Storm
(Undated) – The weekend weather has caused a lot of road problems, and public works crews spent part of their weekends patching things back together. Mt. Desert town officials closed down the Beech Hill Cross Road because it’s unstable. Flooding in Augusta and Hallowell occurred when ice jams backed up the Kennebec River. And a lot of businesses are finding it tough to get into this morning – the sudden freeze blocked up keyholes with ice – some doors are nearly impossible to open without heating the locks.
Car in River
(Orland) – A 27-year old Orland man escaped injuries but faces charges after his car plunged into the Narramissic River in Orland during the weekend. WABI-TV reports Stephen Sobel allegedly drove drunk on Route 1 when he got onto the wrong side of the road and went through a guardrail and into the river. A crane had to pull Sobel’s car out of the drink.
Waldo Fire
(Waldo) – A Waldo home went up in flames yesterday. WABI-TV reports the fire call to Moosehead Trail came in at about 10-o’clock in the morning. No one was home and no injuries are reported. The Fire Marshal’s office will look for the cause. Fire officials said the heavy rain Saturday combined with the quick temperature drop made the road and driveway extremely icy.
Ockenfels Obit
(Rockland) – A long time police chief in Rockland has died. Village Soup dot-com reports Alfred Ockenfels suffered a stroke on Saturday. The 72-year old spent 16-years as the police chief beginning in 1989 and working his way up through the ranks of police officers. He served a term on the SAD 5 school board and ran for sheriff, losing the general election to current sheriff Donna Dennison.
Chamber Events
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Chamber encourages you to get out and shop local this Saturday. Executive director Gretchen Wilson says the annual “20 on the 20th” campaign is strategically planned during the winter months to help small and independent businesses continue operating. New this year is a scavenger hunt with the prize of 100 gallons of home heating oil. Get details at the Ellsworth Chamber on High Street, at their website, or on their Facebook page.
Heroin Arrests
(Houlton) A heroin bust in Aroostook County sent 2 people to jail. Drug agents searched a Court Street apartment in Houlton last week and seized 90 grams of heroin and several grams of meth. 31-year-old Matthew Perry of New Hampshire and his girlfriend 19-year-old Makayla McGuire of Houlton face several charges. Perry also had 5 outstanding warrants for his arrest and he’s on probation in New Hampshire for Aggravated Assault. Police continue to investigate and say more arrests are possible.
Domestic Incident
(Bucksport) Two Bucksport men were arrested after shots were fired inside a home last week. WVII-TV reports police responded to a domestic disturbance on Route 46 in Bucksport. Police say the situation was fairly complex. 41-year-old James Utley is charged with domestic aggravated assault. 19-year-old Dylan Fisher is charged with domestic violence, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. One of the men went to the hospital with a head injury but police have not said which one.
Tax Cut Bonuses
(Maine) The recent tax reform will benefit employees of Camden National. The financial institution announces their full-time employees will receive a $1-thousand-dollar cash bonus while part-time workers receive $750. In all Camden National is paying out $620-thousand-dollars in bonuses.
Possible Flooding
(Maine) A fair amount of localized flooding Saturday washed out roads in many areas. Maine Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Susan Faloon tells Star 97-7 the heavy rains and high temperatures melted the snowfall creating the problem. The River Flow Advisory Commission is scheduled to convene in March to discuss potential spring flooding.
Skate Park Meeting
(Bangor) The Bangor Parks and Rec Department will hold a second neighborhood meeting to discuss possible skate park locations. A brief presentation is planned with an overview about the need to relocate the existing skate park. Attendees will be able to ask questions afterward or give comments. Proposed locations include Broadway Park, Williams Park and an area behind the Bangor Parks and Rec building on Main Street. The meeting is tomorrow night at 6 at the Mary Snow School gymnasium.
Sports
- The Jacksonville Jaguars upset the Pittsburgh Steelers 45 to 42 to advance to the AFC Championship game against the Patriots.
- Minnesota scored a spectacular touchdown as time expired to stun New Orleans 29-to-24 and advance to the NFC championship against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- The Bruins are home this afternoon against the Dallas Star.
- Lots of afternoon high basketball today. Most games on Saturday were postponed due to the heavy rain and predicted ice storm.
