Rescuers helped guide three hikers caught in whiteout conditions on Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire to safety after responding to an SOS alert Sunday evening.
The response began around 5:30 p.m. when the New Hampshire Fish and Game Rescue Coordination Center received an SOS alert from the area of Mount Lincoln. By calling the listed emergency contacts, conservation officers learned that three hikers had been caught in whiteout conditions while hiking the Falling Waters/Bridle Path Loop. The hikers had texted that they needed help and were struggling with cold-related injuries.
The hikers had a Garmin device that allowed rescuers to track their movements as they continued to the summit of Mount Lafayette. A team of rescuers, including conservation officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, eventually caught up with the hikers during their descent, meeting up around 9:10 p.m. After giving the hikers fresh lights, the whole group made it to the trailhead by 10:20 p.m.
Officials said the group identified as a 24-year-old from Boston, a 24-year-old from Cambridge and a 25-year-old from Boston, were fairly well-prepared for a winter hike but lacked experience above the treeline. They started the trip around 9 a.m., taking the Falling Waters Trail to Franconia Ridge. They started to struggle on the ridge due to deep snow and whiteout conditions that made it hard to keep to the trail.
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Officials said the hikers began to panic when they activated the SOS on their device, but knew it would take hours for rescuers to arrive and feared turning back would be more dangerous.
The group had a Hike Safe Card and had informed their emergency contacts of their plans before heading out. This was supposed to be a training hike for Mount Washington, which is now on hold. The hikers were grateful to the rescuers.
Franconia Ridge is a well-known hiking area in the White Mountains that includes a series of trails through Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack. Conditions can quickly become hazardous in the winter.
Hikers are reminded to prepare for winter conditions and always pack these 10 essentials: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife. For more information on hiking safety, visit hikeSafe.com.
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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