Legal Pot in Mass., Maine Could Mean N.H. Is Next

Portsmouth, n.h. — New Hampshire lawmakers say legalization of marijuana in Maine and Massachusetts should increase the chance of passing similar laws in the Granite State, while police officials say they’ll continue to arrest people found in possession of pot until the law changes.

State Rep. Renny Cushing, D-Hampton, said in the case of marijuana, bringing to New Hampshire something purchased legally in the two neighboring states can bring as much as a year in jail.

He calls the Nov. 8 votes in Massachusetts and Maine to legalize pot a game-changer in debate over the drug. Portsmouth Police Chief Doug Mara, whose city lies along the narrow strip of New Hampshire seacoast that separates Maine and Massachusetts, told Seacoast Online that his officers will have to enforce New Hampshire’s anti-marijuana laws as long as they remain on the books.

Winter Storm Triggers Power Outages in Vermont

Colchester, Vt. — A winter storm warning is expected to remain in place for much of Vermont through 7 p.m. tonight, with total snow accumulations in some areas reaching as much as 14 inches.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Burlington said they’re expecting the heaviest snow in upper elevations, with lower amounts in the valleys. The winter weather is expected to make for a tough commute this morning.

Meanwhile, crews with Green Mountain Power already were working Sunday to restore to homes and businesses that had lost it in the early stages of the storm, mostly in southwestern Vermont.

Vt. Police: Man in Custody After Firing Numerous Rounds

Montpelier — Vermont State Police say a man has been taken into custody after firing numerous rounds in the southern Vermont town of Saxtons River. Police said several 911 calls came to them from the village shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday reporting that shots were being fired.

Shots continued after troopers arrived, but they were able to talk the man into surrendering.

A police statement said 53-year-old Anthony Smith surrendered without incident after a crisis team member spoke with him.

— Wire reports