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

September 8, 2012

Local & State Dispatches

From staff and news services

Hurricane bringing waves, and warnings about safety

The Maine Emergency Management Agency is warning people to be cautious near the coast this weekend, as Hurricane Leslie kicks up high surf.

"With Maine still enjoying late summer weather, residents and visitors alike will be flocking to coastal areas," said an alert issued by MEMA spokeswoman Lynette Miller. "While high surf is exciting and beautiful to see, it can also be extremely dangerous."

Isolated large waves can sweep a person into turbulent waters and rip currents can pull a person out to sea quickly, the alert said.

The hurricane will be passing east of Maine and is no threat to make landfall, the alert said. However, high surf and swells are possible along the southern coast and midcoast areas late Saturday and Sunday.

Down East coastal areas will see the hurricane's impact late Saturday into Sunday night.

The entire coast will continue to feel the impact of the offshore storm in the early part of the week, the alert said.

WINDHAM

Commercial corridor plan set for two discussions

The town is looking for feedback on a plan to transform the North Windham commercial corridor.

The 21st Century Downtown Plan calls for street networks that would encourage denser neighborhoods behind the corridor.

The plan will be presented at a public forum on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Manchester School. A public meeting focusing on the concerns of downtown business owners will be held Sept. 20 at 7 a.m. at Windham Weaponry.

The process of creating the plan began two years ago. A draft was completed in July.

The goals of the plan are to improve the flow of traffic on Route 302 through North Windham, create a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly shopping area and to develop a stronger "sense of place" downtown.

The plan notes that the problems with North Windham include a poorly designed layout with expansive parking lots, run-down buildings and excessive traffic.

It calls for revisions to zoning ordinances that would improve how the corridor develops, sidewalks and crosswalks, more housing and transportation improvements.

The plan will likely be presented in October to the Town Council, which would consider adopting it.

DURHAM

Freak accident injures infant riding on farm utility vehicle

A year-old girl was injured Friday when a strap on her car seat got wrapped around her neck and then caught on the tire of the utility vehicle she was riding in on a farm.

The Maine Warden Service said the accident happened about 3 p.m. at Celestial Farm. The girl was in the car seat on the utility tractor, being driven by the girl's grandmother, who owns the farm.

The girl, who was not named, was playing with the excess strap on the seat when it got wrapped around her neck and caught under the tire, authorities said.

The girl was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she was treated for what the warden services said was non-life-threatening injuries.

LISBON

Resident who aided woman given valor award by police

A Lisbon man has been honored by local police for coming to the aid of a woman who was being attacked by her knife-wielding ex-boyfriend.

John Clark was given the "Award of Valor By a Citizen" by police Chief David Brooks at the town council meeting this week.

Police say Clark was in his home when he heard screams outside on the night of Feb. 27, 2011. He saw a car in his driveway where Leein Hinkley was assaulting the woman. Clark went to the woman's aid and in the process suffered a knife wound.

(Continued on page 2)

Tweet