Former state official named to UNE post

The University of New England has named Dr. Dora Anne Mills vice president of clinical affairs in an effort to strengthen the school’s partnerships and its community and public health mission.

Mills will join the university Sept. 1. She served for 15 years as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention under Govs. Angus King and John Baldacci. During her time with the CDC, Mills established numerous statewide partnerships with hospitals, agencies and schools, including Healthy Maine Partnerships.

Mills received her doctoral degree from University of Vermont College of Medicine and her Master of Public Health from Harvard University.

“Dr. Mills’ outstanding record of public health service and collaboration makes her the ideal choice for UNE’s interprofessional health care education efforts and expand our public health and clinical outreach programs in Maine,” UNE President Danielle Ripich said in a prepared statement.

Fake sticker probe nets four suspects

The Biddeford Police Department has charged four people with aggravated forgery in an ongoing investigation of counterfeit vehicle inspection stickers.

Police also have summonsed or arrested 105 people for using counterfeit inspection stickers since officers first noticed the fake stickers in March.

Shane Jones, 23, of High Street in Biddeford, was arrested May 12 on a superior court warrant charging aggravated forgery for multiple sales of counterfeit stickers, according to Biddeford police. Christopher Perry, 34, and Forrest Mills, 54, both of the same address on South Street in Biddeford, also were arrested on warrants charging aggravated forgery. Perry was arrested May 19 and Mills was arrested May 20.

Police on May 20 executed a search warrant at 907 Portland Road in Saco with assistance from the Saco Police Department and Maine State Police. Police said they seized evidence that connected at least two individuals to the manufacture and sale of counterfeit inspection stickers. Evidence seized included computer equipment, printers and paper products, according to police.

Richard Andrews, 39, of Allen Avenue in Arundel, was arrested for aggravated forgery after police searched his home and seized more evidence they said connected him to the sale and manufacture of counterfeit stickers.

 Police said they also expect to arrest a 43-year-old Saco man for aggravated forgery as a result of the search warrant.

Aggravated forgery is a Class B felony. Using a counterfeit inspection sticker is a Class E misdemeanor. 

Legislature approves anti-texting bill

 The Legislature on Monday enacted a law that bans texting while driving.

The bill, LD 736 “An Act to Prohibit Texting While Driving,” was sponsored by Sen. Bill Diamond (D-Cumberland County). It imposes a fine of at least $1,000 for anyone caught texting while operating a motor vehicle.

“Studies have shown that texting while driving decreases response time as much as drinking,” Diamond said in a news release. “Maine has had several high-profile accidents in the last year involving texting and it has become a real problem. This is one new law that will actually have a quick and positive result.”

Rep. Paulette Beaudoin (D-Biddeford), a co-sponsor of the measure, said she is “thrilled” it was passed by the Legislature.

“I am very happy that this bill passed; it has been a long time coming,” she said in a news release. “Many lives will now be saved because of this bill.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Paul LePage for his signature.

Maine joins more than 30 states that have banned texting while driving.

Biddeford council backs city chickens

The Biddeford City Council last week gave unanimous preliminary approval for an ordinance change to allow chickens in residential areas of the city.

Mayor Joanne Twomey said at the May 17 meeting she had heard from families who wanted to raise domesticated chickens. She said one of her sons raises chickens with his family and allowing the practice in Biddeford is a “great idea.”

“You can’t believe how cool it is to have kids go out and get the eggs,” she said.

Code Enforcement Officer Roby Fecteau said families will be allowed to build a chicken coop for up to six domesticated chickens. The coops must be built at least 10 feet from the property line, a distance the council reduced from 25 feet.

The ordinance change takes effect 30 days after the final reading June 7.