Rogue waves near break walls and jetties are particularly hazardous to beach-goers during hurricane conditions. Sudden large waves can easily sweep storm watchers into the water or drag vessels off moorings or piers.

Several individuals have been swept off of coastal rocks and jetties in New England, including one fatality that occurred in Gloucester, Mass. last week and the tragic death of a young girl that occurred in 2009 at Acadia National Park, Maine.

The Coast Guard advises mariners and beach-goers to exercise caution around heavy surf conditions and be wary of the dangers associated.

Rip currents pose serious hazards to even strong swimmers and may develop in areas where they are not normally seen. Beach-goers are asked to heed posted warnings. Rip currents may not be visible from shore and may develop in advance of Hurricane Earl's arrival.

The Coast Guard is working with local, state and federal partners to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Earl. 

Air Station Cape Cod crews are conducting pre-storm flights to ensure mariners at sea are aware of the approaching storm as it moves up the eastern seaboard.

"The Coast Guard is in constant communication with our partners," said Lt. Matthew Anderson, Sector South Eastern New England’s intelligence officer. "We are working to ensure that everyone has the best picture of where the storm is going and what impacts may be seen. It remains difficult to predict the exact track of Hurricane Earl, so we are preparing for all possibilities."

Mariners and beach-goers are asked to keep a watchful eye. If something is out of the ordinary, don't hesitate to call Coast Guard watchstanders or 911.

The Coast Guard's emergency number for New Hampshire and Maine: Sector Northern New England (207) 767-0302.

STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER-

GRAND MANAN - "It's gonna be close."

John Parker of the Canadian Hurricane Centre in Dartmouth said Grand Manan Island will be very close to the eye of Hurricane Earl if the storm system continues to move along its current track up the eastern seaboard of the United States.

The hurricane could hit the island around 9 a.m. Saturday.

As of press time Thursday, expectations were that the tropical storm-force winds in advance of the hurricane gusts would be felt in the area by Friday evening.

Parker said the hurricane was tracking consistently.

"Right now the track takes it over the extreme western part of Nova Scotia, in Yarmouth and Digby counties, and up into the Bay of Fundy," said Parker.

"So folks on the left side of the track, the west side of the track, which Grand Manan is in, will be very close to the core of the system when it moves through."

"Whether the eye actually goes over there it's too early to tell, but the winds will be picking up late Friday night and into Saturday morning."

"Right now current track indication is that the eye will be passing through there before 9 a.m. Saturday morning."

Despite these warnings, Grand Manan Mayor Dennis Greene says there's little cause for alarm on Grand Manan.

STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER

Governor John Baldacci joined Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Robert McAleer Thursday on a conference call with a wide array of local, county, state and federal government emergency officials, as well as representatives from utilities, telecommunications and other private entities to review Maine's preparations for Hurricane Earl's arrival to the Gulf of Maine late Friday night into Saturday morning.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Earl continues to bear down on the eastern seaboard, and its strength is likely to weaken as it continues to move north tonight.

Current projections have the storm entering the Gulf of Maine around midnight on Friday and end around mid-morning on Saturday.

"At this point, Hancock and Washington would receive the highest winds, which could range between 39 and 73 miles per hour. The Governor cautioned that the amount and severity of the rains and winds that would hit are still unknown.  Power companies have been working with the State to ensure readiness should power outages occur. The track of the storm should become clearer by Friday morning and into the afternoon."

According to the National Weather Service, regardless of the eventual track of Hurricane Earl, high waves and strong rip currents will be experienced along the entire coastline of the State.

For updated information about Hurricane Earl and other safety messages, visit www.maineprepares.com

The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine - Members of Maine's Passamaquoddy Tribe says they'll continue fishing in federal waters even though the federal government has warned them not to.

Fred Moore, a commercial fisherman and member of the tribal council at Pleasant Point, tells the Portland Press Herald that no fishing treaty exists between his tribe and the state or federal governments. He says the Passamaquoddys have been forced to fish in federal waters out of economic necessity.

Last month, the Coast Guard cited the captain of a Passamaquoddy-owned fishing boat off Massachusetts for not having a federal permit.

Federal regulators say they are exploring the tribe's claims, but that tribal members could face charges if they are caught fishing without the necessary permits.

STORY FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

RELATED STORY TO ABOVE- "Passamaquoddys say they will continue to fish in federal waters."

The U.S. Coast Guard, Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducted a boarding of a commercial fishing vessel in Nantucket, Mass. on Aug. 25, and found the vessel did not have a required permit.

According to a US Coast Guard press release, the vessel was returning from a fishing trip for Atlantic Sea Scallops and the master of the vessel admitted that he did not have a federal fisheries permit for Atlantic Sea Scallops issued to the vessel.

The vessel was issued two violations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act for the following: fishing for Atlantic Sea Scallops in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without a federal fisheries permit for Atlantic Sea Scallops and fishing for Atlantic Sea Scallops in the U.S. EEZ without an operational Vessel Monitoring Service (VMS) unit.

The fishing vessel was prohibited from fishing inside the U.S. EEZ until the violations are corrected.

The master produced a document purporting to provide authorization from the Passamaquoddy Tribe for the vessel to fish in the federal EEZ.

This document was collected by MA MEP for further transfer to NMFS.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued the following broadcast via VMS and Coast Guard radio broadcasts: "The National Marine Fisheries Service is in discussion with the Passamaquoddy Tribe, to better understand the basis for the tribe's claim to fishing rights. However, the Magnuson-Stevens Act and all Federal regulations and laws continue to apply at this time to all fishers in the EEZ, including Passamaquoddy tribal members. Any vessel fishing or possessing federally regulated species in or from the EEZ must hold a valid federal permit, and any person purchasing, possessing, or receiving for a commercial purpose any federally regulated species from the vessels fishing in the EEZ must also be federally permitted. All federally permitted vessels and dealers must comply with regulatory requirements. If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact the Sustainable Fisheries Division at (978) 281-9315."

"The Coast Guard's primary goal with respect to living marine resources is to protect the resource and maintain a level playing field amongst fishermen,” said Capt. Peter DeCola, the First District chief of maritime law enforcement.

"Since the federal fisheries are fully utilized under the current management scheme, unpermitted entrants pose a significant danger to fish stocks and put fishermen abiding by the rules at a serious disadvantage."

The boat and master's names are being withheld pending the ongoing investigation.

STORY FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS

      
MACHIAS, Maine - When members of the Washington County Budget Committee discovered Tuesday that five years of county tax revenue from Maine’s Passamaquoddy Tribe was held up in a dispute, they demanded answers.

The committee members were so upset that they planned to ask the county commissioners to suspend all services to tribal lands until the taxes are paid.

Although that could cause serious problems in Pleasant Point, it wouldn't even be noticed at Indian Township, according to Indian Township Gov. William Nicholas.

Nicholas explained Tuesday afternoon that only Indian Township is questioning the taxes, but that members of the tribe from both there and Pleasant Point are acting as one under a joint tribal council decision.

At the township, the reservation supplies all fire, ambulance, police and emergency dispatching services, Nicholas said. "We provide for all our own interests," he said. "Nothing is provided through the county."

Nicholas said the taxes - a total of $27,000 for the past five years for both Indian Township and Pleasant Point - are being held up while the tribe waits for an explanation of what that money is for.

"What services are we getting for that money?" Nicholas asked. "That is what we want to know."

The Pleasant Point reservation does use county services. All of its emergency dispatching for fire, police and ambulance is done through the Washington County Regional Communications Center in Machias.

Statistics provided to the committee Tuesday by the dispatching center indicate that Pleasant Point is the second-highest user of the dispatch center, with 975 calls for service in just the last six months.

"They are clearly using the [regional communications center] on a higher level," Calais Town Manager Diane Barnes said.

David Turner, a county budget committee member and Perry selectman, said he wants county commissioners to look into the legality of suspending services to the tribe immediately until the back taxes have been paid.

He also asked that the county commissioners check the valuation of the tribal lands and questioned why the county tax assessment for the tribe appeared so low.

"We pay $120,000 in county taxes a year in Perry," he said. "$5,000 a year is really low."

Nicholas said that taxes are based on state property valuation and that tribal lands are exempt from state property taxes.

County Manager Betsy Fitzgerald told the committee that the tribe is required by law to pay the taxes based on the state's valuation and that a flurry of letters has gone back and forth between the county and the tribal leaders on the issue over the years.

"I have asked for documentation from the tribe that they don't owe the taxes," she said.

Nicholas said all other taxes - taxes to the state for sea lands and for Unorganized Territory - are paid in full by the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Turner said at the budget meeting that if there are no consequences for failing to pay five years' worth of county taxes, Perry should stop making its payments. Several other town officials agreed, while laughing at their own suggestion.

STORY FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS

STORY FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS

MACHIAS, Maine - "We have a $750,000 problem," Perry Selectman David Turner said at the start of Tuesday's Washington County Budget Committee deliberations.

The proposed county budget for 2011 started at $6.2 million, which is about $300,000 higher than the current budget of $5.9 million. When combined with a more than $400,000 loss of state and local revenue, however, the proposed budget would require the county either to cut services or raise taxes by about $750,000 next year.

Earlier this month at its first meeting, the budget panel eliminated all raises and curbed third-party requests.

At the group's second meeting Tuesday, as the committee continued pouring through the revenues and expenditures in the proposed budget, some members questioned why the county commissioners didn’t see the shortfall coming.

"How do we fix this if the department heads didn't even know it was going to happen?" Sheriff Donnie Smith asked. "The commissioners should have seen this coming. This is almost a million-dollar shortfall in a county with no debt."

Smith questioned why the commissioners this year approved buying two new properties and renovating them with such a drop in revenue and an increase in expenses on the horizon.

Because of the additional two buildings, and the resultant hiring of a half-time person, the buildings and grounds account rose $37,706 in the proposed 2011 budget.

When the sheriff was asked whether the buildings and grounds budget could be decreased by using inmate labor, he explained that only three inmates who already have been tried and sentenced are now in the jail. All three already are working in the laundry and kitchen. Inmates who are being held pretrial cannot be used, he said.

During Tuesday's review, even department heads who cut their proposals were grilled. They were asked about the number of necessary employees and what effect cutting back hours would have on services.

But it was the proposed $68,887 increase for the Regional Communications Center that had some budget committee members pointing fingers at each other.

Chairman Lewis Pinkham, who also is the town manager of Milbridge, blamed Calais for the increase. Calais voters disbanded their city’s dispatch center in a cost-cutting measure, which triggered the hiring of two new full-time dispatchers on the county level to handle the new workload.

All county towns, including Calais, already were assessed by the county for dispatching services, before Calais eliminated its own service.

Statistics provided by the regional communications' center indicated that the county dispatch handled 125 calls from Calais in 2008, 78 in 2009 and 674 so far this year.

"You are a large part of our problem," Pinkham told Calais City Manager Diane Barnes.

Even after being told that all dispatching calls have dramatically risen, Turner said he was unconvinced.

"That is a major personnel increase. It is tough to swallow. Don't get me wrong. When I call 911 I want someone to answer the phone."

County Manager Betsy Fitzgerald said it is continuously busy in the dispatching center. She said that, particularly in the evenings, it is "nonstop." It will become even busier next year, when all cell phone calls - now answered by the Maine State Police - will be handled through the county communications center.

The committee will continue to review the budget over the next month.

ABOVE STORY FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS-

An East Machias woman surrendered to police following a brief stand-off early Tuesday evening.

According to Sheriff Donnie Smith, shortly before 7 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a report of an intoxicated woman firing a handgun in her residence on the Hadley Lake Road in East Machias.

The callers stated that she also made threats that she was going to kill everyone.

Police said 41-year-old Louisa Landeen was believed to be barricaded in her home with several weapons. Neighbors were evacuated from their homes for their safety. Several calls were made to the residence by the Washington County Communication Center and the dispatcher on duty spoke with Landeen but she hung up the phone and disabled it.

A member of the Washington County Sheriff's Office started a dialog with Landeen by public address for several minutes at which time she decided to surrender without incident.

Police said Landeen was extremely intoxicated.

K-9 handler Warden Alan Curtis and his partner (Cruizer) who is specifically trained in locating gun powder residue/gun recently fired was used on scene and the gun on scene was recovered.

Evidence was recovered at the scene by Deputy Dennis Dorsey who is a member of the evidence response team (ERT).

Landeen was arrested for reckless conduct and is cooperating with authorities. She was transported to the Washington County Jail without incident. Her bail was set at $1,000 cash.

BOSTON - With Hurricane Earl expected to pass along the Atlantic Coast this weekend, the Coast Guard is stressing the importance of safety for boaters and swimmers during the hurricane season.

Hurricanes can create dangers in the water, such as rip currents and large waves.

Rip currents and undertows can drag swimmers away from their boat or the beach and lead to death by drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted.

According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents cause approximately 100 deaths annually in the United States - more than all other natural hazards except heat and floods. More than 80 percent of rescues by beach lifeguards are due to rip currents, totaling 18,000 lifeguard rescues a year.

As Earl approaches, the Coast Guard urges people to be mindful of the following safety tips:

Stay informed - The public should monitor the progress and strength of Earl through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF channel 16. Information on small craft advisories and warnings can also be found on VHF channel 16.

Evacuate as necessary - If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed evacuation orders. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.

Secure your belongings - Vessel owners are urged to double-check their mooring lines and secure life rings, life jackets and other loose items, preventing their vessel and equipment from breaking free and causing damage.

Be cautious of hazardous materials - If you have hazardous materials on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure them prior to any heavy weather.

Mariners are reminded that drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale-force winds of 34 knots or greater, and whenever an evacuation is ordered.

Tips for swimmers on how to avoid and survive rip currents:

Never swim alone.

Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don't go out!

Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.

If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.

If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore or boat, waving your arms, and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 911. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Some highlights from the MSP Troop J Weekly Report:

August 23:

Trooper Cliff Peterson investigated a theft complaint in Hancock. The caller reported that he has a crew building a house on the Point Road and had a number of power tools locked in a shed on the property. The lock had been cut and several of the power tools had been taken. The investigation continues.

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a driving to endanger complaint from a woman from Sullivan who reported that she and another woman had been in a verbal altercation with a 29-year-old Gouldsboro man. The altercation occurred outside a market. The two women then left the scene and began traveling towards Sullivan. And the woman reported that the man passed a line of several vehicles including her's and nearly forced them off the road when he pulled back into the driving lane. He was summonsed for driving to endanger.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a theft complaint in Blue Hill where money was stolen from a vehicle. Suspects are known. Investigation continues.

Trooper Andrew Foss responded to a family fight complaint in Machiasport involving a man and woman which was found to be verbal in nature and they were separated for the day.

August 24:

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi responded to a burglary complaint in Sedgwick where jewelry was reported stolen from a residence.

August 25: Trooper Cliff Peterson received a complaint from a woman advising that she is the legal guardian of her 17-year-old nephew and she had found him in possession of marijuana. The caller also advised that the boy is currently on probation. Trooper Peterson summonsed the boy for possession of a useable amount of marijuana and notified his probation officer of the incident.

August 26:

Trooper Staci Carpenter investigated a criminal mischief complaint in Lubec. The caller reported that his girlfriend suffers from mental health issues and had been drinking at a bar earlier in the evening. When the man picked her up, she threw a rock through the windshield of his vehicle. The man advised that he did not want to pursue criminal charges against his girlfriend. No further action was taken.

Trooper Staci Carpenter received a harassment complaint from a Lubec man who reported that his ex-girlfriend had been harassing him and had kicked his vehicle. The caller did not want the girl to be contacted and refused to provide her contact information. No further action was taken.

Trooper Staci Carpenter responded to a report of a suicidal subject in Machiasport after a report had been filed that a woman had threatened to overdose on her medication. Trooper Carpenter spoke with the woman and determined that she had no intention of trying to harm herself. No further action was taken.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Washington County Sheriff's Office with a traffic crash on Route 9 in Wesley.

Trooper Jason Fowler received information of a bail violation while meeting with the DA on a domestic assault case. It was reported that a man had contact with the victim on numerous occasions. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer investigated a gas drive off in Danforth. The store stated that a pick up truck with a Massachusetts registration left without paying for $39.59 in gas. However, the store believed it was a mistake because the motorist actually swiped his card, but it didn't go through. Trooper Sawyer called the man, who was from of Acton, Massachusetts and spoke with his mother and explained what happened.

Trooper Christopher Smith transported a man of Addison to Eastern Maine Medical Center for a voluntary evaluation. The man's mother reported that the man was suicidal with a gun and hallucinating. A referral will be made to Department of Health and Human Services regarding the man's living conditions. Troopers Michael Southard, Miles Carpenter, and John Matthews assisted along with Marine Patrol Officers Jason Leavitt and Mark Murry.

August 27:

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a criminal mischief complaint in Orland. A vehicle belonging to a man had been smeared with dog feces and toilet paper during the night. Investigation continues.

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a theft complaint from Orland. The caller reported that her friend had borrowed some of her clothing and had not returned it. The investigation continues pending contact with the woman.

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi responded to Township 24 off Route 9 to assist the Washington County Sheriff's Office with a possible domestic where a shot had been fired. Washington SO arrested a subject that had been intoxicated for reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to Stonington for a criminal mischief complaint where two vehicles had smashed windows. A 49-year old man was summonsed for criminal mischief.

August 28:

Trooper Daniel Ryan assisted Hancock SO with an assault complaint in Stonington.

Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to a burglary complaint in Eastbrook were tools and a .22 caliber rifle was reported stolen. Evidence was collected. Investigation continues.

Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to Hancock for a report that a woman had been hit by a vehicle while walking. Her statements were not consistent with the evidence. Investigation continues.

Trooper Andrew Foss handled an investigation for Machias Police where it was reported that a man had threatened to shoot a Machias Police Officer, his ex-wife and himself. This information was relayed third hand. All parties were spoken to and the case will be turned over to the DA for review. The man was also warned not to trespass on the Machias Mobil One Stop property which is where the threats were heard. Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi assisted.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Calais Police by attempting to locate a suicidal subject in Alexander.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Danforth with a subject that had fled from a traffic stop. The subject was located and arrested by Washington SO for OUI.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a juvenile in Danforth as a juvenile for illegal transportation of liquor and use/possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop. He also summonsed a 19-year-old passenger for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

August 29:

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi, Troopers Miles Carpenter and Andrew Foss assisted the Washington County SO with searching for a man who escaped from the jail's custody. The man was located a short time later in a shed. The Maine Warden Service, Forestry and Machias Police also assisted.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Hancock for a report of a suicidal female that was threatening to harm herself with a knife. Trooper Shorey transported the woman to EMMC for an evaluation.

Trooper Christopher Smith assisted Hancock County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Morang with an assault incident that occurred off in Dedham. Trooper Smith transported a woman who had been arrested for violation of bail. Trooper David Barnard also assisted Dep. Morang is searching for another man.

Sgt. Tim Varney, Trooper Kimberly Sawyer investigated a stabbing in Princeton. It was reported that a man was stabbed in the leg. The first call came in and stated that the man was stabbed; the second call came in stating that he stabbed himself. Detective Perkins spoke with the victim.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received an informational call from Orono RCC advising that a man from Vanceboro had called and stated that some kids at church have been harassing him and his girlfriend. They are also receiving prank calls. He advised Orono RCC that he did not want a call back from a Trooper, but just wanted it documented.

An Orient man who was allegedly operating under the influence was arrested after he happened by police conducting a traffic stop in Danforth.

Sgt. Tom Chambers of the Washington County Sheriff's Office told WQDY NEWS that he and Maine State Police Trooper Jason Fowler were conducting a traffic stop late Saturday night on Route 169 in Danforth when they observed a truck being operated in an erratic manner.

Fowler continued dealing with the operator of a stopped vehicle as Chambers went after and attempted to stop a truck operated by Brian Lee, 45, of Orient.

Chambers said Lee kept going and shut off his lights in the process. Lee pulled the truck into a driveway and then bolted from the vehicle fleeing into the woods.

In the meantime, Fowler came to assist Chambers securing a passenger in the truck and helping with a search.

Chambers' canine partner, Liberty, was activated and quickly located the suspect.

Lee was allegedly operating under the influence and operating after suspension, police said.

"After taking a breath sample it was determined that Lee was above the .08 legal standard and he was arrested for OUI with one prior within the last ten years. He was transported to the Washington County Jail," Chambers said.

MACHIAS, Maine - An Indian Township man enjoyed only about an hour of freedom Sunday morning after he escaped from the custody of Washington County Jail guards.

Allen Hold, 20, fled while wearing bright orange prison garb about 9:30 a.m. and was captured just after 10:30 a.m. less than a quarter of a mile from the jail.

Hold bolted from guards while walking back to the jail from the sheriff's office after being interviewed, according to Sheriff Donnie Smith.

Hold had claimed he had been assaulted by fellow prisoners last week, and Smith said he was being interviewed about that accusation. Hold was being held in jail prior to a court appearance on charges of domestic violence.

Smith said Hold had only been in jail for two days.

Since he was not considered a flight risk or violent, he was not in handcuffs or shackles while going back to the jail.

Law enforcement from the Machias Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff's Department and the Maine State Police quickly set up a perimeter around the jail area. All outgoing roads were blocked, vehicles were stopped by police, and at least two dogs were used in the search.

About an hour after the search began, Hold was discovered in the Water Street area, just several streets from the jail. He was pepper-sprayed and taken into custody.

Smith said Hold will be on special watch for a period of time. Charges of escape will likely be lodged. Charges of filing a false report involving the assault allegation may also be lodged against him, Smith said, as the investigation revealed Hold's accusations were unfounded.

The last escape from custody at Washington County Jail was in 2006. "It was nearly the same scenario," Smith said.

This story from the Bangor Daily News-

Calais PD's Motorcycle Bomber Run for the Frank Beckett Center Saturday

ABOVE:The line-up at Calais PD Saturday morning-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Over a thousand dollars was raised for the Calais Police Department's Motorcycle Bomber Run to benefit the Special Olympics fund for the Frank Beckett Center in Calais. 74 bikes participated in the run dedicated in memory of Dennis Murray of  Baileyville.

ABOVE: Officer Bob Fitzsimmons with his new helmet addresses the masses-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

ABOVE: Fitzsimmons leaving town - with his new helmet-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

ABOVE: One by one the bikers head out on the highway-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Driving on some parts of Route 1 in Pembroke, Dennysville and Whiting is a thrill beyond words that are printable on this page. There's broken pavement, patches over patches and deteriorating wooden posts with cable that serve as guardrails. In winter, the snowbanks provide more protection -- and then there's the frost heaves to accentuate the negative.

But help is on the way and it's coming sooner than later.

ABOVE: Cracked pavement and rotting guardrail posts-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Senator Kevin Raye (R-Perry) told WQDY NEWS Thursday that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) has signed a $4.35 million contract for major improvements to Route 1 in Whiting, Dennysville and Pembroke.

Commissioner David Cole informed Raye this week that a contract has been signed with Sargent Corporation for highway reconstruction and strut installations.

Work is expected to get underway by early to mid-September. 

As Washington County's Senator, Raye has led the effort to prioritize improvements to Route 1, and to secure the funding needed to accomplish it.

He twice drove Commissioner Cole over the road to point out its degraded condition and to emphasize the need for significant upgrades.

ABOVE: Raye said the old wooden post rails will be replaced in areas that have already been repaved-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Raye was joined by Reps. Howard McFadden (R-Dennysville) and David Burns (R-Whiting) in working closely with Cole and other MDOT officials to establish improvements to Route 1 as a transportation priority. 

Earlier this year, citing concerns with proposed debt levels, Raye led Republican Senators in successfully blocking passage of a bond package sponsored by Democrats in the Legislature. 

As Senate GOP Leader, he played a pivotal role in reducing the amount of new borrowing by half. As part of the smaller bond package, Raye won approval of the funding for Route 1 reconstruction.

Maine voters subsequently approved the transportation bond in June. 

"The condition of our roads is one of the most important issues facing Down East Maine. It is not only a public safety issue, but it is also critical to economic development, job-creation and tourism. Howard McFadden, Dave Burns and I have worked hard to make this happen, and it's great that this crucial project can now get underway," said Raye. 

When combined with 17 miles of maintenance paving on Route 1 between Jonesboro and Pembroke, the reconstruction work will result in a significant improvement to a transportation artery that is vital to Washington County. 

These upgrades follow the reconstruction of Route 189 to Lubec, and are part of a major push to upgrade road conditions Down East. 

In all, more than 121 miles of paving will be completed in Raye's Senate district this summer, as well as two bridge projects in Berry Township and Princeton. 

Among the other paving projects are: 20.4 miles, Route 192 between Wesley and Machias; 15 miles of Route 191; 6 miles of Route 187; 11.9 miles of the Forest City Road; 11.3 miles of Route 169 in Danforth and Prentiss Township; and 4.2 miles of Route 200 between Franklin and Eastbrook in eastern Hancock County.

ABOVE: Some roads are as bad or worse than this in Washington County-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Projects in East Machias, Jonesboro, Machias, Machiasport and Roque Bluffs round out the state paving work in the Down East region. 

"While I am very pleased with the progress we are making with road improvements, there is still a lot of important work to be done," Raye said, specifically noting that he remains in communication with MDOT officials to explore options for funding improvements to the Grand Lake Stream Road, which he terms as an "outstanding priority." 

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is one of the 15 law enforcement agencies across the state that will be receiving funding from the Maine Office of Substance Abuse to target underage drinking. The two-year $15,000 grant will help to coordinate efforts across Washington County to enforce existing underage drinking laws.

Alcohol abuse remains one of the critical problems facing families, communities, and law enforcement departments in Maine.

Alcohol is the drug of choice among both youth and adults in Maine, and is a factor in all of the leading causes of death for Maine citizens under 30 years old.

For the past two years, the Washington County Sheriff's Office has been working with Washington County: One Community to reduce underage and high risk drinking.

"Law enforcement plays a critical role in reducing underage drinking in our county. This is a community problem and it takes an entire community working together to solve it.  Research shows that alcohol kills more children than all illegal drugs combined. Many adolescents drink alcohol that was purchased by their parents and many do so without their parents' knowledge." says Sheriff Donnie Smith.

This funding will help with implementing underage drinking party patrols, collaboration among agencies for special call-out teams to handle large parties, third party transaction surveillance, and compliance checks. 

The funding will assist the Sheriff's Office to those who provide alcohol and/or a place for minors to consume alcohol, as well as notifying parents or guardians of juveniles involved in the use of alcohol.

Eleody Libby, Executive Director of Washington County: One Community said, "As a society, we understand the message about not drinking and driving, but we still need to look at the bigger picture of underage and high risk drinking. The portion of the brain that controls decision making and reasoning is not fully developed until around the age of 25. Thus, a teen's judgment is altered and this can lead to serious consequences."

Unfortunately this problem is growing as young people begin drinking at a younger age and at more dangerous levels. The Washington County Sheriff's Office understands that alcohol affects adolescent brain development.

Individuals who are under the influence are more susceptible to be involved in domestic violence, become injured, contract a sexually transmitted disease, have an unwanted pregnancy, miss academic instruction, and participate in other risky behaviors such as experimentation with illicit drugs.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has recently increased emphasis on OUI’s, highway safety and party patrols, as well as alcohol education through instruction in schools.

According to Smith, "The Sheriff's Office partnership with Washington County: One Community has given us the opportunity to increase our party patrols, publicize our anonymous Tip Line and educate the public. It is through enforcement and collaboration that we hope to reduce underage access and educate the community.

To report incidences of underage drinking in Washington County, the Tip Line is available and is completely confidential -- call 255-8303 or 1-800-432-7303.

To find out what you can do in your community to reduce underage drinking please contact Sara McConnell at 255-3741. 

A Bangor woman may face more than one charge in connection with a head-on crash on Route 9 late Thursday morning.

Considering what happened, the occupants of both vehicles fared pretty well in the 11:42 a.m. crash.

Everyone was wearing their seat belts.

Sgt. Tom Chambers of the Washington County Sheriff's Office told WQDY NEWS that when Lori Stevens, 45, of Bangor, attempted to pass a vehicle on Route 9 near 192, it was "an instant head-on collision."

Stevens pulled out from behind a vehicle ahead of her and it put her right in the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by Raymonde Sullivan, 52, of Rothesay, New Brunswick. 

There was no time for Stevens or Sullivan to brake or avoid contact. They crashed head-on. 

According to Chambers, Stevens' vehicle rolled over and struck a telephone pole. Stevens was the lone occupant of her vehicle. 

