Fatal – Interstate
(Hampden) – A car flew off Interstate 95 in Hampden last evening, hit trees and burst into flames, killing the driver. State Police are still trying to figure out who was driving the vehicle registered in Southern Maine. The crash was reported at mile 176 of the Interstate. Other motorists reported the car was headed southbound with its 4-way flashers on before the crash.
MDOT Bids Rejected – paving projects canceled
(Brewer) – Significantly higher than expected bids on paving projects have scuttled three Maine DOT jobs for the summer. The Bangor Daily News reports the DOT rejected bids for Route 15 in Brewer, Route 1 in Rockland, and Congress Street in Portland. The DOT had already increased its budget for those projects, and the bids in some cases were nearly doubled of what was budgeted. Officials say a labor shortage is likely behind the higher than expected bids.
Tribal Chief Charged
(Ellsworth) – The police chief for Indian Township stands accused of removing elvers from someone else’s fishing net. The Bangor Daily News reports 55-year old Alexander Nicholas and his 37-year old son Alexander the 2nd both face misdemeanor charges. The incident allegedly occurred April 7th in Orland. If convicted both could face just under a year in jail and up to a $2-thousand dollar fine.
Kid Killer Found Guilty
(Wiscasset) – A 44-year old Wiscasset woman faces up to life in prison after a judge convicted her of murdering a 4-year old girl in December 2017. Justice William Stokes convicted Shawna Gatto yesterday for killing little Kendall Chick. First Responders testified that they saw one of the youngster’s eyes swollen shut when they responded to a call that Chick was unresponsive. The Department of Health and Human Services had placed the youngster in the custody of her grandfather who was Gatto’s boyfriend.
Rotary – Free Library
(Bar Harbor) A national book exchange program has made its way to Bar Harbor. Rotary Club president Carrie Jones tells Star 97-7 that members are launching a new Little Free Library today. Club members will maintain and monitor the all-weather library. Jones says the Rotary hopes to set up 2 other pop-up libraries; next at the playground in Town Hill and then one in Tremont.
Chef’s Gala Results
(Ellsworth) Officials with Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital are thanking the community for another successful Chef’s Gala. Saturday night’s event raised more than $60-thousand-dollars for breast care services at the hospital. Imaging Director Natalie Stanley says the funds allow the hospital to continue serving area patients. The hospital will hold another big community fundraiser with the annual Poinsettia Ball in December.
Missing Women Found
(Millinocket) – Game wardens in an airplane found two Millinocket women missing since Sunday standing alongside their disabled vehicle around 8:30 Tuesday morning. 40-year-old Aprylle Tapley and 44-year-old Tammy Michaud got stuck on a remote logging road after their SUV struck a rock and punctured the oil pan. The Warden Service reminds folks that cell phone service can be limited in remote areas so always tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return home.
Boys Found Safe
(North Carolina) Two Aroostook County boys were found safe in North Carolina yesterday after Presque Isle police say their father kidnapped them. A felony arrest warrant was issued this week for Joel Strother. Police say he took his 12 and 10-year-old sons out of Maine against their will. Law enforcement was tipped off to Strother’s whereabouts by someone who saw the Facebook post about the missing boys and decided to call. Strother is now behind bars.
Hydrant Flushing
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Water Department will flush out water lines this month, which may cause residents along the routes to experience slight water issues. City workers flush the water lines each spring and fall to prevent potential future problems. The process will begin Monday May 13th and continues through the 24th until each fire hydrant in the city has been tapped. When a hydrant near your home is flushed you may notice dirty or yellow water from your faucet, low water flow, or low pressure. City officials say it’s temporary and will subside after flushing is complete.
Blood Drives
(Local) The American Red Cross is asking folks to donate blood during Trauma Awareness Month. Donors of all blood types are urged to give now to help meet the needs of trauma patients and others with serious medical conditions. Upcoming blood drives include Machias Memorial High School today from 9 ‘til 2, the Ellsworth Ramada tomorrow from Noon to 5, the Community Church of Christ in Jonesport on Friday from Noon to 5, and Narraguagus High School on Friday from 2 ‘til 6.
BH Roadside Cleanup
(Blue Hill) The 4th annual Blue Hill Cares roadside clean up is this Saturday. Volunteers will meet at Blue Hill Consolidated School at 8 AM for safety instructions, trash bags, and location assignments. Participants are encouraged to wear durable gloves, sturdy footwear and bright or reflective clothing. Filled trash bags will be set along the roadside for Blue Hill Disposal to pick up then weigh at the transfer station.
Carriage Roads-Walking
(Acadia Nat’l Park) The carriage roads in Acadia National Park are now open for foot traffic only. Park rangers removed barricades and opened up parking lots Tuesday. Park officials warn the carriage roads are still too soft for bicycling or horses at this time. Folks are urged to use caution while on the carriage roads – looking out for ruts and downed trees and crews that may be working to clean up the carriage roads for summer use.
Bridge Observatory Delay
(Prospect) The observatory atop the Penobscot Narrows Bridge in Prospect remains closed. Traditionally the Maine Department of Transportation opens the tower on May 1st for the season. Officials say a malfunctioning fire suppression system has forced the observatory to remain closed for at least a few more days. The DOT hopes to have the tower open for viewing sometime next week.
Sports
- Milwaukee Bucks 123 Boston Celtics 102 (Series tied 1-1)
- Columbus Blue Jackets 2 Boston Bruins 1 (Columbus leads series 2-1)
- Boston Red Sox 5 Oakland A’s 1 (Rick Porcello allowed just 2 hits over 8-innings, homers from Mitch Moreland and Mookie Betts)
- Hector Velazquez starts against the A’s this afternoon.
- Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia got his 3,000th strikeout last night. He’s the 17th pitcher to have 3-thousand K’s.
High School Baseball
Hermon 8 MDI 4
Ellsworth 20 Old Town 1
Softball
Old Town 12 Ellsworth 7
