Winter Storm Watch Issued For Central & Coastal Maine Monday

..BITTER WIND CHILLS TONIGHT THEN ANOTHER COASTAL STORM LIKELY
MONDAY...

.GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS WILL CONTINUE OVERNIGHT IN THE WESTERN
MAINE MOUNTAINS. THIS COMBINED WITH VERY COLD TEMPERATURES WILL
PRODUCE DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS AT TIMES.

THEN LATE SUNDAY YET ANOTHER LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM EXITS THE COAST
IN THE MID ATLANTIC. THIS STORM WILL TRACK SOUTH OF NEW
ENGLAND...AND SPREAD SNOW ACROSS PART OF THE REGION. THERE IS
STILL SOME UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE FINAL TRACK OF THIS LOW
PRESSURE...WHICH WILL DETERMINE WHERE THE HEAVIEST AXIS OF
SNOWFALL LINES UP. AT THIS TIME MUCH OF THE AREA SOUTH OF THE
MOUNTAINS COULD SEE 6 OR MORE INCHES OF SNOWFALL.

SOUTHERN OXFORD-SOUTHERN FRANKLIN-SOUTHERN SOMERSET-INTERIOR YORK-

INTERIOR CUMBERLAND-ANDROSCOGGIN-KENNEBEC-INTERIOR WALDO-
COASTAL YORK-COASTAL CUMBERLAND-SAGADAHOC-LINCOLN-KNOX-
COASTAL WALDO-SOUTHERN GRAFTON-SOUTHERN CARROLL-SULLIVAN-
MERRIMACK-BELKNAP-STRAFFORD-INTERIOR ROCKINGHAM-
COASTAL ROCKINGHAM-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RUMFORD...NORWAY...FRYEBURG...OXFORD...
FARMINGTON...WILTON...MADISON...SKOWHEGAN...PITTSFIELD...
SANFORD...BERWICK...NORTH WINDHAM...GORHAM...BRIDGTON...
LEWISTON-AUBURN...LIVERMORE FALLS...AUGUSTA...WATERVILLE...
WINTERPORT...UNITY...BIDDEFORD...SACO...OLD ORCHARD BEACH...
KITTERY...PORTLAND...SOUTH PORTLAND...WESTBROOK...BATH...
TOPSHAM...BOOTHBAY HARBOR...WISCASSET...WALDOBORO...CAMDEN...
ROCKLAND...THOMASTON...BELFAST...LINCOLNVILLE...LEBANON...
HANOVER...PLYMOUTH...WOLFEBORO...OSSIPEE...CLAREMONT...NEWPORT...
CHARLESTOWN...CONCORD...HOOKSETT...LACONIA...MEREDITH...
ROCHESTER...DOVER...SALEM...DERRY...EXETER...PORTSMOUTH...HAMPTON

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY
EVENING.

* HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 6 INCHES OR MORE IS
  POSSIBLE.

* TIMING...SNOW SHOULD BEGIN EARLY MONDAY. SNOW MAY BE HEAVY AT
  TIMES DURING THE DAY MONDAY. SNOW WILL TAPER OFF MONDAY EVENING
  OR MONDAY NIGHT.

* IMPACTS...SNOW COVERED ROADS COULD LEAD TO HAZARDOUS TRAVEL
  CONDITIONS.

* WINDS...NORTH 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES...6 BELOW TO 8 ABOVE ZERO.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR
THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Stay tuned on this more likely snow storm for Monday... Downeast currently does not have a Winter Storm Watch issued for Monday. It may be issued later today.

NMCC, Dept. of Transportation--Region 5 Receive SHAPE Award for Safety

AUGUSTA, Maine - Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette announced that Northern Maine Community College and Maine Department of Transportation-Region 5 have each earned the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers (SHAPE).

SHAPE recognizes public-sector organizations that voluntary undertake a rigorous safety achievement program for their workers.

"We congratulate NMCC and MDOT in Region 5 for becoming SHAPE certified," Governor Paul R. LePage said. "These state agencies know that keeping workers safe is not only good for the people of Maine, but also good for their communities and their taxpayers. Better safety means less lost time due to injury and illness as well as lower workers' comp costs."

Northern Maine Community College received its award on January 22 and MDOT on January 23,
bringing the total number of SHAPE certified worksites in Maine to 46.

