Classic Hits Radio - Calais, Maine/St. Stephen, New Brunswick/Machias, Maine

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--RCMP: Beware Of Counterfeit Bills In N.B.

Friday, May 29, 2009

The RCMP is warning residents and merchants to beware of counterfeit $5, $10 and $20 bills circulating throughout New Brunswick. There have been several counterfeit note seizures in recent weeks.

Police say both merchants and the public are encouraged to routinely check their money, not only to protect themselves against loss but also to prevent counterfeit bills from remaining in circulation. Bank note security features are easy to recognize by touching, tilting and by holding the bill up to the light, or comparing it to a bill known to be authentic.

If you should happen to come into possession of a counterfeit bill, please contact your local RCMP or police detachment.

For more information about recognizing counterfeit bills, please visit: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes/index.html

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--St. Stephen CAO Resigns

Friday, May 29, 2009

ST. STEPHEN - Hendrik Slegtenhorst, the town's chief administrative officer, has tendered his resignation, effective July 12.

Mayor Jed Purcell confirmed Wednesday that he had received Slegtenhorst's letter of resignation and that the CAO's last day of work would be June 26 as he has some vacation days he has not yet taken.

The mayor said Slegtenhorst, 61, is currently out of town on vacation and is not due back until June 9.

Purcell said Slegtenhorst has accepted a similar job in British Columbia but declined to name the community, saying that would be up to Slegtenhorst to reveal.

Slegtenhorst moved to New Brunswick from Vancouver, B.C. to take the St. Stephen CAO job in March of 2006.

Purcell said the CAO's resignation places the town in a "job search situation" and that he plans to hire some "head hunters" to fill the position.

"I think he has helped us a lot to get us where we are today," Purcell said.

Former mayor Bob Brown, who hired Slegtenhorst from among the five finalists in 25 candidates for the position, said he was not surprised that the CAO was moving on.

"I'm not surprised, in a way," said Brown. "This was his first experience with municipal government. He came in from Vancouver without that experience. He has gotten some experience; I'm sure he's got a lot dealing with three mayors, learning the provincial ropes and regulations about funding and financing," Brown said.

"It's not surprising he does move on. Other than the job, there's not a lot to tie him to the community."

Brown said the CAO's departure would create a challenge for the mayor and council and would mean a lot more work for Mayor Purcell.

"It puts an additional workload on the mayor when a CAO leaves," said Brown. "He has to become more aware of the total operation (of the town). I was there when Wayne Tallon left and Brenda Knight left, so I know."

Both Tallon and Knight were former town managers. Tallon accepted a position with the City of Fredericton and Knight, who replaced him, is now the municipal advisory officer for local government with the Province of New Brunswick.

Brown said he is confident the town staff is up to the immediate challenge.

"The town has an excellent staff who will help carry the load. The town's finances are in capable hands. The staff in general is up to the task although they have many projects on the go," said Brown.

Brown said the town won't find a new CAO overnight. "You've got to go through the process and that's going to take a few months," he said.

He was asked if there was anyone from those who had applied three years ago who would be suitable for the CAO's job.

Brown said there was one other candidate interviewed in 2006 who scored very high, but that he would have to leave the choice of a new CAO to this mayor and council.

Slegtenhorst's hiring as the town's CAO was controversial.

It sparked criticism from residents, a former councillor, an applicant for the job and the media after Slegtenhorst, the president of a Vancouver company specializing in creative writing, non-fiction and exporting west coast art, and who admitted he had no previous experience in municipal politics, was hired to replace Knight.

Knight, at the time, was being paid a salary of $59,535. Slegtenhorst was hired at a salary of $70,000, granted a $5,000 relocation allowance, five weeks vacation and was not required to complete a probationary term.

Brown justified Slegtenhorst's hiring, the salary increase and other benefits saying the town had decided that in order to get someone with management experience it would have to offer a salary in the $60,000 to $70,000 range and if the right candidate came along, would offer him or her the $70,000 salary.

He defended paying the increased salary to Slegtenhorst at the time by saying "you pay for the experience you are getting."

But Brown then also acknowledged Slegtenhorst had no experience in municipal administration. He stated that the new CAO was an export trade specialist who had also been an executive director of a museum, the director of administration at York University's Atkinson College and worked as an information specialist at the international offices of Alcan Aluminum in Montreal and Turbo Resources in Calgary.

Slegtenhorst was awarded a Canada Council professional writer's grant in 2004 and was a finalist in the 1995 Canadian Literacy Awards.

- The Saint Croix Courier -

--Ethics Panel Fines Ex-Candidate $3,000

Friday, May 29, 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Ethics Commission plans to investigate whether the organization Maine Leads violated state campaign finance laws during its efforts to get two anti-tax measures on the ballot.

The commission also voted unanimously on Thursday to require Dana Kadey, a former political candidate from Washington County, to pay more than $3,000 for questionable purchases using public campaign funds.

The commission did not make a decision on whether Maine Leads violated any rules by providing $50,000 to groups organizing petition drives to repeal the excise tax and to support the latest Taxpayer Bill or Rights, or TABOR II.

But commission members agreed with staff that there is evidence to support examining whether the contributions mean Maine Leads should have to file with the state as a political entity.

Former state Rep. Deborah Hutton of Bowdoinham contends that Maine Leads is actually a political action committee because of funding it made for three citizen initiatives. Maine Leads' failure to register as a PAC, Hutton argues, hides from the public the identity of the real group behind the initiatives.

PACs have different lobbying and political expenditure reporting requirements than nonprofit organizations.

Those contributions provided 75 percent of the funding that three political action committees used to gather signatures for the ballot measures.

The petition drives to reduce the excise tax and for TABOR II succeeded and are likely to be on the November ballot. A petition drive dealing with access to health insurance failed to generate enough signatures.

Hutton's attorney, Benjamin Grant, suggested to commission members on Thursday that Maine Leads' major purpose was to initiate the referenda.

"We found no evidence of other expenditures for any other purposes by Maine Leads," Grant said.

But Dan Billings, an attorney for Maine Leads, said that under his interpretation of Maine rules in place at the time, an organization that supports signature gathering for a ballot measure is not automatically a PAC.

"The fact that those PACs received almost all of their funds from one source doesn't make the one source a PAC," Billings said.

Commission staff said the Legislature passed laws clearly intended to shed more light on the money behind signature gathering drives. They also pointed out that Maine Leads has close connections to all three of the PACs that received contributions.

Additionally, the consulting group that was paid more than $80,000 by the three PACs to gather the signatures - Pioneer Group Inc. - is solely owned by Trevor Bragdon, the grass-roots director of Maine Leads.

Commission members also unanimously approved a recommendation that Kadey, the former political candidate from Princeton, be required to repay $2,546 in Maine Clean Election Act funds as well as a $500 fine.

Commission staffers allege that Kadey used Maine Clean Election Act money to buy a number of questionable items during his unsuccessful 2006 campaign for Senate District 29. Those items included $1,300 in camping equipment, a $464 infrared camera used by hunters and a roof rack for his truck.

Last year, the commission ordered Kadey to repay $2,076 in public campaign funds for purchases during his unsuccessful 2008 campaign. Those items included a GPS device and a fiberglass truck cap with a different roof rack.

"So today, he is the only candidate who has bought roof racks in two consecutive elections with Maine Clean Election funds," said Jonathan Wayne, the commission's executive director.

Kadey did not attend Thursday's meeting. On Saturday, he declined to comment about the ethics commission's recommendation when contacted by a Bangor Daily News reporter. But in paperwork filed with the commission, Kadey defended the purchases as legitimate expenses.

Kadey wrote that the camping equipment was used for his two-week campaign hike across the district while the infrared camera was purchased to try to catch people who were stealing his large, costly signs.

Kadey explained that other expenditures during the 2006 and 2008 campaigns were necessary because of a debilitating medical condition that required him to suddenly stop and rest while on the campaign trail.

But Wayne said that during the staff's analysis of campaign expenditures they saw "a pattern of buying personal equipment that at best had only tangential relationship to his campaign."

The commission also rejected a request by Rep. Andre Cushing, R-Hampden, to investigate whether an officer of the Maine State Employees Association union should be registered as a lobbyist because of her work in Augusta on legislative issues.

- The Bangor Daily News -

--Beware Of Scam Using Name Of Lubec High School

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Sheriff Donnie Smith has a warning about a scam that is happening in Washington County.

The Sheriff's Office has been advised that high school age children are going around selling raffle tickets supposedly having something to do with Lubec High School.

Smith says Lubec High School officials have confirmed that "this is a scam."

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Third Bridge No Relief To Isolated Islanders

Thursday, May 28, 2009

CAMPOBELLO - While the new bridge that's soon to open between St. Stephen and Calais may help with traffic line-ups at the border it won't make life much easier for residents of Campobello when it comes to what they can and can't take across the border, according to a story in the Saint Croix Courier.

Island resident Kathleen Case said she went to St. Stephen on Thursday, leaving home at 1:30 p.m. and arriving in the border town at 3:30 p.m. with no stops on the way.

"When I arrived at Customs, I asked the officer why anyone would subject themselves to the torture of the lines in the heat. He replied - you didn't have to go. I replied - I live on an island 10 miles long and three miles wide. If I want to access goods or services in Canada I do have to do this."

The reality, said Case, is that the third bridge might help with wait times but it is not going to change the fact that commercial goods will need to be bonded and the price and paper work will not change.

"Everyone will still need a passport. We still won't be able to purchase goods in Canada that are not allowed to enter in the states - dangerous things like plants or plant material, dog food, citrus fruit, potatoes - just to name a few," she said sarcastically.

There are no special concessions for people going back to Campobello, said Case, and the general public don't realize this. When she goes to St. Stephen, she said she can't just buy anything she wants plus she is going to be searched twice.

A simple thing like buying mulch for the garden is a problem, she said, because you cannot take Canadian mulch into the U.S. or U.S. mulch into Canada - and they have to travel through the U.S. in order to get back home to Canada.

"I don't think people understand that. I cannot buy whatever I want in St. Stephen. You also have the issue that after you reach a certain dollar value they can require you to be bonded."

"These are some of the things that discourage service providers from coming here. People don't realize the implications. I have a niece who is on an insulin pump. She spends two hours at Customs trying to prove it is insulin in the pump.

"If I want a plumber here he has to inventory his truck and pay $80 each way for a bond. They will still come but we pay dearly for it. This island is ten miles long and three miles wide and that is the entire area I have the freedom to travel in without a passport. Anything beyond that I need a passport. I don't think people realize that," she said.

"How will the third bridge help? It will not eliminate the need for commercial goods to be bonded. I don't think it is an unreasonable expectation for me, as a Canadian� to acquire goods or services but it's not going to happen.

"Nobody else would stand for it. We not only have to answer to U.S. Customs but Canada Customs as well. There are no special concessions for us."

If you have a chronic medical condition, said Case, you need to have a note from your doctor that explains what your medications are and why you need them.

"There is no way a person can appreciate what we deal with. For example, if a person from, say, Saint John, were to travel to Moncton and stop in a store, they could purchase whatever they had the room and money for."

"It doesn't work like that for us. Firstly, is it on the forbidden list? What are the latest changes to that list? Are we spending too much money? How is Customs on the U.S. side going to feel about the dollar value? Are they going to want a bond? Once I get through there with my Canadian stuff I still have to deal with Canadian Customs here."

Case said she realizes Custom officials are only doing their job but wonders how others would feel if, when they went to the mall, they had to wait while someone rifled through their stuff to make sure their purchases were legal.

"For some reason our MP (Greg Thompson) feels the government of Canada has no responsibility in this and our MLA (Tony Huntjens) is convinced the third bridge will really help. I guess I just can't see it."

- The Saint Croix Courier -

--Grand Manan House Fire Ruled Suspicious

Thursday, May 28, 2009

RCMP investigators say a fire at a home in Grand Manan is suspicious in origin.

Late Wednesday night, Grand Manan firefighters responded to a fire at an unoccupied summer home on Hill Road. The blaze caused smoke and fire damage to a front room of the house.

The RCMP say their investigation into the fire is continuing.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Coast Guard Ends Search For Missing Fisherman

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Coast Guard ended its search Tuesday night for Robert Anderson of Sedgwick, the operator of a 34-foot lobster boat that was found unmanned with the motor running in Blue Hill Bay near Flye Island.

Rescue crews started searching for Anderson, 46, Monday afternoon, after his girlfriend notified the Maine Marine Patrol that he was missing.

Two rescue boats from Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor and a Falcon jet crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod searched for Anderson for nearly 30 hours, covering about 115 square miles during the search. The Maine Marine Patrol also assisted with the search.

The Coast Guard received assistance from other agencies. The Maine Marine Patrol had provided an aircraft, a dive team, and two boats to help with the search for Anderson.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Maine Forest Service: Free Invasive Insect Workshop In Machias

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

As a follow-up to the message from the Maine Forest Service about leaving firewood at home and not transporting it, state entomologists have scheduled free workshops on invasive forest insects for Maine residents.

Invasive insects such as the Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer can hide in firewood and then get established in local forests. So far, neither insect has been found in Maine, but the Asian longhorned beetle has been found in Worcester, Massachusetts. A federal quarantine currently is in place preventing transportation of infected wood.

Campers and outdoors people especially are being asked not to transport firewood. Should the insects become established in Maine, they could damage Maine's forest, tourism and maple sugar industries.

The workshops will be conducted by MFS forest entomologists. Participants will learn to recognize some of the invasive insects that can hide in firewood and learn what they can do to help combat these destructive forest pests.

In Washington County, a free informational session will be held Thursday June 4 in Torrey Hall, Room 232 at the University of Maine at Machias from 7 to 8:00 p.m. The speaker will be Colleen Teerling, a Maine Forest Service Forest Entomologist.

Workshop co-sponsors include the Maine Forest Service, Downeast Salmon Federation, Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--One Busy Week For MSP Troop J

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Some of the incidents handled by Maine State Police Troop J over the past week include:

May 18:

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to the Rope Ferry Road in Sedgwick for a report of a property damage crash. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old from York, for operating under the influence.

Tpr. Dan Ryan responded to Blue Hill for an out of control 8-year-old. This incident was referred to the Department of Health and Human Services as a parental issue.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a phone harassment complaint in Deer Isle where one woman was warned for harassment and told not to call several other people.

Tpr. Jason Fowler responded to a camp burglary in Danforth where numerous items were stolen. Tpr. Fowler collected evidence and the investigation continues.

May 19:

Sgt. Alden Bustard investigated an assault complaint in Eastbrook. The caller reported that his ten-year-old son had been assaulted on the school bus the previous day by a high school student. It was determined that the respondent was an eight grade student and disciplinary action was taken through the school system.

Sgt. Alden Bustard investigated a trespassing complaint in Hancock. The caller reported that a vehicle was parked illegally on Kilkenny Drive which is a private road. The owner of the vehicle was located on the clam flats and warned for criminal trespassing.

Sgt. Alden Bustard investigated a theft complaint in Hancock. The caller reported that she was having a yard sale at a residence on Route 1 in Hancock. The caller had three boxes of baseball cards that she was going to try to sell at the yard sale and a 44-year-old Hancock woman took the boxes without permission claiming that she was going to sort through them. The woman later returned the boxes of cards but there were a number of Nolan Ryan cards missing from the boxes. The woman was summonsed for theft by unlawful taking or transfer.

Tpr. Dan Ryan transported a man from Brooklin to Eastern Maine Medical Center for an evaluation after he assaulted his father.

Tpr. Janes summonsed a 19-year-old man from Weston for operating an unregistered motor vehicle and for attaching false plates in Danforth after stopping him on route 169 for an expired inspection certificate. The certificate had expired in October 2008.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter investigated a criminal mischief complaint in Machiasport. The caller reported that his vehicle had been damaged while he was at work at True North Maine. Witnesses had observed a 21-year-old Northfield man strike the vehicle in the parking lot. Subject was placed under arrest for violation of probation and was transported to the Washington County Jail.

May 21:

Tpr. Michael Southard responded to a suspicious complaint in Franklin. The caller reported that she could hear noises coming from an abandoned residence at the intersection of the Macomber Mill Road and the Georges Pond Road. The residence has been broken into several times in the past. The complaint was determined to be unfounded.

