Midcoast Conservancy will offer a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hikers can enjoy a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.

Participants should meet at the gate at HVNC at 4:30 p.m. and dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and a hiking stick if desired, snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Guide Bambi Jones will lead the hike to shore of Little Dyer Pond, to watch the moon rise over the water. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow. For more information or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/full-moon-showshoe-hike/ or call (207) 389-5150.

Getting out for a little exercise can be a fine way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday, especially when it benefits a good cause. For a few years now on Thanksgiving Day, a group of area families and friends have been holding an informal trail run at Damariscotta River Association’s (DRA’s) Great Salt Bay Farm.

The tradition continues this year, with a twist: the event will benefit Twin Villages Foodbank Farm (TVFF). The 5K trail run and 1-mile walk/fun run, organized by volunteers, will be held at 9 a.m. on Nov. 22 and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome.

The 5K course is on broad mown trails with gentle hills, making two loops around the fields at DRA’s scenic Great Salt Bay Farm.

There is no fee to participate, though monetary donations to TVFF are encouraged. Preregistration is a great help to the volunteer organizers and may be done online at http://bit.ly/foodbank-farm-5K. Participants may also sign up the day of the race.

TVFF’s mission is to grow and distribute healthy food for those who need it most in Lincoln County. TVFF serves pantries in Newcastle, Jefferson, Boothbay, Wiscasset, Waldoboro, and Whitefield, and youth food programs including FARMS At The Y’s after-school snack program, Newcastle Head Start, Boothbay’s Backpack program, and Wiscasset’s Morris Farm School Cooking program.

The Farm operates in close partnership with Damariscotta River Association. DRA donates use of its prime farmland at Great Salt Bay Farm for growing and provides administrative, fundraising and communications support.

A non-profit, membership supported, and nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization, DRA is dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta region, centered on the Damariscotta River. 

DRA has active programs in the areas of land conservation, stewardship, community education, water quality monitoring, marine conservation and cultural preservation. Learn more at www.damariscottariver.org.

To donate to TVFF, please contact Sara Cawthon at scawthon@twinvillagesfarm.org. Secure donations may also be made online at www.twinvillagesfarm.org.

A $249,999 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grant will be used to study returning a vast meadowland in Woolwich to a tidal saltwater wetland. The area is near the busy junction of Route 1 and George Wright Road.

Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) at 92 Front St. in Bath will facilitate the study that partners the Maine Department of Transportation, the town of Woolwich, Bath Water District, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Bates College and three other state and federal agencies. The study is expected to take 18 months.

KELT project coordinator Ruth Indrick said her office received official notification of the grant Friday, Nov. 9. She added MDOT has agreed to provide a $300,000 match. The grant period runs from Jan. 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

The title is, “Back River Creek Coastal Infrastructure Resilience and Salt Marsh Project,” Indrick said Tuesday in an interview at KELT’s office. Also present was KELT Executive Director Carrie Kinne. Kinne said Indrick will coordinate the different groups in the partnership, calling in experts when needed.

KELT became involved in the NFWF grant after Woolwich approached it about funding opportunities and natural habitat impact for replacing the bridge and culvert on George Wright Road, said Indrick.

Woolwich officials had previously worked with KELT and Bath Water District in the construction of the fish ladder on Nequasset Brook, added Kinne.

The study will look at the replacement of a small bridge and a box culvert on George Wright Road to improve tidal flow and facilitate fish migration. The changes would impact over 140 acres of Back River Creek returning it to a salt marsh and habitat for migratory fish and birds.

“The upriver stream is partially saltwater now but the tidal flow is restricted in part because of the size of the culvert,” explained Indrick.

Waters flow into Back River Creek from Pleasant Cove, which feeds into the Sasanoa River. The creek runs inland about 3.3 miles stretching as far north as Old Stage Road.

Returning it to a saltwater marsh would create a spawning area for ducks and other birds, along with migratory fish including, Atlantic salmon and striped bass, said Kinne.

The grant application states the study will also explore possible modifications to Route 1 to address occasional flooding caused by extremely wet weather and higher than normal tides from Pleasant Cove. This may include raising the elevation of the highway and improving tidal flow beneath it. MDOT estimates an average of 18,940 vehicles use this stretch of road on a daily basis.

According to Indrick, MDOT chose to partner and provide funding for the study partly due to work planned on the Route 1 bridge. The bridge near the Taste of Maine Restaurant passes over the railroad and is on the western side of the meadow. Its substructure received a “poor” rating during a 2017 inspection.

Another infrastructure improvement to be studied is the Bath Water Department’s transmission line. The main carries drinking water from the treatment facility at Nequasset Lake to about 15,000 customers in Bath and West Bath. It runs under George Wright Road and over the 84-year-old culvert.

The application notes BWD considers this “as one of their most critical weak points in their system.”

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife owns the property on the upstream side of Route 1. “They acquired the wetlands as part of a remediation project and have expressed support for restoring tidal flow,” according to the application KELT filed.

The state manages both Route 1 and the railroad that skirts the perimeter of the meadow. Woolwich maintains George Wright Road, the bridge and box culvert. The town also owns and maintains a small boat launch providing the only public access to Pleasant Cove.

In 2017, MDOT gave the George Wright bridge a poor rating due to erosion of its embankment and problems associated with the culvert. The town subsequently hired Calderwood Engineering of Richmond to study and estimate the cost of replacing the bridge and culvert.

KELT’s application notes the 9-foot box culvert under the George Wright Road bridge “is completely underwater during high tides, has high flows and remnant structures from a dismantled tide gate that makes fish passage difficult.” The tide gate, or “flapper” beneath the bridge was removed in 1998.

The study includes developing a hydraulic model, feasibility analysis, engineering designs, and what permitting is needed, added Indrick.

As noted within the application, project partners including Woolwich will be able to seek construction funding to implement changes. Potential funding sources include the Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program, Maine Water Bond and the USFWS National Coastal Wetland Conservation Grant.

Selectman Allison Hepler will represent Woolwich during the study.

In order to help get kids and families outside having fun in the snow, Midcoast Conservancy is partnering with the Outdoor Sports Institute to provide affordable cross country ski equipment to local kids ages kindergarten through eighth grade. Families can lease high quality skis, boots, and poles through Midcoast Conservancy for the entire winter. Each child will get sized for the gear and then take it home for the season so they can ski on great equipment wherever, whenever they want.

The first fit session is Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; a second will be held Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 4-7:30 p.m. Both will be at the CLC YMCA in Damariscotta

The child who will use the skis must be present. The ski lease package is $65 per participant. Any questions about the ski lease program can be directed to Andy, andyb@midcoastconservany.org; details are online at midcoastconservancy.org/events.

In addition, Midcoast Conservancy will hold the annual Kids XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-12 for six weeks, from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9, 9:30-11 a.m. at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson. The clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain confidence and enjoy HVNC’s trails. Instructors use fun, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week. For more information or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/6-week-youth-cross-country-ski-clinic/.Call (207) 389-5150 with any questions, and think snow!

Tom Philbrick of Boothbay takes over as coach of the Wolverine girls’ basketball program this season. Tryouts for the varsity squad were held Monday night at Wiscasset Middle High School.

The Wolverines, a part of the Mountain Valley Conference, will play an 18-game schedule that begins Friday, Dec. 7 with an away game against Carrabec High School in North Anson. Their first home game will be Tuesday, Dec. 11 when they’ll host Hall-Dale.

Philbrick had 16 girls turn out Monday night, including six returnees from last year’s team. They included Alice Yokabakas, Sydnie Thayer, Kateleen Trask, Jade Rego, Paige Davenport and Kayla Cossette. Yokabakas and Thayer are seniors, Trask and Rego juniors.

Philbrick brings with him a wealth of basketball experience. He’s coached at the junior high and high school levels for five different school systems including Orono, Rockland, Camden, Rangeley and Mt. Blue.

“I grew up playing basketball. I played in high school and college,” he said. “You could say I come from a basketball family; my father Gib Philbrick coached for the University of Maine Orono.”

The coach knew when he accepted the offer to come to WMHS, he’d have his work cut out for him. The Wolverines were winless last season. With that said, he was pleased by what he saw at the tryouts.

“What are my expectations? I don’t make any,” he said. “I’m here to bring this group together as a team, make us competitive and have some fun.”

Philbrick said he prefers playing a man-to-man game rather than a zone defense. “Offensively, I’m aggressive. I like my team to push the ball.”

With Jayvee Coach Bob “Radar” Applebee looking on, Philbrick had his players run through a number of skill sets at Monday’s practice. They spent the last 10 minutes running a full court drill of five-on-five and finished the night with sprints.

“Our goal is to come together and play as a team. When we come into this gymnasium we need to be totally focused on basketball, That’s why we’re here,” he told his players. “It’s okay to make mistakes, learn from them and become a better player.”

Philbrick and his wife own the Boothbay Lobster Wharf restaurant on the eastside of Boothbay Harbor.

