Central Maine News: Sept 3, 2015

These are some of the stories central Maine is talking about today.

The school board in Skowhegan is looking into allegations that a high school employee posted a photo on Facebook of an image offensive to a number of Native Americans. According to WCSH, the screen shot shows image depicting a brownish orange cloth with the words "SCALP TOWEL" written across it. The school board is investigating. (WCSH)

A Knox woman was recognized as “Female Farmer of the Year” by a local agricultural organization. Penny Stevens and her husband Jeff own Windgate Farm. They’ve been dairy farmers for nearly 30 years. Penny was presented the award at the annual meeting of Waldo County’s UMaine Cooperative Extension Program. Along with the award, Penny also received $5000 from Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville. (WABI)

In the 2014-2015 school year, bomb threats forced evacuations and closings of dozens of schools in communities. Now, some state leaders are pushing for tougher laws to crack down on threats this year. According to WGME, some of the cases, including Cony High School, no one has been caught yet. Even if they had, Kennebec County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney says if the perpetrators were students, they'd likely get a suspension; the equivalent of slap on the wrist. She feels the goal for students caught making bomb threats is not to lock them up, but to get them the help they need.  Either way, she says it's time to take these crimes seriously. (WGME)

Police are looking for whoever shot a dog multiple times and apparently left it to die in Sabattus. According to WGME there is an active investigation after the 12-year-old Yorkie was found dead. Police say the dog named Wilson disappeared Saturday . He was found the next day and was reportedly shot three times. If you have any information, please call Sabattus police. (WGME)

The 67-year-old wheelchair-bound man who shot an alleged intruder accused of trying to steal his prescription painkillers has been told by his landlord he cannot have a firearm in his apartment. Harvey Lembo said Tuesday afternoon after he received a letter from the company that manages the Park Place Apartments in Rockland explaining its policy against guns. Lembo said he should have the right to have a gun to protect himself but has agreed to comply. The Rockland resident, who had been robbed befor, purchased the gun only hours before the break in. The management company for the apartment complex is conducting its own investigation into what happened Monday and at how to improve the safety of residents. (WGME)

A graphic Facebook page is posting nude pictures of Maine students. Local and state investigators are trying to figure out who's behind it. Nude pictures are being posted of underage girls with their names attached. Oakland police say students told them about the page Tuesday afternoon. Because there are so many victims spread across the entire state, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit is taking the lead on the investigation. Facebook has taken down two pages so far. Police are working to get search warrants. Investigators say the person(s) responsible will face child pornography charges and possibly extortion and threatening. Police say if you're a victim or have any information about the case, please tell someone at school or contact your local law enforcement.  (WGME/centralmaine.com)

Police have ended their blockade of a train station in Budapest, Hungary, allowing migrants to flood into the station. However, there are no trains running to Western Europe. The rail company says the trains have been halted for security reasons. Police shut down the terminal to migrants earlier this week, preventing those with valid tickets but no travel documents from boarding trains to Austria and Germany, the preferred destination of many migrants. An estimated 3,000 people have been camping outside the station. (AP)

Malaysia's maritime agency says a wooden boat carrying about 100 migrants heading to Indonesia has capsized off the country's western coast. An agency official says 12 people have been rescued, and several bodies have been recovered. He says the boat capsized in bad sea conditions not far from the coast and that rescue operations are ongoing. (AP)

Donald Trump has been hinting that he may be ready to rule out a third-party bid for the White House, should he fail to win the Republican nomination. Trump has been leading the GOP field in recent polls. Multiple campaigns are confirming that the Republican National Committee has asked every GOP candidate to sign a pledge not to undertake a third-party bid under any circumstances. (AP)

The Iran nuclear deal is now on track to get through Congress. In the Senate, Democratic supporters can claim a decisive 34 votes in favor after Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland declared she will vote for the pact. That will allow backers to uphold President Barack Obama's veto, if the Senate passes a resolution of disapproval that being backed by Republicans. (AP)

The Turkish Embassy in Thailand is casting doubt on reports that its nationals were involved in the Aug. 17 bombing of a Bangkok landmark that killed 20 people. A statement posted on the embassy's website says it has not received official notification from Thai authorities concerning arrest warrants issued for three persons believed to Turkish nationals. The Turkish connection has boosted a theory the suspects may be part of a group seeking to avenge Thailand's forced repatriation of ethnic Uighurs to China in July. (AP)