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Welcome to Classic Hits Radio.
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| --Eastport City Manager Calls LNG Divisive Issue, Could Hurt Other Proposals By Passamaquoddies |   |
Monday, January 31, 2005
 Eastport city manager George "Bud" Finch has been asked on numerous occasions about the proposed aerospace project by the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point. In a Friday interview, Finch read to us from a prepared statement, the same one he delivered to the city council January 24.
"Although our local approach to economic development has been on a much smaller scale we should never discount the concepts of thinking on a much larger scale, such as our neighbors have, nor preclude us from being supportive of their visions when they are mutually inclusive with ours." Finch said the tribal government has kept him informed about the possibility of an airplane parts company being created since the early conceptual phase of the planning. "Like all who are, and it is easy to be skeptical, I view the plan as just that, a path with a certain degree of potential but one lined with many roadblocks and detours before it could ever bear the fruit of economic development. With that it is my intentions to continue to monitor the process and be helpful in its creation should the project move forward with the great expectations that are placed on it." The city manager said the willingness for local communities to work together in support of economic growth for the area is as critical as choosing economic opportunities that benefit not only the financial needs of the community but also meets the expectations of the citizenry. Economic growth on a regional basis brings with it all the problems of a local community compounded with the differences between neighboring communities. "A local community issue faced Eastport a number of years ago when the port was constructed. The citizens needed to make key critical decisions, one in which they chose shipping as a key component of their economic future while at the same time choosing to eliminate petroleum-based products from entering or leaving the port as a protection for their environment." Finch added he "fully expects that similar type issues will arise as local communities try to work on a more regional basis on economic development and other issues, and with that I'm referring to the LNG gas terminal situation and the mounting criticism that it is not the right thing for this area, and it will become very difficult to create a relationship with a neighboring community who may at this time be pursuing something that the majority of people in the local community does not support." So what are the possibilities of putting the aerospace facility in Eastport? Finch responded, "in the discussions it was mentioned the need for it to be on tribal land. And it certainly would behoove Eastport or Perry or any other local community to work on joint ventures in economic development that could best promote the whole area. So the concept of potentially annexing land whether it be for this project or that project, I believe is something that people will always have to be willing to put on the table." Finch said, "there is not much out there that allows us to level the playing field. The Governor [Baldacci] recently came out with the Pine Tree Zones. Now just about everybody in the state has a Pine Tree Zone, so something that was supposed to level the field, no longer levels the field. If the tribal government working with local communities can utilize their strengths to help level that playing field, that's something we always need to look into." "At the same time, you can't have that on the table when you have other divisive arguments on the same table, [such as LNG] It's becoming more and more divisive and the continuing lack of information continues to drive what I would say now, is a majority of people to the anti-LNG side. If you've got something on the table of an explosive scenario, no matter how it turns out, there's going to be a real split in how the communities think." Finch said the ability to have land annexed would be greatly reduced during that time period. So as long as the LNG facility stays on the table, it might jeopardize something else the tribe might want to do? Finch responded, "based on the numbers of people that I see both in Eastport and Perry opposed to the LNG system, that opposition would mount against the council and board of selectmen in either town to prevent any process from going forward allowing a further annex of land." "I would find that very sad that we would lose ... if this opportunity [aerospace] truly has validity, that we would lose that because of this [LNG], but I think in the desire for the communities to protect their interests that it would be a very explosive topic." As to annexing land in Eastport, Finch said, "the council could probably deal with it, nobody has asked the question for me to pursue it that far. Under the council form of government, I'm going to presume they could do it. I would find it highly unlikely anything such as ... with or without LNG gas on the table, that the council would make that decision to do so." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Perry Man Dead After Saturday Morning Crash On Route 190 | |
| Monday, January 31, 2005
Pleasant Point Police say a Perry man died Saturday morning in a single vehicle crash on Route 190.
Corporal Larry Hildebrand told Classic Hits James Pottle, 71, was driving a 2001 Subaru traveling from Eastport toward Pleasant Point. "He essentially struck the guard rail on his side of the road, ricocheted off that guard rail across the road to the opposite side striking that guard rail and coming to rest on the opposite side in a snow bank." Another motorist came upon the scene at approximately 6:30 AM and notified police. When they arrived, Pottle was deceased. There were no witnesses to the accident. The accident remains under investigation. Hildebrand said alcohol and speed were not factors. He said Pottle was not wearing a seatbelt. Pottle had been a delivery man for Bangor Daily News for over twenty years. State troopers and Sipayik Ambulance assisted Pleasant Point Police at the scene. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Garbage Dumper From Jonesboro Nailed By Maine Forest Rangers | |
| Saturday, January 29, 2005
The Maine Forest Service filed charges this week against a Jonesboro man for allegedly dumping garbage near the Department of Transportation facility on Route 1 in Jonesboro.
