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

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Calais, like many other communities across the state, is bracing for what will most likely be a difficult if not dire budget process over the next several months.

In the future -- and if it clears all of the regulatory hurdles -- the Calais LNG project brings promises of jobs and investment to the city.

But at present, city officials know they're in for a bumpy ride facing an uncertain fiscal future due to the lousy economy.

Recently, the Calais police eliminated their K-9 program and moved shifts around to lessen overtime. Another possible cut in the department is the elimination of local police dispatchers, shifting those duties to the county.

Some wonder whether potential cuts to city services might affect potential projects in the city such as Calais LNG.

In the case of Calais LNG, the project has a way to go as they work through the federal and state permitting process.

In a telephone interview Friday, Calais LNG project manager Ian Emery told WQDY NEWS that some of their resource reports talk about the safety and security planning and part of that is involving city resources -- the police department.

"At some point in the process we will be getting together with the city to take a look at the extra resources that would be required to support the facility," Emery said.

Nothing will happen fast enough with Calais LNG to make a dent in the city's economy this year

"This project is nearly a billion dollar project and if you go into our resource reports you can see the numbers that have been put together to estimate the property taxes that would be generated from this facility. It's somewhere between three and four million dollars a year -- that's a lot of money -- and that's what a project like this can do for a city that's struggling to make its budget," Emery said.

"And that's what we need in Maine. We need new development and we need support from our leaders, our governor all the way down to our local officials to get behind this kind of project that's self-funded. It's not depending on federal stimulus dollars, it's not depending on tax credits to make the business model work, it's all private investment," Emery added.

How quickly the federal and state permitting process will be no one knows

"We're going to move as quickly as the regulators move, that's the reality of it. As soon as we can get our permits in hand the next step is construction. That could happen as soon as our state and federal agencies make a decision on our permits," Emery said.

Art Gelber, development director for Calais LNG said from Houston, "what we really need now is a good, rapid state process that doesn't get burdened down in regulatory slowness."

"We need supporters in Calais to communicate with the DEP and urge them to not put Calais LNG through the drawn-out regulatory process that the Board of Environmental Protection has you go through --- and the same thing with FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission]," Gelber said.

"FERC's getting interventions from the opposition and Ian is going to be working in the community to help bring intervention from some of the supporters so that it's not all just negative people who are making their voices heard at both FERC and Maine," he added.

As the permitting process plays out the Calais budget process looms

City Manager Diane Barnes told WQDY NEWS Friday the budget cuts that they're looking at are so "huge" at this point.

"We're looking at all departments -- we don't know where it's going to end up but it could very well be a cut in services and personnel. I feel that outside of dispatch, if you reduce your police and your fire departments, that could have an impact on the Calais LNG project in the future as far as what they're looking for -- for protection," she said.

"I think that before the council makes a decision on what they're going to do with the dispatch, they're going to consider everything including the Calais LNG project that everybody is working so hard to get in this area," Barnes said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Friday, January 29, 2010

According to Steve McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety, there were several outrageous speeding incidents this month.

Speeding cars continue to be a problem along Route 26 between Auburn and Oxford, mostly from skiers returning home on Sunday afternoons.

Trooper Nathaniel Jamo cited three motorists this past Sunday traveling in excess of 80 mph along the road and all of the drivers were returning from ski country. Route 26 is a 55 mph zone for most of that stretch. Jamo said most times there are passengers in the vehicles who are sleeping after a busy weekend on the slopes, and drivers are aggressively passing and speeding along the road. The speed enforcement efforts will continue through the winter.

A Canadian driver was cited after passing a marked State Police cruiser in Bangor. Trooper Darren Vittum says the New Brunswick driver was traveling at 93 mph in the 55 mph zone of Interstate 95 in Bangor. This took place during a snow storm and the driver said he saw the cruiser, but decided to pass it anyway.

A 16-year-old driver from Skowhegan was cited after being clocked on the Interstate 95 at 110 mph. Detective Mike Mitchell said there were three other teenagers in the car and some had been drinking. All of the teens' parents were called and the driver's parents came to the scene to retrieve their son and drive the car home.

The speeder of the month was a 44-year-old Bangor man who was arrested after being clocked at 120 mph. Lt. Gary Wright pulled over the SUV on Interstate 95 near Carmel after the Porsche Cayenne Turbo passed him in the southbound lane. Wright, who was driving his unmarked detective's car, was able to catch up with the SUV after it slowed down for a tractor trailer truck in the passing lane. Roger Miller Jr. was charged with criminal speeding and operating after suspension of his driver's license.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Calais City Council voted Thursday night to send a letter to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection officials requesting that applications filed by Calais LNG be expedited.

According to a draft letter to be sent to DEP Commissioner David P. Littell, "The City of Calais has received formal notice that Calais LNG will be filing various state environmental permit applications with the Department on or about January 27, 2010."

"The Calais City Council wishes to convey its continuing strong support for this project and to encourage the Department to accept and retain jurisdiction over the applications rather than having the applications be sent to the Board of Environmental Protection. We believe that Department review of the applications is merited given, among other things, the very broad public support for the project here in Calais," the letter read.

At Thursday night's council meeting, City Manager Diane Barnes said the intent of the letter is that the city council is requesting the DEP commissioner that they take jurisdiction over this process.

[LEFT-Calais City Manager Diane Barnes explains letter to council- WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

"As far as timing goes, it might provide this project to go through the process a little timlier than if it went to the BEP board," Barnes said.

City Councilor Bill Condon agreed.

[RIGHT- City Councilor Bill Condon - WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

"It's the difference between six months if it goes the way this letter wants to go as opposed to being two years plus if it goes the other route. I think they're talking about the windmill projects -- how fast those got moved through and expedited, they went through the six month process, so I think it can happen if the governor wants it to happen and give us that to go through the six month process. I think we should endorse it," Condon said.

There was unanimous support and a vote to send the letter.

The Calais City Council has always supported any and all LNG terminals proposed for Washington County.

[LEFT- Mayor Vinton Cassidy listens as Councilor Bill Condon comments on letter -WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

Following the meeting, WQDY NEWS asked Mayor Vinton Cassidy about the city's continued support for these types of projects and the continued opposition from New Brunswick.

"We've had opposition from New Brunswick ever since this whole project started, we understand that. We also understand that they have the LNG in Saint John, New Brunswick and they want to ship it through our state. I'm not really worried about all that. Things are going really well for Calais LNG and I've said before, this decision will be made in Washington," Cassidy said.

"Everything that I've seen that has been sent to me from [Senator] Olympia Snowe and [Senator] Susan Collins is it looks like we have the right to innocent passage through there [Head Harbour Passage]. They always have and again we go back over this whole thing of their ships in and out. I'm sure in the end that'll all be resolved. It's now getting through all these other processes with the state and the DEP and the EPA and whoever's all involved."

"The other thing I don't understand is both federal and state government are crying they need to have more employment, more jobs and just that all these things get caught up in this red tape. It seems to me, somebody could expedite a lot of these projects a lot faster than they do."

As for the opposition across the border, Cassidy reiterated, "I'm not really too concerned about the comments from New Brunswick. They've always been there, they always will be and we'll wave to them as we come through with our first tanker," Cassidy said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

ST. STEPHEN - The waiting continues on sentencing for the mother of a child murdered at birth.

Sarah Marie Russell, 20, of St. Stephen appeared in St. Stephen Provincial court Monday, Jan. 25, expecting to be sentenced for her role in the Jan. 17, 2009, death of her infant son.

After hearing arguments from both sides as to what that sentence should be, Provincial Court Judge David C. Walker delayed sentencing to Feb. 2.

Dressed casually in jeans and a winter jacket, Russell reaffirmed her guilty plea at the start of the proceedings.

Both Crown lawyer James McAvity and defence attorney Randy Wilson reminded people in the courtroom that it was not Russell who killed the infant; that it was the child's father, Rodney Stuart Miller, who committed the murder. Miller pleaded guilty last October to a charge of first-degree murder and is serving a life sentence.

"It is a crime of omission rather than commission," McAvity said.
Russell had failed to seek help that would have prevented the crime, he said.

"It is a highly unique case," Wilson said.

Wilson spent much time searching for similar cases to base a request for a sentence on.

"Miss Russell did not commit any overt criminal act prior to the negligence having been committed," said Wilson, who likened the case to a motor-vehicle accident.

In some accidents, he said, the person consumes alcohol prior to driving, and thereby causes an accident, while other accidents just happen. He argued that in this case Russell did not do anything to cause the death, but that she had not done enough to stop it.

While McAvity agreed the failure to act was at issue, he discounted the connections between this case and motor-vehicle accidents.

"You are not dealing with an average person," Wilson said of Russell, who followed a modified course of study in school, and finished extremely low in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IQ test.

Russell believes that regardless of the situation everything will work out, her defence counsel said.

"She engages in magical thinking."

Wilson argued for a light sentence for Russell, a first-time offender, who he said was displaying a great deal of grief over the loss of her child. Wilson once again reminded the court it was not Russell who had murdered the newborn, and that there was no agreement between Miller and Russell to end the child's life.

Wilson said Russell was used to Miller's threats, as he frequently threatened to kill several people, but never acted on those threats. Russell did not process that Miller would act on his threat to kill this child after it was born, Wilson said.

In his arguments, McAvity reminded the court of Russell's knowledge of Miller's past violence toward children, including an older child that the couple had. The court was told in an earlier session about an incident that resulted in the older child being placed in care.

"She knew well before this child was born that harm would come to it," McAvity said.
Wilson argued for a maximum sentence of two years less a day, which would keep her out of a federal institution.

"Jail is no place for a person like Sarah," Wilson said.

