New Hampshire authorities today revealed startling evidence against the girlfriend of a drug suspect, at first painted as an innocent victim in a horrific scene that rocked New England earlier this month.

The April 12 drug raid on the home of Cullen Mutrie, 29, left Greenland, N.H. Police Chief Michael Maloney dead and four other police officers shot. Mutrie, reportedly shot and killed his reputed girlfriend, Brittany Tibbetts, 26, before turning the gun on himself.

Legal documents indicated Mutrie was the target of the drug investigation, but police were also seeking to search Tibbetts, who they believed was also involved in the sale of drugs in the otherwise sleepy New Hampshire town. Police, through a confidential source, believed Mutrie and Tibbetts were selling about 500 oxycodone pills every few days out of the house, and Mutrie had also been linked to illegal steroids.

And today, New Hampshire Attorney General Michael A. Delaney revealed that a Ruger .357 revolver recovered from the crime scene was actually purchased by Tibbetts, at a January gun show in Manchester, N.H.

A 9 mm pistol was also recovered, but police have not yet determined its origin.

Police already believed Mutrie was armed before the ill-fated raid.

With the 2012 election season approaching fast and the majority of election news covering the GOP hopefuls, a major blow was struck to Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann’s nomination hopes as her entire New Hampshire staff resigned today.

According to the Global Post, the five-person team, including right wing radio personality Jeff Chidester who had called himself a “longtime friend” of Bachmann, all resigned at once in protest of the lack of attention New Hampshire was receiving from the campaign.

While there has been no official statement made by the team, it has been reported that Southern New Hampshire field director Caroline Gilger will be joining Texas Governor Rick Perry’s effort.

With the New Hampshire primary election poised to happen on January 24, this is the most recent hit to Bachmann’s bid for the nomination, which began strong with the winning of the Iowa Straw poll in August, but has dwindled down to a fourth place standing ever since.

Calling all animal lovers! The Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, N.H., invites you to the gala of the fall: The Great Catsby. Arrive at the 1920s-themed event in your best flapper or gangster garb and have your photo taken red carpet-style next to an antique car, sip cocktails and enjoy hors d’oeuvres while perusing the many silent auction items, including wine, jewelry, gift certificates, artwork and more.

After a delectable dinner and decadent dessert, bid on priceless experiences at the live auction, where you  could become a character in a murder mystery novel or an actor in New Hampshire’s famous Haunted Overload’s haunted walk.

The gala will benefit animals such as Hank, a kitten who was tossed out of a moving vehicle. He is being nursed back to health at the shelter.

Details

What: The Great Catsby gala

Where: The Portsmouth Sheraton Harborside Hotel, Portsmouth, N.H.

When: Sept. 17, 6 to 10 P.M.

Tickets: Tickets are $80 per person and are available online at cvhsonline.org or by calling 603-749-5322 Ext. 112. All proceeds go to the care and well being of the animals sheltered at Cocheco Valley Humane Society. Hurry! Tickets are on sale only until Sept. 9 at 10 P.M.

Autopsy results were inconclusive Tuesday as authorities race to determine how 11-year-old Celina Cass was killed.

The Stewartstown, N.H. girl’s body was found in the Connecticut River near her home on Monday. She had been missing for a week.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young said Tuesday afternoon that an autopsy was conducted, but it did not determine a cause of death. She said “further study” is required.

Stewartstown is a town of 800 residents near the Canadian border. The girl’s death has shocked the town and the region.

One of New Hampshire’s largest ambulance providers will shut down next month.

Rockingham Regional Ambulance Inc., which is run by St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, will give pink slips to its 160 employees when a perilous state budget situation forces it to close its doors Sept. 30, according to WMUR.

“It’s the end of an era, if you will, for us and for me personally, as well,” Chris Stawasz, executive director of Rockingham Ambulance, told WMUR. Stawasz has been with the company for 30 years.

St. Joseph cited cuts to Medicaid reimbursement in the tighter stat budget that went into effect last month as the reason for the closure.

Searchers have found the body of Celina Cass, the 11-year-old New Hampshire girl who went missing last week, according to reports.

Police have classified the girl’s death as “suspicious.”

“Based on what we have seen visually, we are treating it as suspicious,” said New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young.

Cass’s body was found by New Hampshire Fish and Game divers at about 10:30 a.m. Monday in a section of the Connecticut River, just a quarter mile from her home in West Stewartson, N.H.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

Cass was last seen Monday night in her home, at her computer.

A mass of law enforcement agents looked for her, including police from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, FBI agents, and US Border Patrol officials.

An 11-year-old girl who went missing from her home in rural New Hampshire last week and has yet to be found, despite an extensive search by authorities and members of the community.

Celina Cass of Stewartstown, N.H. was last seen on Monday night at her computer in her home.

Cass is described as a tall, thin girl who loves basketball, hanging out with friends and being with her family. She is 5 ft 5 inches and weighs 95 pounds. She has hazel eyes and waist length brown hair.

Authorities have not speculated as to what happened to her, but have intensified their search tactics and adding forces. Police from New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts, as well as the FBI, the US Border Patrol and the Fish and Game Department are combing surrounding areas, including Canada, for the young girl.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials lowered water levels in the Connecticut River to look for the girl and a portable cellphone tower was installed in Stewartstown for increased communication. Divers searched a local pond today, but came up with no evidence.

The FBI has placed a $25,000 reward for information about Cass’ whereabouts, according to FBI agent Kieran Ramsey. An anonymous donor offered an additional $5,000 reward.

