Local and regional news

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Maryland Man Rescued Off Castle Ravine Trail

Low and Burbanks Grant- On Wednesday. August 12th at approximately 2:45 PM, Fish and Game Conservation Officers received a call for an injured hiker on the Castle Ravine Trail in Low and Burbanks Grant.  Officers spoke with the patient over cell phone and identified him as 36 year old Christopher Burk of Lutherville, MD. 

Burk explained that he and his party were attempting to complete the Presidential Traverse when a member of his party began experiencing high levels of fatigue. Due to this issue, Burk assisted the fatigued partner by descending Castle Ravine Trail in an attempt to get back to the road faster.

On this decent, Burk was carrying his friend’s pack, as well as his own, to make it easier on his friend.  The excess weight of the extra pack caused Burk to lose his balance and slip on a rock, injuring his lower leg so badly he couldn’t walk out or put weight on it.  Burk reported that he, “heard a crack, and knew he couldn’t continue.”  A 911 call was placed by the victim. 

After plotting his location, Conservation Officers found that Burk and his hiking partner were approximately a quarter mile below the mountain ridgeline and approximately 4 miles from Route 2. 

Due to the location of the patient as well as the sheer difficulty of the trail he was on, Conservation Officers deemed that it would be safer for rescuers to call for a National Guard helicopter than to attempt the 8-10 hour carryout with 30 to 50 volunteers that would otherwise be required. 

The National Guard rescue helicopter made contact with Burk and his hiking companion around 6:20 PM. They were hoisted into the helicopter and brought down to the Gorham Airport where they were met by Conservation Officers as well as Gorham Fire Department and Gorham Ambulance members. 

Burk was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin by Gorham Ambulance for further treatment of his injuries. 

The hiking party was well prepared for the hike as they had brought many days supply of clothing and food as well as the necessary “10 Essentials.” 

It was determined that in helping a member of his party down the mountain who was not fully physically prepared for the rigors of the Presidential Traverse hike, Burk injured himself.

No further information at this time. 

Source: NH Fish & Game Press Release

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Join Memorial Hospital’s “Leap into Health after Labor Day” Challenge

NORTH CONWAY, NH – “Memorial Hospital’s new Leap into Health After Labor Day Challenge will help participants create healthy habits by moving more and eating less.

The free challenge is open to all Mt. Washington Valley residents and runs from September 7th through October 18th.

“We are committed to and promoting the health of our community. This is a fun, interactive wellness challenge to kick-off after Labor Day to get our community moving,” said Heather Phillips Community Health Program Manager at Memorial Hospital.

“The challenge goal is to help the community improve their personal health through different wellness areas. There are daily tasks for participants such as trying a new vegetable or taking ten minutes to stretch and calm the mind. We encourage participants to use the environment around us, whether it be visiting local hiking trails or a virtual workout class. We want people to experience different types of fitness to see what is right for them and create lifelong health habits,” said Phillips.

This competition is not a weight loss challenge, but is based on a point system. Participants will have a chance to earn up to 42 points each week by following the core healthy habits, such as drinking water or getting adequate sleep. In addition to the core points, there are daily tasks. The point system encourage participants to focus on different wellness categories and not just the one that tends to be their strength.

Participants are encouraged, but not required, to join a Facebook group where they can interact with other challenge members in the community. The group will also offer tips and tricks to help participants in their wellness journey.

The top three participants will receive Amazon gift cards, ranging from $100 to $200. There will also be bonus prizes for interacting with the Facebook group or completing additional challenges.

There is no fee to register. Registration forms are available online
memorialhospitalnh.org/MEMLEAP and on the Memorial Leap into Health Facebook group.  For more information please call Heather Phillips at 603-356-5461 x2187.

At the end of the 6-week challenge, participants will need to submit their calendar with total points via email to hphillips@memorialhospitalnh.org or mail to

Memorial Hospital, c/o Heather Phillips,
3073 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH 03860.

All point calendars must be submitted by October 21st. Prize winners will be announced on October 26th.

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Obesity in Carroll County

America faces the problem of obesity. Studies show one-third of America’s population is overweight. There are over 41 million kids in the U.S. that suffer from being overweight or obese. Over 340 million minors and teenagers from five to 19 are obese. Throughout America, over the last 20 years, the sad news shows how much the problem has grown.

