Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Court Denies Appeal of Northfield Man Accused of Triple Murder
(Northfield) Maine’s highest court has denied the appeal of a Northfield man serving a life sentence for killing three people in 2020. WABI-TV reports Thomas Bonfanti was found guilty last year for the fatal shootings. A fourth victim survived. Bonfanti’s attorney argued after his client invoked his fifth amendment rights, any information obtained should have been suppressed, but that an officer still questioned him. The Supreme Court ruled aside from his challenged statement, there was overwhelming evidence of Bonfanti’s guilt.
(Northfield) A Northfield man accused of killing three and wounding another in Downeast Maine in 2020 has had his appeal denied by Maine’s highest court. WABI-TV reports Thomas Bonfanti is serving a life sentence after being found guilty last year for the fatal shootings. Bonfantani’s attorney argued after his client invoked his fifth amendment rights, any information obtained should have been suppressed, but that an officer still questioned him. The Supreme Court ruled that aside from his challenged statement, there was overwhelming evidence of Bonfanti’s guilt.
Hancock Point Home Gutted by Fire Formerly Owned by Eliot Cutler’s Parents
(Hancock) The West Shore Road home on Hancock Point that was gutted by fire last week was formerly owned by Eliot Cutler’s parents. The Bangor Daily News reports records show it may currently be owned by the brother of the disgraced former candidate for Governor. The home was being rented at the time, but the renters were not on site. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating, but the cause of the blaze is not considered suspicious.
(Hancock) A home on Hancock Point that was destroyed by fire a week ago was formerly owned by Eliot Cutler’s parents. The Bangor Daily News reports the cottage at 18 West Shore Road appears to currently be owned by the brother of the disgraced former candidate for Governor and was being rented on a weekly basis. Windy conditions made battling the blaze, which completely destroyed the structure, difficult and drew firefighters from a dozen local departments who fought the smoke and flames for more than three hours.
Local Politics
Lawmakers Consider Bill to Remove Statute of Limitations for Childhood Abuse
(Augusta) Lawmakers in Augusta are considering a bill that would remove the statute of limitations for cases involving child abuse. The Portland Press Herald reports the measure would not apply retroactively. Opponents say the proposal interferes with critical safeguards for the accused. The current statute bars prosecutors from filing charges more than 6 years after a serious felony-level crime, or more than three years for misdemeanor level crimes.
(Augusta) The statute of limitations for crimes involving children and unlawful sexual contact and gross sexual assault is 20 years. But the Portland Press Herald reports prosecutors are currently barred from filing charges more than 6 years after a serious felony-level crime, more than three years for misdemeanor level crimes. Lawmakers in Augusta are considering a bill that would remove the statute of limitations for almost all cases involving child abuse. Opponents of the bill say it interferes with critical safeguards for the accused.
Social Security and US Debt Crisis
(WCNC) Sixty-six million Americans count on Social Security for all or part of their incomes, with the U.S. reportedly paying out a trillion dollars in Social Security last year … of course, from money workers paid in. What happens to that money if the government defaults? WCNC says in the case of any checks delayed due to default, beneficiaries would be compensated for shortfalls or delays once Congress resolves its stalemate. Some economists believe that wouldn’t be necessary, because the Treasury Department could use Social Security’s trust fund to make sure those checks go out as scheduled.
(WCNC) What happens to Social Security checks if the government defaults? Experts say 66 million Americans receive Social Security checks each month; for some, it’s their only income. According to a report by WCNC, the impact of delay in payments would depend in part on the calendar. Bills are paid in the order they come in. Recipients would reportedly be compensated for any delays once Congress resolves its stalemate. And the Treasury Department does have a trust fund to make sure checks go out as scheduled. Still, there’s no doubt a default would present challenges for many already struggling to pay their bills.
Economy
Local Sawmills Sold to Robbins Lumber
(Hancock) A local sawmill has been purchased by Robbins Lumber in Searsmont. The sawmill in Hancock and another in Sanford, also purchased by Robbins, were previously owned by Pleasant River Lumber Company. A Robbins spokesperson tells Star 97.7 they plan to retain all 74 employees between the two locations. The company intends to expand their brand of Eastern White Pine production, which they currently produce at mills in Searsmont and East Baldwin.
(Hancock) A Searsmont-based company has purchased the Pleasant River Lumber Company in Hancock. Robbins Lumber Company also acquired a sawmill in Sanford that was owned by Pleasant River as well. A spokesperson from Robbins tells Star 97.7 they plan to keep all 74 employees between the two locations. The company’s goal is to expand their brand of Eastern White Pine production they currently produce at mills in Searsmont and East Baldwin.
Less Camping May Be Forecast for 2023
(Undated) If you’re planning on camping Memorial Day weekend, you may find your campground less crowded than in years past. According to data from Pattern, interest in hitting the road for camping has waned considerably – perhaps due to the end of the pandemic when being far apart was the only way to vacation. Pattern bases the projection on the fact demand for camping supplies has drastically dropped over the last year. Demand for tents is down 40%, sleeping bags down 33%, and camping grills down 20%. Of course, it could just be that once you have those camping supplies, you’re good to go for many years.
