Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Bar Harbor Man Sentenced in Domestic Violence Case
(Ellsworth) A Bar Harbor man was sentenced in court in Ellsworth yesterday to two years in jail for a domestic violence incident that occurred in Orland in 2018. WABI-TV reports 59 yo Thomas Alley was previously found guilty on six charges, including aggravated assault and criminal restraint with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from an incident in which prosecutors say Alley assaulted and strangled his wife during an argument over their pending divorce to the point she lost consciousness.
(Ellsworth) A 59 yo Bar Harbor man was in court in Ellsworth yesterday to receive his sentence for a domestic violence incident that happened in Orland in 2018. WABI-TV reports Thomas Alley had gone to his wife’s home and was arguing with her about their pending divorce when he allegedly strangled her to the point she lost consciousness. Alley then reportedly forced her upstairs at gunpoint, holding her captive for hours. In a plea agreement, the state dropped kidnapping and other charges in his 15 count indictment. Alley was sentenced to two years in jail on charges including aggravated assault and criminal restraint with a dangerous weapon.
Body Recovered
(Waldoboro) The Maine Marine patrol has recovered the body of a man from the shore of the Medomak River. The man’s identity is being withheld until family has been notified. The body was recovered near Dutch Neck Road after a witness reported a 12-foot skiff carrying three individuals sank at approximately 4:00 p.m. Wednesday. Marine Patrol along with Waldoboro Fire and Police Departments and EMS responded and began a search. The body was located and recovered at approximately 5:00 p.m. and has been transported to the Office of Medical Examiner.
(Waldoboro) Authorities in Waldoboro have recovered the body of an apparent drowning victim on the shore of the Medomak River. The Maine Marine patrol says a witness reported a 12-foot skiff carrying three people sank about 4 p.m. last evening. The body was recovered near Dutch Neck Road around 5 p.m. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of relatives.
Ellsworth Hopes to Reduce Response Times with Purchase of New Ambulance
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth plans to purchase a new ambulance, though Fire Chief Scott Guillerault says it does not intend to create a full-fledged ambulance service. The Bangor Daily News reports the number of emergency medical calls in Ellsworth has been on the rise, and when Northern Light – which provides ambulance service to Ellsworth – has been busy, city emergency responders have had to wait for an ambulance from a nearby community in order to respond. Guillerault said he hopes to have the ambulance licensed and operable by the end of June.
(Ellsworth) Several years ago, the City of Ellsworth was faced with a decision of whether to have its own ambulance service or rely on an outside service. They settled on Northern Light to provide EMS services. But Fire Chief Scott Guillerault tells the Bangor Daily News the number of emergency calls in Ellsworth has been on the rise; and when Northern Light has been busy, city emergency responders have had to wait for an ambulance from a nearby community in order to respond. To manage the problem, the city has decided to buy an ambulance to help people receive treatment faster if Northern Light is tied up on other calls. Guillerault said he hopes to have the ambulance licensed and operable before the height of tourist season in June.
American Red Cross to Install Free Fire Alarms
(Camden) The American Red Cross of Northern New England has responded to 78 home fires across Maine so far this year. They say once a fire starts, you have as little as two minutes to escape before it’s too late. That’s why the Red Cross, local fire departments, and community partners will be installing 150 free smoke alarms this Saturday, April 1st in at-risk communities. The Sound the Alarm event has installed at least 17,000 free smoke alarms in homes across Maine since the event began in 2014. Contact the American Red Cross to see if the program is available in your community.
Economy
Non Profit Buys Inn to Help Ease ANP Workforce Housing Shortage
(SW Harbor) Non-profit Friends of Acadia has purchased the Kingsleigh Inn on Main Street in SW Harbor to help ease the housing crunch faced by a seasonal workforce at the park. The Bangor Daily News reports the inn will house 10 seasonal employees. A lack of affordable housing has been a major factor in attracting summer help to the island.
(SW Harbor) Friends of Acadia has purchased the Kingsleigh Inn in SW Harbor to help ease the housing shortage faced by seasonal workers at Acadia National Park. The Bangor Daily News reports the non-profit paid $1.275M for the inn, which will house ten seasonal park employees. A lack of affordable housing has been a major drawback in attracting summer help to the island.
Ellsworth Chamber Names New Executive Director
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has named Jacqueline Ewing as its new Executive Director. Ewing brings a diverse background in both the business and non-profit sectors, most recently serving as the Director of the Women, Infant & Children Program of Hancock and Washington Counties. Ewing officially steps into the Chamber role on Monday, April 3rd.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has named a new Executive Director. Jacqueline Ewing brings a diverse background in both the business and non-profit sectors, most recently serving as the Director of the Women, Infant & Children Program of Hancock and Washington Counties. Ewing officially assumes the new role on April 3rd.
Big Moose Mountain Improvements
(Greenville) As the ski season winds down, a Greenville nonprofit is gearing up to make improvements at Big Moose Mountain in Greenville. The Bangor Daily News reports Friends of the Mountain has maintained the area since 2012 and has pledged to use $200,000 to improve the ski area. A spokesperson said funds would be used to improve the parking area, reclaim trails on the upper mountain, and to overhaul the resort’s only operating chairlift.
