NEW GLOUCESTER

Police seeking local man in Nov. 5 high-speed chase

A New Gloucester man was sought by police Monday on charges of eluding an officer, criminal speeding and driving after having his license revoked for being a habitual offender.

Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies obtained warrants for John S. Fox, 31, after a high-speed chase Nov. 5 that ended with the suspect’s car in a swamp. Deputies tried to stop the 1997 Kia after they determined that its license plate number was not assigned to that car.

Fox got out of the car and ran into the woods, and a police dog could not track him, deputies said. Nobody was injured in the crash.

Deputies ask anyone with information to call the sheriff’s office at 893-2810.

BELMONT

Third deer hunter finds human remains this month

For the third time this month, a deer hunter has found human remains in the Maine woods.

State police say skeletal remains were found Saturday in the Waldo County town of Belmont.

Police are investigating whether the remains are those of Charles Springer, 68, who wandered away from his home in May 2008 and hasn’t been seen since. The remains, which were found less than two miles from his home, have been taken to the state Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.

Hunters discovered an unidentified man in Stacyville on Nov. 4. The body of a man who had been missing since June was discovered in Vassalboro on Nov. 15.

FALMOUTH

Fuel oil spill in small stream cleaned up, under scrutiny

A fuel oil spill that got into a stream Monday afternoon was cleaned up, but officials said they were unable to identify the source of the spill.

Fire Chief Howard Rice said the spill was reported about 2:45 p.m. in Norton Brook, a small stream that runs behind homes on Shady Lane.

The Department of Environmental Protection was notified and helped with the cleanup, Rice said.

He said the spill may have been caused by an oil tank leak, but investigators were unable to pinpoint the source. They will return to the brook today to investigate further.

BUCKSPORT

Verso Paper to replace coal with wood chips in boiler

A paper mill is starting a $40 million project so it can get more of its energy from renewable wood chips and debris rather than coal.

Verso Paper Co. says it will begin construction by the end of this year at its paper mill in Bucksport. The company says it will replace coal with biomass products in its No. 8 boiler and install a new 25-megawatt turbine generator.

As a result, the mill will have a 43 percent increase in energy production from renewable energy sources.

President and Chief Executive Mike Jackson said the project will reduce the plant’s carbon emissions and increase its energy efficiency.

PORTLAND/SCARBOROUGH

Police Explorers team takes second place in competition

Police Explorers from Scarborough and Portland finished near the top this weekend at a skills competition in Connecticut.

The combined team took second place overall in the 2010 Explorer Tactical Challenge Saturday, which featured 11 teams, some from major cities. The competition included events like sniper challenge, drug warrant, bus assault, rapid deployment and high-risk warrant.

Police Explorers, an outgrowth of the Boy Scouts of America, is for youths who are interested in law enforcement careers.

Members of Maine’s team took first place in sniper challenge, drug warrant and bus assault.

Team members included Logan Mars, Brandon Ruel, Lt. Tom Deluca, Matt Scipione, Capt. Derek Laflin and Pat Flynn from Scarborough, and Chief Ater Ater and Zornitsa Savova from Portland.

“The explorers were faced with situations that sworn police officers might face in tactical situations,” said Scarborough’s community resource officer, Joe Giacomantonio. “The focus was on communications, teamwork and leadership but they were also graded on their planning and execution of the plans.”

Scarborough has had a Police Explorers post for the past 12 years. Portland started its post a year ago.