Welcome to Classic Hits Radio.
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| --CALAIS LADY BLUE DEVILS & W.A. RAIDERS WIN GOLD IN AUGUSTA! |   |
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| --Rotarians Raise $2,500 In Friday Radio-Thon | |
Friday, February 26, 2010
  Rotarians from the Calais Rotary Club and the St. Stephen-Milltown Rotary Club raised $2,500 during Friday's radiothon aired over Classic Hits. Funds raised will be split between the local food pantries -- the Irene Chadbourne Food Pantry in Calais and the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County Food Bank --- as well as helping Rotary International relief efforts in Haiti. Major contributors to broadcast included Charlotte County GM in St. Stephen and Downeast Glass in Baring. The event was broadcast from Husson's Unobskey College on Main Street in downtown Calais. Many thanks to the individuals and local businesses who contributed during the broadcast. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --SAINT CROIX COURIER: Campobello Residents Seek Incorporation | |
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| --No Decision On Calais Dispatch Yet - Council Listens To Public Comment | |
| Thursday, February 25, 2010
"Discussion and decision on the police department dispatch service" was an item on Thursday night's Calais city council agenda but there was no decision and the item was discussed during the budget workshop which immediately followed the city council meeting. Despite budget shortfalls the city faces -- there is a concern for public safety. Mayor Vinton Cassidy asked Calais Police Chief David Randall for his two cents.  [Police Chief David Randall -- WQDY NEWS PHOTO] "I could stand here and give you a thousand reasons why getting rid of dispatch is going to be a problem but the biggest issue that I see for security is the times when we can't use the jail -- which it appears we're not going to be able to use it at all because we're going to have to have somebody on call and if an officer arrests somebody -- he's done. He's tied up, he can't go to any other calls," Randall explained. The city police department has already lost their K-9 program, eliminating dispatch is on the table and there may be even more cuts waiting in the wings. "I could probably cut back a patrolman. I wouldn't be happy about it," Randall said. Councilor Joe Cassidy asked the police chief if a patrolman was laid off what ramifications would there be for public safety. "We can still cover the shifts. It's going to happen. It wouldn't be good -- it would be hard, it would be more work on everybody and that's what happens when you start laying people off --- morale goes --- and once morale goes, standby. I think morale is pretty, well, pretty good at the moment." City Councilor Marianne Moore asked about "only "55 911 calls transferred from the RCC." "That's all?" "The thing you have to understand is -- Calais, Maine is Calais, Maine. We have had bank robberies called in on the 2751 line. It used to be 2161 now it's 2752. You could have somebody being beaten up call that number not 911. If you do ever decide to get rid of dispatch that's the one thing that we're going to have to push is 911," Randall said. Calais police dispatcher Marcia Hayward said each call is not classified an emergency. "And they're not going to want to tie up a 911 line for somebody's dog running down Barker Street," she said. City Councilor Michael Milburn was the city's police chief for fifteen years. He minced no words as he told the council, "You've got to understand what you're going to lose if you're going to do away with dispatch. You're going to lose the effectiveness of your police department, you're going to lose familiarity of the surroundings, the streets, the people, that the dispatchers are quite familiar with. Many grants that are written depend upon the dispatchers to give statistical information to write the grants."  [Councilors Michael Milburn, Joseph Cassidy and Chris Bernardini -- WQDY NEWS PHOTO] Milburn then asked fire chief Dan Carlow if there was always somebody in the fire department 24-7? "Not any more," Carlow said. "Before we took over the ambulance there was. But since we've taken over the ambulance the fire drivers who used to give the station 24-7 now respond at night with the ambulance. They're part of the ambulance crew. So now we depend quite often on the dispatchers as being the only person in the station at night," Carlow said. There was also some public comment in favor of keeping dispatch along with others telling the council not to increase the taxes. "You can't afford to get rid of the dispatch," said Joan Demmons. "These people are there. Like everybody has said, they know who you are, they know where you live, and they care." There was also a comment from Patrolman Bob Fitzsimmons. If a patrolman position is cut -- it would be his.  [Patrolman Bob Fitzsimmons -- WQDY NEWS PHOTO] "I've been here just over a year. I'm the low guy on the totem pole. I know where my feet are in this whole fight. You can't lose dispatch," he told the council. "If it means that the low guy on the totem pole has got to go -- it's not fair to the folks that live in this town to remove that entity from this area." "That's my safety and I know up here when I grab that mike that I'm going to get Marcia or one of the girls up there and they have a vested interest in me. They know me, they know my kids -- the same way they know all your families. They want to take care of you -- they're here for you --- you've got to be here for them." To the city council, Fitzsimmons said, "You guys have got some hard decisions okay? If I come out on the losing end of it I'll work, I'll find another job, but you can't lose your dispatch." Councilors have a lot of information to digest about whether or not to eliminate dispatch. If it has to go there is much to be done and the process will need to be started soon. The Calais city council has scheduled another budget workshop for Tuesday March 2 at 6 PM. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Calais City Council May Decide Fate Of Police Dispatch At Thursday Meeting | |
| Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Calais City Council may make a decision on the future of the police department's dispatch operation at their meeting Thursday night -- or maybe not. But an amended council agenda has an added item under new business, "Discussion & Decision on Police Dept. Dispatch Service."  [LEFT- Calais Police dispatcher Deborah Kelly -- WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO] A city council meeting earlier this month was followed by a budget workshop where City Manager Diane Barnes painted a dire budget picture and outlined things the city may have to cut out or cut back. One of those items considered for elimination is local police dispatch. The police department has already eliminated their K-9 unit in anticipation of a bad budget year. City council meetings begin at 6 PM and a budget workshop will also follow the Feb. 25 meeting. Barnes told WQDY NEWS, "that's on there in case the council wants to make a decision because a decision on something like that needs to be made during a regular council meeting. They can't make a decision like that in a budget workshop. That's why it's there. They'll have a discussion over it and then if they decide they want to act on it -- it's there so they can do it if they want to." Barnes said she had inadvertently left it off and then added it later. "What I didn't want to happen is to get there and then go into a budget discussion and then have the council suspend the rules to make a decision on it. I felt that it needed to be out in the open that they may be making a decision on it and I didn't want to have them to have to suspend the rules on something as important as that." "Once you put it on the agenda and post it at least all the media knows that there could be a decision on something like that. That doesn't mean there's going to be -- doesn't mean they're going to act on it -- but it's there on the agenda," Barnes said.  [RIGHT- Every little bit helps -- sign on the front door at Calais City Hall -- WQDY NEWS PHOTO] "A lot of it isn't going to be decided until we know what's going to happen in Augusta -- what we're going to be faced with for revenue cuts from Augusta because they're still in session down there. We know what the proposal is from the governor right now but we don't know the Legislature going to act. We've got to make some substantial cuts but we're still not going to know what that final figure is going to be," Barnes said. "I don't see [the city council] acting on the budget until later on but the thing with dispatch is that if they decide to eliminate it we need to start that process now not later." "It's an important decision that the council is going to have to make and it's not going to be an easy decision," Barnes said. "One way or the other -- whichever way they go with it -- there's going to be some unhappy people but they've just got to make the decision based on as much information as I can give them and I don't envy their decision at all." "It's going to be tough but times are tough and these are the things we have to deal with because of the budget crisis that we're facing right now," Barnes said. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Governor Directs State Agencies To Work With Native American Tribes | |
