle-class folks and small businesses penalized. They didn’t do anything wrong.”
Republicans have targeted the agency for budget cuts since taking control of the House in 2011, relenting a bit this year to help the IRS implement last year’s overhaul of the tax code.
The IRS typically recommends that taxpayers use electronic filing to avoid common mistakes. Online filing is quicker than dropping something in the mail — when the site works, of course.
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Associated Press writer Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.