Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Beachgoers Warned Against Plunging into Coastal Waters

(Maine)  Beachgoers from Florida to Maine were cautioned not to go into coastal waters over the holiday weekend, due to high levels of bacteria that included fecal contamination.  In some places, including Cape Cod, officials went so far as to close beaches altogether.  Experts say fecal contamination can occur during peak summer months as crowds flock to popular beaches for swimming, as well as from sewage from recreational boats and poorly managed septic systems.  .  

Fatal Boat Crash

(Eustis)  The Labor Day weekend ended in tragedy for a group of boaters from New York.  About 1:30 Saturday, seven people were in a pontoon boat in the upper reaches of Flagstaff Lake.  As the boat neared Cathedral Pines Campground, the bow started to go under.  The driver of the boat, 50 yo John Morris of Eustis, attempted to raise the bow.  The boat flipped, throwing all seven into the water close to 200 feet from shore. Witnesses rushed to assist and were able to get all seven ashore, but three of the passengers were unresponsive.  Two New York women passed away at the scene; a third was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical where she was last listed in critical condition.  Authorities say there’s no evidence alcohol was involved, but none of the seven were wearing life jackets.  The crash remains under investigation.

ICE Raids Have Americans Living in Fear

(WP)  Schools, churches, restaurants – now Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE,  officials are arresting those working to protect public safety.  The Washington Post and others report firefighters have been battling a blaze in the evergreen forests of western Washington State for nearly two months, helping to save historic buildings and lakefront homes.  Last week, federal officials reportedly showed up in SUV’s, checked ID’s, then escorted more than 40 firefighters off the premises, arresting two on charges of illegally entering the country.  The raid on an active fire scene shocked many veteran wildland firefighters, with veteran firefighters saying they fear the DHS raid could make it more difficult to find contractor crews.