Stockton Springs

Unidentified man’s body pulled from Penobscot River

The body of an unidentified man was pulled from the Penobscot River on Sunday.

Waldo County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Seekins said a homeowner sitting on his riverfront deck noticed the body float by and notified police.

The body was removed from the river about noon at Sandy Point Beach State Park, Seekins said. He said it appeared the body had been in the water for a long time.

The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Seekins said there was no obvious cause of death or signs of foul play.

Seekins said communities upriver were notified and provided names of men who were reported missing over the winter.

Seekins said it was just chance that the homeowner noticed the body. He said the river was filled with chunks of ice, debris and wood from the spring runoff.

Augusta

Mainers can win cash prize by finding state’s worst road

Maine residents can enter a contest to find the worst road in the state for a cash prize – and serious bragging rights.

The Maine Better Transportation Association says photos and a brief description can be submitted through its website for the Worst Road in Maine Contest. Nominations that began in early April are accepted through May 15.

The association says potholes and frost heaves make state roads some of the worst in the nation. Executive Director Maria Fuentes said the prize of $296 is how much the average Mainer spends on car repairs due to poor roads.

Route 141 in Waldo County won the last contest in 2011. The nominee blamed the uneven road for aggravating her son’s back condition.

Portland

Church leaders to conduct ritual foot-washing Thursday

Church leaders in Maine will wash the feet of immigrants and homeless individuals as part of a ritual imitating a biblical scene symbolic of humility.

Thursday’s ceremony will be held in Monument Square in Portland. Church leaders will pour water over people’s feet and dry them with a towel, mimicking a biblical scene where Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples.

Personal stories of some of the participants will be read aloud in several languages, including Spanish, French and Arabic.

In 1955, Pope Pius XII restored the practice as part of a general reform to encourage charity work and raise awareness of struggling individuals.

Bangor

Medical marijuana show begins Saturday in Bangor

The largest medical marijuana trade show in New England begins in Bangor on Saturday.

Organizers said Homegrown Maine 2014 will include workshops, classes, vendors and performances. There will be no marijuana for sale.

Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine organizes the event, which is in its third year. A spokeswoman said the event is geared for caregivers, patients and growers. The organization expects thousands of people to attend. The trade show also includes a smoking tent outside the facility for qualified users.

– From staff and news services