Leroy Smith III was found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity for the 2014 killing of his father at their Gardiner apartment and officials say medications have been effective in controlling his mental illness.
Keith Edwards
Staff Writer
Keith Edwards covers the city of Augusta and courts in Kennebec County, writing feature stories and covering breaking news, local people and events, and local politics. He has worked at the Kennebec Journal since 1995, having previously worked at the Camden Herald. He was born and raised in Winthrop and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in political science. He is married and has a dog and cat. A lifelong Mainer, he enjoys skiing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and cooking out but spends most of his “off” time restoring and maintaining his 170, or so, year-old home in Richmond.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
As need for autopsies increases, plans approved for bigger medical examiner’s office in Augusta
The $18.8 million facility would help the state perform more autopsies and meet the needs of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the next 30 years, officials say.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
‘Duke’ Dulac, Augusta barber and political pollster ahead of his time, dies
The Augusta barber who polled his clients to predict political outcomes gained notoriety after being the only one to forecast the upset election of James Longley as Maine’s governor in 1975.
Posted inBusiness, Food, Local & State, News
Plans for Augusta bagel shop in former mill building draw praise for community focus
Sand Hill Bagel Co. developers hope the shop, which is slated to open next spring in the last remaining building of the former mill, will become one with the neighborhood and city park.
Posted inLocal & State, News
State solar farms being installed at Augusta interstate exits without local review
City officials say they are concerned about the aesthetics of solar panels in prominent locations that state officials say will save the state money and reduce carbon emissions.
Posted inLocal & State
Odd and unusual, and plenty of skulls, on display at Augusta show
Sword-swallowing, sales of unusual items, highlight Maine’s Odd and Unusual Show at the Augusta Civic Center.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New Augusta emergency overnight homeless shelter moves forward with city approval of funding
The proposed new shelter, to be created at South Parish Congregational Church, will provide a safe, warm place for unhoused people over the winter, advocates say.
Posted inLocal & State
Augusta officials signal support for overnight shelter to keep unhoused people out of the cold
The proposed shelter in the basement of South Parish Congregational Church could be one of two in the city to open this year.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Man in longstanding dispute with Readfield charged for allegedly harassing town manager, family
Robert Bittar, 81, allegedly violated a protection order by harassing Town Manager Eric Dyer, but the resident’s lawyer says the matter is ‘a classic example of government overreach attempting to crush the voice of the little guy.’
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Driver who struck, killed 3 pedestrians in Augusta crash admits to charges
Robert Santerre of Chelsea said he fell asleep at the wheel before his car went off Cony Road and struck and killed Barbara Maxim-Hendsbee, Rosalyn Jean and year-old Vada-Leigh Peaslee.