The Wolverines will take to the court this Saturday for the annual alumni game. The opening tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Stover Auditorium.

Jamie Jones of Bath will take over as the varsity coach of the Wolverine boys’ basketball team. Neal Goldberg, a Wiscasset Middle High School math-science teacher, is assisting and will coach the junior varsity team.

Jones was a member of  Wiscasset High School’s  class of 2003. He played basketball all four years, two under Coach Tim Flanagan and was a starter when the team finished with a 15-3 record. He’s continued playing basketball in two different men’s leagues, one based here in Wiscasset and the other in Waldoboro.

This is his first time coaching a high school team and he’s looking forward to theseason ahead.

Monday night’s tryouts in Stover Auditorium attracted 18 players including seniors Matt Chapman, Chris Loyola and the Gabriele brothers, Caleb and Josh. There was also a good mix of underclassmen.

Jones said afterward he liked the way the older guys helped and encouraged the younger players. It will take a few more practices before he’ll have some idea what his starting five will look like, which players will play varsity and who might swing between varsity and junior varsity. Jones owns Bath-based green cleaning company Jones Houseworks.

Goldberg said it’s his first time coaching. Like Jones, he’s excited to be part of the Wolverine basketball program and moving on from last year’s winless season. Both coaches will stress the importance of teamwork and basketball fundamentals.

The Wolverines will take the court this Saturday for the annual alumni game. The opening tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

The Wolverines play an 18-game regular season schedule. They open the season at home Friday, Dec. 7 against Carrabec High School. They’ll be in Farmingdale to face Hall-Dale on Dec. 11 and then return to WMHS Dec. 13 to host Madison.

Basketball fans got their first look at the 2018-19 editions of the Wolverine boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams at Saturday night’s annual Alumni Games.

The Wolverines played with a lot of determination but the stars of yesteryear shined brightest. The alumni won both ballgames.

Taking the court for the Alumni girls team were Grace Webber and Lindsey Gordon from the class of ’18, Alicia Faulkingham ’15, Brianna Goud ’14, and Amanda Auvil ’06, Samantha Deetjen '01 and three members of the class of ’05, Amanda Davis Kellett, Kristin Pierce Shipley and Sarah Whitfield.

Wolverine Coach Tom Philbrick’s starting five were Latisha Wright, Kateleen Trask, Zoe Waltz, Emily Richardson and Alice Yokabakas.

The alumni had an obvious height advantage with Kellett and Pierce. The Wolverines attempted to counter with an aggressive outside shooting game which worked pretty well in opening minutes. Four different Wolverines sank three-point shots. Behind 14-3, Trask netted the first three-pointer from the top of the key in the final minutes of the first period.

Trask then sunk two free throws at the start of the second period and Waltz’s three pointer cut the Alumni’s lead to a basket, 14-12. The Alumni with Whitfield, Shipley, Kellett and Faulkingham on the floor went to work scoring six unanswered points.

Three point baskets by Thayer and Brianna Orr helped but weren't enough. Kellett’s basket with Shipley assisting gave the Alumni a 29-15 advantage when the buzzer sounded signaling the half.

The Alumni outscored the Wolverines 16-7 in the third period. Kellett canned a nifty hook-shot with 4:50 left to put her team up 34-16. Yokabakas who played a good floor game then scored for the Wolverines. Headed into the game’s final eight minutes the Alumni led 49-22 and then cruised to a 71-22 win.

Kellett lead all scorers with 15; Shipley was in double figures as well. Waltz, Trask and Thayer finished with five points each for the Wolverines.

Junior Varsity Coach Bob Applebee recorded the following stats for the Wolverines, Yokabakas five rebounds, three steals and two points; Thayer four rebounds and a pair of steals, Main four steals and an assist, Waltz three rebounds and two steals, and Megan Syrjala with three assists, a rebound and one steal.

James, Ranta lead Alumni

Eleven graduates returned to WMHS for the boys’ game including eight members of the class of 2017. They included Conlon Ranta, Ethan James, Russell Marr, Tiger Colby, Grant Hefler, Brandon Goud, Andrew Chubbuck and Logan Orr. Other members of Alumni team were Bryson Grover ’16, Matt Craig ’15 and Zach Reed ’18.

The starting five for Wolverine Coach Jamie Jones were Josh and Caleb Gabriele, Matt Chapman, Billy Pinkham and Brett Osmond.

Caleb Gabriele netted the game’s first basket, a three pointer that came three minutes into the game. The Wolverines then went on a 9-0 run before Chubbuck hit the first of two free throws to put the Alumni on the scoreboard. The Wolverines took a 9-5 lead into the second period. Pinkham’s three pointer with 3:34 left until halftime opened an eight-point Wolverine lead, 17-9.

In the closing minutes of the period James banked a shot in off the glass to cut the Wolverine lead to five 20-15 which is where the score stood at halftime. Orr’s three-pointer gave the Alumni their first lead in the game at the five-minute mark of the third period. A few minutes later Chapman drove to the basket and tied the score briefly at 25.

Ranta then went to work scoring four points of an 8-0 Alumni run. James’ basket late in the period put the Alumni up 33-25 headed into the final period. They went on to outscore the Wolverines 9-5 in the game’s final eight minutes winning 46-32.

An official scorebook wasn’t kept. Standouts for the Wolverines included Caleb Gabriel, Chapman, Pinkham and Matt Eckhart. James, Ranta, Hefler and Chubbuck powered the Alumni at both ends of the court.

The Wolverines open the Mountain Valley Conference season on Friday evening, Dec. 7 against the Cobras of Carrabec High School; the girls will be away, the boys are at home. Both games start at 5 p.m. with the junior varsity playing first.

A predatory songbird that feeds on small birds, mammals, and insects, the Northern Shrike is known for its unusual habit of impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire to save for later.

Naturalist Sarah Gladu of Damariscotta River Association (DRA) will be leading a walk on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in hopes of spotting Northern Shrike, which often visit here this time of year after breeding in taiga and tundra farther north.

There is no cost to join the walk. Depending on conditions, ice cleats or mini-spikes may be a good idea. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Registration by November 30 is required, and may be done online at damariscottariver.org/events.

Visitors are welcome at the Great Salt Bay Heritage Center in Damariscotta as well as the many other DRA properties throughout the region. For more information call (207) 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit online at www.damariscottariver.org.

Frank 106.9 FM, WBQX, will broadcast local high school basketball for a ninth straight year beginning Friday, Dec. 7 when the Lincoln Academy Eagles travel to Rockport to play the Camden Hills Windjammers.

Veteran broadcaster Don Shields returns to lead the coverage, joined by Terry Spear and Chris Seavey for the 34-game regular season schedule that includes calling games from Oceanside, Medomak Valley, Camden Hills, Belfast, Lincoln Academy, Boothbay, Wiscasset, Mt. View and Searsport High Schools.

The station is also planning on broadcasting selected games involving these same schools during the High School Basketball Tournaments from Augusta and Bangor this upcoming February.

All games will be streamed via the FRANK 106.9 Facebook Page at www.mixlr.com/1069bball

Stan Bennett, Operations Manager for Binnie Media Maine is pleased that FRANK 106.9 is continuing our tradition of being the home of High School Basketball in Midcoast Maine. “People are passionate about high school basketball and the response to our coverage from fans and sponsors has been outstanding,” he said.

Shields, who is also the voice of the University of Maine Women’s Basketball team, has been the voice of Midcoast Maine High School sports since 1985, during which time he has called more than 1200 high school games. Spear has been covering basketball for more than 20 years in the Midcoast, Biddeford and Bath-Brunswick markets. Seavey, a former Rockland District High School Standout, has more than a decade of on-air experience.

The complete game schedule

December

Friday, Dec. 7 – Lincoln Academy at Camden Hills boys – 6:15 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 10 – Lisbon at Boothbay boys – 6:45 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 11 – Mt. View at Medomak Valley boys – 6:15 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 14 – Camden Hills at Medomak Valley Doubleheader – boys at 5:15 p.m./girls at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 18 – Oceanside at Camden Hills boys – 6:15 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 20 – Bangor Christian at Searsport Doubleheader – girls at 4:45 p.m./boys at 6:30 p.m..; Friday, Dec. 21 – Hermon at Oceanside boys – 6:15 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 28 – Belfast at Oceanside boys – 6:15 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 29 – Oceanside at Belfast girls – 4:15 p.m.

