Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MWS Seeks Information on Illegally Killed Deer
(Ashland) The Maine Warden Service is asking the public’s help in determining who killed four deer illegally near the Aroostook County town of Ashland. A total of seven dead deer were found in the area of Sheridan Road in mid-February. A preliminary investigation confirmed four had been shot – it’s undetermined at this time how the other three died. All were left to waste. Maine Operation Game Thief is offering a $4,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest of the person or persons responsible.
(Ashland) Seven deer were likely killed illegally and left to waste in Aroostook County in February, and the Maine Warden Service is asking the public’s help in finding the killer or killers. Authorities were called to the Sheridan Road area of Ashville in Aroostook County, where they found the bodies. Four were confirmed shot; it’s uncertain how the others died. Maine Operation Game Thief is offering a $4,000 reward to information that leads to an arrest of the person or persons responsible.
Prospect Man Who Escape Fire at His Home Dies in Blaze at Friend’s House
(Verona Island) A man who escaped a March 14th fire that destroyed his house in Prospect died Wednesday when the house where he was staying went up in flames. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports 68 yo Terrance Leach’s home on Route One in Prospect likely caught fire as he was smoking while using a home oxygen tank. Leach then went to stay with a friend at 322 East Side Road on Verona Island. Firefighters were called to put out flames at that location shortly before 7 pm. Wednesday. Three people were home at the time of that fire. The homeowner and another person were able to escape safely, but Leach did not survive. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
(Verona Island) A man from Prospect who escaped a blaze that destroyed his Route One home on Tuesday died in another house fire the following day. Public Information officer Shannon Moss reports 68 yo Terrance Leach was smoking while using a home oxygen tank, which likely led to the fire that destroyed his home on March 14th. Leach then went to stay with friends at 322 East Side Road on Verona Island. Firefighters were called to put out flames at that residence shortly before 7 pm. Wednesday. Three people were home at the time of that fire, including Leach who was there as a guest. The homeowner and another person were able to escape safely, but Leach did not survive. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
Flags at Half Staff to Honor Late Holden Police Chief
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills has directed US and State of Maine flags be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset today in honor of late Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. at the Anah Shrine Building in Bangor and live streamed on several media outlets.
(Augusta) Flags will fly at half mast today in honor of the late Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley, who passed away last week. Governor Mills called Greeley a dedicated public servant, a wonderful colleague, and above all a good friend, whose tireless work to make Maine a better place will be felt for generations to come. Greeley’s funeral will be held at 2 p.m. this afternoon at the Anah Shrine Building in Bangor and will be live streamed on several media outlets.
Local Politics
Comment Period Open in Right to Repair
(Augusta) A public comment period is currently open on the wording of a question known as Right to Repair that will appear on the November ballot. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows reports Right to Repair is an automotive act aiming to allow vehicle owners and independent repair shops to access on-board diagnostic systems in vehicles and to require manufacturers to standardize such systems. Interested persons can use the comment submission form at maine dot gov, email, mail, or drop off written comments at the Secretary of State’s office.
Ellsworth City Council Meets
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth City Council will be meeting this Monday, March 20th, beginning at 6 p.m. Ellsworth residents are encouraged to attend either in person or via livestream on FB. Dates for final budget workshops for Public Safety, Public Works, the Library, and the Ellsworth School Department will be among items announced as part of the City Manager’s report.
Winter Harbor Legislator Co-sponsors Sovereign Rights Legislation
(Augusta) A Winter Harbor legislator is co-sponsoring legislation that would give Maine sovereign rights over up to 12 miles of waters off the state’s coastline. The Courier-Gazette reports current jurisdiction is defined as from the marginal sea – the division of the ocean partially enclosed by islands – to its outmost limits. Republican Billy Bob FAULKINGHAM’s legislation would give the state jurisdiction over territorial waters for 12 miles and would include the airspace above it and the seabed beneath it, giving the state power to make laws and exercise power without interference.
(Augusta) Winter Harbor legislator Billy Bob FAULKINGHAM is co-sponsoring legislation that would give Maine sovereign jurisdiction over offshore waters up to 12 miles off the coastline. The proposed legislation would give the state jurisdiction over such territorial waters and would include the airspace above it and the seabed beneath, giving the state power to make laws and exercise power without interference.
King Introduces COAST Act to Protect Maine Shoreline from Offshore Drilling
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King has introduced the bipartisan Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism, or COAST, Anti-Drilling Act to ban offshore oil and gas drilling in Maine waters. The bill would permanently prohibit the U.S. Department of the Interior from issuing leases for the exploration, development, or production of oil and gas all along the east coast. King noted the health of the Atlantic is critical to the success of Maine communities that depend on the sea for a living.
(Washington, DC) Noting the health of the Atlantic is critical to the success of Maine communities, Senator Angus King has introduced bipartisan legislation to protect the Atlantic from the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas in Maine waters, as well as other waters bordering the east coast. The Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism, or COAST, Anti-Drilling Act would permanently prohibit the Department of the Interior from issuing leases for oil and gas production along the Atlantic Coast.
