AUBURN, N.H. (AP) – A male juvenile has been arrested in the theft of a snowmobile that was found in a pond in Auburn.

Police got a call from another snowmobiler, who saw the stolen vehicle in Clark’s Pond Saturday evening. Patrolman Steve Donohue said that when the vehicle was pulled from the pond, police and Fish and Game officers saw that the throttle had been taped so it would run into the water.

He said the juvenile was arrested later Saturday night. Details of his arrest were not available. The snowmobile was taken Friday and reported missing Saturday.

Victims’ Rights Week begins

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Sunday marked the start of national Victims’ Rights Week, and New Hampshire Attorney General Peter Heed will lead the state observance of the progress made in the 16 years of the commemoration.

Heed will be the featured speaker Tuesday evening at a memorial service at St. Paul’s Church for those who have died in violent crimes and those who have survived.

Earlier in the day, a new victims memorial quilt will be displayed.

Ski areas plan close of season

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Despite the snowy weather, five more state ski areas planned to close for the season Sunday, leaving only five open.

Attitash, Cannon, Gunstock, Tenney and Waterville Valley were calling it quits. They join six others that closed last weekend

Remaining open were Bretton Woods, Loon, Sunapee, Ragged and Wildcat.

Privacy laws take effect April 14

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – New federal regulations go into effect April 14 to give hospital patients control over disclosure of medical information about themselves.

The law also applies to other medical providers, including insurers, and will cover even high-profile patients, such as celebrities and VIPs.

If a patient is unable to communicate because of injury in an accident, fire or crime, the hospital can make the determination of what information to disclose in the patient’s best interest.

Benson Liaison

CONCORDF, N.H. (AP) – Gov. Craig Benson has selected a close adviser to be his liaison on emergency management, but won’t say much about her.

Benson pays Angela Blaisdell out of his own pocket to be his liaison to state and federal emergency management officials. She worked for Benson during his last few years with Cabletron, and is not a state employee.

His office won’t disclose information about her education, work experience or qualifications for the job.

“I’m being as honest as I can be for a private citizen,” Benson said.

He said he disagrees with any implication that the governor’s office should be the leader in emergency management, or that Blaisdell should have more safety experience to handle her job. He said the Office of Emergency Management handles all those matters “and it has to be that way” for efficiency and organization.

The liaison acts as the governor’s filter for important updates on any emergencies, such as a bomb threat or an alert at the Seabrook nuclear plant, or any federal matter.

Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen filled the position with two lawyers – her chief of staff and her special counsel.

AP-ES-04-06-03 1321EDT