According to District Ranger Jeff Currier, Darren Pritchard, 39, was summoned for littering in excess of 15 pounds, a violation punishable by a maximum fine of $1000. Pritchard was allegedly seen by a local resident throwing the bags of refuse over an embankment. Upon investigation, Ranger Jasmine Redlevske of the Jonesboro office discovered the trash to be Pritchard's and interviewed him at his home. Shortly thereafter he was charged with the violation. Maine Forest rangers have seen a substantial increase in the numbers of littering violations in southern Washington and the Hancock County areas. Currier said, "Recent convictions for littering and the publicity they receive are increasing the public's awareness and hopefully serving as a deterrent to would be litterers." Pritchard is expected to be arraigned in Machias District Court in April. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Brave Or Crazy, Over 200 Go Into Bay In WCCC's Polar Bear Dip! | |
| Saturday, January 29, 2005
Over 200 brave and hearty souls took the plunge Friday into the frigid water of Passamaquoddy Bay as part of the 5th Annual Polar Bear Dip to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Bangor. The Washington County Community College Student Senate organizes the event which has grown every year.
There were a number of teams and individuals who braved the dip itself and a goodly number of spectators. By late Friday afternoon the amount raised so far was in the vicinity of $27,000 and they hope it goes higher. By the dip time at high noon, air temperatures were hovering in the single digits, the water temperature in the thirties and the sun shone brightly over the sea smoke being whipped by the winds. As dippers and spectators gathered on the beach, several bonfires provided some degree of heat. Less than a minute before the dip, Gary Moore of Pleasant Point, clad only in swimming trunks, stood on the rail at the pier above high tide. With the crowd chanting, "Gary, Gary...," Moore made his dive and then the crowd surged bravely into the Bay, if only for a matter of seconds, then back out to heated trailers to dry off and get dressed in. This whole crazy event benefits the Ronald McDonald House in Bangor. A big thank you to all who contributed to our Classic Hits Team and all the teams as well as everyone at Pleasant Point Reservation, including Sipayik Ambulance and the Pleasant Point Police Department. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Grand Manan Construction Company Fined In Dump Case | |
Friday, January 28, 2005
 A Grand Manan construction company pleaded guilty last week in the island's provincial court to a charge under the Clean Environment Act.
Dutchman Contracting Ltd. had been charged late last year by the Department of Environment and Local Government in connection with an incident in September 2003. According to Environment and Local Government, Dutchman was doing some in-filling work for Fundy Lobsters Ltd. on Ross Island, [off the eastern side of Grand Manan Island] as part of land reclamation. The area being in- filled was within 30 meters of a recognized wetland. According to an Environmental and Local Government, the material that Dutchman was using as fill material included automobile parts, white goods, metals, construction and demolition materials. Some of this material had been diverted from the transfer station in Grand Manan. It is estimated that in excess of 20 truckloads of material was dumped at the Fundy Lobster site before the activity was halted by fisheries officers. Environmental inspectors subsequently ordered Dutchman to remove all of the material and dispose of it properly, which they have complied with. Judge D. Walker fined Dutchman $2000. A charge against Fundy Lobster Ltd. under the Clean Water Act relating to the same incident was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecutor. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Deer Island NB Frustrated With Govt. Ferry Service Problems | |
| Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Deer Island has two government ferries on a good day, but Eric Allaby, MLA for Fundy Isles tells Classic Hits the ferry service to and from Deer Island hasn't been reliable of late, and he told the Minister of Transportation the same thing last week.
Allaby told us, "one of the ferries, the Deer Island Princess, has been plagued with electrical problems for quite some time and this has come to a head where the ferry has been out of service for the past two weeks. There's a second ferry, the Rigby, and that was plagued toward the end of last week with the radar being out and it was fixed and now it's broken down again." "The Department of Transportation assured me in the Legislature last Wednesday that the electrical problems would be fixed as soon as possible on the Princess and here we are almost two weeks later and it's not fixed," said Allaby. There are the frustrations of how long will it take and the concerns of what happens in the meantime. Speaking for Deer Island residents, Allaby told us, "when the ferry is out, they really feel it. A lot of people [from] the mainland work on Deer Island and people on Deer Island work on the mainland and when the ferry is out, you can't get to work, you can't go back and forth ... one of the serious concerns is the need for medical attention when the ferries are off or unreliable." There is a private operator, Stan Lord, who, according to Allaby, "who is brought in as he can, but his vessel is primarily a summer vessel and to ask that vessel to operate in the mid of winter is perhaps asking more than what it should be doing, but the government has two vessels there and for one to be tied up and the other one offering sporadic service is just something not satisfactory." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Harry Smith, Jr. Of Meddybemps Makes "Maine's Most Wanted" List | |
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| --Quoddy Bay, Passamaquoddy Tribe Launch LNG Website | |
| Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Local critics of a proposal to build an Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility at Pleasant Point have pointed out, among other things, that there has been a lack of information being given the public by either the Passamaquoddy Tribe or Quoddy Bay LLC, but that has changed somewhat.
