EASTPORT

CNN to televise New Year’s Eve tradition

Additional Photos

An overturned SUV lies on the riverbank off Little River Road in Lebanon Tuesday, after police say a 34-year-old Sanford woman fell asleep at the wheel. She was not seriously hurt. Courtesy Lebanon Rescue Department

The Great Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop to bring in the new year will be getting some national exposure.

CNN plans to broadcast that event live from Bank Square in Eastport as part of its New Year’s Eve Special with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin.

The event takes place from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

PORTLAND

Treacherous roads result in many holiday accidents

Slippery road conditions due to light snow contributed to multiple car crashes throughout the state Christmas morning and the temporary closure of Interstate 295 between Brunswick and Freeport, state police said. The highway re-opened by midday.

For several hours Tuesday, the Maine Turnpike Authority also lowered speeds to 45 miles per hour from Kittery through New Gloucester, citing “very hazardous conditions” in Falmouth and Gray.

But by mid-afternoon, the snow had tapered off and the reduced speed limits had been lifted.

The snow contributed to at least a dozen mostly minor crashes throughout the state.

In Lebanon, a 34-year-old Sanford woman smashed through the guardrail on Little River Road and overturned her SUV before it settled on the riverbank just feet from the icy water. The driver, who police said feel asleep at the wheel, was not seriously injured.

Portland police said there was a six-car accident on Commercial Street Tuesday morning, but the low-speed crash caused no serious injuries and was quickly dispersed.

KENNEBUNKPORT

Search suspended for boatbuilding students

Maine authorities say there are no new developments in the disappearances of two boatbuilding students whose clothing was found on an island near Kennebunkport.

Police say the search for 21-year-old Zachery Wells of Burlington, Vt., and 23-year-old Prescott Wright of Barnstable, Mass., was suspended on Christmas.

Searchers found pieces of clothing early Monday morning. Officials said Monday it’s possible the two men had been kayaking or boating.

They were last seen drinking beer with a small group of friends at Wells’ home in Kennebunkport near the Cape Porpoise pier on Wednesday night.

They both are students at The Landing School, a boat building and yacht design school in Arundel.

AUGUSTA

Nominees sought for environmental innovation

Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection is seeking nominations for the annual Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.

The awards honor businesses, government entities and nonprofit organizations for projects and programs that are deemed innovative while resulting in both environmental and economic benefits.

Commissioner Patty Aho says that without its natural resources and a healthy environment, Maine won’t have a vibrant economy.

The application deadline is Feb. 22. Awards will be presented in April.

Nomination forms are available on the DEP’s website, maine.gov/dep.

ORONO

Faulty chimney blamed for double-fatality home fire

Maine fire officials say a fire that killed two brothers in Orono started in a damaged chimney.

State Fire Marshal Joseph Thomas told the Bangor Daily News that the early morning fire on Sunday started in an unlined chimney, where debris had accumulated in gaps left by missing bricks and crumbling mortar.

The victims have been identified as 47-year-old Randy Davis, the home owner, and his brother 49-year-old Cris “Cricket” Davis.

The home did not have working smoke detectors.

Investigators say the brothers had been out drinking Saturday night and took a taxi home.

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