What About New Hampshire?

The obesity rate in the state of New Hampshire in adults is 35.9 percent. New Hampshire ranks at 33rd for obesity in the U.S. Studies show the effects of lacking physical activities, and unhealthy eating habits are the leading causes of overweight and obesity.

Now Let’s Take a Closer Look at Carroll County, New Hampshire

Data collected by Dietspotlight, a resource website designed to help men and women find diet, weight-loss, workout, and healthy lifestyle programs, shows that some parts of New Hampshire are fighting a harder obesity battle than others.

According to the data, men in Carroll County, New Hampshire weigh about 200 pounds, on average. They have a body mass index, or BMI, of 32.3. Women weigh about 188 pounds with a BMI of 34. Those BMI measurements place both men and women in then obese categories.

Overall, residents of the county need to lose upwards of 60+ pounds to reach a healthy weight. That’s “6% higher than the state average of 57 pounds and 2% higher than the country average of 59 pounds,” according to Dietspotlight.

What is the State of New Hampshire Doing to Fight Obesity?

The state government of New Hampshire met with health officials to lower the number of obesity by forming organizations focused on results. In 2008, Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) started and is still in effect. They designed a blueprint to inspire people to quit smoking, take part in more physical activities, and eat healthier. The group consists of over 200 people and more than 45 organizations. They also added surveillance organizations to monitor nutrition for kids.

All research shared on Dietspotlight is put through a strict review process led by medical and nutrition professionals to ensure validity, relevance, and timeliness of research.

 

Sources:

https://medalerthelp.org/obesity-statistics/

https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org/states/nh/#:~:text=New%20Hampshire%27s%20adult%20obesity%20rate%20is%20currently%2029.6%25%2C,reduce%20obesity.%20According%20to%20the%20most%20recent%20data%2C

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/stateprograms/fundedstates/pdf/New-Hampshire-State-Profile.pdf

https://statistics.dietspotlight.com/NH/Carroll/

https://www.dietspotlight.com

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Domestic Violence Charge in Wolfeboro

Mr. Aiden Haughey (26) – Picture Courtesy of Wolfeboro Police Dept

 

On August 8th, 2020 at 2:34pm Officer Boucher was roadside speaking with Lt. Fogarty, NHSP Troop E, Commander, when he heard racing engines, horns honking, and yelling coming from west to east on Center Street.  A silver pickup truck, driven by a Mr. Aiden Haughey (26) went by with a male hanging out the passenger side window and it was followed by a red pickup truck approximately one foot off Aiden’s bumper.  Both vehicles were stopped, and the investigation found that both vehicles were coming from a Wolfeboro address where an assault had occurred.  Mr. Haughey was later taken into custody and transported to CCJ for bail.  He was given a court date for September 2, at 8:00am, to appear before the 3rd Circuit District Court Ossipee. He was charged with Domestic Violence and Simple Assault. The driver of the second vehicle was issued a hand summons for Negligent Driving.

Source: Wolfeboro Police Department Press Release

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Injured Hiker Rescued from Lion Head Trail

Sargent’s Purchase – Rescue personnel from NH Fish & Game, Androscoggin Valley Search & Rescue (AVSAR), Mountain Rescue Services (MRS), and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) responded to a call of an injured hiker on the Lion Head summer trail in Sargent’s Purchase Sunday afternoon.  The initial 911 call came in at approximately 1:45 p.m. and reported that a 44-year-old male hiker had suffered a serious lower leg injury while descending Lion Head Trail and needed to be carried down the trail.  Conservation Officers utilized their department issued ATVs to drive up the Sherburne Ski trail to the Hermit Lake Shelter to help expedite the rescue.  Due to the nature of the injury, assistance with patient transport was requested from Gorham Fire Department.  They responded with the Southern Coos County Emergency Response Rescue Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) which was able to ascend the Sherburne Ski Trail where they met the rescue crew.

