WABI News

Accused Murder Heads to Psychiatric Hospital

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:38:58 -0400

A judge has deem an accused murder not competent for trial.

William Hall, 31, of Bangor is charged with throwing Melvin Abreau, 28, out a window to his death in 2011.

On Friday, a judge ordered that Hall be committed to Riverview Psychiatric Hospital in Augusta.

Hall is also charged with es . . .

State Police Gearing up for Busy Holiday Weekend

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:24:13 -0400

Maine state police are warning motorists that troopers will be out in force for the holiday weekend.

Col. Robert Williams, state police chief, says Memorial Day weekend sets the tone for the summer season and that the state police goal "is to make it a safe one." He says troopers will be looking . . .

Officials Warn of Vacation Scams

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:22:44 -0400

Maine Attorney General Janet Mills is advising consumers to be leery of vacation deals popping up this time of the year. Mills says if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

With Memorial Day approaching, more Mainers may start to receive solicitations from bogus companies enticing . . .

Battlefield Cross Memorial Ceremony to Take Place in Augusta

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:21:45 -0400

Gov. Paul LePage will join Maine military leaders in a Battlefield Cross Memorial Ceremony at the Maine State House.

Brig. Gen. James Campbell, Adjutant General of Maine, says the ceremony will be held Friday afternoon. Memorial Day is Monday, but state government will be closed.

The Battlef . . .

6 Wyeth Paintings Sell for $2M at New York City Auction

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:20:13 -0400

Six paintings by the famous Wyeth family of artists have sold for just over $2 million at a New York City auction.

New Jersey businessman Eric Sambol sold the works by Andrew, Jamie and N.C. Wyeth at Christie's on Thursday.

They included three by Andrew, two by Jamie, and one by N.C.

The . . .

Ralph Nader Loses Appeal of '04 Ballots

Fri, 24 May 2013 05:16:16 -0400

Ralph Nader has lost his bid to punish Democrats he has accused of trying to keep him off ballots in Maine during his failed presidential run in 2004.

On Thursday, Maine's highest court affirmed a judge's dismissal of several counts of Nader's lawsuit and ordered that the remaining counts agains . . .

Senate Passes Privacy Protection Bill

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:38:01 -0400

The Maine Senate has to protect the privacy of Mainers by requiring police to get a warrant before engaging in cell phone tracking.

The bill passed Thursday night will require a warrant for law enforcement to engage in location tracking of cell phones and other GPS enabled devices in non-emergenc . . .

Secretary of State Reminds Mainers of Military Benefits

Thu, 23 May 2013 21:11:15 -0400

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is reminding Maine's military veterans they can get license designed to show that designation.

With Memorial Day around the corner, he wants those who have served to know they will be eligible to receive military discounts, where available, when presenting the c . . .

Governor LePage Moving His Office

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:50:54 -0400

In another development in Augusta Thursday, Governor LePage says he's moving his office out of the state house.

It follows a spat over the placement of a television outside the governor's office.

The TV was running messages on a loop that call for democratic lawmakers to pass the governor's bu . . .

High School Documentarians Honor Veterans

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:18:48 -0400

Each December, volunteers from all over the country make wreaths for fallen soldiers. A group of high schoolers in Ellsworth are sharing their experience of travelling with those folks to Arlington National Cemetery, through a documentary.

The students from Ellsworth's Hancock County Technical C . . .

Weight Watchers Program Free For ME First Responders

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:42:22 -0400

Maine first responders have even more motivation to stay fit.

Weight Watchers of Maine is offering a free program for Maine police, fire, and rescue personnel.

It's called the FIT to Rescue ME program.

First responders can attend Weight Watchers meetings for free until reaching their person . . .

A Crash Course In Distracted Driving For Students In Newport

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:33:23 -0400

Students at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport got a crash course in distracted driving on Thursday.

"May is typically the time of year where we focus on these type of things, particularly with graduation and prom time. It's just a good reminder to be safe, especially with the summer coming . . .

Elementary Students Honor Their Unsung Heroes

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:49:49 -0400

Receiving a medal is a sign of an accomplishment, especially when it comes from someone half your size.

Six members of the ellsworth community were honored Thursday for being deemed "Unsung Heroes" by Ellsworth Elementary School students.

