Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Attorney Suspended from Practicing in Maine
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth attorney has been suspended from practicing law in Maine. The Portland Press Herald reports Scott Fenstermaker, who was charged with assault and trespassing last fall, can no longer take any new clients and must surrender all his existing clients and their files to another attorney. Fenstermaker was charged for an incident at a towing lot in Addison but said he was just trying to help a client retrieve her car. Fenstermaker called the ruling a political act.
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth attorney has been told by a court he can no longer practice law in Maine. The Portland Press Herald reports Scott Fenstermaker was charged with assault and trespassing in connection with an incident last September at a towing lot in Addison. He claims he was just attempting to help a client retrieve her car. Fenstermaker called the ruling a political act and reportedly said it was designed to prevent him from exposing illegal conduct within the Maine State government.
Bangor TSA Officers Stop Passenger with Loaded Gun
(Bangor) TSA officers in Bangor say they stopped a passenger from carrying a loaded firearm onto a plane Monday. WABI-TV reports the gun was reportedly found in the carry-on bag of a 57 yo man at Bangor International Airport. Police responded and found the loaded .360 along with six rounds. The man claimed he forgot the firearm was in his bag. He was escorted back to his vehicle to secure the firearm. Officials say it was the second firearm detected by BIA security this year.
(Bangor) A 57 yo passenger who attempted to carry a loaded firearm onto a plane at Bangor International Airport was stopped by TSA agents on Monday. WABI-TV reports agents found a loaded .360 in the man’s carry-on bag. Police were called, and the passenger was escorted back to his vehicle to secure the firearm. He told authorities he forgot the firearm was in his bag. Officials say it was the second firearm detected by BIA security this year.
Local Politics
Columbia Falls Residents Approve Moratorium
(Columbia Falls) Residents of Columbia Falls this week temporarily shut down consideration of a proposal to build a 1500 foot flagpole and surrounding park. The Bangor Daily News reports the vote was 63-17 in favor of a 180-day moratorium on large building projects, giving the town time to develop and adopt building standards for the proposed Flagpole of Freedom Park, a veterans-themed park that would spread over miles of currently forested land. The development could have a dramatic impact on the Downeast landscape and rural culture.
(Columbia Falls) By a 63-17 vote, residents of tiny Columbia Falls this week temporarily halted consideration of a proposal to build a billion dollar veterans-themed park. The Bangor Daily News reports the Flagpole of Freedom Park would boast the world’s tallest flagpole and spread over miles of currently forested land. The developers, the family behind Wreaths Across America, say the project would bring jobs to the area. But residents fear it would also have a dramatic impact on the Downeast landscape and rural culture. The 180-day moratorium on large building projects will give the town time to develop and adopt building standards.
Ellsworth Plans to Expand Branch Lake Public Forest
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth could triple the size of its public forest on Branch Lake. The Bangor Daily News reports the town is looking to acquire a 285-acre lot off Bangor Road that separates the public forest fronting Branch Lake from another large city-owned parcel a half mile north off of Phillips Way. The cost of the land is reportedly priced well below value and would be purchased, at least in part, by grants. Only Councilor Steve O’Halloran voted against the purchase.
(Ellsworth) Branch Lake serves as the City of Ellsworth’s water supply and also provides a resource for recreational activities. Now, the City is looking to triple the size of its public forest land surrounding the lake. The Bangor Daily News reports the town is looking to acquire a 285-acre lot off Bangor Road that separates the public forest, which fronts the lake, from another large city-owned parcel a half mile north off of Phillips Way. The asking price of $185,000 is significantly below the actual value, according to City Planner Matthew Williams. The city would coordinate with Frenchman Bay Conservancy to apply for grant funding for the purchase. Only Councilor Steve O’Halloran voted against the purchase.
MDIHS Funding Request Denied
(Ellsworth) The Hancock County Commissioners this week voted unanimously to reject a funding request to replace the septic system at Mount Desert Island High School. The Ellsworth American reports the request was for nearly $3M from American Rescue Plan Act funds. Commission Chair Paul Paradis said there are many schools in the county and the need should first be discussed at the municipal level.
(Ellsworth) A request for a septic system project for Mount Desert Island High School was unanimously rejected this week by the Hancock County Commissioners. The project sought to secure nearly $3M from American Rescue Plan Act funds. The Ellsworth American reports the committee said their responsibility was to the county as a whole and if they started funding school repair projects, ARPA funds would quickly be depleted.
