CONCORD, NH — Here are the Top 10 most popular stories and posts from around New Hampshire Patch sites last week.
More Than A Dozen NH Beaches, Lakes Have Fecal, Cyanobacteria Warnings: Clough State Park, North Hampton State Park beach, and others have fecal bacteria advisories, while cyanobacteria are all around the state.
Minivan, Motorcycle Collide At Exit 14 Interstate 93 Interchange In Concord: Watch: A rider was taken to the Concord Hospital on Saturday night after a crash on Loudon Road near the I-93 intersection Exit 14 offramp.
3 Die In Route 101 Crash; Truck Dangles From Bridge: Nearby News NH: Nashua park and Londonderry vehicle dispute shootings; school district rehires suspended teacher; DUI, other arrests; state Senate debate.
3-Vehicle Crash, Including A Rollover, Sends 3 To Concord Hospital: Watch: A Subaru collided with a Kia Sportage and a Kia Soul on Loudon Road outside of Dunkin’ Donuts on Monday afternoon.
Teen Killed In Interstate 93 Crash; Arrest Blotters: NHSP Roundup: Plus: Man from Maine accused of operating under the influence after crash on Interstate 95; two arrested on I-93 wrong way DWI charges.
NH, Maine State Police Investigating 3 Shootings In Troy, Portsmouth: NH AG: A man killed a woman in Troy, drove to the Piscataqua River Bridge, was shot by Maine troopers; a child was found dead in a vehicle.
1 Dead From EEE; Guv Debate; ATV Operator Killed; More: PM Patch NH: Homeless felon charged with arson; 3-vehicle rollover crash; political posts; cool teachers; arsenic in juice; Spirit Halloween returns.
Homeless Man With Several Priors Faces Arson, Other Charges In Concord: Jesse DeFlorio was arrested on reckless conduct and criminal mischief charges after a June dumpster fire near the Durgin Block Garage.
Triple Shooting; Mall Gun Threat; 911 Center Comfort Dog: PM Patch NH: Also: Labor Day weekend weather and traffic; crash takes out fire hydrant; art teacher honored; Mega Millions reached 9th highest jackpot.
Contoocook Man Arrested For DUI Again: Concord Police Log: Woman faces child endangerment charge; Weare man, with priors, arrested on trespass, prowling charges; South Spring Street stalking arrest.
Here are some other posts readers may have missed:
Motorcycle-Minivan Collision; Missing Teen Case Update: PM Patch NH
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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