McAvity argued for a sentence that would include a penitentiary sentence not to exceed five years.

- THE SAINT CROIX COURIER -

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Shrinking revenues in the current and next budget cycle have already impacted the Calais Police Department.

There may be more on the way.

Specific cuts are not set in stone as the city's police department works through the process of their 2010-2011 budget, but Chief David Randall knows he'll have to make cuts to lower his budget from somewhere.

[Calais Police Chief David Randall - WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

In a statement recently posted on the department's Web site, Randall asks for public input with regards to possible cuts;

The Calais Police Department is in the process of working on the 2010-2011 budget. As many people know the State of Maine has drastically cut how much money they give local communities as well city revenues are down. This means that the city is going to either make drastic cuts or raise taxes and I have been told that the latter will not be the case. This puts the burden on my shoulder to find a way to lower my budget. One of the items that may very well be on the chopping block this year is the Calais Police Dispatch Communications Center. The Calais Police Department has a 24 hour 7 day a week dispatch center employing 4 dispatchers and they are a very important part of the Calais Police Department, Calais Fire and Rescue and many other city departments and surround agencies, however cuts need to be made. Before I go forward with this possible cut I am asking anyone who has a comment, concern or idea to how to help the budget to please send me a message or post something so I have some type of feed back to bring to the City Manager, Public Safety Committee and City Council. I do not take this part of my job lightly and I have been looking from input from anyone on this critical situation. So please post or send me your thoughts and ideas, Chief David Randall wrote.

The Calais Police web site is http://home.myfairpoint.net/spdklz/index.html

[Calais dispatcher Deborah Kelly - WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

Asked about the above on Monday, Randall told WQDY NEWS he put that on the Web site so he could get some feedback from the citizens --- good or bad --- so he could take it back to the city manager and the public safety committee and the council.

"I think everybody knows what the budgets look like now with the State decreasing how much they're giving the towns and the cities. Just a week or two ago, we ended up cutting our K-9 program. Also, the union stepped up and helped us eliminate some overtime. But next year, we're really looking at a bigger cut from what I've been told and the council and the city manager want me to look at every possible way to save money, whether it's a good way or a bad way," Randall said.

"Over many years I've always said that dispatch is one of the most important parts of the Calais Police Department. They do a lot of services that maybe some people don't know and it would be tough if we got rid of them. There are ways to do it -- I do think service, in some cases, would be interrupted," the chief said.

If Calais PD dispatch is eliminated, the county would be doing the dispatching.

"We'd have to be dispatched by the RCC [Regional Communications Center in Machias] who do a great job and who always want to help us out when they can but they're also pretty busy with a bunch of other stuff," Randall said. "We don't know what's going to happen yet. Obviously the city council is going to have the final say on what happens but I have to put some numbers together."

The chief recalled a situation several years ago when a plan was floated to eliminate Calais police dispatch and the public didn't like it.

"I guess I just want some input, that's why I put that on the Web site," he added.

If needed, sometimes Calais police dispatchers fill in by dispatching the city's fire department and city ambulance service. And likewise, they've also dispatched some area fire departments on calls in those outside communities -- usually when Calais fire personnel are out on a run.

But most of the time they're working the frequencies for the city of Calais.

"They specifically dispatch for us, they pass on information to the highway department, they do dispatch for the fire department if the fire crews have gone on an ambulance call or a fire call and there's other communities -- we're not hired to dispatch for other communities --- such as when the deputy had the accident, they were involved in that. They dispatch for more than just the city of Calais," the chief said.

"They do a great job and I would really hate to lose them. It's not just the money issue with dispatch right now. I haven't been officially told, but there is the possibility I'll be losing one dispatcher in February and another one is talking about leaving in June or July. So, obviously the council is going to take that into consideration as well, instead of having to lay people off that are working, maybe eliminate positions."

[Calais PD dispatcher Angelia Fader-Day - WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

"We've always had a hard time finding qualified dispatchers. We set the bar pretty high and my dispatchers right now are right there -- some of the best dispatchers in the state of Maine, if you ask me," Randall said.

Different options are being considered

Possible options might include; eliminating dispatch or running with maybe three dispatchers and having the RCC dispatch sometimes.

There's also the jail at the police station

"We're going to end up transporting prisoners to Machias and that can be quite a few people," Randall noted.

The chief is still crunching the numbers.

"I didn't mean to start a panic with that on the Web page, I just basically want some comment and feelings from the community. I've always said I've been trying to be transparent and I want the community to be involved. If they don't tell me what they like or dislike, I don't know. I'm just going to put that out there hoping that maybe somebody's got an idea of a way to save money. If they do, I'm willing to listen to it."

"I'm learning more and more --- this job is about thinking outside the box -- so that's kind of what I'm doing right now," Randall said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Monday, January 25, 2010

From uncooperative victims and uncooperative witnesses to loose pigs in Sorrento, it was another busy week for MSP Troop J. Here are some of the items from the Weekly Report:

January 18:

Trooper Greg Roy received a criminal mischief complaint from Lamoine. The caller reported that his mailbox had been vandalized sometime during the night.

Trooper Greg Roy investigated a theft complaint in Lamoine. A resident wanted a 27-year-old man who had been staying at his residence and had been stealing money from him removed from the residence. The man was summonsed for theft by unlawful taking or transfer as a result of the investigation.

Trooper Greg Roy investigated an aggravated assault complaint which occurred in Lamoine. The emergency room personnel at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital had contacted the Ellsworth Police Department advising of a stabbing victim who was being treated for minor leg wounds. It was later determined that the incident had occurred at pit party in Lamoine the previous evening. Trooper Greg Roy spoke with the 21-year-old male victim who advised that he had been stabbed in the leg while trying to break up a fight at the pit party. The victim has been uncooperative with the investigation, which is ongoing.

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a burglary complaint at a residence on Old Route 1 in Hancock. The caller reported that 70 Percocet's and a jar of loose change had been taken from his residence. The investigation continues.

Trooper Andy Foss responded to a family fight complaint in Marshfield. A 41-year-old woman was arrested for domestic assault for being the primary aggressor in an altercation with a 41-year-old man.

Trooper Jason Fowler conducted a public safety announcement with area radio stations [WQDY & WCRQ] on safe winter driving, overdue inspections stickers and drunk driving.

Trooper Jason Fowler arrested a 24-year-old man in Crawford for operating under the influence of drugs.

January 19:

Trooper Miles Carpenter arrested a 26-year-old nan in Steuben for violation of conditional release for having consumed alcohol.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Hancock for a report of an assault where a 20- year-old man was assaulted by several unknown subjects outside of his residence. It was found that the subjects continued to assault him as he ran inside his residence. The man did not wish to pursue charges and was uncooperative.

Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted the Animal Control Officer in Sorrento with a report of loose pigs in the roadway.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Tilton Police Department in New Hampshire by attempting to locate a woman in Danforth. She was unable to be located at this time.

January 20:

Trooper Miles Carpenter arrested a 37-year-old in Jonesport for violation of conditional release after it was found that he had a positive test result for THC in his urine.

Troopers David Barnard and Greg Mitchell responded to a residence in Trenton on a report of an overdose. The investigation showed that a 45-year-old male had taken some quantity of pills and had passed out a couple of times. The man refused to go to the hospital.

Trooper Christopher Smith was called by a resident of Sullivan who wanted to know what he could do about a disagreement he was having with one of his neighbors. The neighbor is upset about an outside floodlight that comes on in the morning and stated if it comes on again, he was going to take the caller to court.

January 21:

Troopers Cliff Peterson and Tom Pickering responded to a domestic assault complaint in Franklin. A female reported that a 58-year-old man had been abusing her mentally and physically for some time. The man had also been abusing Ritalin and becoming more volatile. The woman described several incidents when the man had assaulted her and the most recent incident was earlier on this date. The man was placed under arrest for domestic assault and was transported to the Hancock County Jail.

January 22:

Troopers Michael Southard and Greg Burns responded to a well being check at a residence on the Masons Bay Road in Addison. The caller reported that a 20-year-old male had cut himself and overdosed on high blood pressure medication. The man had left on foot but returned before the troopers arrived. The man agreed to go to the hospital voluntarily for an evaluation and was transported by ambulance to Downeast Community Hospital without incident.

Trooper Cliff Peterson summonsed a 17-year-old male from Steuben for operating without a driver�s license as the result of a traffic stop in Franklin.

Sgt. Alden Bustard arrested a 43-year-old at his residence in Sullivan on an outstanding warrant out of Ellsworth District Court for failure to pay fines on a charge of possession of V-notched lobster. The man was transported to the Hancock County jail without incident.

Sgt. Alden Bustard arrested a 27-year-old man of Sedgwick for operating under the influence in Blue Hill. He was transported to the Hancock County jail where an intoxylizer test was administered. He was also summonsed for operating without a driver's license.

Trooper Cliff Peterson summonsed a 20-year-old in Sullivan for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Trooper Cliff Peterson summonsed a 16-year-old female from Steuben for operating without a driver's license as the result of a traffic stop in Steuben. A passenger in the vehicle, a 17-year-old male from Steuben, was also summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Trooper Barry Curtis covered a car / deer accident which occurred on Rt. 1 in Edmunds. The crash killed the deer and caused minor damage to a Subaru Forester.

Trooper Christopher Smith worked with an estranged couple from Columbia Falls and returned a 60-inch-flat screen television to the male. The female had taken it during their break-up. The male produced a rental agreement that showed it was his.

January 23:

Trooper Michael Southard arrested a 27-year-old Milbridge man on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Machias District Court on charges of theft by unlawful taking or transfer. The man was transported to the Washington County jail without incident.

