CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ELLSWORTH LADY EAGLES!
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Bar Harbor Votes to End Sale of Flavored Tobacco
(Bar Harbor) The town of Bar Harbor is joining four other Maine towns in banning the sales of flavored tobacco products. The Town Council Tuesday night voted unanimously to end the sale of such products, effective June 1st. Councilors heard from teachers, families, and public health experts who said students are struggling with the impacts of tobacco use in the community. Bar Harbor joins Bangor, Portland, South Portland, and Brunswick in banning the sales of flavored tobacco products.
(Bar Harbor) Beginning June 1st, flavored tobacco products will no longer be sold in Bar Harbor. The Town Council Tuesday evening voted 7- nothing to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including candy, dessert, alcoholic beverages, herbs and spices. Council heard moving testimony from teachers, students, and parents who said kids are struggling with the impacts of tobacco use in the community. The June 1st date allows time to become familiar with the rules and to sell existing inventory. Bar Harbor joins four other Maine communities, including Bangor, that have already banned the sales of flavored tobacco products.
Economy
Women in Business Face Special Challenges
(Undated) Shop locally in downtown Ellsworth and you’ll find a wealth of thriving women entrepreneurs who offer everything from flowers and gifts to books and toys. Global Women’s Program Executive Pam Seagle tells Star 97.7, female entrepreneurs often face a unique set of challenges. (((WomBus 1 “…which is a real challenge.” :14))) Seagle says other challenges are often faced in the areas of training, mentoring, and networking.
(Undated) Fifty-nine percent of women entrepreneurs say they have to work harder for the same level of success as men. So Global Women’s Program Executive Pam Seagle tells Star 97.7, Bank of America formed the Women’s Marketplace. (((WomBus 2 “…and shop from them.” :18))) The organization was formed in partnership with Seneca Women, a group dedicated to raising women’s voices and increasing equity for women. Visit b of a marketplace dot Seneca women dot com to join or to learn more.
(Undated) During Women’s History Month, our focus is on the contribution of women … to history, to society, and to our economy. Global Women’s Program Executive Pam Seagle tells Star 97.7, there are many ways we can support our female entrepreneurs. (((WomBus 3 “…and supporting them.” :20)))
(Undated) The Women’s Marketplace is a first-of-its-kind online hub for consumers to find women-owned businesses to shop at and support. Global Women’s Program Executive Pam Seagle tells Star 97.7 about some of the amazing women-run businesses making a difference across the globe. (((WomBus “…by giving them a skill and a trade.” :20))) Find these and other women-run businesses at b of a marketplace dot Seneca women dot com. And of course, make sure you support our many wonderful women entrepreneurs here in coastal Maine.
Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund Relaunched
(Augusta) Help is now available for those who may have fallen behind on their bills during the pandemic. The Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund is being relaunched this month. $50 million in federal funding is available for households earning up to 150% of local area median income and that have suffered financial hardship since January 21st of 2020. To find out if you’re eligible, go to maine homeowners help dot org.
(Augusta) Help is once again available for those who may have fallen behind on their bills during the pandemic. The recently relaunched Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund will pay up to three months of future mortgage payments to ensure housing stability for those who are eligible. $50M is available for households earning up to 150% of local area median income and who have suffered financial hardship since January 21st of 2020. To learn more, go to maine homeowners help dot org.
Scallop Fishery Reaps Value in 2022
(Maine) While not the best year for the lobster fishery financially, 2022 proved to be a profitable one for others, such as the elver, menhaden, and scallop fisheries. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports the value of Maine scallops reached $8.7M, one of the highest in the history of the fishery. The prized catch made scallops the fifth most valuable fishery overall for the state last year.
2022 a Good Year for Alewives
(Maine) Alewife harvesters saw a jump in landings and value last year. Harvesters caught 3.3 million pounds of the lobster bait last year – an increase of 1.4 million pounds over 2021. The fishery earned $1.5 million dollars – an increase of $800,000 from the previous year.
Menhaden Catch Increase
(Augusta) The value of Maine’s menhaden landings last year increased by more than $1.6M over 2021, and ranked the popular lobster bait as Maine’s fourth most valuable fishery, behind lobster, elvers, and soft-shelled clams. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports a ten-fold increase in quota from 2 million to 24 million pounds will provide both menhaden and lobster harvesters much-needed certainty in their ability to harvest and source bait.
