Maine
Killing of Sidney teen leaves community asking questions
A home at 2005 Summerhaven Road in Sidney on Saturday is clear of the police tape that cordoned it off Friday while Maine State Police and local officers investigated the killing of a 14-year-old boy. A woman was arrested after reporting to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office that a crime had occurred at the home early Friday morning. Ethan Horton/Kennebec Journal
SIDNEY — One day after a woman was arrested in connection with the homicide of a 14-year-old boy, residents of a residential neighborhood were left with more questions than answers, as police continued to withhold information about the boy and what exactly happened.
Police had left 2005 Summerhaven Road in Sidney by Saturday morning. There was little sign of the daylong investigation at the home Friday as snow flurries fell on a bitterly cold day.
Brady Maheux, 25, said he has lived his whole life on the windy, residential road near the Augusta-Sidney line, but did not know the people who lived in the house under investigation Friday.
“How does something like that happen?” said Maheux. “What the hell happened? It’s crazy.”
Megan McDonald, 39, was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with murder, Maine State Police said in a statement issued Friday evening. The arrest came after police found a 14-year-old boy dead outside the Summerhaven Road residence, state police said.
Megan McDonald Courtesy of Kennebec County jail
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta determined the cause of the boy’s death as “a combination of asphyxiation, manual strangulation, and sharp force injury,” according to state police. The medical examiner’s office also ruled the manner of death as homicide.
Investigators were seen throughout the day Friday working at 2005 Summerhaven Road, a single-story home, with a detached garage flying a U.S. Marine Corps flag.
Town tax records list the property’s owner as Megan McDonald.
State police said they were called to investigate after Kennebec County sheriff’s deputies conducted a wellbeing check and found the dead teenager. The deputies were asked to conduct the check after a woman reported an incident at her home to the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, according to state police.
Why the incident was reported there was not known Saturday. Just before 5:30 a.m., “an adult female arrived at the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office to report an incident that occurred at her home,” state police said Friday.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, in Auburn, is about a 40-mile drive from the Summerhaven Road residence in Sidney, according to GPS mapping.
Androscoggin County Sheriff Eric Samson wrote in a message Saturday the woman who reported the crime in the Sheriff’s Office lobby was taken into custody, though he did not release that woman’s name. Samson referred further questions to a state police spokesperson.
Before police announced the homicide investigation Friday, Carl Gartley, superintendent of Regional School Unit 18, had sent an announcement to community members earlier in the day that a Messalonskee High School student had died. Sidney is one of the towns served by the Oakland-based district.
“Due to an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to release a name at this time,” Gartley wrote Friday.
Police and school district officials remained tight-lipped about the 14-year-old boy’s identity through the weekend, and it was not clear if the Messalonskee student who died was the one found dead on Summerhaven Road.
“I was hoping to release the name yesterday (Friday) but it’s ultimately up to the AG’s Office,” Shannon Moss, public information officer for the Maine Department of Public Safety, wrote in an email Saturday.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Maine Attorney General, which prosecutes all homicides in the state, did not respond to a message Saturday.
A woman retrieving her mail outside her home on Birch Circle, around the corner from the Summerhaven Road residence, said she knew the boy killed in the alleged homicide, but did not want to share any details publicly about him or provide her name until police release the name.
Several state police cruisers and a large Maine State Police Evidence Response Team box truck are parked at 2005 Summerhaven Road in Sidney on Friday afternoon. State police say they discovered the body of a 14-year-old outside of the home early Friday morning. Megan McDonald, 39, was taken into custody and charged with murder. Keith Edwards/Kennebec Journal
Another man, who has lived on Birch Circle for about 30 years, said he was cordial with the people that lived at the home where police were investigating but did not know them well. He was not sure how many people lived there and never knew them by name.
He called them “decent folks” and said he would see them if their dog got loose or when he was walking his dog in the area.
“There has been nothing that would’ve led you to believe there was anything wrong,” said the man, who declined to give his name because he did not want attention from other neighbors for speaking to the news media.
“Had we known, would we have done something?” he continued. “Of course.”
At several other nearby homes, residents either were not home Saturday morning or did not answer the door. Others who did answer the door said they did not know much beyond the information released by state police.
Maheux, the 25-year-old Summerhaven Road resident said he did not even hear or see police investigators arrive in the morning.
“I believe I was awake at that hour when they had gotten there,” Maheux said. “I never heard anything in the morning hours either.”
It is usually a quiet neighborhood, he said. “Nothing goes on out here.”
A neighbor of Maheux, who declined to provide his name, said the same, but recalled at least one other major incident nearby in recent years: a double homicide of an Augusta couple, found dead in the woods in Manchester, on Christmas Day in 2015. That killing was found to be related to drug dealing.
More information about Friday’s alleged homicide could emerge Monday, when McDonald would likely appear in court. If she remains in custody Monday, McDonald would be expected to make an initial court appearance in Kennebec County.
At that initial appearance, usually a brief hearing, a judge would read McDonald the charge against her. McDonald would not be required to enter a plea then, since prosecutors first need to present their case to a grand jury for an indictment before it could move forward.
It was not known Saturday if McDonald has an attorney. That information in Maine is only available through court clerk’s offices, which are closed on the weekends.
At Messalonskee High School in Oakland, about 14 miles north of the Sidney neighborhood, counseling sessions were available from 9-11 a.m., according to the announcement from school administrators.
Around 1 p.m., it was quiet around the school as a snow flurry fell. Only a handful of cars were in the parking lot, and there were no signs of any kind of memorials placed by community members.
“As we travel through our break, if you are in need, please do not hesitate to reach out for support,” the high school said in a Facebook post Saturday. “We are Messalonskee Strong.”
The post offered several resources:
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine: 1-800-464-5767, info@namimaine.org, call or text 988
• The Crisis Text Line: text “Home” to 741-741
• Crisis and Counseling Centers: 1-888-568-1112 or 207-626-3448
Sun Journal reporter Joe Charpentier contributed to this report.
Maine
Maine Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on April 16, 2026
The results are in for the Maine Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on April 16.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 16 drawing
Day: 1-0-8
Evening: 0-4-2
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 16 drawing
Day: 4-4-6-3
Evening: 4-9-7-9
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Gimme 5 numbers from April 16 drawing
13-15-24-25-28
Check Gimme 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 16 drawing
01-02-31-47-57, Bonus: 04
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Maine Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. (Day) and 6:50 p.m. (Evening) ET daily.
- Lucky For Life: 10:38 p.m. ET daily.
- Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Gimme 5: 6:59 p.m. ET on Monday through Friday.
- Cash Pop: 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Maine
Meet the 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students – UMaine News
Twelve undergraduates have been named 2026 Outstanding Graduating Students at the University of Maine.
Hamidah Aldarwish
College of Education and Human Development
Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations
Hamidah Aldarwish of Dammam, Saudi Arabia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Education and Human Development. Aldarwish arrived in Maine in 2019 with her family — her husband, Jafar, and their three girls who are now ages 11 to 15. Aldarwish completed her capstone internship at UMaine’s Children’s Center with a focus on the application of observational and developmental principles in early childhood settings, particularly related to children with diverse developmental needs, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. After graduation, Aldarwish plans to return to Saudi Arabia to work with families and children.
A full profile of Aldarwish is online.