Trooper Michael Southard arrested a 25-year-old of Milbridge on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Machias District Court on charges of theft by unlawful taking or transfer. He was transported to the Washington County jail without incident.

Trooper Greg Roy arrested a 36-year-old man of Deer Isle on two outstanding arrest warrants out of Ellsworth District Court for failure to pay fines on an OUI charge and failure to appear on an OAS charge. The man was transported to the Hancock County jail without incident.

Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted the Animal Control Officer in Sorrento with issuing summonses for domestic animal violations.

Trooper Christopher Smith handled several reports of damaged mailboxes in Lamoine. The investigation showed that the damage was probably done by a plow truck.

January 24:

Troopers Miles Carpenter and Jessica Shorey responded to Milbridge for a well-being check of a 38-year-old man because friends could not reach him. The man was located and was determined to be fine. Family members are working on getting him into a detoxification program for alcohol issues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Sullivan where a woman reported that a 36-year-old had violated a protection order by entering her residence and speaking with her. The man was located later in the day and arrested for violation of protection order.

Trooper Andy Foss summonsed a 35-year-old for driving to endanger in Meddybemps after received a traffic complaint on him.

Trooper Andy Foss responded to a burglary complaint in Pembroke were a gun safe was broken into and money stolen. The victim refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Troopers Jason Fowler and Andy Foss assisted Indian Township PD in Grand Lake Stream with a pursuit incident. The operator and two passengers were located in Township 4. The operator, a 16-year-old male, was arrested by Indian Township PD. The two passengers, a 17 year old male and a 16-year old male, were summonsed by Tpr. Fowler for illegal possession of liquor by a Juvenile and released to their parents.

Trooper Greg Roy arrested a 21-year old man of Blue Hill on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Ellsworth District Court for failure to pay fines on an operating after suspension charge. He was transported to the Hancock County jail without incident.

Trooper Cliff Peterson was traveling on Route 1 in Sullivan when he saw a 24-year-old from Ellsworth operating a truck. He had an active warrant out of Penobscot County and has never possessed a driver's license. The warrant was for failure to pay fines on four previous operating after suspension convictions in the last two years. The subject was arrested on the warrant and charged with operating after habitual offender revocations.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Saturday, January 23, 2010

It was a better outcome this time for three commercial fishermen when their boat went down early Saturday afternoon off Reversing Falls in Cobscook Bay.

Coast Guard Station Eastport received a "mayday" call from the master of the fishing vessel Miss Priss on VHF-FM Channel 16 at around 1 p.m. Saturday reporting they had struck a submerged object near Reversing Falls off Pembroke.

[ABOVE: CG Station Eastport's 41-foot boat heads out of the Eastport breakwater Saturday in response to "mayday" call from the Miss Priss -- Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

The Coast Guard said the three people on board the Miss Priss abandoned ship onto the nearby fishing vessel the Nasty Too. The fishing vessel Nasty Too transferred all three people safely to shore.

The master of the Miss Priss told the Coast Guard that there were about 150-200 gallons of diesel fuel on board. However, there have been no reports of sheening or pollution Saturday.

[ABOVE- Station Eastport's boatcrew to the rescue -- Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

Coast Guard Station Eastport responded with a 41-foot utility boatcrew. Once on scene the crew determined that everyone that was aboard the Miss Priss was safe and that there was no evidence of pollution.

Coast Guard Sector Northern New England has issued a safety marine information broadcast on VHF-FM channel 16 to notify mariners of any hazards to navigation.

"Fortunately the fishing vessel Nasty Too was in the area," said Chief Warrant Officer Bob Albert, command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. "Their availability prevented three people from going in the water."

The Coast Guard continues to monitor the wreck of the sunken fishing vessel Miss Priss for pollution.

Mariners are being advised to transit the area of Mahar Point and Falls Island with caution.

The past year has been a tragic one for the local commercial fishing community.

On March 25, 2009, the fishing vessel ALL AMERICAN, an urchin dragger from Roque Bluffs, fishing out of Lubec, sank very rapidly in Cobscook Bay killing two men.

And on October 20, 2009, the fishing vessel BOTTOM BASHER, a 34-foot urchin dragger fishing out of Lubec was lost with three hands on board.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

ELLSWORTH, Maine - For the first time since the position was created more than 30 years ago, voters in Hancock and Washington counties can expect to elect a new district attorney this fall.

Michael Povich, 66, on Tuesday made public his decision not to seek re-election to the job he has held for the past 35 years. Since Jan. 1, 1975, when the old county attorney system was replaced by the current district attorney format, Povich has served as the top prosecutor in the two-county district.

"I don't know where the years went, but I was a swinging 31 years old when I started," Povich, an Ellsworth resident, said Tuesday afternoon. "It's just time."

From the time of his first election until 2002, when former Assistant District Attorney Steven Juskewitch ran against him, Povich never faced any opposition at the ballot box. The opposition he faced that year and in 2006, each time from Juskewitch, and the prospects of another contested campaign this year did not figure into his decision, Povich said. He is at the time in his life where he wants to do something else, he said.

"When do you stop?" he said. "I would never leave halfway through a term."

Povich said the criminal justice system has changed considerably since 1975. Some of the changes have been for the better, he said, but other changes have not necessarily been improvements.

One of the obvious changes involves the players. Of the eight district attorneys in Maine who were elected in 1974, only three are still alive, Povich said. The other two besides himself, Thomas Delahanty and Joseph Jabar, are now judges.

Another big difference is how domestic violence and sexual assault cases are prosecuted, he said. Frequently, such cases either used to be dismissed because of reluctance by victims to testify, or they ended up with fines and no jail time. They are much more aggressively prosecuted today, even if convictions still can be relatively hard to come by, he said.

The development of DNA evidence also has had a significant effect on how cases are prosecuted and the technology has helped lead to some convictions, according to the prosecutor. But because of television shows such as "CSI" and "NCIS," juror expectations of such evidence have increased.

"They want the science. Without the science, they have reasonable doubt," Povich said. "DNA has been a two-edged sword."

The size of his staff has changed, but for the better, he said. He started out with a full-time assistant prosecutor in Hancock County, another part-time prosecutor in Washington County and two part-time secretaries.

"Now I've got 21 people working for me," he said.

He said his staff, and in particular longtime Deputy District Attorney Carletta Bassano, have helped make his tenure as district attorney effective.

"The person at the top is many times a figurehead," Povich said. "The thing I'll miss the most is the incredibly loyal staff I've had working for me."

In recounting his career, Povich referred to many cases he has tried, not all of which ended in convictions. He said there are three successful prosecutions that stand out from the rest.

One case actually involved two convictions five years apart of Samuel A. Bunker. Bunker was convicted in 1974 of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in Ellsworth and then in 1979, after he was released, of kidnapping a 10-year-old girl in Brewer and of raping her in Bucksport.

The other memorable cases concern the burning of the former Adm. Richard Byrd lodge on Tunk Lake in the early 1980s, and Richard Burdick's shooting of Hancock County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff McFarland in 1999. In the Byrd case, William Berkley of Massachusetts was convicted of arson in 1988 for burning down the residence, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the Burdick case, McFarland was wearing a bulletproof vest and survived the shooting, which occurred when sheriff's deputies went to arrest Burdick on a fugitive warrant at the H.O.M.E. cooperative in Orland. Burdick is serving a 40-year prison sentence.

Who will be among the candidates voters will consider in replacing Povich is not clear. The names of several people have come up in unofficial conversations with attorneys who live or work in the two-county district, but the only person to announce his candidacy so far is Don Brown, a defense attorney who grew up in Washington County and now lives in Bucksport.

Brown declined to comment Tuesday about Povich's decision not to seek re-election.

Similarly, Povich said he had no plans to endorse anyone who may run for district attorney.

Brown -- like Povich, a Republican -- at one point represented a former victim witness advocate in Povich's office who sued Povich in 2002 for allegedly creating a hostile work environment by calling her names. The former employee, Tammy Denning, eventually settled the case.

Despite the negative publicity created by the lawsuit, Povich won re-election in 2006 with 55 percent of the vote.

Povich made it clear Tuesday that he doesn't plan to go into hiding, or even to get away from politics. He said he plans to run for the same seat in the Legislature that used to be held by his brother, the late Eddie Povich.

Brian Langley, an Ellsworth Republican who holds that seat, confirmed Tuesday evening that he would not seek re-election to House District 38 so that he can run for state Senate.

Povich said he wouldn't run against Langley if Langley were running again.

"There are a lot of things you can do if you don't want to get paid for it," Povich said of his post-prosecutor plans. "I knew I wasn't the type of person who could be happy doing nothing."

- THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS -

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

ST. ANDREWS - After almost 22 years in politics, Greg Thompson has resigned from his position as Veterans Affairs minister, effective immediately.

Thompson said in his announcement he will not re-offer in the next federal election.

As he relaxed at his Bayside home Sunday afternoon with his wife, Linda, the veteran 62-year-old MP for New Brunswick Southwest put to rest any rumours that he might have health problems - he battled cancer a number of years ago - and said he simply wants to spend more time with his family.

Thompson was first elected in 1988 and has been re-elected in six out of the last seven federal elections since then, losing only in 1993 when the seat was won by the late Harold Culbert.

"I am at a point where I feel good about what I have done, what I have accomplished," Thompson said. "I want to go out on a high, not a low. I cannot stay for ever and I want to go out on my own terms. I don�t want to be like the athlete who stays one season too many."

Thompson said he and his wife have talked for the past year about him retiring from the political life, He told Prime Minister Stephen Harper after the last election that would be his last time to run.

"We have given it a lot of thought - myself and my family," Thompson said. "We wanted to pick a time that was good for us as a family, good for the government, good for the prime minister and good for the constituency. This gives them time to prepare for the next election."