“We are looking at those tips, and we are honing the investigation through those tips,’’ said Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young, according to the Boston Globe.

Stewartstown is a small, close-knit community, and the residents are shocked and scared by Cass’ disappearance.

Family and friends are actively involved in the search, and have formed supportive Facebook groups for Cass, urging prayer and thoughts for the young girl.

A fire in a single family home left one dead in Hebron, N.H. early Friday morning, according to the Hebron Fire Department.

Officials say the cause of death was smoke inhalation, but are still withholding the identity of the victim.

The exact cause of the fire is still being investigated, but firefighters believe the fire originated in the living room porch near an air conditioning window unit. They are unsure if smoke detectors were present in the home, but none were located in the fire debris.

Summer’s in full swing, and New Hampshire’s ski resorts promise to bring fun, adventure and relaxation all year-round, whether you want an adventure or a relaxing getaway. Taste award-winning cuisine, take in the spectacular views, explore your wild side and experience how the state’s best ski spots turn into summer destinations!

Relaxing isn't difficult at Attitash, with its hotel spa and this spectacular view.

Attitash

Located in Bartlett, Attitash offers something for everyone. Take a 2,800 foot ride down the Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster or slide down North America’s longest Alpine Slides, splash around at the water park, enjoy the scenery on horseback, relax in the heated outdoor pool and get a massage at the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel spa or shop ’til you drop at the over 200 tax-free factory outlet stores nearby.

Route 302, Bartlett
603-374-2368
www.attitash.com

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel

Named one of America’s 10 best family resorts by Family Life magazine, the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel sits on 15,000 acres in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Savor award-winning cuisine or take a culinary class to learn for yourself. Don’t forget to hone your palate at a wine tasting. Enjoy the weather and spend time outside fishing, golfing, white water kayaking and rafting, mountain biking, hiking or on a garden tour. If you prefer air conditioning, play billiards, dance at the nightclub, listen to a lecture or go shopping. There are even supervised activities for the kids (age 5 and up) if you want some romantic alone time!

Route 26, Dixville Notch
800- 255-0600 (U.S. and Canada); 800-255-0800 (NH)
www.thebalsams.com

Black Mountain

Those looking for a rustic experience will find plenty to do at Black Mountain. Take in the gorgeous views on horseback (or a pony ride–we won’t judge) and go on an overnight horseback excursion to a cozy cabin and a campfire; they’ll even provide the s’mores! Take the kids canoeing, kayaking, tubing or fishing and climb the nearby Jackson Falls.

Route 16B, Jackson
603-3834490
www.blackmt.com

Enjoy a game of golf or explore the Adventure Center at Bretton Woods.

Bretton Woods

Adventure seekers will fit right in at the Bretton Woods Adventure Center, which offers a 3-hour guided good time through zip-lines, platforms and sky bridges. Bretton Woods, part of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, also offers climbing walls for experienced and inexperienced climbers alike. Take a romantic lift for the view or take a lift to a mountain biking destination. Play golf or tennis, go swimming or horseback riding, or enjoy the resort’s 25,000 square foot spa. The kids (ages 4 to 12) will be kept entertained with arts and craft, hiking, sports and more at the Omni Kids’ Club.

99 Ski Area Rd., Bretton Woods
800- 258-0330 or 603-278-1000 (NH)
www.brettonwoods.com

Cannon Mountain

Walk through the flume gorge or check out the Old Man of the Mountain museum at Cannon Mountain.

Cannon Mountain offers a uniquely “New Hampshire” experience, with a tramway climbing 2,180 vertical feet to the summit of the mountain, where you can take in a breathtaking view of four states and Canada. Go camping, bike riding, kayaking, or canoeing and walk through the spectacular Flume Gorge. Check out the remnants of the Old Man of the Mountain (may he rest in peace) and visit the Old Man Museum and the New England Ski Museum.

Franconia Notch Parkway, Franconia
603-823-8800
www.cannonmt.com

Ride the mountain coaster or tackle the new adventure park at Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Cranmore Mountain Resort

Fun-seekers will not be disappointed at Cranmore, with its mountain coaster and brand new adventure park, which features a giant swing, tubing, mini golf, a bungy trampoline, bouncy houses and an 18-hole disc golf course. The mountain’s Aerial Adventure Course offers rope courses, zip-lines and air bridges.

1 Skimobile Rd., North Conway
603-356-5544
www.cranmore.com

Eastman Cross Country Center

At Eastman, golfers can practice at the driving range or play the 18-hole championship golf course where the NH Golf Association Men’s State Am Championship took place in 2010. You can get creative and paint, enjoy a wine tasting, do some gardening, go hiking, play tennis at one of the 14 courts, go sailing on the lake or sunbathe at one of the six beaches.

Exit 13 off I-89, Grantham
603-863-4500
www.eastmannh.org

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center

Wilderness lovers can take in the gorgeous mountain scenery, the fields of wildflowers and the wildlife at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, located at the base of the historic Mount Washington Auto Road. Get active outdoors and go mountain biking, Nordic walking, running, canoeing or whitewater kayaking, and you might even spot a bear or a moose!

Route 16, Pinkham Notch
603-466-2333
www.greatglentrails.com

Gunstock Mountain Resort

This is the summer to go to Gunstock, which recently unveiled new attractions and an expanded campground. Have a blast on the Aerial Treetops Adventure Course, mountain Segway tours with he fancy new Segway X2, and the ZipTour, which boasts the longest zip lines in the continental United States. There’s also a skate park, mini-golf and climbing walls, not to mention mountain biking, kayaking and horseback riding.