January

Wednesday, Jan. 2 – Lincoln Academy at Medomak Valley Doubleheader – girls at 5:15 p.m./boys at 7 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 3 – Mt. View at Belfast boys – 6:15 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 4 – MDI at Oceanside boys – 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 8 – Mt. View at Oceanside boys – 6:15 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 10 – Maranacook at Belfast boys – 6:15 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 11 – Monmouth at Wiscasset boys – 6:15 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 12 – Ellsworth at Belfast Doubleheader – girls 12:45 p.m./boys 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 15 – Camden Hills at Lincoln Academy boys – 6:15 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 17 – MCI at Oceanside boys – 6:15 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 19 – Medomak Valley at Lincoln Academy Doubleheader – girls at 4:45 p.m./boys at 6:30 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 21– Maranacook at Oceanside girls – 12:45 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 22 – Medomak Valley at Camden Hills Doubleheader – girls at 4:45 p.m./boys at 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 24 – Wiscasset at Boothbay girls – 6:45 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 25 – Boothbay at Wiscasset boys – 6:15 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 26 – PCHS at Searsport boys – 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 29 – Oceanside at Belfast boys – 6:15 p.m.

February

Friday, Feb. 1 – MCI at Oceanside girls – 5:45 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 5 – Waterville at Belfast boys – 6:15 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 7 – Medomak Valley at Oceanside boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Lims: Tuesday, Feb. 12 and Wednesday, Feb. 13; Regional Quarterfinals: Friday, Feb. 15 through Tuesday, Feb. 19; Regional Semifinals: Wednesday, Feb. 20 and Thursday, Feb. 21; Regional Finals: Friday, Feb. 22 and Saturday, Feb. 23; State Championship Games: Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2.

The public is invited to The Lincoln Home on Monday, Dec. 10, from 3-4 p.m. to hear Tom and Lee Szelog's unique and inspiring talk on an extraordinary journey on the wild side.

Through this multi-media presentation, you will explore the Maine woods and coast, from a typical backyard, to Maine’s great north woods through the Szelog’s stories and photographs. Tom and Lee are passionate advocates for wildlife conservation, dedicated to educating and inspiring people about the important role our natural world plays in our life.

The event is free. The Lincoln Home is located at 22 River Road, Newcastle.  Keep informed on our weekly events at www.lincoln-home.org or follow us on Facebook.

For more information contact Rhonda Hanna: 563-3350 or rhonda@lincoln-home.org.

The second, and final, Youth Ski Lease fitting day is Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 4-7:30 p.m. at the CLC YMCA on Main Street in Damariscotta.

In an effort to get kids and families outside having fun in the snow, Midcoast Conservancy is partnering with the Outdoor Sports Institute to provide affordable cross country ski equipment to local kids ages kindergarten through eighth grade. Families can lease high quality skis, boots, and poles through Midcoast Conservancy for the entire winter. Each child will get sized for the gear and then take it home for the season so they can ski on great equipment wherever, whenever they want.

The child who will use the skis must be present. The ski lease package is $65 per participant. Any questions about the ski lease program can be directed to Andy, andyb@midcoastconservany.org; details are online at midcoastconservancy.org/events.

Ski clinic details

Midcoast Conservancy will hold the annual Kids XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-12 for six weeks, from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9 at Hidden Valley Nature Center (131 Egypt Rd., Jefferson), 9:30-11 a.m. The clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain confidence and enjoy HVNC’s trails. Instructors use fun, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week.

For more information or to register, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/6-week-youth-cross-country-ski-clinic. Questions? Call 207- 389-5150.

Wiscasset Middle High School’s run of losses on the basketball court is over!

The Wolverines won 48-38 over visiting Carrabec Friday night in the Mountain Valley Conference season opener. The win was the first for Jamie Jones who took over as head coach less than a month ago.

“It’s really, really nice to see our guys start out the season with a win,” athletic director Warren Cossette said as the team exited the court to a well deserved round of applause.

Billy Pinkham scored the game’s first basket swishing a three-pointer in from the right side 90 seconds into the game. Wiscasset held a slim 9-8 lead when the buzzer sounded ending the first period. Carrabec’s Nick Dube had scored all eight points for the Cobras.

Caleb Gabriele, who had a big night with six rebounds, canned the Wolverines' first basket when play resumed. Before the period ended, the Cobras had rallied back. With 2:39 left until halftime Thomas Crane canned a three-pointer putting his team ahead 13-12. Drake Mckenney followed with a basket from the top of the key giving Carrabec a three-point advantage. That was the only time the Cobras led in the game, although they made it a fight to the finish.

When the buzzer sounded signaling the half the score was tied at 17. Gabriele hit a three-pointer with 29 ticks left on the clock but the Cobras then tied the score from the free throw line. The Wolverines outscored Carrabec 16-9 and 15-12 in the third and fourth periods. The second half began with Wiscasset’s Chris Loyola hitting a three-point basket. The first of two, his second came with two minutes left in the period and opened up a nine-point Wolverine lead, 30-21.

McKenney then hit his second three of the game for the Cobras with the ball banking off the glass and into the hoop. Wiscasset’s Gavin Wellman netted the final basket of the period putting his team up 33-25.

The Cobras weren’t finished yet. They put on an aggressive press in the final eight minutes forcing Coach Jones to call a time out and regroup. At one point the Wolverines turned the ball over on three consecutive possessions.

Things took a turn for the worse when Wiscasset’s Matt Chapman found himself in foul trouble. A minute later Loyola was injured and had to exit briefly. Noah Michaud and Haiden Dunning filled in off the bench; Dunning chipped in with a pair of baskets. Dube rebounded his own missed shot and scored with three minutes left and suddenly it was a 40-39 ballgame. But that was as close as the Cobras would come. In the final minute Pinkham found Wellman open for a huge basket. The Wolverines then finished off the Cobras on the foul line.

Caleb Gabriele led all scorers with a dozen points, Pinkham had nine, Loyola 8, Josh Gabriele 7 and Haiden Dunning six. Before exiting, Chapman netted five points and recorded seven rebounds, four of those offensive. He also blocked two Cobra shots. Wiscasset struggled on the foul line making just 13 of 24 free throw attempts. Carrabec wasn’t much better making just 9 of 18.

Coach Jones said it was good to see his players pull together down the stretch. “We faced a little bit of adversity tonight when one of our starters got into foul trouble and another was injured. It’s the first time too, that we’ve faced a press. The guys who came in off the bench really did a good job for us,” he said.

WMHS’ run of losses stretched all the way back to the 2016-17 season to when Winthrop knocked the Wolverines out of the class C playoffs.

The Wolverines will be in Farmingdale Monday, Dec. 10 returning home to face Madison Dec. 13.

The Wiscasset Middle High School Wolverine girls were held to just 16 points as Carrabec High School cruised to a win Friday night, Dec. 7 in North Anson in the Mountain Valley Conference basketball season opener.

The Wolverines couldn’t seem to get their offense in gear until late in the game. The Cobras led 27-3 after the first quarter and 41-6 at the half en route to a 70-16 win.

With that said, Coach Tom Philbrick and the Wolverines have something positive to build on. After being held scoreless in the third period they rallied back and outscored their hosts 10-9 in the final eight minutes of play.

Zoey Waltz and Kateleen Trask led the Wolverine offense each scoring six points and Brianna Orr made a three-point basket. Sydnie Thayer had one point and three steals.

The Wolverines will need to work at improving their rebounding. They managed to grab just four rebounds in the entire game. They shot just over 50 percent from the free throw line making four of nine foul shots.

WMHS will host its MVC rival Hall-Dale at 6:30 Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Stover Gymnasium. On Monday, Dec. 17 the team will be away vs. Mountain Valley High School returning home to host Oak Hill,
 Dec. 19. 


Philbrick honored

Philbrick who took over as Wiscasset’s head coach this season, was recently inducted into the Orono High School Sports Hall of Fame. He was the school’s first basketball player to score 1,000 career points. He later played basketball at Husson College in Bangor, where he helped his team compile a four-year record of 98-12, and win three conference championships and two NAIA District 5 titles.

He ended his career at Husson with 1,316 points and 826 career rebounds, and was inducted as part of the 1976 men’s basketball team into the Husson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.

The following results are from week one of Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Department's Adult Basketball League. The league has six teams including both men and women. The league schedule, results and rosters are online at wiscassetrec.com. Games are Sunday evenings through March with the Championship Tournament on the weekend of March 15, 16 and 17. The first game starts at 4:30 p.m. every Sunday evening.

Game # 1: Ames Supply (0 - 1): 83 Brandon Sprague - 30 points; Chris Hersom - 20 points; Briana Goud - 8 points Hink's Bait (1 - 0): 88 Nick Hinkley - 27 points; Ben Teel - 16 points; Matt Hinkley - 15 points

Game #2: Maxwell's Market (1 - 0): 91 Brandon Lancaster - 30 points; Derek Jones - 20 points; Thomas Durrell - 14 points The First (0 - 1): 82 Bryan James - 37 points; Julian Aponte - 21 points; Michael Connors - 12 points

Game # 3: Cantrell Seafood (1 - 0): 91 Andy Cantrell - 45 points; Charles Colby - 22 points; Paul Greenier - 19 points Red's Eats (0 - 1): 53 Nick Woods - 16 points; Riley Donovan - 12 points; Matt Petrie - 10 points

The Wolverines boys’ basketball team is 1-1 in the Mountain Valley Conference after losing to Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale Monday night.