Third Grade Student, Fiona Allen, said "I knew that if . . .

War of Words Heats Up As Governor Vetoes Hospital Repayment - Medicaid Expansion Bill

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:59:30 -0400

The war of words between Governor LePage and Democrats boiled over at the state house Thursday.

The two sides remain locked in a standoff over the repayment of state owed hospital debt and expanding Medicaid to roughly 70,000 uninsured Mainers.

In a move that surprised no one, Governor LePage . . .

Wal-Mart Email Scam

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:23:33 -0400

If you get an email claiming to be from Wal-Mart, make sure you double check it.

Walmart.com has a fraud alert posted, saying emails are being sent with the subject " Thanks for your Walmart.com Order," but they are sent from WallMart.com, with two L's.

People in Maine have reported getting . . .

Charleston Sex Offender Sentenced to 35 Years In Federal Prison Gets State Sentence

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:53:09 -0400

After being sentenced to 35 years in federal prison Wednesday, a convicted sex offender from Charleston was sentenced in Bangor Thursday on ten counts of child pornography.

44-year-old Carey Gonyer was found guilty last July of producing and possessing child porn.

He was sentenced by the state . . .

Bangor Sewer Project to Detour Drivers on Webster Avenue

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:47:04 -0400

A sewer line project in Bangor will send drivers on a detour for the next couple of weeks.

Starting Tuesday, May 28th, public works crews will be replacing a sewer line on Webster Avenue, between Royal Road and Silver Road.

Drivers coming from the Bangor Municipal golf course area will be se . . .

Salmon Released into Penobscot After Growing in Treated Wastewater

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:17:57 -0400

Some hand-raised salmon have a new home in the Penobscot River.

Students at Bangor High School released eight Atlantic salmon into the River, with the help of staff at the Bangor Wastewater Treatment plant.

It's a part of a project to show just how clean the water becomes before it's returned . . .

Governor Vetoes Hospital/Medicaid Bill

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:03:35 -0400

The Maine Senate gave final approval to a bill to pay off a $484 million debt to Maine hospitals and expand Medicaid.

The Senate passed the bill by a 20-15 vote Thursday and sent it to Gov. Paul LePage, who immediately vetoed it.

After the Senate vote, Democratic leaders urged Mainers to con . . .

Bangor Competing in "Main Street Matters" Program

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:26:11 -0400

Bangor is competing in a national competition that could help beautify the downtown area.

Bangor is one of about 100 cities, including Augusta, in Benjamin Moore's " Main Street Matters" campaign.

If the city gets enough votes, building facades on Main Street in downtown are painted for free . . .

Experts: Keep Safe Distance from Seals

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:17:37 -0400

You might start seeing a lot of seals pop up along the shoreline in Maine.

This is the time of year when the animals visit.

While they may be cute, experts with NOAA Fisheries remind you to stay away from the seals for the safety of you and the animals.

For more information, click here. . . .

Maine Sports Hall of Famer Pleads No Contest to Child Porn

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:06:09 -0400

A Maine sports hall of famer accused of having child porn pleaded no contest in court Thursday.

According to his attorney, 62-year-old Dana Wilson of Brewer decided to enter the plea to avoid putting his family on trial.

Wilson pleaded no contest to possession of child pornography.

He's sch . . .

Winslow Company Accused of Labor Violations

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:33:08 -0400

Labor groups have accused a Winslow-based aluminum trailer manufacturer of illegally firing employees for trying to unionize.

Matt Schlobohm, executive director of the Maine AFL-CIO, says five employees at Alcom Inc. have been fired this month in connection with efforts to form a union to negoti . . .

North Pond Hermit's Court Appearance Postponed

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:31:57 -0400

A scheduled court appearance for a man who lived as a hermit in the woods of central Maine for nearly three decades has been postponed pending completion of a mental health evaluation.

Christopher Knight, known as the North Pond Hermit, was scheduled for an appearance in Kennebec County Superior . . .

Education Commissioner Visits Belfast School

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:25:29 -0400

Maine's education commissioner is visiting Belfast as part of his ongoing tour to observe innovative school programs across the state.

