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Articles by David Warren
Lewiston mass shooting becoming unique case for having suspect who still hasn’t been found Original
The shootings in Lewiston this week marked the 36th mass killing in the U.S. this year, and the majority of them involved suspects who were quickly found, either dead or alive. The longer authorities in Maine search for the suspect in the Lewiston shootings, 40-year-old Robert Card, the more unique the case becomes for having a gunman on the lam for days on end.
State closes aging Albion bridge after it fails inspection
ALBION — Motorists are facing a long detour after the Maine Department of Transportation decided Wednesday to close Puddle Dock Bridge after it failed a routine inspection. The DOT in a notice it released of the closing did not give a reason for why the bridge failed the inspection, but it’s an aging span — it was built in 1933 — and is scheduled to be replaced in 2025. The small bridge carries traffic traveling along South Freedom Road over Fifteenmile Stream. It’s just north of Knights Road.
Albion man pleads guilty to illegally purchasing firearms in Fairfield
BANGOR — An Albion man pleaded guilty in federal court in Bangor on Tuesday to illegally purchasing handguns on five separate occasions in exchange for fentanyl and heroin. Jason Palmer, 42, knowingly made false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer in claiming that he was purchasing the firearms for himself when he was actually buying them for someone else, federal prosecutors said in a news release.
New $95 million Gordon Center officially opens at Colby College
WATERVILLE — This weekend marks the official opening of Colby College’s $95 million Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, which was the largest academic project in the college’s history and is regarded as one of the most advanced performing arts facilities in New England.
Jeff Powers, co-founder of popular Bigelow Brewing Co., dies Original
SKOWHEGAN — Jeff Powers, who along with his wife founded the popular Bigelow Brewing Co., died suddenly on Tuesday, according to a statement on the brewery’s Facebook page. No cause of death was given. Powers’ interest in brewing began when his wife Pam bought him a home brewing kit for Christmas in 1989, according to the brewery’s website. He knew soon after that he one day wanted to open a brewery.
Unity town clerk announces departure as town struggles to retain workers
UNITY — Town leaders will once again be searching for a town clerk as the one hired just weeks ago is leaving the position, the latest municipal worker to step away as the town struggles to retain employees. Clerk Loni-Ann Spaulding was previously the town clerk in neighboring Knox and joined the Unity town office just last month.
Madison man arrested in July death of man from Anson
MADISON — A 61-year-old man was arrested Friday in the death of an Anson man whose body was found in his vehicle in July, the state Department of Public Safety announced. Roland Flood, of Madison, was charged with murder and taken to the Somerset County Jail in East Madison, according to a news release issued by Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety.
Madison man arrested in July death of man from Anson
MADISON — A 61-year-old man was arrested Friday in the death of an Anson man whose body was found in his vehicle in July, the state Department of Public Safety announced. Roland Flood, of Madison, was charged with murder and taken to the Somerset County Jail in East Madison, according to a news release issued by Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety.
RSU 3 superintendent resigns three days into start of the school year
UNITY — The superintendent of Regional School Unit 3 has resigned his position just three days into the school year, the chairwoman of the school board announced Friday. Charles Brown, the superintendent of the school district for the last four years, resigned as of Thursday, board Chairwoman Ellie Hess said in a statement to parents and others in the district.
Man whose body found on Winslow riverbank was caring person who fell into addiction, father says Original
WATERVILLE — A man whose body was found in the Kennebec River following a days-long search was described by his father Tuesday as a gifted athlete and outdoors enthusiast whose life for years was bedeviled by drug addiction. The body of John Lessard Jr. was found Saturday by searchers near Fort Halifax Park in Winslow. His father, John Lessard Sr., said it appears his son drowned after being seen days earlier entering the river.
Teenager killed, 3 others hurt when pickup leaves St. Albans road and strikes tree Original
ST. ALBANS — A 14-year-old boy was killed and three others injured Friday when a pickup truck that authorities say was traveling too fast left a road in St. Albans and struck a tree. The Toyota Tacoma was carrying an 18-year-old driver and a juvenile in the cab and two other juveniles in the bed of the pickup when it traveled off Dudley Brook Road around 2:15 p.m., according to a news release issued Saturday by Somerset County Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell.
