Henry Nodarse, 49 Has been located safely!

July 31, 2010

The Boston Police has released a “located safe release” for Mr. Nodarse. We are very happy that he has been located and reunited with his family.  Photo removed for privacy purposes. Thank you to all who helped look for Mr. Nodarse.

www.lostnmissing.com LostNMissing, Inc. is a state and federally recognized 501c(3) Non-Profit charitable organization to assist the families of missing. We strive to help prevent loved ones from going missing and to bring awareness of those who are, by providing support to families while educating others. We work with various law enforcement agencies across the country, on behalf of families of missing, and help to bring awareness via community workshops, media, internet and social networking for missing loved ones. We never charge a fee for our services.

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By Cynthia Caron | Posted in Alert | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

African Puppy Scam, Details Revealed

July 30, 2010

Just about two months ago, Londonderry Hometown Online News received an email asking for help. Two Yorkie puppies needed a new home due to a move the family was making. The family was unable to take the dogs with them, and, wanting a good home for their precious pooches, asked us to publish an ad for the dogs. The family was also willing to provide us with a credit card number in which the fee for the ad could be charged to.

Following a run of successful stories that found homes for dogs we thought why not.  Our assumption was it must be another Londonderry family in need.

FREE TO GOOD HOME,2 YORKIE PUPPIES RE-HOMING, AKC REG, CONTACT THE OWNER VIA EMAIL FOR MORE DETAILS AT: name_removed@gmail.com

We emailed back to ask if photos were available, the were sent within moments of asking.

“I suspect this is a scam. I contacted the owner only to find out that the “puppies” are in Africa and if I send them money, they’ll ship them to me. Be wary,” said the commenter.  The commenter also thought it was a valid opportunity to help.  She was disappointed finding out it was clearly a scam.

After sending an email thanking the reader, we requested a copy of the email she had received from the Yorkies’ “owner.” We also emailed the owner to see what response we would receive. Both the email we received, and the reader’s email, were identical, both asked for money, and both stated the family was on a “missionary trip to West Africa.”  A email from our news address went unanswered, it was clear they knew we were on to them.

Immediately after we received the comment alerting us to the scam, we removed the story from the site. Through further contact with the reader, it was brought to our attention that there were several suspicions to the story. “A few things that gave me a pause what his claim to their ages and size,” wrote the reader. “The one with the raised ears is no way 14 weeks old, nor are they that size. The ears wouldn’t be standing up at that age, and also the gray coming in on the chest wouldn’t be occurring that early. That same one is said to be a male, but has a barrette in it’s hair. Strange. Also, if they’re only 14 weeks old, and can’t be released from their mother until 8 weeks, am I to believe that within 6 weeks, they’ve traveled to Africa, set up their mission, and have determined that it’s too hot.”

Just this week, New Hampshire’s Attorney General Michael A. Delaney, released a warning regarding a very similar story.

In the warning, he stated that “The advertisement instructs prospective buyers to wire money in advance and refers them to a money wiring service such as Western Union or Money Gram. In other cases, the scammer sends a check or money order to the victim in advance to cover shipping or insurance costs. They typically send too much money and instruct the victim to forward the overpayment by wire transfer. Of course, their method of payment turns out to be fake, which the consumer only discovers after wiring the money to the scammer. When the puppy is not delivered, the buyer discovers he/she has been scammed and all attempts to contact the seller are unsuccessful. In the latest incarnation of this scam, the dog owner claims to be a missionary serving in Africa.”

Also included in the statement was the following advice to help protect the public against future scams:

  • Wiring money is like sending cash. Never wire money or give your account information to anyone unless you are absolutely sure you want that person or company to have it. Purchases online should be made via methods that offer fraud protection.
  • Know the person with whom you are dealing and independently confirm your seller’s name, address, and telephone number. Ask for and verify references.
  • Resist pressure to “act now.” If an offer sounds too good to be true it usually is.
  • Check to make sure there are no scam alerts issued against the seller. You can search for that information on the internet, or by contacting the Federal Trade Commission or this Office at the e-mail address or websites shown below.
  • Trust your instincts. If you do not feel comfortable with the seller or with the suggested arrangements, walk away from any further dealings with that person or company.
  • If the seller wants you to use a service you have not heard of, be sure to check it out for reliability – check its website, call its customer service hotline, and read its terms of agreement and privacy policy. If you do not feel comfortable with the service, do not use it.
  • Simply because an advertisement is in a legitimate media outlet – like the local newspaper or radio station – does not guarantee that the company placing it is trustworthy.
  • You should always ask to talk with the seller’s veterinarian prior to purchasing a puppy.

If you’ve responded to “puppy scam” via email, please forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission at spam(at symbol)uce.gov and notify the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. Also, if you have doubts about the legitimacy of an advertisement, call the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau at 603-271-3641 or 1-888-468-4454. For more information on consumer fraud, visit the Bureau’s website.

