Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Holden Police Chief Honored
(Holden) Members of law enforcement are no strangers to surprises, but Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley got a nicer than normal surprise this week. The Town of Holden held a surprise appreciation ceremony, highlighting Greeley’s accomplishments and presenting him with a Maine State Flag, special coin, and a message from state representatives. WABI-TV reports Greeley has served the Department for 19 years, and initiated several community outreach programs under his watch. Greeley said his achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of Department members and support of his community.
Game Warden of the Year Named
(Winslow) Joe McBrine of the Machias District has been named Maine Game Warden of the Year. McBrine is stationed in Bangor and patrols the Downeast region of Maine. He’s served the state for almost three decades, spending the majority of his career in the Lubec patrol. Over the last few years, McBrine has been influential in establishing a conservation law enforcement degree program at the University of Maine at Machias. He was also recognized for his work as a training officer and is the conservation law expert called upon by UMM faculty.
Officials Drop Charges Against Brother of Missing Man
(Sullivan) Officials have dropped a theft charge against the brother of a missing Sullivan man. 41 yo Anson Snowdeal hasn’t been seen since February. In May, his twin brother, Lincoln, was charged with stealing his brother’s tools. Hancock County District Attorney Matt Foster said charges were dropped after they were shown text messages from Anson asking his twin to take the tools. State Police say warrants are still out for Anson’s arrest on charges of theft and home repair fraud. They say he knew of the charges at the time he went missing.
Family Says Arrest in Baby Jane Doe Case Brings Closure
(Frenchville) In December 1985, a family’s dog found the body of a tiny frozen baby, its umbilical cord still attached, at a quarry site in Frenchville. The dog carried the infant home. That incident has haunted the family for 36 years until this week when police arrested the woman they say gave birth to the baby. Armand and Lorraine Pelletier say the case brings closure, but they still wonder about the circumstances. Both told the Bangor Daily News they would have helped the young mother and happily saved the baby’s life if she had only knocked on their door. DNA evidence helped solve the case.
Mount Desert School Board Issues Statement Calling for Action on Gun Violence
(Bar Harbor) The Mount Desert Island Regional School Board this week issued a statement expressing “grief and outrage” over the recent mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas and demanding the enactment of gun safety laws. The Mount Desert Islander quotes the statement, which was adopted unanimously, as saying, “This is a public health crisis with known effective solutions. Common sense gun safety legislation is the most effective way to prevent another Uvalde or Parkland or Sandy Hook.” The school board’s statement says 90 percent of Americans support background checks and that a majority support red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people thought to pose a threat to themselves or others.
Coast Guard Warns of Illegal Boat Excursions
(Maine) You definitely want to get out on the ocean while you’re here this summer. Advertisements for boat rentals and trips often portray glamorous, inexpensive, and exciting excursions. However, the U.S. Coast Guard warns some companies may be operating illegally, with vessels that have not received a Coast Guard inspection. They say if paying for an excursion, the operator should state they have a Coast Guard issued Merchant Mariner Credential and meet all Coast Guard requirements. Typically, a vessel that carries more than six passengers for hire on federal waterways will have a Coast Guard inspection decal and post its Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.
Police Continue Search for Missing Norridgewock Man
(Bangor) Authorities continue to search for a missing Norridgewock Man who walked away from the Dorothea Dix Center nearly two weeks ago. 37 yo Graham Lacher’s family says he was being treated for schizophrenia but is not dangerous. Lacher reportedly has an extreme fear of people and will try to avoid them. Police say if you see Lacher, whose picture we’ve posted on our FB page, it’s best not to approach or call out to him but to try to keep an eye on him and call authorities.
Bangor PD Detective to Retire
(Bangor) The Bangor Police Department Facebook page has more than 300,000 followers – that’s likely largely due to the writings of Police Lieutenant Tim Cotton, who plans to retire in July. Cotton actually began as a broadcaster and said he absolutely loves radio. But in the late 1980’s he made the move to law enforcement, starting with the Bangor Department in 1997. Then came the famous FB posts, the Duck of Justice, and visitors from all over the world. The Duck stays, and you can keep up with Lieutenant Cotton, who is also a celebrated author, through his personal FB page.
Maine Doctor’s License Reinstated
(Waterville) A Waterville doctor whose license was suspended over COVID-19 vaccine exemption letters is able to once again see patients. WMTW reports Dr. Paul Gosselin was accused of spreading misinformation and signing COVID-19 vaccine exemption letters. At a June 9th hearing, Maine’s Board of Osteopathic Licensure found concerns and imposed sanctions, including a thousand dollar fine, but ultimately reinstated the doctor’s license. Gosselin’s attorney called the situation a “witch hunt”, but said the outcome was a victory for his client.
Local Politics
Collins Joins Group Advocating for Competitive Drug Prices
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins has joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in requesting the U.S. Patent Office address an issue that substantially contributes to soaring drug prices. The Senators asked the PTO to crack down on the practice of granting multiple patents for minor variations on a single invention. The Senators say drug companies sometimes use the practice to stave off generic competition for decades.
No Marijuana Shops in Bar Harbor – For Now
(Bar Harbor) A petition which sought to allow two recreational marijuana shops in Bar Harbor failed this week. The Mount Desert Islander reports voters rejected a citizen petition aimed at opening an adult-use market in the tourist mecca. The measure was defeated by a vote of 615 to 804.