| Wednesday, February 24, 2010
In a State House ceremony Wednesday with many of Maine's Native American Tribal leaders present, Governor John Baldacci signed an Executive Order to encourage effective communications between the State of Maine and Maine Tribes. The Executive Order the Governor signed ensures that Native American Tribes in Maine have meaningful and timely input into matters considered by the State that impacts them. While each State agency is ordered to designate a tribal liaison, State departments will determine how to ensure that the goals of this order are reached and maintained. The Governor recognized the work of the Maine legislative leadership and especially Tribal Representatives in the Maine House: Representative Wayne Mitchell and Representative Donald Soctomah. He also thanked the leaders of the Maine Tribes: Victoria Higgins of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs; Brenda Commander of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians; William Nicholas of the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township; Richard Doyle of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point; and Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Province Supports Up To 70 Jobs In St. Stephen | |
| Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The New Brunswick government is providing a $500,000 loan guarantee and investing $100,000 to help maintain up to 70 jobs at SWP Industries Inc., in St. Stephen. The loan guarantee will be used for working capital, along with a $100,000 contribution from the Regional Development Corporation through the Community Development Trust. The company produces a line of wood products, as well as manufactured vinyl fencing and aluminum fencing. They serve dealers in the United States and Canada. Raw material is processed at SWP's sawmill in Bayside. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Doucet Urges Feds To Resume Search For Two Fishermen From Grand Manan | |
| Monday, February 22, 2010
Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet is urging federal agencies to resume the search for two fishermen lost after their boat apparently sank last Thursday [Feb. 18] in the Bay of Fundy. "The people of White Head and Grand Manan were devastated by the loss of these two individuals," said Doucet. "This tragic situation has the families and our communities grieving, and they were further disheartened to learn that search efforts have been suspended." Doucet talked with federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea and with New Brunswick Southwest MP Greg Thompson, and suggests working together to determine if sophisticated electronic equipment may be available to assist in the search and recovery. "I have spoken with the affected families and share their view that this is not the time to give up on finding answers," said Doucet. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax suspended the search for "The Whole Family" at sundown Friday and the RCMP is now investigating the incident as a missing persons case. The Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the sinking. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Slush Causes A Couple Of Crashes Monday Morning | |
| Monday, February 22, 2010
It may seem spring-like of late but it's still winter and motorists need to be alert for changeable road conditions that come with winter driving. There were a couple of personal injury motor vehicle crashes Monday morning --one in Charlotte and the other in Waite. Deputy Thomas Chambers of the Washington County Sheriff's Office responded to both crashes. He told WQDY NEWS that slush on the road was a factor. "The warm weather caused some slush to build up and some towns actually got out and plowed the roads and got the slush off the roads and some didn't lay any salt or sand down people got sucked over into the slush." Once that happens drivers get scared and over-correct and in both cases Monday were a result of the slush. One motorist hit a utility pole on Route 1 in Waite and the other went into a snow bank on the Charlotte Road. Both were single occupant, single vehicle crashes. "Both were wearing seat belts, fortunately. Other than minor injuries, some head injuries, it certainly could have been much worse," Chambers said. "We just want to remind people to keep their speed down and remember that going from town to town -- different towns have different budgets in what they allow for and in this particular case, when you went from Baring into Charlotte, right when you hit the Charlotte line, the roads had deteriorated drastically." "It's still winter and people need to be careful going from point A to point B. Speeds did not appear to be a factor in either case [Monday], it was the road conditions. Just because the speed limit [on the Charlotte Road] is 45, it's posted 45, it doesn't mean you should be doing 45. Maybe you should be doing 30 and each person needs to be aware of that too," Chambers said. Frost heaves on secondary roads can also add another element of surprise.  [Heave ho on the Charlotte Road - WQDY NEWS PHOTO] Chambers also had one other reminder for motorists about what they should do when they see an emergency vehicle. "If you see emergency vehicles either coming up behind you or going towards you -- you're still required by law to yield to the right side of the roadway and wait until the emergency vehicle passes. It doesn't matter whether or not it's coming up behind you or coming towards you," Chambers said. Be careful out there. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --MSP Troop J Weekly Report | |
| Monday, February 22, 2010
More tales of woe and intrigue from the Troop J Weekly Report. Fleeing into the woods seems to be a recurring theme along with a baseball bat-wielding boyfriend, the importance of opening the garage door before backing out, a robbery, a drug transaction gone awry and a story of a man who was found passed out behind the wheel -- his awakening -- and his fleeing into the woods. Here are some of the incidents handled by Maine State Police Troop J over the past week: Trooper Andy Foss arrested a 46-year-old man in Perry for operating under the influence of alcohol. Trooper Jason Fowler assisted. Trooper Andy Foss handled a theft complaint in Northfield where prescription medications were reported stolen. A suspect is known. Investigation continues. Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a trespass by motor vehicle incident at the Bayview Cemetery in Franklin. As a result of the investigation Trooper Smith found that a 43-year-old female drove into the cemetery after dark to look at deer. In doing so the woman got her van stuck and left it there. The cemetery association towed the van before the woman returned any phone calls or notified the police. Trooper Greg Roy and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a domestic dispute at a residence on the Pyle Road in Otis. The caller reported that she and a 26-year-old man had been arguing because she refused to give him a ride to Ellsworth to meet a friend. They went outside and the man picked up a baseball bat and motioned as though he was going to hit her vehicle with it. The woman went back inside to get away from him. A few minutes later, the man came back inside and told her that she may want to take a look at her vehicle. At that point, the woman checked her vehicle and discovered that the passenger's side door had been damaged. The man was arrested for criminal mischief and taken to the Hancock County jail without incident. Trooper Greg Roy arrested a 26-year-old man from Eastbrook on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Ellsworth District Court for failure to pay fines on a charge of operating after suspension. Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to an assault in Alexander. The female victim did not want to press charges and left the property. Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a theft that occurred in Township 8 on Fletcher's Landing. As a result, a 22-year-old woman was summonsed for theft by unauthorized taking and she returned the stolen furniture items to the residence. Trooper David Barnard assisted in the incident. Trooper Michael Southard responded to a camp burglary on Beddington Lake. The caller reported that his camp had been broken into sometime between February 9th and February 12th. A 32" flat screen television was taken from the camp. Evidence was collected and the investigation continues. Trooper Michael Southard received a complaint from a woman reporting that a neighbor had called and told her that two young females had taken something from her property on the Sacarap Road in Harrington. The neighbor also reported that a shed door appeared to have been pried open. The investigation disclosed that a teenage girl had been walking her dog in the area. The dog managed to escape from its owner's custody and began chasing a stray cat on the property. The girl retrieved her dog and left the area. It was undetermined whether the dog had caught up with the cat before it was taken back into custody. Trooper Greg Roy responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in Hancock. The male caller reported that his 35-year-old girlfriend was intoxicated and had tried to leave with her children. She failed to open the garage door as she was leaving and backed her vehicle through the door. The woman then took her 3-year-old child and fled into the woods where she stayed with the child for over an hour in freezing temperatures. The woman contacted the child's biological father and arrangements were made to meet with him to turn over the child to him. She was eventually located and taken into custody without further incident. Her charges included OUI, criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child. DHS was also notified of the incident. The Hancock Sheriff's Office also assisted at the scene. Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Trenton assist Hancock Sheriff's Office with a family fight complaint involving a 22-year-old woman. Upon arrival it was found that the woman had fled on foot into a wooded area. Trooper Shorey and her K-9 tracked down the fleeing woman and placed her under arrest for having an active arrest warrant. Trooper Ryan also assisted. Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a criminal mischief complaint in Hancock where windows were reported broken at a work site. Trooper Dan Ryan handled a theft complaint in Trenton where a lobster was reported stolen from the Trenton Marketplace. A suspect vehicle is known and the investigation continues. Trooper Jessica Shorey attended a neighborhood watch meeting in Franklin and answered questions about neighborhood safety. Trooper Greg Roy summonsed a 50-year-old man from Surry for improper attachment of registration plates as the result of a traffic stop in Otis. Trooper Dave Barnard stopped a vehicle having no trailer lights on Route 1 in Bucksport. The 20-year-old operator of Manchester Maine, was summonsed for attaching a false plate to the trailer. Trooper Greg Mitchell received a neighbor hood dispute / ATV on a public way complaint from Verona. The callers were very concerned about a neighbor who was driving a four-wheeler recklessly on the public way near their residence. The four-wheeler had a very loud exhaust that was disruptive. After investigating, Trooper Mitchell warned a young man for operating an ATV on a public way. Trooper Jessica Shorey received a fraud complaint in Sullivan where a woman reportedly sent money to help someone that called her asking for money. She did ask the bank to put a stop payment on her check after realizing this was a fraud. It is unknown at this time whether or not the check was stopped before being cashed. The investigation continues. Trooper Jessica Shorey received a fraud complaint in Franklin where a woman reported that her daughter obtained credit cards in her name and ran up bills around $40,000. This case was given to Trooper Tom Pickering for follow up as the Troop Investigator. Trooper Jessica Shorey received an assault complaint in Sullivan where a woman reported that another woman hit her in the face with a phone. The caller advised Trooper Shorey that she did not wish to pursue criminal charges and just wanted to speak with a trooper about the incident. Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to Princeton for a criminal mischief complaint. A woman reported that a 21-year-old male of Baileyville threw a beer through her second floor apartment window. She did not want to press charges. Trooper Dave Barnard and Trooper Chris Smith assisted Gouldsboro Police on West Bay Road in Gouldsboro with a disorderly 19-year-old male. He was at his father's residence and was arrested by Gouldsboro Police. Trooper Miles Carpenter assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with a family fight complaint in Jonesport. Trooper Miles Carpenter assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Harrington by transporting a prisoner to the Washington County Jail. Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Dedham where prescription medications were stolen from a mailbox. The victim was advised to report this to the US Postal Inspector. Investigation continues. Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a 47-year-old man from Quebec, Canada in Calais for a commercial rule violation of operating with an intoxicating beverage (Class E) and placed him out of service for 24 hours. Trooper Michael Southard arrested a 49-year-old Machiasport man for operating under the influence as the result of a traffic stop in Columbia. He was transported to the Washington County jail in Machias. The man was uncooperative and refused a chemical test. Trooper Michael Southard responded to a domestic dispute at residence in Addison. The caller was intoxicated and became upset because her boyfriend would not take her to the bar. There was no evidence of a crime being committed and the man agreed to stay with a friend for the night. Trooper Greg Roy and Sgt. Tim Varney responded to a report of a robbery that occurred near the Trenton Airport. The investigation disclosed that a man and his girlfriend had gone to the boat landing next to the airport to meet with a 25-year-old man from Bar Harbor in reference to a drug transaction. The male victim alleged that the man threw him to the ground and took several hundred of dollars from his wallet. The male victim also alleged that the 25-year-old punched his girlfriend in the nose before fleeing from the scene. Police located the man the following day and placed him under arrest for robbery, theft by unlawful taking or transfer, assault and operating after habitual offender revocation. Trooper Michael Southard received a criminal mischief complaint from a woman who reported that a man she knew had assaulted her at the bar. When the victim returned home, she discovered two tires on her vehicle had been slashed. The investigation continues. Trooper Cliff Peterson, Trooper Greg Roy and Sgt. Tim Varney assisted Ellsworth Police with an underage drinking party. Trooper Cliff Peterson received a threatening complaint from a man in Franklin. The caller reported that another man had called him and stated that he had a gun and enough ammunition to take care of him. The caller did not want to pursue charges but wanted the mane warned not to have any further contact with him. Trooper Peterson warned the man the following day not to have any further contact with the caller. Sgt. Tim Varney arrested a 45-year-old Bradford man for operating after Habitual Offender revocation, 3rd offense. A passing Calais ambulance had stopped to wake the man who was passed out behind the wheel on Route 9 in Township 31. Now awake, the man got out of his vehicle and fled into the woods. He was finally located about 8 hours later after having been tracked by Warden Carter and his K-9. Sgt. Varney was assisted by Trooper Kimberly Sawyer, Game Wardens and the U.S. Border Patrol. Trooper Greg Mitchell responded to a family fight that had occurred at a residence in Franklin. The investigation revealed that the fight was about when to give prescribed medication. The incident did not result in criminal charges. Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a burglary that occurred on Beals Island. The caller returned home to find $150.00 cash taken from an envelope which had been located inside of a jewelry cabinet. Of the numerous valuable items in the residence no thing else was taken. Evidence was recovered at the scene and investigation is ongoing. Trooper Chris Smith developed a possible suspect -- a 33-year-old man who lives next door. The man was located, arrested and charged with Class C burglary and class E theft. He was transported to the Washington County Jail. Trooper Christopher Smith summonsed an 18-year-old Milbridge man for operating without a license in Gouldsboro. The man was operating a motorcycle on Route 1 and also received traffic summonses for speeding and insurance. Trooper Kimberly Sawyer summonsed a 28-year-old woman for operating without a license -- it expired 1/19/09 -- after a traffic stop on Route 9 in Baileyville. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Calais RELAY FOR LIFE Holding Organizational Meeting March 2 | |
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| --Two Arrests In Residential Burglary In Machiasport | |
| Monday, February 22, 2010
