BOOTHBAY HARBOR

Fisherman’s body found floating off Squirrel Island

The Coast Guard and the Maine Marine Patrol are investigating the death of a 77-year-old fisherman Sunday afternoon off Boothbay Harbor.

Capt. Christopher Roberge, Commander of Sector Northern New England, said Coast Guard crews received a distress call from a fishing vessel captain around 1 p.m. The captain reported that the Sea Foam, a lobster boat based in Boothbay Harbor, was adrift without anyone on board just south of Spruce Point in Linekin Bay.

Two Coast Guard rescue boats and a Jayhawk rescue helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod began a search, and around 3:15 p.m. located the body of the fisherman — who is from Boothbay Harbor — floating in the water one mile south of Squirrel Island. He was not wearing a life vest or a survival suit.

The Coast Guard said the fisherman’s identity is being withheld pending notification of his relatives.

“There was a great amount of collective effort involved from the outset and included both rescue crews and many local good Samaritans,” Roberge said. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

WINSLOW

Robber gets away with drugs from pharmacy

A man robbed the Rite Aid pharmacy on China Road just after noon Sunday, making off with oxycodone and methadone, according to police.

“He presented a note and said he had a gun but did not display one,” Officer Linda Smedberg said. She would not reveal the amount of prescription drugs taken.

The robber is described as being of medium build and around 5-foot-7, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and tan or khaki pants, possibly Carhartt brand. He had on heavy Thinsulate gloves, possibly with some gray on them, and large, dark sunglasses, Smedberg said.

He reportedly left the store through the front door, crossed the parking lot, cut through some bushes and ran up China Road and onto Garland Road, she said.

Anyone who may have knowledge of the robbery is asked to call police at 872-5215.

AUGUSTA

Law will allow electricians to supervise two helpers

Gov. Paul LePage has signed into law a bill that will allow licensed electricians to supervise two apprentices or helpers at a time instead of one.

The law, which was heavily debated in the Legislature before it was enacted, is intended to attract more young Mainers into careers as electricians. The apprentices must have completed or be enrolled in an accredited training program.

The new law, which was signed last Thursday, also removes the $96 fees required for students to get helper’s licenses when enrolled in a high school or college electrical program. The fees were seen as a deterrent for students who wanted to explore the field before making a commitment.

LePage said he introduced the bill as a way to offer young people more opportunities in the trades.

WESTBROOK

Police investigate robbery of local convenience store

Westbrook police are investigating a robbery Sunday afternoon at a local convenience store.

Police said a male suspect entered Art’s Variety Store around 4:20 p.m. and handed the clerk a note demanding money. No weapon was displayed. The suspect was described as being between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, with a medium build. Police say he was wearing a black winter jacket, a black ski mask and possibly a camouflage shirt.

The robber fled the Spring Street business with an undisclosed amount of cash, leaving in what police are describing as a white vehicle.

Anyone with information concerning the robbery can contact the Westbrook Police Department at 854-0644.