HENNIKER, N.H.

Two Senate candidates spar over tax cuts and gay rights

Republican Senate candidate Kelly Ayotte cast herself Monday at her first debate with Democratic Rep. Paul Hodes as a Washington outsider who would cut taxes, while Hodes accused her of not thinking of the pain that spending cuts could cause.

At their debate at New England College, Ayotte described herself as a conservative New Hampshire native unafraid to reduce spending and taxes.

Hodes criticized Ayotte for wanting to cut spending – such as her call to repeal health care reforms – without considering what harm could ensue.

The two sparred over whether to extend George W. Bush-era tax cuts. Hodes supports the extension for all but the wealthy. Ayotte said that would hurt thousands of small-business owners whose profits are treated as income under tax laws.

They also differed on gay rights. Ayotte said she opposes gays adopting children or marrying – both of which are legal in New Hampshire – but that she supports the state’s right to set those policies. Hodes supports gay marriage and adoption as important equality rights.

LYNDONVILLE, Vt.

Slain grandmother of nine recalled in funeral service

Family and friends of a Vermont woman who was abducted and slain are remembering her as an active, engaged senior who made a big impact on her community.

In a funeral Mass on Monday, 78-year-old Pat O’Hagan’s family recalled her busy golden years in her adopted hometown of Sheffield, Vt. They said the sense of community she engendered with her volunteer work and community activities was her final gift to her loved ones.

O’Hagan, a grandmother of nine who moved to Vermont from Chelmsford, Mass., was reported missing Sept. 11. Her body was found in a wooded area on Oct. 3. Police say O’Hagan was killed, but they haven’t given a cause of death.

BENNINGTON, Vt.

Two women given citations for 77 cats living in two cars

Two women have been cited for animal cruelty in Vermont after police found 77 cats living in two cars.

The Bennington Banner reported that prosecutors will consider whether to upgrade the civil citations to criminal charges against 54-year-old Regina Millard and 61-year-old Bertha Ryan, both of Troy, N.Y.

Police say one of the cats was found dead in the trunk of one of the cars last week. Plates of food were inside and some of the cats had fecal matter matted to their fur.

Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette says the women owned two of the cats and were apparently looking for homes for the rest.

SHREWBURY, Mass.

Woman arrested for DUI after rear-ending cruiser

A woman who was allegedly drunk behind the wheel in Shrewsbury appears to have picked the wrong vehicle to run into.

Col. Marian McGovern, the commander of the state police, was waiting at a red light on Route 20 early Monday when authorities said her unmarked cruiser was rear-ended.

State police said McGovern, who wasn’t hurt, got out of her cruiser to check on the other driver and determined that the woman was under the influence of alcohol.

McGovern called another cruiser to the scene and 51-year-old Donna Sclamo, of Worcester, was arrested.

DUNSTABLE, Mass.

Skydiver gets stuck in tree, dangles for three hours

It was a harrowing experience for a skydiver who got stuck in a tree after veering off course on Monday.

The 35-year-old man, whose name was not released, was freed by rescuers in the afternoon after spending about three hours dangling at least 70 feet above the ground.

The parachuter appeared to make it through the ordeal in good condition, but was taken to a hospital as a precaution.