Ella Boxall
Maine College of Engineering and Computing
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Minors in Sustainability and Mathematics and a Concentration in Water Resources
Ella Boxall of Kennebunkport, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing. She has completed internships with GEI Consultants and TRC Companies, conducted research using MATLAB to project sea level rise and king tides in Bar Harbor and served as a learning assistant and grader. Her capstone project focuses on redesigning a gravity-fed water system for a salmon rearing facility in Aroostook County, highlighting creative, low-energy engineering solutions. She plans to pursue graduate studies in marine science in the United Kingdom and build a career promoting coastal and environmental resilience.
A full profile of Boxall is available online.

Dianne Brindisi
Division of Lifelong Learning
Bachelor of University Studies, Leadership Studies Track
Dianne Brindisi of Cape Neddick, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the Division of Lifelong Learning at the University of Maine. Service has always been central to Brindisi’s life. From supporting families in need and mentoring young leaders to contributing to professional associations that advance women and industry standards, Brindisi believes leadership is inseparable from service. Looking ahead, she is committed to educating the public about the university studies program and sharing her positive experience and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a program ambassador.
A full profile of Brindisi is online.

Kate Evans
College of Education and Human Development
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a Second Major in Spanish
Kate Evans of Bangor, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Education and Human Development. A single mom of four young children, whom she has homeschooled while working toward her degree, Evans earned a 4.00 GPA while pursuing double majors in secondary education and Spanish. She received the Roger Hill Humanities Scholarship and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Outstanding Junior Award. Evans is an active member of her church community, where she often volunteers her time for service and educational programs. After graduating she plans to stay in the Bangor region and teach Spanish at a local high school.
A full profile of Evans is online.

Chantelle Flores
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Honors College
Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Creative Writing
Bachelor of Arts in Art History with a Minor in Classical Studies
Chantelle Flores of Oakland, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She was a McGillicuddy Humanities Center (MHC) Undergraduate Fellow, as well as a Zillman Art Museum Research Curatorial Fellow through the center. Flores interned at the UMaine Writing Center and served as co-editor-in-chief of Spire magazine. After graduation, she plans to pursue an internship related to literature or the arts and apply for graduate programs for art history, with the ultimate goal of acquiring a Ph.D. in contemporary art history and becoming a professor.
A full profile of Flores is online.

Zoe Furber
College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Marine Science with a Second Major in Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology
Zoe Furber of Vancouver, British Columbia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. She has been a member of the UMaine Field Hockey team since 2022 and was appointed captain in 2025. During her time at UMaine, she completed a capstone project comparing ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine to heart rate metrics of blue mussels. These experiences prepared her for a career in environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability. Furber plans to complete a Master of Science in Global Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, where she will play field hockey for an additional year.
A full profile of Furber is online.