Education
Lawmakers Consider Tuition Waiver
(Augusta) State lawmakers are considering a proposal to waive half the University of Maine’s tuition for up to four years for full-time students who graduate from a Maine high school in 2024 and 25. WMTW TV reports the same waiver would be offered to students looking to finish their degree, if they’ve lived in the state for at least five years and have a year or less of courses left. A public hearing on the bill was held Monday.
(Augusta) Getting a secondary education could be less costly if a bill discussed Monday at the Statehouse is passed. WMTW reports state lawmakers are considering a proposal to waive half the University of Maine’s tuition for up to four years for full time students who graduate from a Maine high school in 2024 and 25. The same waiver would be offered to students looking to finish their degree, provided they’ve lived in the state at least five years and have a year or less of courses needed to complete their degree.
Environment
Ellsworth DSF Meeting
(Ellsworth) Some say the future of the Union River, Graham Lake and endangered Atlantic salmon is at stake when it comes to Brookfield Asset Management, which owns the dam environmentalists say is hindering salmon from migrating to the ocean to spawn. Nearly three years after the State of Maine denied a new license to Brookfield, the future of life below the waters remains up in the air.. The Union Salmon Association invites interested parties to a discussion tonight at the Moore Center at 6 p.m. to get an update on the status of Brookfield’s relicensing and what steps come next. Time for questions and discussion will follow.
Human Interest
Lady Eagles Win Class B State Championship
(Ellsworth) Order on the court – the Ellsworth Lady Eagles took command early and never looked back, winning the Class B State High School Basketball Championship last night in Portland. Ellsworth led every quarter, but a surprise fourth quarter rally from Spruce Mountain made for an exciting finish, as Ellsworth held on to win it 57-56. The State Championship was a first for the program, but not likely the last. Congratulations to a young team with a very bright future.
(Ellsworth) Horns blared and voices were hoarse as the Lady Eagles soared back into Ellsworth about 11:30 last night after clinching the Class B State High School Basketball Championship in Portland. The Eagles led 32-15 at halftime, and it looked like a runaway game, but a late rally by Spruce Mountain made it a nail biting finish, with the Ellsworth girls holding on to win it 57-56. Congratulations to the team and coaches.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Lady Eagles took command from the very beginning, soaring over Spruce Mountain and leading every quarter last night in Portland to bring home the gold ball. A late surge by Spruce Mountain made for an exciting finish to a game that at halftime was all Ellsworth at 32-15. But the Eagles held on to win it 57-56. The team made history, by earning its first regional championship in 31 years a couple of weeks ago, and it looks like with this young team, there are going to be more championships in their future.
(Ellsworth) The Lady Eagles proved they were beyond Ells-worthy, with an exciting win last night in Portland. The Eagles led every quarter, with half-time looking like a shoo-in, but a fourth quarter surge by Spruce Mountain led to a nail biting 57-56 finish, with Ellsworth bringing home the Class B State High School Basketball Championship.
Rotary Club Cabin Fever Craft/Yard Sale
(Ellsworth) The Rotary Club of Ellsworth will be having their first Annual Cabin Fever Indoor Craft and Yard Sale this month! Crafters can reserve a table for just $25 for the March 25th event, to be held at the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School from 9 to 4 that day! Seventy vendors will be at the event, and food will be available for purchase. Admission at the door is just a buck, with kids under 12 free. Proceeds will help fund Rotary scholarships and community giving. To reserve a table, email j l cushing at live dot com.
(Ellsworth) If the Rotary Club of Ellsworth is organizing it – you know it’s going to be great! This month, the Club is hosting their first Annual Cabin Fever Indoor Craft and Yard Sale at the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School! The event is scheduled for March 25th from 9-4, and will feature 70 vendors. Reserve a table for just $25 by contacting j l cushing at live dot com. And oh, yes, there will be food as well. Admission at the door is just a dollar – kids under 12 free, with proceeds helping to fund Rotary scholarships and community giving.
Women of Woodlawn
(Ellsworth) Don’t forget to check out the Woodlawn Museum’s FB page. Woodlawn is highlighting the Women of Woodlawn each day during Women’s History Month as a nod to the wives, daughters, servants and caretakers of the Black House. The archives have revealed some fascinating primary sources and facts about the incredible women who helped shape Ellsworth’s iconic piece of history.
Sports
The Ellsworth Lady Eagles brought home the gold ball last night with a 57-56 win over Spruce Mountain.
Bruins off until tomorrow when they take on the Edmonton Oilers..
The Celtics home tonight against the Portland Trailblazers.
Red Sox beat the Braves 10-2 in Spring Training. Red Sox at bat against the Yankees Thursday in Spring Training (1:05 game)