However, with a minority government, you never know when the next election will be, but one thing is for sure - he won't be in the running, Thompson said.

"I feel good about it and I don't have any regrets. I am not sick and I feel good. It is not a health issue. It is simply knowing I have done my time and I just wanted to go out on my own terms. It is nothing more or less than that. I think the timing is good. The house is prorogued so it gives the new minister time to get up to speed."

"I am 62 years old and you are running at full speed all the time. You don't have a minute to yourself. Between October and December I was home exactly twice. I was on the road to all parts of Canada and overseas a couple of times. I was on a plane all the time going somewhere. I was scheduled to go to New Zealand in the next couple of weeks."

Thompson said he has done the best he possibly can and feels it is time for him to pass the job on.

He has not said no to many groups who have asked him to attend events, so he was constantly working.

"It is all part of the job and I enjoyed it right up to the last day, but you know you can't keep that pace up forever. My health is good now and I want to retire with good health. I don't want to go out in a pine box."

Thompson was also the regional minister responsible for New Brunswick, so he said this meant travelling all over the province as well, not just in his own constituency. The last year had been particularly busy working on all the stimulus packages with different communities, he said.

As the regional minister he didn't want to get into the bickering and hostility that has existed between previous federal and provincial governments, Thompson said.

"If we had disagreements we decided we would settle them behind closed doors and not settle them on the front page of the newspapers - and we have done that."

"As a result of that, my relationship with the province has been very good and has allowed us to accomplish a lot of things which would not have been possible in an adversarial relationship."

"Canadians work shoulder to shoulder with each other to get the job done and that is what they expect elected officials to do and we have done that. We leave politics on the doorstep when it comes to getting things done in New Brunswick."

As Veterans Affairs minister, Thompson said he visited places he likely would never have seen and the work had been extremely gratifying.

The unveiling of the Vimy memorial in France in 2007 with 20,000 people in attendance, where it was his job to escort the Queen, is one of many memories that stand out.

He also recalled travelling to Spokane, Wash., to meet Canada's only surviving veteran from the First World War, John Babcock, and helping Babcock regain his Canadian citizenship.

"You just knew you were in the presence of history. It is very emotional when you are meeting the last surviving member of that generation of soldiers. It was a very touching and emotional story and his family was very grateful I did that."

Just as important and rewarding, Thompson said, is his work at home in the constituency, such as being able to help someone when they were having problems with their unemployment or Revenue Canada.

"The big events are recorded and will always be there, but helping ordinary citizens is equally important. The biggest highlight of my career is when you can make a difference in the life of an individual and we have countless stories."

"Being an MP really is the best job in the world. If you don't have the support of the men and women back home you don�t get to serve in cabinet."

"To be chosen to sit on the federal cabinet is extremely rewarding and I will always be eternally grateful for doing that. I never considered that my ultimate ambition. I wanted to be an MP and do the best job for the men and women back home."

The recent opening of the new St. Stephen/Calais border crossing was a major achievement for all those involved, and it was something that should have been done decades ago, Thompson said. He was instrumental in founding the New Brunswick-Maine Trade Corridor Committee that lobbied for the third bridge.

That, together with the twinning of the highway, he said, is investing in the region and investing in the future, which is what has to be done to move the province ahead.

"We had support from cities as far away as Halifax who knew it was a critical part of infrastructure which allows them to get to the biggest market in the world quicker."

Now that he has resigned his cabinet position, Thompson said he will hopefully be able to spend more time in the riding and at home. As for his life after politics, he said he and his wife don't have any elaborate plans.

"We have been to many countries in the world and like where we live and like the community in which we live. I might do more golfing. Linda has an antique business and hopefully I can be involved a bit more."

Their older son, Gregory, was present for the opening of the third bridge, while younger son Christian, who lives in Vancouver, attended his father's last official event as minister, which took place in the B.C. city last week - the opening of a drop-in centre for the homeless.

As he looked back on his political career, the former teacher and financial planner said, "I am leaving politics without having to apologize for a callous remark, an offensive remark or for offending someone. I am leaving without any enemies on the floor of the House of Commons. I wanted to leave on that note."

- THE SAINT CROIX COURIER -

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Motor vehicle stops, burglary complaints, and video surveillance catching a theft are among the various incidents in Troop J over the past week.

January 9:

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a 61-year-old ma in Calais for a commercial motor vehicle rule violation of operating with an intoxicating beverage. He was also placed out of service.

January 10:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer summonsed a 38-year-old Perry woman for operating with an expired license beyond 90 days after a traffic stop on Route 9 in Crawford.

January 11:

Trooper Greg Roy responded to a burglary complaint in Brooksville. The caller reported that a cottage belonging to a man, who is currently in Washington, had been broken into. Two area rugs and two small tables were taken from the cottage.

Trooper Dan Ryan responded to Verona Island for a family fight involving 23-year-old female and a 41-year-old man. This incident was found to be verbal only in nature and both were separated for the night.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a 20-year-old in Topsfield for criminal speed and possession of a radar detector in a commercial motor vehicle.

Trooper Jason Fowler charged a 27-year-old man for trafficking in dangerous knives as a result of a traffic stop in Baring.

January 12:

Trooper Greg Roy received information from the Hancock Sheriff's Office regarding a 50-year-old woman from Bangor who had left the emergency room at the Blue Hill Hospital against doctor's advice. The woman had gone into the emergency room for a voluntary evaluation but left before being treated. The woman suffers from mental health issues and has been know to possess weapons and has been aggressive towards police in the past. Lt. Pat Kane located the woman on the Sedgwick Ridge Road a short time later. The woman was cooperative and agreed to return to the hospital voluntarily. Trooper Roy gave the woman a ride back to the hospital. Sgt. Bustard, Troopers Peterson and Pickering also assisted at the scene.

Trooper Dan Ryan assisted Hancock SO with a threatening complaint in Deer Isle.

Trooper Jessica Shorey and her K-9, Yosher, conducted a speaking engagement in Cherryfield for a group of Girl Scouts.

Trooper Andy Foss handled a family fight complaint in Lubec involving 15-year-old. This incident was determined to be a parental issue.

Trooper Andy Foss assisted Machias PD with a domestic assault.

Trooper Andy Foss assisted Machias PD with a report of an unruly subject at the Thirsty Moose. Trooper Foss arrested a 27-year-old man for criminal trespass after he refused to immediately leave the bar. Sgt. Ingemi and the Washington Sheriff's Office also assisted.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded towards Danforth for a report that a 26-year-old woman had overdosed on medications. Before the trooper's arrival she was transported to the hospital by the ambulance. The Department of Health and Human Services was advised of this because there were children present in the home.

January 13:

Sgt. Jeff Ingemi summonsed a 55-year-old Northfield man in Marshfield for attaching false plates on his vehicle.

Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency in Ellsworth with a search of a female subject.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a harassment complaint in Robbinston where a man from Laconia, New Hampshire was warned not to harass two residents.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a burglary in Hancock. The male caller reported that his 42" Phillips flat screen TV along with 10-12 Oxycontin pills and an assorted amount of cash was taken from his residence. The man arrived home after being gone for a short amount of time and observed the items missing. A 23-year-old woman was later arrested and the TV has been recovered and returned.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a criminal mischief / vehicle crash that occurred on Old Route 1 in Hancock. The male resident arrived home to find that an unknown vehicle had crashed at the end of his driveway and destroyed his mailbox. Left behind at the scene were pieces of a headlight and door molding. The vehicle involved sustained drivers side front end damage. There are no suspects at this time.

January 14:

Troopers Greg Mitchell and David Barnard responded to a residence in Deer Isle. A 19-year-old man was reported as being suicidal as the result of a drug addiction. Trooper Mitchell transported the man to Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a violation of bail report from a female who reported that two dogs she was watching had been removed from her residence. She felt it was a 48-year-old man who removed the dogs. Trooper Mitchell found that Hancock County Sheriff's Deputy Ben Astbury had previously issued a criminal trespass notice to the man for the property. Troopers Mitchell and Christopher Smith located the man and placed him under arrest for violation of bail and criminal trespass.

Trooper Miles Carpenter handled a theft complaint in Steuben where heating oil was reported stolen from a residence. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to a report of an unattended death in Sullivan where a 58-year-old female was found deceased. It was found the woman suffered from multiple medical issues and nothing was suspicious at the scene. This was determined to be attended by her acting physician.

Trooper Barry Curtis was called to a domestic assault in the town of Addison. The complainant from the East Side Road was assaulted by a 23-year-old man who was found walking on the roadway a short distance from the residence. He was arrested and taken to Washington County Jail.

January 15:

Trooper David Barnard responded to a single vehicle crash on Route 172 in Surry, caused by icy road conditions. A 51-year-old Surry man was transported to MCMH with minor injuries.

Trooper David Barnard responded to a two vehicle crash on Route 15 in Orland. A man from Orrington told police he lost control of his vehicle and crossed into the oncoming lane striking another vehicle head on. The second vehicle was operated by man from Blue Hill who was transported to EMMC for minor injuries.

Trooper David Barnard received a threatening / harassment complaint. A man from Otis reported his daughter was being harassed by her ex-boyfriend.

Trooper Cliff Peterson assisted Trooper Christopher Smith with a theft investigation in Ellsworth. A 22-year-old Ellsworth woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Ellsworth District Court for unpaid fines.

Trooper Greg Mitchell assisted the National Park Service with a death notification to a woman in Trenton. The woman's husband had passed away while skiing in the Acadia National Park.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a theft complaint from a woman in Deer Isle. The caller reported the theft of a table and four chairs from her crab meat processing shed. The investigation continues.