Two Roque Bluffs men have been arrested in connection with a residential burglary in Machiasport. The burglary was reported last Thursday. Several items including change, guns and jewelry were reported to be missing from the residence. Deputy John Preston investigated and he was able to recover several stolen items. According to Sheriff Donnie Smith, Thomas Sylvain, 33, and Robert Cote, 31, were arrested in connection with this break-in and charged with burglary. On Monday, both men were being held at the Washington County Jail. Sgt. John Fuller of the Washington County Sheriff's Office as well as officers from the Machias Police Department also assisted in the investigation. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Man Arrested After Shooting At Unoccupied Vehicle In Grand Manan, N.B. | |
| Monday, February 22, 2010
A Grand Manan man was arrested by the RCMP Sunday after he used a shotgun on an unoccupied vehicle. Police said a 37-year-old man from Grand Manan was observed shooting the vehicle. The vehicle was hit twice. The RCMP executed a search warrant at the residence where this occurred and seized three firearms, ammunition and the damaged vehicle. No one was injured. The investigation is ongoing. The shooter was held in custody until an appearance Monday in St. Stephen Provincial Court where he faces firearms related offences and mischief charges. A second 37-year-old man was also arrested for obstruction and later released. He will be appearing in Grand Manan Provincial Court in April to face charges of obstruction and unsafe storage of a firearm. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --CALAIS GIRLS BEAT W.A. & W.A. BOYS BEAT CALAIS IN E. MAINE FINAL | |
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| --Search Called Off For Two Missing Fishermen From Grand Manan | |
| Saturday, February 20, 2010
The search for a missing Grand Manan scallop dragger with two men aboard was called off at sundown Friday. The vessel "The Whole Family" out of Whitehead on Grand Manan Island disappeared Thursday night. According to the RCMP, the occupants of the vessel have been identified as 45-year-old Harold Cossaboom and 36-year-old Corey Cossaboom, both of Whitehead Island, Grand Manan. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre called off the search late Friday afternoon and the RCMP is now investigating this as a missing persons case. The Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the sinking of the "The Whole Family". - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Searchers Recover Debris Believed To Be From Missing N.B. Scallop Boat | |
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| --SAINT CROIX COURIER: Investigation Continues Into Dead Lobster | |
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| --RCMP Seize Over 100 Pounds Of Marijuana In Traffic Stop | |
| Thursday, February 18, 2010
A Nova Scotia man was arrested by the RCMP Wednesday after authorities discovered a significant amount of drugs in his vehicle in northwestern New Brunswick on the Maine border. During a vehicle check stop on the TransCanada Highway in Siegas, police discovered over 100 pounds of marihuana in a brown Nissan Maxima bearing a Nova Scotia license plate. A 27-year-old man from Enfield, Nova Scotia was arrested. The RCMP believe the drugs were destined for the Halifax area. The investigation is ongoing. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Calais Reverses The One Way In Front Of The Calais Free Library | |
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Calais city officials have changed the direction of the one-way traffic pattern on Union Street in front of the Calais Free Library. [WQDY NEWS PHOTO] The one-way has returned to its original configuration allowing traffic coming from Union Street [Hog Alley] to proceed to Main Street along the rear of Triangle Park across from the library. The appropriate signage has been posted. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Troop J Weekly Report | |
| Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Incidents covered by Troop J Maine State Police over the past week include combative couples,criminal threatening, attempted burglary, just to name a few. Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a reported burglary on Morancy Road in Sullivan. The caller reported that her parents abandoned house was entered and a variety of items taken. There is no power to the residence and it appears to have been abandoned for some time. Trooper Christopher Smith assisted the Sorrento Animal Control Officer by serving two summonses to a 44-year-old man for cruelty to animals. Trooper Greg Roy summonsed 19-year-old Milbridge man for improper attachment of registration plates as the result of a traffic stop in Steuben. Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a theft and forgery from Sorrento. As a result, a 21-year-old man was interviewed a summonsed for felony forgery and theft. Trooper Staci Carpenter investigated a single vehicle accident in Machiasport. The operator of the vehicle, a 17-year-old male of Machiasport, was summonsed for operating without a driver’s license and possession of a useable amount of marijuana. Trooper David Barnard had a harassment complaint from a Lamoine woman who reported being harassed by her ex-husband from Trenton. This has been an on going complaint between the two of them and the husband was warned not to contact the woman and she was advised to get a protection order. Trooper David Barnard responded to a report of a burglary on Acadia Highway in Orland. The caller reported someone took two bottles of oxycontin from his residence. Trooper Dan Ryan handled a theft complaint in Deer Isle where a boat wheel and prop were stolen. Suspects are known. Investigation continues. Trooper Cliff Peterson received a telephone harassment complaint from Orland. The caller reported that her ex-boyfriend and the father of her child had been calling her constantly and leaving messages on her voicemail. The woman was in the process of obtaining a protection order against the man. Investigation continues pending contact with the man. Trooper Greg Roy received a criminal mischief complaint from Castine. The caller reported that the rear window of her Jeep Grand Cherokee had been shot out. It appeared to have been struck with a BB gun. Investigation continues. Trooper Greg Roy received a complaint of a possible ID theft from Stonington. The caller reported that he had received a statement from a payment processing company which contained his personal information and learned that it obtained by someone claiming to be him. Investigation continues. Trooper Dan Ryan responded to an assault complaint in Blue Hill involving a 37-year-old man and a woman. The man was arrested for violation of protection order. Trooper Miles Carpenter handled a threatening complaint in Cherryfield where a man reported that another man threatened him after complaining about dogs owned by a woman were roaming the neighborhood. Both men were warned for harassment. The man and the woman were also warned to keep the dogs on their property. The original complainant was advised that further complaints should be handled by the town Animal Control Officer. Trooper Miles Carpenter and Trooper Andy Foss responded to a family fight in Harrington where a man reported being assaulted by his intoxicated juvenile son. The Washington County Sheriff's Office responded and arrived on the scene first. The Washington Sheriff's Office summonsed the boy for assault after consulting with the Juvenile Case Worker. Trooper Dan Ryan handled a complaint in Penobscot where it was reported that a vehicle passed a stopped school bus with its lights on. A 57-year-old man was summonsed for passing a stopped school bus. Trooper Andy Foss assisted the Machias Police Department with a burglary in progress complaint. Trooper arrested a 26-year-old woman for having active arrest warrants out of Aroostook County. A 17-year-old boy and the woman were charged by Machias Police for attempted burglary. Trooper Jason Fowler assisted the Calais Police Department with a traffic crash on Route 1. Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a suspicious complaint from the Whalen Road in Sullivan. The caller reported that his daughter observed a male wearing a flannel shirt and carrying a duffel bag walking around his house. The residence was not disturbed and no other sightings were reported. The suspicious male was not located. The caller advised that a cat was hit in front of the residence earlier in the night and the male was possibly looking for the cat. Gouldsboro PD Sgt. James Malloy assisted. Trooper Kmberly Sawyer responded to a traffic crash on Big Lake Rd, Towhship 27. Orenda A. Sabattus, 35, and Camisha D. Doten, 18, were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. As a result of the investigation Camisha was summonsed for operating under the influence. The investigation continues. Trooper Michael Southard investigated a camp burglary on Beddington Lake. The camp had been broken into sometime within the last week. A shed next to the camp had also been broken into. Nothing had been taken from the camp or shed. Trooper Michael Southard received a complaint from a Steuben man who reported that he and his wife had been arguing and she wanted to leave with the children. The man did not want her to leave with the children. No crime had been committed and the man agreed to let the woman take the children for the night. No further action was taken. Trooper Greg Roy investigated a criminal threatening complaint in Orland. The caller reported that an 18-year-old Bucksport man had made numerous threats towards him including such things as threatening to punch him in the face, kick his teeth in, etc. The man was located at a residence on Verona Island and was placed under arrest for terrorizing and violation of conditions of release. He was on bail on a previous charge of attempted burglary. Trooper Shawn Whalen and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in Franklin. The man and his ex-girlfriend had been arguing over his relationships with other women and her relationships with other men. The man requested that the female be removed from the residence and she was escorted from the residence and was warned not to return. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --RCMP Investigate Bank Robbery In St. Stephen | |