Fire at Backyard Farms in Madison sends thick smoke billowing into sky Original
MADISON — Several fire departments responded Thursday morning to a fire at Backyard Farms that sent heavy gray smoke billowing into the sky. The fire began about 8:30 a.m. in one of the buildings on the expansive grounds of Backyard Farms on River Road, northeast of downtown Madison.
Pair arrested in Canaan following theft of SUV
CANAAN — Two people who authorities say stole an SUV in Canaan were arrested a day later after becoming combative when sheriff’s deputies attempted to take them into custody, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office said Monday. The events began Friday when a Jeep Wrangler, with its keys left inside, was reported stolen on Lake George Drive, according to sheriff’s Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell.
Unity Environmental University sees enrollment grow as it continues transition to distance learning
The president of Unity Environmental University said Thursday a tectonic shift in the way people are pursuing higher education means more students are focusing on distance learning and forgoing on-campus teaching at private institutions. The college announced in February it was rebranding and taking the name Unity Environmental University, instead of Unity College, to better reflect its focus on environmental studies and remote learning opportunities.
Money emerges as key obstacle to housing asylum seekers at Unity campus Original
UNITY — A plan to provide transitional housing to as many as 600 asylum seekers on a bucolic college campus in town has reached a critical juncture — finding the approximately $10 million that’s needed to make it happen. There’s no apparent federal funding that’s imminently available and no reservoir of state money to currently draw from, according to Scott Thistle, spokesman for MaineHousing.
Photos: Maine International Film Festival takes center stage in Waterville
Film-goers walk along a red carpet Sunday after watching “20,000 Species of Bees” at the Maine International Film Festival in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center in downtown Waterville. The festival runs until Sunday, July 16. Buy Image Kate McAleer, right, and Catherine Estes of Bixby Chocolate Cafe speak with a customer Thursday at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center in downtown Waterville.
Ten vehicles involved in Interstate 95 wreck in Bangor Original
Ten vehicles were involved in a wreck on northbound Interstate 95 in Bangor on Thursday, according to Maine State Police. Some motorists suffered minor injuries, police said. Photo courtesy of Maine State Police BANGOR — A collision on Interstate 95 on Thursday involved 10 vehicles and led to minor injuries to some motorists and the closure of the highway, according to Maine State Police. The wreck occurred around 8:45 a.m. on northbound I-95 near Exit 183.
With bagels and plenty of good schmear, Waterville eatery looks to expand into Augusta Original
WATERVILLE — Month after month Tiffany Lopes heard the same refrain from customers: Open a shop in Augusta. The owner of Sunrise Bagel hemmed and hawed. Operating her sole location on Water Street in Waterville was enough work. She only opened the business two years ago. In that time she’s found a loyal following. Her staff of about a dozen people sell hundreds of bagels a day — on the weekends they sell around 850 a day. And then there’s camp season.
Asylum seekers proposal for Unity under review by state as group seeks transitional housing for hundreds
The state this week received a proposal for Unity Environmental University to be paid $7.8 million to provide transitional housing for as many as 600 asylum seekers at its landmark campus in the Waldo County town of Unity. The proposal was submitted Tuesday by the Greater Portland Council of Governments in an effort to provide a more cohesive, integrated approach to the wave of asylum seekers coming to Maine, according to Belinda Ray, director of strategic partnerships for the council.
Asylum seekers proposal for Unity under review by state as group seeks transitional housing for hundreds
The state this week received a proposal for Unity Environmental University to be paid $7.8 million to provide transitional housing for as many as 600 asylum seekers at its landmark campus in the Waldo County town of Unity. The proposal was submitted Tuesday by the Greater Portland Council of Governments in an effort to provide a more cohesive, integrated approach to the wave of asylum seekers coming to Maine, according to Belinda Ray, director of strategic partnerships for the council.
Unity public charter school holds its first graduation
UNITY — Lēza Packard acknowledges a group of teenagers took a gamble when they enrolled at The Ecology Learning Center when the public charter school opened in September 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic was upending life in every corner of the country. But those students persevered and so did the Unity school, which was the 10th and final public charter institution authorized by the state to launch.