Sullivan had four children in the car with her. Following the impact, Sullivan's vehicle continued for a several yards before coming to rest. 

Chambers said only Stevens and Sullivan were injured in the crash. Both were taken to Calais Regional Hospital by Downeast EMS for treatment of injuries described as not life-threatening.

Both vehicles were demolished.

Chambers said Stevens has been charged with driving to endanger but other charges may be pending.

Downeast EMS, Wesley Fire, Alexander Fire and the Maine State Police assisted at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation.

The New Brunswick Department of Transportation advises motorists of traffic disruptions at two bridge locations in Charlotte County: construction on the St. Croix River #2 Bridge (Milltown International Bridge) on Route 170 in St. Stephen starts Monday, Aug. 30.

The bridge will be closed for about three weeks as Department crews replace an expansion joint and perform other upgrades on the 44-year-old structure.

Detour signs will be posted. 

The Linton Stream Bridge, located on Route 770 (Bonny River Road) in the Parish of St. George is reduced to one lane until early September as crews carry out similar work. This bridge was built in 1992.

Traffic lights are in place to direct motorists, who are reminded to expect delays, reduce their speeds and watch for construction workers.

Calais police arrested a man Wednesday morning following an incident involving a firearm. 

Sgt. Chris Donahue said they responded to a complaint shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday that a man was holding a rifle and possibly threatening a woman in a trailer on Union Street.

Police arrested Allen Hold, 20, said to be of Indian Township, but Donahue said he believed Hold resided in Calais presently.

"[He] was arrested and charged with violation of conditions of release and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon," Donahue said.

Other law enforcement agencies also responded to Calais police but the situation ended quickly.

"We had help coming --- the incident was under control before our help arrived but we were assisted by US Border Patrol with transportation of some of our witnesses [occupants of the trailer] and suspect back to the police station," Donahue said.

Hold was the only person charged.

Calais Police Chief David Randall noted bystanders saw people get handcuffed and transported to the police station and he explained why.

"We do that for officer's safety and their safety to make sure that we have a handle on the whole situation before we start letting people go. So, there was only one person arrested, all the others were detained until we found out what we had," Randall said.

"Detained until the rest of the story was figured out. It was still in the investigatory stage until we could find out what happened," Donahue added.

"We wanted to sort it out before we kicked anybody loose. Rumors have already hit town that we arrested a bunch of people -- we only arrested one -- we detained the other three," Randall said.

"There was a point where a hostage negotiator was started. It wasn't requested from us, it was just someone that was enroute that had been trained in that if it was needed.

"This was a lot more exciting on the scanner than it was in real life," Randall said.

"We have protocols in place that deal with this. We were in the process of getting people in the place to do what they had to do. By the time I got there, Sgt. Donahue and Officer Fitzsimmons already had everything cordoned down and we were good to go. If it would have been a long haul we would have been all set, we had people coming. As usual, all the other agencies are willing to help us out just like we would go and help them."

Hold was held in the lock-up at the Calais police station before being transferred to the Washington County Jail Wednesday afternoon.

A Maine DOT safety officer was indeed fortunate that she was able to stop in time to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming garbage truck sliding towards her on its side in Cooper Wednesday morning.

Speed wasn't a factor in the crash but a mechanical failure was.

But it was a long day for the clean-up crews, volunteers firefighters and police dealing with the overturned container truck that scattered its load of garbage along a portion of busy Route 191.

Sgt. Tom Chambers of the Washington County Sheriff's Office said the call  reporting a "motor vehicle crash with minor injuries came in around 10 a.m."

The truck driver, Chris Sherrard, 35, of Calais was slightly injured and was transported to Calais Regional as a precaution. He was later released.  

ABOVE: Sgt. Tom Chambers motions a driver to slow it down on Route 191- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Chambers said Sherrard was heading east on Route 191 when he heard a "pop" in the back of his container-type vehicle.

"At that point he felt the load starting to shift as he was rounding a corner. He attempted to maintain the vehicle in his travel lane but was unable to. He got top-heavy, rolled over and slid on his side into a guardrail," Chambers said.

Several-thousand pounds of trash was scattered about Route 191.

DEP was notified and determined that there was no environmental impact and no hazardous materials were released into a small stream.

Trooper Tim McCadden,  Maine State Police Commercial Truck Enforcement also responded to the crash scene.

ABOVE: Tight squeeze past the crash scene-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"After we inspected the vehicle, we located a bolt that was missing that kept the frame attached and it appeared that the bolt had sheared off which caused the load to rise and with the centrifugal force from going around the corner caused the load to be top heavy which caused the vehicle to roll over," Chambers said.

There was an eyewitness to the crash -- and it was a close call for her.

"We have a witness who was coming the other direction, [she] is a safety officer for the Department of Transportation. She was a little shaken-up, [could have been a head-on collision] but she was able to stop her vehicle prior to impact," Chambers said.   

ABOVE: Garbage strewn along both sides of mangled guardrail- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Chambers said the eyewitness indicated that she did not believe Sherrard was speeding and that the vehicle was tilting into the corner which prompted us to believe that there was a catastrophic failure of a mechanical issue.

"We did locate where the frame was separated from the garbage container," the sergeant said.

A big problem, Chambers noted,  was that they were in one of the worst areas on 191.

"Not only is it a corner but an intersection of one of the main cut-throughs of North Union or Cooper Road cutting over to Route 9. The traffic was heavy. We were assisted by members of the Cooper, Meddybemps, Charlotte and Alexander volunteer fire departments with traffic control.

"As it relates to the accident, there are going to be no charges," Chambers said. "Mr. Sherrard was not at fault and clearly it was just a mechanical failure of a vehicle and we're certainly glad that he's going to be okay. He'll be sore but he'll be with his family so we're happy about that."

However, other aspects of the crash remain under investigation.

"Clearly speed was not a factor," Chambers said.

"From the time the vehicle had rolled onto its side to the resting point there was not a great deal of distance so that was an indicator that speed was not a factor."

"It's 50 there, he was probably well under that. The eyewitness had also indicated that he didn't appear to be speeding at all."

Chambers said a work crew gathered by friends of Sherrard did a "great job" cleaning up the area.

Units finally cleared the area shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday.

An earthquake rattled Deer Island, New Brunswick Wednesday morning.

According to Earthquakes Canada, several people felt the 2.4 quake that introduced itself at 05:16:02 Atlantic Time.  

The quake was 11 km southeast from Saint Andrews, NB.

The New England Seismic Network also recorded the quake as being 15.0 km north of Eastport, Maine.

The RCMP is warning people to be wary of fraudulent employment offers.

Over the past two weeks, the RCMP has received reports of New Brunswickers responding to job offers for "Mystery Shopper" positions published in various local newspapers.

People are asked to apply online, and when they do so, they receive a letter in the mail telling them they've been selected for the job, as well as a check from the company.

They are asked to cash this check at their local bank, and use the funds in order to carry out their first assignment, which is to evaluate Canada Post's "Moneygram" system by sending cash to a recipient in the U.K.

These checks turn out to be fraudulent, and the victim is then responsible for replacing the cash they've withdrawn from their bank accounts and paying the bounced check fees to their financial institution.

"There's no such thing as easy money," says Cpl. Chantal Roger of J Division's Commercial Crime Section.

"We're reminding people to verify the legitimacy of any company they are thinking of doing business with before cashing checks or providing any personal information."

If you have information regarding this or any other type of scam, please contact Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501 or www.phonebusters.com.

THIS STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER-

CAMPOBELLO - Visitors to the Bay of Fundy have a real privilege, but they have to show respect.

That was the message going out in the wake of an incident over the weekend when a whale collided with a small private boat, throwing all five people into the bay.

The five were rescued by other boats in the area.

While such incidents are rare, they do happen.

Lynn Allport, of Island Quest Marine, has been working in the whale tour industry for the past nine years and has seen few incidents where a boat has come too close to one of the huge mammals. She noted that when collisions happen it usually involves small private boats.

"There actually is a code of ethics which instructs us how to perform and manoeuvre our vessels out of respect for these mammals."

Allport stresses that the reputable tour boat operators have signed onto the "Bay of Fundy Marine Tour Operator Code of Ethics." 

This document, which is reviewed on an annual basis, gives some guidelines to operators and governs how they respect the whales on which they base their livelihood.

The code of ethics is voluntary and gives some basic common-sense instruction.

"There have been guidelines for some time," said Laurie Murison, executive director of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station.

"You have to have a little bit of common sense. You always approach cautiously at a reasonable speed … and that is the speed of the whale."

The department of Fisheries and Oceans works with tour operators to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment on the water.

"We have established an Enforcement Advisory Committee (EAC). We have had two meetings already. There was an intent to have one earlier this year, before the whale season came about, but it was delayed," said Jim McKinnon a conservation protection supervisor with Fisheries and Oceans.

The intent of the EAC is to develop educational information which can be distributed to boaters at the local wharves and tourist information centres.

"(That way) general Joe Public who is out cruising around on their boat has a better understanding of what the danger is approaching whales, and what a safe distance is."

McKinnon went on to talk about the code of ethics that the industry is using, which he credits for keeping the safety of the whales and best practices. The department also does patrols of the water.

"We are trying to get out and do as much general education as we can." McKinnon said that it is illegal to harass a marine mammal. "We can charge someone for harassing northern right whales."

If done properly, the opportunity to come close to a whale is awe-inspiring, Allport noted.

"It's a real privilege to be out on the water with these animals."

STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER

Five people were thrown into the water Saturday after a close encounter with a whale in Passamaquoddy Bay.

According to District 1 RCMP, their small boat capsized when a whale a swam underneath the vessel. The occupants of the boat were observing a pod of whales near Campobello Island.

All five people, at least four of whom were adults, were thrown overboard into the cold waters of Passamaquoddy Bay.

Fortunately for them, the crew of a nearby sardine fishing vessel saw what happened and went to their aid.

All passengers were recovered and returned safely to shore, where emergency services were waiting to provide an assessment.

The RCMP said two of the boaters were transported to the Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

At the time of the incident, personal floatation devices were available but were not being worn, police said.

It was stubborn, hot and smoky.

Firefighters from Calais responded to a structure fire shortly after 9 PM Sunday. Mutual aid automatically rolled in from St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

A neighbor reported the fire.

There was fire and heavy smoke showing as Calais fire crews arrived on the scene at High and Monroe Streets.

Responding St. Stephen firefighters could see it as they raced across the Ferry Point Bridge.

There was a complication to firefighting in the early stages - live electrical wires.

ABOVE-Sparks shoot into the air as fire hits the live wires-Tom McLaughlin WQDY  NEWS PHOTO

Calais police quickly moved spectators away from the wires as they burned off the house and fell to the street --still arcing, still very much alive.  

ABOVE: Calais Police tell spectators to get back for their own safety-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Utility crews from Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative responded quickly and cut the power to the line.

ABOVE: Live wires drop to the street as fire roars-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Calais Fire Chief Dan Carlow told WQDY NEWS the house was not abandoned but nobody has lived in it for quite some time. "It's been unsecured and apparently somebody went in and set it on fire." 

ABOVE: Fire rolls across the ceiling of the first floor as firefighters move in-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"The house didn't have a [electrical] meter attached to it but the line running to the meter was live and it burned off so we couldn't put any water on it until the power company got here. As usual, [EMEC] did an excellent job, got here right away and got the power shut off for us," Carlow said.

ABOVE: Fire scene on High Street-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Carlow said the home was of old style construction.

"It's an old style construction with a mansard roof on it so it's got a lot more lumber in it than most homes and we had to dig [the fire] out. It go up into the  roof line and it just took a long time to get it out," Carlow said.

ABOVE: Firefighters push their way in-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

The building had siding over clapboards.

"I think it's T-111 siding, that's what they call it but it's over the old construction," the chief said.

ABOVE & BELOW: Aerial Ladder helps firefighters ventilate the roof-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Carlow said there was a really good turnout of firefighters from Calais and St. Stephen.

"We sure needed it, as muggy and hot as it is. We had to rotate crews constantly to keep them hydrated. We had a couple that had heat exhaustion and we had to rest them for a while. Everybody's done a fine job. It was a safe operation, nobody got hurt."

"This is one of those situations that you cringe when you send people into a building like this," Carlow said.

"It proved itself here -- somebody went through the floor but luckily their partner pulled them back through."

The cause of the fire will be investigated.

"This is a crime scene," Carlow said. "It'll be under investigation by the Calais PD and probably the Fire Marshal's Office."

Although the building is still standing, it suffered heavy fire damage.

ABOVE: Firefighter checks for hotspots on second floor after fire was knocked down-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"Both upstairs and down and the roof's got extensive damage and with the condition of the house to start with it's probably pretty much totaled," Carlow said.

When the fire call was first dispatched the address was given as 28 High Street although there was the number "11" affixed to a mailbox on the front of the house. The home across the street displayed the number "12." 

With the ferocity of the flames there was no trouble in finding this one.

Calais Fire EMS also assisted. Crews were on scene for nearly three hours.

An investigator from the State Fire Marshal's Office was on the scene Monday morning.

Highlights from recent reports from MSP Troop J:

August 10:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer summonsed a 28-year-old Princeton woman for operating after suspnesion Class E, violating conditions of release, and for failure to provide a current insurance card for her SR-22 after observing her driving from the Calais District Court onto South St.

August 11:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a complaint from a Princeton woman that she heard shots fired. A man later called to inform that the noise came from fireworks. Trooper Sawyer checked the area and did not hear any noise.

Trooper Sawyer responded to a harassment/trespass complaint from a man in Princeton that his ex-wife showed up at his home and wouldn't leave. Trooper Sawyer arrived and advised the woman to leave and told her not to come back to this property and not to contact her ex-husband.

August 13:

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a theft complaint from Lamoine. The investigation revealed that the caller was elderly and in need of assistance. Trooper Mitchell contacted a family member who went to the residence to help. It appeared that the woman was confused and no theft had actually occurred.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to a harassment complaint from a man in Danforth that another man threatened him. Trooper Sawyer spoke with both parties who felt threatened by the other. They were both warned by Trooper Sawyer.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a harassment complaint from a woman in Robbinston that her daughter and her husband were being harassed by two people from Perry. Trooper Sawyer spoke to the all parties and warned them for harassment.

Troopers Kimberly Sawyer and David Barnard arrested a 52-year-old Waite man for harassment and violating conditions of release. Warden Richard and Sgt. Newell assisted.

August 16:

Trooper Staci Carpenter responded to a burglary complaint in Robbinston. The caller reported that his grandmother's residence which is abandoned had been broken into. The rear door had been kicked in. There did not appear to be anything missing from the residence.

Trooper Staci Carpenter responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in Princeton. The complainant reported that an intoxicated male subject had been assaulted by a group of young people on Main Street. Tpr. Carpenter located the victim in the area but he was intoxicated and refused to identify who had assaulted him.

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a burglary complaint in Tremont. The owner reported that a rental property he owns had been broken into and power tools and a generator had been taken.

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a report of a camp burglary in Township 24. A camp and shed belonging to the caller had been broken into over the weekend. A lawnmower and two bottles of propane had been taken.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Waltham for a threatening complaint involving five people. The respondent was not located at the time and the victims were uncooperative. Trooper Daniel Ryan assisted.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a criminal mischief complaint in Robbinston where an apple was thrown through a window. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to a motorcycle accident on Route 6 in Codyville. Shawn W. Burrill, 32, died at the scene. Trooper Curtis, Sgt Varney, and Warden Curtis assisted at the scene. It appears that Burrill lost control of his motorcycle on a corner.

Trooper Christopher Smith arrested a 45-year-old Gouldsboro man and charged him with OUI, OAS, and violation of bail as a result of a traffic stop in Jonesboro. The man attempted and then refused an intoxilyzer test.

Trooper Daniel Ryan assisted Peninsula Ambulance Service in Sedgwick with an intoxicated female that had hit her head and refused to be transported.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to a theft complaint in Blue Hill where jewelry was reported to have been stolen. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to a trespassing complaint in Blue Hill where a man was seen walking into an apartment without permission. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a harassment complaint in Penobscot involving two men. The caller did not want the Trooper to speak to the other party.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to a theft complaint in Princeton where a firearm was reported to have been stolen from a motor vehicle several weeks ago. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a theft complaint in Sedgwick where prescription medications were reported to have been stolen. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to a family fight complaint in Eastbrook involving a man and his son. This was found to be verbal only in nature.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a harassment complaint in Fletcher's Landing where a woman reported being harassed on Facebook. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a criminal mischief complaint in Brookton where a vehicle had been scratched in several locations. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted DHHS with a well-being check in Princeton on an elderly male. It was found that the man had moved to another town.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to Baring for a family fight. The caller stated his girlfriend was dropping his bureau drawers. Trooper Sawyer arrived at the scene and the girlfriend had left. He stated it was a verbal fight and that she took all her belongings with her. Trooper Sawyer called the girlfriend and she stated that it was a verbal fight and that she wasn't going back there.

August 19:

Trooper Greg Roy responded to a burglary complaint at a residence on the Green Lake Road in Dedham. The caller returned home and discovered that a bucket of loose change as well as miscellaneous jewelry had been taken and had several lock boxes that had been pried open. The investigation continues.

Troopers Christopher Smith and Barry Curtis responded to the Jordan Beach Road in Milbridge for the report of an ongoing family fight. Upon arrival parties were separated and the complainants had left the area. One man from New York was warned for disorderly conduct. The complainants were later located and it was determined that no assault had occurred. Lt. Michael Crabtree of the Washington County Sheriff's Office also assisted.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to a car crash in Danforth. The driver, 49-year-old Christopher W. Hunter, of New Jersey, was taken to the Houlton Hospital and Houlton PD assisted by having a blood kit taken. Trooper Sawyer summonsed him for driving to endanger and advised that more charges could be coming depending on the results of the blood kit.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to a family fight in Danforth. A man and woman were having a verbal fight inside the apartment. Both were warned to keep the noise down or they would be summonsed for disorderly conduct.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a suspicious complaint from Penobscot. The caller explained that a female who claimed to be from the census bureau had been to her residence four times and asked the same odd questions each time. She asked the lady to leave and not come back several times but the lady keeps coming back. She did not record the plate number and never got a name from the lady. The lady was never rude but the whole thing was really odd so it concerned her. The investigation continues.

August 20:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to a 911 call at a residence in Robbinston. The resident's great grandson had been playing with the home phone and the resident was unaware that he had called 911. He stated he would keep him away from the phone.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a harassment/trespass complaint from a woman in Princeton that she wanted her ex-boyfriend warned for trespass and harassment. Trooper Sawyer warned the man for trespass and harassment.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a harassment complaint from a Danforth man that another man made a harassing gesture at him.  The offender was warned for harassment.

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a complaint from Lubec reporting that a group of juveniles was throwing crab apples at her residence. A second complaint was received from an employee of the Oceanview Nursing Home advising that a group of juveniles was throwing crab apples at the nursing home. Trooper Peterson searched the area and was unable to locate the juveniles.

Sgt. Alden Bustard and Trooper Greg Roy responded to a property damage accident in the parking lot of the Franklin Trading Post. Justin Gross, 31, of Hancock was backing his vehicle when he allegedly struck another parked vehicle. Gross left his vehicle in the parking lot and left the scene with a friend. Gross was later located and summonsed for leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a theft at the Jonesport Volunteer Fire Department. The Fire Chief reported the theft of an antique fire truck weather vane from the roof of the fire station and said that the suspects would have had to climb onto the roof and unbolt the weather vane. Investigation continues.

Troopers Greg Mitchell and David Barnard responded to a Brooklin residence after it was reported that a man was out of control. The investigation revealed that no crime had been committed and there was no probable cause for protective custody. The man was later transported by his mother to EMMC for an evaluation. Troopers provided an escort due to the man's erratic behavior.

Trooper Greg Mitchell responded to three burglaries that occurred on Deer Isle and Stonington. The investigation continues.

August 21:

Trooper Daniel Ryan arrested an 18-year-old man in Blue Hill for criminal speed. 105 MPH in a 45 MPH zone.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to a criminal mischief complaint in Deer Isle where it was reported that a man had struck a vehicle with a 2X4 causing damage. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to a criminal mischief complaint in Blue Hill where windows in five vehicles were reported to have been tampered with. Two vehicles had windows broken, 2 sets of keys were stolen and a wallet was stolen. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan assisted the Hancock County Sheriff's Office with a report of a large party in Stonington.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to an alarm complaint at the Harbor School in Blue Hill. A window was found to have been broken. Investigation continues.

Trooper Miles Carpenter assisted Calais Police in Pembroke with a theft complaint. Sgt. Ingemi also assisted.

Trooper Miles Carpenter handled a harassment complaint in Pembroke where a man from New Brunswick, Canada was warned for harassing a 14-year-old girl via telephone.

Trooper Miles Carpenter summonsed Jessica Drake, 25, in Calais for allegedly attaching false plates stemming from a vehicle crash she had in Charlotte several weeks ago.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a theft complaint in Machiasport where firewood was reported stolen. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

August 22:

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a theft complaint from Lamoine. The caller reported that a garden globe was taken from her garden last week.

 LAST WEEK:</P><P></P><P>08/10/10</P><P>Tpr. Kimberly Sawyer summonsed Patricia A. Nicholas, 03/18/82 of Princeton for OAS Class E, Violating Conditions of Release, and for failure to provide a current insurance card for her SR-22 after observing her driving from the Calais Court onto South St.</P><P>08/11/10</P><P>Tpr. Kimberly Sawyer received a complaint from Princeton that she heard shots fired. A man later called to inform that the noise came from fireworks. Tpr. Sawyer checked the area and did not hear any noise.</P><P>Tpr. Sawyer responded to a harassment/trespass complaint from a man in Princeton that his ex-wife showed up at his home tonight and she won’t leave. Tpr. Sawyer arrived and advised the woman to leave and told her not to come back to this property and not to contact her ex husband. </P><P>8/12/10</P><P>Tpr. Kimberly Sawyer arrested Tracy J. Crone, 09/09/81 in Princeton for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in Houlton court.</P><P>8/13/10</P><P>Tpr. Greg Mitchell received a theft complaint from Lamoine. The investigation revealed that the caller was elderly and in need of assistance. Tpr Mitchell contacted a family member who went to the residence to help. It appeared that the woman was confused and no theft had actually occurred.</P><P>Tpr. Kimberly Sawyer responded to a harassment complaint from a man in Danforth that another man threatened him. Tpr. Sawyer spoke with both parties who felt threatened by the other. Tpr Sawyer warned them both.</P><P>Tpr. Kimberly Sawyer received a harassment complaint from a woman in Robbinston that her daughter and her husband were being harassed by two people from Perry. Tpr Sawyer spoke to the all parties and warned them for harassment. </P><P>Tpr. Kimberly Sawyer and Tpr. David Barnard arrested Jay M. Lewis, 05/21/58 of Waite for harassment and violating conditions of release. Warden Richard and Sgt. Newell assisted.</P><P><BR></P></PRE>

Some Saturday Scenes from the 35th 
Annual Maine Wild Blueberry Festival
in Machias, Maine
Centre St. Congregational Church in Machias
Bill Conley interviews Ellen Farnsworth 
of the Festival Committee during our 
annual live broadcast Saturday.
 
Younger contestants chow down in the 
Blueberry Pie Eating Contest.
Older contestants bask in the afterglow..
Sweet moment...
 
Our man Bill Conley on the air for
Classic Hits WQDY & WALZ.
 
WQDY NEWS PHOTOS

ST. STEPHEN - A man who allegedly made a threat against the premier is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 7 on charges of uttering threats and resisting arrest, according to The Saint Croix Couier.

Phillip Levi Williams, 55, has signed an undertaking to police promising that he would have no contact, directly or indirectly, with Shawn Graham.

Williams was arrested Wednesday morning after a scuffle with police in town square moments before Shawn Graham was scheduled to arrive.

A spokesperson for the RCMP said police received a call shortly before the premier's arrival saying Williams was threatening to strike the premier. The decision was made to ask Williams to leave before such a confrontation could take place.

Williams objected to leaving.

It took three RCMP officers to safely subdue Williams when he became argumentative and refused to leave the area.

"I never said I was going to hit the premier. All I wanted to do was talk to him, ask him to help," said Williams.

His common-law partner, Janet Murray, confirmed all Williams wanted to do was talk to the premier, who was 15 minutes late for a scheduled 10 a.m. announcement by Rogers Communication, missed the commotion. The event went ahead as planned.

"He just came to talk to the premier about his welfare case," said Murray.

Gesturing towards the people milling about who had watched the tableau unfold, Murray added, "They're saying that he tried to hit the premier." "He was just sitting there talking. He never said anything about hitting the premier or nothing in the face."

Williams was first seen sitting with others at a picnic table in the square.

Later, his raised voice drew attention as he stood beneath a small tree. Two RCMP officers, a male and a female, were speaking quietly to him.

Williams began yelling "I'm not leaving" and shouted he had done nothing wrong.

He became more and more agitated and started flailing his arms when officers tried to escort him away. The officers wrestled him to a nearby picnic table and called for backup, all the while urging Williams to relax. He continued to struggle and yell, saying he was going to charge the police with attempted murder.

A third officer arrived on the scene and helped handcuff Williams.

Williams was escorted to a police cruiser and taken away. He was later released.

Murray tried to interfere with Williams' arrest and was warned by an officer to back away or she would be charged with obstruction. Murray spoke to reporters after the police cruiser left.

"All he was here for was to make a statement and ask (the premier) what can you do for us." She said Williams wanted to ask the premier why people on welfare are living under the poverty level and express his concern about his inability to access his medical records once a family physician leaves the community.

"He can't get a doctor; he's trying to get a job. He's 55 years old and he's getting pissed with the government." Murray said Williams wants to work but must have a prescription for special footwear before the shoes or boots are covered by welfare."

"We've been getting (crap) from welfare and everybody for all our lives. Come on, this is not fair." She said she and Williams have been together for 11 years.

ABOVE STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER

Another action-packed week for Troop J. Here are some highlights. Do not try this at home:

Det. Jay Pelletier summonsed a 52-year-old Baring man with criminal mischief after he pulled the wires out of the phone box at a residence in Alexander. The man approached the individual who lives at that residence to confront them about seeing his soon to be ex-wife.

Det. Jay Pelletier initiated investigations into a complaint that 2 juveniles were sexually assaulted. The sexual contact began about three years ago on one of the juveniles and more recently for the other. Det. Darrin Crane was called out to resume investigation of the case.

Det. Jay Pelletier summonsed a 21-year-old man from Malden, MA for criminal speed after he paced him at 120mph on I-95 in Alton. The driver's excuse? He said that his girlfriend had to go to the bathroom.

August 9:

Trooper Jessica Shorey and Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to Eastbrook for a report of a suicidal subject hiding in a wooded area. The subject was later located and transported to EMMC for a mental health evaluation.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Franklin for a family fight complaint. This was verbal only and the parties were separated for the night.

August 10:

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi assisted Marine Patrol in Machias by giving a man from Roque Bluffs an Intoxilyzer test. He was arrested for OUI on a boat by Marine Patrol.

Trooper Jessica Shorey and her K-9 assisted Holden Police with a female suspected of possession of illegal drugs.

Trooper Andrew Foss responded to a family fight complaint in East Machias where it was reported that a juvenile had assaulted his father and ran away. The subject was later located and transported back home by Trooper Foss and spoken to about his conduct. The family did not pursue charges against their juvenile son.

Trooper Staci Carpenter received a theft complaint from out of Lubec. The complainant reported that he had left the area on July 1 and when he returned he discovered his green old pack canoe was missing. The investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Roy received a theft complaint from Castine. The complainant reported his GPS was stolen from his vehicle overnight. The vehicle was left unlocked in the driveway with the GPS in plain view. Nothing else was missing from the vehicle. Investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Roy issued a summons to a 27-year-old Orland woman for displaying a fictitious inspection certificate as a result of a traffic stop on Rt. 1 in Orland. She had cut the 7 of a 2010 sticker and placed it in the 1 slot.

Trooper Mike Southard and Det. Elmer Farren responded to Heath Road in Milbridge for a family fight. It was found that the parties had had a verbal argument over finances and other issues. One party given contact numbers for Next Step and DHHS and the other agreed to stay away and went clamming.

Trooper Mike Southard investigated a criminal mischief complaint in Addison where several signs in town were reported vandalized. The case is still under investigation.

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a business in Dedham. It was reported that a trailer and two storage sheds had been entered and various types of metal had been stolen.