Stephen Bowen is visiting Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast on Thursday, where he will sit in on social studies, science and performing arts classes before pa . . .

WABI Employee Walks Against Suicide

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:18:09 -0400

A bill aiming to prevent youth suicide in Maine became law following a ceremonial signing Tuesday.

Public schools will now have to educate all staff on how to spot the signs.

Advocates locally are hailing the legislation but say more needs to be done.

Here at TV 5, Angel Matson, our assi . . .

Bouffard New Maine Prison Warden

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:15:05 -0400

The Maine State Prison has a new Warden.

Rodney Bouffard is taking over the role after serving as Acting Warden for several months.

He has worked in a number of high level positions within the state corrections department, including a tenure as Superintendent of the Long Creek Youth Developm . . .

Brewer High Health Fair

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:29:58 -0400

Despite the rain, Brewer High students enjoyed a day at the fair.

They packed the gym for an annual Health Fair.

Brewer’s Student Health Advisory Board put together this day to inform peers on how to make healthy decisions in their lives.

Presenters were from different local organizations . . .

Glenburn Business Raising Funds For Nichole Cable's Family Through Apparel

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:44:46 -0400

A local business is doing what it can to help Nichole Cable's family.

Workstore in Glenburn is making stickers, sweatshirts, and t-shirts in memory of Nichole.

They created a custom design.

All proceeds from the stickers and apparel will go to Nichole's family.

The owner of the screen-pr . . .

Local Organization Needs Help After Search Efforts

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:55:37 -0400

After countless hours spent searching for Nichole Cable, local volunteer organizations could use some help.

The Down East Emergency Medicine Institute, or DEEMI, was a vital part of the recovery efforts.

The group is not federally funded and uses volunteers to help search for people, saving th . . .

Business Breakfast in Bangor Focuses on Bonds

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:42:26 -0400

A state bond package was on the menu at a business breakfast in Bangor Wednesday.

Folks who took part got a preview of how lawmakers will sort out more than $1.2 billion in bond requests in the next few weeks.

Helping the state economy grow is not an easy problem to solve, but the speakers a . . .

Searsport Students' Boat Building Efforts Were Seaworthy

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:41:01 -0400

The water was calm at the Searsport town dock, but some students' nerves were wavy.

"I'm afraid that its not going to float," said Kelsie, a 10th grade student who helped build a pair of brand new Shellback dinghies as part of a semester long science and math course at Searsport District High Sch . . .

Glenburn Woman Sentenced for Stealing From Beagle Rescue Group

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:49:45 -0400

A woman from Glenburn is going to prison for stealing nearly $100,000 from a Beagle rescue group she helped start.

39-year-old Leanne Parks was sentenced to a year-and-a-half behind bars after pleading guilty to theft.

Prosecutors in the Attorney General's office say she funneled donations f . . .

More Than 100 People Rally Against LePage Budget

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:17:13 -0400

The governor's budget proposal came under the gauntlet once again Wednesday.

More than 100 people showed up at a state house rally to oppose the two year spending plan offered up by LePage months ago. The governor is well aware of the angst directed at his budget proposal and spoke to the topic o . . .

Convicted Sex Offender from Charleston Going to Prison for 35 Years

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:11:51 -0400

A convicted sex offender from Charleston was sentenced Tuesday to 35 years in federal prison.

44-year-old Carey Gonyer was found guilty last July of producing and possessing child pornography.

Gonyer sexually abused a 15-year-old boy and then produced pornographic pictures of that boy, as we . . .

Court Documents Sealed in Nichole Cable Murder Investigation

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:27:37 -0400

An Orono man accused of killing a Glenburn teenager is being held without bail.

Unfortunately, we're not learning much more about the case because Kyle Dube's lawyer has asked the judge to impound the court documents. The judge has ruled that the affidavit will remained sealed until a grand jury . . .

Red Cross Explains How Mainers Can Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:19:30 -0400

Even though Maine is hundreds of miles away from the devastation left behind by Tornados that ripped through Oklahoma and Texas, many Mainer's want to lend a helping hand

The pine tree chapter of the American Red Cross said there are plenty of ways to get involved with relief efforts.

Executiv . . .

Brewers Prepare to "Tap into Summer"

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:12:48 -0400

Something is brewing on the Bangor waterfront.