719 Cherry Valley Rd. (Route 11A), Gilford
800-GUNSTOCK or 603-293-4341
www.gunstock.com

Loon Mountain

Zip-lines, climbing walls, Segway tours, horseback riding and “lost gold” treasure hunting for the kids are just a few of the activities Loon Mountain offers. Be sure  to take the Gondola Skyride to the summit, where you can take in the view at the observation tower, go on a nature walk and check out the glacial caves (hint: you just might find treasure there)!

Route 112, Lincoln
800-229-LOON
www.loonmtn.com

Mount Sunapee Resort

Hike to Sunapee’s summit or take an aerial sky ride to the top and enjoy the scenery. While you can’t take a dip in Lake Solitude, a pristine glacial lake preserved for wildlife, it sure is pretty to look at. Don’t miss the 78th Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair from August 6 to 14, with over 200 booths, demonstrations, workshops, tours, seminars and live music.

Route 103, Newbury
603-763-3500
www.mountsunapee.com

Take the kids to family-friendly--and family-owned--Purity Spring Resort.

Purity Spring Resort

Family-friendly (and family-owned since the early 1900s) Purity Spring Resort, 1,000 acres between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains, offers activities for all ages, including waterskiing, kayaking, hiking, biking, tennis, archery, a rock climbing wall, basketball courts, arts and crafts and nature walks. There’s also an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center and four beaches. Don’t miss the lobster bake every Thursday evening or the breakfast cookout every Monday morning.

Route 153, East Madison
800-373-3754
www.purityspring.com

 Ragged Mountain

This ski destination becomes a golfer’s paradise in the summer, with an 18-hold championship golf course with views of the mountain and holes “designed to test the golfer’s ability and placement.” Feeling competitive? Then enter one of the golf tournaments at Ragged this summer.

Route 104, Ragged Mountain Road, Danbury
603-768-3600
www.raggedmountainresort.com

Sunset Hill House

At Sunset Hill House, named “Editor’s Choice” by Yankee Magazine, play golf at the state’s longest operating 9-hole course, explore the trails and spot moose or deer, take a dip in the heated mountainside pool and have “New Hampshire’s Very Best Spectacular Meal,” raves New Hampshire Magazine, in the dining room.

Sunset Hill Road, Sugar Hill
603-823-5522
www.sunsethillhouse.com

Waterville Valley Resort

Guests at Waterville Valley won’t run out of things to do, from golf, tennis, chairlift rides, mountain biking, skateboarding, boating, swimming and even indoor ice skating. Summertime here also offers live concerts and day camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 16.

1 Ski Area Rd., Waterville Valley
800-GO-VALLEY
www.waterville.com

Wildcat Mountain

Take in the gorgeous views of the Tuckerman Ravine and Mount Washington on Wildcat’s ZipRider and the gondola skyride. Play alpine disk golf at the new 9-hole course, fish in a pond stocked with trout, have a picnic, see the Thompson Brook Falls or walk along the Appalachian Trail.

Route 16, Pinkham Notch
603-466-3326 or 888-SKI-WILD
www.skiwildcat.com

One person died and two were injured today as a result of a motor vehicle crash on Route 3 in Colebrook, N.H.

Robert J. Queen, 74, of Woburn was driving north on Route 3 when he drifted into the southbound lane and struck the vehicle of Robert L. Eidell, 70, and Carolyn D. Eidell, 72, both of Clarksville, N.H., according to New Hampshire State Police.

All of the victims had to be removed from their vehicles, and were transported to Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook. Queen and Carolyn Eidell are being treated for non-life threatening injuries. Robert Eidell was pronounced dead on arrival.

State Police are investigating the crash.

Massachusetts State Police took a Texas woman into custody on Wednesday at a highway rest stop in Chelmsford in connection with the death of her son.

Julianne McCrery of Irving, Texas was detained on Interstate 495 southbound and questioned by investigators from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

She has since been charged with second degree murder.

Her young son, Camden Pierce Hughes, was found dead on a secluded road in South Berwick, Maine, on Saturday.

According to police, McCrery killed her son in New Hampshire and dumped the body in Maine.

The cause of the young boy’s death was preliminarily determined to be asphyxiation, according to police.

David Procopio, a Massachusetts State Police spokesman, said McCrery was transported to a local hospital for “medical evaluation” late Wednesday afternoon, and that “a development” in the case had placed it under the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire attorney general’s office.

McCrery was picked up after State Police received a tip from a citizen that at 10:20 a.m. a pickup truck was parked at the Chelmsford rest stop that looked like the vehicle seen near the location where Hughes’ body was dumped, according to Procopio.

The vehicle is being examined at a State Police facility in Danvers.

Spurred by a naval insignia near the license plate of the vehicle, Maine authorities had asked the military to help with the case. International law enforcement agents were also called in, as authorities could not identify the boy for several days.

Three New Hampshire men have been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of Krista Dittmeyer, the 20-year-old mother whose body was found earlier this month in a pond.

Robbery appears to be the motive, police said.

Anthony Papile, age 28, of Ossipee has been charged with second degree murder, and Trevor Ferguson, age 23, of Tamworth and Michael Petelis, age 28, of Ossipee have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, said New Hampshire Attorney General Michael A. Delaney, in a statement Wednesday morning.

Arraignments have been scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Ossipee District Court.

Dittmeyer’s car and infant daughter were abandoned in a New Hampshire ski resort parking lot. The car was still running and had its hazard lights flashing. Her body was found days later.

A New Hampshire highway worker was found slumped over in his dump truck Tuesday morning.

