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Sunrise Herald is the early morning news update feature at
pressherald.com. It is updated at 6, 7, 8 and 9 on weekdays.
Welcome to the Sunrise Herald with Giselle Goodman, the place to go to get the news from overnight and onward...
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IN THE WEATHER:
Who is ready for some apple picking? Although the apples aren't really ready yet, today would be the perfect day to go get them if they were. It will be just lovely! Warmer than yesterday, a little less breezy, with a high pressure pumping in lots of clear, dry air. Temperatures in the mid to upper 70s.
From Bill in Rockland: Fifty-four degrees this morning at 5 a.m. and clear overhead. Some high, wispy clouds are moving off to the east propelled by a light westerly breeze; nothing behind them. Very pleasant so far.
From Mark in Brunswick: Sunny skies once again, but they mask what is a rather cool morning here in Brunswick with 52 degrees and a still wind.
ON THE ROAD:
• Cleaning and repair of catch basins on the Mason Street on-ramp and from Mill Street to the route 196 on-ramp. This will require a lane closure.
• Paving the Route 196 on-ramp to Route 1 north. This will require the ramp to be closed to all traffic. Detour signs will direct traffic to Route 1 North via Route 24 in Topsham and Brunswick.
• ON THE MAINE TURNPIKE: AT THE I-295 EXIT Interchange bridge work is going full tilt, with a southbound lane closure planned for 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Please respect the 35 mph work zone speed limit.
ON THE OCEAN:
High tides in Portland: 8:36 a.m. and 8:52 p.m. Low tide: 2:30 p.m.
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THE NEWEST NEWS:
AUGUSTA (AP) -- Present and former leaders of the Maine Legislature are pledging their support for Barack Obama, who will become the Democrats' nominee for president this week.
Senate President Beth Edmonds (D-Freeport) and House Speaker Glenn Cummings (D-Portland) were joined Tuesday in their endorsements by 13 former House and Senate presiding officers. Edmonds is a former Hillary Rodham Clinton supporter.
The endorsements come as Democrats try to bring the Obama and Clinton factions together before the end of the Democratic National Convention.
The other former leaders who are uniting behind Obama include Mike Michaud, Maine's 2nd District congressman who formerly supported John Edwards.
Meanwhile, Maine Republican Party Chair Mark Ellis released a statement saying Obama's not ready to lead.
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WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded grants totaling $2,238,477 to institutions throughout Maine.
The funding is allocated as follows:
• $300,000 to the Penobscot Nation- This Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program funding will be used to address crime issues related to alcohol and substance abuse within the Penobscot Nation.
• $1,727,000 to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services- As part of the VOCA Victim Assistance Formula program, these funds will enhance crime victim services in Maine.
• $52,656 to the City of Portland- As part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice (JAG) Grant Program, these funds will help the Portland Police Department acquire a mobile video camera system for installation in police cars.
• $10,703 to Penobscot County- These Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program funds will be used to conduct on-going monthly mandatory training for all special response team members, including crisis negotiations, riot control, and tactical entry.
• $149,118 to the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe- This Tribal Courts Assistance Program grant will help the tribe develop, implement, and enhance a justice system. This includes the purchasing of an automated case management system and wireless internet services.
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AUGUSTA -- Maine State Police and the Maine Beverage Company will announce today a "stepped-up" TV ad campaign to promote responsible drinking.
Using actual footage of drunk-driving arrests in Maine by state troopers, the ads are produced by Maine Beverage Company and encourage the use of designated drivers. Videographers will be riding in state police cruisers over the Labor Day weekend to begin taping a new series of ads.
The news conference will be held at 11 a.m. at the Gambling Control Board conference room at the Department of Public Safety.
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OF NOTE TODAY:
THE MAINE WARDEN SERVICE HOLDS ITS ANNUAL MEETING TODAY and will also present the "Warden of the Year" award and other service acknowledgments.
The meeting begins at 10 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Winslow, 175 Veteran Drive.
The meeting will be a review of the past year and will focus on the coming year for the warden service.
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THE GOOD NEWS:
CARRABASSETT VALLEY (AP) A plan to build 12 overnight shelters and 180 miles of trails from Bethel to Greenwood is getting a major boost with a $1 million donation.
Businessman Clem Begin and his wife Rolande are donating $1 million to Maine Huts and Trails. Ground was broken nearly a year ago for the first wilderness lodge on the planned system of huts and trails for cross-country skiers, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts.
The Begins also gave $520,000 to Carrabassett Valley Academy for its new campus, $170,000 to the Carrabassett Valley Public Library and Community Center and $60,000 to the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club. The donations were announced Saturday.
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