| Friday, February 12, 2010
RCMP in St. Stephen are investigating a bank robbery in their community. According to police, a man entered a bank on Milltown Boulevard at around 12:30 p.m. Friday, approached the teller and demanded money. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken. RCMP say the suspect is decribed as a caucasian male, approximately five feet, seven inches in height, and is believed to be between the early twenties and early thirties. The suspect could have facial lacerations. If anyone has information regarding this incident, contact the District 1 RCMP at 506-755-1132. If you wish to remain anonymous, call NB Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Calais City Council Hears Latest On Budget Cuts During Workshop | |
| Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Calais City Council held a budget workshop following Thursday night's meeting. No one was looking forward to it. City officials have many things to consider as they wade through the budget process. At Thursday night's budget workshop, the city council heard about the rising state valuations and the shrinking state revenue sharing. It shakes down to an enormous impact for the Border City. City Manager Diane Barnes told the council said she sat down with all the department heads.  [Calais City Manager Diane Barnes talks as council listens - WQDY NEWS PHOTO] "We went line by line and we cut and we slashed everything that we could possibly cut and now anything else is going to really affect personnel and services," Barnes said. There was discussion about property values, and user fees for the library and recreation department. "The big thing on the table is the [police] dispatch. Everybody knows that's being looked at," the city manager said.  [Radio console in a Calais police cruiser - WQDY NEWS PHOTO] Discussion went on about scenarios of eliminating dispatch and hiring a secretary and what savings there would be -- but -- overtime would be needed to transport prisoners from the Calais police lock-up to the county jail in Machias and then there would be a one-time purchase of equipment if the dispatch was dumped. One dispatcher is leaving her job at the end of this month and another is due to depart in July. Calais Police Chief David Randall weighed in on the mention of a possible part-time dispatch.  [Calais Police Chief David Randall - WQDY NEWS PHOTO] "I talked to Diane, I talked to [Fire Chief] Danny [Carlow] and the employees. You start splitting this up between the Regional Communications Center [RCC] and us it's going to cause a problem. A ball is going to get dropped, somebody could get hurt. I think you're better off to make a decision to either eliminate dispatch -- and we'll find a way to get through it -- or keep dispatch. I just think this piecemealing it isn't a good idea," Randall said. County Commissioner Kevin Shorey of Calais also attended the workshop. "As a county, it would be our responsibility for the RCC to accept dispatch and the county would be doing that and I would agree with the chief that you either do it or you don't. There is no half-way there," Shorey said.  [County Commissioner Kevin Shorey speaks to the Calais City Council - WQDY NEWS PHOTO] "The RCC right now has 24 fire departments with 7 backups, 13 ambulances, 5 municipalities and all the state agencies including the Washington County Sheriff's Department plus animal control. Although the RCC has very talented and qualified people, you will not get the same level of service that you get right now with your own dispatch," Shorey said. "The RCC is at about 90-percent capacity and so bringing on an additional 30-percent is going to make it tough down there but again as a county we would do that," Shorey added. City Councilor Chris Bernardini asked Fire Chief Danny Carlow if elimination of dispatch would affect the city's mutual aid agreement with St. Stephen or the other towns in any way.  [Calais Fire Chief Dan Carlow - WQDY NEWS PHOTO] "One thing that it will affect right away is the Calais fire department now dispatches for six of the other smaller communities. I've already notified those people of this potential. They would also have to switch to over and be dispatched directly from RCC. The only thing that might change a little bit is they [RCC] won't be able to communicate with St. Stephen -- but we do all that on a local basis anyway when we go over there or they come over here," Carlow said. Another cost cutting consideration involves street lights. The city manager said she had the police department go around and come back with a list of potential street lights that could possibly be turned off to save some money. But former city councilor Louis Bernardini shed some light on that idea --- it was done 30 years ago when he was on the council. "We went through the same thing and we had to drive around the city of Calais and decide which lights to turn off and I was totally against it but the council said you've got to do this so we drove all over the city and we turned this light off and we turned that light off and I don't know how many we turned off but the hue and cry went out. It was just unbelievable how many people were bent out of shape because the light was out on their street," Bernardini recalled. "They had to go up and take out the photo cells so they wouldn't come on automatically but then there was so much commotion about it we had to go back and put all the photo cells back in again. It cost money to turn them off and it cost money to turn them on and no one was happy when they had their lights turned off." "Maybe things have changed in thirty years and maybe the budget crunches that we're having will make a difference but I sort of doubt it. I wouldn't even touch that if I were you people," Bernardini said. Before this budget process is over plenty of things will get touched. The city council plans to hold another budget workshop following their next regular meeting on Feb. 25. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --City Councilor Chides NB, Canada For Anti-LNG Stance | |
| Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Calais City Councilor says he's tired of the continued Canadian opposition to proposed LNG terminals in Maine but he also aimed some criticism towards U.S. politicians for not getting involved. In a recent letter, Canada's ambassador to the United States urged U.S. energy regulators to discourage the proposed natural gas projects that would require tankers to travel through Head Harbour Passage. Gary Doer wrote a letter to John Wellinghoff, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to express his concerns. "In light of the official application by Calais LNG on December 18, 2009, to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), I am writing to reiterate Canada's serious concerns with the proposals to construct LNG terminals on the Maine side of Passamaquoddy Bay." "The Government of Canada continues to support the responsible development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in North America as LNG will be an important source of natural gas in the coming years. However, Canada remains opposed to the passage of LNG tankers through Head Harbour Passage, which is located within Canadian internal waters. This area is widely recognized as a unique and highly productive marine ecosystem. Canada continues to have strong concerns about the navigational, environmental and public safety risks associated with transit through such a narrow passage." "As was previously noted in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement issued by the FERC for Downeast LNG , the passage of LNG tankers in this region requires the collaboration of the Government of Canada. Given continuing Government of Canada opposition, you may therefore wish to advise project proponents that they should consider withdrawing their applications as those projects cannot go forward as envisioned. Canada and the United States enjoy the world's largest integrated energy relationship. By working together in a way that takes into account the views and concerns of our respective countries, we can strengthen this relationship and ensure long-term energy security for North America," Doer wrote. The New Brunswick government has been vocal in its opposition to all LNG proposals in Washington County. During the roundtable at Thursday night's regular meeting, City Councilor Joseph Cassidy voiced his frustration over the latest slings and arrows from across the border. Cassidy said he was "very much dismayed" after reading a story in this week's Calais Advertiser reporting on the ambassador's comments about Calais LNG and Downeast LNG, "suggesting we ought to just have those pulled off the table." "I am growing very tired of the hypocrisy and hostility coming out of New Brunswick and Canada, generally. I'm also equally sometimes as upset that our senators in Washington seem unwilling to jump in the fray on our behalf. We're trying to do something good here and maybe it's time for the state to consider a moratorium on the foreign natural gas going through our pipelines, that's my only comment for tonight," Cassidy said. Mayor Vinton Cassidy asked Councilor Cassidy if he wanted to make that a motion as laughter erupted around the table. The mayor said he also agreed with the Councilor Cassidy's statement. