Happy Pi Day! 3.14
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MEMA, Other Agencies Coordinate for Storm Prep
(Augusta) The Maine Emergency Management Agency, partner agencies, and utility companies are coordinating preparedness efforts in advance of today’s winter storm. Motorists are reminded to please give plow trucks plenty of room on the roads, update the emergency kit in your car in case you become stranded, and if you must travel, be sure to let someone know where you’ll be traveling and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Scattered power outages are expected. If you need to find a warming center, visit the Maine Emergency Management website.
(Augusta) The Maine Emergency Management Agency, partner agencies, and utility companies are coordinating preparedness efforts in advance of today’s winter storm. They say making sure your car is in good running condition with at least half a tank of gas, check your heat sources to make sure you have plenty of wood, oil, or pellets or a generator in good working order, and if you use a heat pump, clear snow drifts away from outdoor units, but don’t worry about snow and ice accumulating on them. Heat pumps automatically defrost.
State Offices Closed Tuesday
(Augusta) All state offices are closed today due to the forecast winter storm, which is expected to cause difficult travel conditions. Governor Janet Mills is urging people to stay off the roads during the storm if possible.
Hancock Residents Charged in Domestic Incident
(Hancock) Two Hancock County residents were arrested and charged over the weekend after a domestic violence complaint. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports officers responded to a residence in Hancock just before midnight Saturday. As a result of the investigation, 39 yo Crystal Correia was arrested and charged with domestic assault. 40 yo Scott MacGown of Franklin was arrested and charged with violation of his conditions of release. Both were taken to the Hancock County Jail.
(Hancock) A domestic complaint over the weekend led to the arrests of a Hancock woman and a man from Franklin. The Hancock County Sheriff’s office reports to Star 97.7, officers responded to a residence in Hancock shortly before Midnight on Saturday. As a result of an investigation, 39 yo Crystal Correia was arrested and charged with domestic assault. Also arrested was 40 yo Scott MacGown of Franklin who is charged with violating his conditions of release. Both were taken to the Hancock County Jail.
Local Politics
Maine Lobstermen File Lawsuit
(Maine) The lobster claws are out, and lobstermen are taking the issue to court. Maine lobster industry representatives Monday filed a defamation lawsuit against the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation. The Bangor Daily News reports the suit alleges the group made false and defamatory statements about Maine lobster fishing practices that misled consumers and commercial lobster buyers. The suit is in response to MBAF’s red listing last fall by Seafood Watch, a sustainability list published by the aquarium.
(Maine) Maine lobstermen say they’re fishing for accountability. On Monday, industry representatives filed a defamation lawsuit against the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation, alleging the group made false and defamatory statements about Maine lobster fishing practices that misled consumers and commercial lobster buyers. The Bangor Daily News reports the suit is in response to Monterey Bay’s red listing last fall by Seafood Watch, a publication that rates the industry based on their perception of sustainability.
Economy
Spring Ahead Downtown Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Downtown Ellsworth merchants are ready for spring, and they want to help you get ready as well. All this week, check out the great sales and deals offered through Spring Ahead Downtown Ellsworth. The event is organized by Bliss, where you’ll find savings on sweaters, long sleeved tees and more, along with a downtown wide sidewalk sale this Saturday, March 18th.
(Ellsworth) Downtown Ellsworth merchants have the answer to your winter blues! All this week, it’s Spring Ahead Downtown Ellsworth, organized by Bliss. Look for sales, deals, and more to dig away at those shoveling blues and bring sunshine and warmth to your wallet. There’s even a downtown wide sidewalk sale coming up this Saturday! Be good to yourself – spring into Bliss today to find savings on sweaters, long sleeved tees and more!
Education
Worthington Scholarship Foundation
(Rockland) Dave and Beverly Worthington were first generation college students who never forgot the help and support they received along the way. Foundation President Julie Burgoin tells Star 97.7 that’s how and why the Worthington Scholarship Foundation was born to help Maine public high school students going to Maine colleges. (((WthSch 1 “…and extra support to get them through.” :16))) Burgoin says there are thousands of dollars available. The application window is now open through April 15th, with hundreds of scholarships available. Visit Worthington scholars dot org to learn more or to apply.
(Rockland) The application window is now open for Maine high school students who want to attend college right here in Maine. President Julie Burgoin tells Star 97.7, the Worthington Scholarship Foundation has financial help and support – and it’s not just for students who are at the top academically. (((WthSch 2 “…for A, B, and C students in that tier.” :18))) In addition, students must have an EFC of $15,000 or less. Learn more and apply by April 15th at Worthington scholars dot org. Burgoin says the application process is easy, and there are plenty of scholarships available because they’re dedicated to helping you reach your educational goals.
(Rockland) The Worthington Scholarship Foundation’s goal is to provide Maine students who want to attend college in Maine with support – both financially and with guidance. President Julie Burgoin tells Star 97.7, the financial support is quite generous. (((WthSch 3 “…to get their Bachelor’s degree.” :21))). The application window is open now through April 15th, and with thousands of dollars – and support available to help you complete your degree, make sure you check with your high school guidance counselor, or visit Worthington scholars dot org to apply.
