Rep. Michaud to address

UNE graduates Saturday

Congressman Michael Michaud will address graduates Saturday at the University of New England commencement ceremony in Portland.

Michaud, who represents the state’s second Congressional district, also will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the 10 a.m. ceremony at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

The university will award 1,247 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, Westbrook College of Health Professions, College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Graduate Studies.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine will gradate 120 physicians, including four dual DO/Master of Public Health and two dual DO/Master of Medical Education Leadership degree recipients.

Couple admits false

kidnapping claim

 A man and woman who falsely accused a Saco man of kidnapping their child pleaded guilty in Biddeford District Court.

Clyde Huff III, 36, and Shelly Prescott, 32, pleaded guilty to charges of filing a false report, unsworn falsification and violating bail conditions. Each was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Huff and Prescott last June told police they were sitting on a picnic table at Pine Grove Cabins and Vacancy Pub on Ocean Park Road when a man picked up their 3-year-old son and started to run away. Their description led to the arrest of Eric Auger, who spent three weeks in jail before the district attorney’s office dismissed charges against him. 

Huff and Prescott were arrested at a campground in Dixfield. They now live in Texas.

City eyes disorderly

housing ordinance

A public meeting is scheduled next week on a proposed disorderly housing ordinance to be considered by the Biddeford Policy Committee in June.

The meeting will   begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers at Biddeford City Hall. The proposed ordinance addresses nuisance behaviors that create a negative living environment, including altercations, fighting, disorderly conduct, excessive noise, public intoxication and improper garbage disposal, according to Community Development Director Linda Hardacker.

Similar ordinances have been enacted in Portland, Brunswick and Orono.

A committee worked for the past six months to develop an ordinance that is fair and equitable for property owners and tenants, Hardacker said.

Copies of the ordinance are available at www.biddefordmaine.org or in the community development office at city hall. For more information, call Hardacker at 284-91050 or e-mail lhardacker@biddefordmaine.org.

Program for at-risk

teens opens doors

 Learning Works has opened a new teen center in Biddeford for at-risk teens.

Ethan Strimling, chief executive officer for Portland-based Learning Works, said the program in the J. Richard Martin Community Center will keep at-risk teens off the streets and provide skills to help them stay on track.

Maine Department of Corrections refers teens to the Alternative to Detention program that focuses on cognitive work and skill building during afternoon sessions.

“It’s a better alternative to keep these young people in the community instead of going to jail,” Strimling said.

The teen center also will offer a “Back on Track” anger management program to help teens make better choices. Targeted case management will focus on removing barriers and providing support.

Strimling said Learning Works decided to open the teen center because of the growing need for teen services in Biddeford. He said nearly 40 teens became involved within the center’s first two weeks.

Funding for the teen center comes from the Department of Corrections, MaineCare and private donations.