News

Couple Plans to Place ‘Ghost Bike’ Memorial for Dead Son

Couple Plans to Place ‘Ghost Bike’ Memorial for Dead Son

Photo: clipart.com


POLAND, Maine (AP)   A Maine couple is installing a “ghost bike” memorial at the site where their son was killed by a drunken driver 20 years ago.

Bob Barton says he learned about ghost bike memorials online, and says he thinks this will be the first monument of its kind in the state of Maine. The Sun-Journal reports Bob and Suzanne Barton will place the memorial and a plaque next week to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 16-year-old Ethan Barton’s death.

The Barton couple will place the white-painted bike at the site where Ethan was killed in Poland.

In 1998, Ethan was struck and killed by Gale Chapman, whose blood alcohol level was measured at three times the legal limit. Chapman served 18 months in prison and later killed herself in 2015.

Latest Headlines

19 hours ago in Local

A House Fire in a South Portland Leaves Occupant Homeless

Fire Crews responded to the house fire on Cole Street, Friday night. The Red Cross is currently helping with providing temporary lodging for the displaced occupant.

19 hours ago in Local

A Fatal Fire in Readfield, Claims a Life of a Woman

75-year-old Carolyn Wentworth was found dead hours after the fire was extinguished. Her husband, 74-year-old Jerrold Wentworth, was resecured by neighbors and is currently in serious condition at the Maine General Medical Center in Augusta.

2 days ago in Local

Driver cited after rear-ending MTA maintenance vehicle in Cumberland

A maintenance worker with the Maine Turnpike Authority suffered minor injuries when their truck was rear-ended in Cumberland Friday morning.

2 days ago in Local

Maine medical examiner says Milford toddler died of hypothermia

State officials say a toddler who was found unresponsive in Milford a few days after Christmas died of hypothermia.

2 days ago in National, Trending

US employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 jobs last month, rebounding from a weak February

American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February. And the unemployment...