State Police responded to the area of Exit 26 on I-93 in Plymouth, N.H., where they found the driver collapsed in the driver’s seat. He was taken to to Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth and was pronounced dead a short time later. The cause of death has been ruled as natural causes.

The worker’s identity was not released. He was an employee of the state Department of transportation.

The truck had been stopped on the side of the roadway as it was being used to display a signboard to warn of roadwork being done along the road.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann visited New Hampshire and clutched a teabag during a speech in Nashua, but at an earlier speech in Manchester, she Republican confused one of the basic facts of the Revolutionary War.

“What I love about New Hampshire and what we have in common is our extreme love for liberty,” the potential presidential candidate said. “You’re the state where the shot was heard around the world in Lexington and Concord. And you put a marker in the ground and paid with the blood of your ancestors the very first price that had to be paid to make this the most magnificent nation that has ever arisen in the annals of man in 5,000 years of recorded history.”

Of course, the opening battles of the Revolution were actually fought in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts.

The gaffe is likely to go down as one of the larger blunders of the upcoming 2012 presidential primary season.

The remark also illustrates a lack of basic knowledge of New England geography and of grade school-level American history — the same history that her Tea Party backers drew from in forming the movement.

The story was first reported by RealClearPolitics.

A Sandown, N.H. firefighter died during a training exercise Sunday morning.

Harold Frey, 46, of Sandown, was finishing an ice rescue training class on the Exeter River just before noon when he collapsed, suffering a heart attack, said Fire Chief Wilfred Tapley.

Tapley said that Frey was a new member of the department, though he was a longtime firefighter.

According to FireFighterCloseCalls.com, which reports on firefighter deaths, Frey had just gotten out of the icy water when he couldn’t catch his breath. Crews on scene were unable to revive him.

Frey’s death is considered a “death in the line of duty.”

Tapley said that members of the Granite State Fire Service Support Team were on hand at the Sandown Fire Department providing assistance to its members.

(Photo courtesy of Paul McCallum via Derry Fire Department)

A Derry, N.H. split-level house was damaged in a Saturday evening fire, but fire officials said that working smoke detectors and quick thinking may have averted real disaster.

Residents were home when the fire broke out, and the homeowner was alerted by the smoke alarm. Residents tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher while calling 911.

Firefighters arrived and went to work, conducting an aggressive interior attack to contain the fire to the living room. The fire started in a faulty fireplace.

“Fire investigators suspect the fire was smoldering, undetected, in the wall behind and above the mantle for several hours before breaking out and setting of the smoke detectors,” fire officials said.

The fireplace was badly damaged, as were a few walls and the living room, but the house was saved, and it can be repaired, fire officials said.

No one was hurt. The residents will stay with family until the house is repaired.

“This fire illustrated the importance of operating smoke detectors,” said Battalion Chief Jack Webb. “The Derry Fire Department wants to remind everyone that they should have smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors installed on every level of a home, as well as smoke detectors in every bedroom. Test smoke detectors regularly and replace the batteries whenever you change the clocks. Furthermore, any detector that is over 10 years old should be replaced.”

If your idea of macaroni and cheese comes in a box and with a packet of no-refrigeration-necessary bright orange goo, your palate hates you. Redeem yourself and get hungry: New Hampshire’s Macaroni and Cheese Bake Off is just around the corner.

Hosted by New Hampshire dairy farmers, this year’s competition will be the first of its kind in the state. Mac and cheese lovers from all over can channel their inner Padma Lakshmi or Tom Colicchio and vote for their favorite recipes for the People’s Choice Award. You can taste the cheesy goodness from the following four categories: the best mac and cheese from a restaurant or chef, the best mac and cheese made solely with New Hampshire-made milk and cheese, the best mac and cheese made with any state’s cheese and the most creative or exotic mac and cheese.

The expert judges are Jeffrey Paige, chef and owner of Manchester, New Hampshire’s award-winning Cotton restaurant, Charlie Burke, president of the New Hampshire Farm to Restaurant Connection and Rob Morrill, a New Hampshire dairy farmer. The winning mac and cheese in the New Hampshire-made category will be featured on Cotton’s menu. The winner from each category will move on and compete to be the ultimate mac and cheese master, the grand champion.

Details

What: The first New Hampshire Mac and Cheese Bake Off

When: Saturday, January 15 at 2 p.m.

Where: Holiday Inn, 172 North Main St., Concord, New Hampshire

Tickets: $12 at the door

For more information, go here.

Three firefighters were injured fighting a 2-alarm house fire in Derry, N.H., Monday evening, authorities said.

The fire broke out in the 2 1/2 story single family home at 12 Eastman Drive and quickly spread, destroying the home.

The homeowners were not home at the time, but two visitors were inside the house when the fire broke out. They were able to escape safely.

Firefighters tried to attack the fire from the inside, hoping to save the house, but they were quickly driven out after a flashover consumed the entire first floor, said Derry Battalion Chief Michael E. Doyle in a statement.

“Crews then went to defensive operations and Command called for a second alarm,” Doyle said.

A family pet died in the fire.

Two firefighters were evaluated at the scene for burns to the head and face and one was taken to an area hospital with difficulty breathing, Doyle said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Doyle said the fire was not suspicious.

Crews from Auburn, Hudson, Londonderry, Manchester, Salem and Windham helped battle the fire. Crews from the Raymond, Hooksett, Danville and Pelham Fire Departments covered Derry during the fire.

The fire occurred in an area without fire hydrants and required tanker trucks from Atkinson, Auburn, Chester, Hampstead, Sandown, and Windham.