LNG proponents have now launched a website so the public can access information. Because the project at Pleasant Point is in its initial stages, there is not a lot of detailed information available. Craig Francis, General Counsel to, and member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe said the website will serve as "a valuable tool for the public, especially for our own tribal members and the surrounding communities and provide another forum for feedback." The Quoddy LNG public information sessions are tentatively scheduled to begin February 16 in Perry. The new website is www.quoddylng.com. And because there are two sides to this story, opponents of LNG at Pleasant Point also have a website at www.savepassamaquoddybay.org. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Rude Diners At Red Rooster Get Rude Awakening From RCMP | |
| Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Three young men from Biddeford, Maine got a lesson in manners last week after they dined at the Red Rooster restaurant on the outskirts of St. Stephen, acting rude to the staff and one skipped out on paying.
A story in the Saint Croix Courier Weekend said the men ate lunch and subjected the staff, one waitress in particular, to "rude and suggestive comments" according to an RCMP spokesman. The men left and one man didn't pay for his meal. Corporal Greg MacAvoy of the St. Stephen Municipal Detachment said two officers, alerted by Red Rooster staff caught up with the three men, ages 18, 19, and 20. Police escorted the trio back to the restaurant. "They escorted the young fellows into the restaurant, made the one pay for his meal, and then made them apologize to the waitress in front of staff and patrons," said MacAvoy. The three men were then escorted back to the border where they were interviewed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. "Basically they were told they were no longer welcome in Canada and it was time to go home and not to bother trying to come back. They were encouraged not to return," said MacAvoy. No charges were laid in connection with the incident dubbed, a "dine and dash" by police. MacAvoy said the restaurant, staff and the RCMP were satisfied with what he termed the "common sense resolution" that probably had more impact on the men than a court appearance ever would. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Former NB MLA Dies From Weekend Snowmobile Crash | |
| Wednesday, January 26, 2005
RCMP continue to investigate a weekend snowmobile crash that claimed the life of former MLA, Kenneth Johnson, 60 of St. Louis de Kent.
Premier Bernard Lord remembered Johnson as an active community leader who spent 25 years as the manager of St. Louis de Kent before he was elected as the Liberal member for Rogersville-Kouchibougac from 1995 to 1999. According to police, Johnson was discovered by other snowmobilers next to his machine where it is believed he hit a frozen mound of dirt just off the groomed connector trail just west of St. Louis de Kent. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Calais Police Beat, Burglary Investigation, Other Incidents | |
| Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Calais Police continue to investigate a burglary at Carmen's Hometown Pizzeria on Main Street in Calais. The incident occurred January 19. Police received a call reporting the burglary late that night.
Police are releasing few details but Sgt. David Randall said an undetermined amount of money was taken from the business. If anyone has information about the burglary, contact Calais Police. In other incidents over the past week, CPD reported three summonses for operating after suspension, an arrest for operating without a license, and one OUI arrest. A 47-year old Portland man was arrested Saturday when he allegedly took $23 bottle of liquor from Rite-Aid. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --RCMP Say Exhaust Gas Killed Couple In Berry Mills, NB | |
| Monday, January 24, 2005
RCMP say toxicology tests performed Friday confirmed that two adults found dead last weekend died as a result of exhaust gas poisoning.
27-year old Aaron Phillip Budd of Gallagher Ridge and 24- year old Tracey Paula Steeves of Berry Mills, NB were found dead inside a large Chevrolet van which was stuck in the ice of a stream with water up to the van's bumper. Relatives had gone looking for both people after they failed to return home and discovered the van. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Fan Etiquette Survey In Calais, But School Board & Supt. Are Last To Know | |
| Friday, January 21, 2005
Tuesday night's Calais School Committee meeting agenda
moved along at a quick pace until near the end, when Classic Hits News asked the committee to comment about a "Fan Etiquette Survey" being conducted by the Calais High School Student Council. The problem was that school committee members and School Superintendent Jim Underwood didn't know about the survey until the question was asked. Handing our copy to board chair Regina Taylor, she said "this is the first I've seen of it." CHS principal Jeffrey Aronson responded that it was connected with the "Sports Done Right" conference. "One of the activities that we were asked to do as a school that attended was to begin to examine how we feel as a school body, as a faculty, as a community, about the behaviors and activities at inter- scholastic sports in our community." Aronson explained, "I've brought the issue to the school, to the student council, as well as to the leadership team of the faculty of the school to begin the discussion, and I'm very pleased the student council had a very frank discussion. They wanted some clarity themselves on what is appropriate behavior." The principal said, "the student council determined that a great activity they could undertake would be to poll students, poll the community. It's a student council activity running parallel to this "Sports Done Right" conference." But school committee member Theresa Tirrell said, "I think the first paragraph automatically puts people on the defensive." Reading from the survey, she said, "Recently at Calais High School the issue