Health
Americans Saddled With Medical Debt
(Undated) A new report shows 100 million people in America are saddled with healthcare debt. A nationwide poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows in the past five years, more than half of U.S. adults report going into debt as a result of medical or dental bills. One quarter of Americans say they owe more than $5,000 in medical debt, with some reaching into the tens of thousands after premature births, cancer and other diagnoses. One in five say they don’t expect to ever pay off the debt. The United States remains the only country in the developed world without a system of universal healthcare.
Biden Weighs Steps to Protect Abortion Rights
(NYT) President Biden’s top aides are weighing whether he can or should take executive actions to help women in Republican-controlled states obtain abortions if the Supreme Court eliminates a woman’s right to choose. According to the New York Times, some of the ideas under consideration include declaring a national public health emergency, readying the Justice Department to fight any attempt by states to criminalize travel for the purpose of obtaining an abortion, and declaring Food and Drug Administration regulations granting approval to abortion medications pre-empt any state bans.
Mills Extends MaineCare Coverage for New Mothers
(Augusta) The Mills Administration will extend postpartum Medicaid healthcare coverage from 60 days after a woman gives birth to 12 months. The federal government Thursday approved the request from Maine DHHS to extend the coverage beginning August 1st. The move should improve maternal health and ensure women don’t lose access to postpartum care.
Environment
Senator King Proposes Military Role in Reducing Emissions
(AP/Portland) Maine’s independent senator has proposed the U.S. military play a role in reducing carbon emissions by converting some vehicles to electricity. Senator Angus King’s bill calls for transitioning the non-tactical fleet of the U.S. Department of Defense to electric and other zero-emission vehicle types. King said his proposal would require three quarters of non-tactical vehicles – cars, vans, and some trucks – purchased by the department to be electric or zero-emission and made in the U.S.
Residents’ Day at Maine State Parks
(Maine) Take Dad – and the entire family – to one of Maine’s State Parks this Sunday. It’s not only Father’s Day, it’s Maine Residents’ Day – a free day for all Maine residents. Visit many of the state’s 42 state parks and historical sites at no charge, including Cobscook Bay, Moose Point, Camden Hills, Lamoine State Park and many others. There are a few exceptions, including Baxter State Park and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory. For a complete list, visit the Bureau of Parks and Lands at maine dot gov.
Jackson Lab Conducts Waste Audit
(Bar Harbor) Citing the impact of waste on the environment, the Jackson Lab this week conducted a waste audit in its visitor parking lot. Staff sorted through trash collected at its Bar Harbor location and will use data collected to find ways to reduce waste in the future. A Jackson spokesperson said when it comes to preserving the environment, they want to be part of the solution. It’s the second audit conducted by the Lab in as many years.
Infrastructure
Improvements Planned for Ellsworth River Walk
(Ellsworth) The scenic riverwalk that runs behind the Ellsworth Public Library will soon be an easier walk and even wheelchair accessible. Boy Scouts originally helped clear the path, which runs along the Union River. But the path is currently a bit rough. Frenchman Bay Conservancy has partnered with Heart of Ellsworth and the Ellsworth Garden Club to improve the trail beginning the end of June. Eventually, it’s hoped the trail, which terminates near the dam, will connect to other trails and open spaces in Ellsworth.
Business/Economy
Strawberry Season
(Corinth) Berries juicy with morning dew, fresh from the field. Get pickin’! It’s strawberry season in Maine. WABI-TV reports RJ Hall’s Family Farm in East Corinth is ready, and – weather permitting – should get you three to four weeks to come pick your own. Hall’s says strawberry season usually arrives later in June but came early this year. According to the farm’s FB page, pick your own was scheduled to open at 6 a.m. this morning, weather permitting, and run until 2 today. Check out their FB page for more pickin’ dates and times – or purchase pre-picked berries based on availability.
Abbott Baby Formula Halted Due to Flooding
(Undated) Retailers have been forced to put limits on the purchase of baby formula after The Abbott Laboratories plant in Michigan that was at the center of the nation’s baby formula crisis stopped production again. Severe storms flooded areas of its Sturgis, Michigan plant. The same plant was forced to issue a recall of some of its formulas in February due to contamination issues.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Bucksport Pride Scheduled Saturday
(Bucksport) One of the area’s biggest Pride celebrations will take place tomorrow on the Bucksport Waterfront. Bucksport Pride will feature entertainment, the Darling’s Ice Cream Truck for a Cause, vendors and more. All are welcome to the event, which runs from 2 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
Corea Author Publishes Book on Stonewall Uprising
(Corea) Pride Month is a great time to release a special hardcover edition of “The Yellow Square of Stonewall”, a children’s picture book by LGBTQ Corea, Maine author and illustrator Sonny Dean. The book by the local author weaves actual historical events into the story of a yellow square struggling to belong in a world full of pink circles and blue triangles. The book, published by a small Maine publishing company, Little Lambda books, is available in many locations worldwide.
Sports
Game 6 NBA Finals – Celtics 90, Warriors 103. It’s the Warriors’ fourth NBA title in eight years.
Red Sox vs. Oakland A’s. Weekend series against St. Louis Cardinals in Boston