Body Worlds comes to Maine for first time

PORTLAND (AP) — An exhibit going on display in Portland lets people learn about the body through a look at real human bodies, inside and out.

The Body Worlds exhibit opens Friday in Portland with specimens of human bodies created by a process called plastination.

The exhibit shows the details of the human body, ranging from the cross-section of a 300-pound man compared to a normal-sized man to an entire body with each major part separated and suspended to give visitors a view of muscles, bones and organs.

Body Worlds curator Angelina Whalley said it’s done in respectful manner.

All told, more than 40 million people have viewed the exhibit over the past 20 years. The showing at the Portland Science Center marks the first time the exhibit has been displayed in Maine.

Police investigate photos of young girls

OAKLAND (AP) — Police are trying to get the bottom of Facebook pages that keep resurfacing with sexually explicit images of young girls in Maine.

Maine State Police Detective David Armstrong tells the Morning Sentinel that five separate Facebook pages had been removed from Facebook by Thursday morning. Three other pages popped up later Thursday, the paper reports.

The State Police Computer Crimes Unit is working with Facebook to determine who created the accounts.

Armstrong said he couldn’t say for sure whether there were additional pages.

The pages generated a flurry of responses from the public, including many people who expressed disgust and disapproval. Police said the images could violate the state’s child pornography laws.

Saddleback says fundraising fell short

RANGELEY (AP) — The popular Saddleback ski area says it has fallen short on fundraising for a new chairlift but that there may be a buyer to save the upcoming season.

Owner Mark Berry said previously that the resort would close if it could not replace a 51-year-old double chairlift with a faster, modern four-person lift.

The resort used Facebook to report that fundraising fell short but said there has been “significant interest” by several parties in purchasing of the resort.

The Sun Journal reports that options include a potential buyer who’d upgrade the lift before the winter season; another who’d close the resort and install the lift in the spring; and two who’d continue the status quo and make improvements next summer. The resort said all discussions are confidential.

Man pleads not guilty in sexual assault case

AUGUSTA (AP) — A New Hampshire man accused of traveling to Maine to have sex with an underage girl has pleaded not guilty to gross sexual assault.

The Kennebec Journal reports 24-year-old Ismail Maalin, of Manchester, New Hampshire entered the plea Wednesday in an Augusta court.

Monmouth police said the 13-year-old girl’s mother reported that she left her home in the middle of the night. She later called to say her daughter returned home and had been sexually assaulted June 16 in a man’s car.

Police arrested Maalin after police say he told them he had touched the girl sexually. Police say the two met on Facebook.

His attorney says the Somali native is trying to become a U.S. citizen. His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8.

Man who shot intruder may have to give up gun

ROCKLAND (AP) — A retired Maine lobsterman who shot an intruder hours after buying a gun to defend himself may have to give up his gun because his apartment complex bans them.

Sixty-seven-year-old Harvey Lembo said Wednesday complex officials told him their rules prohibit firearms.

Russ Gagne, who works for the management company, says the rule is for the safety of the tenants.

Lembo says he bought the gun Monday after several break-ins. He says he found an intruder in his apartment after midnight and shot him in the shoulder after he bolted toward the front door.

Gagne tells the Portland Press Herald the company is looking into improving security.

The intruder, 45-year-old Christopher Wildhaber, appeared in court Wednesday. A hearing on a motion to revoke his probation will be heard this week.