~ Photo courtesy of Laura Lemieux, photo from the 2017 race.

BARTLETT, NH- The Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup Committee is setting a tone this year for the running of the 45th Annual Challenge Cup Race, taking place on March 16, 2018. The committee is looking to shatter its fundraising goal of $10,000 and “bump it up” to $15,000 this year. The race, which is held at Attitash Mountain Resort, is the second largest fundraising event for the Eastern Slope Ski Club, a nonprofit that provides ski equipment and helps in ski development programs in the Mt. Washington Valley.

The committee plans to reach its goal through new fundraising strategies including a PledgeReg, where racers can raise additional funds beyond the racing fee to compete for prizes. The race fee is $65 in advance and registration takes place online at skireg.com. Racers can opt-in for the PledgeReg and those that raise $300 or more will have their race fee waived. Individuals or teams are both eligible to compete for separate grand prizes for raising the most money.

Keeping with its theme, “Bump It Up” will be the race slogan this year and the committee is working on new race swag for spectators and racers to purchase during the event. Proceeds from merchandise sales would go to the cause.

In addition, the Bib Draw Night which takes place on Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. is open to the public and includes a ton of raffles. All pub patrons are eligible to enter the raffle.

“We want to make it accessible for everyone to experience the fun of the Red Parka Race, and a lot of that happens off the hill,” said Terry O’Brien owner of the Red Parka Pub and Event Director. “So, even if you can’t race this year, you can stop by the pub on the night before The Cup and contribute to the cause!”

The Red Parka Pub Challenge Cup Race is a 21+ race. The registration fee is $65 and includes a lift ticket, guaranteed two runs on the course, an official race hat, a raffle ticket and a free dinner at the Awards Ceremony served by the Red Parka Pub in Ptarmigan’s Pub after racing concludes. Registration is now open and a link can be found on redparkapub.com. Race day registration is $75.

Story contributed by Laura Lemieux

PITTSBURG, NH (AP) – New Hampshire conservation officers say excess speed appears to be the cause of a snowmobile crash that injured a Vermont man.

Officers say the 48-year-old man from West Topsham, Vermont, was operating a snowmobile on the Waterfall Brook Road in Pittsburg Saturday afternoon when his sled rolled over while he was trying to make a right-hand turn at an intersection. His riding partners found him injured and went to summon help.

First responders from Pittsburg and conservation officers found the victim riding on a snowmobile. He was taken to the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Officials did not release his condition.

Officials say the crash is still under investigation, but unreasonable speed appears to have been a primary factor in the crash.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA – The Worlds most famous groundhog weather man has made his forecast.

This (Friday) morning Punxsutawney Phill saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter.

According to folklore if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2nd and see its shadow there will be 6 more weeks of winter like weather. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow then the spring season will arrive early.

In reality a special group on Gobbler’s Knob, a small hill outside Punxsutawney Pennsylvania decides ahead of time what Phil’s prediction will be.

According to Wikipedia Phil is accurate about 39% of the time. He has predicted more weeks of winter 103 times and an early spring only 17 times.

CONCORD, NH -The Northern Pass Project has been denied by the State Site Evaluation Committee.

According to InDepthNH.org yesterday afternoon the committee voted unanimously to reject the 192-mile transmission line project. The seven member committee said that Eversource failed to meet its burden of proof that the project would not negatively impact the orderly development of the region.

Northern Pass representative Martin Murray said “We are shocked and outraged by today’s SEC outcome. The process failed to comply with New Hampshire law and did not reflect the substantial evidence on the record. As a result, the most viable near-term solution to the region’s energy challenges, as well as $3 billion of NH job, tax, and other benefits, are now in jeopardy.

Long-time opponent Susan Schibanoff of Easton told Indepth NH “The SEC did the right thing today by law and by the people of New Hampshire.”

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said in a statement that he was “stunned” by the committee’s decision. Adding that SEC’s decision denies the state much-needed clean energy and the jobs that would come from the project.

The company has 30 days after the committee issues a written decision to ask for a rehearing or to reconsider its vote. Thursday was the third of 12 deliberative sessions ending Feb. 23 when an oral decision is expected.

The $1.6 billion plan being developed by the utility Eversource was set to bring hydropower from Hydro-Quebec in Canada to Southern New England Markets by creating a transmission line through New Hampshire.

Photo Courtesy of Ossipee Police

OSSIPEE, NH – Authorities have released the name of the driver killed in an accident in Ossipee. Ossipee police said that at 1:21 Tuesday afternoon 39-year-old Henry Doran from Enfield died at the scene after crashing into tractor trailer hauling wood chips.

Authorities said that Doran was headed south in a Carroll Tire light box truck on Route 16 just north of Pine River Road when he crossed the center line crashing head on into a Garland Lumber Co. Truck being driven by 42-year-old Joseph Breen of Moultronboro.

When police arrived they found the tractor trailer on its side with load of wood chips spilled into the roadway and the box truck in the middle of the road with significant damage.

Breen was not seriously injured in the accident.

Police said it is not yet known why Doran crossed into the North bound lane, however, speed is not believed to be a factor.

Route 16 was closed for about 5 hours while crews investigated the accident.