Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Reardon May Get Reprieve on Self-Employment
(Bangor) Nathan Reardon is no stranger to the Bangor court scene. The Bangor Daily News reports in 2022, the former property manager and businessman was convicted of fraud for falsifying payroll information for one of his businesses, in order to get a $60K Paycheck Protection Program loan. Last August, he was convicted for continuing to operate as a landlord, in spite of a court order barring him from self-employment. Both convictions included jail time. Now, Reardon is appealing the ruling that he is not allowed to be self-employed. Last week, a federal appeals court vacated the self-employment ban, saying the judge did not property justify the ban at the time of sentencing The appeals court ruling remands the case back to the US District Court in Maine.
(Bangor) Former Bangor businessman Nathan Reardon has a long history of alleged violations as a property manager and business owner. Reardon was convicted of fraud in 2022 – the first person in Maine convicted for falsifying payroll information for one of his businesses, in order to get a $60K Paycheck Protection Program loan. The Bangor Daily News reports Reardon was arrested last August for continuing to operate as a landlord, in spite of a court order barring him from self-employment. Reardon is appealing the ruling that self-employment ban. Last week, a federal appeals court vacated that ban, handing Reardon somewhat of a victory. The appeals court ruling remands the case back to the US District Court in Maine.
Belfast Police Warn of “Grandparent Scam”
(Belfast) A Belfast couple is out $24,000, and authorities say they’re not the only ones who were scammed. Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier says the “grandparent scam” has defrauded folks out of thousands in locations across Maine and across the country. Cormier says police began an investigation in the Belfast fraud case in mid April. A man posing as a bail officer from the Waldo County Court told a couple their son was in an accident, was in jail in Portland and would need $24,000 cash in order for him to be released. The man then showed up at their house, took the $24,000 cash and left. In the last few weeks, police have learned 22 yo Oumar Diallo of Bronx, NY, carried out approximately 18 similar scams in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Diallo has been arrested and is scheduled for a Probable Cause Hearing on June 6th. If you’ve been a victim of this scam or have information regarding this case, you’re asked to contact Belfast Police.
(Belfast) Belfast police are warning of a so-called “grandparent scam”. Police Chief Robert Cormier tells Star 97.7, an investigation began last month in a suspected fraud case. He says a man posing as a bail officer from the Waldo County Court told a Belfast couple their son was in an accident, was in jail in Portland and would need $24,000 cash in order to be released. The man then showed up at the couple’s house, took the $24,000 cash and left. In the last few weeks, police have learned 22 yo Oumar Diallo of Bronx, NY, carried out approximately 18 similar scams in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Diallo has been arrested and is scheduled for a Probable Cause Hearing on June 6th. If you’ve been a victim of this scam or have information regarding this case, you’re asked to contact Belfast Police.
Peru Shooting
(Peru) A 60 yo man is in the Oxford County Jail, charged with murder, after allegedly shooting and killing his wife Tuesday night in Peru. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, they received several 9-1-1 calls shortly after 7 p.m. reporting a motor vehicle crash on Auburn Road. Callers reported a truck stopped next to the car and fired a gun into that vehicle. When first responders arrived, they found 59 yo Dale Gaudreau’s body in the driver’s seat. Investigators then learned 60 yo David Gaudreau had called several family members saying he had shot his wife. The suspect turned himself in to police about 11:30 that night.
(Peru) A woman is dead, allegedly shot by her husband after crashing her car on Auburn Road in Peru Tuesday night. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7 several 9-1-1 calls came in about 7 p.m., reporting a motor vehicle crash. Callers reported a truck stopped next to the car and fired a gun into the vehicle. When first responders arrived, they found 59 yo Dale Gaudreau’s body in the driver’s seat. Investigators then learned 60 yo David Gaudreau had called several family members saying he had shot his wife. The suspect turned himself in to police about 11:30 that night. He’s charged with murder and is being held in the Oxford County Jail.
Laundromat Burglary Leads to Arrest of Nine
(Skowhegan) A burglary at a Skowhegan Laundromat resulted a wash for local police – or at least led to the arrests of nine people. The Morning Sentinel reports officers responded to the burglary Sunday morning at Mr. Bubbles Coin Laundry on Waterville Road. Authorities say someone broke into the facility overnight, damaging property and stealing a firearm. After identifying two suspects, police searched two apartments in a Main Street complex and found bank bags, quarter rolls, the stolen firearm, Fentanyl, and other stolen property. The two suspects and seven others were reportedly arrested.