The Bulldogs outscored Wiscasset Middle High School in every quarter, 29-13, 23-8, 21-4 and 19-12 for a 92-37 win.

Matt Chapman was the Wolverines’ leading scorer finishing with 12 points. He also grabbed 15 rebounds, had two assists and one steal. Billy Pinkham had nine points and Haiden Dunning six for WMHS.

The Wolverines will host Madison at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 in Stover Auditorium.

All are invited to join Midcoast Conservancy’s AmeriCorps Outdoor Adventure Members Emma, Jess, and Miranda on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for some outdoor fun at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

Attendees can give fat tire biking a try on one of Midcoast Conservancy’s fat tire bikes and learn a few helpful bike basics. Volunteers will be on hand to help attendees find the right size bike and to recommend a trail based on the rider’s ability. The event is open to all ages and skill levels. Midcoast Conservancy’s bikes are a great fit for anyone taller than 4’ 8”. However, others are encouraged to bring their own mountain bikes.

After riding, participants can enjoy some cider and s’mores and let the AmeriCorps team know what they’d like to see for future Outdoor Adventure Programming with Midcoast Conservancy. No registration necessary, but a signed wavier is needed for kids unaccompanied by an adult. Bikers can stop by anytime between 10 and 2. Check Midcoast Conservancy’s Facebook page for event updates due to weather.

Contact Midcoast Conservancy for more information, or with any questions: (207) 389-5150 or americorps@midcoastconservancy.org.

Iris Ireland netted 14 points, 10 in the second quarter leading Hall-Dale to a 69-16 win at Wiscasset Middle High School in the Wolverines' home opener Tuesday night. The Wolverines are now 0-2 in the Mountain Valley Conference. Hall-Dale is 2-0. It defeated Telstar in the first game.

After spotting the Wolverines a 4-0 lead, Jade Rego scored the game’s first basket; the Bulldogs then went on a tear scoring 12 unanswered points. Brianna Orr finally ended the drought by sinking a pair of free throws with 43 seconds left in the period. When the buzzer sounded, Hall-Dale was up 13-6.

Wiscasset’s Alice Yokabakas netted the first basket of the second period sinking a nice shot from the left side and briefly cutting the Bulldogs' lead to five.  But that was as close as the Wolverines would come.

Using its height advantage, Hall-Dale dominated under the boards at both ends of the court. In no time, Hall-Dale was once again up by 10 points. Ireland’s third basket midway through the period opened up a 22-point BullDog lead. When the buzzer sounded signaling the half, the visitors were in front 38-8.

The third period started with Wiscasset’s Zoe Waltz banking in a three-pointer. After that Hall-Dale’s stingy defense once again shut down the Wolverines, outscoring their hosts 22-4.

Hall-Dale’s roster includes eight upperclassmen including 6’1” Cat Kincaid who finished the game with seven points and 10 rebounds.

Six Wolverines put points on the scoreboard. Orr and Yokabaskas each finished with four points, Kateleen Trask had three, Emily Richardson and Rego two points apiece and Paige Davenport one.

Sydnie Thayer, Megan Syrjala, Rego, Trask, and Yokabaskas had three rebounds. Megan Syriala came off the bench and grabbed three rebounds as well. Orr and Rego each had a pair of steals.

Wiscasset converted five of eight foul shots; Hall-Dale made 16 of 23.

KK Wills finished with 12 points for Hall-Dale and Grace Begin nine.

The Wolverines will play Madison away on Thursday, Dec. 13 returning home to face Mountain Valley Dec. 17.

When there’s no school, what could be better than roaming the outdoors, learning about wildlife from a naturalist, playing games, building snow creatures and going dogsledding? Damariscotta River Association (DRA) is offering the chance to do all these things during three upcoming winter vacation and mini day camps.

Each day, campers ages 6 to 11 will explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors with the guidance of a naturalist. The programs include a variety of art projects, games and other activities.

“Wildlife Safari” is a three-day camp Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Campers will search for animal tracks, play games and make plaster casts of tracks. Weather permitting, the group will go sledding on the big hill.

The fee for this session is $135, or $120 for DRA members at the Mussel level or above. Pre-registration is required by Dec. 21, although earlier registration is recommended as this session tends to fill up quickly.

The February vacation camp is a four-day “Winter Wonderland” Tuesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The kids will take hikes and explore a variety of habitats to find signs of wildlife, go snowshoeing and dog sledding, create art projects, play nature-inspired games and more. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 13. The fee is $180, or $160 for DRA members.

DRA is also offering a two-day mini-camp on March 14 and 15, when there is no school for AOS 93 students. Campers will learn about maple sugaring, tapping trees and cooking syrup into maple sugar, and explore the woods. This program is $90, or $80 for members.

Participants should bring two snacks and a lunch each day and come prepared to be outside for most of the day. DRA can provide clothing for anyone in need of outdoor gear. All programs will be held at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm Heritage Center, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta.

Registration is open now and is available at www.damariscottariver.org. Health form information is required. Scholarships are available for all programs. Gift certificates for these camps and DRA summer nature Camp Mummichog are also available to buy.

Frogs and Pollywogs is a monthly program for preschoolers and their caregivers offered by Damariscotta River Association (DRA) throughout the school year. The hands-on nature program gives children an opportunity to learn in an outdoor setting, and includes songs, stories, hikes, and crafts.

The program is held on the third Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm. The fee is $3 per preschool-age child, though families can prepay for five classes and get a sixth class for free. Younger siblings may come along at no cost.

The Dec. 20 class will focus on foxes. Children will touch a fox skull and look for fox signs on the trail. Register at www.damariscottariver.org/events

Looking ahead to Jan. 17, families will check out animal footprints in the snow and make a plaster cast to take home. The “Winter Wonderland” program on Feb. 14 will include dog sledding and snow shelter building.

Billy Pinkham scored 14 points, hitting a pair of three-point baskets, but the Wolverines lost 69-22 to visiting Madison Thursday night at Stover Auditorium. Jacob Meader led all scorers with 16 points. Jacob Meader had 15 for the Bulldogs.

The Wolverines fell behind early in the game. Eric Westcott had the hot hand for Madison, scoring nine points in the opening quarter. Pinkham’s three-pointer with 3:14 left cut Madison’s lead to five, 13-7. Then the Bulldogs went on a 17-0 run. The drought finally ended with 4:56 to go until halftime. Pinkham found Matt Chapman open and Chapman scored from underneath the basket.

When the buzzer sounded ending the first half, Madison was up 47-9. Meader netted 11 points in the second period.

The Wolverines were plagued by turnovers, some self-inflicted, others forced by the Bulldogs, for most of the second half. By the time the fourth period started, Madison was ahead 53-14 and three Wolverine starters were in foul trouble. Pinkham swished in his second three-pointer in the opening seconds of the fourth period.

But it wasn’t all bad news for WMHS. Haiden Dunning, Matt Eckert, Zach Brewer and Marshall Weeks each did a nice job late in the game. Brewer and Dunning are both showing a lot more confidence under the boards. Chapman continues to play consistently, too. He collected six points and grabbed four rebounds, three of those offensive. The MVC basketball season has a long way to go.

Wiscasset made 4 of 8 foul shots, Madison 12 of 25.

The Wolverines entered the game with a MVC record of 1-1. Madison at 2-0 had previously defeated Richmond, 47-39 and Telstar, 70-36, two teams Wiscasset will face later this season.

On Dec. 17 WMHS will be in Rumford to play Mountain Valley (3-0) and will then host Oak Hill (0-3) on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Thayer nets 10

Senior Sydnie Thayer netted 10 points, had three rebounds and two steals at Madison but the Bulldogs were a 71-21 winner.

Madison led 22-2 after the first period, 38-7 at halftime and 56-11 heading into the final eight minutes of play.

Wiscasset scorers included Zoey Waltz, four points; Kateleen Trask, three; and Madison Carrier and Paige Davenport with two points each. Carrier and Yokabaskas each grabbed three rebounds. Yokabaskas played an aggressive floor game, recording five steals.

Wiscasset made one of five free throws, Madison seven of 18.

The Wolverines host Mountain Valley Monday, Dec. 17 and then play Oak Hill away Dec. 19.

Here are the results from week two of Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Department's Adult Basketball League. The league schedule, results and rosters are at www.wiscassetrec.com. Games will not be held on Sunday, Dec. 23. The next games are on Sunday, Dec. 30. First game starts at 4:30 pm.

