Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine Mother Who Triggered Amber Alert Arrested
(Topsham) The Maine mother who triggered the statewide Amber Alert on March 19th has been found and arrested. WMTW reports Danielle Dyer, who reportedly has a history of drug use, allegedly took her 11 year old daughter from a supervised visit with her foster providers, setting off the alert. The girl was later dropped at a Lewiston apartment where she was found safe. Dyer is charged with criminal restraint by a parent. The alert was only the fifth issued since the system went into effect in Maine.
(Topsham) A Maine mother who allegedly took her 11 year old daughter from a supervised visit with her foster providers, setting off a statewide Amber Alert, has been found and arrested. WMTW reports Danielle Dyer, who reportedly has a history of drug use, later dropped the girl at a Lewiston apartment where she was found safe; but authorities were unable to locate Dyer. Dyer is charged with criminal restraint by a parent. The alert was only the fifth one issued since the system went into effect in Maine.
Maine Courts Face Five Year Backlog
(Bangor) It may take another five years before state courts begin to address their backlog of cases. The Bangor Daily News reports studies from the National Center of State Courts recommends approximately 10 new judicial officers be hired to keep pace with cases being filled. A spokesperson for Governor Janet Mills says she plans to include four judge positions in a budget change package, but experts say more judges, clerks, marshals, and technology are needed to operate effectively.
(Bangor) Maine courts may not begin to address a backlog of cases until at least 2028. That’s the finding of a study by the National Center of State Courts and others, who say the state needs to hire approximately 10 new judicial officers to keep pace with cases being filed. The Bangor Daily News reports the Mills Administration plans to include four judge positions in a budget change package, but experts say more judges, clerks, marshals, and technology are needed to operate effectively.
Local Politics
Chipotle to Pay Maine Workers
(Augusta) Chipotle has agreed to pay $240,000 as part of a settlement for illegally closing its Augusta location to shut down a fledgling union. The National Labor Relations Board found the company violated the law when it closed the Augusta store after workers went public with their plans to form a union.
(Augusta) Former Chipotle workers in Augusta will receive between $5,800 and $21,000 as part of a settlement between the company and the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB found Chipotle violated the NLRB Act when it shut down the Augusta location to crush workers’ plans to unionize. Under the settlement, the company will pay a total of $240,000.
Flags at Half Staff to Honor Nashville Shooting Victims
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills yesterday directed US and State of Maine flags to immediately be lowered to half-staff statewide through Friday, March 31st to honor the victims of Monday’s school shooting in Nashville. A 28 yo woman shot her way into the Christian school and murdered three children and three adults before being taken down by law enforcement.
(Augusta) US and State flags throughout Maine will fly at half mast through this Friday to honor the victims of yet another school shooting – this time at a K-6 Christian school in Nashville on Monday. A 28 yo woman shot her way into the Christian school and murdered three children and three adults before being taken down by law enforcement.
2024 Elections Could See a Number of Republicans Take on Jared Golden
(Augusta) Democrat Jared Golden could face a number of Republican contenders vying for a chance to unseat him in 2024. The Bangor Daily News reports the potential field includes two runners up from the 2022 primary season and at least one sitting lawmaker. Possible contenders include Caratunk selectperson Liz Caruso, State Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn, and former Maine Senate candidate Robert Cross of Dedham.
(Augusta) Several Republicans are being eyed for a potential 2024 run to unseat Democratic Congressman Jared Golden. The Bangor Daily News reports Caratunk selectperson Liz Caruso, State Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn, and former Maine Senate candidate Robert Cross of Dedham have indicated they could throw their hats into the ring or have been asked about running for the Congressman’s seat.
Economy
New Car Wash Opens in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Just in time for mud season, Ellsworth’s new car wash is now open on Deane and High Streets. The car wash has two bays and offers multiple levels of washes. Acadia Car Wash will be open daily from 7 to 9.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth now has a new place to get your car nice and shiny. The Acadia Car Wash on Deane and High is open daily from 7 to 9. The car wash offers two bays and multiple levels of wash. You can also purchase a book of multiple washes for savings on keeping that vehicle free of salt, sand, and grime.
Itty Bitty Diner Will Not Reopen
(Hancock) Fans of the Itty Bitty Diner on Route One in Hancock will be disappointed to know the diner will not reopen this year. A FB post said there were many reasons for the decision, but none the owner wanted to discuss in an open forum; although like many restaurants, staffing has been an issue in the past.