January 16:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer summonsed a 24-year-old man for operating after suspension (Class E) after traffic on stop Route 9 in Wesley.

Trooper Michael Southard received an anonymous report of an underage drinking party near the boat landing on Hopkins Pond in Mariaville. Trooper Southard and Warden Shannon Fish checked the area and were unable to locate any parties.

Trooper Greg Roy summonsed a 20-year-old New York man for furnishing liquor to
minors as the result of a traffic stop on Route 175 in Orland. The two male passengers in the vehicle, a 20-year-old from Maryland and a 20-year-old from Bucksport were also summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Trooper Cliff Peterson assisted Trooper David Barnard with a road rage incident involving two men from Dedham. One was arrested for driving to endanger an both were both summonsed for criminal mischief as well.

Trooper Cliff Peterson summonsed a 32-year-old woman from Ellsworth for operating after suspension as the result of a traffic stop in Orland.

January 17:

Troopers Jessica Shorey and Dan Ryan responded to a family fight complaint in Sorrento involving a 24-year-old female and a 28-year-old male. It was found that no assaults had occurred. They were separated for the night.

Troopers Jessica Shorey and Dan Ryan responded to a threatening complaint in Hancock where a 24-year-old man reported that his life had been threatened by people in Newport. This stemmed from an earlier incident in Newport. This report was found to be unfounded. The man was advised on how to get a protection order if needed.

Trooper Michael Southard arrested a 28-year-old Cherryfield man on outstanding warrants out of Machias District Court for failure to appear on charges of violation of conditions of release, forgery and theft.

Trooper Greg Burns investigated a theft complaint in Princeton. A woman reported that her wallet had been stolen the previous day while she was working at the Circle K in Princeton. The wallet contained two fifty dollar bills. The woman advised that there were surveillance recordings of the suspect taking the wallet. The suspect was identified as being a 34-year-old Indian Township man. He allegedly made a purchase at the store shortly after taking the wallet and paid for the purchase with one of the fifty dollar bills and then he left the store. The man returned a short time later and advised an employee that he had found a wallet near the dumpster outside the store. Trooper Burns located the man and he was summonsed for theft by unlawful taking or transfer.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Friday, January 15, 2010

ST. STEPHEN - A 26-year-old Welshpool man who ran the border into Campobello while being chased by an American state trooper in Maine has been fined $1,500.

Kyle Gavin Newman was warned by Provincial Court Judge David C. Walker that it is not in anybody's interest to be running the border to escape penalty in the United States.

The charge was under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The judge also noted that the high speed at which Newman reportedly was travelling would have posed a danger to Canada Border Protection Agency officers and other vehicles at the border crossing between Campobello Island and Lubec.

Duty counsel Joel Hansen said Newman, who was charged with failing to appear as required, panicked and admitted he tried to outrun the police. Newman had a past impaired driving infraction in the U.S., had open liquor in the car, but was a sober driver, Hansen said.

Newman was afraid of state troopers because of what he described as an "assaultive behaviour incident" toward a family member 12 years ago, Hansen said. Newman contacted the CBSA shortly after the incident and told them he would return to the border, he said.

If Newman hadn't called the CBSA, officials would never have known who it was that entered Campobello without stopping at the border.

Federal Crown prosecutor Peter Thorn said whether Newman was in a state of panic or not, he had the opportunity to stop at the border and he didn't, swerving into the island's outbound lane to bypass authorities.

"He breached the integrity of the Canadian border," Thorn said.

Newman has admitted to RCMP that his intent was to escape U.S. authorities. Thorn said the maximum penalty for the charge was a $10,000 fine or six months in jail, or both.

Thorn told the court that on Oct. 24 at 2:30 a.m. a CBSA officer noticed a vehicle "run the port" while being pursued by a state trooper. The CBSA notified the RCMP. Twenty minutes after the incident the CBSA received a call from Newman telling them he would return to their offices, Thorn said.

Newman arrived at 3:30 a.m. driven there by a friend. When he was asked where his truck was, Newman said he had been shaken by the chase by the state trooper and had a few drinks to calm down before returning to the border. At 4:14 a.m. Newman made arrangements with another friend to drive his truck back to the border and had to pay a $1,000 civil penalty for its return.

Thorn said the state trooper pursued Newman because she suspected Newman was impaired. Newman "bolted," according to the trooper's report, and reached speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour during the pursuit.

The trooper said that at one point, Newman turned off his lights. The officer said she was not familiar with the area and didn't realize she had entered Canada. When she did she broke off the pursuit and returned to Maine.

Hansen said Newman denies he was drinking and did not turn off his lights.

Judge Walker said many aspects of the story concerned him. He said he thinks Newman knew exactly what he was doing and exploited the border to escape from the state trooper.

He said Newman appeared to have covered his bases and to his credit, called the port and reported back, said he consumed alcohol afterwards and had someone else drive him back to the port instead of driving his own vehicle.

Newman had "manoeuvred his way through this carefully and adroitly," the judge said.

- THE SAINT CROIX COURIER -

Friday, January 15, 2010

In his third year of office, Sheriff Donnie Smith outlined the achievements and improvements accomplished by all members of the patrol, corrections and administrative divisions of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

"In 2009 the entire country dealt with the declining economy and our agency again faced another year of budget cuts. We accepted that challenge by applying for and being awarded many state and federal grants. These special funds allowed our agency to provide additional effort and services in the following areas: Underage Drinking, Operating Under the Influence, High Visibility, Speed Enforcement and Seat Belt Safety. Also, we were able to receive additional funding to purchase equipment such as computers, radar units and GPS devices," Smith said.

Shawn Donahue, Scott Francis and John Preston joined the full time patrol division during 2009. Each of these officers came with full academy qualifications and two had several years of experience and numerous specialty certifications providing valuable knowledge and contributions to the overall agency.

"Being that drug related crimes are still plaguing the residents of our county, we assigned two additional officers, Richard Rolfe and Ralph Pineo to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The Washington County division is now completely staffed by a total of three assigned officers from our agency," Smith said.

Recognition was also given to Chief Deputy Michael St. Louis, who was chosen by the Maine Sheriff's Association and awarded Manager of the Year for 2009.

"This distinguished honor was the first time ever being given an administrator of our agency. The Washington County Sheriff's Office received a monetary gift for a Safe Driving Award for the previous calendar year. Mary Zidalis received the Deputy of the Year award from the American Legion Post 8 in Cherryfield. Several of our officers received specialty trainings and certifications in the areas of K9 Tracking/Trailing, School Violence Response, Accident Reconstruction and SWAT 1 & 2," Smith noted.

During 2009, the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to 4,325 calls for service.

"Faced with the dwindling financial resources, it is with great pride to announce that according to the 2008 Uniform Crime Reporting statistics, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received the highest clearance rate of crimes reported and solved by any sheriff's office for the entire State of Maine. We also conducted numerous arrests for non-compliant sex offenders with our county. This type of commitment to providing outstanding services to our citizens has set a high standard for the rest of the State," Smith said in his annual report.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Friday, January 15, 2010

ST. STEPHEN - The man charged with first-degree murder in connection with the murder of Mary Claire Scott, 59, of Queen Street, has been found fit to stand trial.

The issue now, says his lawyer, is whether William (Billy) David White, 32, was competent at the time of the alleged offence.

Joel Hansen entered a choice of trial by judge and jury for his client when they appeared Thursday morning, Jan. 14, before Provincial Court Judge David C. Walker.

White has been remanded to jail and is scheduled to return to court Feb. 23, when a date will be set for a preliminary hearing should he decide to have one. Hansen asked for the adjournment to allow him to review the Crown's disclosure of evidence with White.

White appeared much more cognizant of his surroundings and the court procedure during Thursday's court appearance than he had at previous court appearances. His head is now shaved and he was wearing dark-rimmed glasses, a royal blue hooded sweatshirt and a black jacket. He was escorted from the sheriff's van in wrist and ankle restraints and held his hood up over his head and face.

During the court proceedings, Crown prosecutor Jim McAvity told the judge the assessment from the Restigouche Hospital in Campbellton, where White was sent for a 30-day assessment in December, concluded White was fit to stand trial.

"The court is clearly obligated to move forward on that," McAvity said.

Hansen concurred, saying after having spoken to White before court, White's ability to understand is not in doubt at this time, but noted that White is on medications.

After court Hansen said there is an allegation that White had not been on his medications for several months prior to the murder, which may affect his ability to understand what he allegedly did in terms of right and wrong and responsibility.

Hansen said he will be investigating the possibility of a third psychiatric assessment.

This most recent report makes it clear that White is competent to stand trial, which Hansen said he didn't disagree with.

"The issue of his competency to understand what he did at the time of the alleged offence is now part of the trial process, which means that will be determined at the Court of Queens Bench at the time of his trial," Hansen said.

White was charged Dec. 11 with Scott's murder. If convicted, White faces a sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Members of the RCMP in St. Stephen found Scott's body in her home Nov. 30 after they were contacted by family members concerned they had been unable to contact her for several days.

Family and friends told police White had been boarding for about a week with Scott and her husband, Sheldon Scott, 67.

Neighbours say they were disturbed Saturday night, Nov. 28, when an ambulance arrived at the Scott home to transport Sheldon Scott to hospital after he suffering a fall down some stairs that had rendered him unconscious. Sources say he was released only temporarily from hospital to briefly attend his wife's funeral Wednesday, Dec. 9.

- THE SAINT CROIX COURIER -

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Calling it a "hard decision," Calais Police Chief David Randall has proposed some changes to his department to address issues in the current budget while looking ahead to next year.

"Unfortunately, due to unforeseen issues that arose at the PD, my overtime budget is bad," Randall told the city council at their Thursday night meeting.