Game results and top three scorers for each team: Game 1: Cantrell"s Seafood (1 - 1): 73 Andy Cantrell 41 points, Paul Greenier 11 points and Charles Colby 8 points First National Bank (1 - 1): 81 Bryan James 32 points Michael Connors 23 points and Julian Aponte 14 points

Game 2: Ames Supply (1 - 1): 113 Brandon Sprague 34 pts, Dale Peaslee 16 points and Sean Chubbuck 16 points Red's Eats (0 - 2): 57 Riley Donovan 24 points Julie Petrie 11 points and Amanda Kellett 10 points

Game 3: Hink's Bait (1 - 1): 73 Matt Hinkley 28 points, Nick Hinkley 19 points and Matt Craig 12 points Maxwell's Market (2 - 0): 79 Brandon Lancaster 17 pts, Josh Garneau 16 points and Logan Orr 15 points

Some games, no matter how hard you try, the basketball just won’t drop in the hoop. So it was for Wiscasset Middle High School Monday night when the Wolverine girls hosted Mountain Valley at Stover Auditorium.

The Wolverines had some good looks and took some nice shots but just couldn’t put points on the scoreboard.

Scoring wasn’t a problem for the undefeated Falcons. After winning the opening tap, they went on a 21-0 tear. They held the Wolverines to just two baskets – one in the first half and one in the second.

Mountain Valley also played the whole game without being whistled for a personal foul — something you don’t see very often. The final score was 72-4. The Falcons pressed early, then went into man coverage.

By the time Sydnie Thayer swished a jump shot at 5:50 of the second period, the Falcons were up 28-2. The score was 41-2 at the half. Thayer who played a solid floor game finished with three rebounds and a steal.

Junior Saydie Garbarini netted with a game high 16 points, 10 of those in the second quarter.

The Wolverines' only other basket came in the opening minutes of the third period. Alice Yokabaskas carried the ball up the lane by two Falcon defenders and banked the ball in off the glass. She finished with three rebounds and three steals.

Later in the period Madison Carrier entered the game for the Wolverines grabbed a rebound under the Falcon basket and passed off to Latisha Wright. Wright dribbled the ball by two defenders and very alertly passed back to Wright but her shot rolled off the rim.

With two minutes left in the period Thayer stole the ball and found Zoe Waltz open, and she passed the ball over to Brianna Orr. Orr fired from behind the three-point line and just missed the ball bouncing off the rim.

In the fourth period Thayer found herself hemmed in on the end line by Mountain Valley’s Taylor Henry. She dribbled out of the pressure, drove to the hoop for what looked like an easy layup but again the ball rolled off the rim and was grabbed by a Falcon player.

Wright made a nifty bounce pass to Destiny Jones who was open on the left side; she made a nice jump shot only to see the ball rattle around and off the rim.

In the closing minutes, the Wolverines had four other shots roll, bounce or miss the rim completely. Wiscasset took 34 shots from the floor, compared to over 50 attempts taken by the Falcons who made 46 percent.

Rylee Sevigny netted 15 for the Falcons including two threes in the first half. Her older sister Avery finished with 13 points. Mountain Valley had a good night on the foul line sinking 17 of 24 free throws.

Mountain Valley High School from Rumford entered the ballgame with a conference record of 3-0 with lopsided wins over Dirigo and Telstar and a 47-46 victory over Richmond.

As of Dec. 17, Richmond, Telstar, Dirigo and Mt. Abram like Wiscasset Middle High School are all looking for their first Mountain Valley Conference win.

After the Wolverines’ next scheduled game Wednesday at Oak Hill, a class B high school, Wiscasset's last game before the Christmas break will be at home on Friday, Dec. 21 when they’ll host Spruce Mountain, another class B school.

Midcoast Conservancy is hosting two Cross Country Ski Clinics for Adults at Hidden Valley Nature Center: Sunday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 17. Both clinics will be from 9-11 am. Anyone 15 years and older is invited to attend.

Veteran skiers and ski coaches will help boost participants’ confidence and skill on skis. Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy Maine winters, and these clinics are designed to get people skiing for the rest of the winter with a feeling of competence.

Midcoast Conservancy will have xc-ski gear to rent; instructors will help with choosing the right equipment for each person. Once everyone is outfitted for the morning, the group will head out onto the trails. Throughout the session, instruction will cover the basics of safe skiing from technique to trail etiquette. Instructors do their best to make sure that the pace of the day meets everyone’s needs and abilities.

The two-session clinic costs $30 for Midcoast Conservancy members and $35 for non-members. Fee includes day fee for HVNC and instruction from expert skiers. XC-ski equipment rentals are $20 per class. Space is limited and pre-registration is required! To sign up, go to . Participants are asked to dress in warm, active clothes appropriate for the weather, and to avoid wearing cotton in favor of wool or synthetic fabrics. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack and a warm drink. Call Midcoast Conservancy with any questions: (207) 389-5150.

Midcoast Conservancy will host its seventh annual Biathlon at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Saturday, March 2. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate! Racers can compete individually or in teams of four, and everyone is encouraged to compete in costume.

Biathlon is an Olympic sport that combines cross country skiing and target shooting. Midcoast Conservancy’s event is a twist on the classic, using paintball rifles. All rifles are provided by Midcoast Conservancy, and each racer will receive safety training on how to use the rifle. Snowshoe racers are welcome.

Races will begin about 9 a.m. and continue into early afternoon. All day long there will be bonfires, along with great food and hot chocolate from the Alna General Store. Spectators are encouraged. And biathlon fans should consider volunteering if they are not planning to race; the race volunteer crew can always use extra hands!

Race categories are based on self-selected skill levels upon pre-race check in, and there is a special category for youth racers. Awards will be given out for best costume, best team name, and for youth and high school aged participants. The biathlon will held even if there is no snow; trail running will replace skiing in that case. Postponement will be for dangerous conditions only.

Registration fees are $35 for adults, $10 for kids and students. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited and prices go up $5 per participant on Feb. 23. Day-of registrations as space allows. Anyone having questions should call Midcoast Conservancy at (207) 389-5150.

Midcoast Conservancy will offer a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Sunday, Jan. 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hikers can enjoy a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the moon and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.

Participants should meet at the gate at HVNC at 4:20 p.m. and dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. The hike guide will lead the group to shore of Little Dyer Pond to watch the moon rise over the water. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow. For more information or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/full-moon-hike-7/or call (207) 389-5150.

Wiscasset Middle High School and visiting Oak Hill entered the game with identical 1-4 records. When the final buzzer sounded Wednesday night in Stover Auditorium, the Raiders had their second Mountain Valley Conference win, 55-43.

The Wolverines were hoping to end a four-game losing streak but the team from Wales had other ideas. Oak Hills led from the opening tip-off until the final buzzer; 14-8, 28-17 and 42-26 at the period breaks.

How about this for consistency — Oak Hill scored 14 points in every period but the fourth when it netted 13. Wiscasset’s offense was consistent, too, as they scored eight points in the first period and nine in both the second and third.

The Wolverines’ offense finally came alive in the fourth period when they rallied back and outscored the Raiders 17-13.

Billy Pinkham who finished with a WMHS team high 14 points scored eight points in the game’s final eight minutes including two three-point baskets.

The big story for Wiscasset was the play of sophomore Matt Eckert who hit two threes in the final period. He finished with seven points, three rebounds and a couple of assists.

Haiden Dunning had eight points for the Wolverines including a nice hook shot from beneath the basket in the second period. He also finished the night with six rebounds.

The Raiders started the game with an 8-0 run.

With 1:24 left in the period Pinkham hit his first three making it a 10-4 ballgame.

As time was running out Josh Gabriele hit a final layup for the Wolverines cutting Oak Hill’s lead to six.

Midway through the second period Gabe Samson canned a three for Oak Hill opening up an 11-point Raider lead. Brett Osmond answered for Wiscasset hitting a three as the buzzer sounded signaling the half. Osmond then swished in a second three to start the third period making it an eight-point game, 28-20.

The Wolverines were then whistled for the first of two technical fouls at 4:36. The second came midway into the fourth period. This resulted in two starters having to sit out the remainder of the game.

Turnovers continue to plague Wiscasset. Assistant Coach Neal Goldberg said afterwards the Wolverines committed 22, with the Raiders converting 18 of them into points. The Wolverines free throw struggles continue as well. They made just three of 10 attempts from the foul line. Oak Hill made eight of 15.

Oak Hill started the season with three losses to Monmouth, Dirigo and Richmond. Their one win was against Telstar Middle High School.

WMHS’s final game before the holidays will be in Jay against Spruce Mountain High School on Dec. 20. Their first game after the break will be Jan. 3 at Boothbay Region.

Oak Hill outscored Wiscasset Middle High School in every period winning 76-11 at Wales Wednesday night.

The Raiders led 20-4, 44-6 and 62-14 at the period breaks. Leading the Wolverines were seniors Sydnie Thayer with six points and six rebounds and Alice Yokabaskas with four points and six blocked shots. Thayer also led the team in rebounding with six while freshman Latisha Wright had three.

Desirae Dumais had a game high 24 points for the Raiders; Abby Beach, 11 and Anna Nadeau nine. Eleven of 12 players scored for Oak Hill.

The WMHS team is still looking for its first Mountain Valley Conference win this season. Oak Hill is 5-0.

