Also on today’s menu:
National Guard To Join Search-And-Rescue Operations
Divers Find Drowning Victim In Whitefield
Gunman Who Killed Two Also Dies In New Zealand
Governor Chris Sununu, who had been considering a run for president until the Republican field became too crowded, announced on July 19 via Twitter that he will not seek a historic fifth term as governor.
“Public service should never be a career, and the time is right for another Republican to lead our great state,” he wrote. “This was no easy decision as I truly love serving as governor.”
Three Republicans immediately said they would consider running for governor, along with the two Democrats who already had announced their candidacies: Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig. The Republicans who have indicated an interest are former Senate President Chuck Morse, former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, and Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut.
National Guard To Join Search-And-Rescue Operations
The Executive Council has approved a memorandum of understanding between the New Hampshire National Guard and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department that allows the National Guard to join in ground search-and-rescue operations from the Lakes Region to the Southern Border of New Hampshire, under the direction of Fish and Game. Currently, search-and-rescue operations in the state’s southern tier are covered by teams based in northern New Hampshire.
“The mobilization of our National Guard on a voluntary status to assist the Fish and Game Department with search-and-rescue operations in the southern tier of the state will improve response times for those in need of assistance,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “When it comes to protecting the life and safety of Granite Staters, our citizen soldiers and airmen always step up to answer the call. We are grateful for their efforts.”
New Hampshire Adjutant General David Mikolaities noted, “Much of the necessary training for search-and-rescue operations are considered basic tasks for our guardsmen and women. More than 50 have already signed up to be a part of the volunteer team.”
Divers Find Drowning Victim In Whitefield
Divers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department have found the body Caleb Sweatt, 33, of Lancaster, who drowned while kayaking at night with friends on Burns Pond in Whitefield. He was not wearing a personal flotation device.
A caller had reported a possible drowning around 9:30 p.m. on July 17. A search that ultimately included canine units, sonar equipment, a drone, and several boats was suspended at approximately 1 a.m. on July 18, resuming at 7:30 a.m. The search ended at 7:30 a.m. on July 19 when the body was found near the location where the empty kayak and personal gear had been found floating not far from the Parker Road boat launch.
Participating in the search were Whitefield Fire and Rescue, Whitefield Police Department, Dalton Fire Department, New Hampshire State Police, New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
Gunman Who Killed Two Also Dies In New Zealand
A gunman with a pump-action shotgun killed two people and injured six more, including police officers, in Auckland, New Zealand. The gunman also was killed on a construction site in the central business district.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the attack was not considered an act of terrorism, and police ended the threat so there would be no ongoing risk after the incident on Queen Street. No political or ideological motive for the attack had been identified, the prime minister said.
Police say there were reports of a person discharging a firearm inside the construction site, with the gunman moving through the building as he continued to fire. He then went into a lift shaft where police attempted to engage with him. Weapons fire was exchanged, and the gunman was found dead a short time later, police say.
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