Maine
Maine sheriff defends deputies’ actions before Army reservist killed 18 in Lewiston
AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine law enforcement officers spoke Thursday of the difficulty in implementing the state’s yellow flag law that allows guns to be confiscated from someone in a mental health crisis, describing a cumbersome and time-consuming process in testimony to an independent commission that’s investigating a Lewiston mass shooting in which an Army reservist killed 18 people.
Deputies said they had been trained about steps to remove guns under the law and that they were limited in what they could do when they received warnings about the reservist’s deteriorating mental health.
Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry pointed to the difficulty in balancing public safety versus individual rights.
“There is always after a tragedy an opportunity to wonder if more could have been done. But that analysis must always take into consideration the limitations placed on law enforcement by the law at the time of the event,” Merry said.
Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills and state Attorney General Aaron Frey assembled the commission to review the events that led up to the shootings at a bowling alley and a restaurant in Lewiston on Oct. 25.
“Every law enforcement officer has the obligation to protect the public. The obligations must be balanced with the respect of the individuals and their rights,” Merry said.
Leroy Walker, whose son Joe Walker was killed at Schemengees Bar, said victims families have been following the proceedings and hope it yields some changes that can prevent future tragedies.
“Everything that they do I think will help us in some way, and we’ll find out information,” Walker said. “A lot of us are sitting back waiting to see what the commission will do for findings, and moving forwards.”
The panel’s second public meeting Thursday focused on Sagahadoc County deputies’ responses to warnings about the deteriorating mental health of the gunman, 40-year-old Bowdoin resident Robert Card. Card’s son and ex-wife expressed concerns he was becoming paranoid and erratic in May and a fellow reservist warned in September that Card was “going to snap and do a mass shooting.”
In between, Card was hospitalized for two weeks for erratic behavior while his Maine-based Army Reserve unit was training in upstate New York and Card was angry at some fellow reservists over his treatment.
Deputy Chad Carleton, who handled the first report from the family, and Sgt. Aaron Skolfield, who became involved in September, both talked about problems with Maine’s yellow flag law. Carleton described the process as “cumbersome” and said the three requirements for protective custody, medical review and judicial review were time-consuming.
Skolfield, who visited Card’s home, also had concerns about the yellow flag law but said he did not go to Card’s home for a welfare check intent on invoking the law’s provisions — even though he acknowledged he was aware of the danger Card could potentially pose.
“He’s got guns. He’s got mental health issues. This isn’t a kid who is missing from school. This is a marksman with the military,” Skolfield said.
Skolfield visited Card’s home but he did not answer the door, and the episode is widely viewed as a missed opportunity to take Card into protective custody, the first step in triggering Maine’s yellow flag law.
Lawyers for some of the victims’ families have criticized those missed opportunities to prevent Card from committing the shootings. Card was dead two days afterward from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Mills and Frey said Wednesday that they have introduced legislation to grant subpoena authority to the commission as it investigates, a power commissioners have said they will need.
The legislation “will ensure that the commission has the tools it needs to fully and effectively discharge its critical mission of determining the facts of the tragedy in Lewiston,” they said in a statement.
On Thursday, the sheriff opened the session by pledging to be transparent and to take a critical look at his department’s response and improvements that can be made to prevent a future tragedy.
He also defended his officers, saying they were limited in what they could do during a welfare check and relied on family members and Army Reserve officials to respond to mental health worries without escalating the situation. After the attempted welfare check in September, Merry said, deputies believed the matter had been “resolved” and Card posed “no risk to himself or to others.”
The commission meeting Thursday was chaired by Daniel Wathen, former chief justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Other members include Debra Baeder, the former chief forensic psychologist for the state, and Paula Silsby, a former U.S. attorney for the District of Maine.
Earlier this year, we asked you, our readers, earlier this year to tell us your favorite places in Maine for budget-friendly feasting. You know where to find bang for your buck — Asian takeout, pizzerias, diners and hole-in-the-wall pubs held heavy sway in your voting, though you named some hip tourist favorites as well. Here are the top 25 our readers loved:
171 Cumberland Ave., Portland. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 207-613-9399, bahnappetitme.com. $7-$18. No reservations.
Vietnamese takeout spot specializing in bahn mi sandwiches. Popular dishes include lemongrass beef bahn mi and bbq pork bahn mi. “It’s just a near perfect bahn mi,” one reader said.
390 Commercial St., Portland. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days. 207-773-7070, beckysdiner.com. No reservations.
Located in the heart of Portland’s working waterfront, Becky’s has been pleasing locals and tourists alike with budget-friendly meals and all-day breakfasts since 1991. Some of the most beloved dishes include blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, fried clams and lobster rolls.
671 Congress St., Portland. 4-9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-347-7557, bodamaine.com. $9-$28. No reservations.