Wiscasset will host Spruce Mountain High School at 6:30 p.m. Friday night in the last game before the Christmas break. Bob Applebee, WMHS assistant athletic director, said there won’t be a junior varsity game.

Spruce Mountain High School dealt the Wolverine boys’ basketball team their fifth consecutive loss Thursday night, Dec. 20, at Jay. The undefeated Phoenix, always a strong competitor in the Mountain Valley Conference, held Wiscasset Middle High School to 21 points while scoring 93.

Six different Wolverines scored, although none were in double figures. Josh Gabriele and Billy Pinkham came close, each with six points. Pinkham sank two three-point baskets, one in the first quarter and one in the fourth. Gabriele’s baskets all came in the first half.

Brett Osmond canned a three pointer in the second period, his only points. The other scorers were Matt Eckert, Haiden Dunning and Matt Chapman each with two points. The Wolverines converted two of seven foul shots.

Dunning had four rebounds and Zach Brewer blocked two Phoenix shots.

The Phoenix were up 27-7 after the first period and 45-14 at the half. They held the Wolverines to just one basket (Eckert’s) in the third when they scored 31. They were 15 for 26 from the foul line.

Spruce Mountain is a consolidation of students from Jay and Livermore Falls. They are one of three class B schools on the Wolverines’ schedule; the others are Oak Hill who they recently lost to, and Lisbon who they’ll host Jan. 5.

After the holiday break, WMHS will play Boothbay Region High School on Jan. 3 at Boothbay.

There’s no quit in Wiscasset Middle High School’s girls basketball team. The Wolverines lost 78-17 to visiting Spruce Mountain High School Friday night in Stover Auditorium but they continued hustling and scrambling for the basketball right up to the final buzzer.

Coach Tom Philbrick encourages his team's members to ignore the score and just keep playing hard. They did.

The Wolverines are still looking for their first Mountain Valley Conference win having lost their first six games. Spruce Mountain’s win improved its record to 5-1.

Senior Haley Turcotte had the hot hand for the Phoenix. She lit up the scoreboard with 42 points, including 12 three-point baskets.

Turcotte netted 21 points in the first period of play when the Phoenix ran up a 35-3 lead.

Kateleen Trask tossed in a three for the Wolverines in the second period. She finished the game with nine points and six rebounds. Wiscasset’s other points were divided among Sydnie Thayer, Alice Yokabaskas, Jade Rego and Madison Carrier at two each.

Rego had a team-leading four rebounds.

Yokabaskas who aspires to be among the MVC’s leaders in shot blocking, blocked Spruce Valley’s first shot of the game. She finished with two, collected four rebounds and had a pair of steals. Wiscasset was two for five from the foul line.

At the start of the third period, Rego rebounded a missed shot under the basket, leaped and banked the ball off the glass for a score.

With 5:51 left in the game, Trask hit a nice jump shot from just inside the three-point line. In the final minute, she took the ball the length of the court and scored drawing a foul on the basket. She swished in the free throw picking up three points for her team the old fashioned way.

They were the last points for the Wolverines for 2018. The team doesn’t play again until Jan. 2 when it hosts Boothbay Region High School.

Point guards Callie Baker and Jaycee Cole combined for 28 points for the Phoenix – 18 for Baker and 10 for Cole. Spruce Mountain was six for nine on the foul line.

At the start of the game, WMHS was one of five MVC teams still looking for their first wins. Richmond and Telstar were at 0-5 and Dirigo 0-4.

As 2018 and the holidays wind to a close there are events going on to get you out of the house and enjoying the quiet time of year. First off, have to share: iHeartRADIO listed Boothbay’s Festival of Lights number ONE on its Ten Most Festive Christmas Towns in America list! Check it out at: www.iheart.com.

Get outdoors with the family hiking - or walking - one or more of the Boothbay Land Trust Preserves during daylight hours.Visit www.brlt.org.

Then from 4-9 it’s time for Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. This is the final week for this light display that draws visitors from near and far. The Gardens will be open daily through Dec. 31. Visit  https://shop.mainegardens.org for tickets.

What are you doing New Year’s Eve? Mallett Brothers fans will be heading for Port City Music Hall for an evening of dancing. Locally the Boat House Bistro will have karaoke, starting at 9:30  p.m. and dinner. For more goings on check the ads in the A&E section for details.

Coming up at the Opera House in January

Open Mic nights return the first Friday of each month. The first is Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. in the historic bar upstairs. Doors for sign-ups open at 6:30 p.m., mic opens at 7 p.m. Singers, songwriters, poets, readings – come present or come listen to your neighbors’ talents this winter. Free, but donations to support the Opera House are encouraged at the door.

Susanne Gerry, Seth Warner & the Old Souls concert on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Portland, Maine based Susanne Gerry and Seth Warner and the Old Souls will present their acclaimed complete live performance of Carole King’s 1971 record “Tapestry” tonight. The evening will open with other music of the time by this crowd- pleasing, uber-talented group of Maine musicians. Seth last appeared on stage at the Opera House as the leader of the band backing up the great Francine Reed. Please help us welcome him back to the stage this winter. Advance discounted tickets $15, regularly priced tickets $20 online and at the door.

Come Friday, Jan. 25 the Maine Songwriters live recording is from 5-6 p.m.featuring Robbie Simpson and Mike Krapovicky.  Door - and bar - open at 4:30 p.m. Free admission but donations welcome.

The Boneheads & the Holy Mackerels take the stage on Saturday, Jan. 26 for the annual midwinter gathering at 7:30 p.m. Always a hot night of music featuring Bob Colwell, Mark Stover, Steve Jones, Paul D’Allesio, Scott Elliot and Dicke “Do” on drums. Expect surprise guests as well on this night when almost anything can happen! Advance tickets $10 at the box office. Regular, online and at the door: $15.

Alice Yokabaskas was recently accepted to the United States Elite lacrosse roster and will compete in Peterborough, Canada in the 2019 U19 World Lacrosse Festival, Aug. 5-11.

Yokabaskas is the daughter of John Yokabaskas and Mary Yokabaskas. She is a senior who is homeschooled through Maine Connections Academy and resides in Wiscasset.

The U19 team consists of players from all areas of the United States and Alice is one of only 18 girls to participate on this Elite squad. The festival will take place at Trent University. The team will play against Scotland, England and Wales. The coach for the U19 U.S. Elite team will be Assumption College Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Abby Capobianco-Simone.

Midcoast Conservancy is once again offering cross-country ski programs, one for kids and one for adults at its Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. The six-session Youth Cross Country Ski Clinic, for kids ages 5-14, will start Saturday, Jan. 5 and run each Saturday morning until Feb. 9 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain skills and confidence while enjoying HVNC’s trails. Instructors use creative, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week. Unless conditions are truly awful, the clinics will not be cancelled; there is one make-up date, Feb. 16, in the event cancellation is necessary.

Cost for the ski clinic is $70 for members and $80 for non-members. Space is limited so register today at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/6-week-youth-cross-country-ski-clinic/.

The Adult Ski Clinic will be Sunday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 17, from 9-11 a.m. Anyone 15 years and older is invited to attend.

Midcoast Conservancy will have xc-ski gear to rent; instructors will help with choosing the right equipment for each person. Once everyone is outfitted for the morning, the group will head out onto the trails. Throughout the session, instruction will cover the basics of safe skiing from technique to trail etiquette. Instructors do their best to make sure that the pace of the day meets everyone’s needs and abilities.

The two-session clinic costs $30 for Midcoast Conservancy members and $35 for non-members. Fee includes day fee for HVNC and instruction from expert skiers. XC-ski equipment rentals are $20 per class. Space is limited and pre-registration is required! To sign up, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/adult-xc-ski-clinic-at-hvnc/. Participants are asked to dress in warm, active clothes appropriate for the weather, and to avoid wearing cotton in favor of wool or synthetic fabrics. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack and a warm drink. Call Midcoast Conservancy with any questions: (207) 389-5150.

Our region started 2019 with snow, rain, sun and wind. Enjoy this look taken near the holiday’s end.

The Wolverine girls didn’t have an answer for Boothbay Region’s high-powered offense when the two Mountain Valley Conference basketball rivals met Wednesday night in Stover Auditorium. The Seahawks led from the opening tip-off soaring to a 65-22 victory and extending their unbeaten streak to seven. Wiscasset Middle High School’s MVC record fell to 0-7.

The Blethen sisters, Glory and Faith, provided all the points the visitors needed. Glory netted 21 points, 19 of them coming in the first half. Faith collected 13 points in the second half and finished with 19.

The Seahawks outscored Wiscasset in every period, 11-6, 24-6,15-2 and 15-8. Faith Blethen netted the game’s first basket on Boothbay’s third possession rebounding her own missed shot and scoring.

Kateleen Trask’s basket from inside the three-point line put the Wolverines on the scoreboard. Brianna Orr’s three-point basket in the closing seconds of the first period cut the Seahawks’ lead in half, 11-3.

