RANDOLPH

Teller charged with stealing from bank to aid boyfriend

Authorities say a bank teller is accused of stealing $2,100 so she could help her boyfriend settle a drug debt.

Samantha L. Roberts, 18, of Gardiner allegedly took the money from the Gardiner Savings Bank of Maine’s branch in Randolph to help the father of her unborn child because he was in trouble with a drug dealer.

The theft was discovered Aug. 2 after a customer complained of being shorted $100 and an audit of Roberts’ drawer couldn’t account for the missing money.

Roberts, who is charged with theft, is to appear in Kennebec County Superior Court on Oct. 26.

AUGUSTA

Scammers prompt warning about credit card offer

Attorney General Janet Mills is warning of a new credit card scam.

Southern Maine’s PeoplesChoice Credit Union reports that scammers have been claiming to be from “PeoplesChoice Saving” and offering a credit card with a $2,000 line of credit.

The callers ask for payments of $200 and the victims’ bank account information so they can withdraw the money immediately.

PeoplesChoice Credit Union says there have been 25 calls in the past three weeks from people who have been contacted by the scammers. PeoplesChoice Credit Union says it has nothing to do with the bogus offer.

Mills says advance-fee credit card scams are fraudulent and prey on people who desperately need a line of credit.

TOPSHAM

Drivers who use Route 196 cautioned about road work

Construction will begin on a section of Route 196 on Sunday.

The work will be done on the section between Interstate 295 and Route 201.

Crews will remove the top layer of pavement before repaving.

The work hours will be 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The state Department of Transportation advises drivers to be aware of the potential for lane shifts, uneven pavement, raised manholes and drainage basins during construction hours.

The schedule calls for the work to be completed by Oct. 9.

PORTLAND

Expect delays as bridges along I-295 are repaired

Motorists should be prepared for delays at bridges on Interstate 295 southbound.

The state Department of Transportation said contractors closed the center lane of the bridge crossing the Fore River on Friday.

A center lane closure for the bridge over Westbrook Street will begin Sunday night.

The project involves resurfacing of bridges and repairs as needed. Lanes will be closed on 11 bridges in Portland. The lanes will be closed from right to left as crews progress with their work.

Center lane closures will be in effect on the other nine bridges in the coming days.