Rescuers made initial contact with the victim, identified as Eric Eldridge of Center Ossipee, NH at 4:45 p.m. approximately ¼ mile up Lion Head Trail from the Tuckerman Ravine Trail junction.  He was assessed and provided initial medical treatment by an EMT from AVSAR.  He was placed in the litter at approximately 5:10 p.m. and the rescue crew began the slow carryout down steep terrain to the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.  From there he was carried up to the Hermit Lake Shelter and then down the Sherburne Ski Trail.  On the Sherburne trail the crew was met by the Rescue UTV.  From there he was secured on the UTV and driven down the rest of the trail to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center arriving at 7:45 p.m. 

Along with the Conservation Officers, AVSAR, MRS, and AMC members, several other hikers volunteered in carrying Eldridge down the trail.  

Eldridge had been attempting a day hike up Tuckerman Ravine Trail to the summit of Mt. Washington and had been on his way back down when the accident occurred. 

Source: NH Fish & Game Press Release

 

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North Conway Library Announces Matching Gift Challenge

  Photo Courtesy of North Conway Library: Library Director Andrea Masters and Sharon Wroblewski with grandchildren Hazel and Teddy.

 

The North Conway Public Library is excited to announce a matching gift challenge as part of their capital campaign “An Exciting New Chapter.” Through the generosity of long-standing patrons Sharon and Ted Wroblewski, donations made through August 15th will be matched, up to a total of $5,000 for all donations.

“It is exciting to drive through the village and see this project take shape,” said Sharon Wroblewski. “With all the new construction in recent years, it is wonderful that the preservation of this historic library was an important consideration in the expansion plans. The new addition blends seamlessly with the old and it is absolutely beautiful!”

The project got started with a $3 million donation from Lyman Pope and construction began in August of 2019. The library continues its community fundraising efforts to raise the remaining $420,000 through donations and grants. “We understand that these are challenging times and raising funds in the current climate is a big ask,” said Andrea Masters, Library Director. “We are hopeful now that the building progress is so visible to the community that they will be motivated to show their support with a donation.”

“We are thrilled to have the Wroblewski’s gift to offer encouragement to bolster donations”, said Kate Lamneck, Capital Campaign Chair. “Any amount is appreciated and with a matching grant those small donations become even more important.”

Donations can be made online on the library’s website at NorthConwayLibrary.com or checks sent to NCPL, PO Box 409, North Conway, NH 03860. Pledge forms and more detailed information about the capital campaign and building project are available at NorthConwayLibrary.com.

Source: North Conway Library Press Release

 

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Memorial Hospital Adds Asymptomatic COVID Testing

NORTH CONWAY, NH – Memorial Hospital will begin testing for COVID-19 for persons not experiencing COVID symptoms. The tests are made possible under an agreement with the New Hampshire Department of Health. Testing begins Monday, August 10th and is by appointment only.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the need for increased community testing has grown,” says hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matt Dunn. “We’ve been limited to testing patients with one or more COVID symptoms or who fall into a high risk group such as first responders. Working with the state has helped create opportunities for people without symptoms to be tested.”

Memorial has created a testing center for asymptomatic individuals at its outpatient physical therapy building on the north side of the Hospital campus on Route 16 in North Conway. Patients enter the campus from Route 16 at the “Scheduled Testing” signs and proceed to the testing center on the left. Tests are collected while the patient remains in their vehicle. Dunn adds that appointments for testing are required by calling (603) 356-0673. “It is important for people to call and register for their test. This helps the clinicians work safely with all patients and keeps hospital roadways clear for emergencies.”

Each test takes only a few minutes. Results are available online through MyChart, the hospital’s electronic medical records system. Patients will also receive a telephone call with their results. Testing is planned for weekdays, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Persons with COVID-19 symptoms such as fever and chills, shortness of breath, and loss of taste and smell, can continue to present to the hospital’s emergency department for evaluation. These patients enter the hospital campus from the south entrance on Route 16 and proceed to the emergency department, calling (603) 356-4946 to register from their vehicle.

Memorial only tests for the presence of an active COVID-19 infection. They do not provide an antibody test. 

Before registering for a test it is suggested that patients contact their insurance carrier about coverage and payment for an asymptomatic test. The Hospital will help New Hampshire residents without insurance apply for state funds to cover the cost of their test.

Source: Memorial Hospital Press Release