Zoe Waltz and Sidney Thayer hit three-point baskets for the Wolverines in the second period. Waltz’s at the six-minute mark made the score 19-9.

But Glory Blethen had the hot hand scoring 14-second period points and staking the Seahawks to a 35-12 halftime lead. With 4:20 left  in the third period Faith Blethen found Chloe Arsenault open underneath who scored opening up a 46-12 Seahawk lead. Maddy Carrier’s basket underneath for the Wolverines in the closing minutes ended a 15-0 Seahawk run. Boothbay was up 50-14 when the buzzer sounded signaling the start of the final period.

In the game’s closing minutes, Orr canned a nice jumper for the Wolverines and fellow freshman Carrier drove to the hoop for a pair of baskets.  Orr led Wiscasset with seven points, Carrier had six and Trask five for WMHS. Thayer grabbed nine rebounds. Carrier had five. Alice Yokabaskas had three blocked shots. WMHS made one of two foul shots.

Boothbay’s Chloe Arsenault had 10 points. Maddy Barter and Faith Blethen netted back-to-back three point baskets in the fourth period. Boothbay made six of 12 free throws.

The Wolverines will be at Lisbon High School in Lisbon Friday, Jan. 4 to play the Greyhounds.

Here are the results for week three. Next games will be Sunday, Jan. 6. First game starts at 4:30 p.m.

Game results and top three scorers from each team:

Game 1: Maxwell's Market (3 - 0): (81 points) Derek Jones (27 points); Josh Garneau (20 points); Logan Orr and Thomas Durrell (11 points) Ames Supply (1 - 2): (72 points) Brandon Sprague (20 points); Kyle Moore (19 points); Dale Peaslee (11 points)

Game 2: Hink’s Bait (2 - 1): (101 pts) Nick Hinkley (22 points); Ben Teel (18 points); Jubert Hinalog and Matt Hinkley (17 points) Cantrell's Seafood (1 - 2): (78 pts) Paul Greenier (28 points); Andy Cantrell (26 points); Charles Colby (12 points)

Game 3: Red's Eats (0 - 3): (46 pts) Nick Woods (24 points); Brian Swain (9 points); Julie Petrie (8 points) First National Bank (2 - 1): (84 points) Bryan James (25 points); Julian Aponte (21 points); Michael Connors (13 points)

The undefeated Boothbay Region Seahawks boys (7-0) made quick work of the now 1-6 Wiscasset Wolverines Thursday night, winning easily, 93-34, at Boothbay Region High School.

The Wolverines stayed relatively close in the first quarter, trailing by only 15, 26-11, sparked by Billy Pinkham’s two 3-pointers and one by Josh Gabriele, but the Seahawks’ defense tightened up in the second quarter, holding the visitors to only three points. Boothbay led at halftime, 51-14.  Senior co-captain Steve Reny scored 14 of his game-high 18 points in the first half.

Coach I.J. Pinkham let his starters play about half of the third quarter before clearing the bench for the rest of the game.

Sophomore Ben Pearce had a good night for the Seahawks, scoring 15 points, 13 in the first half, including a 3-pointer to open the game’s scoring. Joining Reny and Pearce in double figures were sophomore Kaleb Ames with 15 and junior Hunter Crocker with 10. Juniors Quinn Ranta, Steve Bennett and Nick Morley each scored seven points, senior Brett Hollowell had six, junior Mike Hollowell had five and junior Sullivan Rice scored three.

Junior Billy Pinkham led the Wolverines with 13 points, followed by senior Haiden Dunning with eight, senior Josh Gabriele with seven, senior Matt Chapman with four and senior Chris Loyola with two.

Boothbay is scheduled to travel to North Anson Saturday night, Jan. 5 to face Carrabec (0-7). Wiscasset will host Lisbon (4-3) Saturday night.

This story has been updated from its original posting.

Selectmen are mulling how to get a trail near the town office after one funding route didn't pan out, according to emails Jan. 3 from First Selectman Melissa Spinney.

Maine Conservation Corps prepared two proposals for the town to seek a grant with, Spinney wrote. A $62,000 proposal would not have won funding and the other, $120,000 proposal, for a wheelchair accessible trail, might have gotten 80 percent funded, she wrote.

"Selectmen said this was not an option, too expensive."

Resident Jeff Spinney suggested asking the Boy Scouts, the snowmobile club or Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum on Cross Road for volunteers on trailwork; no decisions were reached, Melissa Spinney wrote.

In other business Jan. 2, the board got a letter seeking the town's pick for this year's Spirit of America award. "Selectmen are going to give it some thought," Spinney wrote.

The board is looking at April 10 for Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 to present its proposed budget. And work continues on the new town office. The siding is done, Ralph Hilton and Chris Cooper are doing the basement, and Kyle McCormick was set to start on electrical work Jan. 7, according to Spinney.

Think you’ve got what it takes to make a basket from midcourt? You’ve got to attend a Wiscasset Middle High School basketball game for a chance to find out.

The Wolverine cheering and basketball teams have teamed up with Maxwell’s Market for a Long Shot Contest. Fans willing to invest a dollar or more in the raffle (there’s no limit) have a chance to win $100 cash if their ticket is drawn. They win, if they can toss the basketball into the hoop from midcourt.

There are three ways to win. Maxwell’s Market, a mile north of the high school on Gardiner Road, will give a small pizza if the raffle winner can make a foul shot, a large pizza for a three-pointer and $100 for making the half-court shot. The contest is held at halftime after the winning ticket is drawn.

“The great thing is you can trade up – that means if you start out by making the foul shot, you can take a crack at the three-pointer, or try your luck with a half-court shot,” said Warren Cossette, WMHS assistant principal and athletic director.

Cossette said team members take turns selling the raffle tickets. So far, no one’s won the grand prize, but the whole second half of the Mountain Valley Conference basketball season is still to be played.

The market's owners George and Samantha Humphrey, along with their son, Jory, sponsored a similar contest during the Wolverine soccer season. If a fan kicked a soccer ball into the net from midfield, they won a free Maxwell’s pizza.

“The Maxwells have been wonderful supporters of our athletic program,” added Cossette.

“At the start of the season they purchased 10 Spaulding basketballs, five each for the boys’ and girls’ teams. They’ve also offered to provide the teams with meals for their away games practically at cost,” he continued.

The Wolverines have 10 more home basketball games including four Saturday games. The WMHS boys’ varsity will host Lisbon tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2:30.

Cossette, who became assistant principle and AD this fall, said he’s very pleased with the leadership shown by assistant athletic director Bob “Radar” Applebee and basketball coaches Tom Philbrick and Jamie Jones. All were hired this year.

“They 100 percent embody the core values of our school community and athletic program. We’ve stressed that it’s not about the win/loss record – the wins will come, if not this year then next. For us it’s about instilling pride in everything we do here, teaching perseverance, patience and determination to get better. It’s a work in progress but it’s starting to come together,” he said.

The Boothbay Region Seahawks hosted the Wiscasset Wolverines in boys basketball Thursday, Jan. 3. The Seahawks won both contests; the junior varsity won 78-18 and the varsity won 93-34. Here are some photos from the games.

The Greyhounds took an early lead at Lisbon High School and went on to win 40-20 over the visiting Wolverines in Mountain Valley Conference girls’ basketball action Friday night

Five Wolverines scored, among them Zoe Waltz who netted her team’s one three-point basket. Sydnie Thayer finished with a team high six points. Waltz had five, Kateleen Trask four, Alice Yokabaskas three and Brianna Orr two for Wiscasset Middle High School.

For the Greyhounds, Kiley Merrit finished with a game high 12 points, Charlee Cox, eight and Mallory Fairbanks seven.

After spotting Lisbon a 9-3 first period lead, Wiscasset put nine points on the scoreboard in the second period. When the buzzer sounded signaling the half, the Wolverines were behind 19-12. Lisbon outscored Wiscasset 11-5 and 10-3 in the third and fourth periods.

Yokabaskas played a solid floor game for the Wolverines grabbing eight rebounds, blocking eight shots and recording five steals. Thayer had nine steals and seven rebounds. Jade Rego finished with six rebounds.

The Wolverines converted seven of 10 shots from the foul line compared to 10 of 18 for Lisbon. Friday’s win was the first for Lisbon this season, previously 0-6.

The Wolverines are winless in eight games. They’ll start the second half of the season by hosting Mt. Abram in Stover Auditorium 5 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 8. The Roadrunners are 2-6 having defeated Lisbon 46-42, and Telstar 56-48.

WMHS travels to Monmouth on Thursday, Jan. 10 returning to host Dirigo, Saturday, Jan 12. The game starts at 2:30 p.m.

Haiden Dunning played a heck of a basketball game for the Wolverines, but the Lisbon Greyhounds reigned supreme, winning 80-32 Saturday afternoon at Stover Auditorium.

Dunning, a 6’1” senior, netted a team high 17 points, nine in the first half including a three-pointer in the second period. He went four for four on the foul line and grabbed 11 rebounds, seven of those offensive side.