Tpr. Greg Burns arrested a 20-year-old Jonesport man for violation of conditions of release in East Machias. The man is on bail from a pending operating under the influence charge and was found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop. In addition, he was also summonsed for possession of a useable amount of marijuana.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter responded to a shoplifting complaint at Archibald's One Stop in Machias. The caller reported that she had observed a juvenile attempting to steal beer from the store. The juvenile was summonsed for theft by unlawful taking or transfer.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to a Deer Isle residence. A caretaker had discovered graffiti was an exterior wall of the residence. The graffiti consisted of orange colored letters EAS7 with black out line and green trim. The investigation continues and the owners of the property live out of state.

Tpr. Kimberly Janes responded to a loud noise complaint in Princeton. Tpr. Janes did not hear any loud music but spoke to the neighbors, nonetheless.

May 22:

Tpr. Michael Southard received a threatening complaint from a woman from Hancock who reported that her ex-boyfriend threatened her current boyfriend. The ex-boyfriend was warned against further contact.

Tpr. Michael Southard investigated a child custody dispute in Hancock.

Tpr. Tom Pickering investigated an assault complaint in Orland after it was reported that a fourteen-year-old girl had been assaulted by a male juvenile. The assault had occurred May 8. The investigation continues pending contact with the young man.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter investigated a theft complaint at Cobscook Park in Edmunds. Park Ranger Matthew Maguire reported that a generator had been taken from a campsite. The generator was recovered and a 51-year-old Perry man was summonsed for theft by unlawful taking or transfer.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter received a theft complaint from a man from Lubec. The caller reported that his wallet had been taken from his residence.

Tpr. Jason Fowler assisted the Baileyville Police Department with an intoxicated male in Baileyville.

May 23:

Tpr. Miles Carpenter and Tpr. Jason Fowler responded to Perry to assist the Washington County Sheriff's Office with a family fight complaint.

Tpr. Miles Carpenter assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with a loud party complaint in Machiasport.

Tpr. Jason Fowler summonsed an 18-year-old male in Charlotte, for illegal transportation of liquor by a minor, for having a passenger with an open alcohol container of alcohol and for speeding. An 18-year-old passenger was summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor. Tpr. Miles Carpenter assisted.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey assisted at the Bayside Health Fair in Portland with a self-defense demonstration.

Tpr. Andrew Foss and Tpr. Staci Carpenter assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Lubec with the recovery of stolen property and interviews.

Tpr. Jason Fowler, Tpr. Andrew Foss, Det. Elmer Farren and Sgt. Jeff Ingemi responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident in Baring where Nicholas White, 16, of Calais, drove off the Charlotte Road into a tree. The vehicle caught fire and good Samaritans were able to rescue three 16-year-old female passengers from the vehicle. White had a suspended license at the time of the crash. Speed appears to be a factor. A reconstruction and forensic mapping was done of the scene by Tpr. Shorey and Tpr. Kyle Willette. The Calais Police Department, Calais Fire Department, Baring Fire Department and Charlotte Fire Department all assisted with the incident.

May 24:

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to the residence of a 65-year-old man after a report of a disturbance was called in. The investigation revealed that a verbal argument turned physical when the man flipped over the kitchen table during dinner. The man then assaulted a female. Robert Scott was arrested for domestic assault and transported to the Hancock County Jail. Trooper David Barnard and Deputy Benjamin Astbury assisted.

Tpr. Christopher Smith received a property check request in Addison. The property owner stated that he has been having ongoing issues with his step son damaging the property. Tpr. Smith checked the property and did not find any new damage.

Tpr. Christopher Smith responded to the Harrington Circle K for a fight in progress. Tpr. Smith arrived and the fight was over. A 20-year-old man who was involved in the fight ran off on foot. Tpr. Chris Smith pursued the man on foot and detained him a short distance away and arrested him for disorderly conduct. The subject was also charged with illegal possession of liquor by a minor. While Tpr. Smith was walking back to the parking lot the man's 31-year-old girlfriend assaulted a cashier of the Circle K by pushing her. The girlfriend was also arrested and charged with assault. Sergeant Timothy Varney and Trooper Barry Curtis also assisted with the incident.

May 25:

Tpr. Christopher Smith responded to a family fight in Franklin. A 17-year-old juvenile was involved in a disagreement with his mother and his mother's boyfriend. No assault occurred.

Tpr. Christopher Smith stopped 2 ATV's on the George�s Pond Road in Franklin. An 18-year-old and a 17-year-old juvenile male were summonsed for operating ATV's on a public way. Both ATV's were transported by a pickup to a nearby residence.

Tpr. Christopher Smith received a late report of an assault that occurred at Donnell's Pond on the evening of May 24. The caller reported that her boyfriend had been assaulted while at the Donnell's Pond Beach. Investigation continues.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Coast Guard Search For Missing Boater In Blue Hill Bay

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Coast Guard and the Maine Marine Patrol are searching for the operator of a 34-foot lobster boat that was found at anchor with the motor still running and no one on board in Blue Hill Bay near Flye Island on Monday.

Missing is Robert Anderson, 46.

Anderson's girlfriend notified the Maine Marine Patrol earlier Monday that he was missing, so they began searching the area where he was camping on Flye Island. A Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Southwest Harbor, Maine, and a Falcon jet crew from Air Station Cape Cod, Mass., joined in the search at about 2 p.m., after Anderson's boat was found in Blue Hill Bay.

Additionally, Maine Marine Patrol divers were searching the area near Anderson's boat.

Coast Guard Sector Northern New England has also been broadcasting an urgent message on radio channel 16, alerting mariners nearby to keep a lookout.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Over A Thousand Dollars Raised From Tip-A-Trooper In Calais

Monday, May 25, 2009

The numbers are in and this year's Tip-A-Trooper event at Dunkin' Donuts in Calais raised $1,125 to be donated to the Calais Relay for Life event coming up later this week. Last year, the event brought in $531.

For four hours last Friday morning, off-duty state troopers Kimberly Janes and Jason Fowler worked the store's counter and drive-thru window under the watchful eyes of the Dunkin' Donuts crew on North Street.

Fowler said Monday the fundraiser has really taken off.

"This is the third year for it and by far the biggest year yet. We just want to thank the community and the public," Fowler said.

[ABOVE-Trooper Jason Fowler, the Calais Dunkin' Donuts crew and Trooper Kimberly Janes-WQDY PHOTO]

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Teen Dies In Fiery Crash, Three Others Saved

Sunday, May 24, 2009

A single car crash claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy in Baring early Saturday night.

The driver, 16-year-old Nicholas White of Calais was trapped inside the vehicle. Rescuers were unable to remove him and he died at the scene. Three 16-year-old female passengers were able to escape with the help of good Samaritans.

According to Sgt. Jeff Ingemi of the Maine State Police, the accident occurred just after 6:30 p.m. The vehicle that White was driving went off the road, struck a tree and caught fire.

State police said White had a suspended license for a prior operating under the influence of alcohol charge. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in this crash, but they say that speed was a factor in the crash.

Tpr. Jason Fowler is the lead investigator. The Charlotte Road was closed to traffic for several hours after the accident as investigators conducted reconstruction and forensic mapping. The Baring, Calais and Charlotte Fire Departments also responded to the scene as well.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Doucet: Fed Program Fails To Provide Direct Aid To Lobster Industry

Friday, May 22, 2009

A federal program to support the region's struggling lobster industry is worrying because it fails to provide direct aid to fishermen, Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet said Friday. He was responding to a program unveiled by his federal counterpart, Gail Shea.

"We welcome the additional funding that Ottawa is prepared to invest in marketing and promoting the region's high-quality seafood products," said Doucet. "However, this long-term initiative is overshadowed by the immediate challenges of lobster fishermen in our region who are getting significantly less this season for their catches."

Representatives of various fishermen's organizations met with Shea in Moncton earlier this month to express concerns about the negative effects that the economic slowdown is having on lobster prices. They called for government intervention.

"Fishermen have identified adjustments to employment insurance as one possible way to offset anticipated revenue losses, but this is clearly the jurisdiction of the federal government," said Doucet, who noted that New Brunswick is limited in its ability to offer direct support to fishermen.

A delegation of provincial fisheries ministers from Eastern Canada are organizing meetings with federal ministers. The delegation will make a case for stronger federal intervention in both short- and long-term solutions for the fishing industry.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Tip-A-Trooper At Dunkin' Donuts In Calais

Friday, May 22, 2009

For four hours Friday morning, the crew at Dunkin' Dounts in Calais had back-up from two off-duty state troopers all in the name of raising funds for the Calais Relay For Life event.

[LEFT-Trooper Kim Janes fills an order-WQDY PHOTO]

[ABOVE-Trooper Jason Fowler serving Chris Scott at the drive-thru-WQDY PHOTO]

This is the third year of Tip-A-Trooper and early reports were indicating things might exceed last year's total of over $500. The amount raised wasn't yet available Friday afternoon.

[ABOVE-Trooper Jason Fowler, the Calais Dunkin' Donuts crew and Trooper Kim Janes-WQDY PHOTO]

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Coast Guard Rescues Disoriented, First-Time Kayaker

Friday, May 22, 2009

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a kayaker Thursday night from Burnt Porcupine Island, Maine, after he apparently became disoriented during his first ocean-kayaking trip.

Jason Munley, 31, of Pittsburgh, usually kayaked on rivers, but set out on the ocean Thursday for a 10.5 mile trip from Hancock Point to Bar Harbor.

After he didn't arrive in Bar Harbor when expected, a group of friends he was camping with became concerned and started looking for him on the shore in Bar Harbor.

A few hours later, they flagged down a motor lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor, who happened to be in the area on a routine patrol.

Authorities said Munley was wearing a life jacket and was carrying a light, but had no means of communication and was not carrying any food or water.

The motor lifeboat crew and a 41-foot utility boat crew, also from Station Southwest Harbor, immediately began searching for Munley.

A helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, Mass., the Bar Harbor Police Department and the Rockport harbormaster assisted in the search.

The motor lifeboat crew spotted Munley's light near Burnt Porcupine Island shortly before midnight, but couldn't get the boat close enough to rescue him, so the helicopter crew flew in and hoisted him from the island.

Munley was not injured. He was flown to Bar Harbor Airport where a friend picked him up.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Fire In Machias Forces Route 1 Closure

Friday, May 22, 2009

MACHIAS, Maine - Six businesses were evacuated from the Whole Life building Thursday afternoon when a smoky fire closed down Route 1 for several hours. Damage to the building was minor.

The fire began on the south side of the four-story building, a bright turquoise landmark in the center of downtown owned by Patty and Mike Sansing, who operate the Whole Life Natural Market.

The fire began as a chain reaction: A cigarette was discarded in a butt container outside the door of H&R Block. It caught the container on fire, which caught a small shrub on fire, which extended to the side of the building and into an overhang.

Machias Fire Chief Joe Dunston said when he first arrived and saw the smoke seeping from the exterior walls he thought the building would be destroyed. "What saved us was a fast attack," he said.

Machias has a firefighter on call at the station and getting that first truck to the scene within minutes was key to saving the building, Dunston said. "We were very lucky," he said.

Within minutes of the bush catching fire, offices adjacent to the fire and businesses above it began filling with smoke. Building owner Patty Sansing ran a garden hose out a second-story window and was able to put out the burning bush, but it took firefighters several hours to keep the fire from spreading.

The fire was reported about 2:45 p.m. A group of women who were admiring a new puppy across the street from the building said it was a sudden cloud of black smoke that alerted them. "You couldn�t even see the front of the building," one said.

Because there are storefronts on three sides of the building - it faces Water Street, Route 1 and Colonial Way - firefighters were working in several areas.

Dunston said the fire damaged the floor and walls at the rear of the Whole Life Natural Market and portions of both had to be removed to ensure the fire was out.

Firefighters from Machias, East Machias, Marshfield and Jonesboro arrived quickly, as did the Washington County Fire Service Strike Team. Machias police and Washington County deputies closed Route 1 and diverted travelers through East Machias, the next closest crossing over the Machias River. Bangor Hydro cut power to both sides of the building as employees of the six businesses gathered outside.

One Machias firefighter, Clyde Bernhardt, collapsed at the scene from an apparent medical condition and was taken by ambulance to Down East Community Hospital. Later in the evening, Dunston said Bernhardt was in stable condition.

"This was really stressful," Dunston said. "Not only did we have the possibility of a huge fire but we had a man go down. Very stressful."

- The Bangor Daily News -

--Downeast EMS Readies Their New Base In Baileyville

Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Washington County Emergency Medical Services Authority [WCEMSA] continues work on their new base of operations in Baileyville.

With the move by the city of Calais to break away from the ambulance authority and start their own service, Downeast EMS has to move out of the Calais fire station.

With help from Domtar and the town of Baileyville, Downeast EMS has a new home in what was the helicopter building on Main Street.

The lease from Domtar is for a $1 a year with the fee abated.

The Domtar building will house the ambulances and a mobile home will provide quarters for the crew.

On Thursday, Downeast EMS personnel and supporters marked EMS week in Maine with a cookout.

"We're in good shape," WCEMSA Chairman Brian Schuth told WQDY News.

Our brand new home has arrived. The deal will be formalized Friday and we'll be ready to move in by the end of June and probably sooner.

"I spoke with the staff now and I told them it's been a long, difficult few months and it's going to be an interesting year coming up. I think we're through the worst of it and now we'll just be able to concentrate on doing business and making sure we continue to keep up the level of service and continue to provide ambulance service to eastern Washington County," Schuth said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--State Police Out In Force For Memorial Day Weekend

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Maine State Police say additional troopers and several special enforcement efforts are planned for the Memorial Day weekend.

The Chief of the State Police, Colonel Patrick J. Fleming, said extra patrols will be looking for drunk drivers, speeders and enforcing Maine's seat belt and child safety seat laws. Fleming said the State Police plane will also be airborne during the weekend looking for aggressive drivers and trouble spots.

Fleming said highway fatalities in Maine are down 32-percent from last year going into the holiday weekend.

The Bureau of Highway Safety reports there have been 39 highway deaths this year compared to 57 deaths at the same time last year. The chief said three people were killed on Maine roads over Memorial Day weekend last year and there were four people who died during the holiday weekend of 2007.

Fleming said, "Memorial Day weekend sets the tone for highway safety enforcement for the rest of the summer and the State Police goal is to make it a safe one. Drivers need to avoid drinking and driving, drive the speed limit, buckle up and expect some delays because of heavy holiday traffic."

Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says State Police have also joined 70 other Maine police departments taking part in the "Click It or Ticket" campaign which continues through May 31. The campaign is part of a national effort to increase seat belt usage.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Alcohol Suspected In 39th Highway Death Of The Year

Thursday, May 21, 2009

State police say alcohol is suspected in a fatal motor vehicle crash early Wednesday afternoon in Castle Hill, near Presque Isle.

Police said Terrance C. Lavway, 48, from Castle Hill, was traveling south when he came upon a Maine Department of Transportation road grader working along the right shoulder in the southbound lane.

Lavway attempted to pass the grader but misjudged the distance and struck the grader in the left rear with the right front of his vehicle.

Police said Lavway was not wearing his seatbelt. He died at the scene from massive internal trauma. The operator of the grader, Raymond G. Putnam, 53, of Mapleton was not injured.

Lavway's 2006 Dodge Stratus was totaled. The 1994 grader sustained some damage but could be driven from the scene.

Alcohol is a suspected contributing factor in the crash.

The Castle Hill Road was closed to traffic for just over three hours while the crash was investigated.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--School Loan Repayment Awards Available For Washington County Grads

Thursday, May 21, 2009

ELLSWORTH - If you'd like to "stay home" and live and work in Washington County, the Maine Community Foundation's Gracie Fund would like to help you.

Individuals who have recently completed post-secondary education and are building a professional and personal life in Washington County are eligible to apply for student loan repayment awards of up to $5,000. In exchange, recipients participate in volunteer activities while working in their preferred field.