Trooper Peterson was assisted by Detective Alan Brown of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, who processed the scene for evidence. Investigation continues.

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a residence in Trenton for a report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, it was found that the argument was verbal in nature. The parties decided to try to work things out in a civil manner.

August 11:

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a theft complaint in Sedgwick where parts were stolen from a vehicle during the past week. Investigation continues.

Trooper Andrew Foss handled a theft complaint in Dyer Township where a propane tank was reported stolen. Investigation continues.

August 12:

Trooper Cliff Peterson was working a Stonegarden detail in northern Washington County when Troop J received a report of two men stealing a junk vehicle for scrap in Brookton.

Trooper Peterson responded to the scene and located a 46-year-old man and a 29-year-old man and summonsed them for theft.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a motor vehicle theft complaint in Blue Hill where a silver 1996 Nissan pick-up was stolen from a residence. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a burglary complaint in Blue Hill where a pizza shop was reported to have been broken into and money stolen during the night. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a harassment complaint in Blue Hill. Trooper Miles Carpenter handled an assault complaint in Whitneyville where the complainant alleged that another party had assaulted him the previous day. The complainant decided they did not wish to pursue charges.

August 13:

Trooper Greg Roy arrested a 24-year-old Brooklin man for criminal speed, failure to stop for an officer and operating without a license. Trooper Roy attempted to stop them man for traveling 87 MPH in a 55 MPH zone in Blue Hill. The man did not stop once signaled by the trooper and pulled into a driveway then onto the lawn and then attempted to flee on foot. He was arrested following a brief foot chase. The driver has a conditional license from a previous operating under the influence conviction. An intoxilyzer test was administered at the Hancock County Jail.

Trooper Cliff Peterson was in Ellsworth District Court awaiting a trial when he observed a male who was nodding off and appeared to be under the influence of something. The 18-year-old man was arrested for violation of probation as he had drugs in his system.

Trooper Cliff Peterson Cliff Peterson and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a single vehicle accident on Route 15 in the village of Deer Isle. The complainant was reporting the operator had left the scene. The vehicle was registered to a 31-year-old man and attempts were made to locate him but were unsuccessful that night. Police found him two days later and issued a summons for failure to report accident by quickest means.

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to the Lamoine General Store for a report of harassment. The complainant reported his ex-girlfriend had entered the store and was harassing him. Harassment warnings were issued.

August 14:

Trooper Mike Southard was dispatched to a disorderly complaint at the VFW Hall in Lubec. The caller reported that a 63-year-old Lubec man had driven to the hall, was intoxicated, and was causing problems. He left the area prior to Trooper Southard's arrival. The man was located a short time later and was arrested for OUI.

August 15:

Troopers Miles Carpenter and David Barnard along with Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi responded to Perry for a family fight complaint. They arrested a 46-year-old man for 2 counts of domestic assault and he was also summonsed for possession of a firearm by a felon. A 72-year-old man was also summonsed for possession of a firearm by a felon. The 46-year-old man had thrown an apple at an adult male, striking him in the head and then hit an adult female in the face. After he was arrested he became very combative and was transported to the jail by Pleasant Point Police Department in the cage.

The RCMP are investigating the theft of a pickup truck that occurred sometime between 11 PM Tues. August 17th and 6 AM Weds. August 18.

Police say the 2005 Ford F-650 truck was stolen from a parking lot on Brunswick Street in St. George, New Brunswick.

The truck is white and black in color with a 24-foot flat deck and blue side boards. It also has white mud flaps on it with the wording "Gator Ford Florida."

The New Brunswick license plate is F-18256.

If you have information about this crime or if you see this stolen truck contact the St George RCMP at 755-1130 or your local police.

To remain anonymous contact New Brunswick Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Members of the RCMP have seized over 3,000 marijuana plants at various locations in New Brunswick this week.

On Monday Aug. 16, District 4 Southeast RCMP seized 965 marijuana plants from wooded areas in Shediac, Cap-Pele Saint-Andre-Leblanc, Portage, Shemogue and Port Elgin.

Police said if fully grown these plants could have yielded over 482,000 marijuana joints. 

On Tuesday, District 5 Kent RCMP seized over 2,100 marijuana plants from various wooded areas in Bass River, Point Sapin, Laketon, Saint-Ignace and Acadieville.

In this case, if fully grown, these plants could have yielded over 1,050,000 marijuana joints, police said. 

Investigations are continuing in both incidents.

The public can assist the RCMP in eradicating marijuana grow-operations by providing police with information on these drug related activities.

These crimes can be reported anonymously by contacting New Brunswick Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

RCMP in New Brunswick say a 78-year-old man pleaded guilty to sex related charges in court on Monday.

Ernest Roy, a 78-year-old man from Riviere-Verte appeared in Edmundston Provincial Court where he pleaded guilty to three counts involving sexual assaults on minors.

The RCMP began their investigation in 2008 and it stemmed from incidents involving girls between the ages of 6 and 18. The abuse occurred in the Riviere-Verte area between 1966 and 1985.

Roy will be sentenced Oct. 7.

Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC), announced Wednesday that its Beta Power System, the largest ocean energy "power plant" ever installed in U.S. waters, has successfully generated grid-compatible power from tidal currents at its Cobscook Bay site in Eastport.

The system's core component, the proprietary Turbine Generator Unit, or TGU, is deployed below ORPC's research and testing vessel, the Energy Tide 2, and has a maximum design capacity of 60 kilowatts, a company press release said.

Performance test results show that the TGU's electrical output meets or exceeds expectations for the full range of current velocities encountered.

ORPC will use the data obtained from the Beta Power System to fine tune the design of its commercial power system, planned for installation in Eastport in late 2011.

The TidGen[TM]  Power System will be connected to the New England grid through the Bangor Hydro Electric Company system, and will generate enough electricity to power 50 to 75 homes.

"Proving the efficacy of the Beta Power System and its ability to generate grid-compatible power day in and day out is a huge milestone for America's ocean energy industry," said Chris Sauer, president and CEO of ORPC.

Tidal energy has the potential to be a billion dollar industry in Maine within the next seven to ten years, creating hundreds of jobs.

The bodies of water around Eastport have some of the most robust tidal currents in the world, and through ORPC's testing activities over the last three years, Eastport has become known as the Kitty Hawk of tidal energy. 

These include the TGU's proprietary advanced design cross-flow turbines, engineered with 100-percent composite materials, its permanent magnet generator, a substantially composite support frame, and a power electronics system that converts the generator's variable output to grid-compatible power.

Through a three-year partnership with the University of Maine, ORPC is also setting the standard for environmental monitoring of ocean energy systems with a program to observe the marine environment around the Beta Power System.

UMaine researchers, led by Gayle Zydlewski, Ph.D., are supervising the program. Data collected will allow UMaine and ORPC to better understand and help minimize any potential interaction between ORPC's technology and marine life.

Over the next two months, ORPC will also be demonstrating how tidal energy can be delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard for use at its Eastport station through a battery electrical supply system that is charged aboard the Energy Tide 2.

This is the first application of tidal energy by a federal agency.

"The Coast Guard in Maine encounters the power of the elements on a daily basis. Capturing some of these sustainable forces to help achieve our energy needs is a prudent and responsible thing to do. We are extremely pleased to be a part of ORPC's exciting initiative to harness tidal energy at Station Eastport," said Captain James McPherson, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector in Northern New England.

ORPC is one of the few companies in the world to have generated electricity from ocean currents without using dams or impoundments.

The company holds FERC preliminary permits and is in the process of obtaining FERC pilot project licenses for tidal energy sites in Maine and Alaska, which have been designated world-class tidal resources by the World Energy Congress.

ORPC's community outreach efforts in Eastport have been cited as the model for ocean energy development by the Governor of Maine's Ocean Energy Task Force.

ORPC's work is funded in part by Maine Technology Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The suspect in a weekend stand-off  was in provincial court  Monday.

RCMP said Joshua Robert Terry ,24, of Moncton is facing several charges in relation to Saturday's hostage taking in Lakeville, NB.

Terry is facing several charges including unlawful confinement, armed robbery, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, possession of weapon dangerous to public peace and mischief.

According to police, Caledonia RCMP were dispatched to a hold up alarm at a convenience store in Lakeville, New Brunswick at about 9:15 a.m.

A man armed with a knife had barricaded himself in the store along with the female clerk. No one else was in the store at the time.

Several streets were blocked of as the RCMP emergency response team, a negotiator, RCMP police dog and several police officers were on scene.

During the noon hour, the suspect released the clerk and attempted to run from police. He was caught by officers behind the store in a wooded area. The clerk was not physically injured.

Terry has been remanded into custody until Friday morning to set a date for a bail hearing.

RCMP say the body of a 53-year-old man has been recovered from the scene of an explosion at a house in Sussex Corner, New Brunswick.

Authorities identified the body as that of James Harvey Goddard, who lived in the house.

A 51-year old woman who also lived in the home managed to escape the blast. She was taken to a hospital and treated for a laceration to her head  and released.

The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Friday when there was an explosion followed by a fire at a residence on Post Road in Sussex Corner.

Five nearby homes were evacuated at the time. The residents were allowed to return home at around noon Saturday.

As of Saturday, the cause of the explosion was not known but the investigation is continuing.

A 24-year-old Nova Scotia man was arrested Friday morning by members of the RCMP Customs & Excise unit for being in possession of contraband cigarettes.

Authorities said Wade Sack of Indian Brook, Nova Scotia, was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 2 in Saint-Leonard in northwestern, New Brunswick, along the border with Maine.

Officers seized 50,000 contraband cigarettes, as well as the vehicle being used to transport the illegal cigarettes. The vehicle has been forfeited to the Crown.

Investigators believe the illegal cigarettes were destined for Nova Scotia.

Sack, who had two outstanding arrest warrants stemming from 2009 for possession of 90,000 illegal cigarettes, appeared before the Grand Falls Provincial Court to face charges  related to both of these offences.

He was sentenced to pay fines totalling $57, 525.

THIS STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER- 

ST. STEPHEN - The town is waiting for the green light from the federal government before it begins site work in advance of construction of the Garcelon Civic Center.

John Ferguson, the town's chief administrative officer (CAO), said the town is still working on a final audit in preparation for presentation to the federal government for approval.

Once that approval is received, Ferguson estimates activity on the downtown waterfront site would take at last a month preparing for the demolition of the existing building.

The federal and provincial governments have each committed $6.2 million to the project. The town has committed $2.1 million and a public fundraising campaign has raised $3.5 million.

Ferguson said he did not expect the building of the civic centre to interfere with any future events traditionally held in the area where the complex will be built.

The International Lumberjack Championship was held Aug. 2 and the horsepull Aug. 7. Both events are part of the annual International Homecoming Festival and draw large crowds of onlookers.

"We want to be respectful of some of the events that are being planned. Any of the site work that would occur this year would be related to the building coming down."

"Major construction is not planned until 2011 so we feel we still have a little flexibility so we want to work with our local organizers when they're having these events, make sure they get off the ground and we don’t want to interfere with them," said Ferguson.

He expects when the civic centre is completed there will still be room to hold those popular events.

"The civic centre will be back far enough that I don’t think it will interfere at all," said Ferguson, suggesting that having the civic centre in that location could actually enhance the traditional festival events.

ABOVE STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER

The Maine Board of Environmental Protection has granted Calais LNG another month to secure financial backing.

Intervenors Save Passamaquoddy Bay/ Nulankeyutomenen Nkihtahkomikumon, Conservation Law Foundation and Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission opposed the extension arguing  that Calais LNG should withdraw its applications.

BEP Board Chair Susan Lessard wrote that "the financial capacity standard in the site location of Development Law is not a threshold requirement that must be met for processing of an application. Rather, it is a licensing criterion for which evidence is supplied during the licensing process and in fact a permit may be granted with a condition that a final demonstration of financial capacity be made prior to construction."

"Therefore," Lessard wrote, "lack of financial capacity at this point does not legally compel withdrawal of the application."

Local LNG opponents responded.

Save Passamaquoddy Bay researcher Robert Godfrey stated, "We continue to believe that Calais LNG, by its own admission in multiple filings to the State of Maine, has not adequately completed its permit applications and cannot demonstrate financial capacity that is a legal prerequisite for state environmental permitting."

The Machias, ME, Post Office is offering a special pictorial postmark to help celebrate the town's Annual Wild Blueberry Festival.

The postmark will serve as a memento of a long weekend program of crafts, food, entertainment, contests, and "all things blueberry" as the town comes alive with fun for the whole family.

The festival will take place from Friday through Sunday August 20 through August 22. Admission is free.

On Saturday, August 21 from 10 AM to 2 PM, Machias Postmaster Karen Wallace and her staff will be available at customer request to stamp letters and postcards with a unique postmark documenting the festival.

Specially authorized by the U.S. Postal Service, this special postmark is a wonderful way to take home an inexpensive souvenir of the event.

Customers can request the special postmark free-of-charge by mail for 30 days after the event by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope containing the letter or envelope they wish to be cancelled to: Postmaster, 89 Court Street, Machias, ME 04654-9998. "We will be happy to cancel and mail back any letters that our customers mail in," said Postmaster Karen Wallace.

"Customers may also bring in their own envelopes to obtain a postmark that they can take home as a keepsake." For more information, call Machias Postmaster Karen Wallace at 207-255-3725.

The RCMP is investigating a number of complaints throughout New Brunswick of someone attempting to defraud seniors.

According to police, the potential victim receives a call from a person claiming to be an investigator from their bank or their bank manager requesting their help to solve an internal theft.

The person is instructed to withdraw several thousand dollars from their bank account, then meet the caller outside the bank or at a designated location where they will exchange the money.

It's only after the money has been exchanged that individuals realize they have been a victim of fraud.

This past Monday, the Oromocto RCMP received a report of an elderly woman losing several thousands dollars in this type of fraud. The following day, the same scam was attempted with an elderly woman in Riverview. The Riverview woman however refused to cooperate. A similar type of scam has been done in New Brunswick before. Investigations are ongoing.

"In New Brunswick RCMP jurisdiction, we have had six similar cases reported over the past several years," states Cst. Chantal Farrah.

"The victims in all of these cases were elderly women, who are trusting individuals, wanting to help. It's this trust that the con artist takes advantage of and in some cases they will target the same person more than once."

The RCMP is reminding people that financial institutions do not require a citizens help in this manner to investigate internal issues and that these requests are a scheme to steal money.

Anyone who is contacted by someone with a similar request should contact the police immediately to report it. Anyone with any information can contact police or New Brunswick Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

1. Best overall entry......................Ganong Bros Ltd.

2. Best parade theme..................Johnson's Hardware

3. Most humorous entry..............Hunstman Marine Science Centre

4. Best commercial entry.............Barbara's School of Dance

5. Best non-commercial entry......Luxor Shriners

6. Outstanding antique.................Calais [Mack] antique fire truck

7. Greatest community effort........Calais Class of '55

The signs are on the windows and there'll be no reprieve this time as My Favorite Things closes their store in downtown Calais  this November.

Sad window dressing-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"The timing is just right" say owners Melissa and Carl Royer in a press release. "After eleven years in Calais, we just felt it was time for a change. The economy of course has had a lot to do with our decision."

Both Royers have day jobs.

"We both have always worked outside the store in professional positions, and have had changes this year that just haven’t allowed us to be as much a part of the store as we would like to be. So this is just a good time to take a break."

Before the store existance, the Royers started on a few card tables back in 1999 when the former AMES department store had a little festival in their parking lot.

From there, the Royer's vended at several of the other festivals throughout Washington County during the summer of 1999, and were encouraged to open up an actual store.

In that time, the store has moved twice,  finally moving to their current location in 2004.

Facade of MFT -WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Throughout all these moves, new lines of products were added, and with the current location, coffee-shop type music shows were presented by the likes of Johnny Hiland, Dana and Susan Robinson, and Travis James Humphrey.

The Royers were instrumental in having the downtown park stage constructed through their association with the Calais Rotary Club.

Interior of MFT-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"Our customers have been wonderful, and we will definitely miss them the most. And our employees have been like family! But we have no regrets, as we have made wonderful friendships with so many people over the years, and are thankful to have had the opportunity to be part of the Calais business community during the past decade," the Royers said in a their press release. 

The store's last day will be November 19. 

As part of a sewer system upgrade project in Machias, Route 1/Main Street in Machias will be closed as posted for construction.

Machias Police tell WQDY NEWS the closure affects Main Street at the One Stop to the intersection of Main and Center Street.

No thru traffic is being permitted on Main Street from the intersection of Main Street  and Center Street intersection to the Route 1A and Main Street intersection by the Subway Restaurant.

Detours and closures are clearly marked.

Large vehicles and tractor trailer traffic should use Route 1A between Machias to Jonesboro when the detour is indicated.

The Court Street detour posted for local traffic around the construction IS NOT user friendly for the larger vehicles.

The project is scheduled to last for 7 days. Closures will be posted when in effect. 

Coast Guard officials are investigating the origins of a phony Mayday call in the Eastport area Saturday evening. 

"Helicopter going down! Helicopter going down! Mayday! Mayday! St. Croix River" came over VHF Marine Channel 16, the radio frequency used for international hailing and distress.

Coast Guard Station Eastport immediately responded as darkness fell Saturday night.

Petty Officer Cameron McCabe of Station Eastport told WQDY NEWS the Mayday call had been received at approximately 8:20 p.m.

The Coast Guard also had help from the Border Patrol -- a 25-foot response boat as well as an aircraft.

"We proceeded all the way to Calais. We didn't sight anything," McCabe said.  

Then an object was spotted from the air in the St. Croix River just east of the golf course.

"It turned out to be a jet ski moored to a dock," McCabe said.

McCabe said crews used flares to illuminate some areas and found nothing.

"No debris, no fuel sheens or anything."

"At that time, we tracked all the way back to Eastport. Our guidance then was to suspend the search for the evening and conduct a first light search," McCabe said.

Crews were back out at 5:30 Sunday morning.

"We searched for approximately another five hours on Sunday morning via the St. Croix River and Oak Bay in Canadian waters. From there, we did another track line search from Calais back to Eastport. Again, negative results. Nothing, no debris or anything found there," McCabe said.

It was about 10:30 Sunday morning when officials suspended the search.

"An uncorrelated Mayday," McCabe said of the helicopter down report.

Officials have determined the radio transmissions involving the mayday originated from the local area.   

Searching the St. Croix River and vicinity wasn't the only checking authorities were doing during the air and water search.

"We called local hospitals to see if they possibly had a LifeFlight. Some of the Border Patrol agents told us that they had actually had that happen before where LifeFlight will come from other areas and not really knowing the area -- and they'll hover and sometimes local citizens will be concerned about the 'erratic' operation of the aircraft." 

"Calais Regional didn't have a LifeFlight at all Saturday evening," McCabe said.

Coast Guard Sector Northern New England said the incident is under investigation.

Local law enforcement was also advised of the report along with the Maine State Police. 

Trooper Staci Carpenter and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to the Robbinston area to assist.

State Police said Monday, the USCG had received a mayday call from a subject reporting that a helicopter was about to go down in the St. Croix River in the Robbinston area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Maine State Police in Orono at 1-800-432-7381 and leave a message for Trooper Carpenter.

Coordination between the U.S. Coast Guard and local responders led to the rescue of six people from an island off the southern Maine coast late Sunday night.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Wells and Kennebunk Fire Department rescue crews respond to a distress call near Cape Porpoise.

Authorities said the operator of a 20-foot motorboat with six passengers called Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor reporting their vessel struck a rock near Folly Island and was taking on water at approximately 11 p.m.

A Coast Guard 47-foot motor life boat crew and fire department vessels were unable to reach the vessel due to the water's depth and rough weather.

Fire department responders used inflatable boats that could safely reach Folly Island. Rescuers waded through waist-deep water to reach the vessel passengers and brought them to shore.

A Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter hoisted two passengers and transported them to the Portsmouth Memorial Hospital due to minor injuries.

All six passengers are reported to be in stable condition.

"The success of this rescue is a tribute to the seamless coordination with the local fire departments," said Cmdr. Philip Thorne, Response Department Head at Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. 

"Their tremendous efforts and innovative response brought these people to safety more efficiently and safely than would have been possible if the Coast Guard had responded alone."

Stolen drugs, stolen luggage, stolen ID, drivers duking it out and a report of a "hot" stove are among the incidents handled by Troop J over the past week. Here are some highlights: 

August 2:

Trooper Greg Roy investigated an assault complaint in Blue Hill. A woman reported that she had been assaulted by another woman as she was picking up her children at their father's residence. The other woman also reported that she had been assaulted by the caller. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's office for review.

August 3:

Trooper Andrew Foss responded to a family fight complaint in Pembroke involving a woman and man. This was found to be verbal in nature and they were separated for the night.

Trooper Greg Roy investigated a criminal mischief complaint in Sedgwick. The caller reported that his boat had been shot sometime within the last ten days. The Maine Marine Patrol was also notified of this incident and the investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Roy investigated a threatening complaint in Deer Isle. The caller reported that a man had approached her and told her that he was going to make her life a living hell. The man admitted that he had confronted the caller but denied making any threats.

Trooper Greg Roy received a theft complaint from Blue Hill. The caller reported that her boyfriend had taken three hundred dollars from her the previous day and she believed he was on his way out of state. The complaint was determined to be unfounded.

Trooper Mike Southard received a theft complaint from Addison. The caller reported that she had gone to the store yesterday and when she returned she discovered that her Xanax had been taken. The investigation continues.

Trooper Mike Southard received a complaint from a woman reported that she came out of the Columbia Supermarket this morning and discovered a man going through the glove box of her vehicle. There did not appear to be anything missing from the vehicle. The investigation continues pending contact with the man.

Trooper Mike Southard received a theft complaint from a woman who is visiting the Steuben area from Connecticut. The woman reported that approximately 70 of her Oxycontin had been stolen approximately three weeks ago and she needed a police report before she could have her prescription refilled. The investigation continues.

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a theft complaint from a woman who reported that her wallet had been taken from her luggage at the Trenton Airport on July 18. The investigation continues.

Trooper Cliff Peterson investigated an ID theft complaint in Orland. A woman reported that the ID theft involved her husband. The theft may be an error from a court in New York involving a subject with a similar name. The investigation continues.

August 4:

Trooper Daniel Ryan and Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to a domestic assault complaint in Stonington involving a man and woman. By the time the Troopers arrived, they couldn't find the man and the woman was uncooperative. This case will be turned over to the DA for review.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to a theft complaint at a restaurant in Hancock where customers had left without paying for over $70 worth of food. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a phone harassment complaint in Otis where a woman was reporting that her child was getting unwanted texts from the child's father. Both the caller and the father were warned for harassment against each other.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to a family fight complaint in Grand Lake Stream involving two brothers who were spoken to about their conduct and were separated for the night by their parents.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Baileyville Police with a domestic assault complaint and a theft complaint.

Trooper Staci Carpenter responded to a two vehicle accident on Route 1 in Dennysville. The complainant reported that the two people involved in the accident were fighting. One driver approached the other in a threatening manner and was hit in the face. The pugilist was summonsed for assault.

August 5: 

Trooper Andrew Foss assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Harrington with a family fight complaint.

Trooper Andrew Foss responded to a harassment complaint in Marshfield where two women were warned not to harass a man.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to a family fight complaint in Machiasport involving a woman and her step-daughter. This started as a verbal argument and the mother slapped the step daughter. No one wished to pursue charges.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer investigated an assault complaint from a man that a 31-year-old woman had scratched him. As a result, she was summonsed for assault.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a burglary located on Old Route 1 in Hancock. The caller reported that someone has removed her Avalon Pellet Stove from her residence. The Avalon stove is the "Arbor" model with a serial #2305000775. The house is for sale and has it listed through a local agency.

Trooper Christopher Smith and Sgt. Tim Varney responded to the Whitmore Road in Mariaville for a family fight. The caller stated her husband was intoxicated and driving their car around. After interviewing the woman, it was determined that no assault had occurred and the man was warned not to have further contact with the caller.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer served a protection order on a man in Robbinston.

Trooper David Barnard responded to the Big Apple in Orland to remove a male who was in the parking lot.  The man, from Searsport, was warned not to return to the Big Apple.

August 6:

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a hit and run accident in Stonington where an unoccupied vehicle was struck and the offending vehicle fled the scene. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer is investigating a credit card fraud complaint from Northbrook Police in Illinois where packages were delivered to a man in Lubec.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer and Trooper David Barnard responded to a noise complaint from a woman in Princeton. The origin of the noise was located and police asked the owner to keep the music down. He believed that his home was far enough away from other homes and did not realize that others heard it.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer and Trooper Tom Fiske responded to a family fight in Danforth. The complaint was a man who stated that he heard the couple yelling and screaming at each other for hours. At the time of arrival the parties were already separated. Both parties claimed the fight was verbal in nature and the parties were separated for the night.

August 7:

Trooper Staci Carpenter and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to the Robbinston area to assist the U.S Coast Guard and the U.S. Border Patrol with a report of a possible helicopter crash. The USCG had received a mayday call from a subject reporting that a helicopter was about to go down in the St. Croix River in the Robbinston area. The area was searched by air and watercraft and there was no sign of a crash site in the area. The report was believed to be a hoax but anyone with information is asked to call the Maine State Police in Orono at 1-800-432-7381 and leave a message for Trooper Carpenter. [See full WQDY NEWS story on this page] 

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a bail violation reported by a man in Hancock. The caller reported that a 34-year-old woman was in violation of her bail conditions by calling and leaving messages for him. Trooper Greg Roy located her in Stonington and arrested her for the bail violation. She was also summonsed for possession of a useable amount of marijuana.

August 8:

Trooper Staci Carpenter arrested a 63-year-old Machias man for operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor in Machias. He was transported to the Washington County jail where an intoxilyzer test administered. A passenger in the vehicle, a 43-year-old Georgia woman, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Penobscot County for failure to appear on an OUI charge.

Trooper Greg Roy responded to a two vehicle personal injury accident on Route 1 in Orland. The operator of one of the vehicles involved in the accident, a 46-yera-old man from Ellsworth, was placed under arrest for operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor. He was transported to the Hancock County jail where an intoxilyzer test was administered.

Congratulations to the Senior Little League Baseball State Champions from District 1 Calais on a great tournament despite their loss to a team from Rhode Island Monday afternoon.

The team played in the Little League Northeast Regional Championship in New Jersey.

In game one Friday, Calais lost to Wilmington, Delaware 11-4.

On Sunday, Calais shut out Bridgeport, Connecticut 7-0.

But on Monday, Johnston, Rhode Island beat Calais by a score of 8-6 in a double elimination tournament.

A Calais man has been arrested in connection with recent thefts of copper around the city.

Calais Police Sgt. Chris Donahue told WQDY NEWS Officer Greg Sawyer completed an investigation Thursday night and arrested Eric Greenier, 28, and charged him with the burglary of the residences.

Donahue said upwards of ten houses had been allegedly broken into where copper had been stolen.

"From information we got last night [Thursday] that led us to three other residences that we weren't aware of --that hadn't been reported. The owners are still not aware, we're still trying to track down who they are."

Donahue said Greenier had help in removing copper.

"He had some assistance and there may be other charges [that] come out of this but for right now, he's the main character and the one that was arrested," Donhaue said.

Eight thefts were reported to police

"And we found a few more from some information that we had gotten that led us to the other places, one of them a camp. I'm not ready to divulge all the specific addresses and homeowners because we still are collecting all that," Donahue said.

"The damages and the loss is quite significant. You figure what it's going to take to re-plumb -- anybody that's ever built a house knows how expensive it is to have a plumber come in and plumb a house. I'm sure it's going to be more than that to redo an old house."

Thieves took everything that was copper

"He took everything that was copper. Even some of the electrical lines --so they've got to have an electrician. If there was a propane line that was taken out of it or water lines, all that is going to have to be replaced," the sergeant said.

Donahue wouldn't dare put a dollar value on the copper thefts.

"It's going to be a lot -- it'll be very excessive," Donahue said.

Greenier was being held in the Washington County Jail Friday afternoon.

RCMP say two people have been arrested as part of an investigation into drug trade activities in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick.

Authorities executed a search warrant at a home in Blacks Harbour Thursday evening.

According to the RCMP, items seized included a quantity of marijuana which they said could have potentially produced an excess of  5,000 joints. Drug paraphernalia and over $4000 in cash was also seized.

A 33-year-old-man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested and later released. Police said they will be appearing in court at a later date to face drug trafficking charges.

A structure fire destroyed a garage and damaged a residence in  Charlotte Tuesday morning.

