Terry Stackhouse WMTW

FMO Investigates Fire at Waterville Park Residences

During the early morning hours of Thursday, August 13, 2026, Investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to Woodlands Senior Living Park Residences, located at 141 West River Road in Waterville, to investigate a reported fire. Investigators conducted witness interviews and a detailed examination of the fire scene. Investigators determined that the fire originated in a resident’s bedroom and was intentionally set. The circumstances surrounding the fire have been referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Fire damage was limited to a laundry basket and comforter. The facility’s fire sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire before it could spread to the structure or other items in the room.
All residents were evacuated from the facility, and no injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.

The Maine nonprofit Konbit Sante is providing medical support to Haiti amid ongoing turmoil. FULL STORY ⬇️

FULL STORY: A new Maine law banning nonwater-dependent floating structures on inland waterways is forcing a family to remove their floating camp from the Androscoggin River.

A new Maine law puts the future of a family's floating camp in question A new Maine law banning nonwater-dependent floating structures on inland waterways is forcing a family to remove their floating camp from the Androscoggin River.

NEWS RELEASE: DROWNING INVESTIGATION ON OSSIPEE LAKE

FREEDOM, N.H. — The New Hampshire State Police are investigating an apparent drowning in Freedom.

At 2:55 a.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026, State Police dispatch received a report that a man had entered Ossipee Lake in Freedom to swim, was believed to have gone underwater, and could not be located.

First responders arrived on scene and began a search. Members of the Center Ossipee Dive Rescue Team eventually located and recovered the man from the water in the area where he was last seen going under. Despite life-saving measures, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim was later identified as Shawn Meader, 45, of Waterville, Maine.

At this time, the death is not believed to be suspicious. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Marine Patrol Officers and members of the Troop E barracks were assisted at the scene by members of the Freedom police and fire departments, the Center Ossipee Dive Rescue Team, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Trooper First Class Christopher Prenaveau at [email protected] or (603) 223-8620.

The owners of the houseboat on the Androscoggin River, Dan and Michelle Oram, were kind enough to invite me aboard this week. But if you’ve driven by their usual spot just off Route 1 between Topsham and Brunswick, you’ve probably noticed it’s no longer there. We’ll explain why, and what this special place means to them, Sunday on Total Maine.

OVERNIGHT INVESTIGATION IN PORTLAND:

Limited information from the police department. Crime scene tape could be seen blocking pedestrian access near Tukey’s Bridge on the northbound side.

“The on-ramp to 295 south at Washington/Bates will likely closed until mid morning Thursday due to an investigation.“

Steve Minich has set the standard for hard work, dedication, and enterprising original storytelling on a near-daily basis. I’m so excited to see Steve take his rightful place in the Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to retired WMTW journalist Steve Minich, who has been inducted into the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame! Click the link in the comments to learn more about Steve's 32-year career with Channel 8. ⬇️

The Portland Hearts of Pine want to build their own stadium! They released renderings of their plans this morning. What do you think?

Portland Hearts of Pine has announced plans to build a $50 million soccer stadium at Cassidy Point, potentially transforming a waterfront coal storage site into a permanent home for the club's men's and women's teams. FULL STORY ⬇️