Crime/Drugs/Public Safety
Fire Destroys Hancock Point Home
(Hancock) Crews from a dozen departments, along with the Maine Forest Service, responded to a fire that destroyed a home on Hancock Point Friday. First responders were called to the home on West Shore Road shortly before 3 p.m. to find the structure already 50% engulfed. Strong winds coming off the water made battling the blaze extremely difficult and blew embers into the woods, threatening nearby buildings and a pair of propane tanks. The home was unoccupied, and firefighters were able to bring the flames under control without any injuries.
(Hancock) Strong ocean breezes Friday made battling a house fire on Hancock Point beyond challenging for first responders from a dozen local departments, the Maine Forest Service, and the State Fire Marshal’s office. The Hancock County RCC reported the fire shortly before 3 p.m., and crews raced to a home on West Shore Road, where they found the structure already 50% engulfed. First responders had to deal with the structure fire and blowing embers that threatened nearby woods, structures, and two propane tanks. They say no one was at home at the time of the fire, which was brought under control with no injuries.
(Hancock) There’s little left standing after a Friday afternoon fire destroyed a home on Hancock Point. More than a dozen local departments responded to the blaze, which had already destroyed 50% of the West Shore Road structure when they arrived. Smoke from the blaze could be seen from Bar Harbor, and strong winds reportedly blew embers into the nearby woods, forcing firefighters to battle residual flames that threatened nearby structures and two propane tanks. No one was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The Fire Marshal’s office will look for a cause.
Hancock County Fire Academy Graduates 11
(Hancock) A big congratulations to the graduates of the 2023 Hancock County Fire Academy. Eleven cadets earned the honor with more than 270 hours of both in-person and online training over the past 5 months as they learned the skills necessary when called upon to battle those blazes.
(Hancock) The Grand in Ellsworth welcomed the 2023 Hancock County Fire Academy this weekend for a special graduation ceremony. Eleven cadets earned the honor with more than 270 hours of both in-person and online training over the past 5 months as they learned the skills necessary to respond when fire threatens homes, businesses, or lives. Congratulations!
Officials Arrest Domestic Violence Abuser Who Hid in Blueberry Field
(Lincoln County) Officials arrested a 40 yo man last week on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, after he was found hiding in his truck in a blueberry field. WABI-TV reports AJ Peaslee was on probation for bank robbery and domestic violence incidents, with more charges pending, including robbery and kidnapping. They say he hid in the field in Windsor for several days before being apprehended.
(Lincoln County) A 40 yo man is back in custody after he was found hiding in his truck in blueberry fields off Taylor Road in Windsor last week. WABI-TV reports AJ Peaslee was on probation for bank robbery and domestic violence incidents and could face more charges, including robbery and kidnapping. They say Peaslee hid in the field for several days before he was apprehended.
Law Enforcement Family Welcomes 64 New Recruits
(Augusta) Sixty four law enforcement officers graduated from Maine’s Criminal Justice Academy last week. The new officers completed 18 weeks of basic training, with loved ones having the opportunity to pin them and welcome them into their new careers.
(Augusta) Lots of graduations across the state the past few weeks. Most recently, Maine’s Criminal Justice Academy graduated 64 new law enforcement officers. The new officers completed 18 weeks of basic training, with loved ones having the chance to pin them and welcome them into their new careers.
Local Politics
Pride Month Now Official in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) It’s official – June is now recognized as Pride Month in Ellsworth, as it is in much of the country. Ellsworth City Council last week voted 6 to 1 in favor of a proclamation drafted by Ellsworth High School students, who then followed through with the process necessary for Ellsworth to officially recognize the month. The students said the designation brings awareness and acceptance to the LGBTQ Community .
(Ellsworth) Proof that young people are making a difference – a group of students from Ellsworth High School lobbied for a rainbow crosswalk in Ellsworth and made it happen. Now, a student petition to see June designated as Pride Month in Ellsworth has also received approval. Ellsworth City Council last week voted 6-1 to recognize June as Pride Month in the city. The students say it legitimizes and brings recognition to the LGBTQ community.
Absentee Ballots Available
(Ellsworth) Absentee Ballots are available for Ellsworth’s Municipal School Budget Validation and Special Referendum Election. Ballots can be picked up at the Clerk’s Office at Ellsworth City Hall through June 26th. The Election is set for June 29th.
(Ellsworth) Need to vote absentee in Ellsworth’s Municipal School Budget Validation and Special Referendum Election? You can pick up absentee ballots now through June 26th at the City Clerk’s Office in the Ellsworth City Hall. The Election is set for June 29th.
