News Notes: December 17, 2023

Deputy Chief Eric Small of the Sanford Police Department (left photo) graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 288 on Dec. 7. Officer Mark McShane (right photo) is welcomed to the department by Chief Craig Andersen, in uniform on the right. Photo: Sanford Police Department

By Carolyn Cadigan

Sanford Police Department notes recent achievements: Congratulations to Deputy Chief Eric Small of the Sanford Police Department (SPD) on his graduation Dec. 7 from the FBI National Academy Session 288. The executive academy runs for 11 weeks focusing on education, physical fitness, leadership and networking. Graduates leave with contemporary police management skills and a vast networking portfolio to assist their agencies in Law Enforcement operations. FMI, go here.

Congratulations also go to Officer Mark McShane, welcomed to the SPD earlier this month. McShane, a certified officer who graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in May 2022, previously worked for the Old Orchard Beach Police Department as a reserve and full-time at the Biddeford Police Department. Ofc. McShane will complete a field training program and be assigned a shift in the Patrol Division. FMI, go here.

Update on Dec. 1 shooting in Sanford: On Dec. 11, the Sanford Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division executed an arrest warrant on Ashe “Scott” Shaffer, 29, for the charges of Felony Criminal Threatening and Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon. Detectives arrested Shaffer at Maine Medical Center upon discharge after he received medical treatment for a gunshot wound to the leg sustained in the Dec. 1 shooting at the corner of Main and Lebanon Streets. Shaffer was taken to Cumberland County Jail without incident. There are currently no pending charges for the person who shot Shaffer. FMI, go here.

Sanford man arrested on burglary charges; police searching for his accomplice: Last week, the Dover Police Department in Dover, NH charged Thomas Hendrix, 40, of Sanford with multiple counts of burglary. He was already being held at the York County Jail on an unrelated offense. The York County Sheriff’s Department charged Hendrix with the new charges as well as being a fugitive from justice. He will remain in custody at the York County Jail. However, the Dover police are still searching for Diana Bishop, 59, also of Sanford, who they suspect aided Hendrix in the burglaries. Bishop was last known to be in the Sanford or Biddeford area. She drives a white 2001 Toyota Camry with Maine license plates 1208XW. FMI, go here.

How to make the holidays purr-fect: Another Chance Animal Rescue’s new kittens for adoption will be available for viewing on Dec. 19 and ready for pick up on Dec. 23. Anyone interested in bringing home a new furry friend for the holidays can stop by the shelter at 251 Country Club Rd., Sanford to fill out an application and get pre-approved before Dec. 19. Applications are also available at their thrift shop, Another Chance Thrift Store, at 41 Main St., North Berwick. FMI, or to coordinate an application and adoption approval, text Marilyn at 207-808-9882.

Public Works holiday schedule is announced: The Sanford Public Works Department has published a notice regarding its schedule for the coming holiday weeks. The department will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1. For Christmas week (Monday, Dec. 25, through Friday, Dec. 29) and New Year’s week (Monday, Jan. 1, through Friday, Jan. 5), there will be no changes to the MSW/Recycling Curbside pickup schedule. The Transfer Station and Demo Debris Area will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 26, and on Tuesday, Jan. 2. FMI, go here.

Garbage to Garden announces holiday schedule changes for Sanford curbside composters: Since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Mondays this year, the collection schedule will be different for those weeks. The Dec. 25 collection will take place on the prior Saturday, Dec. 23. The Jan. 1 collection will take place on the prior Saturday, Dec. 30. There will be no service on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1. There are no changes to service Tuesday through Friday. FMI, contact Garbage to Garden at 207-332-0277 or by email at info@garbagetogarden.org.

New Adult Education brochure coming to a mailbox near you: Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE) has announced that its new brochure for the Winter/Spring 2024 session is complete and will be mailed out. To see the brochure, go here. FMI, go to sanfordlearns.org or call 207-490-5145.