Deadline for applications is July 15, 2009. Complete guidelines and application form are available through the Maine Community Foundation and the Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC), which jointly administer the Gracie Fund. Go to www.mainecf.org or www.sunrisecounty.org, or call 877-700-6800 (toll-free).

The SCEC helps participants make connections with area leaders and organizations. The council has developed networks and partnerships with residents, many of them graduates of the Washington County Leadership Institute, who are working together for the benefit of Washington County.

A statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth, Augusta, and Portland, the Maine Community Foundation partners with donors and educators to provide Maine students with access to educational opportunities. MaineCF manages more than 400 scholarship funds.

--Body Of Missing Jonesport Man Found Near Indian Point On Beals Island

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

During a multi-agency search, the body of a missing Jonesport man was found in the surf Wednesday night near Indian Point on Beals Island.

Roy Lenfesty, 60, went missing earlier in the day.

According to the Coast Guard, Lenfesty kept a small sailboat on the shore at Beals Island and left Wednesday morning to check on it as he did every day. His wife became concerned when he didn't call her Wednesday afternoon. She asked a family friend to go check on him.

The friend called Coast Guard Station Jonesport at 7:30 p.m. when he found Lenfesty's boat overturned on the rocks, attached to a dingy with some of his personal belongings inside.

Station Jonesport launched a rescue boat and a Falcon jet was also sent to the area. The Maine Marine Patrol, the Washington County Sheriff's Department and local volunteers also assisted in the search.

The Coast Guard said a good Samaritan located Lenfesty's body at about 9:30 Wednesday night, roughly 200-yards south of the sailboat.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Names For Civic Centre Building, More Money Comes In

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The fundraising is done but there is still more work to be done on the civic centre project in St. Stephen. Pledges, however, are still coming in.

Organizers say they have reached their goal of raising $3.5-million toward the new civic centre in St. Stephen, which will be known as the "Garcelon Civic Centre," honoring the family's contribution to the civic centre project as well as their history in the region.

The ice arena will be officially be named the Quartermain Arena to honor the family of Robert Quartermain.

[Architectural rendering of the new civic centre unveiled Wednesday at St. Stephen Elementary School-WQDY PHOTO]

Last week, Premier Shawn Graham and Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson came to St. Stephen to announce that each government was contributing $6.2-million. The town of Stephen is kicking in $2.1-million.

Donations have come in from far and wide as well as both sides of the international border.

Co-chair Peter Heelis credited David Mitchell of Calais for his fundraising efforts on the U.S. side.

"The American donations have exceeded our expectations and one of the reasons for that is that we had a very capable young resident of Calais, David Mitchell, who was spearheading the campaign on the Calais side."

Heelis then mentioned a man by the name of Jim MacLeod.

"It was a call right out of the blue," Heelis explained. "David got the call, he struck up a conversation with him."

And what did they talk about? "Baseball," said Mitchell.

"He was a colorful old fellow from Bar Harbor. He informed me that he was from Milltown, N.B., originally. He grew up here back in the thirties. We talked for a long time on baseball," Mitchell recounted.

The book, "Even the Babe Came To Play" about small town baseball in the "dirty 30s" came up. [The book was written by Robert Ashe, published in 1991 by Nimbus Publishing, Halifax, N.S.]

"It's about the program here, the cross-border teams and the success of the local teams. He knew most of the players that played on those teams back in the thirties. I sent him my book and he was really interested in the [civic centre] project. He wanted to make a donation in memory of his parents who have long since passed unfortunately," Mitchell said.

"He made a very sizeable contribution but he asked that it be held in confidence. He's not looking for notoriety. It's just a project that he was in favor of in a town that he hailed from," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said MacLeod also saw an article in the Bangor Daily News.

"There were a bunch of articles that Diana [Graettinger] had written about the project. He had seen one in the Bangor Daily News. Come to find out, he actually has a relative from Calais."

[The Aging Border Arena will be replaced by the new Garcelon Civic Centre-WQDY PHOTO]

A relative came to Mitchell's law office in Calais asking for a packet of information about the civic centre project.

"I had no idea who it was for. I never heard anything for a couple of months until I had that phone call [from MacLeod]," Mitchell said. "I'm glad and the committee is glad we had that phone call."

Mitchell also told WQDY News Wednesday that Mardens of Calais donated to the civic centre project "in the amount of $10,000." Things were firmed up with a signed commitment on Wednesday, Mitchell said.

"Another local business in Calais that elected to give was Bordertown Subz. They gave a fairly sizeable amount as well given the size of their business and it's something that they wanted to support."

"Like most of the businesses in Calais, they saw the project as being a way to provide an economic development for our Main Street even though it's on the other side of the river," Mitchell told us.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--New Brunswick To Assess Doweast LNG Draft EIS Study

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The New Brunswick government will comprehensively review and assess the draft environment impact statement (DEIS) for the Downeast LNG terminal project issued last Friday by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The provincial government says it will also take appropriate action as a formal intervener in the FERC proceeding.

Premier Shawn Graham issued the following statement following receipt of FERC's notice of availability of the DEIS in the Downeast LNG proceeding:

"The release of the Downeast LNG draft environmental impact statement by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff does not come as a surprise. As an intervener in the regulatory process, we were aware that this step was imminent for the Downeast LNG project."

"I have directed all relevant departments to proceed with a thorough review of the Downeast LNG DEIS and to provide me with their conclusions and recommendations with respect to all impacts the proposed Downeast facilities will have on New Brunswickers," Graham said.

"FERC has jurisdiction over the development of this project on United States soil and in United States waters. We note that FERC staff has recommended nearly 100 very serious conditions be imposed on the project in the event this project were ever to move forward."

Premier Graham said they also noted mention of resources or effects on the Canadian side of the border, which are clearly beyond the authority or jurisdiction of FERC.

"For example, references to the application of the New Brunswick Endangered Species Act, or any other Canadian or provincial law, are misplaced."

In a press release issued last Friday, Dean Girdis, president and founder of Downeast LNG, said that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) release of a favorable draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the company's LNG import terminal in Washington County, means that the project has taken a major step forward in the regulatory approval process.

"The DEIS is validation that this is a viable, responsible, environmentally sound project, which is what we have been saying all along," said Girdis. "As expected, there are some conditions that we need to address, but nothing that is insurmountable or unreasonable as we continue to move forward through the approval process."

In January, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a favorable Waterway Suitability Report (WSR) for the Downeast LNG project, which is included in the DEIS. In a letter transmitting that report to FERC, the Captain of the Port for the U.S. Coast Guard's Sector Northern New England said that he had "determined that the Passamaquoddy Bay Waterway is suitable for the type and frequency of marine traffic associated with this proposed project --- provided that all of the recommended risk mitigation measures are fully implemented by the applicant."

Now that the DEIS has been released, FERC will initiate a public comment period and hold a public meeting in the local community for the purpose of receiving comments from area citizens. After receiving comments, FERC will issue a final environmental impact statement, the last step in the federal approval process.

Girdis said the release of the DEIS also means that Downeast LNG likely will move ahead soon with its state permit applications, which were withdrawn in 2007. "Support for LNG in Maine is stronger than ever," he said.

Staff from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will host a public comment meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Robbinston Grade School Cafeteria, 904 U.S. Route 1 in Robbinston.

In the province's May 20 response to FERC's release of the draft environmental impact study, Premier Shawn Graham added, "We will ensure that New Brunswick's safety and security concerns, as well as the environmental and economic impacts of these facilities on New Brunswick residents who live along Passamaquoddy Bay, are not dismissed and are forcefully defended. We are involved in the FERC process for this exact reason."

The decision on LNG vessels transiting Head Harbour Passage and matters pertaining to Canadian territorial waters is the exclusive jurisdiction of the Government of Canada and is outside the FERC process, the provincial statement said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--A Buzz Of Activity On Route 9 Tuesday Almost

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Sometimes as a police officer you just never know what you may run into.

Calais Police Sgt. Chris Donahue was on the road Tuesday -- on Route 9 -- coming back from canine training [for his dog] when he observed a tractor-trailer with a problem.

"There was a trailer truck on the side of Route 9 on the Calais side of the "whalesback." It pulled off to the shoulder for some reason -- onto the soft-shoulder and almost tipped over. He tried to pull it ahead on his own but the further he went he was starting to tip over more," Donahue said.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office was called and they notified the state police.

"A trooper came out and called for a wrecker and pulled him out," Donahue said.

And what kind of cargo was on that truck?

"Bees. Bees to help fertilize [pollinate] the blueberry grounds," Donahue told us.

And did the bees stay in their confines?

"They stayed on the truck. There were some out running around loose," Donahue chuckled.

"They were buzzing, yes they were," he said.

He added it was lucky the truck didn't tip over. "It was close."

Lucky for Donahue, he's not allergic to bee stings.

He said he was only stung once.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Decal Honors Calais Firefighter Billy Townsend

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Decals to honor the life of a young Calais firefighter who died earlier this month are now available for sale.

All proceeds from the sale of the decal will benefit the family of Billy Townsend, 27, who lost his two-year battle with leukemia on May 1.

[Lance Keen's decal design]

"All the proceeds are going to go to Alicia and the kids [Victoria and Charlie]," said Lt. Glenn Connolly of the Calais Fire Department.

There are two sizes of decals available --- and they've already sold out of one size.

For a $5 donation, one will get a 2-inch decal. $20 will buy a 6-inch decal.

It's the $20 decals that sold out --- but more are coming by the weekend, said Connolly.

"The smaller ones are nice. A lot of the guys and girls [firefighters] put them on their helmets. A lot of people are using the bigger ones for their vehicles," the lieutenant said.

Connolly and Dave Townsend gave their ideas about a decal to Lance Keen and he put all of our ideas together --- things that Billy Townsend loved.

Using the traditional firefighter symbol -- a Maltese cross -- the design incorporates the other activities that Billy Townsend also loved.

"It's got a fishing pole in there and a rifle in there. It's got his Calais number [13] and his Lincoln number [64]. He was part of those departments -- a real big part of both departments, Connolly said.

"Billy had a lot of dedication to the fire department."

Requests for the Billy Townsend decals can be made by mail to Lt. Glenn Connolly, P.O. Box 131, Calais, ME 04619 or drop by the Calais Fire Station on North Street.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Agent Orange Protesters Come To St. Stephen

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Protesters from across Canada and the U.S. came to St. Stephen Tuesday for a protest rally to call attention to the plight of Canadian veterans and the victims of the Canadian Forces Base Gagetown Agent orange spraying program.

Groups such as military Widows on the Warpath, Agent Orange Association of Canada, Agent Orange Alert, were joined by politicians and environmentalists.

[Marchers approach New Brunswick Southwest constituency office of Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson-WQDY PHOTO]

Minister Thompson was not available when the protesters came calling.

Nonetheless, Gary Goode, one of the organizers of the protest rally read from a letter addressed to Thompson and Prime Minister Stephen Harper demanding an official inquiry into the defoliant spraying at CFB Gagetown. A constituency staff person listened and then Goode handed over the letters and other information to him.

[Gary Goode, who helped in organizing Tuesday's protest rally reads letter demanding an official inquiry into defoliant spraying at CFB Gagetown-WQDY PHOTO]

Thompson's media spokesman Richard Roik told the Bangor Daily News Tuesday there are no plans to hold a public inquiry. He said the issue has been studied to ascertain if there were any health risks. The most recent study was done by Dr. Dennis Furlong.

"He is a former minister of health and a reputable health care professional, and the good news is that the base is safe and that the vast majority of people have not experienced long-term health issues," Roik said.

Roik said late Tuesday that Thompson was returning from a trip to Afghanistan and unavailable for comment.

When Thompson took over as minister of veterans affairs three years ago, the Conservative government concluded that those people affected by 1966-67 sprayings deserved to be compensated.

As of May 11 of this year, 3,809 had applied for compensation and 2,343 had been approved and each given $20,000 Canadian, Roik told the Bangor Daily News.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Calais Takes Delivery Of Two Out Three New Ambulances

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Calais has taken delivery of two out three new ambulances that will go into service this summer as the city embarks on a municipal service they can call their own.

Citing economics and looking out for the city's taxpayers, officials voted to drop out of the Washington County Emergency Medical Services Authority in February and go it alone.

[Two of the three new Calais ambulances arrived on Tuesday-WQDY PHOTO]

The city expects to have its new ambulance service known as Calais Fire-Rescue operational as of July 1.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Tip-A-Trooper At Calais Dunkin Donuts Friday May 22

Monday, May 18, 2009

Some off-duty Maine state troopers will be working a special detail in Calais this Friday May 22.

It's Tip-A-Trooper at the Dunkin Donuts on North Street and it's being done to help raise money for the upcoming American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Calais.

Trooper Jason Fowler told WQDY News the event will run from 8 a.m. to noon.

Dunkin Donuts also has a gift basket with a number of goodies and they're selling raffle tickets for that and all of the funds raised will be donated to the Relay For Life, the trooper said.

"This is something we enjoy doing," Fowler said.

"We patrol the local communities and this is one of the areas where we get to give back to the local community, the people in need and one of the ways we can be a part of the community," he said.

Fowler will have backup from Trooper Kim Janes and Sgt. Jeff Ingemi. The troopers are there on their own time.

The Calais Relay for Life event begins at 6 p.m. Friday May 29 until 6 a.m. Saturday May 30 at Washington County Community College.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Maine Forest Service Issues Firewood Warning

Monday, May 18, 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine � Campers heading to their favorite Maine campsites this Memorial Day weekend � and to any Maine campsite this season � are being reminded:

Leave Your Firewood At Home!

The Maine Forest Service warns that invasive insects that could destroy Maine forests can be carried in firewood from one location to another.

Campers should buy firewood at their camping destination, instead of carrying it with them, according to MFS Forest Entomologist Charlene Donohue.

"I can�t begin to emphasize how important this is," Donohue said Monday. "There are several dangerous species that can destroy Maine trees, such as maples and ashes. That destruction not only could kill our forests, but also affect our important forest and tourism industries."

"All campers, especially our out-of-state visitors, can do a lot to preserve our woods heritage and our economy by following this simple suggestion," she stressed.

Campers at state parks, particularly those from other states, will be asked about their firewood, Tom Morrison, Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands operations and maintenance director, said Monday. Signs warning of the problem also will be posted at the parks this summer, he said.

One highly dangerous insect � the Asian longhorned beetle � already is too close to Maine, Donohue said. This beetle, which kills maples, birches, poplars, willows and other tree species, already has been found in Worcester, Mass., as well as in New York, New Jersey and Toronto, Canada.

A federal quarantine is in place, prohibiting the transportation of firewood across quarantine lines, the MFS entomologist said.

"If this nasty bug ever gets established in Maine, it could destroy our maple sugar industry and our foliage tourism industry," Donohue warned. "This is serious business."

Invasive species can lodge in, on or under firewood bark, or be deep within the wood, the entomologist said. The insects often can�t be seen in the wood. Infected wood that is transported to "clean" locales, especially if it's left lying around for any length of time, can allow the spread of the bad bugs, she said.

Left alone, an invasive insect might spread only a few miles in one year, Donohue said. Carried in firewood, it can spread hundreds of miles in one year, she pointed out.

[Emerald ash borer-Photo courtesy of U.S. Agricultural Research Service]

One of the most serious invasive bugs is the emerald ash borer, which has the potential to kill all ash trees in North America. Ash wood, in particular, is used to make baseball bats.

The emerald ash borer, which can kill a tree in three to five years, has killed millions of trees in the Midwest and has been found, as of 2008, in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, Maryland and Ontario, Canada.

Just last week, state officials in Minnesota reported the presence of the emerald ash borer in that state. Three infested trees were found in a line of trees in front of some town houses in a St. Paul neighborhood.

Donohue has been giving firewood and invasive species training to Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands staff people, Morrison said. Park staffers will be on the look-out regarding firewood, particularly that brought in by campers from areas where known insect problems exist, the BPL operations director said.

"We will be talking to campers, particularly campers from where there is a known problem," Morrison said. "If they bring in firewood, we will be asking them to burn it the first day."

Firewood will be available at most parks, Morrison said. Campers can buy it there or from local vendors, he said.