The SHAPE award was conceived in 2005 as a way to recognize public-sector employers and employees who are striving to provide a safe and healthful workplace. It is given only to exemplary public-sector employers after a thorough review and inspection of the employer's safety and health policies and procedures by a SafetyWorks! consultant.

Community Colleges, state agencies and other public entities interested in learning more about the SHAPE designation should contact SafetyWorks! at 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or http://www.safetyworksmaine.com . SafetyWorks! provides a trained consultant with industry-specific expertise who will review the facility by appointment. The consultation may include such elements as recognizing safety hazards, sampling for air and noise exposures, recommending ways to reduce or to eliminate hazards, developing or improving a safety program, complying with regulations and identifying training needs.

The Maine Department of Labor has enforcement authority of health and safety standards for public-sector employers in Maine and is responsible for inspecting workplace injuries or fatalities suffered by public employees.

Trekkers’ “V-Day Par-Tay” Valentine’s Dance to feature “Just Teachers”

Rockport, Maine - Trekkers, a nonprofit outdoor-based youth mentoring organization, is holding a Valentine’s Day Dance on Saturday, February 14th at the Samoset Resort. This 21 and over fundraiser will feature live music by “Just Teachers,” a local band known for playing music that gets people dancing!



The evening will begin with a social hour from 7–8pm and include a cash bar provided by the Samoset. “Just Teachers” will take the stage starting at 8pm and will keep things moving until 11:30pm. The event will combine fantastic music, delicious appetizers, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and an evening of fun, all to benefit Trekkers’ students. Proceeds from the event will be directly applied to the students’ program fees. The silent auction donors currently include K-9 Solutions Dog Training, The Korean Schools of Karate, Smile Concepts – Dr. Stephen A. Zizza, Trade Winds Motor Inn, Trade Winds Health Club and Wee Care Learning and Nature Center.



There are still a few tickets available, but they are going fast. Tickets for the dance are $15 each and can be reserved by contacting a participating Trekker, or by calling Shari Closter at the Trekkers office (207-594-5095 or shari@trekkers.org).

Call for Artists for Upcoming Art Exhibition at Johnson Hall in Gardiner‏

Hallowell, Maine - The Harlow Gallery and Johnson Hall invite Maine artists to submit work for an art exhibition opening Friday, April 10, 2015 at Johnson Hall. The art exhibition will be on view at Johnson Hall at 280 Water Street in Gardiner from April 10 through May 22, 2015, and sales proceeds will support two cornerstones of the arts in central Maine: Johnson Hall and the Harlow Gallery.

Email submissions are being accepted through March 1st and will be reviewed by curatorial committee comprised of staff and volunteers from both organizations. Artists interested in submitting work should visit the Harlow Gallery online for complete instructions at harlowgallery.org/open-call-for-johnson-hall.

Johnson Hall located in Gardiner, Maine is celebrating its150th anniversary this year. The first floor has been recently renovated into an accessible 117-seat performance space, where Johnson Hall presents arts programs for all ages, all year round live professional music, theater and dance performances; theater and art camps for children; and workshops and classes for children and adults. The theater also collaborates with other community organizations to bring arts and theater programs to children and to present a summer festival, outdoor concerts and movies; and provides space for community classes, groups, rehearsals, and meetings. Johnson Hall’s upper floors await restoration, and the community is engaged in a planning process to return the Hall to its full glory—a 360-seat theater and conference center, which will provide cultural enrichment and boost the regional economy.  Find out more at www.johnsonhall.org.

The Harlow Gallery is a 501(c)3 membership based nonprofit located at 160 Water Street in downtown Hallowell since 1963, where have worked to connect and celebrate the art, artists and community of central Maine for over half a century. For more information visit the Harlow Gallery online at harlowgallery.org or call 622-3813.

Absentee ballot requests can be made online for House District 93 Special Election

AUGUSTA, Maine - Absentee ballots for the Special Election in House District 93 can now be requested online, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced Friday.

The ballots are available via the State of Maine Online Absentee Ballot Request Service, http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl .

The March 10, 2015 special election is necessitated by the resignation of Elizabeth E. Dickerson of Rockland, who had won the House seat in the November election. Dickerson submitted her resignation to the State on January 20. For this special election, this online ballot request service is open to all Maine citizens who are registered to vote in either Owls Head or Rockland, including those who are in uniformed service or overseas.