On June 22nd, the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau will host Bangor's Beer Festival - Tap into Summer.

The event includes a VIP tasting, special brews, and discussions with beer experts.

Brewers around the state are even trying ou . . .

LePage Vows To Veto Hospital Repayment-Medicaid Expansion Bill - $105 Million In Bonds Now In Jeopardy

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:02:04 -0400

Governor LePage's office says he will veto a bill moving through the Legislature to pay off a $484 million debt to Maine hospitals because of an amendment Democrats attached to it that would expand Medicaid.

LePage spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett said Wednesday that she would anticipate a veto if t . . .

Dube Appears in Court in Nichole Cable's Death

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:50:57 -0400

A Maine man charged in the death of a 15-year-old girl whose body was found in the woods has made his first court appearance, but he didn't have anything to say.

20-old Kyle Dube, of Orono, showed no emotion when he appeared in a Bangor courtroom Wednesday on a charge of murder in the case of Nic . . .

Oxford Casino Sale Awaits State Approval

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:49:14 -0400

Maine's Gambling Control Board has ruled that the Oxford Casino won't be asked to apply for a new operator's license if a sale to the company that owns the home of the Kentucky Derby is approved.

Oxford Casino owners announced the $160 million sale in March to Churchill Downs Incorporated Proper . . .

Somerset County Sues State Corrections Board

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:48:17 -0400

Somerset County has sued the state prisons board in an attempt to get payment of more than $280,000 the county says it is owed for operations at the county jail.

The petition for review filed Tuesday seeks to reverse a unanimous vote by the Board of Corrections in April to withhold the county's . . .

Gov. LePage Vetoes College Tobacco Ban

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:45:22 -0400

Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a bill that would have banned smoking at all public university and college campuses in Maine.

The Republican governor said in a veto message to the Legislature that "Maine people can make their own decisions" regarding tobacco.

He suggested that people opposed to . . .

Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence Have Been Awarded

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:39:20 -0400

Three businesses, a nonprofit and a new venture are being named as this year's winners of the Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence.

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho and an adviser to Gov. Paul LePage are announcing the winners Wednesday at Mid-Maine Mach . . .

U.S. Senator King to Meet with Brewer Students Via Teleconference

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:35:58 -0400

U.S. Sen. Angus King is meeting with Brewer High School students, even though he'll be nearly 700 miles away.

The independent senator is holding what he calls a "Capitol Class" with students on Wednesday as part of his effort to digitally connect with as many Maine high schools as possible while . . .

Convention and Visitors Bureau Hosts Awards Ceremony

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:15:19 -0400

The 2013 Tourism and Hospitality Eagle Awards filled Jeff's Catering in Brewer Tuesday. The annual ceremony presented by The Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau recognized those who value tourist treatment. Some major awards were given out to local businesses.

Northeastern Loggers Assoc . . .

Maine House Approves Bill to Pay Hospital Debt

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:55 -0400

The Maine House has approved a bill that would pay off Maine's $484 million debt to the state's hospitals, agreeing to go along with a Democrat-backed amendment calling for the state to accept federal money to expand Medicaid to roughly 70,000 people.

After a debate that went on for about four h . . .

Family And Community Grieve Over Nichole Cable

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:34:12 -0400

Since Nichole Cable went missing on Mother's Day, the community has been doing what they can to show their support.

From posting Nichole's picture on flyers throughout businesses and utilities poles in town, to posting them online, the disappearance of Nichole Cable has been a tense and emotional . . .

Maine Credit Unions Help End Hunger in Maine

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:29:10 -0400

Bangor Federal Credit Union's Brewer branch gave nearly $15,000 dollars to 9 local food pantries.

It was part of the bank's celebration of the Maine Credit Unions' campaign for ending hunger.

"To help support our local community and give back to the people that come in and see us every day," s . . .

UMaine Community Prepares For Annual Clean Sweep Sale

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:22:49 -0400

It's spring cleaning time at UMaine.

Students and staffers are preparing for their annual Clean Sweep Sale.

The first one was in 2007.

They're collecting items students left behind after leaving campus for the summer.

The items are sold to benefit the Bodwell Center at UMaine, which wil . . .