of fan conduct has become a heated debate between many people involved in our school system." Aronson added, "it was a student generated survey." Tirrell said she understood, "but I think the opening sentence may automatically make people feel like we're being criticized already." Aronson said the survey was to have been passed out at a high school basketball game Monday night, but the game was canceled because of the snowstorm. Acting on a tip, Classic Hits picked up a copy of the survey at a local restaurant Tuesday prior to the school committee meeting. Apparently surveys on blue paper are for adults and the surveys on white paper are for student comments. The school committee listened as the principal explained, "the full intent was to involve the community by offering it, mentioning it at half- time, handing it out to people when they bought tickets ... [but] the game was postponed because of the weather." Tirrell interrupted, "but your explanation is different from the opening sentence [on the survey] ... your explanation says this is part of a statewide kind of project and it's something we would want to look at more in depth, and the first thing it says at 'Calais High School there has been an issue and a heated debate,' so I think that may set people a little bit off..." Aronson responded, "it's student language ... we try and channel student language, we try not to censor it. 'Heated debate' is student opinion." Chair Regina Taylor said "it would have been common courtesy to let the board know that this was going out, so therefore, when we are approached by the press, or approached by someone in the community for a comment, we'd know what they were asking about." Taylor added, "if we didn't have a meeting tonight, we probably would have gotten phone calls from the press and again we would have had no clue what they were talking about." Aronson told the committee, "it was not our intent to have this come out in this manner and an oversight on our part. I take full responsibility for not reminding the student council." School Union 106 superintendent Jim Underwood was as stunned as the school committee and said he didn't know anything [about the survey] until this moment." Another reporter asked the principal if the survey came as a result of any specific incidents at CHS, to which Aronson said, "nothing has happened different ... on the part of students. There's a sense that we're 'stricter' but in actuality, we're simply carrying out what's always been done." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Mounties Finally Get Their Man For 2003 Robbery | |
| Friday, January 21, 2005
A former Gagetown, New Brunswick man appeared in court Monday and pleaded guilty to robbery, wearing a disguise, along with two counts of auto theft related to the robbery at a Tim Horton's in Oromocto September 21, 2003.
19-year old Brian Gosman was arrested January 14 in Montreal, Quebec by the RCMP. Three people have already been convicted in the case. A youth received a 6- month deferred sentence and two years probation. Desmond Kinney, formerly of Woodstock was sentenced to five years and two months in prison while 19-year old Brett Gosman was sentenced to four years. Police said weapons were used during the robbery and some employees were tied up although no one was hurt. More than $10,000 in cash and gift certificates was stolen. None of the money has been recovered. Brian Gosman will be sentenced March 14 in Burton Provincial Court. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Two Adults Found Dead Sunday In Van, Berry Mills, NB | |
| Monday, January 17, 2005
The bodies of two adults were found by relatives Sunday in Berry Mills, New Brunswick. A large Chevrolet van was stuck in ice of a stream with water up to the bumper.
According to police, 27-year old Phillip Budd of Gallagher Ridge and 24-year old Tracy Paula Steeves of Berry Mills were found dead in the van. There were no signs of foul play or violence. RCMP Forensic Identification responded to the scene. Both bodies were transported to the hospital where toxicology tests will be performed to establish the cause of death. Relatives went looking for Budd and Steeves after they failed to return home and discovered the van. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Woman Plucked From Great Wass Island Sunday | |
| Monday, January 17, 2005
A report of a woman with a broken ankle late Sunday afternoon on Great Wass Island, brought the US Coast Guard and Maine Marine Patrol into action.
Southwest Harbor Group Controller Chris Berry told Classic Hits, the Coast Guard and Maine Marine Patrol went to the island and removed Joy Alley, 40, and her companions by boat and took them back to Jonesport. Berry said the group had been hiking on Great Wass which runs off Beals Island. The Jonesport Fire Department and an ambulance was also on standby during the ordeal. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Woman Escapes Burning Pembroke Home Early Sunday | |
| Monday, January 17, 2005
A Pembroke woman managed to escape her burning home early Sunday by crawling out a bedroom window.
Fire chief Bob Barr told Classic Hits, when Pembroke and Dennysville firefighters arrived at the Darlene Preston residence on the Garnet Head Road, smoke was coming out of the eaves and door. Firefighters went to work as temperatures at scene hovered around 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Barr said Preston was the only occupant of the house. She wasn't injured, nor were any of the firefighters. The house was equipped with smoke detectors. According to the chief, the home suffered smoke and water damage. Firefighters contained the fire within the structure. Preston had insurance. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Crews were on the scene for about three hours. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Mother Of Abused Teenage Girl Suing Tribe For Six Million | |
| Sunday, January 16, 2005
The mother of a teenage girl who was sexually abused by a former police officer at the Passamaquoddy reservation at Pleasant Point is seeking six million dollars in damages from him and the tribe.