Donahue asks everyone to remember these four safety tips:

Use firewood you obtain locally;

Don't transport firewood more then 50 miles (e.g., across county lines, especially to second homes, such as summer houses, cottages, cabins and hunting shacks);

Don't take firewood home that you got elsewhere;

If you've already transported firewood, don't leave it or bring it home � burn it!

For more information, contact Maine Forest Service Forest Entomologist Charlene Donahue at 287-3244 or email: Charlene.Donahue@maine.gov

Or call: Maine Forest Service Insect & Disease Lab at 287-2431 or email: forestinfo@maine.gov

Or go to: www.maine.gov/firewood or http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/

--Victoria Day Line-Up In Downtown Calais

Monday, May 18, 2009

Once the new border crossing opens between Calais, Maine and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, line-ups like this will hopefully be a thing of the past at least through downtown Calais.

[Canada-bound traffic on Main Street in Calais early Monday afternoon- Victoria Day-WQDY PHOTO]

[The rest of the line snakes up Main Street in downtown Calais-WQDY PHOTO]

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Maine State Police Troop J Weekly Report

Monday, May 18, 2009

From May 11 through May 17, Troop J handled a variety of incidents. Here are some;

May 11:

Tpr. Michael Southard received a criminal mischief complaint from a woman in Beals who reported damage to the cemetery at the end of the Black Duck Cove Road. Several solar lights and plant holders had been taken from the cemetery but there was no damage.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson received a report of a camp burglary in Great Pond. The caller reported that someone had kicked in the door of his camp sometime within the last week and took two propane tanks. One of the tanks had been burned outside the camp.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson investigated a criminal threatening complaint in Mariaville. A man reported that he had been receiving threats from someone. The threats stemmed from an altercation between the two on May 5 in Mariaville which was investigated by Tpr. Carpenter. Investigation continues pending contact with the respondent.

Sgt. Alden Bustard received a report of a vehicle passing a stopped school bus on Route 1 in Sullivan. A 50-year-old North Sullivan woman was summonsed for passing a stopped school bus.

Tpr. Dan Ryan handled an assault complaint in Brooklin where a man reported that he was assaulted earlier in the day by his son. The father did not want to pursue charges against his son.

Tpr. Andy Foss assisted the Machias Police Department in Roque Bluffs with a bail check.

Tpr. Andy Foss handled a harassment complaint in Marion where 17-year-old was warned not to send harassing text messages to her mother. The child is emancipated.

May 12:

Tpr. Andy Foss responded to an unattended death in Addison where a 36-year-old was found deceased at his residence. Sgt. Jeff Ingemi responded as well along with agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The man suffered from multiple medical issues and nothing suspicious was noted at the scene.

Tpr. Jason Fowler handled a burglary complaint in Charlotte where a self-storage unit was broken into. The investigation continues.

May 13:

Tpr. Andy Foss responded to a run-away juvenile complaint in Jonesboro where 15-year-old was reported to have been missing for over two days by her mother. Sgt. Jeff Ingemi assisted.

May 14:

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to West Side Drive in Verona for a residential burglary complaint. The homeowner returned to his residence from Florida and discovered the burglary. Coins, jewelry and electronics were taken from the residence. The investigation continues.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell received a call from an employee at the Hancock Elementary School reference a civil child custody issue.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to a residence on the Oak Point Road and received three prescription pill bottles that the caller found on the side of the Oak Point Road while walking this morning. Each of the bottles had the labels peeled off. One of the bottles contained several unidentified pills.

Tpr. David Barnard stopped a vehicle for speeding on Route 1A in Ellsworth. The 21-year-old operator from Brewer, was arrested for operating under the influence, criminal speed and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell, Tpr. David Barnard, Tpr. Christopher Smith, Sgt Timothy Varney responded to a residence in Orland where a man was intoxicated and was making suicidal statements. The man was transported to EMMC without incident. Special Agent John Wardwell also assisted with this incident.

May 15:

Tpr. Kimberly Janes responded to an ATV complaint on Mill St, Princeton. The caller stated that a juvenile who lives on Mill St., was driving the ATV fast on the roadway. No ATV�s were on the road when Tpr. Janes arrived.

Tpr. Kimberly Janes responded to a juvenile run-away complaint in Princeton, located the juvenile and brought him home.

Tpr. Greg Burns responded to Danforth to investigate an unattended death. Investigation revealed that the 61-year-old woman died of an apparent heart attack.

Tpr. Tom Pickering responded to the emergency room at the hospital in Blue Hill in reference to a report of a male subject who had been involved in a motorcycle accident. A 22-year-old man was traveling south on the Front Ridge Road in Penobscot when he struck a pothole and lost control of his motorcycle. He suffered from facial injuries as a result of the accident. The operator did not have a motorcycle endorsement on his driver�s license and was not wearing a helmet.

Tpr. Christopher Smith investigated an assault that occurred on the Pea Ridge Road in Columbia. It was reported that the caller was assaulted by an 18-year-old man, who was in turn, summonsed for assault.

May 16:

Tpr. Greg Burns investigated a theft complaint on East Side Road in Machiasport. The caller reported two chainsaws stolen from a shed during the previous night. The caller had been using the saws the previous day and when he went to get them on the 16th, he discovered they were missing.

Tpr. Tom Pickering responded to Sullivan to assist Marine Patrol Officer Mike Pinkham with a traffic stop. Tpr. Tom Pickering summonsed the 18-year-old operator
for operating after suspension, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and illegal transportation of liquor by a minor.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson investigated a theft complaint in Addison. The caller reported that two diamond rings had been taken from a table at her yard sale. The caller had observed a woman near the rings around the time they were stolen. The woman was
operating a white Chevrolet Lumina. Tpr. Peterson located said woman, 55 years-old, at her residence on the Sacarap Road in Harrington. Tpr. Peterson recovered the rings from the woman and returned them to the caller. The woman was summonsed for theft by unlawful taking or transfer.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson received a request from a woman for an escort to her residence in Cherryfield to retrieve her belongings. The caller had recently left her husband.

Tpr. Jason Fowler handled a burglary complaint in Princeton where an office trailer was broken into. Investigation continues.

Tpr. Dan Ryan responded to Sedgwick for a suicidal male. The man was transported by the ambulance for treatment.

Tpr. Dan Ryan and Tpr. Barry Curtis responded to Deer Isle for a serious injury accident where a vehicle had gone off the road and the operator was ejected from the vehicle and was transported to EMMC for his injuries. Charges are pending as a result of the investigation.

May 17:

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a harassment complaint in Sullivan where a woman reported being harassed by another. Both parties were warned for harassment.

Tpr. Jason Fowler responded to a trespassing complaint in Princeton where 14-year-old was warned not to trespass on a property on Mill Street.

Tpr. Michael Southard received a theft complaint from an Orland woman. The caller reported that someone had stolen solar lights from her walkway and a "for sale" sign had been knocked over.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson responded to a criminal mischief complaint in Brooklin. The caller reported that someone had damaged a gate. There was minimal damage to the gate and there was no physical evidence at the scene.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson responded to a domestic dispute in Brooklin and one person was transported to EMMC for evaluation.

Tpr. Michael Southard responded to a two vehicle accident on Route 1A in Dedham. The 20-year-old operator of one of the vehicles, was summonsed for driving to endanger, imprudent speed and improper passing.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Calais Police Offer New Public Notification Service

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Calais Police already have their Web site and now they are launching a new Community Information Service designed to deliver important and timely information to residents in the area using the latest technology.

Nixle is the first certified and secure communication platform that allows local police departments, municipal governments and their agencies to connect with residents of their communities in the most trusted and geographically-targeted way.

Notifications come by Web, e-mail and cell phone.

And the service is free.

"It's a communications software basically," says Police Chief David Randall. "Citizens of the area can sign up for it and we can send out alerts on different emergencies or traffic delays."

Randall said it doesn't cost them anything but does add that people have to realize if they're getting a text message and they usually have to pay for text messages, then they will get charged their fee. If they don't usually pay for text messages or if it's part of their plan, it won't cost them anything.

Randall said he received information from Nixle on the service they offer and had dispatcher Marcia Hayward look into it.

"We found out that probably its uses are limited only by our creativity. We should be able to send out alerts several times a week. With all the different public services that we handle, it may cut down on the question calls we get if we are able to notify people in advance as to what is going on," Hayward said.

The "question calls" are the ones where people will call the lone dispatcher who may already be dealing with multiple phone lines and several radio channels in an emergency situation and ask "what's going on?"

Hopefully, Nixle will help cut down on those extraneous calls.

From this weekend, here's what one actual Nixle communication looks like:

"Hi ---
Traffic Message has been issued by the Calais Police Department.
Saturday May 16, 2009 08:48 AM EDT
Canadian Holiday Weekend, expect traffic delay.
This being a holiday weekend for our Canadian friends, we may experience traffic delays at the Ports of Entry. Please leave early and be patient.
For full details, go to ----"

One other thing about Nixle --- it's secure, authenticated information from the police unlike other sites where people post things that may not necessarily be accurate.

To register, all you need to do is visit www.nixle.com and click on REGISTER. You can enter your cell phone number for text messages or your e-mail address, or both.

This notification service will cover a 20-mile radius of the police station at 312 North Street in Calais.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--FERC: Favorable Draft Environmental Impact Statement For Downeast LNG

Friday, May 15, 2009

According to a draft environmental impact statement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the proposed Downeast LNG project in Robbinston, any adverse impacts would be reduced to "less-than-significant" levels with the implementation of mitigation measures.

In a Friday press release, Dean Girdis, president and founder of Downeast LNG, said that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) release of a favorable draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the company's LNG import terminal in Washington County, means that the project has taken a major step forward in the regulatory approval process.

"The DEIS is validation that this is a viable, responsible, environmentally sound project, which is what we have been saying all along," said Girdis. "As expected, there are some conditions that we need to address, but nothing that is insurmountable or unreasonable as we continue to move forward through the approval process."

In releasing the report, FERC said that its staff "concludes that construction and operation of the Downeast LNG Project would result in some adverse environmental impacts. However, most of these impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels with the implementation of the applicants' proposed mitigation measures and the additional measures we recommend in the draft EIS."

(http://www.ferc.gov/industries/lng/enviro/eis/2009/05-15-09-eis.asp)

The DEIS provides a comprehensive review of the engineering, environmental and socioeconomic details of the project and identifies any issues that need to be addressed before final approval can be given.

Girdis said that issuance of the report gives significant momentum to Downeast LNG. Last month, FERC said that according to its planned schedule, a "Notice of Availability of the final EIS" would be issued on September 18, 2009, and the "90-day Federal Authorization Decision Deadline," essentially final approval for the project, would be December 17, 2009.

In January, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a favorable Waterway Suitability Report (WSR) for the Downeast LNG project, which is included in the DEIS. In a letter transmitting that report to FERC, the Captain of the Port for the U.S. Coast Guard's Sector Northern New England said that he had "determined that the Passamaquoddy Bay Waterway is suitable for the type and frequency of marine traffic associated with this proposed project --- provided that all of the recommended risk mitigation measures are fully implemented by the applicant."

Now that the DEIS has been released, FERC will initiate a public comment period and hold a public meeting in the local community for the purpose of receiving comments from area citizens. After receiving comments, FERC will issue a final environmental impact statement, the last step in the federal approval process.

Girdis said the release of the DEIS also means that Downeast LNG likely will move ahead soon with its state permit applications, which were withdrawn in 2007. Support for LNG in Maine is stronger than ever, he said.

Staff from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will host a public comment meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Robbinston Grade School Cafeteria, 904 U.S. Route 1 in Robbinston.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--RCMP Doing What They Can To Slow Drivers Down

Friday, May 15, 2009

As part of Canada Road Safety Week, a national campaign to make Canada's roads the safest in the world, the RCMP in New Brunswick has unveiled a number of initiatives to reduce the number of fatal crashes and serious injuries on roadways in the province.

In 2008, 78 people were killed in crashes in RCMP jurisdiction in New Brunswick. Speed, people not wearing seatbelts and impaired drivers were the major factors in most crashes.

In an effort to reduce these preventable crashes the RCMP is launching a number of initiatives.

[Photo courtesy of RCMP]

In an effort to increase visibility of the RCMP on roadways, two RCMP police vehicles have been outfitted in retro colours similar to the black used by the RCMP in the 1960's and the blue used in the 1980's. Aircraft Traffic Enforcement is also going to be utilized in New Brunswick to reduce excessive speeds.

"Aggressive driving and speed has become a major concern especially on our four lane highways," says the RCMP's Commanding Officer in New Brunswick, Assistant Commissioner Darrell LaFosse. "People are then exiting the highway onto a secondary road and continuing to drive at excessive speeds. This is where we so often see our fatalities and serious injuries."

Other initiatives to reduce speed include speed alert signs, which are used in low and medium speed zones where speed has been identified as a concern. These show how fast drivers are going and flash when they exceed the speed limit. A rollover simulator is also being utilized throughout the province to demonstrate what can happen when someone is not wearing a seatbelt.

The RCMP say the fines for speeding are $160 plus HST for speeds less than 25 km/h over the speed limit and the loss of three points, $254 plus HST for speeds more than 25 km/h over the speed limit and the loss of 5 points and $600 plus HST for speeds more than 50 km/h over the speed limit and the loss of seven points.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--UPDATE! Coast Guard Says Missing Kayaker Found

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The search for a kayaker who had been reported missing in the vicinity of Lubec Channel and Grand Manan has ended well.

The man was finally located late Thursday night.

The U.S. Coast Guard had been looking for 33-year-old Richard Thurlow who went missing after kayaking from Lubec, Maine to Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick.

A family member had reported that Thurlow left Wednesday in a 16 to 18-foot red kayak bound for the island, a trip of about 10 miles.

Canada Customs reported that Thurlow checked in with them when he arrived on the island and that he spent the night. Thurlow was expected to return to Lubec late Thursday morning.

A Coast Guard 41-foot utility boat crew from Station Eastport and a Falcon jet crew from Air Station Cape Cod searched the area from the Lubec Channel to Grand Manan on Thursday.

Authorities had said Thurlow did not have a cell phone or radio with him.

Updating their broadcasts "for vessels to keep a sharp lookout" on Channel 16 VHF late Thursday night, Coast Guard Sector Northern New England canceled the "pan-pan" [pon-pon] adding the missing kayaker "has been safely located."

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Four Charged With Human Smuggling In Court Thursday

Thursday, May 14, 2009

ST. STEPHEN - Bail hearings were scheduled for Thursday afternoon for four individuals arrested and charged with conspiring to smuggle people across the border from Canada into the United States.

Appearing in St. Stephen Provincial Court and charged Thursday were Savita Singh-Murray, 43, of St. Stephen; Vaughn McCluskey, 71, formerly of McAdam, now of Fredericton; Mohammed Habib-Yusuf, 53, and Ravindra Hariprasad, 36, both of Ontario.

Singh-Murray and McCluskey were arrested Wednesday in New Brunswick, while the other two individuals were arrested in Scarborough, Ont.

If convicted on a first offence basis, the accused face a maximum of 10 years in prison and fine of up to $500,000. More significant penalties are handed out for second offences.

"This is a serious offence against the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act," federal Crown prosecutor Monica McQueen told reporters outside the court room.

She said the conspiracy charge relates to events that occurred in New Brunswick and Ontario and individuals in both provinces between Oct. 5, 2007 and May 11, 2009.

"We are alleging on each of these individuals a first offence of this type in Canada," said McQueen, who is with the office of Public Prosecutions Canada in Halifax.

McQueen said the Crown is opposed to the release of all four individuals, but is having discussions with McCluskey's lawyer and will likely reach an agreement with respect to conditions for his release.

She said the Crown was objecting to the release of the accused on primary grounds, which relates to flight risk, and on tertiary grounds, which outlines a concern for public safety.

"Clearly there is an ability to get people moved across borders and that makes them a flight risk," McQueen stated.

"This is a very serious offence and I think people in the community would be concerned that people charged with such offences would be released into the community."

She said one factor in bail hearing proceedings would be a conviction for similar offences.

"I can't say, however, at this point if any of them have faced similar charges," said McQueen.

