Maine Forest Service entomologists released predator beetles in Ferry Beach State Park this week to fight hemlock woolly adelgid.

The department released about 9,000 lady beetles, known formally as Sasajiscymnus tsugae, in Saco and York in areas where they previously haven’t been released, according to state officials. The release is part of an ongoing effort to fight the destructive aphid-like insect that kills eastern hemlock trees. The invasive species from Asia has been found in 16 states and was first found in Kittery in 2003.

Since 2003, hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in Eliot, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Saco, South Berwick, Wells and York. It is distinguished by white, wooly masses found at the base of needles on the undersides of hemlock twigs. Infested trees have off-color needles, often with a grayish cast, and premature needle drop.

The Maine Forest Service has released 27,000 lady beetles. The beetles were purchased with a $21,450 federal grant for bio-control from the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service.

To report suspected hemlock woolly adelgid, call the Maine Forest Service laboratory at 287-2431 or e-mail Allison.m.kanoti@maine.gov.

 Police probe alleged threat by student

 Old Orchard Beach police continue to investigate an alleged threat on the social networking site Facebook.

Old Orchard Beach High School Principal Rick DiFusco said in a May 5 letter to parents that police were notified about a threatening post on Facebook. A student indicated that “maybe they should bring a gun to school,” he said.

Police followed up with the family and student to investigate the claim. Deputy Police Chief Keith Babin said the message was removed from Facebook and was not seen by police or school officials. Detectives continue to try to retrieve the message, he said.

DiFusco said the school took “immediate action” to look into the situation. A search of the student’s belongings did not reveal a weapon of any sort, he said. There also were meetings with students, parents and police to ensure the school is safe, he said.

“As principal, the new dimension of Facebook and other social networking sites poses a very unique challenge to school climate. We are involved in ongoing training and have utilized the services of the Center for the Prevention of Hate and Violence to help us respond to these types of situations. As a school, it is essential to continue to learn how to best manage the unique ways that social networking impacts the school culture,” DiFusco wrote to parents.

 Man faces OUI charge after car goes in ocean

A Portland man was charged with operating under the influence after driving his car into the ocean near Camp Ellis.

Corporal Michael Maksut of the Saco Police Department said 35-year-old Devin K. Remme was driving on Lower Beach Road around 5:30 a.m. Sunday when his car vaulted over a 20-foot high embankment at the end of the road. His car landed about 20 feet  into the water and later was removed by Ray’s Truck Service.

Remme and his passenger were out of the vehicle when police arrived at the scene. Remme was transported to Southern Maine Medical Center for treatment of injuries. Maksut said he did not have information on the extent of Remme’s injuries.

10th Walk for Wishes to be held May 27

 The 10th annual Walk for Wishes will take place May 27 at Thornton Academy in Saco to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine.

Volunteer site coordinator Cathy Baillargeon said the event is designed to be “a lot of fun” for participants, who can walk the track at Hill Stadium for as long as they want. The event also will be held at nine other locations across the state.

“Every penny stays in Maine to grant wishes to Maine children,” Baillargeon said.

The Saco event will kick off with registration at 5 p.m. and walking at 6 p.m. Hayley Desjardins of Saco and her family will be on hand to lead the walk. Hayley recently was granted her wish to go to Disney World with her family.

There is no registration fee. All participants who raise at least $100 will get a T-shirt. All participants can manage pledges and donations through the Make-A-Wish website.

More than 900 Maine children with life-threatening illnesses have received their greatest wish since the chapter opened in 1992. Of those wishes, 114 were granted to children in York County.

To register before May 27, go to www.mainewish.org or call 800-491-3171.

South Street to hold annual cleanup

 The annual South Street neighborhood cleanup and cookout will be held Saturday.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon in the Biddeford neighborhood. The rain date is 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Community Development Coordinator Linda Waters said people of all ages are welcome to help clean up the area. People should bring gloves and rakes if possible. Bags, plastic gloves and some rakes will be available. There also will be a cookout for everyone who helped with the cleanup. People are encouraged to bring their instruments to add music to the festivities.

The event is sponsored by the city of Biddeford, Christ Episcopal Church Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center and Go Greene.

 School receives award for health practices

 Saco Middle School received a Redy Award from Let’s Go! for its long-term commitment to improving student health.

The school has looked for ways to promote more physical activity during the school day, including moving exercise equipment into classrooms and opening the gym during homeroom. The school also is working toward eliminating unhealthy food and beverages from school lunches.

The award was given by the staff of Let’s Go and sponsor Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. The Let’s Go 5-2-1-0 Goes to School Program emphasizes the importance of five servings of fruit and vegetables, two hours or less of television or computer time, a minimum of one hour of physical activity and no sugary drinks each day.

– Compiled by Gillian Graham