Firefighters continue to check for hotspots following Moscow, Caratunk brushfire
MOSCOW — Firefighters on Wednesday were continuing to check for hotspots and flare-ups following a weekend brushfire that covered more than 13 acres and proved difficult to suppress as they contended with temperatures in the 80s, a fire official said.
Norridgewock man arrested following Oakland police chase, confrontation with officer, police say
OAKLAND — A Norridgewock man is facing several charges including eluding an officer and operating under the influence after police say he fled from a patrol officer Thursday and then fought with the officer as she attempted to take him into custody. Thirty-one-year-old Christopher Abbot was arrested and transported to the Kennebec County Jail following the incident around 9:30 p.m., according to a statement posted to the Oakland Police Department’s Facebook page.
Maine’s high court rejects appeal by Skowhegan man challenging sex assault conviction
The state’s highest court this week rejected a Skowhegan man’s appeal of his conviction on two counts of gross sexual assault after engaging in an improper sexual relationship with an 18-year-old girl who was enrolled in the man’s driving education course. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court in a ruling Thursday turned away the appeal by Duane Marquis, who was arrested in 2019 by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of gross sexual assault.
Maine’s high court rejects appeal by Skowhegan man challenging sex assault conviction
The state’s highest court this week rejected a Skowhegan man’s appeal of his conviction on two counts of gross sexual assault after engaging in an improper sexual relationship with an 18-year-old girl who was enrolled in the man’s driving education course. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court in a ruling Thursday turned away the appeal by Duane Marquis, who was arrested in 2019 by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of gross sexual assault.
Photos: It’s tourney time! Crew works to make sure Augusta prepared
Crews tighten rows of screws as they put the finishing touches on the installation of the basketball court at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta on Tuesday. The work was done in preparation for the opening of the high school basketball tournament. The Class A North girls quarterfinals tip off Friday in Augusta at 4 p.m., when No. 6 Skowhegan plays No. 3 Cony. The civic center on Saturday will host the Class D South boys and Class A North boys quarterfinal games.
Family of man accused of threatening to ‘shoot up’ Pittsfield business denies allegations
PITTSFIELD — The father of a man who police allege threatened to “shoot up” a Pittsfield business says his son is adamant he made no such threat and will plead not guilty to a terrorizing charge filed against him. Scott Therrien, of Pittsfield, said his son had no weapon and that the incident last week at the Hancock Lumber sawmill where Benjamin Scott Therrien worked stemmed from a misunderstanding. Pittsfield police said 28-year-old Benjamin Therrien on Feb.
Family of man accused of threatening to ‘shoot up’ Pittsfield business denies allegations
PITTSFIELD — The father of a man who police allege threatened to “shoot up” a Pittsfield business says his son is adamant he made no such threat and will plead not guilty to a terrorizing charge filed against him. Scott Therrien, of Pittsfield, said his son had no weapon and that the incident last week at the Hancock Lumber sawmill where Benjamin Scott Therrien worked stemmed from a misunderstanding. Pittsfield police said 28-year-old Benjamin Therrien on Feb.
Circumstances around hiring of code officer driving factor behind Madison recall effort
MADISON — A move to hire a full-time code enforcement officer roiled the town for much of last year and is a primary factor behind a push to recall one of the town’s selectman. The effort to recall Glen Mantor is the focus of a public hearing scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Old Point School on Old Point Avenue. The organizers behind the recall submitted a petition with more than 200 signatures, enough to place the matter before residents at a special election planned for Tuesday, March 7.
Pittsfield man arrested after threatening to ‘shoot up’ business where he previously worked, police say
PITTSFIELD — A 28-year-old man was arrested on a felony charge of terrorizing after authorities say he threatened to “shoot up” a business in town where he previously worked, police said Wednesday. Benjamin Scott Therrien of Pittsfield was being held at the Somerset County Jail on $10,000 bail following his arrest, according to police Chief Vicente Morris.
