Maine news, sports, weather from Waterville Morning Sentinel

February 15

Bill expands autism coverage with specialized care

When Addie Bowden was diagnosed with autism at nearly 3 years old, she still didn't speak and sometimes didn't recognize family members. She would slap herself repeatedly on the forehead and scream, trying to communicate her wants and needs.

February 15

Changing attitudes toward gun control swamp police with concealed-weapons permit applications

AUGUSTA — If you want a concealed-weapons permit from the Maine State Police, be ready to wait three or four months. There’s a 2,500-application backlog.

February 15

Sidney man not guilty of domestic assault

AUGUSTA -- A jury deliberated for less than an hour Friday before clearing a Sidney man of a charge of domestic-violence assault.

February 15

Waterville financial adviser named to chairman's council

WATERVILLE -- Brian Bernatchez, a financial advisor at Golden Pond Wealth Management, was recently named to the LPL Financial Chairman's Council.

February 15

Morning Sentinel area police log, Feb. 15, 2013

IN ANSON, Thursday at 9:15 p.m., a report of disturbance was investigated on Front Street.

February 15

Franklin Superior Court, Jan. 14 to Jan. 28, 2013

FARMINGTON -- The following cases were closed from Jan. 14 to Jan. 28, 2013, in Franklin Superior Court.

February 15

Eastern Cup Nordic races moved from Augusta to Waterville

AUGUSTA -- The prospects looked good a week ago for the Eastern Cup Nordic races at Bond Brook Recreation Area after more than a foot of snow fell in the capital region.

February 15

Skowhegan District Court, Jan. 7 to 11, 2013

SKOWHEGAN -- The following cases were closed from Jan. 7 to 11, 2013, in Skowhegan District Court.

February 15

It's the age of retirement

OMG, the Pope is retiring. Pope Benedict XVI is retiring from the Vatican only months before she, who retires from teaching in June. Of course, this is a coincidence, but still of interest.

February 15

Bill would value pets as companions, not property

AUGUSTA — In the eyes of the law, your beloved dog or cat is no different than a lamp or a chair, essentially a piece of property.

February 15

Alleged chain saw bandit cut down by Craigslist ad

A West Gardiner man is expected to face numerous charges in connection with the theft of more than a dozen chain saws in central Maine.

February 16

LePage moves to block data on concealed-weapon permits

The governor's emergency bill is a response to a Bangor newspaper's now-rescinded request for public information on permit holders.

February 15

SLIDESHOW: Fireball over Russia

February 15

Franklin Memorial Hospital operating at a financial loss, CEO to address community leaders

FARMINGTON — After operating on a financial loss for the first time in more than a decade, Franklin Memorial Hospital announced Friday that president and CEO Rebecca Ryder will address community leaders about the economic state of the nonprofit.

February 15

LePage denied on food-stamp request

Gov. Paul LePage sought to require food-stamp users to present an ID when buying groceries.

February 15

Dismissal of 46 counts upheld in prostitution case

The state's high court agrees to throw out invasion-of-privacy charges against Mark Strong Sr. for allegedly taping sexual encounters involving prostitution clients.

February 15

Britain finds horsemeat in school meals, hospitals

Britain's largest hotel and restaurant company also reports horse DNA has been found in lasagna and burgers on its menus.

February 15

Waterville police log and arrests, Feb. 13-15

Theft, threatening, vehicle burglary

February 15

Havana restores monument to victims of USS Maine

The restoration project is fraught with symbolism, and the monument's scars tell the story of more than a century of shifts in the complex U.S.-Cuba relationship.

February 15

Bangor newspaper rescinds request for concealed-gun data

After drawing harsh criticism from gun-rights advocates, the Bangor paper informs law enforcement agencies that received the request to disregard it.

February 15

Five arrested in Farmington drug death

Five people were arrested Thursday night on drug charges connected to the overdose death of a Farmington woman last year.

February 15

Weeping Pistorius faces life in prison in shooting

The Olympic superstar and double amputee is accused of planning and executing the death of his model girlfriend, but his family strongly denies the charges.

February 15

Boston fines Walgreens for poor snow removal

Walgreens said that it had crews working 24 hours during the storm to clear parking lots and sidewalks and cleanup efforts are ongoing.

February 15

Conn. boy, mother found in Maine after alleged abduction

Authorities say the 4-year-old boy was in the care of his grandparents in Connecticut when his mother kidnapped him.

February 15

Passengers cheer escape from 'horrible' cruise

Passengers raucously cheer after days of what they described as overflowing toilets, food shortages and foul odors. "I want a hot shower and a daggum Whataburger," says one.

February 15

Meteor explodes over Russia, 1,100 injured

The largest recorded meteor strike in more than 100 years occurred hours before a 150-foot asteroid passed within about 17,000 miles of Earth.

February 15

Program assists Maine parents of teens learning to drive

The program features a booklet with driving lessons parents can teach their teens while they're going through the supervised training period.