Fifteen school buses were destroyed as they sat dormant in a parking lot in Bradford, N.H. early yesterday morning, police said.

The fire began at 4.45 a.m., and it quickly spread among the closely grouped vehicles, police said. Soon 15 buses were gutted and five others were badly damaged.

Emergency responders were able to get inside the Goffstown Truck Center and grab the keys for 10 other buses, moving then to safety before they were consumed, said Bradford Police Officer Ed Shaughnessy.

Shaughnessy said that each bus was worth $70,000. With the partially damaged buses and other damage to the area, Shaughnessy totaled out the damage at $1.5 million.

No injuries were reported.

Shaughnessy said video footage from a bus surveillance camera showed that the fire started in a single bus.

Police said that most of the buses belonged to Kearsarge Regional School District.

The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s office will investigate. Shaughnessy said investigators are looking into foul play as the reason behind the yellow inferno.

“We’re looking into it,” Shaughnessy said. “An investigation is set up for the morning with the State Fire Marshal.”

The blaze drew firefighters from six towns.

State Police continued Monday investigating the fatal plane crash in the Western Massachusetts town of Leverett.

“The single-engine Cessna Model U206G bearing tail number #N9742Z lost engine power and was descending toward an open field when it hit a power line and subsequently crashed into the field at approximately 3:30 p.m.,” State Police spokesman David Procopio said in a statement.

The plane originated in Keene, N.H. and was headed for Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, N.Y. when it crashed.

Killed was Robert E. Lothrop, 62, of Stony Brook, N.Y., who was a passenger. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three people survived the crash: William Scheley, of Miller Place, N.Y., Dayna Dicamillo, of Stoddard, N.H. and the pilot, Matthew Wilding, of Stony Brook, N.Y. The survivors were taken by medical helicopter to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

It is also believed that a dog was on board. The dog could not be located at the scene, Procopio said.

State and federal authorities will hold a press conference on Tuesday, where further details are expected to be released.

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The victim in the fatal Thanksgiving fire in Peterborough, N.H. has been identified as Patricia C. Rennie, 47, said New Hampshire State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan, Peterborough Fire Chief Joseph Lenox, and Peterborough Police Chief Scott Guinard in a statement Thursday.

The positive identification was made by New Hampshire Chief State Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Andrew.

The fire remains under investigation.

New Hampshire State Police are investigating a domestic shooting that took place in the town of Wentworth on Wednesday morning.

At 8:15 a.m., police were called to Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth, N.H. where a woman was in the emergency room being treated for a gunshot wound. The preliminary investigation showed that the woman was shot during a domestic disturbance earlier in the morning on Cape Moonshine Road in Wentworth. During the fight, the victim was shot once and seriously injured.

Henry Miller, 36, of Wentworth, who police said was known to the victim, was arrested and charged with assault. He will be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Plymouth District Court, and police are considering additional charges.

Police released no additional information on the victim or the relationship between the victim and Miller.

An Auburn, N.H. man has been charged with murder after his wife and son were found dead in their home earlier this week.

Christopher Smeltzer, 37, was charged with second-degree murder after police said he killed his wife, Mara Pappalardo, 39 either Sunday or Monday.

Their 4-year-old son, whose name was not released, was also found dead.

Police had been quiet for more than a day after the bodies were found.

Autopsies revealed that Pappalardo died of blunt force trauma to the head and ligature strangulation and that the son was also strangled. Both deaths were ruled homicides.

But Smeltzer was not charged with his son’s death.

Smeltzer and the couple’s 7-year-old daughter, whose name was not released either, were treated at a Manchester hospital yesterday for non-life threatening injuries. Police did not say if they think Smeltzer killed his son, hurt his daughter, and/or hurt himself.

Smeltzer is expected to be arraigned in the Candia District Court tomorrow.

Steven Spader, 19, was found guilty Tuesday of murdering a woman and maiming her 11-year-old daughter in secluded Mont Vernon, N.H. last year.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before convicting Spader on all charges.

Spader will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Spader and other teens charged into the home of local nurse Kimberly Cates on October 9, 2009, butchering her with a machete and severely injuring her daughter, Jaimie.

Christopher Gribble, also of Brookline, N.H., who allegedly cut Cates’s throat in the final, fatal blow, will face murder charges next year.

A man was killed early Monday morning after his SUV struck a tree that had been uprooted by high winds in Cornish, N.H.

Justin J. Towle, 29, of nearby Claremont, N.H., was wearing his seat belt driving on Route 120 northbound near East Road when his 2006 Toyota Rav4 struck the tree that had fallen across the roadway.

It is believed that Towle could not avoid the tree. New Hampshire State Police said that neither speed, nor alcohol, nor drugs were contributing factors to the crash.

Police are investigating.

Former New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte beat up on Republican Paul Hodes in a vacant Senate seat given up by retiring New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg.

Ayotte, a young and conservative Republican endorsed by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, took it to hodes and rode a national roller coaster of Republican victories.

Hodes had tried to sell himself as a “fiscal conservative” during the race, but he was clearly out-matched.

“New Hampshire has sent a clear message to Washington, and that is: No more business as usual. No more spending money we don’t have on programs that don’t work. And no more backroom deals,” Ayotte said during her victory speech.

With two-thirds of precincts reporting, Ayotte lead 61 percent to 36 with two independent candidates also trailing.

“Kelly has proven that she has the courage and determination to shake up Washington,” said Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu. “In the Senate, Kelly will be part of a new generation of Republican leaders who will fight to return fiscal sanity to our government.”

