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.

Conway Scenic Rail Road Train Station in Norcross Circle, Conway ~ Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

CONWAY, NH – Dot & Russ Seybold announced the sale of the Conway Scenic Railroad to Profile Mountain Holdings Corp, led by President David Swirk. The sale was completed on January 30, 2018 and PMHC will commence operations immediately in anticipation of the seasonal opening in April.

The iconic railroad and tourist attraction with the historic 1874 train station has enjoyed 44 continuous years of operation. Originally hired as President and General Manager of the railroad in 1990, Seybold was instrumental in the expansion to Crawford Notch and the commencement of a truly world-class railroad experience. Russ and Dot purchased the railroad in 1999 and continued to expand operations with the addition of two full-service dining cars including the “Chocorua” and the “Hattie Evans,” and the dome observation car “Dorthea Mae.” They were key founders of the highly successful Polar Express holiday excursion. Other signature annual events including Day Out With Thomas ™, Pumpkin Patch Express, Santa’s Holiday Express and Railfans Weekend which generate tens of thousands of guests each year.

Profile Mountain Holdings Corp, DBA Conway Scenic Railroad, is jointly owned by David Swirk and his business partner William Sullivan, Jr. This is their second and by far most exciting venture together. David, PMHC President, has nearly 30 years of short line rail management experience focused on business development and operations including mechanical and engineering. David and his wife Rhonda, having purchased a house in Conway last year, are looking forward to working together at the CSRR for many years to come. Rhonda comes from a 23-year career in banking, finance and office management.

“We look upon the Conway Scenic Railroad as an economic development engine which is closely tied to the communities in which it operates,” shared Swirk. The goal is to work with area business leaders to increase ridership and tourism for the mutual benefit of everyone, and we sincerely appreciate this once in a lifetime opportunity to follow the same track that Russ and Dot have established to preserve and improve upon this historically significant property.”

Russ and Dot are residents of Jackson, New Hampshire and will continue to make the Valley their home. Dot Seybold is the long-time General Manager of OVP Management, Inc. the development company for Settlers properties in North Conway. Russ Seybold is former President of White Mountain Attractions and is currently treasurer of the Mt. Washington Valley Habitat for Humanity, and active in the local Kiwanis organization. Both Russ and Dot are recipients of the Robert Morrell award recognizing community leadership. “Owning and operating the CSRR has been both a challenge and a joy. We are very grateful to the hard-working employees and dedicated volunteers that have been essential to the success of the railroad. We are confident that the railroad will be in very good hands and wish David, Rhonda and Bill much success.”