Zander Stockwell
Zander Stockwell

Police Find, Return ‘Runaway’ Dorchester Boy

Plymouth, N.H. — Police on Monday say they have located a missing 15-year-old boy from Dorchester who ran away from home more than a week ago.

The Plymouth Police Department said that Zander Stockwell had been staying in a camper vehicle in town since his disappearance on Oct. 15.

Stockwell’s family, who live on River Road, had told authorities that their boy had camping equipment with him. Before he was found, authorities asked hunters and residents to keep an eye out for him.

In a news release, police said Stockwell had turned up around noon on Monday, and been returned to his family “without incident.”

Candidates Face Off for Vt. House Seats

Norwich — Two incumbent Democrats from Thetford, Jim Masland and Tim Briglin, are unopposed in their bids for re-election to the Vermont House in Windsor-Orange-2, the district encompassing Norwich, Sharon, Strafford and Thetford.

If elected to another two-year term, Masland, a learning consultant and builder, would serve his 10th term in office.

Briglin, a co-founder of investment firm Tuckerman Capital, would win his second.

In the Windsor-Rutland district, a one-seat area that includes Bethel, Pittsfield, Rochester and Stockbridge, state Rep. Sandy Haas, a Progressive from Rochester who also is on the Democratic ballot, faces a challenge from Turtle Party candidate Mason “Cloud” Wade, also of Rochester.

Haas, a retired attorney who runs a bed-and-breakfast, has served in the Vermont House since 2005.

N.H. Police: Autopsy Results Not Available on Body in River

Nashua, n.h. — New Hampshire police say results of an autopsy aren’t available on a body pulled out of a Massachusetts river that’s believed to be a missing teenager.

Based on their initial investigation, Nashua Police Department officials said, clothing description and body condition, they believe it to be 16-year-old Jacob Goulet, of Nashua. But they said on Monday the autopsy results “are not available at this time.”

They said they anticipate having more information today, once the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner completes its investigation.

A Massachusetts State Police helicopter discovered a body in the Merrimack River on Sunday in Tyngsboro.

Goulet’s parents reported him missing on Saturday. Police had received a report on Friday about some personal items found near an open storm drain. Authorities believe he fell down the drain during heavy rain.

Foresters: Drought Has Increased Threat of Wildfires

Concord — New Hampshire forestry and fire officials say it’s been more difficult fighting wildfires because of drought conditions, and they urge residents to be vigilant regarding an increasing threat of wildfires.

With conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme in southern New Hampshire, this fire season likely will be more challenging and potentially more dangerous than normal, they say.

Steven Sherman, chief of the state’s Forest Protection Bureau, says the potential for large wildfires is real as forest fuels continue to dry and new fuels are added with falling leaves.

Authorities say a spark from any type of power equipment can spark a wildfire.

— Staff and wire reports