OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Authorities investigate drowning off Ocean Park

A 30-year-old man drowned Sunday morning after he was heard yelling for help about 50 yards from shore off Ocean Park, near the Saco city line.

Firefighters who responded after a bystander notified authorities saw the man go under the water and fail to resurface. Two firefighters tried to swim out to rescue him, but were unable to reach him because the tide was going out, Fire Chief John Glass said. The Coast Guard brought the man to shore.

It is not clear how the man ended up in the water, and his name was not released. Old Orchard Beach police are investigating the matter.

NEWRY

Restaurant employee treated after explosion

An employee of the Shipyard Brew Haus, a restaurant and pub at the Sunday River ski resort, was taken to Rumford Community Hospital after a kitchen stove fueled by propane exploded Sunday night.

Newry Fire Chief Gary White said the worker, whose name was not released, suffered minor burns to his arm and face.
White said the pub had to be evacuated after the explosion, which was reported just before 7 p.m. The state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blast.

AUGUSTA

Insurance bureau holds sessions on rate increases

Maine’s Bureau of Insurance is holding its first public comment sessions on proposed rate increases by two health insurers doing business in Maine.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is seeking an average 22.9 percent increase for two individual coverage plans with a total of 11,066 ratepayers.

MEGA Life and Health is seeking a 21 percent rate hike for its small group plans, affecting 861 policyholders, and a 12.5 percent hike for its individual policies, affecting 6,890 ratepayers.

The Bureau of Insurance will hold a public comment session on the proposals today in a meeting room at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland. Another session will be held Wednesday at Husson University in Bangor.

FORT KENT

Finalists for president’s job begin visits on campus

The three finalists to become the next president of the University of Maine at Fort Kent are beginning their visits to campus to meet with students, faculty, staff and community members.

Wilson Hess, president emeritus of the College of the Marshall Islands, will be on campus today through Wednesday. He will be followed by John LaBrie, a senior fellow at Northeastern University, who will visit from Wednesday through Friday.

Philip Conroy, a vice president at Mount Ida College, will be on campus Sunday through Tuesday.

Richard Cost, who has been the Fort Kent college’s president since 2002, announced his retirement in August.

 

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