Margaret Mitchell of Perry filed the lawsuit in federal court in Bangor. The filing came just days after 40-year old Carlos Bones was handed a two-year prison term in state court for sexually abusing his 14-year old baby-sitter. Mitchell, who's suing on her daughter's behalf, is seeking five million dollars in damages from Bones and one million dollars from the tribe. The suit claims that the tribal government failed to adequately hire, train and supervise Bones. A lawyer for the Passamaquoddies declined to comment on the suit, saying the tribal government has not yet been served with it. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Pleasant Point Announce Aviation, Aerospace Project With Consultant | |
| Friday, January 14, 2005
Tribal officials of the Passamaquoddy Sipayik Tribe at Pleasant Point Thursday announced their decision to build an aviation and aerospace maintenance and manufacturing company with the capability to manufacture, overhaul, and repair components used on large commercial and military aircraft.
The plan is aimed at the Native American community first and then non-tribal neighboring communities. According to Thursday's press release, employment at the facility would approach 2000 in the first two or three years of operation. John Shaffer, president and C-E-O of Aviation and Aerospace Management (AAM) Inc. of Orlando, Florida said, "the Native American community is what we're doing this for, so of course, they're going to have preference. But when you compare with the jobs that we're going to have open, there's not enough Native Americans to fill those slots." Schaffer said, "if you had a company within the reservation owned by the Native American community, you could have minority status, be first bidders on commercial contracts, on DOD contracts, automatic consideration as number one bidders." The business plan isn't yet in place, however. Schaffer said, "We're completing the business plan right now and talking to funders as well as the U.S. government. We expect to receive our funding within two to three months." The facility could be built on the reservation itself or on land in other nearby communities. The land outside the reservation would need to be put in trust for the tribe. AAM would work with the tribe to get the company going, and then the tribe would own the company. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Fredericton Police Warn Public Of Scam In Their Name | |
| Friday, January 14, 2005
The Fredericton Police Force wants the public to know about a phone scam where a caller claims to be a member of the department.
Police received a complaint last week of a man identifying himself as a Fredericton Police officer soliciting funds from the public in order to help change the laws regarding sexual offenders. Police remind people to obtain a name and phone number from the calling party, do not give your credit card number to an unreliable source. Fredericton police officers are not allowed to solicit money from the public. It is a criminal offense to falsely identify yourself as a police officer. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Guilty Plea, Remand In Theft From Milltown Convenience Store | |
| Wednesday, January 12, 2005
A story in the Saint Croix Courier Weekend says a 24-year old Heathland man has been remanded to jail until January 25 when he will be sentenced on a charge of theft in connection with a robbery last week at the Milltown Irving Convenience Store.
Preston Kenneth Holmes pleaded guilty before Provincial Court Judge Camille Dumas to the charge that he stole less than $5,000 from the store. The second charge, of having his face masked, was withdrawn by Crown Prosecutor Randy DiPaolo. Holmes will be given the opportunity to confirm his guilty plea when he appears before Judge David C. Walker in St. Stephen Provincial Court January 25. A pre-sentence report will be submitted. RCMP said a man wearing a snowmobile suit and a motorcycle/snowmobile type of helmet walked into the store shortly before closing time January 3, and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. Neither of the clerks on duty at the time were injured. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Eastport Gets Response Letter From Tribal Government Re: LNG Concerns | |
| Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Over the weekend, over 100 opponents of a proposed L-N-G terminal for Pleasant Point attended yet another rally, this time In Eastport.
Also over the weekend, Savvy Incorporated, the new mouthpiece for Quoddy Bay LLC, released a letter from Pleasant Point Tribal Governor Melvin Francis to Eastport City officials. The letter was in response to written concerns voiced in November by the Eastport city council. At Monday night's council meeting, city manager George "Bud" Finch read the response letter in its entirety. An excerpt from the letter reads, "Please understand we're at the very early stages of what will be a lengthy process for bringing this project to completion. All of your questions and concerns will be fully addressed at the appropriate time, I assure you," wrote Governor Francis. The letter also said, "As you know, we have not entered into a formal agreement with Quoddy Bay and until such an agreement is reached, many of the questions you have asked are simply premature. I believe and our tribal council agrees, that an L-N-G facility on our reservation represents an enormous opportunity for our tribe, the region and the state." Following the reading of the letter, Finch commented, "I have great respect for Governor Francis, we grew up together, went to the same school together ... he had a wicked curve ball that made most of us quit baseball. We've maintained a relationship over the years and I have respect for what he's at least trying to accomplish on behalf of the tribe." But the city manager took issue with some things. "I do somewhat disagree on the openness of the company, there is much more that could be done in the open. I still have significant concerns of the particular company that's being chosen ... and the choice of Savvy consultants, the people who successfully fought the casinos in the State of Maine. As the new partner in a tribal affair, it simply leads me to believe that Augusta and insiders are still playing way too much of a role." Finch cautioned Eastport city council members, "Until a proposal of some sort comes forward, I urge the council to maintain its neutral position in order to maintain any credibility." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Organized Task Force To Help Workers At Domtar | |
| Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Senators Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced that a local task force, which they helped to organize in the Baileyville area, will provide assistance to Domtar workers who are expected to lose their jobs this year.