Be sure to read Londonderry Hometown Online News’ original ad for the puppies, as well as the email that was sent by the Yorkies’ “owner” by clicking Read More.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Town | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Londonderry Bank Robbery Just One of Ten

July 14, 2010

Wednesday 6pm Update

The Bangor Daily News is reporting that the Burly Bandit may have been arrested at a hotel in the  Bangor Maine area this morning.  The Burly Bandit was reported as a Greyhound Bus driver, the FBI found currency inside a storage area of the bus he drove from Boston to Bangor.

Read the full local story by Nik–Noi Richer of the Bangor Daily News

Just last month, Londonderry’s Hampshire First Bank was robbed at gunpoint by a man now known as the “Burly Bandit.” That same day, the man also robbed the Hampstead Pentucket Bank. After compiling witness descriptions and photographs taken during the robberies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has reason to believe that the man that robbed the Londonderry bank has robbed an additional nine banks in four different states.

The “Burly Bandit” has consistently been described as a white male in his late forties to early fifties, weighing approximately 250 to 300 pounds, standing about 6 feet tall, and having short brown hair. He has used several different methods to conceal his identity, including a variety of hats, bluish-gray wigs, and sunglasses.

During each of the ten robberies, the man has threatened to kill the bank teller, and has had a weapon. After receiving the cash, the man flees on foot in an unknown direction. The man is to be considered armed and dangerous.

The FBI is looking for any additional information on the “Burly Bandit.” Anyone with information is urged to call the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force at 617-742-5533. The FBI is offering an award of up to $20,000 leading to the arrest and apprehension of the man believed to be responsible for these robberies. Also, the Massachusetts Bankers Association Tip Program is offering an additional reward of up to $5,000.

To read the article about the Londonderry robbery, go to Hampshire First Bank Robbed at Gunpoint in Londonderry. Photos given to us by the FBI.

To view more photos of the “Burly Bandit,” and see the complete list of locations and dates of the robberies, click Read More.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Town, Fire & Police Logs, Help | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comment (1)

Bacteria Blooms in New Hampshire Waters

July 11, 2010

An alarming amount of cyanobacteria in New Hampshire waters has began to concern the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES). Because cyanobacteria has always been common in lakes and ponds, the DES Beach Program has always monitored the amounts. Low amounts pose little to no threat to people and animals. It’s when the numbers rise, and the algae becomes visible to not just experts, that the DES becomes alarmed.

The cyanobacteria appears in “blooms” on top of lakes and ponds when the conditions are optimal. The bacteria cells thrive in nutrient rich waters and rise to the surface. The blooms are aesthetically displeasing, often looking like spilled paint on the surface, car antifreeze, or floating bluish green chunks. They may also turn the water bright green, like pea soup, or blue-green. Blooms may also produce a septic or grassy odor and will taste unpleasant.

The bacteria is dangerous because it releases toxins, called “cyanotoxins,” when the cells die or are consumed. The amount of bacteria will vary over time, and from lake to lake. There is no known method to predict the toxin content of blooms. There is also no knowledge about whether the bacteria are a significant problem for drinking water.

The cyanotoxins have adverse health effects, including death in livestock, domestic animals and humans. The toxins attack the liver, kidney, and central nervous system, and cause skin irritation. The bacteria can cause both acute and chronic illness. Acute illnesses include skin and mucous membrane irritations and can occur after short term exposure to the bacteria. Chronic illnesses include liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage that can occur after long term exposure or ingestion.

The DES is asking residents who suspect the presence of cyanobacteria in nearby ponds and lakes to contact them immediately. Call 603-271-2457 or email beaches@des.nh.gov and the DES will conduct a site visit.

Click read more to see a list of the species of the cyanobacteria and their side effects. To see if beaches in your area are closed due to cyanobacteria, visit the DES’s Current Advisories list. And remember, don’t swim, wade, drink from, or allow pets or animals to go near ponds and lakes with red warning signs.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Nutfield | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Attorney General Issues Warning for Hampstead Area Donors

July 9, 2010

Attorney General Michael A. Delaney has issued an alert to citizens in the Hampstead area. Ready to Play Athletic Association of Hampstead, NH, a non-profit, charitable organization, has not registered with the Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Unit as required by law. Repeated requests have been made to the organization to file the required documentation. The organization’s failure to file is in violation of New Hampshire laws including, but not limited to, RSA 7:28 I (registration requirements), RSA 7:28 II (reporting requirement), RSA 7:28 VI (breach of trust) and RSA 7:28-f (penalties).

Ready to Play Athletic Association was formed in 2006 as “a non-profit association committed [sic] to raising funds for area youth sports in the surrounding communities of Hampstead, Salem, Atkinson, & Windham.” It is subject to the jurisdiction of the Charitable Trusts Unit pursuant to RSA 7:21, II(b)(2) (“…established, in whole or in part, for any benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, educational, humane, scientific, public health, environmental conservation, civic, or other charitable purpose or any person who in any manner employs a charitable appeal as the basis of any solicitation or an appeal that suggests that there is a charitable purpose to any solicitation …”).