"And understanding that I have to be responsible with everybody's tax dollars I had to come up with a plan."

[Chief David Randall and Sgt. Chris Donahue -- WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

Randall said he approached the police union and explained that we had problems. "It wasn't their fault, I don't think it was my fault and after they had time to think about they came back with some really good ideas."

The chief said one of the ideas was for them to remove the day shift out of the rotation and Sgt. Chris Donahue would be able to work that.

"And the last shift would be a rotator which would be [Officer] Bob Fitzsimmons. If there was no overtime shifts, Bob would be working days but if there was an advance notice, Bob would work the other shifts and that would eliminate overtime. There's about 249 hours of overtime between now and July 1 -- June 30 that we have to account for and I need to keep my budget in line. I can't go over," Randall explained.

But for the department to do that a tough decision had to be made.

[Spike -- CALAIS POLICE DEPARTMENT PHOTO]

"I'm going to have to eliminate the K-9 program due to the fact that Chris Donahue was to leave for the academy in March for three months. That would make it so he would not be able to work those day shifts. As well, going forward into next year, I think we all realize what kind of problems we're going to face with the budget. Part of the budget would have to include some money towards the K-9. I don't see it happening the way my budget is now."

I'm really appreciative of the union. They were willing to help me out and also Sgt. Donahue for all the years he put in. "I do feel bad about that," Randall said.

[Sgt. Chris Donahue and Spike -- WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO]

Spike is the current department canine. He's a 4-year-old Dutch Shepherd who joined the CPD in Feb. 2009. Spike replaced Major, a German Shepherd who was retired for health reasons almost a year ago.

Former Calais Police Chief Michael Milburn started the department's K-9 program. Milburn is now a city councilor.

At a Public Safety committee meeting which preceded the city council meeting Thursday, a stoic Sgt. Chris Donahue's only comment was, "You know my feelings -- got to do what you've got to do."

Councilor Joe Cassidy is the chair of the public safety committee and when the issue came up at the council meeting, he said their recommendation is to support Chief Randall's proposal.

"A tangible piece of that is that we do have the dog that Chris has at this point. That dog came to the city at no cost and it's our recommendation that, as a committee, that we, in fact, give the dog to Chris to have as his own personal pet going forward."

Donahue later turned Spike over to another handler so the dog's working career would continue elswhere.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Last year, the city of Calais decided to establish their own municipal ambulance service -- Calais Fire EMS.

A brief update on their first six months of operation was given at Thursday night's city council meeting.

"We're doing really well in the first six months of the ambulance service but for just covering Calais, we've done extremely well," City Manager Diane Barnes told councilors.

"We've had over 500 calls in the first six months --- if that trend continues we'll have over a thousand in a year. The Calais base did 1400 calls when they did Calais and the surrounding areas so I think we're doing better than expected for only having Calais and Vanceboro."

Barnes said she was pleased with the way it's going.

"We have a full staff -- we've got all our paramedics, our basics and intermediates and they're all working well together with the fire department. I think it's doing great," said the city manager.

Calais Fire Chief Dan Carlow oversees the operations of Calais Fire EMS and he said he's pleased with operations.

"We're working off Diane's business plan which is proving itself out and maybe even a little ahead of where we thought we might be at this time and we're just going to keep at it. Our budget is well within line," Carlow said.

During public comment at the meeting, Calais resident Tom Webster offered this observation.

The other day I had a first hand view of the new ambulance service and I just think it's a credit to Dan and the department the level of training in handling a very combative individual and they just did an excellent job.

"[Officer] Bob Fitzsimmons was involved in it and it's a credit to the police department also but they did an excellent job because it could have been a bad mess -- this guy was very, very combative," Webster told the city council.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Real Stories from the Maine State Police compiled by the Department of Public Safety. You can't make this stuff up.

Two distracted drivers were cited recently by State Police. A man was cited for driving up the Interstate from Bangor swerving all over the road as he talked on his cell phone. Trooper Kyle Willette said the man also had a small dog loose in the car, which the man was trying to control. Willette cited him for failing to maintain control of his car.

In another distracted driving case, a Bangor man was cited after texting while driving from Augusta to Waterville. Donald Lowe of Bangor was cited after being stopped in Waterville, just off Interstate 95. Trooper Sean Kinney said other motorists called in to report the SUV weaving around Augusta. Kinney attempted to stop the vehicle two miles shy of Kennedy Memorial Drive, but the driver showed no response to the trooper's blue lights until he pulled into a parking lot. Kinney said the driver was busy texting. Lowe was cited for reading while operating a motor vehicle.

Two motorists were charged by State Police with driving too fast in recent snow storms. Wesley Mills, 49, of Kennebunk was arrested for criminal speeding after Trooper Nathaniel Jamo clocked his car at 95 mph along Route 26 in New Gloucester. Jamo said Mills' speed was 40 miles over the posted speed limit and the busy road was slick at the time with a light snow cover.

In Kittery, a New Hampshire motorist was cited after passing Corporal Jerry Carr in a snowstorm. Carr said the 20 year old man � Daniel Fenell from Dover � was clocked at 91 mph while in the middle of a heavy snowstorm. Fenell's car spun out in a snow bank at Exit 2 and he was charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of a prior crash, 30 miles away. That earlier crash involved Fenell's car striking a guard rail and other motorists reported it.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A Perry resident may have some cleaning up to do but at least she'll be around to do it -- and her two cats will be around as well following a fire in her home late Wednesday afternoon.

In a telephone interview, Perry Fire Chief Paula Frost told WQDY NEWS the call came in as "a structure fire at 103 South Meadow Road behind the Farmer's Union."

"Our first truck out was 272 -- Justin McPhail had that and when he got off at the scene and by then they had more information that said the fire started by the woodstove and the kitchen and living room. They had flames showing."

With these extremely cold days and nights of late the chances of fire increase.

"A lot of people are burning wood or alternative fuels. If you're burning wood, you just need to make sure that you've got a zone around your stove where you're not going to get any ambient heat buildup and catch other stuff on fire," Frost said.

"If you do get a fire, don't try to put it out yourself --- unless you've got a fire extinguisher and you know what you're doing and you think you can give it a shot --- but get out and then call 911."

Frost said this homeowner "was lucky."

"The smoke detectors on the ceiling had melted, the venetian blinds had melted in the room where the fire was but she managed to get out. I think she might have gotten a little smoke in her lungs. She was going to go and get checked out."

There were two cats in the house and they were able to get them out.

In addition to the response from Perry, mutual aid came in from Pleasant Point, Robbinston and Pembroke -- just in case.

[Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO]

"When you get a structure fire until you know what you've got -- especially if you're looking at rural water supply -- you've got to have trucks shuttling the water and of course you don't know what you're going to have for interior attack crew," the chief explained.

"Now, you've got to have two in and two out and air packs fully-qualified so you've got to reach and touch your neighbors."

"But Pleasant Point and Robbinston actually signed off at the scene and they weren't really needed. Pembroke got to the scene and then we sent them back because by then we had a knockdown," Frost told us.

"We had really quick response from all our mutual aid companies. Pleasant Point, they rolled just about everything they had except maybe the Tower truck. Robbinston had two or three units plus manpower and I heard at least three of Pembroke's plus manpower."

"Had we not had a knockdown, we had enough resources there so we could take it to the next level," Frost said. Downeast EMS also responded to the scene.

The homeowner has insurance.

"She's looking at some cleanup. Her cats are fine," the chief said.

This is a cautionary tale -- there's still more winter to come.

"People need to be aware of things like candles and if they've got propane and heaters and woodstoves. If you've got a woodstove --- where is your kindling, where is your wood? You need to keep your wood probably at least 18-inches away from the stove and keep all of your kindling supplies and matches and everything well out of the way, too," Frost said.

It doesn't take much.

"I can't tell exactly what happened right around the stove there but she did have a pile of wood and it's gone."

"This is the time of year people need to be really careful and check things twice and if you do have a fire, you get out of the house and call 911," Frost said.

"Belongings can be replaced --- people can't."

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Maine Community College System President John Fitzsimmons announced Wednesday that he will nominate Dr. Joyce Hedlund as the new president of Washington County Community College in Calais.

Dr. Hedlund has served as president of Eastern Maine Community College for the past 16 years.

The nomination will be made later this month to the MCCS Board of Trustees for their vote and approval.

Dr. Hedlund will succeed Dr. William Cassidy who retired from WCCC at the end of 2009. She is scheduled to assume her new position on July 1, 2010. Until then, Charles Collins, a long-time MCCS administrator, is serving as interim president at WCCC.

President Fitzsimmons praised Dr. Hedlund's remarkable contributions to EMCC and to the greater Bangor community: "Joyce Hedlund has been a leader in Maine higher education for over two decades. She has led EMCC through a period of extraordinary growth and change, and has done so with a deep commitment to providing Maine students with an extremely high quality and relevant education. I cannot emphasize how delighted I am to retain her within the System and that she will bring the same skills and commitment she has shown at EMCC to her tenure at WCCC."

In accepting the nomination, President Hedlund expressed excitement for her new position: "I'm looking forward to playing a part in the future of Washington County Community College. Just like EMCC, WCCC is integral to the community it serves and has a similar mission of providing career, technical, and transfer education. WCCC is in an interesting coastal location, on an international border. This opportunity is in an area of the state my husband and I have always hoped we might live. However, the decision to move on to this new challenge was very difficult. I have enjoyed being part of the tremendous development of EMCC in the company of so many wonderful people from the region we serve as well as from the college. The support of the Bangor region has been outstanding and critical to the success of this college. I have found the same level of support, interest, motivation, and dedication in the employees and surrounding community of Washington County Community College."