Domtar Industries announced Monday that 50 positions in its Woodland Mill in Baileyville will be eliminated by the end of the year. The task force will help dislocated workers access available programs for job retraining, education, job search and relocation and re-employment services. According to company executives, the layoffs are part of a system-wide restructuring that will affect about 800 workers among its U.S. and Canadian mills. Domtar says some of the Maine workers affected will be laid off through retirements, attrition, and eliminating positions that are currently vacant. The company cites a decline in the market pulp prices and the weakening U.S. dollar as the major factors leading to its decision. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --It Wasn't Crop Circles, Just Donuts Done By A Jeep; Man Charged | |
| Wednesday, January 12, 2005
The Maine Forest Service has filed charges against a Cherryfield man for his role in damaging a blueberry field in Deblois. Roger Whitford, 26, was charged by Maine Forest Rangers with damaging cropland with a motor vehicle, a Class E crime.
District Ranger Jeff Currier, Forest Ranger Supervisor for Southern Washington and Hancock Counties told Classic Hits, "Whitford had allegedly driven his Jeep on blueberry ground owned by Jasper Wyman & Son of Cherryfield on Monday, spinning the vehicle around in several circles." "Whitford is alleged to have been seen driving in the field off Route 193 near the Hatchery Road in Deblois." Currier said representatives for the landowner told rangers driving on blueberry ground in the winter months can cause mortal damage to the plants, resulting in the loss of hundreds of dollars of lost crop revenue. The complaint was investigated by Ranger Andrew Gacek of the Jonesboro Office. Whitford is scheduled to be arraigned in Machias District Court in April. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Tax Reform; Same Old Song And Dance For Some Towns | |
| Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Some large communities around the state appear to be in line for some money as a result of tax reforms being looked at by the legislature, but for some communities around the state, such as Eastport, they won't be getting money, they'll be losing it.
During Monday night's Eastport City Council meeting, city manager George "Bud" Finch told the council about the unintended effects of tax reform. Looking out into the handful of an audience that turned out, Finch asked, "how many people in here voted last June for the tax reform package of 55 percent taxes paid by the state for education?" No one raised their hand. Finch said, "in Eastport, it was 155 to 125 in support of it and the bill is passed and sitting in Augusta right now and it will cost the city of Eastport $269,000 in educational support to the school from the state." The city manager mentioned how other communities will tough it out. "The town of Wells is going to get $1.6 million more, the town of York $1.7 million more, Kennebunk $1.1 million, Portland is going to get $1.5 million, Bangor is going to get $2 million more ... Eastport is going to lose $269,000, Lubec is going to lose $253,000 and Machias will lose $237,000." Finch mentioned proposed changes in revenue sharing will sock it to Eastport. "Revenue sharing is a proportion of the funding that's distributed from sales tax. The big cities are saying we're where all the city businesses are, and we're all where the service centers are and therefore, we should get a larger share of the money, so tax reform should that one pass, will also cut significantly in to the funding the city receives. Finch said he believed "the share is somewhere in the neighborhood of $190,000. I don't anticipate that we're going to be called a major service center and get more money." On a roll, Finch mentioned excise taxes. "We have people in this state who pay more in excise tax than they do on taxes on their property. I see in this feeding frenzy taking place in Augusta, an awful lot of people trying to meet the so-called will of the constituents. He said, "I personally don't believe any of us that cast a vote, cast it for this to happen. If we have to make up tremendous losses in revenue, we are going to have an impossible time because on top of that, the state wants to impose spending caps on municipalities, which, from my perspective, comes down to taking away one of the sole and basic purposes of the rights of a community to decide its own fate." Finch urged people be aware of what's going on in Augusta. "Be very prepared to notify your legislators that you have deep concerns that tax reform is not being spread equally in a manner that's in the best interests of all Maine citizens." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --New Company Coming To Eastport, But Call Center Looks Disconnected | |
| Tuesday, January 11, 2005
A new company is planning to locate in Eastport within the next month, says city manager George "Bud" Finch.