Republican Frank Guinta won the New Hampshire First District Congressional race, unseating Democrat Carol Shea-Porter by a wide margin.

Former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu said the following:

“I want to congratulate Congressman-Elect Frank Guinta on his victory in the First Congressional District race. Frank will take his fiscally conservative values to Washington and lead the fight to cut spending and lower taxes. In Congress, he will champion responsible policies that will reduce the deficit, create jobs, grow our economy. Frank will make an excellent Congressman and he will be a strong voice for New Hampshire taxpayers in Washington.”

With two-thirds of precincts reporting, Guinta held a 15-point margin over the incumbent.

New Hampshire authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a woman found in her home on Monday night.

In a joint statement, New Hampshire Attorney General Michael A. Delaney, State Police Colonel Robert L. Quinn, and Gilford Police Chief John E. Markland said the woman was middle aged, but did not release her name pending notification of her family.

An autopsy will be scheduled in the immediate future to confirm the cause and manner of death.

The New Hampshire State Police is asking for anyone who may know or have any information about this suspicious death to contact the New Hampshire State Police Headquarters at 603-223-4381.

A Durham, N.H. 20-year-old was killed in a motorcycle crash in nearby Madbury on Saturday afternoon.

Tyler Smith died after missing a curve on Freshet Road and crashing into a cluster of trees, New Hampshire State Police said on Sunday.

He had been wearing a full face helmet when he crashed his Honda motorcycle.

Police did not say if speed or alcohol were factors in the crash, which is under investigation.

NASHUA — Win or lose, Democrats have made it clear that they aren’t going down without a fight. Part of that involves the Democratic Party bringing their big guns to New England.

Two weeks ago President Obama gave an impassioned speech at a rally for Governor Deval Patrick in Boston’s Back Bay. A week ago, he was at a private fundraiser in Providence. Yesterday, Vice-President Biden appeared in Quincy to stump for Congressional hopeful Bill Keating.

Today, former President Bill Clinton was at a rally in Nashua for incumbent gubernatorial candidate John Lynch.

Lynch is a popular guy. He won his last two elections by a good margin and he’s well-ahead in recent polls as he seeks a fourth term in office. But John Stephen, his Republican opponent, has received visits from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

“We have had a steady parade of prominent, national Republicans come to the state for John Stephen so to have a big-name Democrat for John Lynch is expected,” said Greg Moore, a local GOP spokesperson.

Speaking in a Nashua Community College gymnasium with about 600 people in attendance, Clinton presented some similar talking points as Obama did in Boston two weeks ago. Each presented the economic record of the local incumbent governor as a compelling reason for their re-election. Each pointed to George W. Bush’s two-term administration as the main cause of America’s economic malaise. Neither shied away from making a case not only for the person they were there to support, but for how people should vote in the next presidential election.

Clinton also said a few words on behalf of Ann McLane Kuster who is facing Republican Charlie Bass in a bid for the 2nd Congressional District.

The Nashua Police Department arrested a 19-year-old man and charged him with felonious sexual assault after an investigation revealed he was having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Ariel Mendez, 19, of Beech Street in Nashua faces up to 7 years in prison and fines. He was arraigned in Nashua District Court on October 22 and released on $10,000 bond.

“The Nashua Police Department’s Youth Services Division investigated a report of an adult male engaging in sexual contact with a thirteen year old girl,” police said in a statement. “Both Mendez and the child were known to each other.”

Mendez will be back in court for a probable cause hearing int he coming weeks.

While Boston is brimming with hundreds of restaurants, our neighbor to the north has culinary gems of its own. New Hampshire boasts numerous award-winning restaurants that are the perfect excuses for taking a weekend get-away. We’ve listed some of our favorite eateries, so read on to find out where to go and what to do during your foodie excursions.

Portsmouth

Blue Mermaid Island Grill
www.bluemermaid.com
603-427-2583

Portsmouth’s Blue Mermaid Island Grill boasts award-winning Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The unique Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner menus feature gluten-free and vegetarian selections along with plenty to satisfy the most carnivorous palate. Its deck is the perfect spot to sip refreshing margaritas, tropical drinks, and locally brewed beers while listening to live local bands.

The menu includes buttery, to-die-for Lobster and Roasted Corn Chowder (cup $5.50/bowl $7.75), Plantain Encrusted Cod ($20.99), and the Blue Mermaid Salad, a spicy mix of greens, tropical fruit, and lemon pepper vinaigrette ($7.99).

The restaurant was featured on the Food Network show “Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels,” and its awards include Best Fusion Cuisine and one of the Best Seafood Restaurants (New Hampshire Magazine), Portsmouth’s Best Kept Secret (TASTE Magazine), and the Great Ate rating from the Phantom Gourmet as the Phantom’s favorite choice for summertime dining.

What to do in Portsmouth

In addition to its array of cute boutiques and delicious restaurants, Portsmouth is home to the Redhook Brewery, where a tour is just $1, the Strawbery Banke living museum, the Albacore Museum, and the picturesque Isles of Shoals. For a complete listing of things to do in Portsmouth, visit www.PortsmouthNH.com.

Manchester

Cotton
www.cottonfood.com
603-622-5488

Dubbed “hip” by the New York Times, named One of the Ten Best Neighborhood Restaurants in the Northeast by Bon Appetit Magazine, and home to the Best Martinis in New Hampshire for five years in a row, Cotton is the perfect choice for a romantic night out.

Choose from the menu’s simple, unpretentious cuisine, such as the Bistro Steak with mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies ($22), Butternut Squash Ravioli with toasted hazelnuts ($15.50), and Maine Lobster Ravioli with a sherried lobster creme ($21). Even more difficult will be choosing from their gigantic wine list, with over 40 wines available by the glass.

