Drug Bust
(Holden) – Three people face drug charges after a police raid on Route 1A in Holden. WVII-TV reports police seized heroin, a shotgun, and other drugs from Jherad and Jenny Welch’s home. They’re charged with illegal possession and endangering the welfare of a child. Another person, Mrs. Welch’s brother Kenneth Wilson also faces charges in connection with the bust.
Stolen Bells-Buoys
(Boston) – A potential big reward is up for grabs for information leading to a conviction for whoever is stealing bells from buoys in Penobscot Bay. In recent months 9-heavy bells have vanished from marker buoys that boaters rely on, especially in foggy weather. The Coast Guard tells Star 97.7 the latest theft came about 2-miles east of Bailey Island. If convicted the thieves could face a $25-thousand dollar a day fine and up to a year in prison. The reward would be for half of whatever fine is imposed.
Rape Denial
(Ellsworth) – A 49-year old Orland man denies that he raped a developmentally disabled woman while he drove a van for a social service agency. Van Stevens made a brief court appearance this week in an Ellsworth courtroom. The woman’s family reported the alleged rape after their daughter acted suspiciously several months ago. Earlier this month a grand jury found enough evidence against Stevens to go to trial.
Hospital Cleared
(Augusta) – Maine’s highest court says Eastern Maine Medical Center was not negligent when they released a Monroe man who died a few hours later in a fire that destroyed his home. Randy Oliver underwent months of treatment for alcohol abuse at the Bangor hospital back in 2013, and his children asked the facility not to release him, fearing he would be a danger to himself. Within a day of the release Oliver’s home burned and he died in the blaze. In the 26-page decision, justices upheld a lower court ruling that cleared the hospital.
PI Death Update
(Presque Isle) A Presque Isle man’s death is no longer classified as suspicious. Police responded to a home on the Washburn Road Sunday where they discovered 35-year-old Lee Theriault’s body. The medical examiner’s office conducted an autopsy but they won’t release Theriault’s cause of death until toxicology testing is complete. Police say Theriault lived alone.
Gun Threat
(Eastbrook) An Eastbrook man faces charges after allegedly pointing a gun at a woman and threatening to kill her. Police say 58-year-old James Stimeling was intoxicated during Saturday’s incident at an Eastbrook residence. He left, but Maine State Police found and arrested him. Stimeling is behind bars for criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, domestic violence terrorizing, and aggravated reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.
Residential Market
(Local) Building costs in the area are up, which means getting more bang for your buck when you buy an existing home. Sargent Real Estate co-owner Teri Sargent says if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, don’t wait. Sargent says people are moving to Hancock County for lots of reasons but notes the hospital, Jackson Lab and even Acadia National Park employees have contributed to the boost.
More Rabies
(Kennebunkport) Kennebunkport police say a rabid raccoon bit a person attempting to nurse it back to health. Officials say the animal tested positive for rabies and both the resident and the responding game warden who also suffered bites will have to undergo rabies treatment. Authorities remind people not take wild animals into their homes.
Blueberry Volunteers
(Machias) Healthy Acadia wants to ensure no blueberries go to waste this season. Their Washington County Gleaning Initiative is looking for volunteers to help harvest and fresh-pack Maine wild blueberries for distribution to local food pantries. Anyone who’s interested can rake blueberries at the Hanscom family’s Welch Farm in Roque Bluffs today and Thursday. For information contact Healthy Acadia.
Kot Welcome Party
(Ellsworth) A business that supports American studio artists is holding a Welcome Party at its new location in downtown Ellsworth. KoT (Coat) Contemporary Functional Craft has relocated to 6 State Street and is inviting the community to stop by and see what it’s all about. The business originally opened at 192 Main Street in 2014. Owner Cara Romano hopes KoT (Coat) will become a destination for crafters as it offers a full schedule of guest artist appearances, workshops, lectures and exhibitions. The Welcome Party is tomorrow afternoon from 4 ‘til 7 PM.
Sports
- Cleveland Indians 6 Boston Red Sox 3 (3-game losing streak for Red Sox who are now 8-games in front of the Yankees).
- The Red Sox will start Brian Johnson against Cleveland tonight.
- Portland Sea Dogs 3 New Hampshire Fisher Cats 2
