Deputy Killed
(Norridgewock) – An armed and dangerous cop killer remains at large, two days after he shot a Deputy Sheriff in Somerset County. Acting State Police chief John Cote said last night they were stepping up the search for 29-year old John Williams of Madison. Williams has managed to elude capture since he allegedly gunned down Deputy Corporal Eugene Cole, stole his cruiser and robbed a convenience store. A $20-thousand dollar reward is now offered for his capture.
Killer Sentence
(Bangor) – A judge will sentence convicted killer Phillip Scott Fournier today for the murder of a 16-year old East Millinocket girl nearly 40-years ago. Joyce McClain’s death had gone unsolved for years, despite several confessions from Fournier. A judge found him guilty of the murder earlier this year. He faces up to life in prison. Prosecutors have recommended 55-years for the 57-year old Fournier.
Petition Fraud
(Augusta) – For now a Bar Harbor man’s name will NOT appear on the US Senate primary ballot because he didn’t have enough valid signatures. A judge sided with Secretary of State Matt Dunlap in rejecting Max Linn’s ballot appearance. Dunlap rejected signatures from dead voters and those who say they didn’t sign the petition. Linn’s attorney says there was some hanky-panky going on with signature collection and plans to appeal.
Thunder Hole Rescue
(Acadia National Park) – An Ellsworth man is recovering from injuries suffered when he slipped on rocks near Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park and ended up in the water. The Mt. Desert Islander reports the Coast Guard picked up the unnamed man from the rocks near Sand Beach and took him to the Bar Harbor town pier where an ambulance crew took him to MDI Hospital. Authorities say the rocks are slippery and urge caution in that area of the park.
Officer Retiring
(Ellsworth) One police officer in Ellsworth put on his uniform for the last time yesterday. Officer Bart Tokas is retiring after 40 years in law enforcement, severing the last 32 of those years in Ellsworth. Tokas tells Star 97-7 the EPD has been like family. Although Tokas is no longer on patrol as of the end of today’s shift, he doesn’t officially retire until July. A sendoff party is planned at the Masonic Lodge in Ellsworth this afternoon at 4.
Drug Take-Back
(Ellsworth) The next Drug Take-Back event is tomorrow throughout Maine. Here in Hancock County the Sheriff’s Department is collecting your unwanted and expired prescription drugs at the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce on High Street. Sheriff Scott Kane says the event usually gets a significant response. Sheriff Kane cautions against throwing medicine in the garbage or flushing it into the water system. If you can’t make tomorrow’s Drug Take-Back collection in Ellsworth, Kane says there are permanent designated collection sites county-wide.
Fire Victims
(Bar Harbor) – There was so much damage to a Bar Harbor home where two people died Sunday that investigators cannot determine how the fire started. That’s the word from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. They’ve identified the victims as 79-year old Earlene Harding and her 57-year old Son Leroy. Mrs. Harding’s husband Percy and another son, Raymond, escaped from the burning house which brought firefighters and equipment from 8-municipalities to the scene Sunday morning.
Terrorizing-Court Appearance
(Ellsworth) The Bucksport high school student who allegedly threatened classmates earlier this year has made his initial court appearance. 18-year-old Nathan Tapley is charged with 2 counts of terrorizing for allegedly communicating to several students at the high school his intent to inflict deadly harm. The Ellsworth American reports Tapley was not required to enter a plea last week. He’s free on $3000 bail and as a condition he’s not allowed on RSU 25 property or to possess dangerous weapons.
City Budget
(Ellsworth) The budget review process has begun for the city of Ellsworth. The first of four workshop sessions was held Monday evening where several departments brought their budget proposals before the Ellsworth city council. The Ellsworth American reports the total proposed budget is up 1.9-percent from the current fiscal year, which does not include the school budget. If no changes were made, that means a taxpayer with a home valued at $200-thousand-dollars would pay an additional $54 in taxes next year. The final budget review is June 4th.
Traffic Detour
(Bar Harbor) Roadway flooding and washouts in Bar Harbor have prompted local officials to temporarily re-route traffic today. In-bound traffic from State Highway 3 toward town will be directed to use the Hulls Cove Visitor Center entrance of Acadia National Park, and must continue onward to Eagle Lake Rad. West Street Extension is currently not passable. Also out-bound traffic from town traveling toward the head of the island will be directed to Eagle Lake Road to access the park and continue on Paradise Hill toward Hulls Cove.
Shooting Spree Arrests
(Rockland) – Two Friendship men face numerous charges after firing shots at homes in Knox and Lincoln Counties last month. Knox County Chief Deputy Tim Carroll reports to Star 97.7 that 19-year old Ethan Reed and 27-year old Joshua Reed turned themselves in and have cooperated with investigators. Authorities seek a 3rd person, 19-year old Ryan Delano. No one was hurt in the drive by shootings.
Tree Sale
(Ellsworth) In conjunction with Arbor Day today, the Ellsworth Garden Club is selling trees that they say are good environmentally functional choices for local landscapes. The selection includes River Birch, Sargent Crab Apples, Sugar Maple and others. Trees range in size and price from $4 to $6. Orders must be placed by May 19th by contacting the Ellsworth Garden Club.
Sports
- Milwaukee Bucks 97 Boston Celtics 86 (Series tied 3-3, game 7 in Boston Saturday)
- Boston Red Sox 5 Toronto Blue Jays 4 (JD Martinez with a 3-run homer.)
- Drew Pomeranz gets the start for Boston tonight at Fenway Park against Tampa Bay
- The Patriots drafted offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn with their first choice in the NFL Draft. The overall #1 pick was Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield by the Cleveland Browns.
- High School baseball and softball rained out yesterday