Ruth Griffith
College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College
Bachelor of Science in Economics with Minors in Mathematics and International Affairs
Ruth Griffith of Parkman, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Honors College and the 2026 UMaine valedictorian. She is majoring in economics with minors in mathematics and international affairs. Through her honors thesis, Griffith developed a method to analyze sub-county economic trends using regional data, helping illuminate how policies impact local communities across Maine. Drawing on her background in regional economics, she adapted tools used for markets to understand disparities. Beyond academics, she has led service initiatives such as the Maine Day Meal Packout, coordinating efforts that provide tens of thousands of meals statewide. She will launch her career at TD Bank in New York City after graduation and plans to one day pursue a Master of Business Administration.
A full profile of Griffith is online.

Sarah Johnson
Maine Business School
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting with a Second Major in Business Information Systems and Security Management
Sarah Johnson of Clifton, Maine is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the Maine Business School. Johnson has completed multiple internships with both the Maine Business School and BerryDunn, an accounting and consulting services firm. She has also worked as an undergraduate assistant for UMaine’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment. These roles strengthened her professional skill set, including effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to apply feedback constructively. They also prepared her to approach problems analytically and to collaborate effectively in a professional setting. Following graduation, she will launch her career at BerryDunn as a tax specialist.
A full profile of Johnson is online.

Jasper Makowski
College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences | Honors College
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
Jasper Makowski of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. He secured internships and part-time work with two medical facilities and UMaine’s Maginnis Lab. Working closely with associate professor of microbiology Melissa Maginnis, he researched signaling mechanisms in viruses and learned about a range of diseases. Makowski is a student organizer for the Maine Day Meal Packout. Outside of academics, he retreats to the Maine outdoors and enjoys a variety of activities, from backpacking to fly fishing. After he graduates, he is pursuing a medical degree with plans to return to rural Maine as a primary care provider.
A full profile of Makowski is online.

Andrii Obertas
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Andrii Obertas of Lutsk, Ukraine, is the 2026 Outstanding Graduating International Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the 2026 UMaine co-salutatorian. Pursuing dual degrees in physics and mathematics, Obertas has distinguished himself through academic excellence and perseverance. He has conducted original research in both physics and mathematics, while also engaging in outreach efforts that bring science education to communities across Maine. His experience at UMaine has been shaped by a strong sense of community and opportunity, which he credits with providing hope for his future. After graduation, Obertas plans to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics through the accelerated 4+1 program.
A full profile of Obertas is online.

Samuel Tremblay
Maine Business School
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management
Samuel Tremblay of Quebec City is the Outstanding Graduating International Student for the Maine Business School. Tremblay is a tutor, mentor, Maine Business School ambassador and president of the UMaine chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. He is also a kicker for the UMaine Football Team, through which he became a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award, and a representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He served as a captain on Canada’s Junior National Team at the International Federation of American Football’s World Junior Championship. After graduation, he plans to stay at UMaine and pursue a master’s degree while continuing to play football.
A full profile of Tremblay is online.

Karun Varghese
Maine College of Engineering and Computing | Honors College
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with a Minor in Robotics
Karun Varghese of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing and the Honors College. Varghese assumed research roles in the Computer Vision and Autonomous Robotics Lab, the High Altitude Ballooning Lab and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center. Outside of academics, he participated in the Black Bear Robotics Club, the South Asian Association of Maine and Model United Nations. Through Model UN, he traveled internationally to Taiwan, the Philippines and Peru. After graduation, he will pursue graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute.
A full profile of Varghese is online.
Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu
Maine
Heading to Maine? Buy local or heat-treated firewood to comply with state rules
PORTLAND (WGME) — Campfire season is upon us, and many people might not think twice about transporting firewood from state to state.
But it’s important to remember that it’s illegal to bring out-of-state firewood into Maine, unless it’s properly treated.
There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.
“Whether it’s processed firewood or log-length firewood, if its purpose is to be used for firewood and it’s coming from out of state, then it needs to be heat-treated. Heat treatment means that the firewood would have reached a core temperature of at least 160 degrees for at least 75 minutes,” Maine Forest Service State Entomologist Allison Kanoti said.
Facilities that offer heat-treated firewood need a permit.
That permit then travels with the wood for proof that it was properly treated.
There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.
“Heat treating will kill things like insects, nematodes, fungus, bacteria that can travel in and on firewood and cause harm to our environment,” Kanoti said.
As of now, there is no county-to-county ban on transporting firewood, but there are quarantines in place to keep organisms from spreading.
“They are pest-based quarantines, so they focus on individual organisms. They are the emerald ash borer quarantine, which regulates the movement of hardwood firewood. Also, the European Larch Canker quarantine regulates the movement of any larch,” Kanoti said.
There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.
Examples of larch wood are conifers as well as tamarack.
And since the state-to-state ban was issued, Maine’s trees may be reaping the benefits.
“We do have some evidence that it is slowing the spread of these potentially dangerous organisms. But really, we just need everybody to make the right decisions regardless of the rules, and that is to use the local firewood,” Kanoti said.
There is a ban on transporting out-of-state firewood into Maine to help slow the spread of invasive pests.
Here you can learn more about the ban or the quarantines in place.
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