McQueen confirmed that there had been people smuggled across the border in the time frame mentioned in the charge against the four, but couldn't provide exact numbers or the precise locations in New Brunswick and Ontario that those activities had taken place.

She said there was no violence involved in this particular offence, but noted that it was an offence that involved international borders between Canada and the U.S. and as such caused concerns.

McQueen said two migrants involved in this particular case, identified by the RCMP as from Guyana, are not facing any charges at this point.

She said she could not provide details of the RCMP investigation.

"We have to let the matter unfold before the courts."

Singh-Murray arrived at the courthouse first in a small car, escorted by police, dressed in plainclothes. She was led into the detention area, hands handcuffed behind her back.

"Give me a card, I want to tell my story," she called to reporters, referring to their business cards.

In court, Singh-Murrary, Yusuf and Hariprasad, all told Provincial Court Judge David C. Walker they understood the charge. McCluskey responded, "I think so," to the same query.

The arrests in this case were made by the RCMP's Atlantic Region Immigration and Passport Section (I&P), working with the RCMP's Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) and are a part of an ongoing RCMP investigation which began in New Brunswick and expanded to include activity in Ontario.

The RCMP describes human smuggling as involving the movement of persons across international borders, with their consent, in exchange for a sum of money.

Although at this point in its investigation, the RCMP has only intercepted two migrants from Guyana, it is believed more will be revealed as the investigation continues.

"Human smuggling is often connected to other serious crimes such as drug smuggling and money laundering," said I&P investigator Sergeant Wesley Blair.

"Since organized crime groups involved in human smuggling are profit-driven, they do not often distinguish between migrants who are looking for a better way of life and migrants who are dangerous criminals."

- The Saint Croix Courier -

--Governor Pays Tribute At Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Governor John Baldacci paid tribute to Maine's fallen front-line officers Thursday morning during a ceremony at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Augusta.

"The work of police officers is never easy," Governor Baldacci said. "The risks are many and the thank you's are too seldom heard. As a society, we need and depend on a well-trained police force to not only protect our lives and property, but also our rights as citizens of this great State, and of this great nation."

About 100 people attended the service at the State House. The service featured the laying of a wreath at the memorial, the reading of all 82 names etched on to the Memorial, the playing of "Taps," and the attendance of State and local dignitaries, including Attorney General Janet Mills and Maine State Police Colonel Pat Fleming.

"The dedication of the officers we honor today, their devotion to duty and public service, their recognition that justice thrives when all people enjoy the protection of our laws, fairly and evenly enforced, helped to make Maine a better, safer place," the Governor said.

In accordance with the Presidential proclamation and in remembrance and honor of all our law enforcement officers, Governor Baldacci has directed that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday May 15, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week May 10-16.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Coast Guard Searches, Missing Woman Was Sleeping On Nearby Boat

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The Coast Guard launched an air and sea search early Thursday for a 24-year-old Machias woman feared to have fallen in the waters off the Eastport Breakwater.

It turned out she had been sleeping on a nearby boat.

[Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter searches. Campobello Island, N.B. in background-Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

Eastport Police first notified Coast Guard Sector Northern New England at 3 a.m., that Amanda Brown's car was found empty at the Eastport breakwater, where it was reported to have been parked for more than an hour.

Police contacted Brown's father, who made several unsuccessful attempts to reach her on her cell phone.

[Coast Guard helicopter above as Maine Marine Patrol searches off Eastport Breakwater-Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

Coast Guard Station Eastport deployed a 25-foot rescue boat crew, and a Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Air Station Cape Cod.

Both assets along with the Maine Marine Patrol searched until about 7 a.m. when the police located her on land.

[Maine Marine Patrol boat heads for the Eastport Breakwater as word comes that the missing woman was found safe-Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

"When we get a report of a missing person in the water, we can't afford to hesitate -we have to hit it hard and fast," said Lt. Lisa Tinker, Sector Northern New England's command center supervisor. "We were all just really relieved that she was safe."

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--RCMP Arrest Four In ME-N.B. Human Smuggling Operation

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Four people are facing charges following their arrests by RCMP Wednesday in what police are calling a "human smuggling operation" across the Maine-New Brunswick border.

Police said the group allegedly facilitated the illegal transport of migrants into the United States.

The arrests are part of an ongoing RCMP investigation which began in New Brunswick and expanded to include activity in Ontario.

Human smuggling involves the illegal movement of persons across international borders, with their consent, in exchange for a sum of money.

At this point of the investigation the RCMP have intercepted two migrants from Guyana this group was attempting to smuggle into the United States. However, it is believed that more will be revealed as the RCMP continues its investigation.

Police said Savita Singh, 43, of St. Stephen and Vaughn McLuskey, 71, of Fredericton were arrested in New Brunswick. Mohammed Habib-Yusef, 53, and Ravindra Hariprasad, 36, were arrested in Scarborough, Ontario.

All four face charges of criminal conspiracy to violate immigration laws, and will appear in court in St. Stephen Thursday morning.

"Human smuggling is often connected to other serious crimes, such as drug smuggling and money laundering," said RCMP Atlantic Region Immigration and Passport Section investigator Sgt. Wesley Blair.

"Since organized crime groups involved in human smuggling are profit-driven, they do not often distinguish between migrants who are looking for a better way of life and migrants who are dangerous criminals."

According to the Bangor Daily News, the Canadian charges are similar to trouble Singh had in Maine in 2005. That summer, she was arrested by authorities in the United States and subsequently pleaded guilty to trying to smuggle three illegal aliens from Guyana into the U.S. at the Calais border crossing. At the time she went by the name Savita Singh-Murray. She later was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bangor to 132 days in jail, which was time served, on the charge.

Judge John Woodcock at the time admonished Singh-Murray for her involvement in what prosecutors suspected was a plot to bring young women into the country to be forced to work as prostitutes.

It was not clear Wednesday whether the Canadian organized crime group had a connection to an organized crime group in the United States. All RCMP officials would say was that the investigation was ongoing, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Anyone who suspects human smuggling activity in their community can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, New Brunswick's Coastal Watch program at 1-800-665-6663 or contacting their local RCMP or police detachment.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Washington County Grand Jury Indicts Man, 19 In Break-Ins

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

MACHIAS, Maine - The Washington County grand jury indicted a Pleasant Point man for 18 crimes in connection with a string of break-ins earlier this year.

Nicholas Newell, 19, was indicted Tuesday on five counts of theft by unauthorized taking, three counts of burglary, six counts of criminal mischief and four counts of criminal trespass.

If indicted, First District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh said Wednesday, Newell could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on the Class B theft by unauthorized taking.

Newell remained in the Washington County Jail on Wednesday. Cavanaugh said Newell was in custody because of an alleged bail violation.

Newell is scheduled later this month to be arraigned on these charges, "and to address his bail situation," Cavanaugh said.

Newell's brush with the law began Jan. 20, when the owners of the Waco Diner in Eastport discovered that a side window had been smashed sometime the night before. "He did some damage getting in and literally stole the cash register and some money and perhaps some alcohol out of the restaurant," Cavanaugh said.

Later that night, an alarm at Baycity Mobil on Route 190 in Eastport went off. Police found the front door glass had been broken. Police investigated, but it appeared the alarm had scared off the perpetrator and nothing was taken.

While patrolling downtown Eastport shortly after midnight, police officers noticed footprints in the snow near the Moose Island General Store. While an officer was investigating the footprints, he heard a crash farther up the street. When he got to the back of the Waco Diner, he noticed that the rear window had been broken.

Police then discovered that the front door to Bank Square Pizza had been kicked in. It appeared nothing was taken from there.

While Eastport police were investigating those incidents, they learned that the alarm at Newcomb's Gun and Saddle Shop in Perry had gone off. Maine State Police responded to that alarm. When the owner arrived, he discovered a store window had been smashed and a display case was broken into. "Someone had gone inside and stole three firearms," Cavanaugh said.

The two agencies compared notes and traced the break-ins to Newell, who was arrested.

- The Bangor Daily News -

--Drug Cases Focus Of Grand Jury Indictments

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

CRAWFORD, Maine - The Washington County grand jury handed up indictments that included drug charges against two Baileyville residents and, in a separate case, against two Calais men.

Indicted Tuesday on multiple counts of trafficking and possession of scheduled drugs were Melissa Cox, 34, and Gerald A. Perry, 48, both of Baileyville, after the seizure by police on Route 9 last month of a cache of drugs valued at more than $5,000.

Cox was charged with aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs, Class A. She also was charged with five counts of unlawful possession of scheduled drugs. Perry was charged with unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, Class B, and five counts of unlawful possession of scheduled drugs. He also was charged with criminal forfeiture.

Assistant District Attorney Joelle Pratt said Wednesday that the charge for Cox was elevated to aggravated because she had a conviction in 2002 for trafficking in drugs.

"If convicted she could serve up to 20 years," Pratt said on this latest charge.

Perry and Cox could be sentenced up to 10 years each on the unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs charges.

The two were arrested by Washington County Sheriff's Department officers April 17 in Crawford. The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Maine State Police assisted in the arrest.

Police seized 42-and-a-half grams of cocaine, 28 methadone pills, seven Percocet pills, 12 hydrocodone pills and 11 Xanax pills along with $926 in cash and a 1992 Mercury Sable.

Bail for Perry and Cox was set at $25,000 cash each and the two remained in the Washington County Jail on Wednesday. They are expected to be arraigned on the charges in June, Pratt said.

In a separate case, the grand jury indicted Ivan Cabrera, 27, and Larry L. Bowen Jr., 26, for unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs, Class C. Both men are from Calais.

In January, a quantity of marijuana with a street value of more than $13,000 was seized by state drug enforcement agents and Calais police.

The law enforcement officials had learned from a source that a suspicious package had been sent from Texas to Calais. The package was delivered to Bowen's residence. Police had the Bowen residence under surveillance. Shortly after the package was delivered, two men left the residence in a vehicle and police stopped them.

Agents and police, armed with a search warrant, then searched Bowen's residence.

They found the package that had been delivered had been opened and some of the marijuana already had been broken down into retail quantities.

Police seized 6.6 pounds of marijuana valued at $13,200, as well as packaging materials from this delivery and two previous deliveries, each alleged to have contained 6.6 pounds of marijuana.

The two are expected to be arraigned next month.

- The Bangor Daily News -

--Man Indicted For Jeep-Smashing Episode

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

MACHIAS, Maine - The Washington County grand jury indicted a Robbinston man for aggravated criminal mischief after he allegedly smashed a pickup truck into a police officer's personal vehicle three times last month, then left he accident.

Donald P. Laviolet Sr., 35, also was charged with criminal operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants and driving to endanger.

First District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh said Wednesday that if convicted of aggravated criminal mischief Laviolet could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

If convicted of criminal OUI, Cavanaugh said, Laviolet faces a mandatory minimum of two days in jail, a $600 fine and 90-day license suspension.

In March, a Jeep that belonged to a Calais police officer was parked on Main Street when Laviolet, driving a 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck, smashed into it three times, sending it to the top of a snowbank, according to court records.

When police arrived, they found that Laviolet's vehicle license plate had fallen off.

The police followed the vehicle south on U.S. Route 1 toward Robbinston and found the remains of a shredded tire in front of Pratt Chevrolet.

At the city line, Maine State Police Trooper Jason Fowler took over. When the trooper came within sight of the Robbinston Boat Landing, Laviolet's pickup truck was motionless, roofless and had smoke coming from it.

The truck had hit a patch of black ice, spun around, flown up into the air, struck a utility pole and rolled over, coming to rest on its three remaining tires and rim, police said at the time. The vehicle had traveled 10.4 miles on its rim. Laviolet suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital. He was arrested and jailed, then released on bail.

The grand jury on Tuesday also indicted:

Louis J. Lucas, 23, Baileyville, assault.

Dustin A. LaCoote, 26, Indian Township, burglary, theft by unauthorized taking and violation of condition of release.

Brett Mathews, 20, Machias, assault on an officer, domestic violence assault and terrorizing.

Michelle Ann Seavey, 19, Cherryfield, unlawful possession of scheduled drugs and violation of condition of release.

Michael J. Johnson, 26, Milbridge, burglary, theft by unauthorized taking and operating after revocation.

Keith L. Potter, 21, Milbridge, receiving stolen property and two counts of violation of condition of release.

Nicholas A. Mongiovi, 21, Campobello Island, New Brunswick, three counts of unlawful possession of scheduled drugs, two counts of illegal importation of scheduled drugs and one count of trafficking in dangerous knives.

Daniel J. Graham, 26, Jonesport, burglary and theft by unauthorized taking.

Stephen J. Hall, 20, Lubec, burglary, two counts of criminal mischief and one count each of theft by unauthorized taking, aggravated unlawful furnishing of scheduled drugs, unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs and violation of condition of release.

- The Bangor Daily News -

--Feds, Province Invests In Charlotte County Civic Centre

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Federal and provincial funding has been added to the mix of money committed by the town of St. Stephen along with funds from many generous donors for the the Charlotte County Civic Centre Project.

The announcement was made Tuesday morning in the Town Square in downtown St. Stephen within sight of the site for the new $18-million facility.

Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Regional Minister for New Brunswick was joined by New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham and St. Stephen Mayor Jed Purcell.

"A project of this magnitude could never become a reality without the support of all three levels of government and today I stand shoulder to shoulder with Premier Shawn Graham and Honorable Greg Thompson united in our commitment to stimulate our economy and improve the lifestyles of all our citizens," Purcell said.

"It's an 18-million-dollar project and we're contributing $6.2 apiece, federally and provincially," Thompson said. "The town is coming in for its share and of course a major share by the fundraisers, the people that have given openly."

[New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham-WQDY PHOTO]

"In order for New Brunswick to be self-sufficient by 2026, all communities in our province must continue to be strong and be an attractive place to live, throughout the coming years. Furthermore, we know that the foundation of a strong community everywhere is reliable infrastructure. And we're certainly aware that for four-and-a-half years, this community has been rallying for the construction of a new piece of infrastructure for area residents which is the Charlotte County Civic Centre," Graham said.

The centre will include an NHL-sized ice surface with seating for 1,500 spectators; an indoor aquatic facility with an eight-lane, 25-metre training pool, including a free form play and therapeutic section; an indoor walking / jogging track; and a multi-purpose community space.

[Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson-WQDY PHOTO]

Under its Economic Action Plan, the federal government is accelerating and expanding the existing investment of $33 billion in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in stimulus funding over two years. The provincial government is working closely with the federal government to ensure that these infrastructure funds are spent on priority projects across New Brunswick.

Following the news conference, former St. Stephen mayor Bob Brown said the announcement was "a dream come true" and he recalled how the project began.

"We started with an architectural assessment of the Border Arena and found the town could have spent $2.1 million there and they'd still have no building."

And the idea of building the civic centre? Brown said "it was the community that drove it."

"We simply held the public meetings and asked the community what they wanted and the community was the driving force behind it. Still a lot of work ahead and during the construction phase and the greatest challenge is to operate it as well and in a very proper financial manner. You've got to get your finances in order and plan those things and so the operation is a major issue and we have to have cooperation on that too from the users and the surrounding communities as well," Brown said.

[Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson, left, with former St. Stephen mayors Bob Brown and Allan Gillmor, current mayor Jed Purcell and Premier Shawn Graham -WQDY PHOTO]

Civic Centre Chairman Richard Fulton said there will be another celebratory closing ceremony coming up May 20.

As to a groundbreaking date, he said they still have a lot of work to do.

"We're targeting August of this year. We won't see walls probably to next year but completion will be in 2011. There's a lot to do but we have people who can do it," Fulton said.

The civic centre project is three or four years ahead of the original schedule thanks to infrastructure money that was made available.

"We've moved forward and taken advantage of those opportunities," Fulton said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Two Tales- Falling Moose And Runaway Racehorse

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

CLINTON, Maine (AP) - Police in Clinton say a 500-pound moose fell 18 feet to its death when it apparently leaped a guardrail on Interstate 95 and landed on Hinckley Road.

Officials learned of the incident when a motorist called the town office shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday and told assistant town clerk Shirley Bailey that "a moose just fell out of the sky."