(Hancock) The Itty Bitty Diner on Route One in Hancock was a breakfast and lunch favorite for many who will be saddened to know the diner won’t be reopening this year. The announcement came yesterday on the restaurant’s FB page. According to the post, there were many reasons for the decision, although none were specified. The diner was housed in a building shared by No Frills Oil.
Lost Kitchen Dinner Now $250 Apiece
(Freedom) Better check your credit card limit before you head to The Lost Kitchen in Freedom. The Bangor Daily News reports the cost of dinner at the famed restaurant jumped to $250 a person this year – up from about $68 when the eatery opened in 2014. And that doesn’t include tax, tips, or drinks. Proprietor Erin French does promise a five-hour multi-course dinner … if you can get a reservation. Postcards asking for reservations will be pulled randomly beginning April 1st, and prospective diners will be called to make a reservation. Like winning the lottery – only you have to pay.
(Freedom) It’s billed as a five hour dining experience, and thousands apply by postcard each year for a chance to dine at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom. The Bangor Daily News reports the lottery-style random drawing of postcards begins this Saturday, and the lucky diners will be called to make a reservation. But before you accept, be prepared to pay $250 per person, and that doesn’t include tax, tips, or drinks. Come hungry, though – proprietor Erin French says the 5-1/2 hour experience comes with many, many courses.
New Entrance Fees at Acadia National Park
(Bar Harbor) Beginning Saturday, visitors to Acadia National Park will pay a higher fee. A seven day pass for most vehicles will be $35, motorcycles $30, and pedestrians and cyclists $20. Visitors can still buy an annual park pass – that will run you $70.
(Bar Harbor) Park fees for entrance to Acadia National Park will be just a bit steeper, beginning this Saturday. A seven day pass for most vehicles will be $35, motorcycles $30, and pedestrians and cyclists $20. Visitors can still buy an annual park pass – that will run you $70.
Education
Ellsworth School Board Approves Early Education Collaboration
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth School Board has approved the academic calendar for the 2023-24 school year and has also accepted a ten-month collaboration with the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children. The Ellsworth American reports the collaborative study will help combat the lack of coordinated services in the early learning area. The most significant change to the school calendar is the addition of student vacation days, including the entire week of Thanksgiving. The first two days of the week will be used for professional development for staff.
(Ellsworth) Many young students who enter school aren’t ready socially, emotionally or academically, and the Ellsworth School Board hopes to serve those children in a more cohesive way through a ten-month collaboration with the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children. The Ellsworth American reports the collaboration was approved at the recent Board meeting, along with next year’s school calendar, which includes additional student vacation days. Those include the entire week of Thanksgiving and a half day on December 22nd to aid in holiday travel plans.
Versant Planetarium April Offerings
(Orono) Satellites are connecting … and protecting … the world over. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium, tells Star 97.7 about April’s satellite program that will educate and entertain all ages. (((Versant 1 “…fun program for the entire family.” :15))) Find a complete schedule of events at the planetarium at astro dot umaine dot e d u.
(Orono) Sundays are made for the whole family at the Versant Power Planetarium on the University of Maine campus in Orono. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, April is all about the four seasons and the Fab Four. (((Versant 2 “…set to a variety of visuals.” :24))) For tickets and events happening at the planetarium, including daily events planned for the kids over April break, visit astro dot umaine dot e d u.
(Orono) This is the final weekend to catch “Silent Sky” at the Versant Power Planetarium in Orono! The play tells the story of Henrietta Leavitt – a groundbreaking astronomer of the early 1900’s who isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, the play details how she truly reached for the stars. (((Versant 3 “…this Sunday, April 2nd.” :15))) Details at astro dot umaine dot e d u.
(Orono) April promises crocuses and hyacinths bursting up from the earth and planets and a meteor shower bursting forth across the sky. (((Versant 4 “…meteor shower, the 16th through the 30th.” :18))) That was Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium, who tells Star 97.7, the Lyrids should peak around April 22nd and 23rd, and could put on a show of 18-20 meteors per hour.
Sports
Celtics lose to the Wizards 130-111 Celtics in Milwaukee Thursday to take on the Bucks.
Bruins lose to the Predators 2-1. The Bruins host the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday.
The Braves beat the Red Sox yesterday 7-5 in the last game of Spring Training. Red Sox regular season kicks off with a game against the Orioles at Fenway on Thursday.