Stories by Jen Lynds

8 years ago

Teen pleads not guilty to murder

HOULTON, Maine — During a hearing that lasted less than three minutes on Friday, the 17-year old charged with murder in the death of a 61-year-old Houlton man last year pleaded not guilty.

Samuel Geary, who was 16 when he allegedly was involved in the killing of Keith Suitter, entered the plea in Aroostook County Superior Court in Houlton before Superior Court Justice Harold Stewart II.

8 years ago

Fire flattens home

LITTLETON, Maine — A local man is homeless after a fire destroyed his more than century-old farmhouse in Littleton Sunday afternoon.

Littleton fire Chief Dwight Cowperthwaite said Monday afternoon that an issue with an electric generator probably caused the fire at the home of Michael Dechaine at 507 Front Ridge Road.

8 years ago

Sheriff’s Office performs camp checks for owners

HOULTON, Maine — With the nicer weather coming, more Aroostook County residents are preparing to head out to the lake and open up their camps.

For the most part, many camp owners have not been to these properties since they packed up and left them last year. That is why the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, as a service to camp owners, late last month began doing camp checks in its three patrol zones in The County.

8 years ago

Former resident recaptures music

Former resident recaptures music

Finds memories in 1915 piano from childhood home

BERKELEY, California Many of Nick Gross’ most significant early memories centered on the sight and sounds of his three older sisters playing a majestic 1915 Mason & Hamlin baby grand piano at their home in Presque Isle.

8 years ago

Tongren leaves lavish legacy

HOULTON, Maine — A Houlton native who died two years ago left $4.8 million to endow two scholarship funds for students from Aroostook and Washington counties, according to the Maine Community Foundation.

“These scholarships will provide a financial boost to Aroostook and Washington county students as they head off to college,” Maine Community Foundation President CEO Steve Rowe stated in a press release announcing the gift bequeathed by Sally Stetson Tongren.

8 years ago

Houlton to build, sell spec building

HOULTON, Maine — The board of directors of the Shiretown Development Corp. voted on Monday evening to build a 6,000 square foot speculative building on a lot at the Houlton International Airport.

The $270,000 to construct the building will come from the town, and the building will be put up for sale.

The Shiretown Development Corp. functions as an economic development arm for the town and consists of the town councilors.

8 years ago

Geary indicted as adult in murder of Houlton man

HOULTON, Maine — A 17-year-old Houlton youth was indicted as an adult on a murder charge by the Aroostook County grand jury Friday, according to District Attorney Todd Collins.

8 years ago

Jail plans program to change inmates’ way of thinking

Jail plans program
to change inmates’ way of thinking

HOULTON, Maine A program aimed at teaching inmates to make better choices so that they lessen their chances of reoffending after their release will be rolled out next month at the Aroostook County Jail.