Statewide Ban of Flavored Tobacco Products Moves Forward
(Augusta) A measure banning flavored tobacco products that has already passed in several Maine communities could soon take effect statewide. The Maine Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services recommended LD 1215 as Ought to Pass. The recommendation will now be sent to the full legislature, which is expected to vote on the bill later in this session.
(Augusta) While some say it’s an affront to personal choice, a measure banning flavored tobacco products statewide will be sent to the full legislature, which will likely vote on the bill later in this session. The Committee on Health and Human Services last week recommended LD 1215 as Ought to Pass. The bill, submitted by Democratic Senator Jill Duson of Cumberland, would end the sale of flavored tobacco products without penalizing their use or possession, thus targeting only licensed tobacco retailers.
Infrastructure
Wastewater Issue at MDI High School Downgraded
(Bar Harbor) School officials are breathing a sigh of relief to learn the wastewater crisis at MDI High School isn’t as bad as feared. The Mount Desert Islander reports the problem stems from a leak from one of the containment ponds that appeared to be allowing wastewater to seep into the woods. Turns out the real problem was a faulty water gauge that made it seem as if the leak was a massive breach. An engineering consulting firm is expected to present possible alternatives to the containment ponds at the Board of Trustees meeting this evening.
(Bar Harbor) Whoever figured out the issue of wastewater at MDI High School should get an A-plus for saving the district thousands. The Mount Desert Islander reports there appeared to be a possible large leak in one of the wastewater containment ponds that allowed the water to seep into nearby woods. While there is a small leak, the real problem turned out to be a faulty water gauge. Engineers are expected to present alternatives to the containment ponds at tonight’s meeting of the school’s Board of Trustees.
Driver Shortage Limits Island Explorer Summer Bus Service
(Bar Harbor) A shortage of drivers will once again limit Island Explorer bus routes and schedules. The Mount Desert Islander reports the bus system had hoped to hire up to 120 drivers, but expects to begin the season with just 75. Downeast Transportation Executive Director Paul Murphy says there will be service in all towns on the island, but some routes will be consolidated and there will be fewer trips.
(Bar Harbor) The Island Explorer is a fare-free bus system that serves Acadia National Park and surrounding communities during the summer and fall. And while the Mount Desert Islander reports all towns will be served this year, some routes will be consolidated and there will be fewer trips, with just about every area feeling the effects. Like last year, the company is facing a shortage of drivers. The Island Explorer system had hoped to begin the year with 120 drivers, but so far have only been able to secure 75.
Human Interest
Comfort Cases Looking for Supplies
(Hancock) It’s time to refill those Comfort Cases – brand new backpacks filled with new items to help foster children in Maine transition to those unfamiliar new homes. Coordinator Lesley Robinson reports to Star 97.7 they are in need of pajamas, especially sizes 6-12. They can also use books for all ages, coloring books, crayons, travel size toiletries, and pens and pencils. You can drop supplies at Alberta’s Hair Designs in Ellsworth or right here at our station, 409 High Street.
(Hancock) While a new foster home may be a safer place, the change can be scary, especially for young children. Enter Comfort Cases – brand new backpacks filled with items to make the transition a more comforting experience. Big thanks to the Ellsworth Moose Lodge who provides the backpacks, and now Maine Coordinator Lesley Robinson needs our help to fill them. Comfort Cases can use a variety of items. We’ve posted a list of needs on our Star 97.7 FB page. You can drop any donations at Alberta’s Hair Designs in Ellsworth or right here at Star 97.7, 409 High Street.
Environment
Ellsworth Presented With Tree City USA Award
(Ellsworth) The city of Ellsworth is one of 20 towns throughout the state that earned Tree City USA designation for its tree conservation efforts. It’s the second year Ellsworth has received the designation. The Awards were presented as part of Arbor Week. Green Ellsworth, The Ellsworth Garden Club and others are working to restore the City’s once beautiful tree canopy by, so far, planting more than a hundred young trees at a tree nursery at the Jordan Homestead Preserve.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth once again was awarded Tree City USA status last week in Augusta. It’s the second year for the designation, with Ellsworth among 20 cities throughout the state to be named for tree conservation efforts. Green Ellsworth, The Ellsworth Garden Club and others are working to restore the City’s once beautiful tree canopy by, so far, planting more than a hundred young trees at a nursery at the Jordan Homestead Preserve.
Sports
After winning their first two games against the Padres in San Diego, the Red Sox were shut out yesterday 7-zip. Red Sox remain on the West Coast tonight to take on the Angels.The Celtics now O and 3 in Round 3 of the NBA playoffs against the Heat after Sunday’s 128-102 loss. Game 4 tomorrow night in Miami. Kyle Larson takes home a cool million in a third NASCAR All-Star race win.