Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

August 30, 2012

Local and State Dispatches

From staff and news services

BRUNSWICK

More than 40,000 attended air show, organizers report

Organizers say more than 40,000 people attended the Great State of Maine Air Show last weekend at Brunswick Executive Airport.

Steve Levesque from the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority said attendance tracked closely with expectations for the second show since the closing of Brunswick Naval Air Station. Last year, about 25,000 people attended the first post-Navy air show, which was cut short by Hurricane Irene.

Levesque said the goal is to showcase the facility and keep alive the air show tradition started by the Navy, not to make money for the redevelopment.

He said paid attendance was enough to cover the $800,000 cost of the air show and to donate money to charity. A third air show is planned next year.

SACO

Police investigating cause of fire that damaged duplex

Fire damaged a two-story duplex at 58 Washington Ave. on Tuesday night.

The fire broke out at 11 p.m. When firefighters arrived, they found smoke and flames coming from the first and second floors, said Deputy Fire Chief Robert Martin. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

There were no injuries. The cause is being investigated by police and the state Fire Marshal's Office was notified.

The building was not severely damaged by the fire but it was already in disrepair and so it may be a total loss, Martin said.

LEWISTON

Woman accused of dumping 4 newborn kittens in trash

Police say a Lewiston woman who allegedly dumped four newborn kittens in the trash this month is facing animal cruelty charges.

Animal Control Officer Wendell Strout said Stacy Monahan, 43, was charged Tuesday.

Strout told the Sun Journal that he interviewed Monahan after two witnesses indicated she might be responsible for dumping the kittens, which were found Aug. 12. Strout said the kittens were left in a large trash container near Monahan's home.

The kittens were found covered with fleas and maggots and with their umbilical cords still attached.

The kittens were taken to the Androscoggin Humane Society where three ended up dying. The fourth has been adopted and is thriving.

GARDINER

Free WreckCheck app helps users create accident report

Maine insurance regulators say a new WreckCheck mobile application outlines what to do immediately after an auto accident.

The new app takes users through a step-by-step process to create their own accident report and helps to reduce the risk of identity theft. It provides tips for staying calm and safe on the road.

Maine Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa said Tuesday that the WreckCheck mobile application comes from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The app lets users email a completed accident report directly to themselves and their insurance agents. The app is free.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there are more than 5 million wrecks every year, but a July survey shows that many Americans don't know what steps to take after an accident.

LIVERMORE FALLS

Police charge two teen boys after vandalism at cemetery

Police have charged two 16-year-old boys in connection with vandalism at a cemetery in Livermore Falls.

The teens were arrested about 6 p.m. Tuesday and charged with aggravated criminal mischief in connection with the vandalism at Pleasant View Cemetery early Monday morning. Police say the charge is a felony because damage is estimated at more than $2,000.

WMTW-TV reported that one boy is from Livermore Falls and the other is from Wilton. Their names were not released because of their age. They were released into the custody of their parents.

Vandals knocked over headstones, broke lights, flags and statues.

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