In Maine, any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at a voting place on Election Day and does not need a specific reason to do so. Civilian voters may request an absentee ballot until 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. Those with "special circumstances" that arise may apply with their town to request a ballot after that deadline. All completed ballots must be received no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Candidates for the March 10 election must have nomination papers filed with the office of the Secretary of State on or before 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9 to appear on the ballot. Write-in candidates must be declared and file with the office on or before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

"Haul Out" The Maine Windjammer Project

"Haul Out" by Doug Mills

Haul out time for Timberwind at North End Shipyard in Rockland Maine.[04092012]

www.mainewindjammerproject.com

There are still some Special "Windjammer" Packager left!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Doug Mills newest documentary "Windjammer" on DVD plus "The Great American Windjammer Vol.1" 

200 pages with nearly 100 8x10 photos.

ONLY: $40.00 for the package!

UPDATE BREAKING NEWS: Person Critically Injured On Camden Street In Rockland Hit & Run Dies From Injuries

Photo of Jeremy Stone, 40, of Rockport
related to crash in Rockland last night.

UPDATE 7:15pm Saturday Night: On January 30, 2015 at 5:30pm, Rockland Police and EMS responded to Camden Street for the report of pedestrian that had been struck and the vehicle had left the scene.

Daniel F. Cormier, 35, of Owls Head was transported to Penobscot Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Shortly after the crash Jeremy Stone, 40, of Rockport was located at a residence in Rockland where he was arrested.  Stone is currently being held for the charges of Operating under the influence, Class B, Leaving the scene of an accident involving death, Class C, and 2 outstanding warrants.  Additional charges are pending.

Rockland Police were assisted by Rockport Police and Maine State Police.

UPDATE 8:45am Saturday Morning: Person hit on Camden street in Rockland, Maine January 30th has died from their injuries.
BREAKING NEWS...Rockland, Maine - A person was hit in the area of Fullers and Pizza Hut on Camden street in Rockland, Maine on January 30th, 2015 with the car continuing on.

Person was transported to Pen Bay Medical Center emergency status by Rockland EMS. The person hit is critically injured.

It was reported by St. George ambulance  that the person wasn't breathing.

Camden street traffic was being rerouted

According to Rockland Police Department, Our officers are currently on the scene of a serious injury car vs pedestrian crash on Camden Street, near Pen Bay Avenue. Please seek an alternate route - traffic will be delayed in that area.

Be on the lookout for a car with front end damage.

Stay tuned for more....

Medomak Middle School Wins Fifth Straight Busline League Cheerleading Champions

Rockland, Maine - On Thursday, January 29th, 2015 the Medomak Middle School cheerleaders won their fifth straight Busline League Cheerleading Competition title. This year's competition was held at Oceanside High School East in Rockland, Maine. The competition had two rounds to show their moves to the judges.

Medomak Middle School in the first round scored 47.5, second 52.1 with a average score of 49.8. Cheerleaders from Medomak had a great night showing that they are a team to watch out for. Members that took part were Abby Bradeen, Cheyanne Greene, Grace Kurr, Katie Ryan, Kylie Weeks, Ashley Winchenbach, Lily Winchenbach, Katie Genthner, Mariah Grindle, Cassie Smeltzer and Amelia Witherell. Coach is Leanne Young and manager Caitlin Brekenfeld.

Great Salt Bay finished in second place. Scores in the first round was 43.4, second 45.3 with an
average of 44..35. Members are Shealyn Clifford, Brittni Hartley, Makayla Bailey, Courtny Gragnon, Alonna Galpin-Sigler, Madison Thompson, Lydia Tilton, Julia Gemeinhardt, Abi Gifford, Sydnee Lily and Monica Staples. Coach is Brie Konitzky.

In fourth place and spirit award winners were Bristol Consolidated School. Scores in the first round were 36.7, second 40.4 with an average of 38.55. Members for this four person team are Alison Chadwick, Liza Cheney, Jewel Farrin and Annalee Presby. Coach is Meredith Hughes.

Boothbay finished in fourth place. Scores in the first round was 37.8, second 38.3 with an average of 38.05. Members are Shannon Mead, Ally Nein, Ciara Pitcher, Jackie Steinmetz, Ashley Ames, Tali Gosselin, Lilley Harris, Grace Robinson and Abby Teele.

Well done to all the teams that took part as they did a great job. Medomak proved that they are a level above the rest. It was a great night with a good turn out.