Boda bills itself as a “very Thai” kitchen and bar. Regulars often choose the Thai sticky rice balls and drunken noodles.
262 Island Ave., Long Island. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days through Labor Day, 207-766-2512, lobakehouse.com. $8-$24. No reservations.
Accessible only by boat, Byers & Sons offers sunset views from their deck on Casco Bay. Popular orders include lobster rolls, buffalo chicken pizza and donuts; don’t miss their Oyster & Champagne weekends with an added raw bar menu. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day it’s THE place to get a great lunch by the ocean, and then after the beach, stop by for a beer or prosecco on tap while you wait for a glorious ferry ride back to town,” one reader gushed.
1472 Lisbon St., Lewiston. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 207-376-3870, chickadeeoflewiston.com. $7-$26 with market price seafood dishes. Reservations online through website.
A family restaurant institution for 19 years, Chick-a-dee offers a variety of local seafood dishes along with sandwiches, steaks, chicken and soups. Bestsellers include fried clams, haddock, seafood scampi and lobster stew.
447 US-1, Yarmouth. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 207-846-1117, claytonscafe.com. Breakfast $7-$11; lunch $10-$15. No reservations.
A homey local staple since 1994, Clayton’s is known for its fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and seasonal soups. House favorites include the chicken salad and curried chicken salad sandwiches.
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617 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. seven days. 207-613-9356, cbgportland.com. $11-$20. No reservations.
A hip Portland pub celebrated for its fried snacks, craft cocktails and cheeseburgers. Regulars swear by the fish & chips, smash burger and fried chicken sandwich. “A veggie burger and a beer is under $25, and the vibes never fail,” one reader said. “Local, tastes good, no frills.”
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90 Exchange St., Portland. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m., seven days. 207-536-1017, crispygai.com. lunch $9-$21; dinner $9-$25. Reservations only available for groups of 6-10.
This Old Port hotspot specializes in Southeast Asian street food and expertly crafted tropical-inspired cocktails. Must-orders include hat yai fried chicken/wings, crispy deluxe sandwich, pad see ew and Crying Tiger.
43 Middle St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-774-8080, duckfat.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
Cozy sandwich shop known for its flavorful Belgian-style frites cooked in duckfat. Don’t miss the Duckfat grilled cheese with raclette and cheddar, poutine with duck gravy, milkshakes and donut holes.
240 US-1, Falmouth. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-536-0771, on Instagram @fuegofalmouth. $8-$27. No reservations.
Casual, kid-friendly Mexican eatery known for its fast, friendly service. Popular orders include uniquely-wrapped chimichangas, coconut shrimp and margaritas. “The smothered burritos are heavenly, ” one reader noted.
540 Forest Ave., Portland. Noon-10 p.m., seven days. 207-772-0300, greatlostbear.com. $8-$25. No reservations.
This laid-back brewpub is a Portland institution known for its eclectic decor, extensive comfort food menu and wide array of beers on tap. Top-sellers include the pulled pork nachos, cheesesteaks and peanut butter and jelly wings. “Tons of options, all done pretty darn well,” one readers said. “And it’s a piece of Portland history; there aren’t many affordable, family friendly, classic bar/diners like GLB left!”
36 Main St., South Freeport. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Wednesday. 207-865-3535, harraseeketlunchandlobster.com. $8-$37. No reservations.
A family-owned business operating on the South Freeport waterfront since 1970, specializing in fresh local seafood. Seafood baskets are on the more expensive end of their offerings, but sandwiches are value-priced.
72 Maine St., Brunswick. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-798-6888, online menu. $5-$25. No reservations.
Cozy Japanese sushi restaurant with some hot specialty entrees. Customers laud the bento boxes, chicken teriyaki and sushi boats. One customer notes: “The bento box at lunch is full of delicious fish, and other there are other tasty dishes.”
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145 Main St., Waterville. 10 a.m.-9 p.m, Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-873-4300, nikoswatervillehouseofpizza.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
This Waterville mainstay has been serving pizza, pasta and subs since 1980. Regulars recommend the meatball subs, Big Mac pizza and steak bombs.
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10 locations throughout Maine. Find days/hours of operation of specific locations at ottoportland.com. $10-$28. No reservations.
Portland-based pizza chain known for their creative toppings. Popular pizza orders include the butternut squash, ricotta and cranberry; mashed potato, bacon and scallion; and fresh pineapple, bacon and hot honey. “Top-quality, thin crust pizza,” one reader said. “Try the Mushroom and Manchego option. Great combo and unusual.”
93 Alfred St., Biddeford. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days. 207-283-0002, pizzabyalexmaine.com. $9-$14. No reservations.