What to do in Manchester

Take a free tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, get your intellectual fix at the Currier Museum of Art, home to the works of such legends as Monet, O’Keefe, and Picasso, or spend a day at the family-friendly SEE Science Center. Visit www.10best.com/Manchester,NH for more information.

Peterborough

Acqua Bistro
www.acquabistro.com
603-924-9905

This quaint town is home to the Acqua Bistro, a homey yet upscale spot that features local and seasonal ingredients. It was given the Best in NH award five times for Best Sweet Treats, Best Alfresco Dining, Best Brunch Escape, Best Bistro-Style Pizza, and Best Brunch in the region.

Inspired by the chef’s broad international repertoi, the menu features a great variety, including Smoked Salmon Pizza with caramelized onions, fennel, capers, and goat cheese creme fraiche ($18), Stuffed Quail with couscous and dried fruit ($15), and a Golden Beet Salad with sun-dried tomato butter, arugula, and goat cheese ($11).

What to do in Peterborough

See a show at the Peterborough Players, or visit the Mariposa Museum. Families will enjoy skiing at the nearby town of Bennington’s Crotched Mountain. Relax and grab a drink at Harlow’s Pub, a hippie hot spot with live music and funky decorations.
Don’t come to Peterborough planning to party, though–it’s cute, but it’s quiet.

Nashua

Stella Blu
www.stellablu-nh.com
603-578-5557

Want a lot of variety but want to spend only a little money? Stella Blu offers ethnic-themed tapas and small plates from $5 to $16. Choose from the Little Italy, Asia Town, Latin Quarter, and Main St. USA menus, which feature Lamb Lollipops with roasted plums and blood orange syrup ($16), Arancini, which are fried risotto balls stuffed with prosciutto and cheese ($8), and cheesy Shrimp ‘n Grits ($10).

Stella Blu’s food is plated like works of art, and its atmosphere is hip yet inviting. The Hippo Press awarded it the Best New Eatery in Nashua, Best Bar Menu in Nashua, Best Bartender in Nashua, and Best Cocktail in Nashua. It was a New Hampshire Magazine’s Editor’s Pick in 2009.

What to do in Nashua

Leave that pesky sales tax behind and shop at the million-square-foot Pheasant Lane Mall, see a performance by the Nashua Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, or visit the Stonyfield Farm Yogurt Factory in nearby Londonderry. Go to www.nashuachamber.com/visitors/todo.htm for more ideas.

Concord

The Barley House Restaurant and Tavern
www.thebarleyhouse.com
603-228-6363

Concord’s Barley House earned national recognition when it debuted its “Huckaburger,” made with bison, baby spinach, sprouts, tomato, and a fried pickle, in honor of former Arkansas and 2008 presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. It was featured in TIME Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, and it was talked about on “Good Morning America” and MTV, to name a few. This big burger is just one reason to eat at the Barley House, which was voted home to New Hampshire’s best burger by New Hampshire Magazine in 2009.

While listening to live Irish music, munch on something unique, like their Blarney Puffs, fried dumplings with cheddar cheese, scallions, and potato with a Guinness cheese sauce ($6.99), some traditional pub food, like their Guinness Beef Stew ($13.99), or one of their famous burgers, such as the Coffee BBQ Bacon Bison Burger, made with New Hampshire-raised bison ($9.99). Even vegetarians will find something delicious, from their Roasted Veggie Pizza ($11.99) to their Parmesan Portabella Pasta ($13.99).

What to do in Concord

Get a history lesson in the state’s capital at the Museum of New Hampshire History, take the kids and visit the Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center or the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, or see a show at the Capitol Center for the Arts.

Paola Dias’ pregnancy resulted not only in the beginning of a beautiful new life but also the birth of a successful new business. She and her husband, Mike, moved from Northern California to bucolic New Hampshire recently.

"We live on a farm in a rural area," Dias said. "There aren’t a lot of jobs here, you kind of have to create your own. It’s a place where you just get really imaginative."

When Paola found out she was expecting, opportunity came knocking, organically. With the original goal of tracking the growth and shape of his wife’s belly month-to-month, Mike started tracing her bump against the wall, like parents do with their children to track their height. Both Paola and Mike grew up in creative families; Paola paints and Mike’s mother is an artist. For these two parents-to-be, pencil wasn’t enough.

"Tons" of art supplies made the trek with them across country and so they began to utilize what they had around the house and kept the creative juices flowing. "First of all, we started to make a mess," Paola laughed. But with some Japanese "shumi" ink that they had, what was created was "…so beautiful, it was this graceful outline." They then experimented with ground earth ochres mixed with water, which produced vibrant colors. Calligraphy brushes painted polished lines.

Paola wasn’t particularly fond of the idea of her nude body decorating their home, so baby belly photographs weren’t an option.

"I wanted something I could frame and put in my baby nursery or around the house, something more subtle,” she said. “So we decided to pursue it." The couple realized that the quality of their supplies was directly linked to the beauty in the product, so they ordered paper from Thailand, all-natural ochres, and calligraphy brushes.

Paola and Mike were so thrilled by their results that they decided to design some "kits" for some friends who were also expecting.

"We put them together because we thought we had come up with a great idea." Eventually, people they didn’t even know were asking for kits and the Dias’ realized they had stumbled upon something beautiful, with just a bit of creativity and some household supplies.

