News

Environmental groups call for study of tar sands oil before allowing pipeline to transport it across Maine

NAPLES, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- While officials with the Portland Pipe Line Corporation have repeatedly stated they do not have any active applications pending which would seek to allow them to transport tar sands oil across Maine, environmentalists are calling for studies to be done on the issue before it becomes an issue. 

Fiery crash stops turnpike traffic, no one hurt

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - A fiery crash halted turnpike traffic midday Tuesday but no one was injured.

PHOTOS: Turnpike vehicle crash exit 45

Maine State Police say Fabrice Iraduha, from Portland, was driving his friend's Chevy Malibu shortly before noon.

Iraduha pulled into the Exit 45 deceleration lane when another car cut him off. He swerved and lost control, skidding across all three travel lanes and hitting the median.

The Malibu then burst into flames.

Iraduha and his passenger, Alistalique Habimana (who owned the car) managed to get out without harm but the car was completely lost.

The car behind the whole mess, the one that cut off Iraduha, never stopped.

Maine psychologist pleads guilty to fraud

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A Maine psychologist has pleaded guilty to defrauding insurance companies by submitting claims for counseling sessions that never happened.

Federal prosecutors said Carole Orem-Hough of South Portland billed insurance companies for two counseling sessions a week when she saw the patient once per week.

She told one patient that she double-billed Aetna because the company reimbursed her for about half of what she received from other companies.

The claims were submitted from September 2008 to September 2011.  U.S. Attorney Thomas Delahanty said the fraud loss is over $69,000 and involved false claims with respect to almost 50 patients.

Karen Rand - Boston Marathon Bombing Victim

Karen Rand - Boston Marathon Bombing Victim

Realtor Terry Bragdon of Regency Realty Group and Elliott Chamberlain of Chamberlain homes band together to build Karen Rand a new home. Terry and Elliot are actively seeking land in Old Orchard, building supplies and labor from all required trades to build this home. The plan is to do this at no cost or at the lowest cost possible.  If you are interested in helping to make this home a reality, please reach out to Chamberlain homes at 207-282-7377 or Elliott@Chamberlainhomes.com

If you would like to participate in the project, monetary donations are also being accepted at all Town & Country Credit Union branches in the name “Fund for Karen Rand”.

Casco Bay Bridge stuck in upright position

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Traffic from South Portland to Portland hit a snag Wednesday afternoon.

The Casco Bay Bridge on the South Portland side is stuck in the upright position.

Police in South Portland are redirecting traffic away from the bridge.

Traffic from Portland into South Portland is flowing freely.

Police say they don't know why the bridge is stuck or how long it will be up.

Organizers scrutinize Beach to Beacon security

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Security at Maine's premiere road race is being scrutinized after the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Race organizers held a conference Monday to talk about possible changes to race security.

Race President Dave Weatherbie spoke, saying that Race Director Dave McGillivary would be meeting with local police chiefs to review security. McGillivary was also the director of the Boston Marathon.

Weatherbie says any changes proposed during the security review will be balanced with the considerations of the residents of Cape Elizabeth who live on the race course.

Joan Benoit Samuelson also addressed reporters. She spoke more of the emotional impact of the bombings in the running community.