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Some Not So Swift Speeders | |
| Thursday, February 11, 2010
From the Maine Department of Public Safety comes this compilation of some recent speeders of note. A Topsham man passed Trooper Joseph Bureau on Interstate 295 in Freeport recently. Shon Rivera, 36, was cited for a speed of 97 mph. A young woman was cited for 92 mph on Interstate 95 in Waterville. Kristy Oliver of Kenduskeag passed the unmarked detective car of Sergeant James Urquhart. Another young woman was also cited for 92 mph, this time along Route 43 in Starks by Trooper Peter Michaud. Eighteen-year-old Erika Davis also was talking on the phone when the trooper pulled her over. Three students from Erskine Academy in South China have a court date after receiving speeding citations at the end of the school day. Trooper Patrick Munzing had been getting complaints of speeding cars in a 40 mph zone near the school. A trio of 17-year-old students was stopped by Munzing for speeds of 63, 59 and 56 mph along Route 32. In addition to a date in court, the students' parents were notified. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --RCMP Arrest Man, Seize 150,000 Illegal Cigarettes And His Vehicle | |
| Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Tuesday traffic stop by the RCMP resulted in the arrest of a Saint John man and the seizure of contraband tobacco. According to police, members of the J Division Roving Traffic Unit arrested a 52-year-old Saint John man for being in possession of contraband tobacco during a traffic stop on Highway 2 near Siegas, in northwestern New Brunswick on the border with Maine. Officers seized 150,000 contraband cigarettes as well as the car being used to transport the illegal cigarettes. The vehicle has been forfeited to the Crown, police said. Investigators believe the illegal cigarettes were destined for the Saint John area in New Brunswick. The investigation is ongoing. The suspect has a May 5 court date in Edmundston. The RCMP urges anyone with information about contraband tobacco to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Troop J Weekly Report | |
| Monday, February 08, 2010
Gas drive-off misunderstanding, juveniles and O-T-C cough medicine, fraudulent e-mails, a Facebook face-off and threatening text messages from an ex-wife's new boyfriend are among the incidents handled by Maine State Police Troop J in the past week. Trooper Andy Foss summonsed a 34-year-old man for a traffic infraction of operating after suspension in Perry. Trooper Greg Roy arrested a 45-year-old Orland man as the result of a traffic stop on an ATV on Route 1 Orland. The man was charged with operating under the influence, violation of conditions of release and operating after habitual offender revocation. He was transported to the Hancock County jail where an intoxylizer test was administered. Trooper Greg Mitchell received a mailbox vandalism complaint from a woman in Penobscot. The investigation revealed that an unidentified vehicle hit her mailbox sometime during the previous night. Trooper Kimberly Sawyer summonsed a 44-year-old Indian Township woman for operating with an expired license 90 days [It expired 1/24/09] after a traffic stop in Princeton. Trooper Cliff Peterson received a report from the Big Apple in Orland of a gas drive off of $58.50. The description of the vehicle was a gold extended cab truck and the male appeared to be wearing a maroon Ellsworth jacket. A basketball game was being held in Bucksport against Ellsworth. Bucksport Police Department assisted in locating a similar vehicle in the high school parking lot. The registered owner stated he had attempted to use his credit card at the pump and assumed the transaction had gone through. He thought the machine was out of paper when it did not print a receipt. This was clearly a misunderstanding and the man returned to the store to make good on the bill. Trooper Cliff Peterson received a report from the Ellsworth Police Department of two juveniles being treated at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital emergency room for an overdose. Investigation revealed that both juveniles had been consuming over the counter cough medicine containing dextromethorphan, commonly known as DMX. The cough medicine was taken in combination with other pills. One of the juveniles had researched how to take this combination on the website Wikipedia, in order to obtain hallucinogenic effects. The Hancock County District Attorney's Office was consulted. No charges can be brought, since all of the medication was over the counter. Trooper Miles Carpenter assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Milbridge with a well-being check on a suicidal subject. Trooper Jessica Shorey arrested a 26-year-old man in Sullivan in reference to a domestic incident that was investigated by Ellsworth PD. Trooper Miles Carpenter assisted. Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed an 18-year-old man in Alexander for a traffic infraction of operating after suspension. Trooper Jason Fowler and Trooper Andy Foss responded to Crawford and assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Department with a report of a suicidal subject. Trooper Jason Fowler and Trooper Andy Foss assisted Baileyville Police by arresting a 41-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman in Princeton for shoplifting and violation of bail. Trooper Greg Roy investigated a fraud complaint from a man who received a fraudulent email from PayPal requesting his social security number and other personal information. The man provided the information and later learned the email was a fraud. He has not noticed any theft or effect on his identification yet. Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to theft complaint in Milbridge where copper pipes were reported stolen from a residence. Trooper Miles Carpenter and Sgt. Jeff Ingemi responded to Addison to check the well-being a woman after it was reported that she was at a residence where several intoxicated subjects were giving her problems. Upon arrival she stated there were issues earlier in the night but she was all set by that time. Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted the Gouldsboro Police Department with a vehicle off the road where the operator was reported to be under the influence of alcohol. Gouldsboro Police arrested a 50-year-old woman for operating under the influence of alcohol. Trooper Jessica Shorey and Trooper Barry Curtis responded to Mariaville for a report of a suicidal subject. The male was transported to EMMC by Trooper Curtis for a mental health evaluation. Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a burglary complaint in Amherst where coins were reported stolen. Evidence was gathered. Investigation continues. Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to Steuben for a criminal mischief complaint where a vehicle had its tires slashed and a windshield smashed. Evidence was gathered and suspects are known. Investigation continues. Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a harassment complaint in Franklin where one woman reported being harassed on Facebook by another woman. It was found that the two were harassing each other and both were warned for harassment. This appears to stem from them both dating the same man. Trooper Andy Foss responded to East Machias to a man's residence after the fire department had responded there for a fire and found him burning things in a pot inside the house with a door open. Trooper Foss did a well being check and found that the man does suffer from mental health issues but was not a danger to himself. Trooper Greg Mitchell received a criminal threatening / telephone harassment complaint from a man from Trenton. The man complained of receiving threatening text messages from his ex-wife's new boyfriend. The investigation revealed that the man was the respondent in several harassment type complaints handled recently by the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. The incident described by the man was found to not be criminal in nature. Trooper Jason Fowler and Trooper Andy Foss assisted Washington County Sheriff's Office with a vehicle off the road in Wesley. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Former Pleasant Point Police Chief Joseph M. Barnes Indicted | |