(Skowhegan) At last two suspects had to “come clean” about a burglary at a Skowhegan Laundromat. According to the Morning Sentinel, officers responded to the Sunday morning burglary at Mr. Bubbles Coin Laundry on Waterville Road. They say someone broke into the facility overnight, damaging property and stealing a firearm from the business. After identifying two suspects, police searched two apartments in a Main Street complex and found bank bags, quarter rolls, the stolen firearm, Fentanyl, and other stolen property. The two suspects and seven others were reportedly arrested.
Bangor Woman Indicted for Manslaughter After Shooting Boyfriend
(Bangor) A 20 yo Bangor woman accused of fatally shooting her boyfriend last month has been indicted on charges of manslaughter by a Penobscot County grand jury. According to police reports, Olivia Babin and others were drinking and doing drugs in the early morning hours of April 2nd, when she jokingly pointed the gun at 24 yo Daniel Ford-Coates and fired, killing him. Babin originally lied and told authorities another man shot Ford-Coates and then left the Highland Avenue apartment. She remains in jail on $100K bond.
(Bangor) A night of drinking and doing drugs allegedly led to the death of a 24 yo Bangor man at the hands of his girlfriend. A Penobscot County Grand Jury yesterday found 20 yo Olivia Babin guilty of manslaughter. Police reports show Babin and Daniel Ford-Coates were joking around in the early morning hours of April 2nd when she pointed the gun at him and fired, not realizing the weapon was loaded. When police arrived at their Highland Avenue apartment, Babin originally told police Ford-Coates had been shot by a man who then left the scene. She later admitted to the shooting. Babin remains in jail on $100,000 bond.
Economy
Ellsworth Hoping to Shine as “Hopeful” City
(Ellsworth) Leslie Harlow, owner of Trio in Downtown Ellsworth, says she’s pretty “hopeful” the city can raise the last $10K needed to hoist some positivity high above the downtown area. The Bangor Daily News reports Ellsworth hopes to join other communities in the Northeast in posting a colorfully lit sign in the shape of the word “hopeful” over the city. The display was created by artist Charlie Hewitt as a way to brighten Maine’s dark winters and to encourage people to adopt a positive outlook. In Ellsworth, the six-foot-tall, 16-foot-long symbol would be custom built to shine atop the Tracy Building, overlooking Main and Franklin Streets. The $40,000 project is ¾ funded, with help from the City, local banks and businesses, and the Maine Community Foundation. The nonprofit Grand is serving as the fiscal agent for the project, making donations tax deductible.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth residents could be feeling even more “hopeful” in the near future if a project spearheaded by Leslie Harlow, owner of Trio in Downtown Ellsworth, comes to fruition. The Bangor Daily News reports Ellsworth hopes to join other communities in the Northeast in posting a colorfully lit sign in the shape of the word “hopeful” over the city. The display was created by artist Charlie Hewitt as a way to brighten Maine’s dark winters and to encourage people to adopt a positive outlook. In Ellsworth, the six-foot-tall, 16-foot-long display would be custom built to shine atop the Tracy Building, overlooking Main and Franklin Streets. The $40,000 project is ¾ funded, with help from the City, local banks and businesses, and the Maine Community Foundation. The nonprofit Grand is serving as the fiscal agent for the project, making donations tax deductible.
Education
Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary Food Service Coordinator Honored
(Deer Isle) Sharon Nevells is the Food Service Coordinator for Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary. This week, she got her “just desserts” when she was honored as one of two Maine Department of Education RISE State Finalists, along with Deering High School Administrative Secretary Liana Littig. MDOE says both employees are known for their dedication to their communities and their support of colleagues and students. The two were chosen from some 70 nominations statewide. Nevells took over as Food Service Coordinator in 2017. Her nominee writes she has taken it upon herself to see that no child on the island ever goes hungry. That includes writing grants, organizing food delivery during COVID lockdown, showing care and concern for the students she serves, and working extra hours to complete paperwork. Other finalists in the Top Ten included Bus Driver Shelley Tinker of Lubec, Ed Tech Nicole Richard of Veazie Community School, and David Martin, Director of Maintenance at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics.