Economy
NYT Article Recognizes Downeast Outreach Organizations
(Maine) The New York Times recently mentioned three amazing Downeast organizations in an article about the high cost of heating homes here in New England. Among those credited with providing relief to those in need are Downeast Community Partners in Ellsworth, which oversees LIHEAP funds, Hancock County Sheriff’s Charities heating funds, and the THAW program, the Downeast Wood Bank – a group of volunteers who provide a third of a cord of wood for emergency needs for those on the Blue Hill Peninsula, and the Waldo County Woodshed, also run by volunteers and providing firewood to those in need. All three noted a marked increase in the need for home heating assistance this year.
(Maine) Well deserved kudos to Mainers helping Mainers in the March 11th edition of the New York Times. Among those credited with providing heating relief are Downeast Community Partners in Ellsworth, which oversees LIHEAP and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Charities heating funds and the THAW program, the Downeast Wood Bank – a group of volunteers that provides a third of a cord of wood for emergency needs for those living on the Blue Hill Peninsula, and the Waldo County Woodshed, also run by volunteers and providing free firewood to those in need. Many groups have seen up to a 40% increase in requests for heating help this winter.
Maine Receive Final Federal LIHEAP Funding
(Augusta) Maine has received an additional nearly 5 million dollars for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program known as LIHEAP. The funds represent the remainder of LIHEAP funds secured by Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Jared Golden in the 2023 government funding bill signed into law in December.
(Augusta) Maine has received nearly $54 million dollars this winter through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program known as LIHEAP. The final nearly $5 million dollars was released to the state this week. LIHEAP funds are administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies such as Downeast Community Partners.
Craft Brewers turn to Fruit, Other Unique Ingredients to Stand Out
(Ellsworth) Maine’s 136 craft brewers contributed more than $260 million dollars to the state in 2020 and employ nearly 2,400 people. The Bangor Daily News reports while a crowded market has discouraged the opening of new breweries, existing breweries are finding creative ways to stand out, including embracing trends like fruit-flavored beers which have come back in style. Fogtown Brewery in Ellsworth and Bar Harbor is one that stands out – using locally-foraged ingredients such as berries, sweet fern, spruce tips, bog myrtle, and they say – whatever else they can dream up.
(Ellsworth) A local brewery is one of many that has found ways to stand out among the state’s crowded field of 136 craft brewers. While some are experimenting with a return to once-popular fruit flavors, Fogtown Brewery in Ellsworth and Bar Harbor uses locally-foraged ingredients such as berries, sweet fern, spruce tips, bog myrtle, and they say – whatever else they can dream up. The Bangor Daily News reports breweries contributed more than $260 million dollars to the state’s economy in 2020 and employ nearly 2400 people statewide.
Businesses Receive 2023 Downtown Ellsworth Grants
(Ellsworth) Several Downtown Ellsworth businesses have been awarded $1,000 grants to support new initiatives, update facades, or attend relevant workshops. The awards are part of the Heart of Ellsworth 2023 Downtown Grant Program and are made possible with help from six local banks. Among those receiving awards are Fogtown Brewing Company, Union River Book & Toy, and Vixen Hollow Arts.
(Ellsworth) Union River Book &Toy, Fogtown Brewing Company, and Vixen Hollow Arts are among businesses awarded grants as part of Heart of Ellsworth’s 2023 Downtown Grant program. The program is made possible with the help of six local banks. Mini grants of $1,000 each were awarded for start-up or expansion projects to help local entrepreneurs and support economic opportunities.
Education
EHS Posting Banner Year for Championships
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth High School is having quite the year! The Cheerleaders are State Championship and Sportsmanship Award winners, the Girls’ Basketball team won the Class B State Championship, Girls’ Swimming and Diving women are 2023 State Runners up – the best finish ever by an EHS girls’ swim and dive team. The Math Team took home a third place trophy for the Downeast League Season. And now they can add One Act Downeast Regional Class B Champs, with special commendation for an Outstanding Tech Crew and an All Festival Cast. The acting troupe will now compete in the Class B State Championship hosted by EHS on March 24th and 25th. Congratulations!
Human Interest
Transit Driver Appreciation
(Bangor) Saturday is National Transit Driver Appreciation Day, a time to celebrate the public service provided by vehicle operators who make public transportation possible. In Bangor this afternoon, the City and Transportation for All are hosting a Transit Driver Appreciation event in Pickering Square, next to 25 Water Street. The event takes place at Noon. The public is invited to attend.
Ellsworth Public Library Survey
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library wants to hear from you to help shape the future of the library. You’ll find a link to a survey on the Ellsworth Public Library FB page. It takes just about two minutes to complete.
Downeast Community Partners Looks to Add to Staff
(Ellsworth) When it comes to community action programs, you won’t find a more diverse outreach than Downeast Community Partners in Ellsworth. DCP programs help with everything from winter heating to adult daycare to transportation and more. They’re currently looking to expand their Early Care and Education Team. If you are looking to make a positive impact in children’s lives, visit downeast community partners dot org to learn more.
(Ellsworth) When it comes to community outreach, few if any have longer reach than Downeast Community Partners. Their programs provide transportation, Christmas gifts, adult day care, winter heating help and more. You can become part of their incredible Early Care and Education Team. DCP is looking to grow the team with people who want to make a positive impact in the lives of children. To learn more, visit downeast community partners dot org.
Sports
The Bruins shut out the Jets last night 3-zip. Bruins in Minnesota tomorrow afternoon to take on the Wild. Celtics on the court in Portland tonight to shoot hoops with the Trailblazers. The Red Sox run the bases with the Braves this afternoon in Spring Training.