News

Bath Iron Works awaits contract confirmation

BATH, Maine (AP) - Shipbuilders at Maine's Bath Iron Works will soon learn whether they're getting a critical contract.

The Navy has told Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King of Maine that it intends to issue a contract for 10 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers by June 4, with work to be completed over five years from fiscal 2013 through 2017.

The fact that the Navy is moving forward is considered a positive sign.

Collins says the contract would have been in jeopardy under a long-term continuing resolution on the budget and that a Bath win would mean job security for shipyard workers.

King says Bath is a strong competitor on the project.

 

 

 

 

 

Craven, Cohen headline 2013 Hall of Fame Class

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - Former NASCAR driver Ricky Craven enjoyed two trips to the winner's circle during his time in NASCAR's top tier.  Now, he has a third checkered flag.  The Hampden native was one of ten people in the Maine Sports Hall of Fame class of 2013. 

Joining him was former congressman, senator, and Secretary of Defense William Cohen, who was a standout ballplayer for Bangor High School and Bowdoin on the basketball court.

Waterville and Bowdoin alum Dr. Douglas Brown has distinguished himself in sports medicine.  The Portland Bulldogs team physician for three plus decades also served as a team physician for US soccer. 

In the coaching ranks, Mt. Blue and UMaine Farmington alum Paula Doughty is the architect behind the Skowhegan field hockey powerhouse.  She's won 14 state titles, including 11 of the last 12.

A walk through one family's need for food

BRUNSWICK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Michelle and 3 year old Bella wait in line with hundreds of hungry Mainers... seeking donations from the local food bank which comes just once a month.

"It's really hard to feed a family of three with only one person working at the house," says Michelle. Her husbands income just isn't enough sometimes. The family relies on the Good Shepherd Food Bank when they need help.

"I look at it like, if I didn't ask for the help then where would I be? I'd be worse off than I am just asking for the help that I need."

Tickets are handed out to people in line as part of a rationing system. The system ensures everyone goes home with some food.

"Well I know that we've already given out 180 tickets," says Jeanned'ARC Mayo, a volunteer at the food bank. "And it's only 4:30. We're planning to do this until 6:00."

Bath puts brakes on adult entertainment clubs

BATH, Maine (AP) - The Bath City Council has put the brakes on the development of adult entertainment clubs in the city, at least temporarily.

The council this week passed a 180-day moratorium on establishing strip clubs.

No application has been formally submitted to open an adult entertainment club in the city, officials said, but a Bangor man has expressed an interest in opening a strip club at the Riverside Pub.

City Solicitor Roger Therriault tells The Times Record there are many related issues and questions to be answered, and that state statute permits the city to call a "timeout."

Councilor David Sinclair says while the city has the authority to regulate where such a business can operate, it cannot completely ban it.

Facing deep cuts, fishermen & politicians demand disaster relief

BOSTON, Massachusetts (NEWS CENTER) - Fishermen from Maine and the rest of New England are calling new federal fishing quotas "a disaster", and say many of them will be put out of work. Their target is new quotas for cod and flounder, which go into effect this week. The cod quota will cut the catch in the Gulf of Maine by 77%, and reduce it by more than 50% on Georges Bank. 

That's why fishermen gathered in Boston Monday to demand help from Washington. Fishermen, fishing businesses and politicians called on the U.S. Congress to provide disaster relief for the New England groundfish industry. They say fishermen need financial help to keep them going until fish stocks recover. 

Jackie Odell, executive director of the Northeast Seafood Coalition, said "The hardships the fishery will face after May first is unimaginable,  we need help." 

Coalitions unite to combat teen substance abuse

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- "Parents are the most important factor in a teen's decision making," stated Jo Morrissey, a member of 21 Reasons, an organization dedicated to preventing underage drinking.  "We want parents to know that they are not alone and they are not the only parent who feels that way."

With prom and graduation season fast approaching, several substance abuse prevention coalitions in Cumberland County have joined forces to help parents keep their kids safe and sober.

"Our five substance abuse prevention coalitions have had to develop a campaign centered on one simple goal, to increase parents' comfort to reach out and talk to each other about what can be sensitive and awkward - teen substance abuse," Morrissey explained.