A request was made to the organization to file an application for registration on November 2, 2006. Two years later, on November 7, 2008, another request was made. Former Director Michael DeLucia sent a certified request for registration to the organization on December 29, 2008. Finally, one of the officers from the Ready to Play Athletic Association, Owen McGarrahan, telephoned the Charitable Trusts Unit. McGarrahan stated that the address of the organization was incorrect and he hoped to file the registration by the end of January, 2009. On February 23, 2009, a letter was sent requesting the status of the registration application.

When no response was received by the organization, the Director scheduled a Notice of Attend Investigation. This required officers and directors of the organization to appear before him to explain why the filing requirements were not met. Representatives from the organization did not appear on the time and date specified. A letter was then sent on May 28, 2009 regarding this failure to appear.

On June 8, 2009, the Charitable Trusts Unit received an incomplete application for registration from the Ready to Play Athletic Organization. On June 30, 2009, a letter requesting the additional documents necessary to complete the registration was sent to the organization. When no response was received, Director DeLucia sent a certified request for these document on August 17, 2009. Again, no response was received and another Notice to Attend Investigation was scheduled for January 4, 2010.

No representatives from the organization appeared on the time and date scheduled. Follow-up letters were sent on January 8, 2010, and again on February 18, 2010. No response was received from the organization. Another Notice to Attend Investigation was scheduled on April 27, 2010, and once again no on appeared. After the final hearing, a letter was sent to all board members on May 17, 2010, stating if no response was received a consumer alert would be issued. There has been no response from the Ready to Play Athletic Association.

Attorney General Delaney, with help from current Director of Charitable Trusts Anne Edwards, is considering pursuing legal action in the Rockingham County Superior Court to compel the organization to register and report to the Trusts Unit. According to New Hampshire law, the organization could face penalties including $10,000 for every violation of the laws.

Attorney General Delaney asks potential donors to exercise extreme caution before donating to the Ready to Play Athletic Association of Hampstead. If any citizen receives a request for donations from the organization, they should notify the Charitable Trusts Unit immediately at 603-271-3591.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Town | Tagged , , , , , , | Comment (1)

Brothers Need a Good Home

July 7, 2010

Two cats are looking for a new home. They are both very adorable, sweet cats who warm up pretty quickly to new people and love to cuddle. The cats, Oliver and Alex, are brothers from the same litter, and have great personalities.

Both Oliver and Alex have had all their shots and vet visits. They have been indoor cats all their lives. They are six years old, and would ideally do best staying indoor cats, as they are not used to being outside.

Alex is the black cat pictured, and has a white belly. Oliver is the tiger top cat, and also has a white belly. The owner is looking for someone who would be willing to adopt both cats and keep them together. If you’d like to know more, or meet Alex and Oliver, please email amyplourde@comcast.net.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Town, Help | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Ozone And Particle Pollution Threaten New Hampshire

July 6, 2010

Due to persistent high temperatures, light winds, and constant sunny skies, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has predicted unhealthy levels of air pollution. The DES has declared today, July 6, as Air Quality Action Day. They have found unhealthy concentrations of ground-level ozone, the main component in smog. Also, the DES warns that concentrations of fine particle pollution are predicted to reach unhealthy levels. The combination of the two pollutants may intensify health effects.

The DES is warning sensitive individuals in Rockingham, Cheshire, and Hillsborough Counties to take precautions to protect their health by reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Sensitive individuals include children, older adults, and anyone with heart or lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis, as well as people who are active outdoors. The DES is also warning people who are healthy to limit strenuous activity, and that they may suffer mild health effects.

Symptoms of ozone exposure include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain when inhaling deeply, and shortness of breath. Fine particle pollution exposure may cause symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue in those with heart disease. People with lung disease may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as normal and may experience coughing or shortness of breath.

The severity of the symptoms is expected to increase as the levels of ozone and fine particle pollutions increase. The DES also warns that the fine particle pollution may cause limited visibility. Additional advisories may be made if the unhealthy air quality is expected to continue later in the week. For more information, call the DES at 603-271-1370. For air quality forecasts or current air pollution levels in New Hampshire, call 1-800-935-SMOG, or visit the Department of Environmental Services website. Also, sign up for email alerts.

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Town, Outdoors | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

State Police Warn Drunk and Reckless Drivers

July 2, 2010

With the approaching holiday weekend, New Hampshire State Police plan on cracking down on drivers. Extra troopers will be assigned to help reduce traffic violations and accidents. Incidents include speeding, reckless driving, and impaired driving.

“It is our goal to impress upon potential violators the seriousness of these offenses and their potential consequences,” says New Hampshire State Police Lieutenant William Magee. “We implore those who plan to drink, to do so responsibly. Please utilize the services of a cab, limo, or plan ahead to have a designated driver,” Magee continues.

As a final warning, Magee cautions, “If you do drive drunk, know that there will be troopers looking for you and expect to be arrested.”

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By Jacklynn Weeks | Posted in Alert, Around Town, Fire & Police Logs | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)