Test results received by the Biddeford School Department last week show there are no unsafe levels of silica dust in the high school.

Biddeford Superintendent of Schools Sarah-Jane Poli said tests by Air Quality Management Services Inc. show air samples for silica dust had extremely low or non-detectable amounts of dust.

Nick Farrala, an industrial hygienist with Air Quality Management, said in a letter to school officials that the low level “is not surprising as silicosis is an occupational disease and is generally only a risk in environments with extremely high dust levels” such as construction sites and heavy industry.

The tests were done in response to concerns from parents that silica dust may be in the school because of ongoing renovations. Two parents told school officials their daughters had allergic reactions to the school that required treatment in the emergency room.

Bulk sample collection above ceiling tiles in two rooms had a “small proportion of quartz silica that could be from any number of sources including Sheetrock dust (or) sand from outdoors,” according to Farrala. He said there is no evidence that amount of quartz silica is influencing indoor air. He recommended the area above ceiling tiles be cleaned to further reduce any risks.

Air quality tests are posted on www.biddschools.org.

Police ask for help locating missing man

Biddeford police are asking for the public’s help in locating 35-year-old Cesaire B. Cote, who also goes by the name Romeo M. Blais. He was last seen Nov. 21 at his Biddeford home. Cote told family  members  he was going outside to his car and never returned.

Cote’s vehicle is a black 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Maine license PC 8655NK, which is registered to his mother. He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, has brown hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information about Cote is asked to call the Biddeford Police Department at 282-5127.

Saco man recovering from stab wounds

 A Saco man was listed in satisfactory condition Monday at Maine Medical Center in Portland, recovering from at least 20 stab wounds he sustained early on Christmas Eve.

Maine Department of Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland said Dale Berube, 50, a resident of 25 Thornton Avenue, was rushed to the hospital and required emergency surgery after Saco police officers responded to a 911 call around 12:30 a.m.

Officers responding found Berube in his bathtub, learned he had been stabbed in his apartment and the severity of his injuries led Saco police to ask State Police detectives to assist in the investigation, McCausland said.

The 911 call was made by Pamela Young, who is Berube’s roommate. She has been questioned at least twice by investigators and Berube will also be interviewed as his condition improves. The stabbing will remain a joint investigation, McCausland said.

Police: Teens caused $4,000 school damage

Two teens were arrested last week for allegedly causing $4,000 in damages to Biddeford High School.

High school staff arrived at 6 a.m. Dec. 20 to find the school had been burglarized, according to Deputy Police Chief JoAnne Fisk. Shortly into the school day, two students spoke with guidance staff and provided information about who had burglarized the school, she said.

Detectives following up on the lead arrested two teens at 11:25 a.m. at an apartment at 94 Pike St. Domenick Colantonio, 19, who also goes by Domenick Lancaster, and a 14-year-old male were charged with burglary. Fisk said they likely will face an additional charge of criminal mischief.

Inside the school, staff found papers and books strewn around the main office and teachers’ room. Cans of soda were opened and sprayed around the office and a photocopier was destroyed, said Fisk. Various items were thrown around the cafeteria, where two cash registers and a microwave oven were damaged. Lockers were opened and contents thrown in the hallways, she said.

Fisk said police have no information that anything was taken during the burglary. It appears the teens got into the building through an unlocked door, she said.

When officers attempted to arrest the teens, Colantonio’s mother, Stacey Lancaster, 41, interfered with the arrest and assaulted officers, Fisk said. She was arrested for obstructing governmental administration and assault.