The Greyhounds started the game with a 23-0 run. DJ Douglas canned the first of his seven trifectas at 5:27 of the period. He had a big afternoon finishing with 26 points. Charlie Doyle’s three at 3:35 put the visitors up 18-0.

Dunning ended the drought in the closing minute of the period but not before Lisbon had run up a 23-2 lead.

The visitors went on to outscore WMHS 16-10 in the second period. Issac Burnell scored eight points for the Greyhounds. He ended the game with 14, all coming in the first half.

Wiscasset’s troubles continued into the second half. Douglas’s three at 5:05 of the third put Lisbon up 50-16. The score was 59-20 headed into the final period of play.

Josh Gabriele cut to the right and scored under the basket for Wiscasset early in the fourth period. Following a Greyhound turnover Dunning was fouled driving to the basket and hit both free throws. With 1:42 left to play Billy Pinkham got a cheer from the Wiscasset fans by hitting a trifecta.

Hunter McCausland hit a final three for Lisbon in the game’s closing seconds.

Matt Chapman and Pinkham finished the game with five points each.

The win improved Lisbon’s Mointain Valley Conference record to 4-3. WMHS's record dropped to 1-7, the one win having come against Carrabec High School in the season opener.

The Wolverines will host 2-6 Mt. Abram High School on Tuesday, Jan.8 at 6:30.

Death threats, accusations of sabotaging lines, stealing gear, and setting traps atop those already in the water, "Lobster War: The Fight Over the World’s Richest Fishing Grounds" is a film about the conflict between the United States and Canada over waters that both countries have claimed since the end of the Revolutionary War. This must-watch, award-winning feature-length documentary film (not rated), is coming to Damariscotta’s Lincoln Theater, Thursday, Jan. 17 at 2 and 7 p.m.

The U.S. and Canada have long shared the world’s longest peaceful border, but a centuries-old conflict over 277 square miles of disputed, increasingly lucrative waters, known as the Gray Zone, has sown discord and threatens to shatter the tranquility between the neighbors. These waters were traditionally fished by U.S. lobstermen until a decade ago, when the rapid warming of the Gulf of Maine and the surging value of lobster began to attract more Canadian fishermen. Both countries now allow their lobstermen to fish there, though each claim exclusive ownership of the waters.

The conflict began at the end of the Revolutionary War, when the newly independent Colonies received all islands within about 70 miles of the U.S. shore. But the 1783 Treaty of Paris excluded any island that had been part of Nova Scotia. The two sides emerged from that deal disputing only one speck of land at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy: Machias Seal Island, a treeless, 20-acre rock about 10 miles from the Maine coast and 12 miles from Grand Manan Island, which is part of New Brunswick. Both Canadian and U.S. officials insist their countries should have sole sovereignty over the area.

American and Canadian law enforcement authorities, who cooperate and speak with each other regularly as they enforce their respective laws, have worried about the potential for violence. “This is a ticking time bomb out here,” says Brian Cates of Cutler, Maine, who has been fishing the contested waters near the Bay of Fundy since he was 9 years old. “It’s just a matter of time before someone gets killed.” As a result, the Maine Marine Patrol has quadrupled the amount of time its officers patrol the Gray Zone, especially at night, when Canadian laws allow their lobstermen to fish, but Maine bans theirs from working.

Directed by David Abel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at The Boston Globe, and Andy Laub, an award-winning documentarian, the film interviews players in the industry in close proximity on both sides of the border. “Lobster War” won the 2018 award for Best New England Film at the Mystic Film Festival and was runner-up for the grand prize for Best Feature Film at the 2018 International Maritime Film Festival.

Tickets: $8/adult, $6/theater members and youth 18 and under and are available starting one hour before showtime. The theater is located at 2 Theater Street. Please visit www.lcct.org or the film’s website at lobsterwar.com for more information.

Newcastle Realty is sponsoring the cash prizes for the 2018-2019 basketball halftime shoot out at Lincoln Academy. Friday night, Ruth Prior was the lucky raffle ticket winner, and chose LA alumnus Nate Masters to shoot the ball for her.

Newcastle Realty is part of the Cheney Financial Group, which includes Cheney Insurance and Newcastle Vacation Rentals. Suzanne Strachan, of Cheney Insurance, and Kristy Battles, of Newcastle Realty, were on hand to support the Lincoln Academy team.

Cheney Financial Group associates and their families all live, work, and play in the heart of the communities they serve. By pooling their resources and employees, they fund a number of organizations through their Charitable Giving and Community Outreach Program.

The Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA and Boothbay Region (BR) YMCA have partnered with TGK Athletics to enhance their program offerings this basketball season for youth in grades K-11.

TGK Athletics has a proven track record of success in skill development in athletes who have competed at all levels, whether it be learning the basics to playing in the professional ranks. TGK prides themselves on challenging student-athletes to not only strive to achieve their goals within their respective sport but also to maximize their potential in the classroom. As former and current athletes who have competed at the highest levels, their staff understands that athletes must not only be given the physical tools to compete but also the mental skills required to be successful. Through the direction of their highly motivated staff, student-athletes receive the guidance they need to be a positive influence in society and become the leaders of tomorrow. Through TGK’s program, athletes also learn how to compete, work with others for a common goal, respect others and, most importantly, have fun.

A youth skills clinic was held on Jan. 4 at the CLC YMCA and another will be held at the BR YMCA on Jan. 11 from 6-7:30 p.m.. The clinic includes skill development in footwork, two-ball handling, athletic position, breakdown moves, inside pivot shooting, and change of direction with ball in transition, to name a few. Register at the BR YMCA at 633-2855. Cost is $10 for Members and $12 for Nonmembers.

TGK Athletics will also offer two additional programs. NBA Junior Skills Challenge will be held on Jan. 18 at the CLC YMCA and on Jan. 25 at the BR YMCA from 6-7:30 p.m.. This free event includes Junior NBA T-shirt and participation certificate with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners earning a trip to NYC to compete in the Regionals. To register, call TGK Athletics at 207-370-1598.

The Scholarship Basketball Program will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the BR YMCA on Feb. 3 and the CLC YMCA on Feb. 17. TGK is offering college scholarships for attending training sessions. For every Skill Development Scholarship Grind Lap a youth attends, they receive 1,000 Tuition Rewards Points. 1,000 tuition rewards points equal $1,000 guaranteed off college tuition. The Skill Development Scholarship Grind Lap provides players with an opportunity to learn new techniques and receive numerous repetitions throughout each progression module. Players will be timed on several skill assessments throughout the three hours. Every skill taught in the Lab is an essential skill that all competitive basketball players need to have for success during game play. Registration fee is $67. FMI, contact TGK Athletics at 207-370-1598. To register for the scholarship program or for more information on TGK Athletics, visit www.tgkatheltics.com.

For more information, contact Joe Clark at jclark@clcymca or 563-9622.

For information about any of the Y's programs or events, visit clcymca.org.

CAMDEN - Captain Rick Smith, 65, of Camden has been acquitted on charges of Seaman’s Manslaughter following a three-day trial that began January 7. 

According to attorney David Cattie, Esq. of the the St. Thomas-based Cattie Law Firm, a motion for judgement of acquittal was granted by a federal judge with the U.S. Court of the Virgin Islands on Wednesday, January 9. 

Smith owns and captains the 43-foot sailing vessel Cimarron, sailing charters out of Camden during the summer and St. John, USVI, during the winter. He makes an annual passage in October. It was during this annual passage in 2015 that the incident catalyzing the charges occurred. 

Crew member David Pontious joined the boat’s crew in Beaufort, South Carolina, after another crew member disembarked. Smith did not know Pontious; however, his family shared mutual acquaintances with Smith and the connection was made, according to court documents.

Soon after the voyage began, Pontious allegedly became increasingly ill and began acting erratically prior to threatening Smith’s crew and allegedly repeatedly attacking Smith on the night of October 25, 2015. The boat was approximately 400 miles offshore when Pontious claimed that he saw a “door” in the clouds and demanded that Smith turn the boat toward it. When Smith did not comply, Pontious jumped from the boat, according to a report compiled by US Coast Guard Lt. Jacob Hopper. 

Smith said in a late November interview that the boat was outside radio range, and that Pontious never surfaced after his jump from the vessel. It was 36 hours later when the incident was reported, and it was alleged that Smith did not make appropriate efforts to assist Pontious directly following the incident. He was indicted in July, 2018. 

Smith was arrested in November when he returned to St. John and has been on house arrest in St. Thomas awaiting trial. 

The U.S. Attorney’s office filed an opposition to the motion for judgement of acquittal, however the judge ruled in favor of the defense. 

At approximately 1 p.m. on January 9 Smith posted a single word – in all capital letters – to his personal Facebook page: FREEDOM!!!!!!!!

Jenna Lookner can be reached at jlooknercopy@gmail.com