ABOVE: Firefighters check for extensions around home as garage smolders-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO 

ABOVE: Firefighter douses hot spots-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Charlotte firefighters got the call around 10:30 a.m.

Meddybemps firefighters and Downeast EMS  also responded to the scene on the Ayers Junction Road.

ABOVE: Intense heat melted vinyl siding on residence-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Charlotte Fire Chief Dana Hatton told WQDY NEWS the building "pretty near a total loss" when he arrived.

Firefighters had two engines pumping water on it -- they set up a pump to get water out of a nearby pond. Tankers also brought water to the scene.

ABOVE: Melted vinyl siding and tires on tractor-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

The heat from the fire melted the vinyl siding on the home several feet away from the garage.

The chief said there were three or four small utility vehicles parked in the yard that lost their tires due to the heat.

ABOVE: Firefighters work on the fire under the charred debris-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"We got water on it and knocked it down, apparently just in time because the siding, really was melted. It wouldn't have taken much more for the home to be on fire, Hatton said.

ABOVE: Some stubborn spots-Tom McLaughlin WQDY NEWS PHOTO

As to what may have started the fire, Hatton told us, "The only portable tool that the owner says he was using in there this morning was a portable grinder. No real flame source --there was electricity in the building, but no real knowledge [as to the cause]. The owner was either out by the mailbox or visiting a neighbor when he saw and called it in," Hatton said.

Members of Eastern Maine Electric Cooperative (EMEC) members will be receiving another drop in overall electric rates, beginning with their August bills.

The announcement was made at the Cooperative's Annual Meeting last Saturday. An energy credit line item worth more than half a penny per kiloWatt-hour (-0.5433 cents kWh) will appear in the delivery section of the EMEC bills for about six months.

For a family using 600 kWhs per month, the total savings will be approximately $3.26 per month. This will be the second decrease in overall electric costs for EMEC members this year.

The announcement of the energy credit follows an April drop in the Standard Offer supply rate to EMEC members of approximately 1.796 cents /kWh.

Beginning with electricity used on or after April 1, 2010, EMEC members began purchasing power from New Brunswick Power Generation Corporation (NB Power) at a rate of 7.354 cents/kWh, down from 9.15 cents/kWh for energy used before that date.

EMEC's Chief Executive Officer, Scott Hallowell, said Saturday that the energy credit is the result of an arrangement negotiated by the Cooperative under the previous Standard Offer contract in early 2008.

Initially, the lowest bid price accepted for that older contract was 9.402 cents /kWh. The Cooperative then negotiated an arrangement that resulted in cost reductions for the supplier, and those cost reductions were passed on to EMEC members.

This lowered the contract from 9.402 cents/kWh to 9.15 cents.

"In addition to the initial rate reduction," Hallowell said at Saturday's meeting, "there was also a provision which would provide for the possibility to accumulate additional savings, based on certain conditions."

It is these savings that will be distributed to EMEC's members under the energy credit for approximately six months starting in August.

The announcement was made as part of the CEO's report at Eastern Maine Electric's Annual Meeting, held this year at Katahdin Elementary School in Stacyville.

EMEC Board President R. Scott Skinner and Board Secretary Wallace Lindahl reported to the members on recent progress at the Cooperative.

Over 350 people from Washington, Penobscot, and Aroostook Counties attended the meeting.

EMEC is a not-for-profit, consumer-owned utility serving 3,000 square miles of territory in parts of those three counties.

Fights, burglaries,unsolicited dog-walking and throwing rocks and/or bottles are among the various complaints covered by Maine State Police Troop J over the past week. You can't make this stuff up.

July 26:

Trooper Mike Southard summonsed a 25-year-old Addison woman for improper attachment of registration plates as the result of a traffic stop in Columbia Falls.

Trooper Greg Roy responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in Deer Isle. The caller reported that she had recently moved out of a man's residence in Deer Isle. She told police the man had threatened to kill her if she moved out. He was arrested for criminal threatening and taken to the Hancock County jail.

Trooper Christopher Smith responded to a single vehicle crash on Route 182 in Franklin. The pickup truck involved in the crash split in two with the cab separating from the frame. Police said the driver, Jared Sandstrom, 21, of Gouldsboro caused the crash and was transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center for his injuries. Trooper Barry Curtis assisted.

Trooper Christopher Smith received a criminal mischief complaint from a residence on the Tunk Lake Road in Sullivan. The caller reported that her mailbox was damaged overnight. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a theft/criminal mischief complaint from the caretaker of the St. Croix International Waterway Commission. A picnic table was stolen from the Little Falls campground in Vanceboro and a walking bridge was burned. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Maine State Police in Orono at 1-800-432-7381 and leave a message for Trooper Sawyer.

Trooper Barry Curtis investigated a theft at a home in Addison. The total value of items removed from the residence $12,000.00.

July 27:

Trooper Daniel Ryan and Trooper Christopher Smith responded to Orland for a family fight complaint involving a 23-year-old man. He allegedly had taken a woman's wallet and pocketbook. Bucksport Police arrested him for illegal attachment of plates and the woman's items were returned to her, but she did not wish to pursue charges against him.

Trooper Greg Roy and Sgt. Alden Bustard assisted Hancock SO with an assault complaint in Stonington. Sgt. Alden Bustard and canine "Zack" responded to Fox Lane in Surry to assist the Warden Service with a track of a thirteen-year-old boy who had left his foster home on foot. Lt. Christopher Coleman also responded to the scene and located the boy on the beach. The boy was returned to his foster home.

Trooper Christopher Smith responded to a residence in Otis for a family fight. The female caller reported to her ex-boyfriend that she was being beaten. Troopers Smith and Kyle Willette arrived at the residence to discover that the incident was verbal in nature and that the female denied being assaulted. The woman's husband was located in Ellsworth and confirmed that the argument was verbal and that no assault had taken place.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received criminal trespass complaint from a woman in Grand Lake Stream that another woman, from Connecticut had trespassed into her home to take the dog out for a walk the day before. The woman was warned about entering others homes without permission. She was concerned for the dog because he was barking and crying and she hadn't seen anyone there in three days.

July 28:

Trooper Mike Southard investigated a late report car/deer accident that had occurred in Hancock. The 47-year-old operator of the vehicle of Sullivan, was summonsed for operating after suspension, failure to report an accident by quickest means and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Trooper Mike Southard investigated a burglary complaint in Franklin. The male caller reported that the storage building at the Bayview Cemetery had been broken into and a Craftsman riding lawnmower had been taken. The investigation continues.

Trooper Staci Carpenter responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in Charlotte. The couple is currently in the process of divorcing and had been arguing. The dispute was verbal in nature and no further action was taken. Trooper Tim McCadden also assisted at the scene.

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a report of a 79-year-old female who had wandered away from a residence in Trenton. The female suffers from short term memory loss and becomes disoriented easily. The female was located at a residence a short time later. Sgt. Alden Bustard and canine "Zack" also responded to the scene to assist with a track. The Hancock County Sheriff's Office and Marine Patrol also assisted at the scene.

Trooper Andrew Foss received a theft complaint in Wesley where a check had been forged and cashed. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

July 30:

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a theft complaint from a man who reported that his computer was stolen out of a vehicle while it was parked at the Beech Hill Pond beach parking area. The man described his computer as a black Dell Vostro 1500 with a service tag of HN00QD1.

Sgt.Tim Varney investigated a car-bear crash on Route 3 in Trenton. There were no injuries and the Honda sustained about $4,000.00 damage. The bear fled the scene into the woods and was not found.

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi assisted the Hancock Sheriff's Office in Hancock by attempting to locate a suicidal woman that had left the hospital. She was located by Hancock S.O.

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi, Trooper Jason Fowler and Warden Wayde Carter responded to a shots fired complaint in East Machias where it was reported that a 40-year-old man was shooting towards other people. Sgt. Ingemi arrested the man for criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and violation of conditional release. He was also summonsed for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a usable amount of marijuana.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a family fight complaint in Blue Hill involving a woman and a 43-year-old man. He was arrested for domestic violence terrorizing after it was found that he had threatened the woman with an axe.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled an identity theft complaint in Trenton where a man's identity had been compromised by someone in California. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a threatening complaint in Lamoine where a person reported being threatened with a clam hoe by clam diggers. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted the Hancock Sheriff's Office and the Maine Warden Service in Brooklin with search for a suicidal male which was reported to have possibly gone into a wooded area. He was located the following day.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Baileyville Police with a vehicle fire.

Trooper Dennis Quint responded to Pembroke for a found property complaint where a Marlin .336 lever action rifle had been located when draining the river off the Little Falls Road. This gun was rusted and attempts to obtain serial numbers were unsuccessful.

July 31:

Trooper Christopher Smith assisted Gouldsboro Police Department Sergeant James Malloy with a suspicious complaint at the inactive Navy Base on Route 195 in Corea. As a result, three suspects were identified, and a vehicle was impounded. The suspects were removing large amounts of copper and steel from the buildings on the Navy Base.

Trooper Christopher Smith assisted the Town of Hancock Animal Control Officer with serving a summons.

Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted the Hancock Sheriff's Office in Sorrento with a family fight involving a firearm.

Trooper Andrew Foss and Trooper John Matthews responded to a tractor trailer roll-over crash in Whiting where a fish truck lost a wheel causing the truck to lose control and rollover spilling 22,000 pounds of bait fish. MDEP and MDOT also responded along with the local fire department.

Trooper Andrew Foss and Trooper Dennis Quint responded to an assault complaint in Lubec where a 17-year-old male, a 30-year-old male and a 22- year-old female reported having been assaulted during the night by a 21-year-old male and another male while at a party. Trooper Foss arrested one man on a probation violation and aggravated assault. Investigation continues pending contact with the other man.

Trooper Andrew Foss and Trooper Dennis Quint responded to an assault complaint in Wesley where a man reported being assaulted by another man after he threw rocks at his vehicle the previous night. Investigation continues pending contact with the other person.

August 1:

Trooper Mike Southard and Sgt. Alden Bustard assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with a fight between two groups of lobstermen in Machiasport. The sheriff's department arrested one of the subjects involved for assault and another was summonsed for criminal mischief.

Trooper Mike Southard responded to a threatening complaint on blueberry grounds in Township 19. A security guard at the compound reported that a Hispanic male had been drinking and had threatened two other subjects with a knife. A 34-year-old man, of Eagle Pass, Texas was arrested for terrorizing. Sgt. Alden Bustard and S/A Mike Crabtree also assisted at the scene.

Trooper Greg Roy received a complaint that a 35-year-old woman from Ellsworth was at a residence in Fletcher's Landing and was intoxicated. The woman is currently on bail on a domestic assault charge with conditions that prohibit her from consuming alcohol. She was arrested for violation of conditions of release and then transported to the Hancock County jail where an intoxilyzer test was administered.

Trooper Christopher Smith received a suspicious complaint in Trenton that a juvenile male and female were seen in the area attempting to remove the outboard motor from a boat. The caller reports that there is no damage to the boat or the motor. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a criminal trespass complaint from a woman from New Jersey that another woman had trespassed on her property and was throwing rocks. Upon arrival it was found that the other woman had not been on her property. The caller had found a bottle in her yard and threw it into the other woman's yard and the woman threw it back.  The caller then made a complaint that people were throwing bottles in her yard, but she didn't know who.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a call to assist Border Patrol with two people in vehicles in Topsfield.

Trooper Barry Curtis was called to an assault in the town of Harrington. The female victim was transported to DECH with a possible injury to her shoulder. Investigation continues.

Sgt. Tim Varney assisted the Hancock Sheriff's Office with the crash of an ultra-light plane on Abrams pond in Franklin.

File under "that's show biz," the episode of the Cooking Channel show FoodCrafters that includes a segment on Raye's Mustard Mill has been postponed one week.

Originally scheduled to air at 10 p.m. on Monday, August 2nd, the entire episode, including a feature on Raye's Sweet and Spicy Mustard will now air at the same time on Monday, August 9th.

Elena McIntosh, producer of the Raye's Mustard feature, informed the mill's owners of the postponement in a phone call at the end of day Monday.

"They had told us that our segment would definitely be on tonight's [Monday] show, but now the entire episode has been pushed back, so it looks like we'll have to wait a week," said Karen and Kevin Raye, owners of the mill.

"Oh, well, we're looking forward to it whenever it happens!"

The mill, located in Eastport, Maine, is an authentic turn-of-the-last-century stone mill and working museum. Raye's Mustard Mill produces mustards using a traditional cold-grind process developed in Europe during the middle ages.

Kevin and Karen Raye are the fourth-generation of Raye's to own and operate the mill, which was originally built to supply Maine's once-thriving sardine industry.

While Maine's sardine industry is now history, the Raye's continue to operate North America's only remaining traditional stone-ground mustard mill.

Woods fire in Cathance Township Sunday 

ABOVE: Part of the area burned by a woods fire Sunday afternoon  in Cathance Township off Route 191. Dennysville, Pembroke, Cooper and Meddybemps firefighters responded as well as the Maine Forest Service.

Acreage involved and other info was not available. An unidentified ranger told WQDY NEWS that crews were "mopping up." 

WQDY NEWS PHOTOS

The International Homecoming Festival between Calais, Maine and St. Stephen, New Brunswick has begun.

Although the Calais-St. Stephen connection is much older, the International Festival celebrates that rich tradition.

The Festival started in 1974 as a three day celebration put on by the St. Stephen Rotary Club.

It has grown from its humble beginnnings to a week long event that includes concerts, a parade, craft fairs, street fairs, races, horse shows, beauty pageants and so much more ending with a spectacular fireworks show on the last night.

Many class and family reunions revolve around International Homecoming Festival and residents, as well as yearly visitors, look forward to the many summertime events.

Each year, a small group of volunteers takes on the challenge of planning the yearly festivities and raising enough money to pay for it!

The generosity of local businesses and local civic organizations has kept the festival running for 36 years and without them it just wouldn't happen!

This year's International Festival Parade starts at noon US time in Canada and proceeds down King St. to Milltown Blvd. through downtown St. Stephen, over the Ferry Point Bridge and through downtown Calais on Main Street where it will disband at the Memorial Park.

Spectators should be aware that the route does NOT include any part of North Street!

For a schedule of 2010 International Homecoming Festival events, visit their Web site-

WHITING, Maine - A truck carrying herring overturned on a sharp curve near the intersection of Route 189 and Route 1 in Whiting early Saturday, spilling its cargo and injuring the driver.

According to Maine State Police Trooper Andrew Foss, the driver of the truck blew a tire as he drove through the curve, causing the truck to flip on its side.

About 22,000 pounds of lobster-bait herring tumbled out alongside the road, and the truck owned by D.C. Airfreight of Winter Harbor sustained $25,000 in damage.

The driver, Royce Jordan, 44, of Franklin, was transported to Down East Community Hospital with leg injuries. Foss said the road was closed for several hours to clean up the spilled fish and remove the truck. No charges will be filed, Foss said.

The trooper was assisted at the scene by the Whiting Fire Department and the Department of Marine Resources.

This is the third time a fish truck has dumped its load in Esther MacLaughlin's front yard, her daughter, Robin McPhail said Saturday. "It is a really bad corner and many accidents have happened there," McPhail said.

The crash in Whiting was the second accident of this type in Washington County in just over a week. On Friday, July 23, a tractor-trailer overturned on Route 9 in Alexander and spilled its entire cargo of herring.

ABOVE STORY FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS

Calais officials say their mill rate has gone down but it may or may not help property owners.

Taxpayers in the city will be seeing their tax bills in a few days. The mill rate is lower but despite major efforts by city officials to cut local budgets the state is giving less and less revenue sharing to communities.

City Manager Diane Barnes told WQDY NEWS the city is right on target with the tax bills. Tax commitment day was Thursday.

"Like previous years, it's usually done in the last week of July and taxpayers should see their bills in the mail sometime next week."

"We are able to come in with a 1.3 mill decrease over last year's mill rate, the target that the city council was working towards was a 1 mill decrease -- so we exceeded the target which is going to be good for the taxpayers because of all the other issues facing the assessed values of what we had to do with tweaking them this year because of the ratios," Barnes said.

The state has decreased Homestead Exemption amount, which Barnes said the city has no control over that.

"Plus the loss of revenue from the state that exceeds about $170,000 and the way we dealt with that was through the budget process. We eliminated dispatch to help offset those revenue reductions," the city manager explained.

THERE IS A PROVISO --

"I just want to be clear that because we have 1.3 mill decrease, it doesn't mean people are going to see a lower tax bill base because of all the other factors involved in calculating the taxes this year," Barnes said.

City Assessor Lorna Thompson a valuation adjustment was made this year.

"Although the rate went down and the valuation went up -- you may see the same tax bill or you may see an increased tax bill depending on where you sit with all of that, with the age of your home and the size, and how that cost schedule change impacts your particular property," Thompson said.

"We saw about a $70 increase due to the Homestead [Exemption] change on that. Right now, our ratio is at 85-percent--that amount needs to be multiplied by your Homestead and your Veterans exemptions so people will actually see $8,500 for their Homestead Exemption and about $5,100 for their Veterans Exemptions this year," Thompson said.

The Homestead Exemption last year according to State law was $13,000.

"Last year, Calais' was $11,100 or 400. It hurts. There are going to be people who are going to feel that," Thompson said.

"We have no control over that. That's state-mandated and we have to follow the state laws," Barnes said.

"The main thing that the council wanted to do during this budget -- probably the most difficult budget they've ever had to deal with -- is to soften the impacts to the taxpayers by coming in with a very fiscally conservative budget and being able to drop the mill rate to help with the impacts -- to offset the impacts of the increases," Barnes added.

ANY EFFECTS ON BUSINESSES?

"Businesses will get the real benefit of this mill rate reduction because of the Homestead Exemption and the other exemption changes --they're not affected by that," Barnes noted. "We didn't do anything adjusting any values on businesses." 

"We only adjusted the buildings on the residential side and sales there indicate that my assessments are lagging below the sales -- they should be synonymous -- we should be as close to 100-percent of fair-market value as we can. I do not have enough sales of businesses to be able to justify an increase or a decrease at that point, so we have just left those alone for this year and tried to address the sales information that we have available," Thompson said.

"The only time it would impact the businesses is if [the assessor]picked up improvements to their businesses during the year that would increase their value because of that but if they didn't then they'll see a reduction in their tax bill," Barnes said.

Earlier this week, Eastport was grappling with the same issue of taxes and reduced revenues from the state. When it was done, their mill rate increased 8.1 percent.

There's been some local rumblings this week and maybe no one noticed.

But they didn't get by the New England Seismic Network, which according to an online posting, "recorded a magnitude 3.1 earthquake offshore Maine, 43Km south southeast of Eastport on July 25. This earthquake was felt along the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

There were another one Thursday, according to NESN --about 20.0km northwest of Machias. It was a 2.6 magnitude.

For more info see the Weston Observatory Web site: www.bc.edu/research/westonobservatory/northeast/recenteqs.html

or the U.S. Geological Survey Web site:

www.earthquake.usgs.gov

or Earthquakes Canada's Web site: www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca

MACHIAS --- A Lubec man who sold baseball cards and other merchandise over the Internet was sentenced Tuesday in Washington County Superior Court to seven years in prison with all but three suspended for theft by deception.

David Anderson, 66, also was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $6,500 in restitution to three victims, according to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.

Superior Court Justice Kevin Cuddy denied Anderson's request for a stay and ordered him to begin serving his sentence immediately.

In an April plea agreement with prosecutors, Anderson pleaded guilty to theft by deception. He was charged with a Class B crime because what he stole was valued at more than $10,000, according to Paul Cavanaugh, first assistant district attorney for Washington County.

Cavanaugh said Tuesday that Anderson offered items, including a large collection of baseball cards he had inherited from his father, for sale on the Internet between 2001 and 2005. After some of the sales were completed, local police and authorities in states where his customers lived, complained that the merchandise either never arrived or was not in the condition described by Anderson.

The investigation, according to the Washington County prosecutor, involved postal inspectors and the U.S. Attorney's Office. The state prosecutor said the case took so long to resolve because investigators had to track down victims, document sales and examine a number of victims' computers.

Cavanaugh said Tuesday that Anderson's victims numbered 25 and their losses were estimated at $87,000.

The prosecutor said it was not clear why Anderson was ordered to pay restitution only to three victims. The statute of limitations in Maine for Class B theft by deception is six years. It's possible that by the time investigators had enough evidence to prove Anderson had cheated some victims, the statute of limitations had expired, according to Cavanaugh.

Anderson's wife, Geraldine Anderson, 69, of Lubec originally also was charged with theft, Cavanaugh said. Part of her husband's plea agreement was that the charge against her be dropped at his sentencing.

Cuddy granted a motion to dismiss the charge against her Tuesday.

Anderson faced up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

[ABOVE STORY FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS]

A word to the wise:

During this New Brunswick Day long-weekend, the RCMP will conduct a number of checkstops throughout the province with a focus on the proper use of occupant restraints.

Police say approximately 90% of New Brunswickers use seat belts.

But it is the 10% who don't that accounted for 44% of those killed on New Brunswick roads so far this year.

Seat belts save lives.

The checkstops are part of the RCMP's ongoing commitment to make New Brunswick roads the safest in the country.

BLACKS HARBOUR - It all started with an invitation for tea and cake, reports The Saint Croix Courier.

It has resulted in Terry James, mayor of Blacks Harbour, being proclaimed as the People's Alliance of New Brunswick (PANB) candidate for Charlotte-The Isles.

James will run against incumbent Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet and Progressive Conservative candidate Sharon Tucker.

James said she didn't know anything about the party when a group of people invited her out for tea and cake and told her they would like her to be a candidate.

After meeting with leader Chris Austin and investigating the party's goals and what it stood for, James accepted the invitation.

"It took me a long time to decide. I wanted to make sure they were in keeping with my own values and beliefs."

If elected, James said she will resign with regret from the job as mayor which she has held for six years.

James was proclaimed a candidate at a convention Wednesday evening at the United Church in Bocabec. She said she really liked what she heard about PANB.

"It's all about representing the people. People were tired of the two party rule and wanted an effective second choice.

"I really, sincerely feel there’s a sense people want effective change in their government and in their representation in government and the time is right for that change. I will work tirelessly for the people of Eastern Charlotte."

"We're lacking a voice of reason, a voice of common sense in the Legislature. The voice of the common folk is not being heard and is being overwhelmed by the voices of those who are already enjoying the power."

James said Doucet is bound by party lines but admits he has worked hard for the people in his riding.

"I'm not going to run a campaign on negativity," she stated.

James said she is all about getting the job done and has a proven track record on council.

Her priority if elected would be to gain a secondary water source for the village, a critical necessity for its growth and economic development.

"If we can't say yes to economic growth and development, we might as well roll up our streets," said James. She noted taxes were up slightly in the village and the village has only experienced a 0.06 per cent growth."

"That's someone building a garage."

James hopes residents will attend a rally Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Eastern Charlotte Lions Club in Pennfield where they can meet PANB leader Austin.

[ABOVE STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER]

Calais police are investigating a burglary at the St. Croix #1 Fire House.

Police chief David Randall told WQDY NEWS Tuesday the case remains under investigation. Patrolman Greg Sawyer is handling the case.

ABOVE: Rear of the old fire house and bulkhead -WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"As far as I know we don't have any leads right now but he did find some material that was burned on the floor," the chief said.

There was also some damage done to the furnace.

It's believed the burglary happened sometime late Sunday night.

City hall officials found evidence of a burglary Monday when they went to the building to set up the polls for the school budget referendum vote Tuesday.

ABOVE: Facade of the St. Croix #1 Fire House-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"It appears that entry was made through the bulkhead through the cellar and up through. But the case is still under investigation," Randall said.

If anyone has information about the burglary, call the Calais police at 454-2752 during business hours or 454-2751 during non-business hours.

For the past several years a dedicated group of volunteers has been working hard to restore the brick structure and turn it into a fire fighting museum.

They've already got some exhibits waiting to occupy the space when it's done -- two vintage antique fire trucks, a 1917 and a 1926 Mack. 

According to a brief history of St. Croix # 1 written by Captain Dale Purton of the Calais Fire Department, the fire station was constructed after the Great Fire of 1870 when the City decided to upgrade the Fire Department. In late 1870, the City purchased two horse-drawn steam fire engines which were named the St. Croix No. 1 and Eagle No. 2.

The St. Croix No. 1 Engine was assigned to the Lowell Street Fire House and the Eagle No. 2 to the Milltown Fire House.

In 1872 Fire Chief William King reported that the Fire House on Lowell Street was in desperate need of repairs and that there was little room for apparatus and equipment. As a result, the City Council, in 1873, voted to build the fire house on Church Street.

In the summer of 1874, the fire department moved into the new building which was very modern for its time. The fire house was named the St.. Croix No. 1 because the St.Croix Steam Pumper and the St. Croix Ladder Co. had been moved to this location from Lowell Street. The fire house saw more construction in 1894 when the hose tower was added, and the name of the house changed from St. Croix No. 1 to Calais Fire Department Central Station.

In 1968, the City decided that the fire, police and public works departments had all outgrown their quarters and constructed a new public safety building on North Street to house all departments under one roof.

On April 12, 1970, the fire department moved into its new home and closed the doors to the Church Street Fire House for the final time, Purton wrote.

The St. Croix # 1 Firehouse is next door to Calais City Hall.

From 1970 to 2003, the building served as a meeting place for local senior citizens and occasional city council meetings.

The fire station was once used as a backdrop for a television commercial for the "Kodak Pocket Instamatic Camera" because it was the oldest fire house the producers could find.

ABOVE: The Delmonaco Brothers [Thomas DiCenzo] who restored the trucks have offered to house both antique fire trucks in the St. Croix #1 Fire House once the building is restored - WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO 

For more information about the St. Croix #1 Fire House, visit their Web site at  www.scfirehouse.com  [click]

Following a lengthy public hearing Monday night on the fiscal year 2011 budget, the Eastport City Council followed with a special meeting where they passed a budget that contains many cuts and reductions -- but still the tax rate will rise from $20.07 per one-thousand value to $21.69, an increase of 8.1 percent.

Facing reductions in state revenue sharing and school subsidies, the city made some drastic cuts as well.

But there are other costs that are not within Eastport's control.

One is a $47,000 increase in hydrant rental from the Passamaquoddy Water District.

Considering the 8.1 percent increase, there wasn't a large public presence on hand Monday night at Shead High School.

Just a few members of the public along with some department heads and budget committee members.

There was ample time given to the public to ask questions or comment.

"As we overcome the challenges ahead, I ask the citizens of Eastport to be mindful of the strain on resources and the balance needed and demands of what we have come to expect place pressures on the city resources. If we're to make Eastport an affordable city to live in, we must understand our services have their limits," City Manager Jon Southern told the council. 

As for school budget cuts, City Council President Bob Peacock said, "We're asking questions about the budget but it is down $656,000 from where it was. It's a very difficult thing to cut 22-percent of your budget and still educate the same number of children."

School Committee member Meg McGarvey talked about the state cutting tuition costs in Eastport.

"The State establishes the tuition rate in December and last year they cut our tuition rate by approximately $2,000 per student. So that's $160,000 out of our existing budget. We had to adapt to a change of that magnitude in the middle of the year. We have cut our costs. Our tuition rate will go down so this is that spiral. We have to change that. We have to start spending money here at the school. If we keep cutting and cutting, we're dead," McGarvey said.

"This budget is absolutely bare bones for the school," she added.

Former principal Jeanne Peacock commented, "I think that's probably the grossest unfairness I've ever heard of in education where [former superintendent] Terry Lux cut the budget by $100,000 to help the taxpayers save and we get struck with a $2,000 loss in tuition. It's so unfair."

"I don't know who'll win the governor's race but I think we should send a delegation down there to say to the governor --this has got to stop because we will lose our school. The state's helping to put the nails in the coffin," Peacock added.

Because of the AOS and putting budgets into place to meet the state law, the tax bills haven't gone out in Eastport yet and that's putting an additional squeeze on the municipality.

The city is using a line of credit to get by in the meantime because there are no tax dollars coming in..

Officials hope to get the bills out soon but in the interest of generating cash flow, they've shortened the time by a month of when interest will begin.

It was the first business day of November -- but after a vote last night, it'll be the first business day in October.   

This is a cautionary tale about what can happen to your old license plates.

Somewhere around Calais there's a red Dodge pickup truck that used to have North Carolina license plates.

It doesn't have them anymore.

But the victim in this case really isn't the victim at all.