| Friday, February 05, 2010
The former police chief at Pleasant Point is facing some legal troubles. Joseph M. Barnes, 41, of Perry, was indicted Thursday. Assistant Attorney General Leeanne Robbins told WQDY NEWS Friday the regional grand jury sitting at Hancock County returned an indictment against Barnes. "One count of theft by unauthorized taking and one count of misuse of entrusted property. These were funds from the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point taken between the dates of April 2007 through May 2008," Robbins said. According to court documents, Count 1 alleges "from on or about April 2, 2007 to on or about May 9, 2008," that Barnes allegedly committed theft "by obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, such property consisting of money with an aggregate value in excess of $10,000." The second count alleges that during the same period of time, Barnes allegedly misused entrusted property, "in that he dealt with the property of the government, specifically, money of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, in a manner which he knew to be a violation of his duty which involved a substantial risk of loss to the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasnt Point." Robbins said an arraignment will be scheduled for Barnes to answer the charges in Washington County Superior Court in Machias. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Guilty Pleas, Probation And Prohibitions In Death Of Dog | |
| Friday, February 05, 2010
Two New Brunswick men pleaded guilty Thursday in St. Stephen Provincial Court in connection with an incident last year that resulted in the death of a dog. Matthieu Gautreau from Shediac and Tony Kernighan from St. Stephen both pled guilty to failing to provide suitable and adequate food, water or shelter to an animal, an offence under the Criminal Code. Both men were sentenced to six months of probation, and prohibited from owning an animal for three years. The pleas stemmed from an incident in St. Stephen in May of last year where the two men left a large dog in a parked vehicle for a extended period of time. Police said the investigation revealed the dog died due to excessive heat and lack of nourishment. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Truck Sought In Hit & Run Death Of UM Student | |
| Thursday, February 04, 2010
Orono Police, with assistance from State Police, are seeking the public's help following last weekend's death of a University of Maine student whose body was found on an Orono street. Investigators now say that 20-year-old Jordyn Bakley was likely struck by a full size Chevrolet pickup or SUV and are asking for the public's help in identifying the vehicle and the driver behind the wheel. Investigators say they think the vehicle which struck Bakley is a 2003 to 2007 Chevrolet Silverado or Avalanche and that the truck sustained front end damage. Bakley's body was found by a newspaper carrier on Middle Street about 5:40 a.m. Saturday. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Orono Police at 866-4451 or the police department's web site at www.orono.org/police. The vehicle being sought should have front end damage. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Electricity Supply Price To Decrease For Eastern Maine Electric Co-op Customers | |
| Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative announced some good economic news for its members in Eastern and Northern Maine this week. The cost of electricity supply will drop on all electricity used beginning April 1st when a new Standard Offer supply contract will begin. The first year of the new three-year contract, awarded to New Brunswick Power of Fredericton, New Brunswick, will lower the cost of electricity supply for Cooperative members from the existing rate of 9.15 cents per kilowatt hour to 7.354 cents per kilowatt-hour. The decrease will bring a savings of 1.796 cents per kilowatt-hour on electricity used beginning April 1, 2010. The new rate will result in a decrease of approximately 10-percent in the total residential electric bill and a 19-percent decrease in the standard offer supply portion of the bill. For a family using an average of 600 kilowatt-hours per month, the change will bring savings of $10.78 per month or $129.36 per year. A business using an average 2000 kilowatt-hours per month will save $35.92 per month or $431.04 per year. Actual savings will vary depending upon the kilowatt hours used. There will be a slight change in the standard offer supply rate in years two and three. In year two of the contract, the price per kilowatt-hour for supply will be 7.637 cents and in year three, the price will be 7.859 cents. "We are very glad that our members will see a rate decrease," said Co-op CEO Scott Hallowell. "A reduction in costs to individuals and businesses should be helpful, particularly during the current economic times." One advantage of the three-year contract is that Co-op members will be better able to predict their electric costs for three years instead of just one. "In these days of fluctuating oil and fuel prices, we're striving to provide as much rate stability as possible," Hallowell said. The Standard Offer rate is selected through a competitive bid process. Following the deregulation of Maine's electric market, utilities like Eastern Maine Electric provide delivery service for the electricity sold to its customers by another company, known as the Standard Offer Provider. The delivery utilities are responsible for the power lines and perform the metering and billing functions for both delivery service and electricity supply. The electricity supply billings, however, are forwarded to the Standard Offer Supplier. Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit consumer-owned utility serving approximately 12,600 members in a 3,000 square mile area in rural Washington, Penobscot, and Aroostook Counties. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --NB WOMAN, 20, GETS 30 MONTHS FOR CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE IN NEWBORN SLAYING | |
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| --Another Cold One! | |
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
 [Cold day on the water. View out window in Eastport with Campobello Island, New Brunswick in background. Temperature reading higher because sun is on thermometer- WQDY NEWS PHOTO] - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Name For New Grand Manan Ferry Announced | |
| Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Grand Manan Adventure will be the name of a new, 82-car ferry to link Grand Manan with the mainland. The announcement was made Tuesday by Premier Shawn Graham, Transportation Minister Denis Landry and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet along with staff from the Department of Transportation. The provincial government has invested $65 million (U.S.) for the vessel. The tender was awarded to Eastern Shipbuilding Inc. Last March, Grand Manan residents were invited to participate in a contest to name the new ship. A panel of local residents reviewed the entries and made the selection. Deborah Avery suggested "Grand Manan Adventure." For her winning entry, Avery and three guests will be invited on the maiden voyage of the ferry when it arrives in May 2011. She will also receive certificates and a plaque. Graham noted that $45 million is being invested from the 2010-11 capital budget for construction of the ferry. Currently two ferries operate between Blacks Harbour and Grand Manan. The MV Grand Manan, built in 1965, is nearing the end of its service life and operates from late June to September. The MS Grand Manan V, built in 1990, operates all year. The new ferry will operate year-round, and the MS Grand Manan V will become the summer ferry. As a result, the daily vehicle capacity in the summer will increase to 1,000 from 630; and the daily vehicle capacity in the winter will increase to 640 from 480. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --Two Maine Men Sentenced On Federal Drug Charges | |
| Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Two Maine men were sentenced last week on federal drug charges. According to United States Attorney Paula D. Silsby, Richard Russell, 49, of Lincoln and Troy Littlefield, 44, of Oakfield were sentenced January 29 in U.S. District Court in Bangor. Russell was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, 8 years supervised release, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to forfeit $180,480. Littlefield was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, 4 years supervised release, a special assessment of $100 and ordered to forfeit $85,725. Court records reveal that between January 2002 and June 2005, Russell conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, and oxycodone. Russell was regularly "fronted" cocaine by his co-conspirators, which he would sell to various customers in the Lincoln, Maine area. Russell obtained the cocaine from his brother, then sold it and collected the proceeds, which eventually would be delivered to Russell's supplier in Florida. Between June 2005 and November 2005, Littlefield conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In the fall of 2005, two of the co-conspirators met two suppliers from Massachusetts through another co-conspirator. The suppliers were prepared to supply multi-ounce quantities of cocaine to the co-conspirators. Littlefield was regularly "fronted" cocaine by the two co-conspirators, sold the cocaine, collected payment for it, and returned the proceeds to one of the co-conspirators, who would use the cash to buy more cocaine from the two Massachusetts suppliers. Russell and Littlefield were prosecuted in connection with a two and a half year investigation into drug trafficking by Michael Mayer and others in the Lee/Lincoln area of Maine. United States Attorney Silsby praised the investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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| --WCCC's Winter Family Fun Day At The Moosehorn Feb. 6 | |
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| --Weekly Report From Troop J Maine State Police | |
| Monday, February 01, 2010
Another busy week for Maine State Police Troop J. Here are some of the incidents they covered: Trooper Greg Mitchell received a harassment complaint from Holden. The caller complained of being followed on a public way by a 19-year-old woman. Trooper Mitchell explained to the caller that being followed on a public way was not harassment and he provided her with information on the protection order process. Trooper Greg Mitchell received an on-going child custody complaint from a Sullivan couple. Tpr. Mitchell explained the female that she would need to contact her attorney and the court to address the issue. Trooper Christopher Smith conducted a well being check at the request of the same woman. The woman requested the check on her son, who is in the custody of her ex-husband. Trooper Smith located the child with the ex-husband and confirmed that he was not in any danger. Trooper Christopher Smith received a theft of registration plates from Rt. 9 in Amherst. The caller reported that the registration plates ME PC 8500 LZ were removed from her Ford truck since June 2009 as it was being repaired at a local garage in Amherst. The caller already inquired with the garage about the plates and they are not aware of where they might be. The plates were entered in a nationwide system. Trooper Dan Ryan received a complaint in Stonington where a woman reported that a 45-year-old man was harassing her. Trooper Ryan found that the man had violated his conditional release by having contact with the woman. It was found that the man was in the Houlton area but was not located. Trooper Ryan intends on applying for an arrest warrant in the case. Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted Hancock Sheriff's Office with a serious accident in Trenton. Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to a vehicle off the road in Hancock. Upon arrival she found that the vehicle had caught fire and Lyle Gibson, 51, was found deceased in the vehicle. This case was turned over to CID III and the Fire Marshall's Office. Sgt. Tim Varney, Trooper Christopher Smith and Trooper David Barnard also responded to the scene and provided assistance. Troopers Greg Mitchell and Christopher Smith responded to a residence in Franklin. The caller reported an altercation with a 39-year-old man of Birch Harbor who threatened another man with a knife. The man struck back with a sword during the altercation. Despite being wounded, the 39-year-old fled the scene prior to the arrival of the Troopers. The following day he was located at his grandparent's residence in Birch Harbor. Troopers David Barnard, Thomas Pickering, Christopher Smith, Barry Curtis, Sgt. Timothy Varney, Police Officer James Malloy, Police Chief Glenn Grant assisted with the man's arrest. He was charged with violation of conditional release, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and criminal trespass. Trooper Christopher Smith arrested a 20-year-old man from Hancock for violation of conditions of release. He was in violation by being a passenger with another male, who he is prohibited from having contact with. Trooper Andy Foss handled a theft complaint in Machiasport where a laptop computer was reported stolen from the Fort Obrien Elementary School. Investigation continues. Troopers Jason Fowler, Andy Foss, Tim McCadden, Warden Alan Curtis, Warden Richards and Indian Township PD responded to Princeton for a report of a burglary in progress. A search of the residence found no one inside. Investigation continues. An 18-year-old man was arrested on a warrant requested by Trooper Greg Mitchell. The investigation revealed the man to be one of four respondents who attempted a home invasion in Orland on December 12, 2009. The charges are as follows: Attempted Burglary (offender armed with a firearm) Class- B Attempted Burglary (residence) Class- C Terrorizing Class- D Terrorizing (with weapon) Class- C Aggravated Criminal Mischief- Class C Trooper Greg Roy arrested a 51-year-old mna from Orland on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Ellsworth District Court for failure to pay fines on a charge of operating after suspension. Trooper Greg Mitchell received a criminal mischief complaint from a man from Deer Isle. He reported that he believed sugar or something like that has been put into his gas tank sometime last month. It has cost him over $1,000 in repairs. Trooper Miles Carpenter and Sgt. Jeff Ingemi responded to Harrington for a threatening complaint where a woman reported that she heard that a 17-year-old man had threatened to burn down a house. It was found that her son got in a fight with the other man and during this altercation threatened to burn down a house. The seventeen year old was unable to be located. Trooper Andy Foss conducted a well-being check in Meddybemps where a local resident was concerned for a man who lives in a vehicle with his wife. It was found that they were okay at this time. A referral to Adult Protective Services was also made. Trooper Andy Foss responded to a report of a family fight in Perry involving a woman and her daughter. It was found that this was verbal in nature and the parties were separated for the night. Pleasant Point Police and Eastport Police also assisted. Trooper Cliff Peterson, Sgt. Alden Bustard and Lt. Chris Coleman responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident on Route 9 in Township 28. The investigation disclosed that a Tan 2002 Kia being operated by Wayne Rice, 75, of Pembroke was traveling west on Route 9. Rice lost control of the vehicle on a curve near the Township 22 town line. The vehicle traveled into the eastbound lane and was struck by a Black 2009 GMC Yukon being operated by Holly Hubley, 45, of Tantallon, Nova Scotia. Mr. Rice's wife, Lorraine Rice, 74, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Mr. Rice was transported by Lifeflight to EMMC with life threatening injuries and later died. Hubley and her passenger, Trevor Graney, 35, of Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, were transported by ambulance to EMMC to be treated for minor injuries. The accident investigation continues. Trooper Cliff Peterson received a theft complaint from a Sullivan man. The man reported the several items had been taken from his garage while he has been in the hospital. The man reported that his vehicle, a boat motor and air compressor had been taken. Troopers Michael Southard and Miles Carpenter responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in Jonesport. The caller reported that a 19-year-old man was intoxicated and out of control. As a result, he was charged with disorderly conduct, refusing to submit to arrest and possession of liquor by a minor. Sgt. Jeff Ingemi summonsed a 20-year-old man in Marshfield for illegal possession of liquor by a minor after finding him in possession of liquor as a passenger during a vehicle stop. Trooper Miles Carpenter assisted. Trooper Dan Ryan handled a theft complaint in Deer Isle where a cell phone was reported stolen. Investigation continues. Trooper Jessica Shorey arrested a 31-year-old man in Ellsworth for operating under the influence of alcohol. Trooper Dan Ryan also assisted. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director -
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Check this week's specials at your Calais IGA