Pushing aside life’s challenges, woman takes ownership of longstanding Waterville business Original
WATERVILLE — There was a time when life was serving up nothing but lemons for Ashley Ann Ferris. Raising three daughters as a single mother was a struggle and there were instances when she turned to others for a hand up. Her health faltered for a time and she became seriously ill, requiring two surgeries before mending. And she was nearly brought to her knees a couple of years ago when a business venture — one that could pave a promising financial path — fell through.
Three men charged following armed confrontation in Clinton
CLINTON — Three men were arrested Tuesday after they confronted a resident of a home on Cindy Blodgett Drive about a dispute over money, police said. One of the men was armed with a loaded .45-caliber handgun, according to Clinton police Chief Stanley “Rusty” Bell. He said officers responded Tuesday morning to the home on a report of an armed robbery. A man living there said he arrived home to find the men already there. One of them argued with the resident that they were owed money.
New Balance plans $65 million expansion of manufacturing facility in Skowhegan
SKOWHEGAN — New Balance is planning a $65 million expansion of its manufacturing center on Walnut Street and anticipates creating about 200 jobs in the next couple of years, town officials were told Tuesday.
Athens man dies while in custody at Somerset County Jail
MADISON — An Athens man facing a domestic violence charge died this week while being held at the Somerset County Jail in Madison, officials said Thursday. Virgil White, 33, of Athens died Monday while in custody at the Somerset County Jail in Madison, according to officials.
Athens man dies while in custody at Somerset County Jail
MADISON — An Athens man facing a domestic violence charge died this week while being held at the Somerset County Jail in Madison, officials said Thursday. Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster wrote in a brief statement to the news media that Virgil White, 33, was pronounced dead Monday after a Redington-Fairview General Hospital EMS crew responded just before 8 a.m. to the jail at 131 E. Madison Road. Lancaster did not explain the circumstances of White’s death.
Hartland man dies when SUV strikes tree in Canaan
CANAAN — A 59-year-old man was killed when his SUV veered off Route 23 in Canaan and struck a tree, a Somerset County sheriff’s official said Tuesday. The wreck occurred about 4:30 p.m. Friday and investigators aren’t certain what caused the 2005 Ford Explorer to drive off Route 23, also known as the Hartland Road, according to sheriff’s Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell.
Hartland man dies when SUV strikes tree in Canaan
CANAAN — A 59-year-old man was killed when his SUV veered off state Route 23 in Canaan and struck a tree, a Somerset County sheriff’s official said Tuesday. The wreck occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Friday, and investigators aren’t certain what caused the 2005 Ford Explorer to drive off Route 23, also known as Hartland Road, according to sheriff’s Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell.
Norridgewock voters OK land purchase for food pantry
NORRIDGEWOCK — Voters authorized town officials Tuesday to buy a 2.5-acre property on Gilman Drive so a food pantry can be opened on the land, Town Manager Richard LaBelle said. Unofficial results show 946 votes were cast in favor of the land acquisition and 556 in opposition, according to Town Clerk Aimee Robinson. The question asked Norridgewock voters whether they would authorize the purchase of the land at a price of no more than $100,000, but did not specify how the land would be used.
One child killed, another seriously injured when pickup strikes tree in Madison
MADISON — A 7-year-old boy was killed and a 1-year-old sibling suffered a life-threatening head injury when the pickup their father was driving veered off White School House Road and struck a large tree, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office said Friday. The wreck occurred shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday as five members of the same Madison family were traveling west on the road, also known as Route 148, about a half-mile from the intersection with Russell Road, Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell said.
Norridgewock man involved in wreck that killed 2 pleads guilty to driving to endanger
A Norridgewock man who was initially charged with two counts of manslaughter in the 2019 traffic death of a Madison couple has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving to endanger, according to the district attorney for Kennebec and Somerset counties, Maeghan Maloney. David “Mike” Obert entered the plea Oct. 12 in a Skowhegan courtroom and must comply with a number of conditions in order to avoid jail time, including cooperating with inspections of commercial vehicles he owns.
With a little help from family, 89-year-old Jackman hunter takes down her third moose
JACKMAN — An 89-year-old hunter, with a little help from her family last week, took down a 775-pound bull moose on the fourth and final day of her moose hunt. Arline Achey of Jackman was concluding a long day of hunting last Thursday and expecting to come up empty handed, particularly because the last day of her hunt Friday was expected to be a washout with forecasts calling for heavy rain. But as she and family members were driving away, a moose was spotted in a clearing.