Bailey said the driver, who was under the bridge when he spotted the falling moose, was "pretty excited about it."

Police chief Charles Runnels said the yearling bull probably panicked because of the noise and traffic along I-95 and began running. He said it just picked the wrong spot to jump the guardrail, falling onto a road instead of landing in a field.

A passerby with a wrecker hauled away the carcass.

Also on Tuesday the Associated Press reported a runaway racehorse that was attached to its unmanned sulky escaped from the track at Bangor Raceway and trotted onto an Interstate 395 on ramp before the occupants of a pickup truck managed to corral the horse.

Police said Jeremiah Jones, owned by Paivi Brown, made its way from Buck Street to Main Street and then headed up toward the highway before being stopped by Christopher Hitchcock of Hampden and a couple of other men in his truck.

The horse was returned to Bass Park and there were no reports of injuries. The pickup received minor damage to its side as the driver pulled up alongside the horse in an effort to grab its reins.

- The Associated Press -

--Canada Investing In St. Andrews Biological Station

Monday, May 11, 2009

The Canadian government is providing more than $1.3 million in funding over the next two years to modernize the St. Andrews Biological Station. The announcement was made Monday by Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest.

According to a press release, in Budget 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government committed to an accelerated investment program to provide $250 million, over the next two years, to modernize federal laboratories. The funding, one of the many job-creating investments in the Economic Action Plan will improve these facilities while providing economic stimulus in regions across Canada.

"This program is addressing important maintenance issues in our laboratories and will quickly bring economic stimulus to our region," said Minister Thompson.

"This funding will provide jobs for workers to repair, upgrade and conduct other maintenance work at this facility. With this funding, our scientists and researchers will have healthier and more modern work environments that will better support research and development."

The St. Andrews Biological Station, Atlantic Canada's first marine biological research station, began operations in St. Andrews in 1908.

Today, the Station is actively engaged in research on aquaculture, assessing marine fish stocks to provide scientific advice for fish management and the Species at Risk program, studies on the coastal marine environment, biodiversity research, and studies on the biological effects of pesticides and contaminants on various fish species.

The station also supports the development and establishment of Marine Protected Areas, which contribute to the improved health, integrity, and productivity of marine ecosystems and help advance integrated ocean management.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Active Week For MSP Troop J

Monday, May 11, 2009

Another active week for the personnel of Maine State Police Troop J. Here are some of the incidents they covered:

May 3

Tpr. Michael Southard received a check well being request from a woman who would not give her name. The caller requested that a Trooper check on her mother. The caller would only say that her mother has a lot of medication and may overdose on it. The mother was found to be in good health. Tpr. Greg Burns also assisted with the investigation.

May 5

Tpr. Christopher Smith was returning from an escort detail while passing through Brewer. Tpr. Smith witnessed a rear-end crash on State Street in Brewer. Tpr. Smith observed the male operator exit the vehicle and flee. Tpr. Smith pursued the man and apprehended him. The 32-year-old driver was returned to the scene and turned over to Brewer PD, who charged him with several crimes.

Tpr. Michael Southard received a theft complaint from Gardner's Lake. A man reported that a spare tire had been stolen from his boat trailer which was parked at the Gardner Lake boat launch.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter responded to Lubec after a man reported his vehicle had been stolen from the Lubec Medical Center on the South Lubec Road. Tpr. Carpenter located the vehicle and later arrested a 23-year-old man for unauthorized use of property. Sgt. Alden Bustard also responded to the scene.

Tpr. Michael Southard received a theft complaint from a man who lives in Machias. The man reported that his nephew had stolen his truck. The investigation revealed several underlying civil issues between the two. The investigation of a possible fraud continues.

Tpr. Thomas Pickering responded to a burglary in Dedham. A residence being renovated had been broken into and a fire was started in the kitchen. The fire extinguished itself and did not cause any significant damage. There did not appear to be anything taken from the residence.

Tpr. Jason Fowler handled a phone harassment complaint in Danforth where a woman reported that her ex-husband was calling her in a harassing manner. Fairfield PD warned the man for phone harassment.

May 5

Tpr. Jessica Shorey and Tpr. Dan Ryan responded to Hancock for a domestic assault. A 42-year-old woman was arrested for assaulting a man. There were also other warrants out for her arrest from Waldo County.

Tpr. Dan Ryan responded to Deer Isle for a burglary where prescription drugs were reported stolen.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a found property complaint in Sullivan where a ladder was found along the side of the road.

Tpr. Dan Ryan responded to Castine for a vehicle crash where the operator fled the scene. A 28-year-old resident of Castine was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol and summonsed for failure to report an accident by quickest means. Hancock S.O. assisted along with Tpr. Shorey and her K-9 in locating the man in a wooded area.

Tpr. Jason Fowler assisted Washington S.O. in Danforth with a suicidal female.

Tpr. Miles Carpenter responded to a family fight in Meddybemps involving a male and female. The incident was found to be verbal in nature and parties were separated.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey and her K-9 assisted Holden PD with locating juveniles that had run away from a residence.

Tpr. Miles Carpenter assisted Washington S.O. with a possible suicidal subject in Addison.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey and Tpr. Miles Carpenter responded to Mariaville for a report of an assault. Two men were involved in a fight, possibly involving a knife. One was treated at EMMC for head injuries. Neither party wanted to pursue charges.

Tpr. Michael Southard received a theft complaint from a woman in Columbia. The woman called to report that someone stole her husband's prescription pain medication from their house. The matter remains under investigation.

Tpr. Michael Southard received a complaint from a man living in Surry who reported receiving a disturbing phone call which he was able to retrieve from his caller ID. Tpr. Southard called the number and found that it belonged to a student at the University of Maine in Farmington. Apparently, the student discovered that he left his phone unattended in his dorm room. It appears that some of his friends used his phone to make several prank phone calls.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter responded to Machiasport for a complaint of theft of power tools. Investigation revealed that someone had broken a lock to the storage trailer and removed the tools.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter responded to a complaint of a theft of a dishwasher, 6 boxes of canning jars and cement mix from the Old Blue Seal store in Pembroke. Tpr. Carpenter spoke with the key holders who reported that the business has been unoccupied for approximately 3 years. The investigation revealed that someone forced open a rear door and removed the items from the property. The investigation continues.

Tpr. Staci Carpenter responded to a residential burglary in Crawford. Tpr. Carpenter met with the owners and the investigation revealed that someone had made forced entry
into the garage, storage building and the front door to the residence. The incident remains under investigation.

Tpr. Greg Burns responded to Grand Lake Stream to investigate an unattended death. A man from Massachusetts was staying at a camp on the Bonney Brook Road and went outside. His son went outside the camp when the man didn't immediately return and located his father, who had died of an apparent heart attack.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson took a report of a counterfeit twenty dollar bill from the Franklin Trading Post.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson and Tpr. Jessica Shorey received a report from a woman in Otis stating that at night she hears a man walking in her attic. Tpr. Shorey checked her residence for her and didn't locate anyone.

May 6

Tpr. Dan Ryan handled a harassment complaint in Brooksville where a man complained that a woman was sending harassing text messages. Warnings have been given to both parties in the past but both refuse to cooperate with prosecution.

Sgt. Jeff Ingemi assisted Machias PD with an operating under the influence case in Machias.

Tpr. Jason Fowler and Tpr. Tim McCadden assisted Calais PD with traffic control for the funeral of Calais firefighter William Townsend.

Tpr. Andy Foss responded to a burglary at a seasonal residence in Machiasport. Numerous items were stolen including a .22 caliber rifle. Evidence was gathered and the investigation continues.

Tpr. Kimberly Janes summonsed a 32-year-old man from Eastport for operating an unregistered vehicle after stopping him for speeding on Route 1 Calais.

May 7

Tpr. Kimberly Janes summonsed a 23-year-old woman from Indian Township, for operating after suspension after stopping her on Route 1 in Princeton for failing to dim her lights and for no plate light.

Tpr. Dan Ryan handled a theft complaint in Blue Hill where a male went to EBS in Blue Hill and purchased equipment on an unauthorized account.

Sgt. Jeff Ingemi, Tpr. Miles Carpenter and Tpr. Andy Foss assisted Washington S.O. in Addison with a report of an intoxicated male in the road with a gun who had also fired the gun inside his residence.

Tpr. Christopher Smith responded to Route 200 (Hog Bay Road) in Franklin for a car- versus-pole crash. Tpr. Smith arrived on scene and arrested the 18-year-old female driver for operating under the influence. Her vehicle was totaled as a result of the crash. Police said the teen is an Ellsworth High School student who was exposed to the "Every 15 minutes" program earlier that day. The "Every 15 minutes" program warns students about the danger of drinking and driving.

May 8

Detective Elmer Farren and Tpr. Christopher Smith spoke to students at Washington Academy High School in East Machias. The event was part of a week-long career exploration program. The students were participants of the Jobs for Maine's Graduates program.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to the Sedgwick School for suspicious vehicle parked near the school. The investigation revealed that a local business owner had driven the car to the school to help a customer. He took his dealer plates off because he left the car at the school over night. The owner was asked to remove his vehicle from the school's property.

Tpr. Jason Fowler assisted Tpr. Chris Hashey in Alexander with a commercial vehicle stop. A 45-year-old man from Prince Edward Island was arrested for operating a commercial motor vehicle with a false duty record. He also had an active warrant for his arrest.

May 9

Tpr. Michael Southard and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a residence in Harrington for a domestic assault. A 30-year-old woman threw an item at a man, which caused an injury. She fled the residence into the nearby woods. Sgt. Bustard and K-9 Zach found the woman hiding in the woods near the residence but was later arrested for domestic assault and refusing to submit to arrest.

Tpr. Greg Burns responded to Edmunds Township to assist the Washington County S.O. at a domestic dispute in progress where an adult son was attempting to force entry into a residence. Prior to any unit arriving on scene, the phones were disabled and Washington RCC lost contact with the residence. While responding via Smith Ridge Road, Tpr. Burns encountered the suspect's vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The 18-year-old suspect from Edmunds Twp. was taken into custody without incident. An 18-year-old female passenger in the vehicle from Perry, was also arrested for a bail violation. Sgt. Bustard also assisted with this incident.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson stopped a 20-year-old man on Route 15A in Stonington for not having a front license plate. He was arrested for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in Ellsworth District Court.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson stopped a car for speeding on Sunset Road in Deer Isle. As a result, 16 year-old male was issued a summons for illegal possession of liquor by a juvenile. The boy had a partial 30-pack of beer between his feet as well as an open can. The boy's mother was called to the scene where she took custody of her son.

May 10

Tpr. Cliff Peterson responded to a residence in Orland. The caller had reported there were unconscious people in her residence. Upon arrival, no one else was found at the trailer, although the caller insisted they were still there. The caller was transported to EMMC for evaluation.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson and Sergeant Alden Bustard responded to a residence in Dedham. The female caller had locked out her husband due to his extreme intoxication. It was found that no crime had been committed by either party. The male was given a ride to their camp.

Tpr. Andy Foss arrested a 35-year-old man in Machias, on a probation hold at the request of his Probation Officer after the subject failed a urine test.

Tpr. Dan Ryan handled a phone harassment complaint in Stonington where he warned a woman not to call another woman's residence.

Sgt. Jeff Ingemi, Tpr. Miles Carpenter, Tpr. Jessica Shorey and Tpr. Andy Foss assisted Washington S.O. in Steuben with the arrest of a 44-year-old man who was wanted by Bangor Police for domestic related criminal mischief. The man was also wanted by Ellsworth Police for domestic related criminal threatening. Tpr. Shorey transported Robinson to the Hancock County Jail without incident.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Blood Donors Needed May 21 In St. Stephen And St. Andrews

Monday, May 11, 2009

One hour may not seem like a very long time for most Canadians as they celebrate the arrival of warm weather and make plans for their summer vacations, but for many patients waiting for blood, its one hour well spent.

Canadian Blood Services is encouraging local residents to make donating blood an important part of their lives as they return from their May long weekend activities.

Two mobile blood donor clinics are planned on Thursday, May 21 in St. Andrews and St. Stephen.

NBCC Campus St. Andrews on Augustus Street will host a blood donor clinic from 12:30 � 3:30 and 5 � 6:30 p.m. while the St. Stephen Legion's blood donor clinic will be open from 2 � 4:30 and 6 � 8 p.m.

As the temperature rises and long weekends begin, blood donations traditionally decrease because people are away on holidays or busy with family activities.

At the same time, the demand for blood remains constant. Because each blood donation can be separated into three components, one hour of your time could have a positive impact on three different hospital patients.

Donors must provide identification and be a minimum of 17 years old and be in general good health on the day of donation. To ensure a successful donation experience, please have something to eat before the clinic and drink plenty of fluids. For more detailed information about eligibility requirements and to book an appointment, please call 1 888 2 DONATE.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--N.B. Man Charged In Internet Child Luring

Friday, May 08, 2009

The RCMP say a man from Dieppe, New Brunswick, charged with three counts of luring a child over the Internet will remain in custody until his next court appearance.

38-year old David Burton Windle was arrested May 6 by the RCMP.

Police said the investigation began based on information gathered by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Computer Crimes Unit in Paramus, New Jersey, U.S.A.

The victims were young people under 16 years of age. They are not believed to be from New Brunswick.

Windle has been remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in Moncton Provincial Court on June 1 for election and plea.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Baldacci Meets With Domtar Officials On Future Of Baileyville Mill

Thursday, May 07, 2009

BAILEYVILLE, Maine - The governor met with Domtar Corp. officials Thursday to talk about the future of the pulp mill in Baileyville.

"It was a good meeting and the discussions included the possible redevelopment of the mill," said David Farmer, Gov. John Baldacci's press secretary.

Farmer said the company is looking at several options and hopes to have a plan in place within six to 12 months. "The company told the governor that its goal is to see the facility reopened, and the governor believes that Domtar is working diligently to do just that," the press secretary added.

A redevelopment of the mill will not happen overnight, Farmer said. "Some of the potential options would be to open it back in its current form or legacy form or to find new options for this facility," he said.

Michel Marcouiller, senior manager for corporate communications in Montreal, said, "We are ... trying to have a continued and positive relationship with the state of Maine, and the governor and this meeting was part of that. More specifically beyond that we provided an update on our efforts to address the issue of the closed facility in Baileyville. And we pledged to keep the governor and his staff informed and work cooperatively with them."

Asked about the redevelopment plans mentioned by the governor's press secretary, Marcouiller said he was unable to elaborate.

No potential investors for the mill attended the meeting Thursday, according to Farmer. He said the governor had met with possible investors several weeks ago but nothing substantial came of the meeting.

"There is no deal, there is nothing like that," he said, "but people have expressed an interest. At this point it is too early to say what their real interest level is. It was a preliminary meeting."

Farmer said the governor's meeting with Domtar officials went well. "The governor believes that the company is working in good faith to try and make something happen there," he said.

Although Baldacci wants to see the mill reopen, it doesn't appear that will happen anytime soon.

"We will continue to push to try to make something happen, but I don't want to build up false hopes; it is going to take time," Farmer said. "It is all preliminary at this point but there are real opportunities."

In March the Montreal-based company announced it was shutting down its Baileyville pulp mill indefinitely. On Tuesday more than 300 people, carrying their personal belongings, left the mill for the last time.

- The Bangor Daily News -

--RCMP Warn Of Drug Dealers Substituting Meth For Ecstasy

Thursday, May 07, 2009

The RCMP are issuing a warning to high school and university students on the dangers of the illegal drugs ecstasy and methamphetamine commonly known as "meth."

Police say with more and more parties being held to celebrate the end of the school year, there is the potential for more drug use.

Ecstasy can sometimes be a drug of choice for young people, and there have been an increasing number of cases where people think they are buying ecstasy, when they are in fact buying meth.

"While ecstasy and meth are both very dangerous drugs, meth is especially addictive and deadly," says Sgt. MaryAnn MacNeil of the RCMP's Drugs and Organized Crime Awareness Services.

"We want to make students aware that criminals are targeting them in an effort to make a profit for themselves. These students are just getting started in life and I don't want to see their lives ruined or see them killed by greedy criminals."

