CUTLER

Keeper spends Christmas alone at isolated lighthouse

A lighthouse keeper spent Christmas Day alone at Little River Lighthouse, the most northeastern  island lighthouse in the United States.

It was the first time in the 164-year history of the lighthouse, located just north of Machias, that someone was there alone on Christmas. A family spent the holiday at the lighthouse 36 years ago.

Sunday was Bill Kitchen’s 77th day in a year-long living-history program to experience the hardships of living in seclusion at an island lighthouse.

Unlike lighthouse keepers in the early days, Kitchen is able to communicate through the Internet. He posted a Christmas Day entry in his online journal at thelighthouseedeavor.com. “I am deeply grateful for the hundreds of emails that have come in wishing me a Merry Christmas,” Kitchen wrote. “Thank you all. Tough day, but making it.”

NORTH YARMOUTH

Fire heavily damages home, but no one reported injured

Fire caused heavy damage Sunday night to a house on a road off Route 115, according to firefighters who were at the scene.

The fire at 72 Prince Well Road started around 4 p.m., when the owners weren’t home, said Deputy Chief Nelson Smith. The fire was out by 5 p.m.

No injuries were reported, but damage to the split-level ranch was extensive, Smith said.

The cause was unknown. The state Fire Marshal’s Office was notified to investigate.

AUGUSTA

Parties lining up caucuses to pick president preference

While the nation’s attention is focused on Iowa and New Hampshire, plans are taking shape in Maine for its presidential preference caucuses.

Republicans, who have several candidates vying for the nomination, are encouraging town and city committees in Maine to hold their caucuses between Feb. 4 and 11. Party officials said that way the party can announce Feb. 11 who the winning candidate is.

Local Republican committees generally gather by county to hold their caucuses.

On the Democratic side, municipal party caucuses will be Feb. 26, and the presidential caucus date will be March 18 or 25. With President Obama the only party candidate, much of the business will focus on electing delegates to the June state party convention.

BIDDEFORD

Coastal parcel preserved as part of Carson refuge

An undeveloped coastal parcel of 98 acres in Biddeford that’s home to nesting eider and bobolinks, deer and foxes is being preserved.

The parcel, which also includes sandy beaches, rocky shores, wetlands and forest, is believed to be one of the last unspoiled coastal parcels under single ownership between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth.

The Journal Tribune of Biddeford said the Timber Point property, which has long been in the hands of private property owners, has been conveyed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to become part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The transfer took place last Wednesday.

BRUNSWICK

Police seek help identifying man found dead near camp

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man whose body was found near a small campsite in Brunswick.

Police said a man reported finding the body early Thursday afternoon alongside some railroad tracks near the Bath Road.

Deputy Chief Marc Hagen said the man appeared to be in his 40s but didn’t have any identification on him. The death is not considered suspicious.

Hagen said police don’t have any current missing-person cases and are asking for the public’s help for more information.

GRAND ISLE

Woman killed when car skids in snow, hits truck

A 56-year-old northern Maine woman was killed when she lost control of her car on a snow-covered road and skidded into the path of an oncoming truck.

Maine State Police said Rachel Gauvin, of Hamlin, was killed shortly before 11 a.m. Friday when she lost control on Route 1A in Grand Isle and collided with a tractor-trailer driven by Frank Guptill, 65, of Waldoboro.

Police said Guptill was unable to avoid Gauvin’s car, with both vehicles striking a guardrail before the truck crushed Gauvin’s car. Officials said Guptill’s truck then continued off the road and struck a telephone pole, bringing down power lines and damaging a local home.

Gauvin died from her injuries at the scene.

PORTLAND

EPA offers holiday tips on avoiding septic problems

The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing tips to Maine homeowners on how to avoid septic system problems during the holiday season.

Maine has the second-highest percentage of septic ownership in the country, with nearly half of all homes using individual septic systems.

The EPA said many of those systems become overwhelmed during the holiday season with parties, get-togethers and out-of-town guests.

The agency said homeowners should maintain their systems, make clear to guests what should not be flushed, and make sure cars and heavy equipment are kept off drainage fields.

More information can be found on the EPA’s website.

— From staff and news services