Not exactly the next Picasso? Doesn’t make a difference, according to Paola. "It’s really easy," she said. People who have never done it before paint amazingly and each woman expresses her creativity differently. "It was so great to see it with other people; they all have the same reaction, like ‘Oh my gosh, that is my body.’"

Not only does "Art Bellies," the official name of Paola and Mike Dias’ business, give you a tangible and visible memory of your pregnant belly, the physical act of creating the art enables the expectant mother to be more open and at peace with her body.

"When parents find out they are having a baby, everyone rushes out to buy stuff, not many people create,” Dias said. “It’s nice to slow down, be more mindful and love your body. It gets you grounded with your body. That’s something that is really joyful for us to see."

Art Bellies kits have been a success as a baby shower gift and/or game. Dias said women love to help each other create a beautiful outline of their bellies. A lot of parents, after the baby is born, stamp the baby’s footprint on the belly sketch, which makes for a special keepsake. Paola has seen women display the prints in offices, nurseries, and living rooms. They even had some silhouettes on display in the maternity ward of a New Hampshire hospital. One of the OB/GYN doctors loved them so much he took one home for his office.

Paola and Mike Dias are very optimistic about the future. Having started the business during one of the toughest economic times this country has seen in years, they feel fortunate to have created a business from simply doing something they love. They hope to expand Art Bellies as any small business might grow, focusing on the here and now.

They’re currently working on the packaging, making it more retail specific. Each Art Bellies kit comes with one white handmade paper, a color paper of choice that goes with the elements (air, earth, fire, water), all made of recyclable material, as well as the calligraphy brushes and ochres.

Only one year old, this budding business is destined for success. After all, women will always be having babies, right? Paola Dias teaches Spanish part-time and cares for their nine-month-old daughter. Her husband, Mike, is a technical writer. The couple is inspired by the natural art all around them in their small New Hampshire town, and hopes to continue to share their inspiration with parents-to-be around the world.

Art Bellies kits are sold online at their website and also at retailers in the New Hampshire area. They were recently featured in Pregnancy and Newborn magazines.

A snow storm made this West Chesterfield, N.H. reader’s mini gas grill look like Darth Vader

It’s actually an uncanny resemblance. Thankfully, the snow did not make the grill look like Jesus, or we’d have a serious religious phenomenon on our hands in New Hampshire.

Pennsylvania and New Hampshire have been called for Sen. Barack Obama, by NBC News and other media outlets.

Losing Pennsylvania is a huge negative for the McCain camp, he hoped to carry that state.‚  He has spent a lot of time there recently and his advisors said he’d made a lot of ground.

He really needed it to balance out losing the smaller states.

Blue east coast states have also been called, Maryland, Illinois and Delaware among them.‚  McCain carries Tennessee, Oklahoma and South Carolina, no big surprises.

Check out our state-by-state results in the Terra blog and in the election section for real-time updates.

(See also: “Hillary wins round 2, shocking the Obama crowd” on Blast’s PSA Blog)

NASHUA, N.H. — Senator Hillary Clinton took an early lead and held on to defeat Senator Barack Obama.

The Associated press was the first to call the race for Clinton, NBC News followed before CNN around 11 p.m.

Obama was hoping to get a boost from college towns, but in the end he came up short.

Former Senator John Edwards finished a distant and disappointing third with about 17 percent of the vote.

Senator John McCain has won among the Republicans, it is projected. Iowa winner Mike Huckabee looks to finish third ahead of Rudy Giuliani

Turnout has been upwards of 70 percent statewide — over 500,000 votes.

McCain gave his victory speech around 9:30 p.m. local time. No word from Mitt Romney. Senator Obama conceded around 11 p.m.

Though he talked about winning and had the crowd cheering "Mich-i-gan" and "Mac-Is-Back," his enthusiasm giving a prepared speech seemed to be lacking … his crowd didn’t seem to mind though.

As the world looks to New Hampshire, turn to BLAST.

Stick with Blast’s political blogs, PSA and Touch of Class for more developments.

Blast’s reporters be updating their stories all night as returns come in and reactions start.

Trevor Timm reported from Nashua, N.H. Blast Magazine staff writers Heidi Buchanan and John Guilfoil and correspondents Colin Vallance, Kellen Rice and Ryan Rice contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON — In what could become one of the most spectacular front-runner failures in presidential politics, rivaling that of Howard Dean in 2004 and Edward Muskie 1972, Hillary Clinton is now rumored to be considering whether or not to drop out of the election if she suffers a heavy loss in New Hampshire as she did in Iowa.

Senator Clinton is facing double defeats in Iowa and New Hampshire if current polls are indicative of the way the Tuesday night primary election will swing with Senator Barack Obama currently leading the way in New Hampshire with 39 percent to Clinton’s 29 percent in the most recent polls. (CNN, January 5).

Insiders are rumored to be split on the issue with advisers like James Carville who led her husband’s campaigns “urging her to fight it out through at least February and Super Tuesday, where she has a shot at thwarting Barack Obama in a big state” according to the Drudge Report.

“She can’t take multiple double-digit losses in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada,” laments one top campaign insider told the Drudge Report. “If she gets too badly embarrassed, it will really harm her. She doesn’t want the Clinton brand to be damaged with back-to-back-to-back defeats.”

Officially, Senator Clinton’s campaign has indicated that she has no reason whatsoever to drop out after only one loss. But with her national lead eroding, and fundraising numbers down it, will be interesting to watch how her strategy changes to handle her shattered myth of her inevitability. Given her show of emotion at an event in New Hampshire last night, her patriotism and passion finally showing through her thick skin, the speculation of her withdrawal is likely just that…