(Deer Isle) It began with 70 nominations from across the state, was narrowed down to ten, and now two finalists remain as Maine Department of Education RISE State Finalists. The Recognizing Inspiring School Employees, or RISE, State Finalists are selected for extraordinary contributions made to their students, schools, and communities. Sharon Nevells is the Food Service Coordinator at Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary. Her nominee writes Sharon has taken it upon herself to see that no child on the island ever goes hungry. That includes writing grants, organizing food delivery during the COVID lockdown, showing care and concern for the students she serves, and working extra hours to complete paperwork. Deering High School Administrative Secretary Liana Littig was also recognized for her dedication and commitment. Finalists in the Top Ten include Bus Driver Shelley Tinker of Lubec, Ed Tech Nicole Richard of Veazie Community School, and David Martin, Director of Maintenance at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics.
Health
Ancient Egyptians May Have Been First to Treat Cancer
(WSJ) Were Ancient Egyptian doctors the first to explore and treat cancer? Scientists who examined two skulls with tumors and found evidence they had been operated on say it’s highly likely. The older of the two, both discovered in Giza, Egypt, belonged to a man between the ages of 30 and 35 who died more than 4,000 years ago. The Wall Street Journal reports while the cause of death remains uncertain, the man’s skull and jaw had over 30 cancerous bone lesions. Microscopic analysis of the bone and micro-CT scans revealed cut marks made by a sharp, metal instrument, likely a knife, in the areas around the tumors.
(WSJ) From pyramids, to vaccines, to astronomy and acoustics – history shows ancient civilizations were far more advanced than we often give them credit for. New research proposes Ancient Egyptian doctors were the first to explore and treat cancer. Scientists examined two skulls with tumors and found evidence they had been operated on. The older of the two, both discovered in Giza, Egypt, belonged to a man between the ages of 30 and 35 who died more than 4,000 years ago. The Wall Street Journal reports while the cause of death remains uncertain, the man’s skull and jaw had over 30 cancerous bone lesions. Microscopic analysis of the bone and micro-CT scans revealed cut marks made by a sharp, metal instrument, likely a knife, in the areas around the tumors.
Environment
Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Research Gets Go Ahead
(AP) A Gulf of Maine offshore wind research lease can move forward. The Bureau of Ocean Management this week completed an environmental review that ok’d further action on the project. The State of Maine has proposed putting a dozen offshore wind turbines atop University of Maine-developed floating platforms. The turbines will purportedly produce 144 megawatts of electricity, enough to power thousands of homes and businesses. The BOM assessment found no significant impacts from leasing and assessment of the proposed site, located about 28 nautical miles off the coast, southeast of Portland.
(AP) Governor Janet Mills calls it a milestone in the state’s efforts to embrace the benefits of ocean wind energy, as well as recognition of “our nation-leading work to responsibly develop this promising industry.” That being harnessing offshore wind energy. The Bureau of Ocean Management this week completed an environmental review that opened the door for further action on a proposal to put a dozen offshore wind turbines atop University of Maine-developed floating platforms. The turbines will produce 144 megawatts of electricity. The total Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Area proposed by the US Department of the Interior would include eight lease areas in offshore Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, totaling nearly one million acres, with the potential to generate enough clean, renewable energy to power more than five million homes.
Alliance for Sears Island Pushes Back on Sears Island Development
(Searsport) A group calling themselves the “Alliance for Sears Island” continues to push back against the development of a base for offshore wind energy on a state-owned portion of Sears Island. ASI insists nearby Mack Island is the better location, although building there would entail dredging. The group points to a new MDOT application for a federal grant that depicts a “heavy load” access road and rail corridor as part of the Sears Island development plan. ASI further claims disruption of the ecology on Sears Island offsets the environmental benefits of offshore wind energy.
(Searsport) “Construction on Sears Island means the Maine Department of Transportation will bulldoze their way toward developing the island and industrializing Penobscot Bay.” That’s one claim of the group that calls itself “Alliance for Sears Island”. ASI insists nearby Mack Island would have been the better site for the offshore wind project and points to a legislative override of sand-dune proximity rules they claim meant rewriting environmental protection law and changing the Sears Island conservation easement. Proponents of the Sears Island site say developing the state-owned section of the island is more cost effective and more environmentally friendly, as dredging would be required had the project been located on Mack Island.
Sports
The Red Sox back at Fenway this evening – they’ll be running the bases against the Detroit Tigers all weekend.