The close of Amity beaches that was announced last night at the Amity Town Meeting has been ended. The initial close by Mayor Farley and Police Chief Brody was intended for 24 hours, but was ended last night when an Amity fisherman caught the shark thought responsible for two Amity deaths.
"Twenty-four hours is like three weeks," exclaimed one citizen at the meeting as it quickly turned into a riot when they first heard of the beaches closing. The outrage was due to the large amount of business owners who rely on the beach and tourism in order to make a living.
Audrey Kintner, mother of Alex Kintner, is still coping with her son's sudden death at Village Beach due to an alleged shark attack. She released an advertisement all around town and in local newspapers offering a $3000 reward to anyone who kills the shark responsible which is owed to the brave fisherman.
This issue was regarded at the meeting as "a private issue between Mrs. Kintner and the fishermen" by Mayor Farley, but quickly became a town issue when tourism was involved.
Fisherman Ben Quint disrupted the clamorous meeting to make the town an offer. After suggesting $3000 was not nearly enough payment to kill the shark already possibly connected to two Amity deaths, he offered his services for $10000.
Quint left before receiving an answer from the town. He also left the Mayor with a decision of giving up more money as a reward for terminating the shark problem or not giving into Quint's demands, severely hindering Amity's tourism and income.
Unfortunately for Quint, he was beat be someone willing to accept the smaller reward.
The shark itself was caught by a large baited fishing hook attacked to fishing line. The shark was enticed by a 25lb turkey used as bait. Caught a mile southwest of Amity, it was close enough to shore to be considered the right shark.
Shark expert and marine biologist Matt Hooper inspected the shark and determined its species to be a nurse shark. The species is highly rare to the Amity are and extremely dangerous. Since there has been no autopsy, there is no concrete evidence that this shark is the one that killed two Amity citizens.
"Of course it's the same one," assured Police Chief Brody, "how could it not be".
An autopsy of the shark has been ruled out in the name of the families of shark attack victims. Chief Brody stated it would be disrespectful to those who have already lost so much.
The beaches have been reopened just in time for the Fourth of July weekend. Business owners can relax now that the threat to Amity's much needed tourism is over.
The beach today was very crowded for the holiday weekend, but the water was empty. Some vacationers were hesitant in entering the formerly shark-infested waters. Local business owner Jim Henderson was the first to take his family into the water, and they were soon followed by hundreds of others.
A small scare unfolded as what appeared to be a shark sighting quickly cleared the waters. People quickly struggled back to shore to avoid what seemed to be a threat. When the water was clear of people, the shark spotting boats cornered the supposed shark at gunpoint.
Fortunately, the shark fin was a hoax. Two local boys equipped with snorkels and a cardboard fin posed as a shark as a prank that went a little too far.
The event of another shark attack is highly unlikely. Citizens and tourists alike are encouraged not to be concerned about shark spotters both on the beaches and in the water. These people will only be present to make beach-goers feel safe.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Village Beach-goer killed possibly by shark attack
Alex Ferguson, 10, of Mayfair Court in Amity, Mass. Was killed today due to what appears to have been a shark attack in the waters of Village beach. Ferguson’s death occurred while playing with his friends at the beach.
The seemingly relaxing day at the beach turned into panic when the water turned red where Ferguson has been swimming. All children and people evacuated the scene except for Ferguson. His yellow raft floated back to shore with what had appeared to be a large bite taken out of it.
Mother, Marian Ferguson, went into shock upon the disappearance of her son and was taken to Amity Hospital. She has been reported to be in fair condition.
Mayor Bob Farley expressed the town’s condolences to the Ferguson family. Though the body has not yet been recovered, the supposed attack seems to have been both violent and unprovoked.
There is reason to believe that last night’s tragic death of Wendy Watson could possibly be linked to a shark attack. Autopsy results from Watson’s body suggest either a shark attack or a terrible boating accident.
A press conference will be held at 5 p.m. this evening where officials will discuss these recent mishaps. There will be a request made by Chief Brody to close down all of the Amity beaches. Fisherman Ben Quint will also be volunteering to hunt down the shark thought responsible for the supposed attacks.
The seemingly relaxing day at the beach turned into panic when the water turned red where Ferguson has been swimming. All children and people evacuated the scene except for Ferguson. His yellow raft floated back to shore with what had appeared to be a large bite taken out of it.
Mother, Marian Ferguson, went into shock upon the disappearance of her son and was taken to Amity Hospital. She has been reported to be in fair condition.