Calais Police Officer David Claroni told WQDY NEWS they got a call from a gentleman who sold a vehicle and it still had his old North Carolina plates  attached to it.

"So the plates weren't removed when the vehicle actually changed hands and I guess the gentleman who purchased the vehicle was still riding around with the North Carolina plates attached to the truck," Claroni said.

The guy who sold his pickup truck -- in this case, the complainant, eyeballed his former vehicle -- with  HIS old plates attached -- in the IGA parking lot in Calais Saturday afternoon and called police.

"The truck was seen with a 'for sale' sign in the driver's side window and then a 'for sale' sign on a boat that was attached to the truck," Claroni said.

When police ran a computer check of the North Carolina license plate with Washington RCC dispatch, it came back to the truck's former owner -- the complainant.

"I took the plates off the truck," Claroni explained.

"Whoever had the keys to the truck must have moved it -- it's no longer there. I don't believe they realize there's no plate on it anymore," he said.

Claroni said he didn't know if people sometimes just neglect to re-register a vehicle when it changes hands but by law, technically, it's illegal attachment of plates. If you attach or keep the plates the old owner had on the vehicle, you can be cited or arrested for that.

So far the pickup truck's new owner hasn't gone to report his plates missing.

"I took the plate and it's gone to the Department of Motor Vehicles or will shortly. They'll will return it to North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles," Claroni said.

"The reason we do that is so no one can take the plate and put it on their vehicle and maybe go commit a crime and dump the plate. It's almost like an identity theft thing -- you really should dispose of your plates. Just take them back to DMV. It's a simple process -- leave them there with the people who working there and they'll take care of the rest," he said.

Asked if this incident was unusual or just routine, Claroni chuckled.

"I must be getting old. It doesn't seem that outlandish, I guess. I think sometimes, as do most people who have done this job for a length of time just shake their heads at some of the things you see."

Recalling advice from retired police chief Michael Milburn, Claroni related, "he always said you have a front row seat to the greatest show on earth and there's a lot to that."

In other words --- you can't make this stuff up!

Expensive and rare books missing, a test drive gone awry, apples with nails through them in a mailbox along with more run-of-the-mill complaints like theft, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and underage drinking dot this week's report from MSP Troop J. Here are some highlights: 

July 19:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a complaint from a Calais woman that two women were threatening to assault her in Princeton. The pair were warned to stay away from the caller and when asked, they said that she had called them.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a theft complaint in Castine where a wood-splitter was reported stolen from a shed. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a criminal threatening complaint in Brooklin. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to an underage party complaint in Princeton. A 16-year-old female was summonsed for illegal possession of alcohol by a juvenile, an 18-year-old woman was summonsed for illegal possession of alcohol by a minor and a 19-year-old man was later summonsed for furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol. Indian Township Police assisted.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a fraud complaint in Alexander where an unauthorized item was purchased on a credit card. The bank is handling the investigation.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a burglary complaint in Robbinston where checks were stolen from a residence. A 24-year-old Calais man was arrested for burglary, unlawful possession of cocaine and oxycontin, theft by deception and violation of conditional release. Calais Police assisted.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer summonsed a 19-year-old Alexander man on Route 9 for a minor transporting alcohol after a traffic stop.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a theft of medication complaint from Surry. The female caller was living with a man at her residence and she believed he took her medications. The man was questioned by police but denied taking the meds. Trooper Christopher Smith assisted.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a family fight complaint from Sedgwick. The female caller reported that her estranged husband had come to her residence while she was not home and damaged her bedroom door. The caller was uncooperative with a criminal investigation but Trooper Mitchell spoke to the man and warned him for his conduct.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a theft complaint from Trenton. It appeared that an employee was removing numerous electronics from nearly completed boats. The investigation continues.

July 20:

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer assisted the Washington County Sherriff’s Office in Charlotte for a suicidal subject.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer spoke with a Danforth man regarding a civil issue. and recommended that he contact the bank where he is the co-signer of his son's car loan --- that his son has not been paying.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a theft complaint from Dedham. The caller reported the theft of five older children's bicycles from the Pine Trail Road in Dedham. Investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a theft complaint from the Maine Maritime Academy. The investigation revealed the academy librarian believed to have several very expensive and rare books missing. He had learned that a subject from Bangor appeared to have the books for sale on E-bay. Trooper Greg Mitchell contacted the Bangor Police Department and discovered that they had similar incidents of books being taken from area campuses. The investigation continues.

July 21:

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a criminal mischief incident on Mill Road in Dedham. The caller reported that her husband arrived home to find several apples in the mailbox with nails through them. The apples were removed and investigation continues.

Trooper Mike Southard received a theft complaint from a Mariaville man. The caller reported that he had a 2000 Chevrolet Tracker that he had been trying to sell. Another man of the Mariaville area asked to take the vehicle for a test drive and never returned. He later contacted the caller and refused to tell him where the vehicle was. The investigation continues.

July 22:

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi and Warden Wayde Carter responded to East Machias for a trespassing complaint and a "shots fired" complaint. Warden Carter arrested a 40-year-old Portland man for disorderly conduct. Sgt. Ingemi also arrested the man for criminal mischief after he kicked and broke a cruiser window. The combatant was also summonsed for possession of a usable amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Trooper Miles Carpenter handled a burglary complaint in Perry where a seasonal camp had been broken into during the winter. Several items were stolen. Investigation continues.

Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to a tractor trailer roll-over crash on Route 9 in Crawford where a bait truck had crashed causing about 61,000 pounds of bait fish to spill from the vehicle. Troopers Andrew Foss, Jason Fowler, Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation and the Alexander Fire Department also assisted. The operator, Brian Wentzell, 56, of Nova Scotia, was found to not have a current duty status.

Trooper Miles Carpenter handled a phone harassment complaint in Edmunds.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Sullivan where a vehicle was broken into at Donnell Pond and camping gear was stolen. Investigation continues.

Trooper Staci Carpenter received a complaint from Lubec who reported that a 28-year-old Lubec man had intentionally rammed his ATV into a vehicle belonging to another woman. The man was located nearby and was arrested for operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor, criminal mischief, operating after suspension and violation of a protection order.

July 23:

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi conducted a traffic stop in Machias where a 20-year-old  was summonsed for unnecessary acceleration noise, illegal transportation of liquor by a minor, and possession of a usable amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. An 18-year-old passenger, of Machias was summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor. Another juvenile passenger from Machias was summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a juvenile. Trooper Jason Fowler notified the juvenile's parents and his probation officer of the incident.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a criminal mischief complaint in Sedgwick where it was reported that someone had entered a rental property and turned the faucet on causing water damage. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan handled a fraud complaint in Blue Hill where person requesting US Citizenship sent money to a company with no results. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey  assisted Ellsworth Police with a large underage party complaint in Ellsworth.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to a crash in Otis. The operator, a 16- year-old female of Holden, was processed for an administrative OUI. She was also summonsed illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Trooper Andrew Foss and Trooper Jason Fowler responded to a burglary complaint at the Meddybemps Post Office. Several items were stolen and the US Postal Inspector was notified. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler and Trooper Andrew Foss responded to Alexander for a large out of control party complaint. It was found that two men had a verbal argument. Everyone was warned for disorderly conduct. Baileyville Police assisted.

July 25:

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Eastbrook for a report that a 29-year-old man was walking around with a gun and on drugs. The man was arrested for violation of conditional release. Ellsworth Police and Hancock Sheriff's Office also responded.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Indian Township Police with the arrest of a subject in Princeton.

An adult and two teens have been arrested by the RCMP and town police in Woodstock, New Brunswick, in connection with a rash of vehicle thefts, break and enters and thefts from vehicles in the Woodstock area over the past few weeks.

Last week, Woodstock Town Police arrested and charged 18-year-old Dylan Turner from Woodstock. In his appearance in Woodstock Provincial Court, Turner pleaded guilty to one count of theft of a vehicle.

Carleton York RCMP also arrested a 16-year-old female and a 15-year-old boy in connection with these thefts.

The 16-year-old girl, of no fixed address, appeared in Woodstock Provincial Court Monday [July 26] where she pleaded guilty to five counts of theft of a vehicle, one count of theft from a vehicle, one count of theft of a cheque and one count of breach of probation.

The 15-year-old boy was released on conditions and will appear in court at a later date.

Authorities anticipate further charges and further arrests in connection with these thefts. The investigation continues.

Over the past two weeks, District 2 RCMP, working in collaboration with the Surete du Quebec, have successfully apprehended three people from Quebec for whom arrest warrants had been issued after they left New Brunswick and failed to appear in court to face charges.

"People may be under the impression that once they leave the province, they're home free, but that is not the case," says Cpl. Jacques Cloutier.

"We will cooperate with our partners in other jurisdictions in order to make sure these individuals are brought before the courts."

According to the RCMP, 43-year-old Leonard McTear of Brigham, Quebec was apprehended and returned to New Brunswick after failing to appear in Burton Provincial Court in June 7 to face charges of possession of ecstasy and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

McTear was initially arrested and charged in New Brunswick in February of this year. Police said Friday he was being escorted back to New Brunswick for a court appearance at a later date.

And 40-year-old Quentin Hadlock of Brome Lake, Quebec was apprehended and returned to New Brunswick after having failed to appear in Burton Provincial Court in June in connection to the same investigation.

Upon his return to New Brunswick, Hadlock was released on $3,500 bail and is scheduled to appear in court August 30, to set a trial date.

Police said another 48-year-old man was apprehended for failing to appear in court to face charges related to the sexual assault of a minor. They said that suspect was being escorted back to New Brunswick by District 2 RCMP members and will be appearing in court at a later date.

Somebody is copping copper from vacant homes in the Border City and the cops in Calais want you to be vigilant.

Calais Police Sgt. Chris Donahue told WQDY NEWS Friday that they've received three complaints recently of people getting into vacant houses and stealing the copper water pipes and other pipes.

"We're asking if you have a vacant house make sure you're extra vigilant on securing it. If you live next to a vacant house please be vigilant."

"If you see anything out of the ordinary, no matter what time of day or night it is, call the Calais Police at 454-2751 so we can investigate to make sure there's nothing inappropriate going on," Donahue said.

BAILEYVILLE, Maine - An Indian Township woman was killed and three other people injured Thursday afternoon when two vehicles crashed head-on.

Jane Tinker, 62, the operator of one of the vehicles involved, died at Calais Regional Hospital after the accident.

The accident occurred on a straight stretch of Route 1 on a clear afternoon, Police Chief Shawn Donahue said, and its cause remains under investigation.

He said, however, that speed and alcohol have been ruled out as factors. Tinker was driving a 2004 Chrysler van and her passenger, Alfred Socoby, 77, also of Indian Township, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The second vehicle, a 2007 Buick sedan, was operated by Tamara Thomson, 16, of Waite. She and her passenger, her mother, Stacey Thomson, 46, also of Waite, also were taken to Calais Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Donahue said both vehicles were demolished. No one had to be extricated nor was anyone ejected in the crash.

All occupants were wearing seat belts, he said. Donahue said he was assisted at the scene of the accident by Officer Andrew Seavey, the Baileyville Fire Department, Downeast EMS and Calais Fire Department EMS.

ABOVE STORY FROM THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS

Passamaquoddy High Stakes Bingo returns to Indian Township Saturday.

Walking into the renovated high stakes bingo facility on Route 1, the first thing that hits you is that "new" smell.

One look around will confirm it.

WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Tribal Governor William Nicholas gave WQDY NEWS a tour of the place Wednesday.

As the governor pointed out the attributes of the new hall, workers scurried putting the final touches in place such as hanging the tribe's cultural Native American decor on the walls and elsewhere.

WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"It's the theme," Nicholas said. "It is what it is and that's what we want people to know -- you're coming to the reservation to play high stakes bingo, to have a different experience."

High Stakes Bingo not new at Indian Township

"We had high stakes bingo here about 18 years ago and the State Police shut it down way back," Nicholas told us. The license has been sitting there a long time.

"When I got elected in 2006, I had two local elderly people who have passed now, ask me if we were ever going to do high stakes bingo again."

Nicholas said his first priority was to make sure the tribe was in a position to be sustainable.

"Get ourselves out of debt, bring integrity back to the tribe, and be able to sustain our current infrastructure which is our tribal reservation through our tribal administration and all our businesses," he said.

"It's taken us a little over three years to do that which is pretty quick. So the plan about a year and a half ago was, along with working with trying to get a racino in Calais, Indian Township always wanted to open up their high-stakes bingo," Nicholas explained.

"Things with some of our businesses turned well, we were able to invest back into our facilities, invest back into our community. Everything here we've done and we haven't borrowed anything to do it," Nicholas said.

It's been the works a year and a half but it's come to fruition in the past five months.

Much work with licensing

"We knew we could run a high-stakes bingo but we were concerned that with the Lucky 7 machines and the bill going through the Legislature -- the Legislature always usually, 99-percent of the time passes our bills, but they would get vetoed by [Maine Governor John Baldacci]."

WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"In this case, the governor signed the bill and so once we knew that bill was signed, we were very pro-active with moving forward, working with our compact --our memorandum of understanding with the State Police," Nicholas said.

"They've inspected this building, the Fire Marshal has inspected our facilities, we're all within code, our licenses are all current. Everything that we have to do for each machine is up to date."

"We're ready to roll this weekend," Nicholas said.

Jobs created from renovations

"We hired local crews from here on the reservation. Native American-preference crews that did this whole facility."

WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"This facility is immaculate," Nicholas beamed.

And although they didn't advertise, last weekend about 75 people came and were interviewed for possible employment at the facility.

"We'll be employing 20-30 people every weekend."

"When we start saying that it's not affecting the economy, it is. We believe that if we're employing 20 or 30 people that are working in this facility who can't gamble, come Monday, when they get paid, they're not going to be able to come back into this facility and put the money back in. We want them to utilize their resources for their children, for their homes, for everything that has to do with what their lives encounter and come back next weekend and go back to work again," the governor said.

The facility is air-conditioned, smoke-free and there's a kitchen. There's a designated area under cover for smokers as well.

"There's nothing like this in Washington County," Nicholas said. The closest one is the Penobscot Nation High Stakes Bingo.

As for the long term?

"If we fill this at 500 this weekend that's great. But if we bring in 200 or 250 we've just accomplished something." Advertising will bring more, word of mouth to the communities will bring more.

"We're taking Canadian money at par," Nicholas said.

We're trying to reach out not just to our neighbors around in the surrounding communities and the counties in Maine, but to the people in Canada -- New Brunswick -- other provinces and saying we have something here that we want to offer.

Building an economic base

"We want to be able to draw buses in from the provinces of Canada and anywhere else, have them stay in Calais -- feed that economy. People that are going to be there for the weekend are going to go to the downtown. We're going to utilize those facilities and everything that we've done here in this facility has been local," Nicholas said.

WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"We just want people to know that we're here," Governor Nicholas said.

The company hoping to build a liquefied natural gas terminal in Calais is now working to find a new financial backer now that the original partner has bailed out.

Calais LNG hopes to find a new financial backer to replace Goldman Sachs within three weeks.

In a letter to state regulators Wednesday, Calais LNG wrote to BEP chairwoman Susan Lessard that "GS Power Holdings, LLC, the managing member of Calais LNG, is in the process of selling its interest in the project to a new financial partner for Calais LNG unrelated to GS Power Holdings, LLC."

"In the event that the transaction noted above does not close by August 11, 2010, Calais LNG would expect to withdraw all Calais LNG applications filed with the Maine Board of Environmental Protection," wrote company attorney David Van Slyke.

After a positive upward tick for the company early last week with Calais  officials things have gone downhill ever since.

On Monday July 12, Calais LNG won unanimous approval from the Calais Planning Board for the terminal's site plan in the Red Beach section of the city.

ABOVE: Calais LNG rep Mike Lane tries to respond to local resident Jesse Owens' question- "who is Calais LNG?" during July 12 Calais Planning Board meeting- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

But the next day, attorney David B. Van Slyke sent a letter to the Maine Board of Environmental Protection requesting "postponement of the hearings on Calais LNG's pending applications currently scheduled for July 19-23."

The company said they needed more time to provide information to the board and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Then on July 14, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection reluctantly granted Calais LNG's request that the public hearings be postponed until after Sept. 1.

The company has proposed to build a $1-billion terminal, a 20.5-mile natural gas pipeline, a pier and two storage tanks along the St. Croix River opposite the Canadian port of Bayside.

The Goldman Sachs connection had been a much-touted talking point at various local meetings and on Calais LNG's web site.

"In the Calais LNG project, Goldman Sachs sees an opportunity to invest in a project that will supply much-needed, cost-effective, cleaner natural gas to areas including Maine, New Hampshire, and Boston where there is growing demand for natural gas and a shortage of supply," the web site states.

The Washington County Council of Governments (WCCOG) has obtained a $42,385.00 Solid Waste Management Grant from the Rural Utilities Service of the USDA.

Judy East, WCCOG's executive director said they'll be working with residents, transfer station managers and municipalities to develop programs to permanently increase recycling rates in Washington County.

East said they will work with the same partners to organize up to three collections of household hazardous waste, universal waste and pharmaceutical waste.

Funds will not start until the new federal fiscal year in October, 2010. In the mean time WCCOG staff members are getting the word out. 

While recycling rates are reasonably high in some parts of Washinton County, there is significant room for improvement.

"Boosting recycling rates is a cost saving strategy," says Jeremy Gabrielson, senior planner with WCCOG.

"We're not operating small municipal dumps anymore. Our trash gets shipped away for disposal. Even aside from the market value of bulk recyclables, if we can reduce our waste stream county wide, our communities save on trucking and disposal fees." 

Many factors contribute to Washington County's variable recycling rate. WCCOG will work with transfer station managers to identify new opportunities.

"When we submitted this grant, we asked transfer station managers what their issues were," says Gabrielson. "Do we have the right equipment to handle recyclables and move them efficiently to market? Are there opportunities for us to improve recycling by partnering with the private sector?" 

WCCOG staff will work with regional transfer stations to work on solutions for storage, containment, compaction, shipping and markets for the sorted recyclable materials, and assist in securing funds for facilities to support financially sustainable recycling programs. 

A second part of the USDA Solid Waste Management Grant addresses disposal of household hazardous waste, universal waste, and unused pharmaceutical products.

"Disposal of these products present challenges to rural residential households," says East.

Household hazardous waste includes such leftovers as paints, pesticides, cleaning solvents, and motor oil.  Even in small quantities, these items require special disposal methods to avoid creating health and safety hazards for residents and sanitation workers. 

Universal waste describes widely generated wastes that do not present significant hazards in the small quantities generated by a single household, but nonetheless present a cumulative hazard to public health and the environment.

Examples include electronic waste (TV sets, audio equipment, computer components, etc.), some types of batteries, and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

A new State of Maine law restricts the disposal of universal waste to keep these toxic substances from accumulating in conventional landfills.

Leftover pharmaceuticals present both poisoning hazards and security risks to the prescribed users, as the theft of prescription medicines is an unfortunate current reality.

The most common disposal methods for pharmaceutical waste - flushing unused supplies down the toilet or disposing of them in landfills - can lead to surface and groundwater contamination. 

Sanitation workers can also be injured or infected by improperly disposed syringes and medical cleansing solutions. 

WCCOG organized the first regional household hazardous waste collection in 2005. The program collected over 325 units of household hazardous waste and received a lot of positive public feedback.

However, the total cost of planning and conducting the pilot program was so high that WCCOG has not been able to offer any repeat collections.

"The USDA grant allows us to organize another, expanded collection, says East, and a Maine-based firm is now available to bid on the collection so we hope to realize significant savings over the 2005 collection," says East. 

As in 2005, WCCOG will work with communities to develop a fair and manageable cost-sharing formula to encourage local governments to participate in up to three collections for household hazardous waste, universal waste and pharmaceutical waste in the summer of 2011. Residents from non-participating municipalities will also be able to dispose of their HHW/UW and pharmaceutical wastes by paying a per-item fee.

The Washington County Council of Governments (WCCOG) is a non-profit municipal membership organization that provides a wide range of land use planning services to its member communities in Downeast Maine.

WCCOG is exclusively owned and operated by its member communities, County government, the Unorganized Territories and local development groups. 

In their efforts to ensure that any future AMBER Alerts in New Brunswick reach as many people as possible, Facebook users can now sign up to receive New Brunswick AMBER Alerts directly to their News Feeds.

AMBER Alert is a partnership between media and law enforcement to provide the public with information which may help in locating an abducted child. In the event of an AMBER Alert in New Brunswick, information will be sent out via Facebook at the same time as it is distributed to media outlets.

Although other individuals have set up various AMBER Alert Pages on Facebook, this marks the first time law enforcement agencies responsible for sending out actual AMBER Alerts have launched an official Page in consultation with Facebook. 

The AMBER Alert program was launched in New Brunswick in 2003. To date, it has never been activated.

The launch of the New Brunswick AMBER Alert Page is the result of cooperation between the New Brunswick Chiefs of Police Association, the RCMP, Facebook, the Child Safety Research and Innovation Centre and WiredSafety.org (a member of Facebook’s Safety Advisory Board).

To learn more about the AMBER Alert program in New Brunswick, visit the RCMP’s information site: AMBER Alert [click]

You may be able to help save a child’s life. Like the Page now to receive the alerts.  [click]

Three people were injured Tuesday morning in a crash in Calais.

Calais Police Officer Bob Fitzsimmons told WQDY NEWS that a man had pulled over to use his cell phone -- a "recommended practice."

"But when he pulled back into traffic he just used his mirrors --he didn't look over his shoulder and he missed the van that was in his blind spot, pulled over and caused a collision on Main Street," Fitzsimmons said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALAIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

All three people suffered injuries. "Seat belt injuries which fortunately they were wearing. [There were] abrasions due to the airbag." Fitzsimmons said drivers need to look over their shoulders to check traffic.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CALAIS POLICE DEPARTMENT 

"Traffic is light in the morning on Main Street but you never know who's going to be there if you're not careful."

"The people in this crash weren't injured too badly and it could have turned out worse than it was. Thankfully, everybody's okay," Fitzsimmons said.

The crash happened at the intersection of Calais Ave. and Main Street. Calais Fire Rescue also responded.

Construction has begun on the Route 1 gateway project - the largest financial highway undertaking in New Brunswick history.

Ofiicials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday in St. George.

Transportation Minister Denis Landry said the provincial government promised to complete Route 1 as a four-lane highway.

"This new infrastructure between Waweig and Lepreau, along with other major upgrades, will help create 900 new jobs and, more importantly, will save lives and improve the flow of people and goods along this key trade corridor between Atlantic Canada and New England."

The provincial government is investing $370 million, while the federal government is contributing $210 million through various federal-provincial highway agreements.

"Our government is pleased to join the Government of New Brunswick in breaking ground for this important project," said New Brunswick Southwest MP Greg Thompson. 

"Route 1 is a key infrastructure priority for us, and this work will help to save lives, reduce injuries and improve access and traffic flow at New Brunswick's key land border crossing with the United States," Thompson said.

SCHOOL BUDGET VALIDATION REFERENDUM ELECTION

The polls for the City of Calais, School Budget Validation Referendum Election to be held at the St. Croix #1 Fire Station at 9 Church Street, on Tuesday, July 27th will be open at 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. only.

Another active week for Troop J, Maine State Police. Here are some of the highlights from the Weekly Report:

July 12:

Trooper Daniel Ryan arrested a 25-year-old woman in Blue Hill for possession of stolen property after she as found to be in possession of stolen license plates on a vehicle she was operating. The case originated in Ellsworth.

Trooper Greg Mitchell responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Otis. A neighbor reported hearing a male and a female screaming at each other.

Trooper Greg Mitchell located a local woman in the area who denied any issues occurring at her residence. No male subject was located.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a theft complaint in Township 10 where a kayak was reportedly stolen. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Mariaville where tools were reportedly stolen from a shed. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer arrested a 28-year-old Indian Township man for violating conditions of release after receiving a call from Indian Township Police that he was intoxicated laying at the pumps at the Circle K in Princeton.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer received a call in Princeton that two males were fighting. The two males involved were located and refused to press charges but changed their mind a couple days later. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler and Trooper John Matthews assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with a tractor trailer rollover crash on Route 6 in Topsfield.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a burglary in Township 3 where several tools were reported stolen. Investigation continues.

July 13:

Trooper Christopher Smith received a telephone harassment complaint in Addison. A local man reported receiving harassing calls to his cellular phone. Investigation continues.

Trooper Christopher Smith received a telephone harassment complaint in Cherryfield. As a result a local female was warned for harassment.

July 14:

Trooper Cliff Peterson received a harassment complaint in Orland where a local man reported an intoxicated male was harassing him. A 47-year-old man was located in the area and placed under arrest for operating under the influence.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer investigated a criminal mischief/theft complaint in Princeton where a street sign had been stolen and a mailbox had been shot. Investigation continues.

Trooper Mike Southard and Trooper Dave Barnard responded to an assault complaint in Trenton. As a result, a 22-year-old man was arrested for assault.

Trooper Mike Southard received a theft complaint in Eastbrook where a generator had been reportedly stolen. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer handled a harassment complaint in Robbinston involving two families. Both families were warned not to harass each other.

Trooper Greg Roy received a complaint in Sedgwick of a suicidal subject. The subject was taken into custody without incident and transported to EMMC for an evaluation.

Trooper Greg Roy received a burglary in Blue Hill where the door of a residence had been forced open. There did not appear to be anything missing from the residence. Investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to a family fight complaint in Penobscot involving a local man and woman. The two were separated for the night. Some marijuana was also seized and MDEA was advised. Charges are pending for the drugs.

Trooper Andrew Foss handled a family fight complaint in Northfield involving two females. The two were separated for the evening. The Washington County Sheriff's Office assisted and DHHS was notified.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a 44-year-old man for driving to endanger in Alexander after a traffic complaint was reported about him.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a criminal trespass complaint in Baring where a local woman was warned to stay off another local woman's property.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Machias Police in Whitneyville with a Level III Inspection during a traffic stop of a tractor trailer. Commercial Vehicle violations were noted.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a juvenile in Pembroke for transportation of liquor by a juvenile. His parents were also notified of the incident.

July 17:

Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a report of a possible family fight in Tremont. The complainant reported that he could hear a woman screaming at his neighbor's residence. The female at the residence had recently had back surgery and screamed out in pain when she tried to move.

Sgt. Alden Bustard investigated a report of a male subject who was intoxicated on the beach at Georges Pond in Franklin. The 38-year-old suspect from Franklin was located as he was leaving the area and was arrested for OUI and transported to the Hancock County jail.

Sgt. Alden Bustard received a theft complaint in Eastbrook where a small wooden statue of a bear had been taken from the top of the sign outside the school. The investigation continues.

Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a family fight complaint in Hancock. The dispute was verbal in nature and the two were separated for the night.

Trooper Andrew Foss assisted Troop A with an interview of a Forgery suspect.

Trooper Foss summonsed a 43-year-old man with forgery (Class C).

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted the Maine Warden Service with an injured deer in Waite.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed DBA Cilley's Construction in Princeton for allowing the operation of an unregistered motor vehicle over 150 days.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Baileyville Police with a felony arrest of receiving stolen property, violation of bail and violation of probation in Baileyville.

July 18:

Trooper Andrew Foss assisted Washington County Sheriff's Office with a domestic assault in Machiasport.

Trooper Kimberly Sawyer responded to a family fight in Topsfield. This was found to be verbal only in nature.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a 46-year-old man in Ellsworth for criminal speed. (70 in a 35).

Dalhousie RCMP didn't just get their man Monday.

They got two men and a woman who were in the process of breaking into a home when the Mounties arrived.

All three are from Dalhousie.

They'll be in Campbellton on Tuesday -- for their appearance in provincial court.

Refuge Manager Bill Kolodnicki encourages the public to take advantage of recreational opportunities available at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge this summer.

Blueberries are ripening earlier than usual this year and some are already for picking. The Refuge manages certain areas of the refuge for blueberry production for consumption by wildlife and humans alike through periodic prescribed burning.

Two of these fields are conveniently located just a short 300-yard walk or bike ride behind the Refuge headquarters office. Blueberry picking on the Refuge is by hand only -- the use of blueberry rakes is prohibited to be fair to the animals and to avoid depletion of the blueberry resource.

Visitors are encouraged to take only what they need and limited to two quarts per person per day. Remember, bears and other wildlife are also fond of blueberries and may be observed throughout the Refuge, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.

Free van tours of the Refuge will be available on Tuesday evenings through the summer. The van departs from the refuge office at 6 PM Tuesdays. Space is limited so please call the refuge office at 454-7161 between 8 AM and 4 PM Monday thru Friday to make reservations.