(Rockland) When the Worthington Scholarship Foundation wanted Board Members who would be passionate and involved, they knew exactly who to ask. Tony McKim is President and CEO of First National Bank and serves on the WSF Board. He tells Star 97.7 about some of the ways the Bank supports the Foundation. (((WthSch 4 Tony “…to deliver scholarships to the kids.” :20))) If you’re a Maine public high school student who plans to attend college at one of the partner universities across Maine, the Worthington Scholarship Foundation has financial support and guidance to help you reach your educational goals. Check with your high school guidance counselor or visit Worthington scholars dot org by April 15th.
Health
Jonesport Votes to Support EMS Service
(Jonesport) The crew of Moosabec Ambulance Service has pulled people from wreckage, saved lives, comforted countless as they drove them to hospitals and responded to drug overdoses – all with a tiny but dedicated crew on a shoestring budget. At last night’s Town Meeting in Jonesport, the EMS service asked the town to approve a raise from $25 to $81 – a steep increase, but one that’s been needed for years. Not only did the 200-plus attendees approve the raise, no questions asked, they gave the dedicated crew a round of applause for their tireless service. Many of those in attendance said they’d been touched by the ambulance service at some point.
Infrastructure
Maine DEP Awards Grants for Municipal Stream Crossings
(Augusta) Towns across the state have been awarded funding to replace culverts at municipal stream crossings. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s grants include $3M from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan. Local stream crossings that will benefit include Hales Hill Road in Brooklin, Macomber Mill Road in Eastbrook, and Horseback Road in Levant.
Surry Gets Internet Upgrade
(Surry) Surry residents who don’t currently have fiber-optic internet service will soon have the option available to them through Fidium Fiber. The company says it will invest 90% of the project’s cost, with the balance covered by ARPA funds. Completion of the project will mean every home and business in Surry will have access to fiber optic internet service.
(Surry) Good news for Surry residents who don’t currently have access to fiber-optic internet services. The town says it has contracted with Fidium Fiber, making the service available to every home and business in Surry. While some areas are already covered, including Newbury Neck Road, others have been without the option. The company says it will invest 90% of the project’s cost, with the balance covered by county ARPA funds.
Human Interest
Rooster Brother Wins Chamber Top Drawer Award
(Ellsworth) Each year, the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce honors local area businesses with various awards. The most prestigious of those is the Top Drawer Award, given to an organization that signifies longevity and community spirit. This year’s Top Drawer Award will go to George and Pamela Elias, (uh LIE iss), owners of Rooster Brother in Downtown Ellsworth. The business has been a downtown Ellsworth staple for 36 years, contributing to the commerce of Ellsworth, Hancock County and the State of Maine. The Award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Awards night on June 1st.
(Ellsworth) This year’s Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Awards night is set for June 1st. And when it comes to the Top Drawer Award, the Chamber has “cooked up” the perfect honorees, George and Pamela Elias (uh LIE iss), owners of Rooster Brother in Downtown Ellsworth. The store for cooks and those who love them has been a staple in downtown Ellsworth for 36 years. The Top Drawer is the “top” award, given an organization that signifies longevity and community spirit. We think Rooster Brother has all the perfect ingredients to be worthy of the “creme de la creme” of awards.
Seals Send Off
(Bath) Marine Mammals of Maine announcing the best news to begin your week. Dexxy and Sunshine, the two gray seal pup patients rescued from Cape Elizabeth are headed home this week. The two were found underweight and struggling earlier this year, but are fattened up, have a bit more maturity, and are ready to go. The public is invited to their send off this Thursday, March 16th at Head Beach in Phippsburg. Kennel doors open at 11 a.m. sharp.
(Bath) Signed, “Sealed”, and soon to be delivered back to sea. Marine Mammals of Maine announcing Dexxy and Sunshine, two gray seal pups rescued from Cape Elizabeth earlier this year will be headed back to sea this Thursday. The pups have reportedly gained weight and maturity and are ready for a seal send off this Thursday, March 16th. The public is invited to the send off at Head Beach in Phippsburg – kennel doors open at 11 a.m. sharp. The beach is privately owned, but has been opened by the Wyman family for the event.
Gorham Native Wins Oscar
(Gorham) A Gorham native won an Oscar for visual effects Sunday night. The Portland Press Herald reports Eric Saindon was a member of a four-man team that won the Oscar for their work on Avatar: The Way of Water. A second Mainer, Todd Field, was nominated in three categories – best director, best original screenplay, and best picture, for the film “Tar’s”, but lost out in all three as “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” pretty much swept the Oscars with seven wins.
MDMR Awards
(Maine) Congratulations to Marine Patrol Specialist Evan Whidden who received the 2023 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Marine Patrol Officer of the Year Award and to Jimmy Wotton of Friendship who was awarded the Department of Marine Resources Andy Mays Award of Excellence. Great job keeping our waters safe and our boaters, fishermen and swimmers afloat.
Sports
Bruins in Chicago to take on the Blackhawks
The Blue Jays crushed the Red Sox yesterday in Spring Training 16-3. Boston at bat against the Detroit Tigers this afternoon.
The Celtics lost a close one to the Rockets 111-109. Celtics have the night off. They’ll be in Minnesota on Wednesday to take on the Timberwolves.