PERU

Teenager dies from injuries after her vehicle hits a tree

A 16-year-old girl died Sunday morning from injuries suffered when her car went off the road and struck a tree Saturday night.

The teenager, whose name was not immediately released, died at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, said a dispatcher for the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office.

Police said that about 8:20 p.m. Saturday, the teenager lost control of her car while heading north on Ridge Road. The car went off the road and the passenger side struck a tree. The teenager was the only person in the car.

She was rushed by ambulance to Rumford Hospital, then flown by helicopter to Central Maine Medical Center.

AUGUSTA

Maine CDC urges residents to get their annual flu shots

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention says flu vaccine is plentiful, and it’s encouraging residents to go ahead and get their inoculations.

Everyone 6 months and older is encouraged to get an annual flu vaccine, even if they were vaccinated last year. It’s available as a shot or in the form of a nasal spray.

Dr. Sheila Pinette, director of the Maine CDC, said that during the last flu season there were 115 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, including one in Maine. She said Mainers should do all they can to protect themselves and loved ones by getting the vaccines.

People at high risk include children 5 and under, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

SKOWHEGAN

Gifford’s wins top award at ice cream competition

A Maine ice cream maker has taken home the top award for ice cream at a national dairy products competition.

Gifford’s Ice Cream won its second straight grand champion award for ice cream at the 2011 World Dairy Expo, held earlier this month in Madison, Wis.

The Skowhegan company won the grand champion award for its chocolate ice cream, while also winning a first in the French vanilla category. It also won second place for its regular vanilla and orange sherbet products.

Each year the expo holds contests for a number of dairy products, including ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt and milk.

CARRABASSETT VALLEY

Ski academy moves ahead with fundraising for facilities

A well-known ski academy in western Maine has launched the second phase of a fundraising campaign for a new academic wing and other facilities.

Carrabassett Valley Academy is trying to raise $5.75 million toward its $7 million goal. The money will be used to build the new academic wing, dining facilities, administrative offices and an offseason jumping facility. School officials hope to break ground next spring.

Some of America’s top skiers and snowboarders through the years have attended the academy, including Bode Miller, Seth Wescott and Kirsten Clark.

— From staff and news services

 

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