CONCORD, NH — During the past two weeks, four prior fugitives of the week were apprehended and are now in custody, according to the New Hampshire Department of Corrections.
Another fugitive, Melissa Ann Giuliana, who was also suspected of “violent tendencies” and was wanted on a probation violation after being convicted on drug charges and failing to appear, has also been found. She was featured in mid-July. Corrections received a tip that she was at her father’s house in Lynn, Massachusetts, according to a report. Police in Lynn went to the home on Oct. 22 and arrested her.
“A stolen vehicle was located at her father’s residence,” investigators said.
Officials said Giuliana remains in custody in Massachusetts, where she faces additional charges related to a pursuit that resulted in a crash with a Mass. State trooper cruiser and “potential involvement in other thefts,” officials said.
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“Once extradited to New Hampshire,” a corrections statement said, “she will face charges for the probation violation, vehicle theft, operating after suspension, and animal cruelty, among other pending investigations.”
On Nov. 20, Richard Gary Blais, 39, was featured. He was wanted on a probation violation after a drug conviction.
Blais was arrested two days later after corrections received a tip that he was at a Manchester address.
Members of the NH Department of Corrections Probation-Parole, Manchester Police Department, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department determined he was in the basement, but according to corrections, Blais initially refused to come out.
“However, before a K-9 unit was deployed, he exited the basement and cooperated with the arrest,” a report stated.
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Blais was taken to the Hillsborough County House of Corrections, where he is being held on a parole warrant.
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CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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