The Refuge is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset. Camping and fires are prohibited except at Cobscook Bay State Park [which is part of the Refuge]. Littering and distrurbing wildlife or plants is prohibited throughout the refuge.

For additional information on blueberry picking, van tours, fishing, and other opportunities at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, call (207)-454-7161 or visit the headquarters, located off the Charlotte Road, about 3 miles south of Route 1.

Online visit: www.fws.gov/northeast/moosehorn/  [click]

RCMP say a man was killed Sunday after a collision on Highway 105 in White's Cove, New Brunswick.

According to police, the crash occurred when an eastbound motorcycle operated by 61-year-old Arthur Larry Corey of White's Cove collided with the rear end of a pickup truck and skidded into oncoming traffic, colliding with two westbound motorcycles.

Corey died at the scene and the driver of one of the other motorcycles sustained minor injuries.

The crash happened shortly after noontime Sunday.

The RCMP said alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the collision and their investigation continues.

RCMP say a man died early Monday when his pickup truck collided with a moose on the Trans-Canada highway outside of Perth-Andover, New Brunswick.

The crash killed 42-year-old Arthur Versloot of Keswick Ridge.

Two other passengers in the truck were not seriously injured.    

Maine's Bureau of Highway Safety says thirteen people have lost their lives in traffic crashes so far this month.

The latest victim is a 76-year-old woman killed last Thursday when the car she was a passenger in crossed the center line and collided with a van. That crash closed Route 111 in Arundel for several hours.

Four people died last weekend in fatal crashes in Baileyville, Mechanic Falls, Saco and along the Maine Turnpike in York.

The Bureau says four people were killed over the three day July 4th weekend, which equals the death toll from the holiday weekend the year before.

During 2009, the deadliest month on Maine roads was July with 24 deaths. July and August are also the busiest months because of the influx of vacationers.

So far this year, 71 highway deaths have been reported, compared to 76 deaths reported in the same period in 2009.

COLLISIONS INVOLVING MOOSE

Included in the recent highway deaths was the state's second fatality of the year involving a moose. State Police say a car with three New Brunswick residents slammed into the animal on the turnpike in York the night of July 10. A passenger in the front seat was killed and the driver suffered serious head injuries. Troopers said the animal was standing in the middle of the southbound lanes when the Volkswagen Jetta struck it about 11:20 p.m.

The other moose related death took place on Interstate 295 in Topsham in April. Maine averages over 600 collisions each year with moose and many result in serious injury.

NEVER USE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS TO START A FIRE

A Connecticut man was burned earlier this month when he poured gasoline on an outdoor fire in Wells. The State Fire Marshal's Office said Allan Zullo, 37, of Kensington suffered first and second degree burns and was transported to Maine Medical Center by ambulance.

Investigators said the fire department responded to a large brush pile fire on Littlefield Road and after the fire was put out, they learned that Zullo had been injured.

Fire Marshals say each summer, a handful of people are burned trying to light outdoor or camp fires with flammable liquids. The incident took place on July 3.

DISTRACTED DRIVER

State Police cited a Gardiner man earlier this month with distracted driving after his Toyota Camry slammed into guard rails on Route 27 in Pittston.

Trooper Jason Madore said 30-year-old Bradford Christopher's car crashed after he reached into his backseat to move a power tool. Christopher was taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston with back injuries. Madore cited Christopher with failing to maintain control of a motor vehicle. The crash occurred on July 8.

The Port of Eastport is having a major cow this weekend -- as about 500 cows will be exported through the port. 

It could be the start of something new --it's already something big.

It almost didn't happen but thanks to some major intervention by Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins along with Congressman Mike Michaud,  the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s [USDA] Animal Plant Health Inspection Service [APHIS] approved a shipment of 500 cattle from Eastport.

A Texas-based company's request to utilize Eastport as a special port of embarkation for 500 dairy heifers to Turkey had been in limbo due to bureaucratic challenges relating to port and livestock inspections.

The country of Turkey is interested in buying approximately 8,000 dairy heifers from the United States.

Over the last 18 months, dairy farmers across the country have operated at a loss and many have lost their farms and animals due to current economic conditions.

This initial shipment of 500 includes cattle from over 30 small dairies from Maine, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Turkey's regulations require that animals be exported only from "bluetongue disease free" states like Maine.

At this time, however, the only approved port meeting these requirements is Wilmington, Delaware.

According to APHIS, the federal agency responsible for certifying ports and inspecting livestock for exportation to ensure animal welfare, arranging the logistics for inspecting a new port usually takes several weeks.

However, given the exporter's need to ship the cattle by July 18, the delegation worked closely with USDA to send additional APHIS staff to Maine to ensure the port, inspection facility, containers, and vessel are inspected appropriately.

If USDA-APHIS identifies any problems during the inspections, they will have to reassess the situation. 

In addition to helping with this initial shipment, the congressional delegation has successfully urged APHIS to initiate the process for long-term certification of the Port of Eastport  as a livestock exportation facility.

"We appreciate USDA working with us to help the exporter and the Eastport Port Authority expedite the exportation process for this shipment," said the delegation. "At a time when the dairy industry has been in crisis, the exportation of dairy heifers provides them with important economic support. Maine and other states can take advantage of a tremendous export opportunity to Turkey, but this market is limited because of the very specific export regulations to Turkey.

Opening the Port of Eastport for the exportation of cattle would be very beneficial to Washington County, and we are hopeful that additional shipments can help more of our dairy farmers in the future." 

When the Texas-based exporter ran into logistical issues with the APHIS certification process, Chris Gardner, Executive Director of the Eastport Port Authority, suggested that the company contact the congressional delegation for assistance. 

"Everyone at the Port of Eastport is extremely thankful to the federal delegation for their assistance in this matter. When the issue came to light we knew instinctively that our delegation could, and most importantly would, help as they have on many occasions in the past. From our local Senator Kevin Raye all the way to the federal delegation, everyone was very responsive. Within thirty-six hours of reaching out to them we had resolution and it is without a doubt that without their help, these permitting issues would not have been able to be overcome,” said Gardner.

"This could be a tremendous opportunity for not only the Port of Eastport and Washington County, but for the entire state," Gardner continued. 

"It has the potential to be a new industry here in Maine that centers on some of our oldest industries like farming and shipping. We remain focused on building upon the success of this initial shipment and anticipate more in the foreseeable future."  

The United States and Canadian Coast Guards have signed an annex to the Canadian/United States Atlantic (CANUSLANT) Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan.

The Atlantic Geographic Annex covers the Atlantic marine boundary between Canada and the United States, defines the CANUSLANT Joint Response Team, and is regularly tested and improved in an ongoing series of CANUSLANT exercises.

Its purpose is to augment and link the pollution response systems and plans in each nation to facilitate an efficient joint response to a cross-border spill.

Rear Admiral Daniel Neptun, commander First Coast Guard District, and Ms. Nancy Hurlburt, assistant commissioner maritimes region, Canadian Coast Guard, signed the annex which allows both nations to work seamlessly in the event of the pollution incident in the boundary waters of Canada and the United States.

The annex was signed June 29.

Two Ontario residents have been charged by the RCMP in New Brunswick in connection with a marijuana grow op.

The pair appeared Friday in Fredericton Provincial Court, charged with production of marijuana, possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, and theft of electricity.

Both have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear in Fredericton provincial court on Monday.

The charges stem from an investigation led by the RCMP which resulted in the dismantling of two sizeable grow operations: one in Zionville, N.B., and one in McGivney, N.B.

A total of 1,667 plants were seized in Zionville, where plants were being grown both indoors and outdoors. In McGivney, 236 indoor plants were seized.

Taken together, this much marijuana could have potentially produced nearly one million marijuana joints, police said.

The investigation continues.

Pleasant Point Housing Authority will receive a combined $852,236 in grant funding as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Indian Housing Block Grant Program.

The funds will be used to support a variety of affordable housing programs, according to an announcement Thursday by U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins.

"This grant funding will greatly benefit our Passamaquoddy community by supporting safe and affordable housing," said Senators Snowe and Collins. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds private housing developments to assist in housing opportunities for low income residents.

Indian Housing Block Grants (IHBGs) can be used for a variety of eligible affordable housing activities, including operating assistance, development of affordable housing (whether new construction, acquisition, modernization, or rehabilitation of rental or owner-occupied housing), housing services, housing management for low-income housing, crime prevention or model activities.

The Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program for Indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages is a competitive assistance program, the primary purpose of which is the development of viable Native American communities, including decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.

It's been an interesting couple of days for the company that wants to build a $1-billion liquefied natural gas terminal in Calais.

On Monday night, Calais LNG's project manager Ian Emery was elated at the unanimous okay given by the city's planning board to the company's site plan for an liquefied natural gas import terminal in the city's Red Beach section.

"For five years the city of Calais has been steadfast in their support for the Calais LNG project. Tonight, the city and its planning board and its officials have really sent a message to the State of Maine, and to people of the United States and the folks in the LNG business around the world that Calais LNG is open for business," Emery told local reporters after the meeting. 

Emery said the company was ready for the public hearings next week.

"Our next milestone will be with the BEP hearings next week. We look forward to completing their process and having a decision made," he added.

What a difference not quite 24 hours makes.

On Tuesday, Calais LNG attorney David B. Van Slyke sent a letter  requesting that the Board of Environmental Protection "postpone the hearings on Calais LNG's pending applications that is currently scheduled for July 19-23."

The company said they needed more time to provide information to the board and the Department of Environmental Protection.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection had granted Calais LNG's wish that next week's public hearings be postponed until after Sept. 1.

As word of the postponement spread Wednesday, postcards from Calais LNG were landing in local mailboxes. 

Above: Postcard sent to area residents from Calais LNG-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

The company has proposed building a $1-billion terminal, a 20.5-mile natural gas pipeline, a pier and two storage tanks at a site in Calais' Red Beach section. 

A new date for the public hearings has yet to be set.

The automated scam calls purporting to be from Machias Savings Bank's Security Department are starting all over again.

IT'S NOT MACHIAS SAVINGS BANK!!

The calls are being received by people who aren't even customers of the bank.

A few of those calls were received at WQDY and WCRQ on Tuesday and we were able to record some of the audio of the automated female and male voice and the routine it goes through to try to STEAL your personal information -- if you let it.

We'll be running that audio on all eight of our local newscasts on Wednesday so you can hear the scam call and the line they hand you.

WQDY-WALZ local newscasts air at 5:30, 6:30, following ABC News at 7:05 & 8:05 and 11:30 AM. Then at 12:30, 4:30 and 5:30 PM [Eastern Time].

Budget cuts forced Calais city officials to eliminate local police dispatch and turn the chore over to the county.

Two weeks ago, local dispatchers signed-off after many years of service to the city and the Washington County Regional Communications Center in Machias added the city of Calais to the many communities they provide dispatch services for.

Above: Sign at Calais PD for what to do after hours. Silver call box [left] connects to the RCC. Police officers still work the streets of Calais but their dispatchers are in Machias-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

On Tuesday, Calais Police Chief David Randall said he was very happy with the way things are going. "The folks at the RCC are doing a great job. I've been listening to the scanner 24-7 just to see if there's any issues that we need to work out," Randall said.

Larry Hayward of Washington RCC is doing a great job, the chief said. "It's not just about Larry or me," Randall said.

"It's about our people finding a way to work together and they're really comfortable calling up and telling the officer -- if you do it this way, it'll be easier for us and vice-versa and I think that the communication between not just the supervisors but the guys on the street and the guys behind the radios at the RCC are making a big difference."

"I hear them doing status checks on them -- we're getting really good service, I have no complaints."

"The crew over there at the RCC is doing a great job and my guys are really working with them," Randall said.

The chief said he hasn't had any complaints from any citizens yet about the new set up at the department.

"I think people realize there had to be some major changes because of the budget and I think they're understanding that there are [now] business hours, calling during the day and talking with Marcia Hayward, our Administrative Assistant," Randall said.

The Calais Planning Board gave their approval Monday night to the site plan proposed by Calais LNG.

The action came following a public hearing that was held at Unobskey College in downtown Calais.

Company representatives gave a quick overview of the project as it pertained to the planning board and then the public had their turn.

There were questions, comments and statements from members of the public.

Here are some:

Neil Lane, executive director of the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce said he was "representing the businesses of the St. Croix Valley to express our overwhelming support of the Calais LNG project."

"I fully support this project," stated Calais resident, Tom Webster.

Above: Tom Webster favors Calais LNG-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"As it stands right now we have absolutely nothing in the future for Calais except doom and gloom. Calais, since before any person in this room was born, was a shipping lane. There's always been ships for years down the St. Croix River. They brought No.6 oil to the Woodland mill, brought fuel oil to Dead River, they've got rock and stone going from St. Andrews every day -- now the Canadian government's going to build another bigger nuclear power plant -- and I'm sure they won't be over here asking us for permission to do it, they'll just go ahead and do it," Webster said.

Not everyone was in favor of the Calais LNG proposal.

Jesse Owens of Calais said he was opposed.

Above: Jesse Owens opposes Calais LNG-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

 "I'm from Calais, I live on Main Street and I've lived here 12 years and I've retired here because it's such a nice retirement town and I want this to stay this way."

Melody Greene of Calais asked about trucks.

"At one point in the application plan, it talks about how the gas will be delivered through a 36-inch pipe or locally delivered [by trucks]," Greene said. "Basically, what I want to know is -- if you don't get approval for the pipeline, does that mean that gas from those, possibly two tankers a week -- is going to be loaded onto trucks and delivered all over the place?" Greene asked.

Mike Lane of Calais LNG responded, "The facility has been designed to accomodate outgoing deliveries by truck so that the gas comes in by tanker, is vaporized, and can be shipped out by truck or pipeline. If for some reason we don't get permits or approvals for the pipeline, I can assure you that this facility will not be built. They're not going to deliver a supertanker of LNG via 18-wheeler."

Dan Spear of Calais questioned comments that the city should concentrate on tourism and forget LNG. "I fully support this project. As for tourism, it doesn't work. It doesn't do anything for this area. That heritage center -- the taxpayers spent how many dollars on that? What happened to it," Spear asked.

Cheryl Smith became emotional in her opposition.

"If this company comes into the area, there should be a way to downsize and get away from it so that it becomes less and less an impact in our world. Think about what this will do for our future, think about it!" Smith said.

 Another audience member asked Smith if she lived in Calais.

"No, I don't," Smith replied as Chair Robert Bailey jumped in to regain order.

Raising her voice, Smith continued, "No, but I see those boats pass my house on Passamaquoddy Bay!" "I just came up here to retire and I've told my son -- come here, it's beautiful and I want my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to have the beauty of this place, not a cheap fix," Smith said as she started for the door.

"Don't forget solar and wind power," Owens shouted out.

"I want my kids to have jobs too, lady," an unidentified man hollered at Smith as she left the meeting.

Following public comment, many people who spoke in opposition left the meeting.

The assorted public comment brought up issues that did not necessarily fall under the planning board's purview.

Issues included concern over financial stability over Calais LNG, spin-off industries, safety, environmental, competition, and importing employees from outside the area.

Above-Planning Board members Richard Ramsey and Bill Barnett- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Planning Board Member Bill Barnett said the issue of importing employees from outside the area was really not a planning board issue.

He said he would hope as many jobs as possible would come from Calais. "But I, myself, have no problem with high-paid people from away moving here and spending their dollars here."

Richard Ramsey, also a member of the board said, "a lot of thought went into the board's decision. "I support this wholeheartedly. You have to weigh the benefits and I think a lot of people that remain sitting here tonight have weighed the benefits and said life is a gamble. Life also isn't fair. Sometimes you've got to take that gamble and I'm glad a lot of people are and I'm glad Calais LNG has decided to venture a project in our area. But we looked at from a whole different view. Not from a business aspect, but what's right for the use of the land in the city of Calais," Ramsey said.

The Calais Planning Board isn't the first such board locally to give approval for an LNG project.

Back in 2006, the Robbinston Planning Board put its stamp of approval on Downeast LNGs proposal at Mill Cove.

Both Calais LNG and Downeast LNG face numerous hurdles in the permitting process from state and federal agencies as well as continued opposition from Canada.

St. Stephen area residents had their first look at a planned satellite dialysis unit for the Charlotte County Hospital Tuesday.

The floor plans were unveiled at the hospital by Health Minister Mary Schryer and officials from the Horizon Health Network.

The unit will feature five hemodialysis stations operating 12 hours per day, three days a week, with a capacity to serve 10 patients. The construction contract was awarded to Avondale Construction Ltd.

The unit is expected to be in operation in early 2011. The unit will include five patient treatment stations and all required support spaces such as soiled and clean utility rooms, patient washroom, staff washroom, supplies storage room, bio-medical room to test and repair dialysis machines and a room to house the central reverse osmosis water purification system.

Schryer said the unit will enable area residents to obtain dialysis treatment closer to home. Currently, many travel to the Saint John Regional Hospital for this procedure.

Donald J. Peters, president and chief executive officer, Horizon Health Network, said this expansion is a major contributor to providing accessible health care for patients and their families.

"The satellite dialysis service was a high patient-care priority for our organization," he said. "This service means that patients will no longer have to travel outside of their local area to receive the care they require."

The provincial government is investing close to $1.4 million in capital and operating funds to establish the unit. The Charlotte County Hospital Foundation has contributed $350,000 for new equipment.

"The Charlotte County Hospital Foundation is thrilled to have assisted with the establishment of a satellite dialysis unit in St. Stephen," said Steven Backman, president, Charlotte County Hospital Foundation.

"This new unit is truly terrific news for the hospital and the residents of Charlotte County," Backman said.

Two charges of luring a child over the Internet were laid Tuesday against 65-year-old William Atkins of Welsford, New Brunswick.

The RCMP said the charges stem from an ongoing investigation initiated by the Halifax Regional Police Department into a man allegedly attempting to lure a child over the Internet.

On April 14, 2010, a search warrant was executed at the man's home by the RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit. Computer and electronic equipment was seized at the time.

Atkins has a September provincial court date in Hampton to enter his plea.

Some highlights of incidents covered by MSP Troop J over the past week:

July 5:

Trooper Staci Carpenter responded to Pembroke after a woman reported that her purse had been taken from her vehicle. Investigation continues. Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted the Hancock Sheriff's Office in Verona with the search for a suicidal female.

July 6:

Trooper Greg Mitchell and Trooper Christopher Smith responded to Penobscot for a reported family fight. The investigation revealed this was verbal only in nature. However, a 41-year-old woman was arrested for a violation of bail conditions and possession of schedule Y drugs.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a report of a missing juvenile from the town of Blue Hill. The juvenile was located a friend's residence a short distance away. MPO Rustin Ames assisted.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Sullivan were several items were reported to have been stolen from a rental property. A suspect is known. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to a family fight complaint in Hancock. This was found to be verbal only in nature and both parties were intoxicated. They were separated for the night.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a criminal mischief complaint in Township 16 where an Excavator was damaged on July 4th. Investigation continues.

Trooper Andy Foss handled a criminal mischief complaint in Charlotte where damage was done to construction equipment during the weekend. Evidence was collected. Investigation continues.

July 7:

Trooper Dan Ryan handled a theft complaint in Lamoine where magazines were reportedly stolen from a mailbox. Investigation continues.

Trooper Dan Ryan handled a theft complaint in Trenton where signs and banners have been reportedly stolen from a local business. Investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a disorderly conduct complaint in Stonington where a female stated that after a verbal argument with a male, the male threw the contents of her drink at her window and got her wet. The female was uncooperative with a criminal investigation.

Trooper Jessica Shorey assisted Bar Harbor PD with a traffic complaint where she warned an operator in Trenton for making bad passes.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a theft complaint in Wesley where a water pump was reported stolen. Evidence was collected. Investigation continues.

July 8:

Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a report of a burglary in Hancock. A 29-year-old man was arrested for Burglary, Theft and Criminal Mischief.

Trooper Christopher Smith responded to Sullivan for a well being check. As a result a local woman was transported voluntarily to Maine Coast Memorial Hospital for an evaluation by her son.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a theft complaint in Franklin where a water pump was stolen. Investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Roy received a theft complaint in Surry where money was stolen from a purse that was left in a vehicle. Investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Roy received an assault complaint referred by the Bangor Police Department. The Bangor Police Department had a juvenile female who was reporting being assaulted by a 49-year-old in Orland. The person was located the following day and summonsed for assault.

Trooper Michael Johnston assisted. Trooper Greg Roy responded to Surry to a report of a noise complaint. A 17-year-old male was charged with illegal possession of liquor by a juvenile and released to a family member.

July 9:

Sgt. Tim Varney summonsed a 23-year-old Hancock man for possession of marijuana after a traffic stop on Rt. 1 in Hancock.

Trooper Greg Mitchell investigated a criminal trespass complaint received in Orland. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 46-year-old Stockton Springs man for violation of bail and possession of oxycodone.

Trooper Mike Southard and Trooper Cliff Peterson responded to a report of someone throwing a beer bottle out the window of a moving vehicle on Route 1 in Orland. The beer bottle struck the front of another vehicle that was traveling southbound. The operator of the vehicle that had been struck turned and followed the suspect car until it was intercepted on the Bucksport Road. A 33-year-old man was arrested for criminal mischief.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a theft complaint in Columbia Falls where a propane cannon was reported stolen from a blueberry field and was used to scare away birds and deer from damaging the blueberry crop. Investigation continues.

July 10:

Trooper Jason Fowler arrested a 40-year-old man in Perry for violation of conditional release after he was found to be in possession of alcohol. Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi assisted.

July 11:

Trooper Dan Ryan handled an assault complaint in Deer Isle involving two local males. The Maine Warden Service and Hancock Sheriff's Office assisted. Investigation continues.

Trooper Dan Ryan handled a well-being check complaint in Blue Hill where it was reported that a local woman had left a note for her husband that caused him concern. She returned home later in the evening and appeared to be of sound mind.

Trooper Dan Ryan handled an assault complaint in Stonington where local man reported a local woman assaulted him. He did not wish to pursue charges and just wanted it reported.

Trooper Miles Carpenter assisted Machias Police Department with a bail violation complaint.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted Calais PD with an armed robbery complaint in Calais. He collected evidence at the scene and assisted the Maine Warden Service with a K-9 track.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to an assault complaint in Codyville. A 31-year-old man was arrested for assault. Border Patrol assisted.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to Baileyville for a report of a suicidal woman that had tried to run into traffic and later threatened to jump from a 2nd floor window of a residence. Trooper Fowler located her and transported her to the Calais Regional Hospital where she went voluntarily. She later left the hospital and later met up with Trooper Fowler and was transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center at her request. Troopers Fowler, Vittum and the Calais Police assisted.

Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP said a man was killed late Sunday night after his vehicle collided with a moose.

The crash happened on Highway 7, near Welsford, New Brunswick.

According to police, the driver was a 66-year-old Fredericton man. He died at the scene.

Two passengers were transported to the hospital, one with minor injuries and the other with serious injuries.

All occupants were wearing seatbelts and alcohol is not believed a factor in the collision. The road was wet at the time of the collision.

Police are releasing the victim's pending notification of next of kin.

Calais Police are investigating an armed robbery at a fast food business in the city over the weekend.

Details are very few but Calais Police Chief David Randall did confirm to WQDY NEWS Monday that a man entered Burger King at about 11:30 Saturday night brandishing a weapon and demanding money.

One employee was transported to Calais Regional Hospital but no details were available.

Trooper Jason Fowler of the Maine State Police assisted in collecting evidence. The Maine Warden Service assisted with a K-9 track.

No other info is being released.

Sgt. Chris Donahue is heading up the investigation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will present its multi-family housing Site Manager of the Year award to Brenda Donaghy at an award celebration Tuesday.

Donaghey is the site manager for a 90-unit Multi-Family Housing property in Calais.

The awards panel selected Donaghy not only because she met all the criteria, but also for her above and beyond assistance to the tenants.

Each year, every state selects a "Site Manager of the Year," who has met or exceeded the following criteria: Tenant satisfaction, property has curb appeal, manager has no incidents of noncompliance with regulations, no unresolved findings, and the manager has consistently does more than expected.

Nominations are sent in by tenants, borrowers and community members. The nominations are reviewed and a selection is made in every state.

The award will be presented Tuesday July 13 at the Calais Methodist Homes, Inc's annual picnic.  

NOAA invites the community to visit and tour the NOAA navigational survey boat, which will be docked in Lubec, from 1-5 PM on Saturday, August 7.

Join the crew at the floating docks at the boat launching ramp, and see the multibeam sonar instrumentation they use to survey the seafloor.

ABOVE: Some of the equipment onboard NOAA's navigational survey boat- WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO

The NOAA Coast Survey navigation response team has been surveying near-coastal water and bays surrounding Eastport and Lubec since the beginning of June, acquiring hydrographic data used to update NOAA's nautical charts.

Visitors will be able to see examples of the processed bathymetry that NOAA will use to update charts that are available free to other commercial mariners, and the public.

Above: NOAA's SeaArk- WQDY NEWS FILE PHOTO

Charts are available at  www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov  [click] NOAA's Office of Coast Survey is committed to improving marine safety, using the latest scientific and technical advancements to support mariners and coastal communities.

Elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP, also known as red tide poisoning) have caused many areas of the coastline to be closed to commercial harvesting for some shellfish.

According to the Maine CDC and the Department of Marine Resources there have been especially high levels recently detected in the Downeast area of the state and they remind Mainers and tourists of recommendations for the safe consumption of shellfish.

Important steps people can take to thoroughly and safely enjoy Maine shellfish include:

Purchase shellfish from a certified shellfish dealer. Their operations undergo rigorous public health screening and auditing. If harvesting for personal use, make sure the shellfish beds are not closed for red tide.

Check the Department of Marine Resources website for the latest information on closed areas:

www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/public_health/closures/pspclosures.htm

Do not consume clams or mussels floating in ocean waters. They are likely to have filtered much more algae-containing water than those from flats or beds, and therefore will usually have much higher concentrations of toxin. When eating lobster, do not eat the tomalley. It is important to note that testing has shown lobster meat is safe to eat. Tomalley is the soft, green substance found in the body cavity of the lobster and functions as the liver. Much like the liver of other animals, the tomalley serves as a natural filter for contaminants that are in the water.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a marine biotoxin that is associated with certain types of algae blooms in coastal waters. Bivalve shellfish such as clams, mussels, oysters, and quahogs filter water and eat the toxic algae from the water.

High concentrations of the toxin in these types of shellfish can then cause serious illness or even death if eaten by humans. Although it had been about 30 years since the last report of Mainers with red tide poisoning, the state has seen three serious but non-fatal incidents in the past three years (one each in 2007, 2008, and 2009), involving a total of eight people.

All three incidents involved people from Downeast Maine consuming mussels harvested for personal use, and one involved mussels growing off from a rope or barrel floating in the ocean in areas closed for shellfish harvesting because of red tide.

Symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning usually include tingling of the tongue, lips, and throat that begin within minutes to 10 hours (usually within 2 hours) of eating shellfish. This tingling may spread to other areas of the body such as the face, neck, and arms. Symptoms can also include headache or nausea, and can progress to weakness, difficulty breathing, and choking. It is important that people with these symptoms seek medical care immediately.

Shellfish that may be unsafe: Clams (soft shell, hard shell, surf, or hen); Mussels; Oysters (both American and European); Quahogs; Snails; and Whelks.

Fish that are usually safe (please call the Poison Center to check, this list is not all-inclusive): Crab (meat, not whole crabs); Lobster (but not the tomalley); Scallop meats; Shrimp; and Finfish. Maine Department of Marine Resources Red Tide Closures: www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/public_health/closures/pspclosures.htm

Governor John Baldacci will be participating in the 102nd Annual Meeting of the National Governors Association followed by the 34th Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

Both events are being held in Massachusetts.

The National Governors Association meeting in Boston begins Friday and continues through Sunday.

Featured prominently at the Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers is the issue of energy security, efficiency and supporting the development of renewable energy to benefit the region.  Many presenters at the day-long meeting are from Maine, which the Governor said is not surprising given Maine's aggressive pursuit of energy independence.

Ambassadorial representation from the two countries will also be present at the meeting to discuss the relationship to discuss the U.S. and Canada relationship.

In addition to the larger conference objectives, the Governor is expected to sign two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU).