Mayor Bob Farley expressed the town’s condolences to the Ferguson family. Though the body has not yet been recovered, the supposed attack seems to have been both violent and unprovoked.
There is reason to believe that last night’s tragic death of Wendy Watson could possibly be linked to a shark attack. Autopsy results from Watson’s body suggest either a shark attack or a terrible boating accident.
A press conference will be held at 5 p.m. this evening where officials will discuss these recent mishaps. There will be a request made by Chief Brody to close down all of the Amity beaches. Fisherman Ben Quint will also be volunteering to hunt down the shark thought responsible for the supposed attacks.
Amity girl body found mangled on beach
Wendy W. Watson of Amity , Mass. disappeared last night after last seen skinny dipping at the beach. Her body was found severely mangled this morning washed up on shore.
The 16-year-old sophomore at Amity High School was at a beach party last night until leaving with an unidentified male at 11 p.m. Witnesses who also attended the party reported that the two teenagers were drinking over the course of the evening.
When Watson entered the water and did not return the young male notified police. The police are still investigating the incident as Watson’s body has been moved to the coroner’s office.
There are currently no charges filed, but the autopsy’s results will help determine the exact cause of death. Though an animal attack is highly unlikely, it has not been ruled out as a possibility.
The 16-year-old sophomore at Amity High School was at a beach party last night until leaving with an unidentified male at 11 p.m. Witnesses who also attended the party reported that the two teenagers were drinking over the course of the evening.
When Watson entered the water and did not return the young male notified police. The police are still investigating the incident as Watson’s body has been moved to the coroner’s office.
There are currently no charges filed, but the autopsy’s results will help determine the exact cause of death. Though an animal attack is highly unlikely, it has not been ruled out as a possibility.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Biddeford City Airport may meet its demise
Biddeford, Maine will vote June 4 at the general election on the future of the Biddeford City Airport. The opted closing left to referendum is the result of the airports financial welfare.
Grossing $56,000 in revenue from gas, property taxes, and land leases, the airport has recently become a burden. The city manager John Bubier’s number for this revenue falls short of meeting cost requirements documented in city records. The past two years have brought no profit for the airport costing $72,000 in 2007 and $60,000 in 2008.
The closing of the airport would terminate a home for 47 planes based there, about half of which are owned by corporations. The 126 acres of land is worth $1.6 million.
“The money is the biggest thing,” said Biddeford resident Roland Pelletier, “If it was self-supporting, fine. Let it go on.”
Pelletier has lived next to the airport for 25 years and being a pilot himself, finds no reason for the tax dependent airport to still be around. He acknowledged the weak economy and responded with advice.
“I hope that the referendum will educate people,” said Pelletier, “Times are tough in the economy… and that’s the time we need to be tough.”
Another pilot, Phyllis Landry, privately owns a plane she keeps at the Biddeford City Airport. The longtime frequenter of the airport understood its burden on taxpayers. She expressed he love and need for the airport.
“I’ve been flying out of this airport for 25 years,” said Landry, “I’ve seen lots of changes… If I couldn’t fly out of here I’d have to go to Sanford or Portland.”
Landry shared a story about a failed takeoff about five years ago due to the presence of neighborhood children on the airport grounds. The children ran in front of her plane as she was about to take off. This problem was an issue years before the recent referendum.
“We have pedestrians, motorcycles, four-wheelers (and) ATVs all using it,” said Airport manager Tom Bryand, “they just use it as a backyard ant that’s against regulations.”
Paul Archambault, Chairman of Get Rid of Our Little Airport (GROOPLA), lives in a house at the end of the runway for now his 25th year. Archambault regarded the Airport’s lack of “financial benefit” and stated that “it continues to be a tax burden”.
“We’d like to see it shut down for good,” said Archambault before suggesting replacements such as industrial parks and wind farms.
City manager Bubier stated that the City Council has not chosen a side. The fate of the Biddeford City Airport is in the hands of the voters.
Grossing $56,000 in revenue from gas, property taxes, and land leases, the airport has recently become a burden. The city manager John Bubier’s number for this revenue falls short of meeting cost requirements documented in city records. The past two years have brought no profit for the airport costing $72,000 in 2007 and $60,000 in 2008.
The closing of the airport would terminate a home for 47 planes based there, about half of which are owned by corporations. The 126 acres of land is worth $1.6 million.