Dr. Hedlund holds a doctorate and master's degrees from the University of Maine. A native of Fort Kent, she earned her bachelor's degree in education from Fort Kent State College (the University of Maine at Fort Kent). She began her career at EMCC in 1987 and became president of the institution in 1994.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Five arrests have been made so far and other arrests and charges are anticipated in the wake of a burglary at the Pleasant Point Health Center early last Friday [Jan. 8].

[LEFT- Sign posted on the health center door Friday morning after burglary -- Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

According to Pleasant Point Police Chief Ralph Dana, "approximately 22,000 dosage units of various medications were taken. The total taken included both commonly abused and not commonly abused items."

Dana said the initial investigation by the Pleasant Point Police Department developed some leads and suspects.

A search warrant was issued for a residence on Pleasant Point and at around 10 a.m. Sunday morning, members of Pleasant Point Police and The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant. As a result, a large quantity of prescription medications were recovered.

Further investigation took the enforcement team to a residence in Princeton, where a search of that home resulted in another large quantity of prescription medications being recovered as well. Approximately 80 to 85-percent of the dosage units taken have been recovered.

As a result, the following have been arrested: 33-year-old Sugum Francis of Pleasant Point, burglary; 39-year-old William Smith of Pleasant Point, burglary; 30-year-old Jillian Francis of Pleasant Point, possession; 40-year-old John Moholland of Princeton, trafficking/violation of bail; and 28-year-old Rachel Brown of Princeton, possession.

[ABOVE- Police vehicle outside Pleasant Point Health Center Friday morning -- Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

Chief Dana said further charges and arrests are anticipated.

"In addition to the tremendous support from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, a U.S. Border Patrol K-9 team, Maine State Police CID and the Washington County Sheriff's Office all assisted with the investigation," Dana said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The Washington County Emergency Medical Services Authority is reported to be in good condition.

Almost a year ago, the city of Calais announced its intention to sever ties with the Authority and establish its own municipal ambulance service. There were some who said that the Authority / Downeast EMS would have trouble surviving with Calais as a member community.

That hasn't been the case says Downeast EMS Director Scott Harriman.

"The Ambulance Authority has been in business since 2001, created by legislation, cover the entire county. Any town in Washington County can become a member of the Authority. We cover a wide range of towns now. We have bases in Woodland [Baileyville], Eastport, Lubec and Danforth. We do transfers out of both hospitals in Washington County as well as all emergency calls in those areas where we're licensed and have paramedic coverage on a daily basis," Harriman said.

The Authority moved its base of operation from Calais to Baileyville.

"We've done well since the changeover. We're holding our own and I see continued growth for Downeast EMS in the future," Harriman said.

With Calais and Downeast EMS operating as separate entities, both found themselves competing for member towns to be part of their respective groups.

"The board and the interim director at the time were able to maintain those member towns that we have and we anticipate doing that going forward," Harriman said.

"It's important for citizens of those member towns to remember that they pay taxes to support the Authority. So, if they're in the unfortunate situation of needing a transfer out of one of the hospitals here in Washington County, we'd like to urge them to choose Downeast EMS -- because that's their service that they're paying taxes to support," Harriman noted.

The past year has been a transitional one without Calais.

Asked how the Authority was handling the stipend situation -- the amount member towns pay for service, Harriman said, "the board was able to hold the town stipend amounts even from last year and we're going through our budget process right now. We're hoping to possibly reduce the stipends for our member towns this year. Our budget process is going very well and we're looking at closing that off in the next week or so and getting the board to approve the budget on the 31st of January at their regularly scheduled meeting."

Roger Holst, chairman of the Ambulance Authority board credited the personnel of Downeast EMS for keeping the operation going.

"We have a terrific staff that has kept us going and that's what has made the difference. They're just so vital to us and important and they do a terrific job. Everyone that comes in contact with them has had nothing but praise for the personnel," Holst said.

"Our paramedics and intermediates, basics and drivers are what keeps our business going," Harriman added.

"When the tones go off, they're the ones that go out the door and provide the day-to-day service so we don't do this without them."

The Washington County Regional Communications Center handles dispatch duties for Downeast EMS.

"They dispatch us out of Machias and they dispatch all four of our bases for us. We enjoy a positive relationship with the county and look forward to continuing that relationship," Harriman said.

Holst said there may possibly be some expansion in the future.

"Whatever services we can offer other towns, we're looking to meet with them. If some of them are interested and they want to join we'd love to meet with them and see if we can do anything for them -- maybe there is and maybe they can do something for us," Holst said.

Harriman said he has also reached out their member towns to be sure they know that Downeast EMS is willing to do more than just emergency and transfer services.

"We can provide blood pressure clinics at town events, we can have a rig there for tours --- you name it, we're more than happy to do it," Harriman said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Baileyville Town Council unanimously voted Monday night to hire Linda Pagels Wentworth to fill the position of town manager.

Pagels Wentworth has been working recently as a consultant to the town two days a week when she was Washington County Manager. She resigned as county manager last week.

The town has had sporadic luck in finding and keeping managers over the past few years.

In those years, when town managers have bailed out of Baileyville, the workload fell on the shoulders of Council Chair Dottie Johnson who then became Interim Town Manager.

The ups and downs of filling the position have included tenures lasting a few to seven months. And then there were inquiries from others.

One such potential town manager candidate generated this discussion at a Baileyville Town Council meeting in April 2009. [See highlighted portion below]

From a April 27, 2009 story on the WQDY Classic Hits News website;

Councilor John "Jack" Costello asked Johnson what had happened to a person -- who was not identified -- but apparently the person had indicated an interest in being an intern. [for town manager]

Johnson was quick to say, "he's not coming back."

"What did he do, rob a bank?" Costello asked.

"No Jack," and then Johnson related what had transpired.

"We had a young man who wanted to be an intern. I contacted him and he came for an interview thinking that maybe he could intern and learn something and then move in. He has a degree in law," Johnson told the council.

"But after he drove down Route 9 -- because I kept saying to him 'you know where Baileyville is' and he assured me he knew -- well, then he drove down and then he let me know he wasn't interested."

Johnson said his correspondence said, "he didn't think his social life would be very successful here."

That was then.

Johnson noted there had been two other applicants for the job, "neither of which have any experience as town manager."

"We've been there, we've done that. We tried it. I think it would have worked if some had given it more time, but now we're in a position where we need someone with experience," Johnson said.

The council vote was unanimous.

Pagels Wentworth will be available on an as-needed basis and start officially Jan. 25. Her base starting salary is $63,075.

As for a residency in Baileyville, Johnson said, "Linda expects to live in her camp in Nash's Lake in the summer and rent in Baileyville in the winter -- if [her] house is sold. But we've reached a point where we need a town manager with experience," Johnson said. Pagels Wentworth currently lives in Calais.

With the hiring of a new town manager, Johnson finally gets a break from her long odyssey of filling in.

Asked if would be fun just being a town councilor again, Johnson sighed, "Yes, it'll be fun --- two more years of this little session and then I can go to the farm."

On a serious note she added, "We're very happy to have someone with experience, someone who is known in the area. This is going to be a win-win -- well I hope it's going to be a win-win for her, certainly a win-win for us. I am sadly lacking in the knowledge of what we should be doing here but I just did the best I could and sometimes it just wasn't enough," Johnson said.

Pagels Wentworth told WQDY NEWS she was glad to be back in the St. Croix area again.

"I'm looking forward, I think there are are a lot of challenges and opportunities."

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Monday, January 11, 2010

Myriad examples of malfeasance mark the weekly report from MSP Troop J. Here are some of the incidents:

January 3:

Trooper Christopher Smith arrested a 25-year-old man on a warrant for failure to report for sentencing, judgment and commitment. The warrant was issued out of Ellsworth District Court.

January 4:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a complaint from Calais Fire and Rescue that two vehicles had passed one of their vehicles while it was responding with lights on as ALS (advanced life support) to Pleasant Point Ambulance. The driver provided the registration numbers and as a result, a 68-year-old Calais man a 71-year-old Indian Township man were summonsed for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a criminal mischief complaint from Princeton that someone had thrown a chain into the caller's driveway during the snow storm and he ran over it with his snow blower.

Trooper David Barnard responded to a theft complaint on Kellytown Road in Tremont. The caller reported an employee took several checks and cashed them. This incident is still under investigation.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a passing stopped school bus complaint in Hancock. As a result the offending vehicle operator was located and issued a written warning at the complainant's request.

Trooper Greg Burns responded to a burglary complaint on the Lake Road in Perry. The male caller reported that his parent's residence had been broken into sometime within the last week. The caller reported that a 56" Samsung television, jewelry and coins had been taken from the residence.

Trooper Michael Southard responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in Steuben. The female caller reported that two men were breaking her CD's. The caller, who was intoxicated, advised that the incident actually happened an hour and a half earlier and everything was alright. Everyone was asleep when Trooper Southard arrived. The caller further advised that she didn't know why she called and she just wanted someone to talk to about her living situation. No further action was taken.

Trooper Greg Roy responded to a single vehicle accident on Route 9 in Amherst. A local wrecker service was dispatched to the scene to tow the vehicle. The 38-year-old wrecker operator of Holden, was summonsed for operating after suspension.

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a telephone harassment complaint from a woman in Franklin. The woman reported that her boyfriend's ex-wife had been sending her harassing messages. The investigation disclosed that the harassment was going both ways and both parties were given harassment warnings.

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in Sullivan. The male caller reported that his eighteen year old son was out of control and refused to live by his rules. The boy had left the residence prior to Trooper Peterson's arrival. The young man was warned not to return to the residence or he would be arrested for trespassing.