On Monday, Gov. Baldacci and Premier Darrell Dexter of Nova Scotia will sign an MOU to work cooperatively on renewable ocean electricity generation. The MOU calls for Maine and Nova Scotia to share information on renewable electricity with a focus on ocean tidal energy and offshore wind energy and explore opportunities to bring together tidal energy academics, researchers, policy makers and private sector developers from the two jurisdictions. 

The Governor will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Premier Shawn Graham of New Brunswick to establish a Maine-New Brunswick Cultural Initiative. The MOU recognizes the strong and deep historical, cultural and artistic ties between Maine and New Brunswick and calls for further exploration of collaborative cross-border cultural projects, as well as business and cultural trade opportunities.

The RCMP have recovered the body of a Saint John, New Brunswick man following an extensive search in the South Oromocto Lake area. 

According to the RCMP, 54-year-old James "Soney" Whitenect was reported missing by a family member who discovered a 14 ft. aluminum boat, unmanned, with the motor still running on South Oromocto Lake around 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

The body of the victim was recovered shortly before noon Friday.

The RCMP say a 65-year-old Welsford man is scheduled to appear in Hampton Provincial Court next Tuesday to answer to two charges of luring over the Internet.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation initiated by the Halifax Regional Police Department into a man allegedly attempting to lure a child over the Internet. According to police, a search warrant was executed at the man's home in April by the RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.

Authorities seized computer and electronic equipment.

The ICE Unit was assisted in the investigation by the District 3 RCMP and the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre.

A city councilor in Eastport claims that US Customs and Border Protection officials denied entry to "several hundred" motorcycle enthusiasts on July 4th.

CBP's response: "It never happened."

Eastport city officials told WQDY NEWS on Wednesday that Councilor John Miller's e-mail to dozens of media outlets in New England, New Brunswick and even the White House did NOT represent the city or council. 

In his e-mail, Miller claimed that "several hundred bikers were turned back at border on 4th of July."

Miller was referring to the annual Atlanticade event in St. Andrews, New Brunswick over the Canada Day holiday last weekend that attracted over "5,000 participants."

Quoting the e-mail, "On the last day the last day (July 4th) an invitation had been issued by the people of Eastport for the riders to make their last run to our Island City and enjoy the Independence Day Celebration that has become the biggest and best in Maine," Miller wrote. 

"Sadly, only a handful made it here. Most of them by ferry. Councilman Bob Peacock spoke to several including a doctor and a pilot for Air Canada."

"We were informed this morning [Tuesday] that Customs and Border Patrol turned back several hundred that attempted to make the visit saying they did not have proper credentials. This is a story that needs some gumshoeing by a real investigative reporter." 

The e-mail was signed, "John Miller, Member Eastport City Council."

After receipt of Miller's e-mail Tuesday, WQDY NEWS contacted Ted Woo, Public Affairs Liaison for US Customs and Border Protection in Boston and asked him to respond to Miller's allegations.

"During the July 4th weekend there were not hundreds of bikers that were turned away at ports of entry in Maine. It never happened, Woo said.

As to Miller's statement  in the e-mail where he said, "We were informed this morning that Customs and Border Patrol turned back several hundred that attempted to make the visit saying they did not have proper credentials," Woo responded tersely, "That's not true."

There are the tighter rules that now apply to enter or re-enter the United States.

"People that are entering the United States are required to be Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant documents but during the July 4th weekend there were not hundreds of  bikers that were turned away attempted to cross the borders into Maine. It just didn't happen," Woo told us by telephone.

Woo told us late Tuesday afternoon "extensive follow-up and review by CBP officials [re: Miller's e-mail] has turned up nothing as far as large quantities of -- not just bikers -- but anybody that's been turned away."

Eastport City Council President Robert Peacock and City Manager Jon Southern were unavailable for comment Tuesday when Miller sent his e-mail out far and wide. 

They were on hand for the departure of the U.S.S. DeWert, the Navy ship that had visited Eastport for the July 4th celebration.

But it was clear when they were reached for comment that Miller's opinions were his own and in no way was Miller speaking for the city or its council.

City Manager Jon Southern told WQDY NEWS Wednesday morning he thought the July 4th celebrations had gone very well.

"We've had an excellent relationship with all of the surrounding local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. We can't thank them enough for their professionalism. They kept the ship safe, the sailors safe and the people that came to the celebration. We thank them sincerely for everything they've done for us from the efforts of the Marine Patrol, the Border Patrol. They were invaluable. It was greatly appreciated," Southern told us.

In an e-mail, Council President Robert Peacock told WQDY NEWS, "at least 4 bikes made it over."

"[They were] VERY expensive bikes. They came by ferry. I talked with 2 - a Doctor and a pilot," Peacock said.

"They loved Eastport." 

Streets in Milltown, New Brunswick reopened to traffic at about 1 PM Atlantic time Tuesday after a natural gas leak Tuesday morning.

RCMP Corporal Jon Nagy told WQDY NEWS the leak was caused when  a construction company crew struck a 2-inch natural gas line.

Gas company technicians responded to the scene, took care of the situation and the streets were re-opened.

RCMP had restricted traffic on Riverside Avenue off Milltown Boulevard as well as Murchie and Pleasant Street to create a 90-meter exclusion zone. Authorities notified and evacuated residents around the affected area as a safety precaution.

Cpl. Nagy said the incident did not affect the Milltown Border Crossing at all. 

The Calais Recreation Department announces North American Soccer will be doing a week long soccer camp in Calais the week of August 9-13. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the experts. The camp needs at least 12-campers to attend and the program runs M-F from 9-12 PM at the DiCenzo Athletic Complex. The program is open to anyone ages 6-14. Please register as soon as possible at the Calais City Hall. Any questions,  call John Rogers at 214-8792.

The U.S. Postal Service Tuesday announced plans to seek approval for a wide array of rate increases, filing its request with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC).

In response, Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement on the USPS proposal: "As the principal author of the 2006 postal reform act, I am disappointed that the Postal Service is seeking rate increases that far exceed the rate of inflation, averaging between four and six percent and for one class of mail as high as 23 percent. Only when the Postal Service can demonstrate 'exceptional or extraordinary circumstance' does the law allow for rate increases that exceed the rate of inflation. The Postal Service cites as one factor justifying the exigent rate case 'continued movement toward electronic alternatives' despite that trend being neither unexpected nor extraordinary.

"The Postal Service's proposal could actually worsen the erosion in its customer base. Raising the rate for catalogs by more than five percent will cause some businesses to reduce their mailings of catalogs and to direct more of their customers to websites for information about their products. The Postal Service's plans to hike rates so substantially as well as to cut services may well produce a death spiral of fewer customers and ever declining volume, exactly the wrong direction," Collins said.

Here are some of the highlights from MSP Troop J's Weekly Report:

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a camp burglary in Otis. Several items were stolen. Evidence was collected. Investigation continues.

Trooper Miles Carpenter and Trooper Andrew Foss responded to Perry for a family fight complaint where a 16-year-old female was out of control. Upon arrival she had calmed down and had been upset about being grounded for consuming alcohol the previous night.

Trooper Greg Roy received a noise complaint in Eastbrook. He arrived on scene and located three minors inside drinking. Two juveniles were charged with possession of liquor by a juvenile and an 18-year-old man was arrested for furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol.

Trooper Dan Ryan handled a well-being check in Blue Hill where a woman was reported to possibly be suicidal. She was located and found to be intoxicated but was not threatening to harm herself or others.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a suspicious complaint in Dedham where a juvenile got unusual text messages the previous night. A friend then reported that she saw someone standing outside near their residence. The investigation continues.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a burglary complaint in Township 4 where a camp was broken into and an outboard motor was stolen. Evidence was collected. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Department with a harassment complaint in Waite. Trooper Andrew Foss assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office as an Evidence Response Team member by processing several camp burglaries for evidence.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated the theft of a Bangor Hydro electric meter from Franklin. The owner of the property from Holden reported the incident. A suspect has been identified and interviewed. Investigation continues.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a burglary at in Eastbrook where a small safe was stolen. Evidence was collected. Investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed a 54-year-old man in Lubec for unlawful possession of Schedule Y Drugs.

Trooper Greg Roy received a vandalism complaint regarding fresh graffiti at the Patten Pond Boat Landing in Surry. Investigation continues.

Sgt. Alden Bustard and Trooper Greg Roy responded to Trenton for a report of an assault where a 47-year-old man was arrested for assault.

Trooper Kim Sawyer received a theft complaint from in Danforth where a boat motor was reported stolen.

Trooper Greg Mitchell investigated a personal injury accident in Brooklin. Albert Smith, 72, of Brooklin was operating his 2004 Volvo SUV on the Reach Rd in Brooklin. A 12 year-old female from Belmont, Massachusetts attempted to cross the roadway in the path of Smith and was struck and injured. She was flown by helicopter from the scene to the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. She is currently listed in "stable" condition. Alcohol and speed do not appear to be a factor in the incident.

Trooper Michael Southard responded to the intersection of Lake Road and Golding Road in Perry for an automobile crash. Nicholas Ampungan, 18, of Eastport drove through the intersection and hit a guide wire from a utility pole. A 19-year-old passenger, Matthew Butler of Eastport was summonsed for possession of alcohol by consumption. Ampungan was transported to the Calais Hospital for his injuries. Pleasant Point Police Department assisted with the call and were first on scene. Calais Police Department assisted with the investigation and initiated a blood kit drawn on Ampungan. Further charges are expected.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a burglary in Milbridge. A 26-year-old Milbridge man was arrested for burglary and violation of conditions of release.

Sgt. Tim Varney investigated a single vehicle accident on Route 9 in Amherst. As a result, Mitchell Sullivan, 35, of Whitefield was arrested and charged with OUI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to report accident by quickest means.

Trooper Greg Burns investigated a harassment complaint in Jonesport where two local women were warned for harassment.

Trooper Greg Burns assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with an assault complaint in Milbridge. Trooper Greg Roy responded to a personal injury motor vehicle crash on Route 1 in Hancock. The crash was a head on collision between a car and a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle was seriously injured and Life Flight transported the victim to Eastern Maine Medical Center. The driver of the car, Patrick Bellis, 25, was arrested for aggravated operating under the influence and transported to the Hancock Jail. Trooper Shorey and the Hancock County Sheriff's Department assisted in the crash.

Trooper Greg Burns investigated a theft of tools from a barn in Pembroke. Evidence was collected. Investigation continues.

Trooper Mike Southard and Trooper Greg Roy responded to Amherst for a Car vs Pedestrian crash. Levi Moores, 29, of Bangor struck Jimmy Nga of Oakland, California. Nga was jogging in the eastbound lane when Moores struck him. The crash is being reconstructed by Trooper Jessica Shorey who was assisted by Lt. Pat Kane of the Hancock County Sheriffs Department. Moores was transported by Life Flight Helicopter to Eastern Maine Medical Center with internal injuries. Nga was transported by ambulance to Eastern Maine with a severely broken leg and a skull fracture. Neither Moores nor Nga's injuries are believed to be life threatening.

Trooper Jason Fowler summonsed Christopher Troiani, 27, for failing to give notice of accident by quickest means. The summons stemmed from an investigation into a personal injury accident in which Troiani was injured and left the scene. He was also summonsed for a seatbelt violation.

Sights from Eastport's 4th of July!

Tom McLaughlin - WQDY NEWS PHOTOS

Eastport City Manager Jon Southern

doing double duty at Key Street and 

County Road during the parade.

And then the Fireworks! They just

kept going and going and...

To learn more about the Eastport 4th 

of July Committee and how you can 

help, visit http://www.eastport4th.com 

District 1 RCMP are alerting drivers and urging all users of the highways in Charlotte County to be extra vigilant over the next several days, as heavier than usual volumes of traffic are expected during the Atlanticade 2010 motorcycle festival taking place in the area from June 30 to July 4.

Events associated with Atlanticade 2010, while based in St. Andrews, will be taking place throughout Charlotte County and the City of Saint John and are expected to draw large numbers of motorcycle enthusiasts from the Atlantic Provinces and New England.

Organizers are preparing for the participation of several thousand riders over the four day festival, that will be culminating on Sunday afternoon, July 4, in a massed group ride of all participants from St. Andrews to the St. Stephen waterfront.

"We are urging all motorists to use extra care and to be prepared for the possibility of occasional delays," says Sgt. Greg MacAvoy of the District 1 Charlotte and the Isles RCMP.

"It is hoped that with some patience by all and courtesy toward other road users, everyone will safely enjoy this festival as well as the various Canada Day and Fourth of July celebrations taking place over the next few days."

The RCMP will have additional personnel on duty during this week and will also be supplemented by members of the Saint John and Rothesay Regional Police Departments

Today marks the final shift for local police dispatch in Calais.

Citing financial pressures, the city council decided earlier this year to eliminate local police dispatch and have the Regional Communications Center [RCC] in Machias add Calais to the other fire and police frequencies they handle around Washington County.

Scanner buffs will notice after 6 PM Wednesday that the dispatcher voice on the Calais PD repeater will be coming from the RCC in Machias.

Budget cuts this year resulted in the elimination of the department's K-9 and now local dispatch.

A public service announcement about the changes with the loss of local dispatch has been airing regularly on WQDY-WALZ and our sister station WCRQ for the past few months.

"We've checked everything, double checked it and triple-checked it. I think we're good to go," Chief David Randall told WQDY NEWS on Tuesday.

"I don't suspect that anybody will notice the difference in police service. As I've been saying in the PSAs, there's been a change with the phone system. We have business hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and we will have an administrative assistant, Marcia Hayward and I think we're good," Randall said.

There may be eight million stories in the Naked City and there are probably that many stories in the time of local dispatch.

Incidents from deadly serious to downright ridiculous.

Of the latter, it was early one Sunday morning in May of 1999, when a couple from out of state saw what they thought was an injured cat on the side of Route 1 in the Magurrewock area.

They picked it up and put it in the back seat of their car and drove it to the police station.

Back then the station was configured differently -- there was a little foyer and that's where they put the "cat."

The dispatcher on duty looked through the door and informed the couple that it wasn't an injured housecat -- it was in fact, a bobcat -- and it started to revive at that point and was bouncing off the windows.

The dispatcher called the animal control control officer, the couple left,  relieved about their sense of timing but not their judgement.

Shortly after that incident, Calais police received an offer of help in the form of a fax from another law enforcement agency in the event of further such incidents.

To our knowledge, there have been no repeats -- at least not like that one.

Chief David Randall could say exactly how long there has been a dispatch at the department.

"It might have been here before I was born. I was born in 1965. I've seen pictures of not this dispatch but dispatch itself from the 70's," Randall said.

"Before they had the dispatcher, they had a dispatch set-up and two officers would work. One officer would come in and dispatch and the other officer would work the road," the chief explained.

"Back in the day when you didn't have the laws and regulations -- if the other officer had to go, I think the fire department watched it. But that just wasn't possible now -- they're busy with the ambulance -- but I think that's the way it used to be, back in the day."

"That was back when the officers actually were responsible for going down to Main Street and locking all the front doors so that was quite a while ago." 

"I guess they used to walk down both sides of the street -- I can't picture retired chief Milburn walking that far, but they tell me that's what used to happen. That was before my time," Randall said.

But this is a salute to the many dispatchers who have worked in Calais over the years as an era ends here in the Border City.

Restaurant owners in New Brunswick are being warned about a telephone scam currently targeting the province.

The RCMP says someone claiming to be a health inspector is calling restaurants to set up an appointment for an inspection. The caller is asking the restaurants to provide detailed personal and business information.

Health inspectors in New Brunswick do not regularly schedule inspections with restaurants and will not ask for detailed personal or business information over the phone. They also always carry identification.

This "health inspector" scam is widespread -- it's been reported in several jurisdictions across North America.

RCMP say if any restaurant owner has received such a call they should contact PhoneBusters at 1-888-495-8501 or www.phonebusters.com

Anticipating increased boating traffic for the Canada Day long weekend, the RCMP will be on waterways throughout New Brunswick ensuring boaters are obeying the law.

In particular, people will notice an increase in police activity on the water in the St. Andrews area due to the large number of boaters anticipated in the area for the holiday.

"Alcohol consumption and people not wearing life-jackets continue to be the most common cause of fatalities and serious injuries on the water," says Corporal Tony Vienneau of the Atlantic Region Integrated Border Enforcement Team.

"Boaters are also reminded that anyone who operates a pleasure craft of any size fitted with a motor must carry proof of competency."

For more information about boating safety or Operator Competency, please visit: www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm

Highlughts from the Troop J Weekly Report:

Trooper Staci Carpenter, Trooper Dan Ryan and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a family fight in Addison. The dispute was verbal in nature and the parties were separated for the night.

Trooper Staci Carpenter investigated a telephone harassment complaint in Dennysville. The caller reported that she had been receiving harassing calls from a woman in Aroostook County. The caller was warned for telephone harassment.

Trooper Kim Sawyer investigated a theft complaint in Danforth. The caller reported that someone stole his chainsaw sometime the previous night. The investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Mitchell investigated a pair of vandalism complaints in Deer Isle. In one incident, the caller reported that someone had thrown rocks through his car windows (windshield, the driver's side window and the rear window). The driver's side of the vehicle had been spray painted with silver metallic paint. The paint was used to create the image of male genitalia. A similar rendering was sprayed on the side of a residence.

Trooper Greg Mitchell investigated an identity theft complaint in Blue Hill. The investigation disclosed that an elderly woman had received a scam telephone call. The woman provided the caller with her full name, date of birth and her social security number. The trooper provided the complainant with directions on how to access the State of Maine Attorney General's website that has a guide for identity theft. Trooper Mitchell also met with the woman to discuss the incident.

Trooper Greg Mitchell and Trooper David Barnard responded to a domestic dispute at a residence in Tremont. No criminal conduct was discovered and the parties were warned for their conduct. The Hancock County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.

Trooper Greg Mitchell arrested a 22-year-old Franklin man for violation of bail. The man was discovered to be intoxicated at a residence in Surry.

Trooper Cliff Peterson investigated a theft complaint in Sullivan. The caller reported that approximately twelve firearms belonging to her deceased husband had been taken from his residence which has been vacant for several years. The investigation continues.

Sgt. Alden Bustard summonsed a 37-year-old Machiasport man for operating a motorcycle without a driver’s license on Route 92 in Machiasport.

Trooper Christopher Smith, Sgt. Tim Varney and Trooper Andy Foss responded to a report of a suicidal female in Franklin. The female was taken into custody and transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor for an evaluation.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted the Baileyville Police Department investigating and processing a burglary crime scene on the Houlton Road.

Trooper Greg Roy investigated a theft complaint in Blue Hill. The caller reported that she had been swimming at Curtis Cove the previous day and left her wallet in her vehicle which was not locked. Approximately two hundred dollars had been taken from her wallet while she was swimming. The investigation continues.

Trooper Jason Fowler investigated a complaint of a violation of a protection order in Dennysville. Further investigation revealed there was no violation of the protection order.

Trooper Barry Curtis and Sgt. Tim Varney responded to Addison for a report of a suicide. It was discovered that victim had died at his residence from a self inflicted gun shot wound to the head.

Trooper Dave Barnard received a theft complaint in Eastbrook. The caller reported that someone had taken drip edge from the Eastbrook Grange Hall.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted CID reviewing video pertaining to the triple homicide in Amity.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a criminal mischief complaint in Addison. The caller reported that his mailbox was damaged between June 21 and June 26. The caller also advised that there were other mailboxes in the area that were damaged as well.

Trooper Greg Mitchell investigated a report of a missing person in Lamoine. An extensive search of the area between Lamoine and Bass Harbor was conducted without results. The following day the missing person was located by family members.

Trooper Kim Sawyer investigated a theft complaint in Grand Lake Stream. The caller reported that a 20 HP Honda outboard motor was stolen sometime during the night. The investigation continues.

Trooper Staci Carpenter responded to a report of a possible domestic dispute at a residence in East Machias. Machias Police also responded to the scene. A 31-year-old man was stopped by Machias Police as he was attempting to leave the scene. The man had been involved in a verbal argument with his girlfriend and he was arrested for OUI and Violation of Conditions of Release.

Trooper Staci Carpenter investigated a criminal mischief complaint in Jonesboro. The caller reported that someone had broken out his bathroom window and the windows on his vehicle on June 14. The caller did not initially report the incident because he had been threatened by the suspect. The investigation continues.

The People's Alliance of New Brunswick has its second official candidate.

John Craig, Mayor of the Town of St. Andrew's, was acclaimed as candidate at the PANB Charlotte-Campobello nomination meeting on Saturday afternoon at Scotch Ridge Hall.

Craig, a well-known proponent against LNG development in Passamaquoddy Bay said that this was an exciting time for politics in New Brunswick.

"People have wanted the see a change in the way politicians operate in our province for some time. I'm glad I have the chance to be one of those people standing up to provide that change," Craig said.

Craig joins Ed Hoyt in carrying the People's Alliance banner as a choice for voters in the Sept. 27 election.

The St. Andrew's mayor added the election may only be a short time away, but he is ready for the intense ride.

"I have 12 years involvment in municipal politics behind me, and I plan to use the knowledge I gained from that to prove myself on the provincial scene," he said.

PANB executive director Sterling Wright said other political parties in Craig's riding are in for a tough time.

"John's an extremely credible candidate. Look at his municipal experience," Wright said.

"It's going to be a fun race to watch in Charlotte-Campobello once the writ is dropped."

Party leader Kris Austin, who was unable to attend the meeting said he wished he could have been there to see people's reaction to Craig's nomination.

"John is very well liked in his region and once you get to know him a little, it's easy to see why. I couldn't be happier that he will be carrying our banner in Charlotte-Campobello," Austin said.

State Police say the pickup truck missing from the scene of a triple homicide in Amity has been found.

The blue and silver 1989 Ford F-150 was found late Saturday morning in   Weston, a town about 15 miles south of the crime scene.

Authorities said a land owner found the truck along a tote road while out on his property.

The truck had been destroyed by fire and State Police detectives and investigators from the State Fire Marshal's Office went to the site to gather evidence.

A relative found the bodies of  Jeffrey Ryan, 55,  his 10-year-old son Jesse Ryan, and 30-year-old Jason Dehahn Wednesday night. Dehahn was a friend of Ryan's and also lived in Amity.

The victims had been stabbed to death.

State Police had put out an appeal to the public for help in locating the truck, which was registered to one of the victims. 

The truck has been transported to the State Police Crime Lab in Augusta for further investigation. 

Liberal Campaign HQ Opens In St. Stephen

Relishing the campaign run are NB Premier Shawn Graham and Annabelle Juneau, candidate for the riding of Charlotte-Campobello - WQDY NEWS PHOTO

While in Charlotte County Thursday, Graham announced an investment to help Connors Bros. complete efficiency upgrades to its processing plant. The provincial government is providing a $3-million forgivable loan as part of a $12-million project that will help maintain more than 1,000 jobs in southwestern New Brunswick.

Calais Regional Hospital is implementing a Hospitalist Program on July 1.

A Hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients admitted to the hospital and usually does not see patients in an office setting.

Most Hospitalists are internal medicine or family practice physicians.

Hospitalists are easily accessible in emergencies and when questions or concerns arise. Because they work in the hospital, they can see patients quickly and more than once a day, if needed.

"The introduction of a Hospitalist program is a natural progression as primary care providers have become busier, hospitalized patients have become sicker and technology becomes more sophisticated. Hospitalist medicine has become the fastest growing specialty in the United States because hospitals and patients are seeing the positive difference it makes," explained Michael K. Lally, CRH Chief Executive Officer.

The Hospitalist is able to be there for the patient from admission to discharge, managing the entire inpatient care process.

With the assistance of other physicians, nurses and support staff the Hospitalist works to deliver a coordinated team approach for each patient. Primary care providers have the option to refer their patients to the Hospitalist for inpatient stays.

With the Hospitalist caring for inpatients, your primary care provider can be with patients in the office with fewer delays or interruptions and be able to devote more time to caring for patients in the outpatient setting. Your healthcare provider and the Hospitalist communicate as needed during an inpatient stay and coordinate for a smooth transition back to outpatient care.

"The Medical Staff at Calais Regional Hospital is very pleased to provide our admitted patients with care around the clock from our new Hospitalist service," stated Dr. Karen Hadam, CRH Chief of Staff.

"The hospitalists will allow our internal medicine providers to continue to serve the community with expedient care in the office setting, while the hospitalists coordinate and attend to the needs of those who are admitted to the hospital. The Hospitalist service will provide our community with a collaborative team of excellence in health care. We are pleased to continue to grow to serve the needs of our community and welcome the new physicians to our area."

TOWNSHIP 27, MAINE [AP]- Game wardens say the body of a boater who was knocked into Big lake in Township 27 in eastern Maine last weekend has been recovered.

The body of 40-year-old Scott James of Princeton was found Wednesday morning.

James' body was recovered after the warden service and volunteers resumed the search at 5 a.m. Wednesday, after suspending it Tuesday night due to darkness. The boater was located on the water's surface approximately 300 yards off Greenlaw Island.

Scott had been boating with a 16-year-old family member Saturday afternoon when the boat hit a wave, knocking him into the water.

[THIS STORY FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

Lubec voters decided to close their high school Wednesday. 

WQDY NEWS PHOTO

The town was squeezed by a cut of more than $500,000 in state subsidies based on the high valuation and low enrollment --- which is estimated to be 30-35 students this fall.

The ballot question asked "Do you favor authorizing the Board of Directors of M.S.A.D. #19 (RSU 85) to close the Lubec Consolidated School? The additional cost of closing the school has been estimated by the regional school unit Board as $3,553.67.

Above: The count begins at the Lubec Town Office- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Lubec Town Clerk Betty Case told WQDY NEWS  there were 269 YES votes and 230 NO votes. There were three blanks and a total of 502 ballots cast.

From 8 a.m to 6 p.m Wednesday, it was rain and a nearly steady flow of voters in and out of the polls at the town office.

Case considered it  a "very good turnout."

"I was pleased that they did come out, it was an important issue and I'm glad the people did come out and vote," Case said.

It was a very wet Wednesday.

WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"I was surprised they came out considering it was pouring at times and people were sopping wet when they came in. I'm glad they took the opportunity to take their right to vote and do so," Case added.

There are 1,109 registered voters in the town of Lubec.

In referendum elections held last week, eleven towns from Crawford to Lubec voted to form an Alternative Organizational Structure or AOS.

This is an allowed alternative as part of the state's new school consolidation law which aims to centralize administrative functions.

At a lengthy meeting Tuesday night in Robbinston, AOS Board members elected Shannon Emery of Eastport as chair and Bill Cody of Calais, vice chair.

Above- AOS Board Members from 11 communities at meeting in Robbinston- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Following an 70-minute executive session, Jim Underwood was named Superintendent of the AOS #77. It was decided that the central office for AOS #77 will be located in Calais.

This AOS includes all of School Union 106, School Union 104 and MSAD 19.

"Now it is AOS 77, all of us together," Underwood told WQDY NEWS in a post-meeting interview.

During the consolidation process, communities have been under the gun and nothing has changed. The public has to vote to approve the AOS budget on June 30.

"This important step [Tuesday night] was the AOS Board passing the Central Office budget. Now just like local school budget, town meeting votes, the citizens will need to come and vote in a 'town meeting style' with all 11 municipalities -- two cities, and nine towns -- will be invited," Underwood said.

The posting of the meeting went out Wednesday to all 11 towns to advise the public of their vote June 30 to pass the budget for AOS #77.

There will be clerks from all eleven municipalities and a moderator will read through the articles.

"There are only four articles but they are very important ones," Underwood said. "It is the breakdown of the budget that was passed [Tuesday night] by this AOS."

"It's a lean budget, it's about as lean as it can go and it must be passed June 30 by the citizens in order to avoid the penalties to all these towns. If we don't get a budget passed this June 30, all of the towns are subject to the penalties," Underwood stressed.

This AOS meeting will be held at the Pembroke Elementary School on Route 1 in Pembroke on Wednesday June 30 at 6:30 PM.

As for penalties the state will levy if a budget isn't passed, Underwood said a "total penalty combined for all 11 municipalities is about a quarter of a million dollars."

He said the penalty within each muncipality varies based on scope and size of their local budget.

"For example, Calais' penalty would be $82,000, Alexander's penalty is about $15,000." Underwood said he feels everyone is ready to get all the bureaucratic things done.

"There is a lot -- there are quite a few challenges. We all want to get all of those tasks done so that we can start looking at what we're here for which is to do the best we can for our kids and our schools and work together across all 11 towns to share the programs and share the load."