“The money is the biggest thing,” said Biddeford resident Roland Pelletier, “If it was self-supporting, fine. Let it go on.”
Pelletier has lived next to the airport for 25 years and being a pilot himself, finds no reason for the tax dependent airport to still be around. He acknowledged the weak economy and responded with advice.
“I hope that the referendum will educate people,” said Pelletier, “Times are tough in the economy… and that’s the time we need to be tough.”
Another pilot, Phyllis Landry, privately owns a plane she keeps at the Biddeford City Airport. The longtime frequenter of the airport understood its burden on taxpayers. She expressed he love and need for the airport.
“I’ve been flying out of this airport for 25 years,” said Landry, “I’ve seen lots of changes… If I couldn’t fly out of here I’d have to go to Sanford or Portland.”
Landry shared a story about a failed takeoff about five years ago due to the presence of neighborhood children on the airport grounds. The children ran in front of her plane as she was about to take off. This problem was an issue years before the recent referendum.
“We have pedestrians, motorcycles, four-wheelers (and) ATVs all using it,” said Airport manager Tom Bryand, “they just use it as a backyard ant that’s against regulations.”
Paul Archambault, Chairman of Get Rid of Our Little Airport (GROOPLA), lives in a house at the end of the runway for now his 25th year. Archambault regarded the Airport’s lack of “financial benefit” and stated that “it continues to be a tax burden”.
“We’d like to see it shut down for good,” said Archambault before suggesting replacements such as industrial parks and wind farms.
City manager Bubier stated that the City Council has not chosen a side. The fate of the Biddeford City Airport is in the hands of the voters.
LRF Lead
The Lakes Region Facility prison begins closing process in a cost-shaving attempt by the Department of Corrections. Completion may come as soon as June 19.
An estimated $1.7 million is said to be saved for the DOC budget. Gov. John Lynch set forth the idea which has already been approved by Legislature.
An estimated $1.7 million is said to be saved for the DOC budget. Gov. John Lynch set forth the idea which has already been approved by Legislature.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Saturday mornings are in danger for troublemaking students
Saturday school has become a possibility for Portsmouth school punishment aimed primarily at bringing an end to students smoking both inside and outside the school.
Tim Steele, a school board member, proposed a new policy to be taken into consideration for a new school rule. The rule states that certain student disciplinary action should result in a Saturday morning session from 8 a.m. to noon. This rule is to reduce or remove the use of in0school suspensions which lead to missed class time that is never made up.
The reception of the policy was mostly negative, with an exception of one parent. Peggy Bacon, a working mother of a Portsmouth student, opposed the proposal. She noted that she had enough on her plate during the week, and getting her son to school on a Saturday would be a hassle.
“I just don’t think it’s going to make any difference,” said Bacon, “and the parents are going to pay for it – in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays.”
Another opinion came from Portsmouth resident Bob Farley. Farley was in favor of the new rules. He believed it would send a message to the parents of unruly children.
“Parents can whine all they want about this,” said Farley, “but maybe it’s time parents in America were made to take a little responsibility for their kids.”
Farley also mentioned that parents were not teaching their children enough discipline. He believed that the consequence of having to go to school on a Saturday would be motivation for kids not to misbehave.
Some Portsmouth students also participated in the discussion. Among the 5 students who attended the meeting, senior Lisa Gallagher spoke up against the proposal.
“I don’t like this idea,” said Gallagher, “I think it’s just being done to make life easier for the faculty, so they don’t have to deal with detentions during the week.”
The new policy would require $3,000 a year for staffing and is set up for further discussion in the future.
Tim Steele, a school board member, proposed a new policy to be taken into consideration for a new school rule. The rule states that certain student disciplinary action should result in a Saturday morning session from 8 a.m. to noon. This rule is to reduce or remove the use of in0school suspensions which lead to missed class time that is never made up.
The reception of the policy was mostly negative, with an exception of one parent. Peggy Bacon, a working mother of a Portsmouth student, opposed the proposal. She noted that she had enough on her plate during the week, and getting her son to school on a Saturday would be a hassle.
“I just don’t think it’s going to make any difference,” said Bacon, “and the parents are going to pay for it – in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays.”
Another opinion came from Portsmouth resident Bob Farley. Farley was in favor of the new rules. He believed it would send a message to the parents of unruly children.
“Parents can whine all they want about this,” said Farley, “but maybe it’s time parents in America were made to take a little responsibility for their kids.”