Updating the city council on economic development issues at their Monday night meeting, Finch said Vicus Technologies LLC of Kennebunk, Maine is in the final stages of establishing a research and production facility in Eastport. "It's expected to began operations in early February. It will provide assembly and light manufacturing services for the Army. In addition this location will continue the implementation of a research project Vicus is currently working on with the Maine Department of Transportation." A company press release said "final lease negotiations will be completed and a plant manager will be hired within the month. They hopew to be fully operational by February." In addition to Kennebunk and Eastport, Vicus also has an office in Summerfield, Florida. Vicus Technologies LLC was established in January 2003 and provides engineering and technical program and project management services. Finch said Vicus presents "a real good opportunity for the city and it will be small to start out. Yes, folks we along with every other town in the state of Maine have courted L.L. Bean and we will continue to do so, but in reality, we have to go after the places that not only make sense for us, but have the best chance of success no matter how small they are." Turning the proposed call center floated by Sunrise Teleservices, the window of opportunity may well have closed. The center was to locate in the former A&P; store across from the Post Office. Finch told the city council Monday night, "the building is open for proposals ... I don't want to say at this time that the call center is off, but where our terms of agreement with them (Sunrise Teleservices) is out of place." Finch explained, "their relationship with us faltered, mainly because we could not get the Post Office to release the building to us fast enough and we did not have the building ready when they had the financing in place. They struggled to set something up before December 31 ... they've been unable to." "They have worked with us on putting a plan together to make a proposal to L.L. Bean that they look at something smaller than a major center by looking at a number of small centers, and at the same time, I will be asking the council to allow me to start bringing forward the many other opportunities that have been proposed and any others that people may have for the utilization of that property." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Domtar's Woodland Mill Reorganizes, 50 Positions Affected | |
| Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Domtar's Woodland Mill in Baileyville announced Monday that it would restructure its activities in order to improve its cost competitiveness, following the Company's December 9 announcement on changes to its Management Committee and Pulp and Paper organization.
According to a company press release, "the Woodland Mill has conducted an in-depth analysis and review of its business operations and resulting manpower needs. This workforce reduction will mainly result from the sharing of best practices between Domtar's manufacturing facilities as well as a concerted effort by all to reduce spending." "Unfortunately, approximately 50 positions will be affected specifically at the Woodland Mill over the next 12 months." Domtar says it will help employees affected by the reorganization. When possible, affected personnel will be re-deployed and workforce reduction will be achieved through attrition. Employees that lose their jobs will receive financial assistance and be given access to outplacement services, according to company officials. Baileyville town manager Scott Harriman told Classic Hits Monday said he was "positive Domtar has looked at this long and hard and made this decision. It obviously impacts the local area, especially given LP (Louisiana Pacific OSB) on top of that, so anytime that 50 positions are eliminated, it's never good news for the local area." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Fatal Snowmobile Crash In Plaster Rock, New Brunswick | |
| Tuesday, January 11, 2005
As International Snowmobile Safety Week gets underway, RCMP are investigating a Saturday crash that killed a North View man.
Police say Christopher Burgoyne, 32, died at the scene after his snowmobile came around an icy turn and ran off the road striking a clump of trees. The collision occurred on the Trousers Lake Road, Fraser's Woodland Property in Plaster Rock. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Canadian Retailer SAAN To Liquidate 223 Stores | |
| Tuesday, January 11, 2005
National brand retailer, SAAN, has begun a nationwide inventory liquidation sale at 223 retail locations in more than 200 communities across Canada. The sale is part of the restructuring plan of the company's new owner, Toronto-based SAAN Acquisition Corp.
There are nine SAAN stores in New Brunswick including one in St. Stephen. The Globe and Mail says SAAN was a victim of giant Wal-Mart Canada Corp. and other competitors. SAAN, which owes creditors at least $48 million, needs to close a significant number of its 223 stores in order to survive, the Ontario Superior Court was told Thursday. Michael MacNaughton, a lawyer for SAAN told the court, "SAAN stores has been in some difficulty for many years. There is a business here to be preserved, though it will result ... in significant store closings and job losses." The company was granted protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act. A joint venture partnership formed between HMR I Canada, Inc., an affiliate of Chicago-based Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC, and Boston-based Gordon Brothers Group, LLC, will manage the inventory sale in all 223 stores. SAAN was originally founded in 1947 by brothers Sam and Albert Cohen and operated as a war surplus outlet in Winnipeg. The name stood for Surplus, Army, Air Force and Navy, reflecting its first source of merchandise. It is now considered a "junior" department store chain focusing on clothing, footwear and accessories. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Man Dies In Car Collision With Train In Gayton, New Brunswick | |
| Saturday, January 08, 2005
RCMP are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred late Thursday night on train tracks near Gayton on the outskirts of Memramcook, New Brunswick.
Police say the victim and lone occupant, a 46- year old Salisbury, New Brunswick man was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries. The collision occurred when the victim's vehicle was traveling southbound on CN train tracks between Gayton and Memramcook when it was struck by the train. Police said the victim was thrown from the vehicle which was pushed back several hundred feet. RCMP and CN Police are still trying to determine why the vehicle was on the tracks. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --One Man Dead In Sussex, NB Crash Wednesday | |
| Thursday, January 06, 2005
RCMP in Sussex continue to investigate a Wednesday morning crash that claimed the life of a New Brunswick man.
Police said an autopsy revealed that Brian McQuinn, 38, of Penobsquis, NB died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. A contributing factor may have been that McQuinn was not wearing a seat belt. Another motorist traveling on Highway 114 near Hynes Corner Wednesday morning noticed skidmarks across the highway leading off the road and down a steep ditch. RCMP were called to the scene and discovered the body of McQuinn in the overturned vehicle. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Tremor Rattles North Central New Brunswick Early Wednesday | |
| Thursday, January 06, 2005
A tremor shook residents in northern parts of New Brunswick early Wednesday, but there were no reports of injuries or damage.
The Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) says the tremor registered 3.7 and was centered 84 kilometers west of Miramichi and 65 kilometers east of Plaster Rock. The magnitude was determined from 13 stations of the GSC. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Two Calais Men Arrested In Robbery, Victim Is Sister Of One | |
| Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Just before 3:30 Sunday afternoon, Calais Police received a report of a robbery on Stillson Street in the city's Milltown section.
In a Tuesday press conference, police chief Michael Milburn said officer David Claroni responded "and met with a female who claimed to have been assaulted and robbed of personal belongings. The incident happened behind a residence on Stillson Street." According to court documents, "Brad McLean allegedly called her and asked to borrow some money. She agreed and they met. McLean asked her to step around the house trailer where they met." The affidavit continues that she "did begin to give him some money. Harold Clark stepped from out of or near a shed. Clark allegedly grabbed her money, and as she tried to grab Clark, McLean pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the knee." The victim did not require medical attention. According to the court documents, the victim is Clark's sister. She claims Clark and McLean took about $320 in cash. About three hours after the alleged robbery, two individuals surrendered themselves, according to Milburn. "Harold Clark, 23, of Calais and Brad McLean also of Calais, 19 years old. They were arraigned in [Calais] District Court [Tuesday] morning, charged with a Class A robbery offense." Milburn said they got a call that both men were walking on North Street toward the police station. An officer found them and placed both under arrest. First District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh defined "robbery" as "a theft with an assault. It's a theft where either to get the property, or keep it once gained, the actor uses a degree of physical force to keep control of the property." And for the penalty, Cavanaugh said, "As alleged in this case, it's a Class A offense ... up to 30 years." On Tuesday Cavanaugh said, "Because they're felonies, it's not an arraignment yet ... on the charges of robbery in Calais over the weekend. McLean had his bail set at $5000 unsecured bond with conditions on his behavior until his trial and Clark, with a more extensive criminal record, had his bail set at either $5000 surety real estate ... somebody has to pledge their property of that value, or a $300 cash alternative with conditions on his behavior until his trial." Cavanaugh added, "the probable cause hearing has been scheduled for February 22 here in the district court, if that case hasn't been presented to the grand jury before then. We don't have the next sitting of the grand jury scheduled, so we can't tell whether that's going to happen before then or not." - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --RCMP Investigate Late Night Robbery At Convenience Store | |
| Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Last fall, St. Stephen RCMP investigated several robberies at businesses along King Street. It was quiet for a while, but that streak was broken late January 3 with the robbery of the Milltown Irving Convenience store.
According to police, shortly before eleven Monday night, a lone male entered the store and removed an undisclosed amount of money from an open cash register. The suspect is described as a white male, 5' 5" tall. He was wearing a black one-piece snowsuit and a full-face style motorcycle/ATV helmet. No weapon was used and no one was injured in this robbery. Police are asking that anyone with information can call the St. Stephen RCMP at 506-466-7030 or NB Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Police Subdue, Arrest Man In Firearm Incident In Salisbury, NB | |
| Sunday, January 02, 2005
A River Glade, New Brunswick man is facing charges of attempted murder and firearms- related charges. Police say 49-year old Michael R. Holt walked into the Salisbury Ultramar early Sunday with a firearm.
When the first RCMP officer arrived, Holt allegedly left the store, approached the police car and fired a shot into the windshield. The officer was not hurt and moved the car away from Holt. A tractor-trailer drove past the store and the suspect pointed his firearm at the driver. The officer then drove his cruiser back toward Holt and he fled back into the store. More RCMP officers arrived and blocked off the highway. Holt allegedly walked in and out of the store several times brandishing the firearm. He then left the store walking quickly towards police who used a taser to subdue him. A gun and a large quantity of ammunition were retrieved. Police say no one inside the store was injured. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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| --Re-Gifting In The Worst Way; Man Pleads Guilty To 11 Counts Of Break & Enter | |
| Sunday, January 02, 2005
RCMP say Remi Doucet appeared in Campbellton Provincial Court before Christmas and entered a guilty plea to 11 counts of break and enter. Police said Doucet was arrested December 17 following a rash of break and enters in Restigouche and Gloucester Counties.
Campbellton RCMP established a Task Force and subsequently arrested Doucet following execution of a search warrant at his residence. Following his arrest, police have continued their investigation and have linked Doucet to a total of eleven break-ins. According to RCMP, items from these break-in's were mostly Christmas gifts that the suspect had either re-wrapped and placed under his own Christmas tree or sold for money. Sentencing for Doucet will be held January 21 in Campbellton Provincial Court. - Tom McLaughlin, WQDY-WALZ News Director |
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