Also: Tractor-trailer T-bones car, closes Interstate; man accused of pistol-whipping a man outside food pantry; businesses win awards; more.
CONCORD, NH — Here are some share-worthy stories from the New Hampshire Patch network to discuss this afternoon and evening.
This post features stories and information published during the past 24 hours.
Former Rep. Candidate Accused Of Child Sexual Assault At 2022 Porcfest: Elliot “Alu” Axelman faces 7 counts of sexual and simple assault and false imprisonment in a Lancaster court in June after a 2022 incident.
Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Crash With Injuries Shuts Down Interstate 93 In Concord: Watch: A tractor-trailer T-boned a sedan on the northbound side of the highway near Exit 12 on Tuesday, closing the highway for around 45 minutes.
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Concord Man Accused Of Pistol-Whipping Another Man Outside Food Pantry: Bluestone Antoine Rhau was accused of assaulting and threatening a man with a gun at the Christ the King Parish compound Tuesday night.
Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Manchester Man Faces Hooksett Rape Indictments: Superior Court Roundup: Pembroke sex offender indicted online identifiers charges; woman indicted on meth dealing charge; felon indicted on Concord machete charge.
Woman Crashes Vehicle On 101 And Runs Into Swamp Requiring Rescue: Maria Rosario of Manchester reportedly was throwing items out of the window of her car and hit a vehicle head-on near Liberty Hill Road.
Exeter Man Indicted On Fentanyl-Death Resulting Charge: Court Roundup: Hampton man indicted on child sexual abuse images charges; IA man accused of concealing firearm; TN man indicted on ship burglary charges.
New Plan For Cannon Tram And Another $15M To Be Requested: The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources commissioner intends to include additional capital budget requests in 2026 and 2027.
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Bunny’s And Chocolate Win Big At New Hampshire SBA Awards: Businesses and leaders from Concord, Manchester, Milford, Portsmouth, Salem, and other communities were honored Tuesday.
Know An Outstanding 2024 Graduate? Give Them A Shoutout On Patch!: Patch and T-Mobile are partnering to celebrate local graduates and give them the recognition they deserve.
First Responders’ Busy Week; Negligent Homicide Crash: PM Patch NH: Keyed vehicles suspect held without bail; $500K for dental hygiene program; cash for camp; prominent Dem denounces anti-Jewish campus chaos.
Here are some other posts readers may have missed:
Here’s Why Jordan Was Shouted Out As A Concord Star Student
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🌱 Major layoffs at Manchester’s Catholic Medical Center
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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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