New superintendent named for Long Creek youth center

Maine’s largest youth detention facility has a new superintendent.

The Department of Corrections said Jeff Merrill II has accepted the top job at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland.

Merrill has been working as acting superintendent in recent months in place of Rodney Bouffard, who was named warden at the Maine State Prison two weeks ago.

Merrill has 23 years of correctional experience and has held a variety of high-level management positions in the past 15 years.

STANDISH

Two people escape flames that destroy mobile home

Fire destroyed a mobile home near Watchic Pond in Standish early Sunday, drawing firefighters from nine departments. 

Residents of 12 Watchic Road 21 reported smoke and fire at their home at 1:26 a.m.

On arrival, irefighters found heavy fire showing from the single-family dwelling, according to the Standish Fire Department. 

Two people living there escaped the flames and saved an unknown number of pets.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. 

Two firefighters were treated at the scene for heat-related injuries but did not need further medical attention. 

Fire crews from Sebago, Gorham, Limington, Buxton, Hollis and Baldwin helped by shuttling water to the scene. Firefighters from Windham and Raymond covered stations in Standish until crews cleared the fire scene about 6:15 a.m. The American Red Cross was notified to assist the residents with finding temporary shelter.

AUGUSTA

LePage’s television setup costs state nearly $1,500

A controversial 46-inch television and TV cart that Gov. Paul LePage put in the hallway outside his office is costing taxpayers nearly $1,500.

LePage put the TV in the hall two weeks ago to display a message urging lawmakers to act on his budget and hospital debt reduction plan. LePage complained about censorship and moved his operations to the governor’s mansion after being told the TV’s location violated State House rules.

The Sun Journal newspaper in Lewiston said the governor’s staff bought the flat-screen television for $899, a cable to connect it to a computer for $59, and the TV cart for $527, including shipping charges.

The television is now inside the governor’s office with the screen facing out into the hallway behind a window over the office door.

 

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