(Greenville) Once the snows melt, a nonprofit that has maintained the Big Moose Mountain in Greenville will “spring” into action making improvements to the ski area. The Bangor Daily News reports Friends of the Mountain has pledged $200,000 to make improvements to ensure future growth. More than 10,000 visitors have come through this winter – more than expected, according to a spokesperson. Funds will reportedly be used to improve the parking area, upgrade the snowmaking pump, for maintenance and repairs on the lodge, and to overhaul the resort’s only operating chairlift.
Education
Bangor Church Sues Over Requirements for Public Funding
(Bangor) Crosspoint Baptist Church in Bangor this week filed a lawsuit against Maine’s Commissioner of Education and members of the Maine Human Rights Commission. The Bangor Daily News reports the church’s affiliated schools won a case before the US Supreme Court in June that lifted a ban on public funding for religious schools. But the law requires schools that take tuition from towns without high schools to accept students and hire employees who are LGBTQ. Crosspoint argues the stipulation violates the U.S. Constitution.
(Bangor) Crosspoint Baptist Church in Bangor is suing Maine’s Commissioner of Education and members of the Human Rights Commission over a requirement that schools that accept public funding must accept students and hire employees who are LGBTQ. The Bangor Daily News reports the church’s affiliated schools last year won a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that lifted a ban on public funding for religious schools. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey said religious schools that do not want to abide by the Maine Human Rights Commission should not seek public funding.
Worthington Scholars
(Rockland) Graduating high school seniors are no doubt making plans for college, and the Worthington Scholarship Foundation wants you to know there is money – and support – available. President Julie Bourgoin tells Star 97.7, the first step is to meet with your high school guidance counselor. (((Scholarship 1 “…before the April 15th deadline.” :10))) Bourgoin says they have hundreds of scholarships available for those who qualify. Those attending partnering four year colleges in Maine receive $17,000 over four years, and scholarships are available for two year colleges as well.
(Rockland) If you’re a public high school student in Maine who’s getting ready to graduate, don’t miss an opportunity to apply for monies through the Worthington Scholarship Foundation. President Julie Burgoin tells Star 97.7 News, the scholarships are available to 20 colleges in Maine, and the application process is simple and doesn’t require a lot of time. (((Scholarship 2 “…students apply for the Worthington Scholarship.” :15))) The deadline to apply is April 15th, and Burgoin says you don’t have to be top in your class to be eligible.
(Rockland) Dave and Beverly Worthington were first generation college students who saw firsthand the financial and other challenges that prevented some students from realizing their college dreams. Worthington Scholarship Foundation President Julie Burgoin tells Star 97.7, scholarships are available based on low and middle income need and multiple levels of GPA. (((Scholarship 3 “…to receive our scholarship over four years.” :22))) Burgoin says the application process is simple. Contact your high school guidance counselor to learn more. Deadline to apply is April 15th.
(Rockland) Financial aid is critical for today’s college students. But college is a unique experience, and support is often needed in other areas as well. President Julie Burgoin tells Star 97.7, that’s one are where the Worthington Scholarship Foundation stands out. (((Scholarship 4 “…and get them to graduation.”))) Hundreds of scholarships are available to Maine public high school students with an EFC of $15,000 or less. Deadline to apply is April 15th. Check with your high school guidance counselor, or visit Worthington scholars dot org.
Environment
State Files Lawsuits Against PFAS Manufacturers
(Augusta) Attorney General Aaron Frey Wednesday filed two lawsuits against manufacturers of “PFAS” and PFAS-containing products. The complaints allege manufacturers DuPont and 3M, among others, have known for decades that PFAS pose serious risks to human health and the environment, but instead promoted their PFAS products as safe and appropriate for widespread use in Maine. The suits allege the defendant manufacturers knew of the science of PFAS toxicity decades ago but concealed that information from the public and continued to manufacture, sell and profit from their products containing those chemicals.
(Augusta) The state of Maine has filed two lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS and PFAS-containing products. The complaints allege DuPont, 3M, and others have known of serious risks posed by the chemicals for decades but continued to promote the products as safe and appropriate for widespread use in Maine. The suits also allege the manufacturers knew of the products’ toxicity decades ago but concealed that information from the public while they continued to manufacture and profit from the sale of such goods.
More Moose Calves Surviving Tick Infestations
(Maine) Last year, tick infestations decimated the moose population in northern Maine. It was the deadliest year on record for collared moose calves. But this year is yielding some promising, if surprisingly different results. Of the 70 moose calves captured and collared in Wildlife Management District 4 in January, only two have died. Moose biologist Lee Kantar told the Bangor Daily News he’s cautiously optimistic, but stressed April is usually the “time of death” for tick-infested calves.
(Maine) Survival rates for tick infested moose calves are up dramatically this year, according to a study by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. While last year’s population was decimated by tick infestations, of the 70 moose calves captured and collared in Wildlife Management District 4 in January, only two have died. Biologists tell the Bangor Daily News they are cautiously optimistic but warn April is usually the “time of death” for tick-infested calves.
Sports
It’s Opening Day for Major League Baseball. The Red Sox at Fenway today to go to bat against the Orioles. The Bruins are home tonight as well – they’ll take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden. And the Celtics in Milwaukee to shoot hoops with the Bucks.