(Undated) Campgrounds in Maine and New Hampshire seem to be filling up quickly, but across the country, demand for camping supplies and locations is down considerably, according to data from Pattern. They say demand for tents this Memorial Day weekend is down 40%, sleeping pads down 36% and sleeping bags down 33%. If you’re one those hard cores who still loves to rough it, Pattern says some supplies may cost you a bit more. The cost of camping cookware is up 6%, camping stove accessories up 8%, and BYOP – bring your own pillow. The cost of camping pillows is up a whopping 20%.
Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Summer Tourism Season
(Bar Harbor) This weekend kicks off the busy summer tourism season all across Maine, but nowhere, perhaps, is it more evident than in Bar Harbor. WABI-TV reports while most business owners say they’re ready for the influx of visitors, they’re still working … to find workers. Many restaurants, especially, say they rely on foreign workers through the federal H-2B visa program to staff their eateries. The worker shortage is compounded by a lack of affordable housing FOR those workers. Still, most shop owners say it’s nice to see the streets busy again with traffic from out of state, out of the country, and even from those controversial cruise ships.
(Bar Harbor) Most schools are still in session for a few more weeks, but Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff of the summer vacation season here in Maine. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in nearby Bar Harbor. WABI-TV reports most businesses say they’re looking forward to the town coming alive once again with foot traffic; but a lack of workers – compounded by a lack of affordable housing FOR those workers – is still a big struggle. Despite recent controversy, the town has already welcomed several cruise ships, and shop owners say they look forward to a busy and profitable summer season.
Education
Climate Corps Positions Available
(Ellsworth) How would you like to work in a hands-on full or part time job where you learn on the job, get paid to learn, and even have health insurance while you’re training? Downeast Community Partners is now recruiting for their July-December Climate Corps training. Participants will learn while assisting with home weatherization, do data collection and analysis, and become OSHA 10, Lead Safe, CPR and First Aid certified … all while being paid, with benefits! For more information, contact Lisa Reed at Downeast Community Partners.
(Ellsworth) Want a new job, but think you can’t afford the education or training? Learn on the job, get paid while training, and even enjoy health insurance while becoming OSHA 10, Lead Safe, and CPR and First Aid Certified. Downeast Community Partners is now recruiting for their July-December Climate Corps. You’ll learn hands-on while you assist with home weatherization, do data collection and analysis, and participate in mobile and stick-built home weatherization projects … all while being paid with benefits! Contact Lisa Reed at Downeast Community Partners.
Environment
Tips for Visiting Acadia During Memorial Day Weekend
(ANP) If you’re visiting our beautiful Pine Tree State this weekend, welcome! Acadia National Park officials have some tips to make your visit the best it can be. First, they remind you visitors over the age of 15 are required to have a park entrance pass, which can be purchased online at recreation dot gov. You can also go to that site to reserve a trip up the Cadillac Summit Road – a must for catching the sunrise. Most campsites are already reserved for the weekend, but there are many area campground facilities. And, they say if you plan to take a hike, be sure you know the difficulty of the park’s trails and choose ones that match your abilities.
(ANP) It’s great to have a beautiful weekend on tap for locals and tourists visiting our beautiful state this weekend. If you’re planning a trip to Acadia, park officials say there are some things to consider to make your visit most enjoyable. Park passes, Cadillac Summit Road passes, and campground reservations are required and available at recreation dot gov. You definitely don’t want to miss that Cadillac Mountain sunrise! Make sure you use only locally sourced firewood if you’re camping to prevent the spread of invasive pests. And if you plan to take a hike – there are all levels of trails. Rangers say make sure to choose ones that match your abilities.
Infrastructure
CAT Ferry Begins Service
(Bar Harbor) The CAT took off yesterday – the CAT ferry between Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia, that is. Bay Ferries tells Star 97.7, they will operate four days a week for the next month, and then will travel seven days a week until September 4th, when schedules again are reduced. Information on schedules, or to purchase tickets can be found at ferries dot c a .
(Bar Harbor) Bay ferries kicked off service between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on Thursday. Until June 26th, ferry service will be available four days a week. Beginning a month from today, the CAT will operate seven days a week until September 4th, when schedules are again reduced. Check out times, days, and purchase tickets at ferries dot c a
Human Interest
Cottontail Cottage Appeal
(Cherryfield) Things are looking pretty dire for the animals at Cottontail Farm Sanctuary in Cherryfield. Jenny and Matthew say so far they’ve only received 12 donations for a total of $678 towards their spring fundraiser. Spring is a critical time for getting all the rescue animals vaccinated and protected against deadly diseases. They need to raise at least $1300, and that doesn’t cover spay and neuter, other surgeries, and the constant need for upkeep and projects. If you’d like to help, you can donate at cottontail cottage dot org.
(Cherryfield) Spring is a busy time at Cottontail Farm Sanctuary in Cherryfield – but when it comes to those critical donations, Jenny and Matthew say it hasn’t been even close to busy. So far, they tell Star 97.7, they’ve only received a dozen donations, amounting to less than $700, toward getting all the rescue animals vaccinated and protected against deadly diseases. They need at least $1,300 more to cover spay and neuter, other surgeries, and upkeep on the farm. To donate to help the little ones, visit cottontail cottage dot org.
Sports
The Celtics pulled off another do or die win against the Heat last night in Boston, beating Miami 110-97. Game 6 tomorrow in Miami. Celtics now down 2 games to 3.
The Red Sox are in Phoenix tonight to open a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.