A beloved family-owned Biddeford pizzeria, serving New England Greek-style 10-inch pies topped with cheddar for 66 years. Fan favorites include Alex’s special, Hawaiiand pizza, and Yaya’s Greek, with feta cheese and spinach. “Prices for a personal pizza can’t be beat, and Yaya’s Greek pizza is sooo good,” raves a regular.
189 Main St., Saco. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-282-1847, rapidrays.net. $4-$16. Takeout only.
Another York County institution, Rapid Ray’s has been Southern Maine’s hometown go-to for takeout fast food since 1953. Top sellers include the burgers and hot dogs, onion rings, clam cakes and lobster rolls.
501 Cottage Road, South Portland. Noon-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-747-4089, rattleshakegrill.com. $10-$24.
Rattle Shake began life as A&C Soda Shop before rebranding last December. Popular orders include the burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, ice cream floats and boozy milkshakes. “Best cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten anywhere,” one reader said.
190 State St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207- 536-1354, elcorazonportland.com. $10-$20. Reservations by phone.
Downtown restaurant serving authentic regional Mexican fare, as well as specialties like goat birria and deviled shrimp. Regulars love the pollo en mole, tamales and fried green tomato tacos.
212 Danforth St., Portland. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days. 207-774-7604, ruskisportland.com. $8-$22. No reservations.
A landmark dive bar in Portland’s West End dating back to 1892 with a surprisingly expansive menu offering sandwiches, pizza, burgers and dogs, salad and soups, pubby starters and breakfast all day. Popular orders include eggs Benedict, fish & chips and Ruski’s steak bomb.
131 Ossipee Trail W., Standish. 4-8 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. -8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-772-0360, sillys.com. $10-$17. No reservations.
This cherished restaurant operated out of Portland since the 1980s before relocating to Standish last year. The fun and quirky space serves up whimsically named dishes like Empire Strikes mac, a protein-topped mac and cheese, the Stop Bacon Sense BLT wrap, and Gravy Danger fries with gravy, bacon and cheese.
548 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days. 207-541-9097, tacoescobarr.com. $5-$18. No reservations.
A funky downtown taqueria offering tacos, tortas, enchiladas, burritos and more. Crowd pleasers include the puffy tacos, chipotle sweet potato taquitos and fish tacos.
333 Clarks Pond Parkway, South Portland. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 207-828-6677, tajofmaine.com. $6-$19. Reservations available online.
Renowned for its bountiful all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, Taj also offers a wide selection of tasty Indian fare at budget-friendly price points for lunch and dinner. Fan favorites include the samosas, butter chicken, masala dosa and chicken tikka masala.
782 Forest Ave., Portland. 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days. 207-828-1114, online menu. $9-$21. No reservations.
Longstanding Vietnamese restaurant near Woodfords Corner offering a variety of pho, vermicelli dishes, fried rice and other hot entrees, as well as pan-Asian selections like pad Thai and lo mein. Regulars swear by the rare beef salad, beef pho and stir-fried chicken with Chinese broccoli.
18 Hampshire St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. 207-536-1285, tomasoscanteen.com. $9-$18. No reservations.
A friendly, no-frills neighborhood bar in the East End, Tomaso’s serves up a menu of pub grub classics like wings, burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches and their house special sausages. Fan faves include loaded Dump Truck Fries, mac & cheese and The Costanza reuben.
Posted inCommunity, News, Outdoors, Schools & Education
The group from Skowhegan Area High School’s outdoor leadership program built tables for the overlook in Dallas Plantation.
The loons are back and nesting on lakes statewide and we need your help to monitor their population! Every year since 1983, hundreds of volunteers have gone out to lakes and ponds across Maine on the third Saturday in July. These volunteers submit data about the number of loons they observe from 7 to 7:30 am, which gives us an excellent “snapshot” of the loon population. The Annual Loon Count allows us to monitor how the number of adults and chicks has changed over the past 40 years and make sure we know how to best protect their population!
This year, the Loon Count will take place on Saturday, July 18. We encourage you to join a group of over 1,800 volunteers and help us count the number of loons in Maine! The Loon Count occurs on lakes and ponds all across the state and volunteers can survey by boat or shore (you don’t have to have a boat to take part!).
If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact us at conserve@maineaudubon.org and tell us if there’s a specific lake or area you’d like to survey. We are always aiming to expand our coverage across the state and particularly encourage volunteers in northern Maine to get involved!
The deadline to sign up for the Annual Loon Count is July 10, so please reach out as soon as possible.
If you can’t make it on July 18, or if one day just isn’t enough for you, you can monitor loons throughout the summer.Through our Loon Pair Monitoring project, you can submit observations of breeding loon pairs over several months to help us better understand nest and chick success across Maine. Find out more here >
If talking to people and doing outreach appeals to you, and you’d like to help spread the word about loon conservation, check out our Look Out for Loons outreach program.
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