The RCMP said during the past year, the number of drug seizures in which meth has been discovered has been on the rise throughout New Brunswick.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Tribute To Calais Firefighter #13 Wednesday

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Brother firefighters from Calais, Baileyville, Alexander, Charlotte, Perry, Eastport, St. Stephen, Lincoln and beyond joined the family and friends of Billy Townsend for his funeral service on Wednesday.

Townsend's casket was carried to the Calais Cemetery on a 1926 "AC/Mack Bulldog" hose wagon.

Townsend lost his battle with leukemia. He passed away Friday at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. He was 27.

While he was in high school, Townsend became the first firefighter explorer for the Calais Fire Department. After he graduated from Calais High School in 2000, he became a firefighter with the Lincoln Fire Department.

He returned to Calais and recently worked for Richard Mingo Construction and was a call firefighter for the Calais Fire Department.

Family and friends gathered with firefighters at the Calais Fire Station early Wednesday afternoon for the Fireman's Last Alarm. Skies were gray and it began to rain.

Uniformed firefighters/ Honor Guard from both sides of the border stood on either side of the center door extending out onto the apron.

Then the pager tones used to alert firefighters sounded three times over Calais fire radio.

"This is the Calais Fire Department and on behalf of the Lincoln Fire Department, requesting the last call for Firefighter William Eugene Townsend, Firefighter #13. At this time we request a moment of radio silence," announced Assistant Chief Ken Clark.

There was a short pause and then the radio crackled again.

"Calais Fire Department repeating the transmission on behalf of the Calais and Lincoln Fire Department, this is the last alarm for Firefighter William Eugene Townsend, Firefighter #13. May he rest in peace. Calais Fire clear."

The center door was raised --- Townsend's turn-out gear was visible in the center of the bay. Then the door was lowered.

There was a remembrance of Billy Townsend read by Firefighter Geoff Maker.

"We gather on this somber occasion to remember our friend and colleague, Billy Townsend, a fellow firefighter, who, from the very young age of 14 years as a junior firefighter, exemplified the spirit and practice of volunteerism. The practice of caring for our fellow citizens, their life safety and well-being. Let us pause and reflect at this 'last alarm' to ponder the absence of a dear friend and brother firefighter."

"The empty apparatus bay signifies that someone - our brother and colleague William E. Townsend - is missing. Likewise, as Firefighter Townsend's gear is now retired, let us also restore our memories of Billy and keep them ever present in our minds, as we hear the words of the FireFighter's Prayer."

The "Final Bell" on the Mack was then struck 13 times in honor of Firefighter #13.

Lt. Tim James then read the Firefighter's Prayer.

"When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever Flames may rage;
Give me strength to save some life,
Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person
From the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and effectively
To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
And give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect his property.

And if, according to my fate,
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife."

All three doors slowly opened and Townsend's turn-out gear was gone.

Following the service, Fire Captain Dale Purton said the outpouring of firefighters from the area and beyond was "unbelievable."

"It shows the brotherhood -- it doesn't matter where you're from. We all do the same," Purton said.

From the main page of the department's Web site, calaisfire.com was this entry:

"On March 14, 2007 one of our firefighters was diagnosed with acute leukemia, firefighter Bill Townsend (#13). On May 1, 2009 Billy lost his battle against acute leukemia. Over the past couple of years Bill endured many challenges along with his wife Alicia and children, Victoria and Charles. Throughout these times, Billy and his family displayed an amazing amount of strength and courage! During their time at the hospital in Boston, many friendships were made and overwhelming support from the community was shown."

"There is no way to fully describe or detail all that Billy has done for his community, and his family. His passing was a surprise to us all. We would be remiss if we did not say he will be greatly missed, by his Fire Dept. and by his community!"

A procession of fire apparatus left the Calais United Methodist Church Wednesday and traveled up South Street to the Calais Cemetery.

"The uniformed firefighters wanted to walk to show their respect," Purton said.

Billy Townsend leaves behind his wife and two children, a boy and a girl.

- Photos by Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Home Remedy Lands Man In Court

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

ST. STEPHEN - According to a story in Tuesday's Saint Croix Courier, a Charlotte County man says he has a sure-fire cure for the flu -- Beefeater Gin.

At least that's what Darryl Robert McCurdy, 54, of Upper Mills, told Provincial Court Judge David C. Walker in court Tuesday morning.

McCurdy pleaded guilty to a charge of impaired driving. He had been stopped by the RCMP who received an anonymous report concerning his possible impairment.

McCurdy failed the roadside breathalyzer screening test and subsequently produced two Breathalyzer readings of point-11. The legal blood alcohol limit is point-08.

As the judge began to pass sentence, McCurdy spoke up and explained that a couple of days before he was stopped by the RCMP, he thought he was coming down with the flu, so he went and bought some Beefeater gin and "nursed it."

He figured his Breathalyzer readings indicated the liquor was lingering in his system.

"I use alcohol to kill the flu instead of going to the doctor," said McCurdy.

"Does it always work?" asked the judge.

"Yes," replied McCurdy.

Judge Walker advised McCurdy that if in the future he should choose to use this particular cure again, he should stay home.

McCurdy was fined $1,000 and prohibited from driving for one year anywhere in Canada.

- The Saint Croix Courier -

--WCCCs Raising $$ For Local Food Pantries Until May 15

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Students from Washington County Community College are pulling out all the stops to help local food pantries with "Graduation Can Do." There may be a couple wet police officers by the time it's over.

They'll be having a Field Day from noon to 5 p.m. Friday. Activities on campus including a dunk tank and volleyball challenge will help students to raise $10,000 in cash and food donations for local food pantries.

In April the Maine Community College System announced it would match the amount raised by the college's student senate up to $10,000.

Dunk chair honorees include Calais police officers Dave Claroni and Bob Fitzsimmons and WCCC types such as David Markow and Joe Cassidy.

Students have also placed food collection containers outside area stores.

[RIGHT-Bill Conley interviews WCCC President Bill Cassidy and student]

On Tuesday, students were working inside and out at the WQDY "Classic Hits" studios on Main Street from 7 a.m. to noon during Bill Conley's show.

If you would like to donate call 454-1054.

The students hope to reach their goal by graduation day, on Friday May 15.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Domtar Workers Try To Stay Positive As Shutdown Begins

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

The quiet one hears in Baileyville in recent days is unnerving.

And then there's the absence of smoke or steam issuing from the stacks at the Domtar Corp. pulp mill.

[Part of the now very quiet Domtar pulp mill in Baileyville-WQDY PHOTO]

The facility is shut down "temporarily." How long "temporarily" means is anybody's guess.

According to a company press release issued March 5, "Current worldwide economic conditions with weaker global demand for pulp, historically high inventory levels and depressed prices make it extremely challenging for northern hardwood pulp mills to compete. With no immediate recovery in sight, we must temporarily reduce our pulp manufacturing capacity," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Domtar.

The shutdown affects over 300 employees at the mill itself and numerous other entities and businesses around Washington County.

"Everyone's very sad to have the town so quiet," said Baileyville's interim Town Manager Dottie Johnson.

[Dottie Johnson, interim Town Manager of Baileyville-WQDY PHOTO]

Having the smoke coming out of the stacks provided a comfort-level for folks -- at least things were running. But there was also another reason people liked to see the smoke, Johnson said.

"Now we don't know what the weather's going to be because we can't watch the smoke."

The question of 'what's the weather going to do' can be answered with 'let me check the smoke first' Johnson explained.

"When it's going up that means we're going to have a storm. It's true, and when it's coming right over my house we're going to have a nor'easter. We could smell it in Robbinston when I was a kid. So if we could smell Woodland [then]we knew we were in for something," Johnson said.

Johnson said she hasn't had any communication from the company as to what it's going to do. She spoke instead of the workers.

"The workers are facing their last pay check. There's nothing good about that. They're worried about insurance, they're worried about their mortgages, they're worried about all the bills we all have."

"It's been nice. Domtar has had a pretty good run. Georgia-Pacific before that and we've always had rumors of shutdown but this is the first one where we can hear nothing -- good. I mean nothing bad -- but nothing good."

"Everything is quiet," Johnson said.

The only times where it has been this quiet is when the mill would have been shutdown for maintenance purposes.

Baileyville now has three large industrial buildings that are vacant.

"We've had people interested and through misinformation and downright dirty politics things haven't come around the way we wanted them to," Johnson said.

Asked to elaborate on the "dirty politics," Johnson explained.

"Some misinformation and some people interested in LP [Louisiana-Pacific] and when another company was interested in the building they gave misinformation so LP wouldn't sell to the other company because of competition for wood --- which was a lie. The numbers LP got were numbers of the entire United States not the numbers for the Baileyville plant and that hurt us," Johnson said.

There's nobody waiting in the wings apparently.

"Baetel was interested but they don't have any money to do their investment. Baetel still has an option on LP, I believe," Johnson added.

On Tuesday, some Domtar employees left early. As they passed through the security gate, guards looked inside vehicles to be sure only the employees and their personal property was leaving the premises.

[Security Guards check out an employee's pickup truck-WQDY PHOTO]

As they were leaving, the loudest noise that could be heard in the vicinity of the mill was an air ventilation system atop the administration building.

Employees were stoic as they left but their faces told the story.

Some had no comment but others chose to speak with local reporters about the mood in the mill.

Gene Newcomb of Perry said he would have been there twenty years in June. "I guess everybody's hoping they'll be back," he told us.

Jimmy McLaughlin has worked there 29 years. "Hope we're going to come back," he said.

Another employee described it as "walking around in a dream. It's surreal."

Tim Leavitt has been there 36 years. "I feel bad because I've got brothers, friends and other people in here. They're going to be hurt by this," he said.

Seth Hayman of Brookton has 42 years in the mill. "Pretty sober" is how he described the mood Tuesday.

Dave Call of Calais has been there since 1969. "It was really emotional. It's like a family. We've been together, most of us for 35 years. It's really hard to leave it," he said.

General Manger Tim Lowe shook hands with departing employees. He had no comment for reporters. Company spokesman Scott Beal also had no comment.

Another local casualty of the shutdown is the loss of the last restaurant in Baileyville.

Jason's N.Y. Style Pizza II is closing up shop. Owner Jason Fell and his wife Linda are moving their business to Old Town and are opening "in about two weeks."

[Owner Jason Fell-WQDY PHOTO]

"No business no more. When the mill was up and running it was doing very well, when all three mills were running. Now it's just gone way down hill," Jason said.

He said he's hearing workers say that they'd be paid to go to school, and find another job. "It's going to be hard for everybody but I'm sure they'll work their way through it alright," he said.

The pizzeria building is for sale.

"If the mill starts back up it'll be a good opportunity for somebody."

"But we're done in Baileyville," Jason said. "We can't wait it out, we really can't wait it out. I've been here since '94."

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Camp Owner Cited In Underage Drinking Party

Monday, May 04, 2009

CRAWFORD, Maine - The environmental manager of Montreal-based Domtar Corp. was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with furnishing a place for minors to possess or consume alcohol.

Jay Beaudoin, 45, of Pembroke is the owner of a camp on Love Lake in Crawford where between 50 and 100 young people held a party late Saturday night, the Washington County Sheriff's Department said Monday.

The Sheriff's Department received a tip that a party was going to be held and contacted the Maine State Police.

Officers converged on the site. "It was pretty wild when the guys got up there," Sheriff Donnie Smith said in a telephone interview Monday. Some of the partygoers ran into the woods, he added.

The party was linked back to social groups at the University of Maine at Machias, and the event was known as Greek Weekend, the sheriff said in a press release.

Lt. Travis Willey of the Washington County Sheriff�s Department said Monday that Beaudoin is a UMM fraternity alumnus. Domtar spokesman Scott Beal confirmed Monday that Beaudoin was employed at the pulp mill in Baileyville. The company announced earlier this year that it was indefinitely idling its pulp mill Tuesday, tossing more than 300 people out of work.

Also arrested were Michael Frederick Hinerman, 23, and Royce Michael Bedbury, 19, charged with furnishing liquor to minors. Both men are from Machiasport and are students at UMM. Hinerman, according to the UMM Web site, is a member of Kappa Mu Alpha fraternity. According to the Sheriff's Department arrest and booking page, it was alleged that both men were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they were arrested.

Police also summoned 10 others on charges of possession of liquor by a minor. Summoned were Britney St. Louis, 19, of Machiasport, Vandi Farren, 20, of Ellsworth, Katryn Bailey, 19, of Columbia, Marcus Guimond, 18, of Sidney, Bruce Neff, 20, of Greenfield, Ind., Briann Emery, 19, of Madison, Jason Tustian, 19, of Addison, Jessica Brown, 19, of Palmyra, Victoria Pendleton, 20, of Windham and Daniel Rolfe, 19, of Bath. Some of those summoned also were UMM students.

Willey said that three other minors were tested, but were not drinking. The Sheriff's Department, Willey said, working with newly acquired portable Breathalyzers, were able to test the partygoers on-site.

Police confiscated three kegs of beer and unidentified drinking paraphernalia.

It all started when the Sheriff's Department received word last month from the Maine Forest Service that there was going to be a party among college students on May 2, at the Rocky Lake Campsite in East Machias on government land.

Jeff Currier, district ranger for the Maine Forest Service, said Monday the Bureau of Parks and Lands notified his office about the party, and he approached Kim Page, UMM director of Student Life.

"She said that it definitely was something that the university was neither sponsoring, sanctioning nor condoning, so let's work together and see if we can get info on it and squash it before it happens," Currier said.

Page put Currier in touch with the leadership of two campus Greek organizations. "One was a sorority and one was a fraternity," he said.

Currier said he warned the students about the inappropriate use of public lands, and the students agreed they would not hold the party there. The party later was moved to Love Lake.

Page said Monday the university did not condone drinking among students. "We do not support underage drinking, and we strongly try to educate our students on the dangers around that," she said.

Bail on Beaudoin was set at $500 cash while bail on Hinerman and Bedbury was set at $300 each unsecured.

Willey said that anyone who hears of underage drinking parties should contact the Washington County sheriff's office.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Nine 9-1-1 Hangup Calls Keep Calais PD Busy Monday Morning

Monday, May 04, 2009

Several cell phone calls to 9-1-1 Monday morning from near Calais kept state police dispatchers busy and in turn sent Calais police to try to find the origin of the calls.

Calais Police Officer Bob Fitzsimmons told WQDY News Monday that state police dispatch received nine 9-1-1 calls from a school bus.

"They triangulated the position and it came back on the Charlotte Road. It was either a bus that was heading for Calais or to Baileyville," Fitzsimmons said.

But after some investigation they had no luck into finding the cell phone or its owner.

The multiple incidents tied up Fitzsimmons for a while.

"If they put in a 9-1-1 call it takes resources away from where they may be needed to go handle a false alarm. There are penalties involved, justifiably so, I think."

Calls to 9-1-1 do go somewhere --- and authorities will try to check out the call.

"Anytime we get a call, especially a 9-1-1 call that has to do with kids on a school bus it puts everybody at a heightened sense of of alertness. Just to run around and try to chase down every school bus coming into Calais on a Monday morning to make sure those kids are okay --- we've got the number that it came in on," Fitzsimmons said.

Thumbing through his notepad, Fitzsimmons said the nine 9-1-1 calls came from "346-7180."

"We called that number back and it came back as disconnected. It's a Trac-Fone and the numbers have run out."

"If anybody knows who that phone belongs to feel free to give us [Calais Police] a call at 454-2752."

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--From The Recent Files Of Troop J MSP

Monday, May 04, 2009

Some of the incidents covered by Troop J Maine State Police recently include:

April 20

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to the Lamoine Elementary School for a report of vandalism. The investigation revealed that a "snack shack" out building had a broken door. The wooden door had been cracked. It was unclear if anyone actually entered the building as nothing appeared to be missing or disturbed. A $5.00 bill was found on a picnic table next to the building. Tpr. Mitchell recommended that the $5.00 be put into the school fund to off set the cost of the repairs.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to the Leach's Point road in Orland for a burglary complaint. The investigation revealed that an attempted burglary of a seasonal residence had occurred. The caretaker discovered a broken bulkhead door. It appeared that an offender(s) had gone into the basement but the residential alarm had scared them off.