Farley also mentioned that parents were not teaching their children enough discipline. He believed that the consequence of having to go to school on a Saturday would be motivation for kids not to misbehave.
Some Portsmouth students also participated in the discussion. Among the 5 students who attended the meeting, senior Lisa Gallagher spoke up against the proposal.
“I don’t like this idea,” said Gallagher, “I think it’s just being done to make life easier for the faculty, so they don’t have to deal with detentions during the week.”
The new policy would require $3,000 a year for staffing and is set up for further discussion in the future.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
French drug smuggler killed by NYC Detective
Last Sunday afternoon, French drug smuggler Pierre Jeantot was shot in the back and killed after an exhausting chase by Detective Jimmy Doyle. The incident started with a shooting from the roof of an apartment building on 57th Avenue. Jeantot knew Doyle was on his trail and tried to take him out
After a foot chase through the streets of New York City, Jeantot gave Doyle the slip and ended up on a train from 35th Street to 15th street. Doyle commandeered a civilian vehicle and chased the train to its next stop. Anticipating the chase, Jeantot made his way to the front of the train to force train operator Peter Howe to pass the next station, killing Police Officer Roland Evans on the way.
“As soon as I heard a gunshot, I knew something was wrong,” said bystander Betty Lou who followed the crowd to the front of the train to pursue the commotion after missing her stop.
Along with Lou, many others witnessed the events on the train including conductor Horatio C. Hornblower who was shot by Jeantot after trying to handle the situation. As this was happening, Doyle drove the commandeered vehicle rapidly and recklessly to catch up with the train. Doyle created a few traffic accidents and nearly injured innocent pedestrians including Margaret Johnson.
Johnson said that she heard a commotion from a distance and noticed it coming closer. With her two year old child in a stroller, Johnson was frozen by fear as the vehicle Doyle was operating came barreling towards her. She also added that Doyle’s actions were rash considering the number of lives he put in danger.
After catching up with the train after it collided with one already stopped at the next station, an injured Doyle vacated his vehicle and looked for any sign of Jeantot. Luckily, Jeantot was also a little banged up from the collision and slowly treaded away from the train. Doyle saw him, and in a last resort effort, shot Jeantot in the back before he could run away again.
Police Chief Morgan Freeman mentioned that he did not condone the car chase for the obvious risk involved, but commends Doyle for his bravery and successful stopping of the French fugitive. Such instances of commandeering a civilian vehicle are intended for only the most extreme of circumstances. Jeantot was wanted alive for prosecution, but Doyle had no choice other than shooting him.
“Although we wanted Doyle to bring him in alive,” said freeman, “it was better than not bringing him in at all.”
After a foot chase through the streets of New York City, Jeantot gave Doyle the slip and ended up on a train from 35th Street to 15th street. Doyle commandeered a civilian vehicle and chased the train to its next stop. Anticipating the chase, Jeantot made his way to the front of the train to force train operator Peter Howe to pass the next station, killing Police Officer Roland Evans on the way.
“As soon as I heard a gunshot, I knew something was wrong,” said bystander Betty Lou who followed the crowd to the front of the train to pursue the commotion after missing her stop.
Along with Lou, many others witnessed the events on the train including conductor Horatio C. Hornblower who was shot by Jeantot after trying to handle the situation. As this was happening, Doyle drove the commandeered vehicle rapidly and recklessly to catch up with the train. Doyle created a few traffic accidents and nearly injured innocent pedestrians including Margaret Johnson.
Johnson said that she heard a commotion from a distance and noticed it coming closer. With her two year old child in a stroller, Johnson was frozen by fear as the vehicle Doyle was operating came barreling towards her. She also added that Doyle’s actions were rash considering the number of lives he put in danger.
After catching up with the train after it collided with one already stopped at the next station, an injured Doyle vacated his vehicle and looked for any sign of Jeantot. Luckily, Jeantot was also a little banged up from the collision and slowly treaded away from the train. Doyle saw him, and in a last resort effort, shot Jeantot in the back before he could run away again.
Police Chief Morgan Freeman mentioned that he did not condone the car chase for the obvious risk involved, but commends Doyle for his bravery and successful stopping of the French fugitive. Such instances of commandeering a civilian vehicle are intended for only the most extreme of circumstances. Jeantot was wanted alive for prosecution, but Doyle had no choice other than shooting him.
“Although we wanted Doyle to bring him in alive,” said freeman, “it was better than not bringing him in at all.”
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