PORTLAND

Authorities renew warning about wired money scam

Police are renewing their warning about an ongoing scam in which victims are conned into wiring money, thinking they are helping relatives.

Police know of two recent victims of the scam, which has happened in several parts of the state.

The scheme typically targets someone who has grandchildren, and the perpetrators have enough personal information to make it plausible. They pretend to be that relative and say they have been in a car crash or are in legal trouble and need money wired to them in Canada.

Often, by the time a victim realizes they have been tricked, the money cannot be recovered.

Police say anyone who gets such a call should be very skeptical and at least verify the information with family members.

 

LINCOLNVILLE

Cellardoor Winery wins approval for expansion

The Cellardoor Winery plans to build a 9,000-square-foot winery and warehouse across the street from its current location. The town’s Planning Board approved the expansion Wednesday.

The new winery will have a large crush pad, stainless steel tanks, barrel rooms for aging wines, and a climate-controlled warehouse for storage. Christina Peet of Cellardoor said that more storage space will let the winery age its wines for longer periods and experiment more with the aging process.

In 2009, Cellardoor produced 6,000 cases of wine. With the new facility, that number will rise to at least 9,000 cases. The current facility, at 367 Youngtown Road, will be used for wine-making classes.

 

LEWISTON

Volunteers needed for Dempsey Challenge event

Volunteer applications for the Dempsey Challenge will be accepted beginning Monday.

More than 600 volunteers are needed for the fundraiser Oct. 2-3 to benefit the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

The event, with a 3.1-mile run/walk and a 6.2-mile run/walk, will be held at the Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park in Lewiston.

Applications are being accepted through the event’s Web site: www.dempseychallenge.org.

 

BRUNSWICK

Community Read Aloud planned for Tuesday

Nearly 300 volunteers will read books to children in Brunswick and Harpswell and throughout Sagadahoc County on Tuesday.

The 11th annual Community Read Aloud will be held at schools, the Bath YMCA and day care centers throughout the region.

Among the people who have volunteered to read are first lady Karen Baldacci, Bath Police Chief Michael Field, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry, and Regional School Unit 1 Superintendent William Shuttleworth.

Read Aloud is part of the United Way’s Success by Six program.

 

MADISON

Country store will close after more than 100 years

A country store that has served generations of people in rural central Maine is closing after more than 100 years in business.

The Mill Pond General Store in East Madison will close at the end of business today.
Its owner, Steve Pomelow, told the Morning Sentinel that business has been slow with the down economy and he can’t hang on anymore.

He said he has tried various strategies to bring in extra business. He sold ice cream one summer, and at one point he had a tanning booth.

Pomelow said he plans to put his building up for sale.