January 5:

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a 63-year-old Prince Edward Island man in Crawford for a commercial motor vehicle rule violation of operating after disqualified. The driver was also placed out of service.

January 6:

Troopers Dan Ryan and Jessica Shorey responded to Orland for an assault complaint where a 22-year-old man reported being assaulted by a 21-year-old female. Upon arrival the man refused to press assault charges against the female but was arrested by Trooper Ryan for having an active warrant for his arrest. Trooper Shorey transported him to jail.

Trooper Dan Ryan summonsed a 20-year-old man in Deer Isle for operating after suspension and for operating an unregistered motor vehicle. A 20-year-old passenger was summonsed for possession of alcohol by a minor.

January 7:

Trooper Dan Ryan handled a fraud report in Blue Hill where a phone line was obtained in someone else's name.

Trooper Andy Foss assisted Sanford Police in Jonesboro by checking on an elderly man that had called a person in Sanford and sounded as if he needed help. The man was found to be okay and had dialed a wrong number with his new phone.

Trooper Andy Foss responded to a crash in Jonesboro where an 80-year-old female driver was summonsed for operating after suspension, failure to provide evidence of insurance and improper left turn.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a telephone harassment complaint reported by a woman from Harrington. As a result Oregon State Police Trooper Erik Throberg is attempting to locate the respondent who lives in Williams, Oregon and issue a written warning.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a trespass complaint from Harrington. The respondent, aged 19, was located and issued a written trespass/harassment notice.

Trooper Christopher Smith received a removal request from a man in Beddington. The man requested that his girlfriend be removed from the camper trailer that she is living in on his property. The man requested that the trooper not come to his residence that night and that the issue be dealt with on the following day. Trooper Smith provided the man with information on the protection order and civil eviction processes. The man was satisfied and will seek to have his girlfriend removed.

January 8:

Trooper Christopher Smith received a welfare check request on a man from Sullivan. The man's wife requested the check because she hadn't heard from him in a day. Trooper Smith discovered that the man had been transported earlier in the day by Hancock County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff McFarland to Maine Coast Memorial Hospital voluntarily for an evaluation. The man was later transported by Ellsworth Police to Dorathea Dix mental health facility in Bangor.

Trooper Dan Ryan received a child pornography complaint in Blue Hill which was turned over to CID for investigation.

Trooper Dan Ryan assisted Hancock Sheriff's Office in Orland by handling a crash.

Trooper Jessica Shorey summonsed a 22-year-old woman for false report for reporting a theft of a ring in Franklin the previous week.

Trooper Andy Foss handled a theft complaint in Danforth where a snowmobile trailer with two snowmobiles was reported stolen.

Trooper Jason Fowler found that a 63-year-old in Danforth had violated his conditions of release by changing his address without notifying the court. A warrant will be issued for his arrest.

Troopers Jason Fowler and Tim McCadden assisted Calais Police with locating a shoplifter.

Trooper Barry Curtis assisted Washington Sheriff's Office with a loud party on Elm Street in Milbridge. Two people were arrested at the residence for bail violations.

January 9:

Trooper Greg Roy received a theft complaint from Deer Isle. The caller reported that her daughter's Ipod had been taken from her gym bag at school the day before.

Trooper Greg Roy arrested a 24-year-old man of Blue Hill for operating under the influence as the result of a traffic stop in Blue Hill. The man was also summonsed for possession of a useable amount of marijuana and transported to the Hancock County jail where an intoxylizer test was administered.

Trooper Barry Curtis investigated a case of criminal mischief in the town of Harrington. Due to the lack of co-operation; case closed.

January 10:

Trooper Barry Curtis investigated a case of criminal threatening in the town of Columbia. The case is still under investigation.

Trooper Cliff Peterson summonsed a 31-year-old man from Sullivan for improper attachment of registration plates as the result of a traffic stop.

Trooper Michael Southard summonsed a 39-year-old Cherryfield man for operating after suspension, operating an ATV on a public way and operating an unregistered ATV in Cherryfield. A second operator from Sanford was also summonsed for operating an ATV on a public way and operating an unregistered ATV.

Troopers Christopher Smith and David Barnard responded to a residence on Acadia Highway in Orland. The man reported that a woman was throwing ice balls at his residence and then got into his parked car. Trooper Barnard arrived and found a 49-year-old woman sitting in the man's car. It was quickly apparent that she had been out in the cold for several hours. Trooper Smith arrested the woman on a warrant for failure to appear for an assault charge issued from Waldo County. She was transported the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital where she was treated for severe frostbite.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

It was nearly a month ago when longtime Eastport City Manager George "Bud" Finch submitted his resignation to the City Council, citing a "lack of support from new council members."

[WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

On Wednesday night, the city council supported keeping Finch around on a weekly basis until a new City Manager is selected.

Over 30 people showed up for Wednesday night's Special Meeting in the Shead High School Band Room which lasted only about 20 minutes.

City councilor Paul Critchley made this motion under "City Charter 3.03 -Acting City Manager."

"Move to designate Mr. George (Bud) Finch as Acting City Manager to be employed on a weekly basis (per Mr. Finch's request), until a new City Manager is selected. Mr. Finch shall receive the same weekly pay, vacation pay, and sick pay that he has formerly received as City Manager," Critchley said.

[RIGHT- George "Bud" Finch - WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

The vote was unanimous.

Council Chairman Robert Peacock explained, "if anything came up during the week that required an acting city manager to act and he wasn't authorized it could get us into legal trouble. Our attorney suggested that we, as soon as possible, after the 31 [Dec], the day of Mr. Finch's resignation, that we had a candidate in mind that we appoint him."

[ABOVE-Eastport City Councilor Paul Critchley and Council Chairman Robert Peacock - WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

The city council also voted to advertise for a new City Manager.

"The City of Eastport Maine seeks a City Manager with a proven track record of quality leadership and public service for an active community with high expectations for sustainable growth. Eastport requires a hands-on Manager capable of balancing the demands and complexities of a diverse seasonal tourist population and business community while keeping in mind the needs of our year-round residents," read part of the city's advertisement.

The deadline for submissions for the city manager position is February 12.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

We've already had one major snowstorm and all that comes with it. Winter can make for tricky driving and Maine State Police are urging motorists to be prepared.

[WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO]

Road conditions can vary this time of year. From roads that just appear to be wet to black ice or snow-covered or slushy -- and they keep law enforcement agencies busy responding to the scenes of minor accidents and bigger accidents.

[WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO]

Maine State Trooper Jason Fowler spoke with WQDY NEWS this week about some of the causes of accidents this time of year among other things.

[Maine State Trooper Jason Fowler-WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

Driving too fast for the road conditions

"One of the important things with motor vehicles is to have great safety equipment. New tires, studded tires, four-wheel drive vehicles, we have ABS brakes now and that is all excellent stuff --- but what we do see with all that safety equipment --- is people over-driving the vehicle still."

"In a four-wheel drive vehicle you tend to go a little faster than you should because you put a little bit too much weight on the fact it's got four-wheel drive when in fact in ice and slush conditions it really doesn't matter what you have. Once that ice and slush is there you're at the mercy of the vehicle if you're going too fast for the conditions," Fowler said.

You have to see for yourself

Another thing during winter driving is clearing snow and ice so you can see out the windows. Some cars look like moving igloos.

Fowler said the windows have to be cleared.

"There's a substantial fine for it. But it's just a safety item -- you can't see and the people that are driving looking through that little peephole -- they know they can't see, too. The side windows -- you've got to be able to see as you pull out of streets, the rear window, your lights -- everything helps."

If you plow snow, got a light?

"If you're doing private snow-plowing, being that you are not actually plowing a public way or a public road, then what you need to have when you're plowing that private driveway IF you go on to the public way -- that's backing, your wheel touching the public way, on the sidewalk in any way at all if you go to the public way -- you need to have an amber auxiliary light that flashes 360-degrees for people to see you. We have seen a lot of vehicles that are backing out on public ways that are plowing that don't have that. Failure to do that is a $139 fine and I know we've had some complaints and people want us to start pushing that a little bit more," Fowler said.

Don't throw your snow in the road!

"Whether it's by a snow plow, a snowblower or people who shovel, whatever the case may be. It's something town, city and highway crews deal with a lot," the trooper said. "It's actually a violation to do that. Basically, the statute reads that you cannot place and allow to remain any snow or slush on a public way."

"So if you're plowing a driveway and you get a little bit of snow on the roadway and you're not done plowing the driveway yet, as long as before you're done with that, you get that snow off the roadway, you should be all set as far as the law goes."

There's also the liability if somebody hits that snow you dumped in the road.

"We've been seeing a little bit of that lately," Fowler noted.

"The fine for that is $165, so it's really not something worth $165 to leave snow in the roadway."

Expired inspection and registration stickers

If your Maine inspection sticker is green -- you need a new one!

[This sticker still good until the end of March 2010-WQDY NEWS PHOTO]

"As for the registration stickers on the license plates, you need to have a valid registration before you can get your inspection sticker done, so make sure you do that. Some people will make an appointment [for a sticker] get there and find out their registration is expired and they've got to backtrack and do everything over twice again," Fowler said.

The trooper reported seeing a number of vehicles on Tuesday still sporting the out-of-date green-colored inspection stickers as he was driving into Calais.

"Probably 20-percent of the vehicles I met that were Maine-registered vehicles had green inspection stickers. The fine is well over $100. We don't want to be having to stop people and issue those fines continuously just because someone forgot."

"If it's green get a new one. Not only the fact that it's the law -- but also for the sake of your family. When you go to the inspection station they're checking all the necessary safety equipment. That's definitely important right now with winter driving conditions," Fowler said.

- Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -