North Country

North Country legislators split pretty much along party lines Wednesday on whether to increase the gas and diesel tax and use the money to improve roads and bridges.

Ten Democrats voted in favor of an increase. Six Republicans and one Democrat voted against.

The bill passed 207 – 163.

As NHPR’s Josh Rogers reported the House decided to increase the tax on gas and diesel fuel 15 cents per gallon.

The increase would be phased in over four years for gasoline and six years for diesel.

An amendment to Senate Bill 152, which proposes a single casino in the state, provides details on how money designated for use in the North Country would be used.

Sen. Jeff Woodburn, a Democrat from Dalton, says his amendment:

1) Requires the funds would be managed by “three public members from the North Country appointed by the governor.” Each would serve a two-year term.

2) Requires the money would be used for “job creation, economic stability and other activities which improve the standard of living of residents of the North Country."

The Department of Environmental Services is investigating whether any air-protection measures were violated when several buildings at the Balsams were burned down as part of a renovation.

The fires took place on January 6th and destroyed a large dormitory and a second building once used to produce rubber and latex products.

Three North Country fire departments used the burn as a training exercise.

The fire also saved money for the new owners who wanted to demolish the buildings as part of a planned renovation.

A bill authorizing a casino with 500 slot machines and 150 table games faces its first vote in the senate ways and means committee Tuesday morning.

The proposal enjoys the backing of Governor Maggie Hassan and calls for the casino to be located on the Massachusetts border.

But as NHPR’s Chris Jensen reports, it’s also getting some attention in the North Country.

As drafted, Senate Bill 152, envisions a sending part of of the casino’s profits to the North Country for economic development.

Sen. Jeff Woodburn is a Democrat from Dalton.

A 24-year-old New York man was killed in an avalanche Friday in the Huntington Ravine, according to a news release from the White Mountain National Forest.

The victim was identifed as James Watts, 24.  No hometown was given.

Officials said he was ice climbing alone and was apparently caught by an avalanche and swept about 1,000 feet down the mountain.

A hiker found the body about 3:00 pm.

Compiled by Tova Cohen of Franconia.

The newsletter typically announces events in the next week. The calendar shows you events in the coming months.

LENTEN MUSIC SERIES, LITTLETON

The owners of the closed Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch are playing beat the clock to get an important part of the financing they need to renovate and reopen the resort.

A Milan woman was seriously injured in a snowmobile crash in the North Country on Saturday, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game.

In a news release Conservation Officer Glen Lucas said Ashley Devost, 22, was riding in the dark on Lake Umbagog when she struck the shoreline and was thrown from the machine.

Lucas said Devost had been ice fishing with friends and told them she was going for a short ride. When she didn’t return they began searching. It is thought she  was on the ground for about an hour before being located.