Economy
American Aquafarms Faces Liens on Gouldsboro Properties
(Gouldsboro) After the state terminated lease applications for American Aquafarms’ two 60-acre sites in Frenchman Bay, the project was seen as a loss. But the Ellsworth American reports the Norwegian-based company still owes money in Maine and owns property in Prospect Harbor. In January, a lien was attached to the company by a Maine court, amounting to around $76 million dollars. A spokesperson for American Aquafarms said the money is on hold while the company undergoes a restructuring, but said once that was completed, they would square up with outstanding payments.
Thirsty Whale Sold
(Bar Harbor) Whale watchers have sighted new owners of a popular eatery in Bar Harbor. The Mount Desert Islander reports The Thirsty Whale has been purchased by entrepreneur Mike Rosa, who says he’s been coming to popular Cottage Street eatery for decades and doesn’t plan to change a thing, except for possibly being open year round. He plans to open the Whale in April and says most of last year’s staff will be back to serve patrons.
(Bar Harbor) Patrons of one of Bar Harbor’s most popular eateries are looking forward to its reopening this year. The Mount Desert Islander reports The Thirsty Whale has been on the market for 13 months and is now under the ownership of entrepreneur Mike Rosa. Rosa said he’s been coming to the popular Cottage Street eatery for years, loves everything about it and doesn’t plan to change a thing … except for perhaps being open during the winter. The Whale will be spouting off its delicious menu once again beginning in April.
Local Banks Partner with Heart of Ellsworth to Provide 2023 Grants
(Ellsworth) Six local banks this year partnered with Heart of Ellsworth to provide downtown area businesses with thousand dollar mini grants. Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7 how the grant program came about. (((Grants 1 “…increased our number of applicants each year.” :22))) Romano says the number of applicants has actually doubled each of the three years, with 11 area businesses benefitting in 2023.
(Ellsworth) The 2023 Heart of Ellsworth Downtown Grant Program has grown all three years of its existence, with local banks providing mini grants for everything from improving building facades to adding a new product line. Star 97.7 asked Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano what kinds of projects were funded in 2023. (((Grants 2 “…to interface with community members.” :17))). Romano says another business wanted to launch events such as live music in their outside area. We’ve posted the names of the 2023 grant recipients on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Ellsworth) An upgrade to a façade or interior, renovation or inclusion of an event space for live music, an interactive downtown workshop – all projects funded through the 2023 Heart of Ellsworth Grant Program. Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7 about the success of this year’s third year of the program and plans for the future. (((Grants 3 “…to the folks who do the lending.” :18))) Speaking of those generous lenders, this year’s supporters included Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, First National Bank, Franklin Savings Bank, Bangor Federal Credit Union, Machias Savings Bank, and Camden National Bank.
(Ellsworth) The Heart of Ellsworth Downtown Grant Program was started during the pandemic to help businesses weather the stress of COVID-19. Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, now in its third year, the program continues to grow, doubling in the number of applicants each year, with 11 local businesses benefitting in 2023. Romano says it wouldn’t be possible without the help of our local banks. (((Grants 4 “…and Bar Harbor Bank and Trust.” :09))) We’ve posted a list of 2023 grant recipients on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Human Interest
Online Bidding on Tax Acquired Property in Ellsworth Ends Soon
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth is taking bids on a Tax Acquired Property at 16 Fifth Street; but if you’re interested, you have less than a week left to place your bid. Information on the 1936 ranch style home can be found on the City of Ellsworth FB page. The house has four rooms, including a living room with fireplace, full basement, and detached garage with a workshop area. Place your online bid by 1 p.m. on March 29th.
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth is taking bids on a Tax Acquired Property at 16 Fifth Street. The house has four rooms, including two bedrooms and a bath, a full basement, deck, and one car garage and workshop. Online bids only can be submitted through a link on the City of Ellsworth FB page. Bidding closes at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29th.
Rotary Club Cabin Fever Yard Sale
(Ellsworth) Don’t forget this weekend is the big Rotary Club of Ellsworth’s Cabin Fever Yard Sale. More than 70 vendors are expected, with tables full of bargains and food to provide sustenance as you shop. The event is from 9 to 2 this Saturday at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School, and admission is just a dollar.
(Ellsworth) Here’s your chance to shop for good Saturday – it’s the Ellsworth Rotary Club’s Cabin Fever Yard Sale! You’ll find tons of bargains and food and drinks for sale to keep you going as you fill your bags. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s charities. The event is this Saturday, March 25th, from 9 until 2 at the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School, and the cost to get in is just a dollar.
Sports
Celtics have another night off – they’ll be home against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
The Bruins take on the Canadiens tonight in Boston.
Tough game last night for the Red Sox – they were shut out by the Twins 11-zip. Red Sox at bat against the Pirates again this afternoon. (vs. Braves Friday at 6:05)