"We can't enrich education, we can't expand education, we can't even meet what's happening financially across the state alone and this will enable us to work together. It's the best thing we've got going," Underwood said.

Ongoing efforts to map Cobscook Bay are getting a boost from the developer of a proposed LNG terminal in Passamaquoddy Bay.

Representatives from Calais LNG met with offcials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and announced that they will be providing data and resources to assist with the ongoing federal mapping of marine waterways throughout the Bay of Fundy and Cobscook Bay.

As part of the permitting process for the approval of an LNG terminal, Calais LNG has been conducting extensive research of marine resources and waterway navigation data over the last several months.

Earlier this month, NOAA began its own process of updating marine navigation data in the same area.

"We have obtained a lot of useful data, and we thought it made perfect sense to share that information to assist NOAA with their own mapping effort," said Ian Emery, development manager of the Calais LNG project. "To us, it made no sense for the federal government to spend time and money since we already had a lot of the information."

NOAA Commander Lawrence Krepp, who is coordinating the federal mapping project, said the assistance provided by Calais LNG will save significant time and money.

"Every once in a while we get lucky and are able to benefit from resources provided by the private sector," Krepp said.

"The assistance of Calais LNG is very much appreciated and saves us valuable resources."

Capt. Robert Peacock, an Eastport city councilor and harbor pilot, said he came up with the idea of asking Calais LNG if they would assist with the effort.

"Calais LNG was very willing and quick to offer their assistance," Peacock said. "It will be a big help and save taxpayers a lot of money. There's no good reason to do the same thing twice."

The federal navigation charts, which were last updated in the 1800s, rely on numerous points of data, including a survey of the ocean bottom to determine navigational hazards.

"So many people in this area depend on our marine resources for their livelihoods," Peacock said. "Calais LNG recognizes this, and it's great that they are willing to offer their assistance and technical expertise to this very important effort."

Officials say a Maine soldier has been killed in Afghanistan. 

Sgt. Brandon Silk, 25, of Orono was killed Monday while serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Silk was a Black Hawk crew chief, stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, according to his family.

"The death of a soldier is a terrible tragedy for family, friends and the entire community. A hole is opened in many lives," Governor Baldacci said.

"The men and women who serve in the military have earned our respect and our gratitude. During this very difficult time, we will keep Sgt. Silk's family and friends in our thoughts and in our prayers."

Writing on his Facebook page Tuesday, Brandon's dad, Mark Silk said, "Every parents nightmare has happened in my family yesterday. My son, Brandon, was killed in Afghanistan yesterday in a helicopter crash. We are at a loss for words and our hearts ache. Brandon was a HERO and very much loved State of Maine and his Country. We miss him desperately!!!"

Early Wednesday over 50 comments had been posted from friends expressing their shock and sadness over the loss of Brandon. Others offered condolences to the Silk family.

Mark Silk worked for the Calais Police Department several years ago.  

"In Maine, we're all an extended family," Governor Baldacci said. "At times like these, we have to reach out and take care of one another. Sgt. Silk was a hero, and we will honor his life and his sacrifice."

Governor Baldacci will order flags lowered to half-staff on the day of Sgt. Brandon Silk's funeral.

ST. STEPHEN- A young American man, bleeding copiously from cuts on his left arm after he punched a store window, owes his life to two local RCMP officers.

"If those officers hadn't been on the scene, this individual would have succumbed to his injuries," said RCMP Sgt. Bob MacKnight.

"It was fortunate they were there and they took action to ensure his safety and save his life."

The 19-year-old man's name was not released, but Cst. Mark Walsh said he had spoken to the individual Monday by telephone at the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

"He basically apologized for his actions and is facing a long recovery," said Walsh.

"He's had one surgery and is having a sceond one this afternoon [Monday]. He says he can't move his fingers."

Walsh echoed Knight's comment that the man would have died had RCMP officers not been on the scene.

Walsh said charges are pending against the man once he has recovered.

The man was airlifted from the Calais Regional Hospital to the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor early Sunday at approximately 5:30 AM ADT.

His injuries were sustained from punching a large plate glass window in the Frugal Furnishings thrift shop on Milltown Boulevard.

MacKnight said RCMP officers were on patrol in the area of the Old Town Tavern on King Street around 2:15 AM Sunday.

The two officers, Cst John Beck and Cpl. Ross Davis, noted a small crowd of people in front of the bar. The people were asked to move along.

Beck and Davis followed five young men from that group who were making their way to the St. Stephen/ Calais border. Beck saw one of the men punch the store window.

He and Davis approached the individual with the intention of charging him with mischief when they noticed he was bleeding very freely from cuts to his left arm.

The two officers made the man sit down on the sidewalk and tried to stop the bleeding.

"There was already a large amount of blood on the sidewalk and blood was spurting from his arm," said MacKnight, referring to notes from the officers' reports.

The man began vomiting and exhibiting signs of shock.

"It became evident if he didn't get treatment immediately he could die," said MacKnight. "He was losing consciousness."

The officers contacted emergency medical personnel advising they had a "10-18 young male bleeding out fast." "10-18" is first responder code for "urgent."

"Cst. Beck was trying to contain the bleeding which was futile," the report reads. The ambulance had not arrived and the young man's condition was deteriorating.

The officers made the decision to load him into the police car and transport him to the Charlotte County Hospital. EMS personnel arrived on the scene just as the police car was about to pull away.

They took over the treatment of the man and rushed him to CCH. The decision was made to transport the injured man across the border to the Calais Regional Hospital.

A spokesperson for the Calais hospital said the man's condition was stabilized and he was airlifted by Life Flight to the Eastern Maine Medical Hospital in Bangor.

At one point his blood pressure dropped to 50/20 from the loss of blood.

The rear seat of the police car bore graphic evidence of the man's fight for life. The police report said the rear of the car was "polluted" with blood which pooled under the rear seat and sprayed all over the rear portion of the vehicle.

Beck made an attempt to clean the vehicle at the local car wash, but the cruiser required professional cleaning. Beck hosed the blood off the sidewalk with a container of water obtained from the St. Stephen Fire Department.

Monday morning, Donna Linton, coordinator of the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County which operates the Frugal Furnishings shop, was cleaning up glass debris inside the store.

Members of Cops on Patrol had nailed a piece of wood over the broken window, but jagged edges of glass, one stained with blood rivulets, were still much in evidence inside.

Linton said the force of the blow that shattered the window was so great she found pieces of glass hurled halfway down the centre aisle of the store, a good six or seven metres from the broken window.

Tiny shards of glass crunched underfoot on the carpet, pieces were found on the check out counter and on nearby display shelves.

Outside, the sidewalk was stained in spots, but it was not clearly evident if the markings were blood stains or from another source.

MacKnight said acts of vandalism persist in St. Stephen at bar closing time, despite the efforts of the RCMP to be more visible at that time.

He lauded the efforts of Beck and Davis saying it was a high risk situation for both officers. "Anytime somebody is bleeding that badly, when there are bodily fluids involved, it's a high risk sitaution for our members. They don't know what they're dealing with," said MacKnight.

"They were risking their own safety, but the members did not delay doing what was necessary." "This young man owes his life, in large part, to their quick actions."

[STORY FROM THE JUNE 22, 2010 SAINT CROIX COURIER]

TOWNSHIP 27, MAINE - (AP) Maine game wardens are back on Big Lake looking for a 40-year-old man who was reported missing after falling from a boat in the lake.

The Maine Warden Service says Scott James of Princeton ended up in the water late Saturday afternoon while boating with a juvenile in a 16-foot boat in Township 27.

Officials say the teenager threw a lifejacket to James and jumped in the water to help him, but had to be pulled from the water himself by nearby campers.

Officials initially said the pair were fishing, but later amended that to say they were boating.

The search began Saturday night and resumed Sunday morning, but was later suspended due to thunderstorms.

The search resumed just after 6 a.m. Monday.

[ABOVE STORY FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]

A man is facing several charges after allegedly setting fire to a building in Lubec Monday morning.

Trooper Staci Carpenter charged 23-year-old Matthew Locke with violation of bail, violation of a protection order, and operating after suspension after he went to a residence on Main Street in Lubec and set it on fire.

The fire was eventually put out causing minor damage.

Maine Marine Patrol Officer Russell Wright located Locke driving on Route 189 in Lubec and placed him under arrest. The Fire Marshal's Office responded and will likely be charging Locke with arson. 

Calais Police 1st Annual Poker Run 

For the Relay For Life raises $1,562!

ABOVE: Motorcycles lined up at the 

St. Croix Country Club- WQDY NEWS 

PHOTO

Above: Cpl. Pooh mans the registration 

desk- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: Officer Bob Fitzsimmons - WQDY 

NEWS PHOTO

Above: The Line Up - WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: Rolling onward- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: Bob and Fran Fitzsimmons head 

out -WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Another active week around Troop J. Here are some of the calls and complaints they handled:

Trooper Cliff Peterson investigated a burglary of a motor vehicle complaint in Hancock. A checkbook had been taken from the center console of a vehicle sometime during the night. The investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Roy received a report of a verbal altercation in Franklin. As a result, a 39-year-old woman from Franklin was arrested for driving to endanger. A 19-year-old man also from Franklin was also summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Trooper Jessica Shorey handled a theft complaint in Township 34 where an abandoned vehicle had been broken into and a stereo system was stolen. Investigation continues.

Trooper Andrew Foss summonsed a 31-year-old Cherryfield man for false report stemming from an incident on May 22nd when the man reported that his vehicle had been stolen after he had crashed it the night before.

Trooper Jason Fowler handled a theft complaint in Cathance Township where staging for a house was reportedly stolen. The staging was recovered and a 32-year-old man was summonsed for Theft (Class C).

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to a criminal mischief complaint in East Machias where a 39-year-old man was reported to have thrown a rock at a vehicle causing damage to the vehicle. The man was summonsed for criminal mischief. Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi assisted.

Trooper Jason Fowler responded to a domestic assault complaint in Dennysville. A 43-year-old man was arrested for domestic assault. Trooper Staci Carpenter and Det. Elmer Farren assisted.

Trooper Kim Sawyer summonsed a 29-year-old man for operating after suspension, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and for attaching false plates after observing him driving in Baring.

Trooper Sawyer received a burglary complaint in Grand Lake Stream. Two people at the same cottage had items taken from them. $400 cash and two blank checks were stolen. The investigation continues.

Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to a theft complaint in Steuben where numerous tools were stolen from an enclosed trailer at a work site. Evidence was collected and the investigation continues. Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi also assisted as an Evidence Response Team member.

Trooper Andrew Foss conducted a traffic stop in Dennysville where two females in their late teens  were summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor. An 18-year-old male was also summonsed for displaying a fictitious inspection sticker and for operating a defective motor vehicle.

Trooper Andrew Foss and Trooper Jason Fowler responded to Dennysville for a civil complaint involving a 43-year-old man who had previously been arrested for domestic assault. This time the man was arrested for violation of conditional release and summonsed for falsifying physical evidence after destroying an inspection sticker which was part of a criminal investigation.

Trooper Christopher Smith summonsed a male juvenile for driving to endanger as the result of a road rage incident on June 14.

 Trooper Barry Curtis responded to a threatening complaint on Schoodic Lake in Twp 18. As a result, a 49-year-old man from Harrington was arrested for threatening to burn down a neighboring camp and harassing the people that were there. Trooper Chris Smith also assisted.

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi handled a theft complaint in East Machias where an electric meter was stolen.  Evidence was collected and investigation continues.

Trooper Miles Carpenter handled a theft complaint in Cutler where an IPOD and a digital camera were stolen from a residence. A suspect is known and investigation continues.

Trooper Miles Carpenter arrested a 21-year-old man for violation of conditional release and a 22-year-old woman for possession of Schedule Z drugs and summonsed her for possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop in Jonesport.

Trooper Christopher Smith received a theft report from a resident in Franklin. The homeowner reported that his wallet which contained $890.00 cash was removed from his pants pocket inside his residence. Investigation continues.

Trooper Barry Curtis responded to the River bend Apartments in Addison and arrested a man for criminal restraint. Lt. Travis Willey of the Washington County Sheriff's Office assisted.

Trooper Staci Carpenter investigated a tractor-trailer/moose collision on Route 9 in Township 30. The truck received minor damage and the moose had to be dispatched.

Down East Community Hospital will celebrate cancer survivors on June 26.

Cancer survivors will be honored for their strength and courage, and the contributions of their families, friends and healthcare providers will also be recognized.

This year there will be an open house combined with the celebration.

After the ceremony, people will be able to have a tour of Down East Community Hospital's new infusion clinic and cardiac rehabilitation clinic. All are welcomed to attend.

In the lobby at Down East Community Hospital, there will be presentations by cancer survivors followed by refreshments provided by the DECH Auxiliary.

There will be an opportunity to sign the survivor banner, a chance to visit with other attendees, and time to tour the infusion and cardiac rehabilitation clinics.

A "survivor" is anyone living with a history of cancer - from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. If you plan to attend the June 26 event, please RSVP to 255-0244. 

According to a story in the CALAIS ADVERTISER, the town of Baileyville has hired a new police chief.

Shawn Donahue had worked for Baileyville for 11 years up until a year and a half ago when he left to take a position with the Washington County Sheriff's Department Donahue's first day in office will be July 6.

He told the Calais Advertiser he knows the Baileyville Police Department is short-handed right now, but plans to get things back to where there will be 24 hour coverage.

"That's going to be a huge challenge for me, but that's what I'm up for -- challenges," he said.

He said that he feels the council has been very supportive in their efforts to find a chief and keep the police department going. "The officers and the chief have the support of the town and the council," he told the newspaper.

A Minnesota man was arrested Wednesday by border agents when he crossed the border into Canada at Woodstock, New Brunswick. Authorities allegedly seized prohibited goods along with child pornography.

According to the RCMP, Canada Border Service Agents intercepted a vehicle entering Canada at the Woodstock Road border crossing.

Suspicious material was located and seized during a routine secondary screening of the vehicle.

Police said the driver and lone occupant, 40-year-old Darrin Whittaker of Rush City,  Minnesota was arrested by CBSA and the RCMP.

On Thursday morning, Whittaker appeared in Woodstock Provincial Court to face charges of smuggling prohibited goods and possession of child pornography.

Whittaker was remanded into custody until a bail hearing on Friday in Woodstock Provincial Court.

A follow-up investigation is being conducted jointly by CBSA and J Division RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE).

"An Adaptive Management Plan for Alewife in the St. Croix River" has been released today for a 60-day public comment period. The plan's purpose is to restore the sea-run (anadromous) alewife, a native fish species, to the St. Croix River basin.

In 1995, Maine state law closed passage of alewife in the St. Croix River at all but the most downstream dam (Milltown).

That law was amended in 2008 to reopen the next dam upstream (Woodland), but alewife can still only access 2 percent of their native habitat in the basin. 

The St. Croix Fisheries Steering Committee drafted the plan at the request of the International Joint Commission's (IJC) International St. Croix River Watershed Board (the Board).

In recognition of the importance of the smallmouth bass sport fishery, which has become economically important in the basin in the last century, the plan takes a precautionary approach to alewife restoration to ensure that a healthy bass fishery is maintained at current or higher levels. 

The Board will consult with stakeholders in the basin on the draft plan and invites the public to attend its August 4,2010 Annual Public Meeting to hear more about the plan and to provide an opportunity to ask questions and make comments.

The meeting will be held at Princeton Elementary School starting at 6 p.m. Eastern, 7 p.m. Atlantic.

The comment period will remain open until Monday, August 16, 2010.

Following its consideration of the public comments, the Board will determine what advice to provide to the IJC. 

The full draft plan and background information is available at: http://www.ijc.org/rel/st-croix-alewife/

The alewife must swim upstream to spawn and are vital to the food webs and nutrient cycles of marine, freshwater and land habitats in the basin. As bait, they help support coastal fisheries and lobstering. Fossil evidence shows alewife were present in the basin from prehistoric times.

IJC's mandate under the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 is to prevent and resolve disputes over the use of waters shared by Canada and the United States.

The IJC takes a collaborative approach and works to build consensus on solutions that are in the best interests of the people and the watershed. The IJC works very closely with its International St. Croix River Watershed Board on all issues in the basin. 

Contacts: Nadine Mackay Canadian Secretary (Acting) International St. Croix River Watershed Board c/o Environment Canada, 16th floor Queen Square, 45 Alderney Drive Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6. Phone: 902-426-2234, Fax: 902-426-6348. Email: nadine.mackay@ec.gc.ca

Tim Dugan Public Affairs US Army Corps of Engineers New England District, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742. Phone: 978-318-8264 timothy.j.dugan@usace.army.mil 

ST. STEPHEN - A fatal ATV accident Saturday has plunged a community into mourning and cast a shadow of grief over ceremonies planned next week for the graduating class of St. Stephen High School.

Dead is Matt Haley, 18, of Pomeroy Ridge. Listed in good condition Tuesday morning at the Saint John Regional Hospital is Sean Kent, 17, of Scotch Ridge whom police believe was the driver of the vehicle. Both teens were scheduled to graduate June 23.

"Matthew is a member of our senior class. He was due to graduate in a little over a week's time," said SSHS principal Jamie Waycott. "He was a very, very well thought of young man by his peers, the students at our school, and highly thought of by our staff. He was a very hardworking, very honest young man.

The challenge will be to appropriately remember Matthew and at the same time celebrate the accomplishments of the remainder of the grad class and I'm sure we will find that balance and do it appropriately," said Waycott.

He described the accident as a school's and family's worst nightmare, especially at this time of year.

Haley's funeral will be held this week on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home in St. Stephen.

Visiting will take place Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Internment will take place in the Milltown Roman Catholic Cemetery in Barter Settlement. Donations can be made to the Matthew Haley Scholarship Fund.

District 10 Superintendent Derek O'Brien said he is leaving it to Waycott and Haley’s family to decide how to appropriately remember Haley at the graduation ceremony.

"Most importantly we do want Matthew's family to know our thoughts are with them and our prayers are with them as they deal with this during this difficult time and the hope that all our students out there, getting ready for graduation time, are thinking safety over the next few weeks," said O'Brien.

He said the school and district was also very concerned about Kent and he was glad to hear Kent is recovering from his injuries.

A spokesperson for the RCMP said the investigation into the fatality is ongoing. They have not officially released the names of the persons involved.

"There are still a number of unanswered questions as to what transpired and when," said Cpl. John Nagy.

"We're trying to identify some contributing factors," said the officer, citing unknowns at this time as the speed of the vehicle, the driver's knowledge of the terrain, whether the lights and brakes were working on the four-wheeled ATV and whether alcohol was involved.

"We're not considering charges at this time; we're a long way from that," said Nagy. He said a big part of the investigation is trying to determine the time of the accident.

Nagy said police are surmising the survivor (Kent) was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident because the vehicle is registered to one of his parents.

"The injured person also supposedly made a statement to someone that he was operating the ATV, but we haven't had the opportunity to go speak to him.

"Obviously we want to make sure the survivor is okay medically to speak to us," said Nagy.

Police and rescue personnel responded Saturday, June 13, around 10:40 a.m. to the accident scene along the new portion of Highway 1 near the exit into St. Stephen.

The investigation so far has determined the ATV carrying the two teens was travelling on the side of the westbound highway lane when it went down a steep, rock-strewn embankment.

The overturned quad was found in the water of Dennis Stream near a bridge. Haley was pronounced dead at the scene. Only one helmet was found at the scene and police have not yet determined who was wearing it.

Initial indications are that Kent was able to make his way up the rocky incline to the side of the road where a passing motorist stopped and rendered assistance.

A makeshift shrine has been established at the accident site and higher above it, beside the highway. Friends have placed flowers, erected crosses, and written condolences on cards as well as the guard rail.

Someone has planted a small flower garden inside a ring of stones, while others have spray painted messages on the cement pillars supporting the highway overpass.

Waycott said the school's emergency response team, a combination of SSHS staff and those from the district office, opened the school Sunday afternoon.

"We had on hand staff grief counsellors, and regular teaching staff, to give our students an opportunity to come to a place they call home, our school, to hang out," explained Waycott.

It was also an opportunity to identify students who were the most significantly impacted by this tragedy and to make accommodations for them. Friday was the last day of classes and exams started Monday.

Waycott said the team felt it was beneficial to the students to have the opportunity to congregate and for the initial grief process to begin.

By and large Monday morning's exams went well, he said, adding that a few more students came to their attention who needed special arrangements to accommodate their grieving.

Waycott said closing the school was never an option.

"Our training and experience tell us schools, where possible, should remain open and that students do need that normality. It provides them a place to grieve with their friends and with supportive adults with them."

Waycott said he has spoken to Haley's family. He confirmed Haley has a younger brother who is a Grade 10 student at SSHS.

"I spent a lot of time with his family Sunday morning and again this morning," Waycott said Monday afternoon.

"They are grief stricken as one would imagine. They've lost their son, the eldest child in the family due to graduate in a week's time," he said, visibly overcome with emotion.

He described Haley as a "very personable young fellow," calling him an outdoorsman, a typical 18-year-old living in rural New Brunswick who loved the outdoors and the activities it allowed including four wheeling, hunting fishing, "all good, healthy activities."

Haley's father, the late Allen Joseph Haley, was killed in a traffic accident when Haley was a small boy.

Besides his brother, he is survived by his mother, Shirley Etta (Hannon) Morton, his maternal grandmother, Bessie Hannon, paternal grandparents, Carol and Joe Haley, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

[ABOVE STORY FROM THE SAINT CROIX COURIER]

Some of the highlights from the Weekly Report of Troop J:

June 7:

Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi, Trooper Barry Curtis, Trooper John Matthews, Trooper Staci Carpenter and Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to the Harrington Irving to assist the Washington County Sheriff's Office and area fire departments with a vehicle that crashed into a gas pump causing an explosion. State Police assisted with traffic control, security and the crash investigation.

Trooper Jason Fowler assisted the Machias Police Department as a Drug Recognition Technician where he found a female to be under the influence of drugs. Machias Police arrested the woman for operating under the influence of drugs.

Trooper Christopher Smith investigated a criminal mischief incident at a business on Route 200 in Franklin. The caller reported that his 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle was vandalized while parked inside the company garage. The mororcycle was scratched several times with a knife and his leather jacket was cut multiple times. It appears that the man was targeted in the incident as no other equipment was tampered with. The investigation continues.

June 8:

Trooper Barry Curtis covered a two-vehicle crash in Harrington. A vehicle went to turn onto North Main Street, but did not see the motorcycle coming in the opposite lane. The motorcycle struck the side of the passenger vehicle causing the operator to land on the pavement. Luckily, there were no injuries.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a burglary complaint from Lamoine. The caller reported the residence she shares with another person was burglarized. The only items taken appeared to be prescription medications.

June 9:

Trooper Greg Roy conducted a bail check at the home of a 19-year-old man in Deer Isle. As the trooper approached the residence, two males ran out the rear door and fled into the woods. Sgt. Alden Bustard and canine "Zack" responded to track the subjects. A 17-year-old male from Surry, was located in the woods a short distance behind the residence and summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a juvenile. He was turned over to the custody of his grandfather in Surry. The man that the trooper came to check on originally was located behind the residence and arrested for violation of conditions of release and furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol. A third person, a 17-year-old male of Surry, had been hiding on the roof of the residence and was located a short time later. He was also summonsed for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of liquor by a juvenile.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a suspicious complaint from Blue Hill. The caller reported that a subject was in his yard trying to sell him an Apache generator. Trooper Mitchell arrived at the residence and identified the seller. Police were unable to determine that a crime had been committed but the event was related to other state-wide incidents.

Trooper Greg Mitchell received a late report on a burglary complaint in Deer Isle. The caller reported seven inspection stickers from his business.

June 10:

Trooper Greg Roy received a forgery complaint from Eastbrook. The caller reported that a known male, also of Eastbrook, had forged a life insurance policy. The investigation continues.

Trooper Greg Roy handled a theft complaint in Deer Isle where copper piping and fittings were reported stolen. A suspect vehicle is known and the investigation continues.

June 11:

Sgt. Alden Bustard and Trooper Greg Roy assisted the Hancock County Sheriff's Office with a domestic dispute in Dedham. The caller reported that her brother was very intoxicated and threatening to kill himself. The brother was found to be very intoxicated but denied threatening to kill himself. Both parties agreed to stay away from each other until the brother sobered up.

June 12:

Trooper Miles Carpenter handled a theft complaint in Columbia where checks were reported stolen. A suspect is known and the investigation continues.

Trooper Andrew Foss responded to Perry for a burglary complaint where a door and a window were found damaged on a seasonal residence. The investigation continues.

Trooper Andrew Foss handled a theft complaint in Jonesboro where tools were reported stolen from a garage. A suspect is known and the investigation continues.

Trooper Andrew Foss handled a theft complaint in Whitneyville where gasoline was reportedly siphoned from a vehicle. The investigation continues.

Trooper Daniel Ryan responded to a burglary complaint at the Blue Hill Rod & Gun Club where two doors were damaged and money was stolen. Evidence was collected and a suspect is known.

Trooper Jessica Shorey responded to Township 34 where a vehicle was found that had been involved in a crash. The owner called in the crash later after she returned home from the hospital. The investigation continues.

The driver of a pickup truck chose to lam it after crashing into a guard rail and going down an embankment Monday night on Route 190 in Eastport.

Above: Hauling the pickup truck from below-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Eastport and Pleasant Point police received a report that a vehicle had gone down over a bank.

"When we got here -- the person was gone," an officer told WQDY NEWS.

Above: Wrecker pulls truck over guardrail-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

It wasn't immediately clear who had been behind the wheel. 

"The vehicle crossed the center line -- hit the guard rail which spun the vehicle backwards and it went down over the bank. The driver got out and took off," police said.

Above: Guard rail will need rehab - WQDY NEWS PHOTO

"Whoever was driving that vehicle is really lucky," police said.

Lucky in the sense they were able to walk away from the scene.

The crash happened on the Route 190 causeway in Eastport near the line with Sipayik [Pleasant Point]. The road was shut down briefly as a wrecker hauled the GMC pickup up and over the guard rail so it could be loaded on a flatbed. 

The bottom survey of Cobscook Bay is now in progress.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] Navigation Response Team arrived in Eastport last week and expects to be here through the summer and they may return next year if more needs to be done.

Cmdr. Larry Krepp, NRT Team Leader Nick Forfinski and Matt Andring said the response from the local community has been great.

"From the landlords to folks in restaurants -- they're curious what we're doing and offering to help in any way that they can. It's a community response and involvement like I've never seen in the 18 years I've been doing this. You have a special place here," Krepp said.

On Monday, WQDY NEWS rode along with the NRT crew for brief tour of their operation.

Above: Image of a currently charted wreck in the vicinity of Broad Cove on the NRT's computer- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: With downtown Eastport in the background, we head for Broad Cove- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: NRT Team Leader Nick Forfinski checks information from the various computers -WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: Matt Andring prepares a piece of equipment called a Digibar. At the other end is a sound velocity sensor.

Above: Currently charted wreck -WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: Cmdr. Lawrence Krepp - WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: The NRT's Sea Ark vessel at the Eastport Breakwater- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Krepp noted the tidal flow in the area.

"You don't find this kind of current in too many places so you definitely have to be on top of your game -- it's fast and flows hard."

"We were well-warned [by] Capt. Bob Peacock and everybody we'd run into. Everybody here knows what happens on the water. All the local tidbits and information we've gotten has warned us of the dangerous areas. We had Dave Dent [of the Maine Marine Patrol] ride with us on our first day and he took us up through Reversing Falls and some of the more challenging areas on this project," Krepp said.

"I owe him a debt of gratitude just for taking the day to ride along -- to have that local expertise on board. So if Dave is listening [or reading], thank you," Krepp added.

Usually the NRT groups work larger port areas but the Cobscook Bay area has been plagued with seven fishing-related deaths since December 2008.

"There seems to be a number of contributors in these incidents. We know we can help out with the chart aspect. That's what we're here to do," Krepp said.

Above: Eastport's South End-WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Above: NRT's Sea Ark in Passamaquoddy Bay. Head Harbour Passage in background- WQDY NEWS PHOTO

Carleton-York District 7 RCMP are investigating an early morning crash that claimed the life of a New Brunswick truck driver.

According to police, a transport truck was headed westbound on Highway 2 near River de Chute when the vehicle left the road and continued down a 200-foot embankment.

The driver, 66-year-old Bob Anderson of Waterville, N.B., was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death. An RCMP collision reconstructionist is assisting with the investigation.

River de Chute is near the border with Maine roughly between Mars Hill and Easton Corner.