Connecticut man dies after he’s thrown from raft on Dead River near The Forks
THE FORKS — A Connecticut man who was whitewater rafting last weekend with family and friends died after he was thrown from his raft when it entered rapids along the Dead River, a spokesman for the state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife said Wednesday. The raft, operated by Magic Falls Rafting Co., was moving down the river Saturday afternoon with seven people on board when it came upon the Big Poplar Rapid, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife spokesman Mark Latti said in a statement.
Connecticut man dies after he’s thrown from raft on Dead River near The Forks Original
THE FORKS — A Connecticut man who was whitewater rafting last weekend with family and friends died after he was thrown from his raft when it entered rapids along the Dead River, a spokesman for the state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife said Wednesday. The raft, operated by Magic Falls Rafting Co., was moving down the river Saturday afternoon with seven people on board when it came upon the Big Poplar Rapid, Inland Fisheries & Wildlife spokesman Mark Latti said in a statement.
Skowhegan apartments searched in connection to Fairfield armed robbery
SKOWHEGAN — Authorities searched two apartments in Skowhegan on Monday as part of an investigation into the armed robbery of a Fairfield convenience store, Fairfield police said. Search warrants were obtained for the apartments at 33 West Front St. in Skowhegan and officers seized evidence, according to a news release issued late Monday by Fairfield police.
Unity man arrested following standoff at Montville home
A Unity man was being held without bail Friday on several charges, including kidnapping and domestic violence terrorizing, following a standoff this week at a home in Montville, according to the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office. Ten charges were filed against 47-year-old Aaron Nickerson in the aftermath of the standoff at the home on Morse Road, which extends south from the Belfast Road in Knox.
Algae bloom continuing to affect North Pond in Rome, Smithfield
SMITHFIELD — An algae bloom on North Pond has improved in recent days but could worsen with the withering heat that has moved into central Maine, according to a scientist with the 7 Lakes Alliance conservation group. The algae on North Pond began blooming about two weeks ago during a patch of hot weather, making the pond resemble a bowl of pea soup, according to Danielle Wain, lake science director for 7 Lakes Alliance, which works to preserve land and water in the Belgrade Lakes region.
Algae bloom continuing to affect North Pond in Rome, Smithfield
SMITHFIELD — An algae bloom on North Pond has improved in recent days but could worsen with the withering heat that has moved into central Maine, according to a scientist with the 7 Lakes Alliance conservation group. The algae on North Pond began blooming about two weeks ago during a patch of hot weather, making the pond resemble a bowl of pea soup, according to Danielle Wain, lake science director for 7 Lakes Alliance, which works to preserve land and water in the Belgrade Lakes region.
Man, 35, killed at Newport campground in confrontation with sheriff’s deputy Original
NEWPORT — A 35-year-old man was shot and killed by a Penobscot County sheriff’s deputy Friday during a confrontation at a campground on Sebasticook Lake, authorities said. The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. at Sebasticook Lake Campground, which is at the southern tip of the lake near Route 2.
Two armed men sought following Bingham home invasion Original
BINGHAM — One person was injured over the weekend when two masked men stormed into a home on Main Street looking for another person, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. The homeowner and a companion were inside the home Sunday when the home invasion occurred, sheriff’s Chief Deputy Michael Mitchell said. The masked men, one armed with a handgun and the other with a rifle, were looking for another man who happened to be hiding in a rear bedroom, Mitchell said.
Hartland man sentenced to 30 years for police shootout that left Waterville officer wounded
Local & State Posted 6:01 PM Updated 4 mins ago increase font size Richard Murray-Burns was sentenced Thursday in a Skowhegan courtroom for the 2019 shooting in which dozens of rounds of gunfire were exchanged during a police chase. By David WarrenMorning Sentinel City Editor Share Defense attorney Pamela Ames speaks on behalf of her client, Richard Murray-Burns, seated, during a January 2020 court hearing in Skowhegan.
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