Body of missing UMaine student found
Police say they’ve found the body of a missing 19-year-old UMaine student who disappeared in January from his home at Orchard Trails Apartments.
The Orono Police Department says it received a call about a body in a retention pond near an apartment complex.
They didn’t specify which complex.
WABI news reports police say the Maine Warden Service helped recover the body, and the State Medical Examiner positively identified him as Chance Lauer.
Police say, at this point, there is nothing suspicious about the death.
Anyone with questions can contact the Orono Police Department.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/03/18/missing-umaine-students-body-found-retention-pond/
Skowhegan man arrested in connection with Augusta murder
State police say they’ve arrested a man in connection with a murder in Augusta last month.
30-year-old Edward Longley of Skowhegan was arrested Wednesday after officials say 51-year-old Billyjack Curtis of Augusta was shot and killed on Flagg Street on February 2.
WABI news reports 40-year-old Sherry Gilley of Brunswick was also injured in the shooting and was taken to the hospital and later released.
Longley was taken to the Somerset County jail where he is being held without bail.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/03/18/police-make-arrest-connection-with-fatal-shooting-augusta/
City of Ellsworth files complaint on stench from composting facility
City of Ellsworth officials filed a complaint in Hancock County District Court over alleged violations of the city’s odor ordinance.
There have been numerous complaints alleging a smell from the composting facility Maine Organics has grown stronger.
The Ellsworth American reports the filing mentions odor problems, public complaints and multiple notices of violations in 2025 that were not appealed or resolved.
Now matters will be heard before a district court in Ellsworth on April 8.
Potato house destroyed in overnight fire
Officials say a potato house is a total loss after a devastating fire overnight in Limestone.
Just before 2 a.m. officials were called to a house on Main Street finding a building had collapsed and almost entirely consumed by fire.
WABI news reports the State Fire marshal’s office has been notified however there’s no word on how the fire may have started.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/03/18/fire-destroys-potato-house-aroostook-county/
MaineHealth Waldo Hospital adds ‘Help Yourself’ food pantry
As food insecurity continues to be an ongoing issue across the state, MaineHealth Waldo Hospital decided to launch a ‘Help Yourself’ food pantry shelf.
It’s located inside of the MaineHealth primary care family medicine Brooks which is at 55 Reynolds Road.
The PenBay Pilot reports this is the 12th shelf serving Knox and Waldo counties.
The shelves are stocked by the hospital’s community health team and it’s open to patients, families and community members.
The publication reports this is a way to offer accessible stigma-free assistance to those who need it ensuring they get nutritious food sources.
Showtime at Husson University’s Gracie Theatre
On Saturday, March 21, you can jam out with The Mallett Brothers Band as they make a stop in Bangor.
Show time starts at 7 p.m. at Husson University’s Gracie Theatre and it’s part of the Gracie’s 14 season!
It’ll be a night for music lovers of all kinds as concertgoers can enjoy alt-country to Americana and roots rock!
To purchase your tickets follow the link below.
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=309995
Mount Desert Nursing Associations ‘Chowdah Fest’
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Chowdah Fest hosted by the Mount Desert Nursing Association!
You can enjoy an evening of lots of Chowdah tastings thanks to local restaurants and to top it off, some live music.
All proceeds for the event will go directly toward MDNA’s mission of providing home health care to patients on Mount Desert Island, Trenton and Lamoine.
At the end you can vote for your favorite.
The event starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 6:30 at The Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor.