April 21

Tpr. Greg Mitchell received a trespass complaint from a man from Franklin. The caller owned a rental property located on Douglas Highway in Lamoine. He rented the property to a couple and had evicted both subjects last week. He changed the locks after they had all their property out of the building. After they left, the caller found a torn window screen. Tpr. Mitchell served the man a written trespass notice.

April 24

After receiving a complaint of erratic operation, Tpr. Greg Mitchell arrested a 23-year-old woman from Lamoine, for operating under the influence in Hancock.

April 25

Tpr. Greg Mitchell and Tpr. David Barnard assisted the Ellsworth YMCA with the annual Kaufman 5-k family road race. The Troopers greeted and congratulated the runners at the finish line of the race.

April 26

Tpr. Greg Mitchell, Tpr. David Barnard and Sgt. Timothy Varney responded to a residence in Stonington for a report of shots fired and a domestic assault. The investigation revealed that earlier in the night, a 24-year-old man had assaulted his sixteen-year-old girlfriend. He had pushed the girl down several times during an argument. In addition, the man also bit the girl on her on the face, leaving visible injuries. The girl's mother and father later confronted the boyfriend at his residence. The man fired a single round from a .30-06 rifle into the air and then fled the residence on foot prior to the arrival of the Troopers. Tpr. Greg Mitchell located and arrested the man the following morning. The subject was also on probation at the time of the incident.

April 27

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to Pleasant Street in Blue Hill for a residential burglary. The residence had been unoccupied since November of 2008. A plumber discovered the burglary when he entered the residence to open it for the season.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to Sedgwick for a report of a residential burglary. The residence had been unoccupied since 2007. The investigation revealed that someone forced open a rear door and removed the copper piping from the residence.

Tpr. David Barnard responded to a theft of tools from the Lower Dedham Road in Dedham. The caller, of Dedham, reported someone took a Husky Power Broom, 100 small animal traps and a tool box full of mechanics tools.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson received a harassment complaint from a Brooklin woman. The caller reported that her ex-boyfriend's current girlfriend has been harassing her.

April 28

Tpr. Michael Southard responded to a burglary complaint in Cherryfield. The caller reported that an abandoned schoolhouse that he owns at the intersection of Acadia Lane and Main Street had been broken into. The building has been abandoned for years and is posted with no trespassing signs. The interior of the building had been spray painted.

Tpr. Michael Southard investigated a harassment complaint in Beals. The caller had previously taken a skiff belonging to another resident to use as he was periwinkling. The caller later returned the skiff to the owner but it appears that his periwinkles were missing. The owner of the skiff and another man then returned to the area and began harassing the caller. Both men were summonsed for harassment.

Tpr. Kimberly Janes investigated a possible domestic dispute and protection order violation in Waite. A female stated that she had a protection order against a man. The caller went to pick up her son at his residence and stated she was assaulted by the man. She also claims that the man and his parents took the child without permission. This matter will be submitted to the District Attorney's Office for review.

Sgt. Jeff Ingemi, Tpr. Andy Foss and Det. Micah Perkins assisted the Fire Marshall's Office as evidence response technicians at the scene of arson in Columbia Falls.

April 29

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to a residence on Douglas Highway in Lamoine. The caller reported that he arrived home at around 8 p.m. the night before. At around 7 p.m. April 29, he discovered someone cut one of his plug wires on his 1992 Honda car. The repair cost was around $40.00.

Tpr. Greg Mitchell and Tpr. Dan Ryan responded to a residence located in Orland for a domestic assault complaint. The investigation revealed that a 17-year-old male had assaulted his mother. Tpr. Mitchell arrested the male for domestic assault.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Trenton where a computer was reported stolen. Investigation continues.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson received a harassment complaint from a woman from Lamoine. The caller reported that an adjacent landowner was walking down the middle of the road near her residence as she was leaving and was staring at her. The neighbor was warned for harassment.

Tpr. Cliff Peterson responded to a report of a camp burglary in Dedham. A man discovered that a camp that he landscapes had been broken into. The main entrance of the camp had been forced open and a television had been knocked onto the floor. Nothing appeared to have been taken from the camp.

April 30

Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to the Big Apple in Orland for an intoxicated subject complaint. Tpr. Greg Mitchell located a 23-year-old man from Sedgwick who was passed out on the ground outside the store. The investigation revealed that he had driven to the store to get cigarettes. Tpr. Mitchell arrested the man for operating under the influence. The man was also found to be on probation.

Tpr. Christopher Smith was parked at the intersection of the Point Road and Route 180 in Otis when an erratic vehicle approached. The vehicle crossed over the center line coming towards Tpr. Smith's parked location before overcorrecting and cornering while over the center line. Suspecting the driver was impaired, Tpr. Smith attempted to catch the vehicle but the operator quickly accelerated and lead Tpr. Smith on a 7-mile high speed chase through Otis and Mariaville. The 38-year-old male operator was
taken into custody at his residence and arrested for operating under the influence, eluding an officer and driving to endanger.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a burglary complaint in Hancock where some dishes were stolen from a vacant residence.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Sullivan where two chainsaws were reported stolen.

Tpr. Andy Foss arrested a 33-year-old man in Township 24 for criminal speed. It was found that the man was also on probation and his Probation Officer put a hold on him. A search of the vehicle at the request of the Probation Officer revealed marijuana and paraphernalia. A 47-year-old passenger was also found to be on probation and was summonsed for possession of a usable amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tpr. Fowler also assisted.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a camp burglary in Otis.

May 1

Tpr. Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Sullivan where tires and rims were stolen from a vehicle overnight. Investigation continues.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey issued a warning to two people not to go to the Sumner High School in Sullivan at the request of the Principal.

Tpr. Jason Fowler arrested a 45-year-old man in Princeton, for domestic assault and domestic related criminal mischief after he assaulted a female and damaged her windows.

May 2

Tpr. Christopher Smith arrested a 23-year-old woman from Lamoine for operating under the influence, and violation of bail on Route 1 in Gouldsboro. It was her second arrest in a week for operating under the influence.

Tpr. David Barnard responded to a single vehicle crash on Route 1 in Hancock and the operator left the scene. The 34-year-old operator from Ellsworth was found later and summonsed for leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Tpr. David Barnard was assisted by Tpr. Christopher Smith, Tpr. Jessica Shorey and her K-9.

Tpr. Michael Southard investigated a harassment complaint in Cherryfield. One male teenager complained that another male juvenile was harassing him.

May 3

Tpr. Michael Southard received a request for a well being check from a woman who believed her mother, of Columbia Falls, was going to try to overdose on medication. Tpr. Southard made contact with the mother and determined that the complaint was unfounded.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

--Calais Firefighter Dies After Battle With Leukemia

Sunday, May 03, 2009

CALAIS, Maine - There was a deep sense of sadness Saturday as the community grappled with news that one of its young firefighters had lost his battle with leukemia.

Billy Townsend, 27, began his career as a junior firefighter while he was still in his teens. Except for a brief stint as a firefighter in Lincoln, he spent the rest of his career shoulder-to-shoulder with his fellow Calais firefighters battling some of the cities largest fires.

But on Friday, Townsend, who faced his illness with the same determination that he had when staring down a fire, lost his battle with cancer and died.

"We are shocked," a subdued Capt. Dale Purton of the Calais Fire Department said Saturday. "We knew what could be the outcome and it certainly didn't go the way we hoped but we lost a really good man."

Townsend started with the department when he was 14. "He hasn't been real active in the last two years because he has been sick, but he has always had a presence here," the captain said. Purton said Townsend's death left a big gap in the department.

"He'll never be replaced," Purton said. "Other people will come along as they do with anything, but he leaves a big gap."

Calais Fire Chief Danny Carlow said there was a sense of grief among members of the fire department. "We know he's been very ill for a few days," he said. "It's still a shock."

On March 14, 2007, Townsend was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer. At the time, the family believed he was in remission, but that fall the disease again struck his body. He went through a series of radiation treatments. The disease was in remission until early 2008. He underwent further treatment, and the disease went back into remission last year.

In the meantime, the family was told Townsend was being put on the registry for a bone marrow transplant, for which he would need a bone marrow donor.

The Dana-Farber donor center in Boston is a member of the National Marrow Donor Program.

In the beginning, the family's hopes were high, given that the registry lists more than 5 million possible donors. They thought a match would be found easily.

That didn't happen.

At one point, Townsend was told a match had been found, but it turned out to be a disappointment.

That's when the family decided to look for a match in their own backyard. They persuaded Dana-Farber to send a team to Calais in May 2008 to hold a bone marrow drive. More than 400 people volunteered.

Again, no match was found.

Finally, the call came in January a match had been found. Townsend and his wife Alicia were upbeat.

Then the family faced another setback: Townsend got a viral bladder infection. "It started in his bladder and then he got other viruses in his blood," Alicia Townsend said. It appeared at first that the treatment had helped.

He went to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and on March 10 he went through the stem cell procedure. "It seemed like after he got his transplant and the first two weeks he seemed to be doing pretty well," his wife said.

He retained his sense of humor. "He liked to give the nurses a hard time to just get some laughing going on," Alicia Townsend said.

Then things began to go wrong.

Some family members questioned whether the transplant came too soon after the bladder infection. "I wished we'd done a little more research on the best place to take him," his aunt, Kim McVicar, said.

But Townsend had told family members that he wanted the procedure done in Boston because he didn't want to be far from home.

Townsend was in the hospital for more than 50 days.

His health continued to deteriorate and on Friday Townsend's battle with cancer ended.

Townsend leaves behind his wife and two children, a boy and a girl.

- The Bangor Daily News -

--Pembroke Teen Wins Spot On National Geographic Team

Saturday, May 02, 2009

PEMBROKE, Maine - A local eighth-grader's knack for photography and writing won him a spot on a 12-day expedition to Peru as part of this year's National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge.

Dewey Sheehan, 13, was one of 15 youths, ages 10-14, who took top honors in a photo and essay contest that drew thousands of entries from across the nation. The expedition will head out on May 23 and return on June 3, in time for Sheehan's eighth-grade graduation.

Sheehan, whose family subscribes to the magazine, said he sent in his entry late last year.

"They asked for a photo and a 300-word essay," Sheehan said. "I wanted to write a lot more, but I got it down to exactly 300 words. Then I totally forgot about the contest for a while," he said in a telephone interview this week.

"I thought that they would like my essay and my photo, but I never thought I�d win," he said.

Sheehan, who grow up along Down East Maine's fossil-rich coast, chose a subject he has come to know well for the contest.

"I thought, 'Not many kids can go down to their yard and find fossils.' I picked that right away as my subject. I spent about an hour or two taking pictures and a couple more hours writing the essay," he said.

Following are some excerpts:

"The ocean is about 100 yards from my house and I explore it often," he wrote. He said that about 3� years ago, he found 490-million-year-old fossils on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, which is about 100 yards from his house.

"I was overjoyed by the discovery because I had never seen fossils before," he wrote. "The fossils I had discovered were marine snails and bivalve shells. It was awesome to see their imprints in the shale. The shells were arranged in different ways. Some were upside down (I call these 'impression shells'), and some were right side up (these I call 'pop outs')."

Once he got over this initial excitement, Sheehan wrote, he began to wonder whether there were any more fossils out there.

"I searched in some more shale and sure enough, I found more and then thousands more! Since then, my brother and I have found many different types of fossils, including: brachiopods (an appearance of an open shell), backbone of a fish, a sea worm, fossilized plants, and a coiled rock that appears to be some kind of animal feces."

"I have done lots of research on the Maine Geological Survey Web site to find out the names of the fossils. I also learned that they are from the Ordovician Period. During the Ordovician, most of the Earth's land was submerged under water, which explains why most of the fossils are shells, and underwater creatures," he wrote, concluding, "Hopefully with extended research I will find out how they became nonexistent in our world."

As a contest winner, Sheehan gets to bring an adult of his choice. To that end, he will bring his father, Tim Sheehan, a marine biologist who founded Gulf of Maine Inc., which provides cold-water marine specimens for teachers and researchers.

According to Sheehan, the trip to Peru will be a first, both for him and for his father. Though Sheehan and his family have visited the U.S. Virgin Islands and his father has been to Europe, neither has been to Peru or any other part of South America.

Beside the trip, Sheehan won some expedition essentials, including a Nikon D60 digital SLR camera and some Columbia Sportswear. A National Geographic spokesman pegged the dollar value of each winner�s prize package at $17,000.

Of all the sites the group will explore in Peru, Sheehan said, he's most looking forward to Machu Picchu, the Incan ruins high in the Andes Mountains. He noted that the sacred city is among the Seven New Wonders of the World.

"My biggest hobby is photography, so I plan to take lots of pictures," he said, adding that he's also eager to visit a tropical rain forest reserve.

- The Bangor Daily News -

--Rail Service Ends Between Baileyville And Milltown

Friday, May 01, 2009

Limited rail service has now ended between Milltown and the Domtar Mill in Baileyville.

On a rainy Friday morning, Engineer Doug Mclellan and Conductor Terry Diadone brought the last of the empties including the snow plow the area of the old roundhouse in Milltown, switched tracks and backed the entire train including the "MEC 321" locomotive across a century-old trestle over to the Canadian side.

And that was it.

The passing of this short rail line didn't go unnoticed Friday. People were out in the rain taking pictures of the train as it rolled through various points along its route between the Domtar yard in Baileyville, through Baring and into Milltown.

[Train approaches-Tom McLaughlin-WQDY PHOTO]

Duane Mclellan of Calais spoke of his dad as he finished his career for the railroad.

"This is the end of an era for him. It's starting to sink in a lot more and more right now. The closer that he gets to the this Canadian border --- it's sinking in a lot more," Duane Mclellan said.

Duane, his wife and 2-year-old daughter Casey Mclellan was there to watch.

Casey pointed at the boxcars and said "here she comes" as her grandfather brought the "choo-choo" [her words] to a stop --- its final stop in Calais.

Duane said his son was able to have his picture taken on the train. "It meant a big thing to him."

"Unfortunately for her, she's only two now and she never will get a picture taken on the train and probably never will ever, ever again. That's a hard pill to swallow," Duane said.

[Last stop in Calais- Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

When the train reached the area down the bottom of Poorhouse Lane in Calais, Terry Diadone threw the switch and the train backed across the curved trestle and into history.

[Engineer Doug Mclellan carefully backs train across trestle-Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

Watching the train back out of the U.S., train buff Debby Doherty of Calais was nearly speechless.

[Train backs across curved trestle over to Canadian side- Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

"I have no words right now. It's a sad day for Calais and Washington County," she sniffed.

When Doug and Terry brought the train over to the Canadian side, the NB Southern Rail crew were just about to leave McAdam. So they secured the train --- had their pictures taken by other folks on the Canadian side and then walked back over to Calais.

[Doug Mclellan and Terry Diadone hike back across trestle-Tom McLaughlin-WQDY PHOTO]

Terry closed the trestle gate.

"Locked! Done! For a short time" he added. Then he reset the switch on the tracks and locked it. "Done until further notice," he said.

Family members and others congratulated Doug on his career.

Doug Mclellan told WQDY News, he hoped that some business could come back to the area.

[Engineer Doug Mclellan--Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

"It's not about Terry and I, it's about the people here in the St. Croix Valley and Washington County. My life's work is about over anyway. Terry's got a little bit longer to go."

"I just wish well for the port community in Eastport and I wish the people at the Domtar mill all well because these young people need a place to work."

"This railroad terminating --- if there was a need for it --- there'd be more people working with us too, but I'm optimistic that everybody will pan out alright," Doug said.

[Conductor Terry Diadone--Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

Terry Diadone said he felt the same way.

"I've had a good time working here and I'm going down country, I'm going to stay with the railroad and hopefully get my retirement but I'd like to see all this come back for the younger crowd. It's a nice place to live --- and I'm coming back," he said.

[Now parked on the Canadian side of the St. Croix River, the train awaits the NB Southern Railway crew- Tom McLaughlin WQDY PHOTO]

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

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