Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Officer Involved Shooting
(Rangeley) An officer involved shooting Wednesday resulted in the death of a man wanted for violation of bail conditions. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, 28 yo Shay McKenna was seen carrying a firearm he was prohibited from possessing after he was accused of killing his brother in Rumford. McKenna also failed to show for a court date earlier this week. That led to an investigation, with detectives locating McKenna in Rangeley Plantation. A Maine State Police Crisis Negotiation Team advised McKenna he was under arrest. McKenna then reportedly exited a van in which he was hiding with a rifle and a ballistic vest, got into a confrontation with and was shot by Trooper Jeffrey Parks. McKenna died at the scene. Parks is on Administrative Leave per standard protocol.
(Rangeley) A man is dead following an officer involved shooting Wednesday. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, 28 yo Shay McKenna was wanted on violation of bail conditions after he was seen carrying a firearm he was prohibited from possessing. McKenna is also accused of killing his brother, 23 yo Drew, at a home in Rumford last December and reportedly failed to show for a court date earlier this week. Authorities located McKenna hiding with a ballistic vest and a rifle in a van in Rangeley Plantation. A Maine State Police Crisis Negotiation Team was called in and advised McKenna he was under arrest. McKenna reportedly then exited the van and confronted Trooper Jeffrey Parks who shot the suspect. McKenna died at the scene. Parks is on Administrative Leave per standard protocol.
Hurricane Lee
(NWS) The National Weather Service has dropped the Hurricane Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning for Hancock and Washington Counties, southern and central Penobscot County. Hurricane Watch still in effect for coastal Lubec and Eastport. The greatest threat remains along coastal Downeast, with impacts from Lee expected to begin late Friday night into Saturday. The storm has caused many closures and cancellations, so if you have plans, especially on Saturday, check social media or call ahead.
(NWS) Much of the listening area now under a tropical storm warning Saturday and Saturday night. The National Weather Service has issued a relatively rare Coastal Flood Warning for coastal Hancock and Washington Counties. Forecast calls for 20 to 25 foot seas, which could push rocks onto roads at Saturday’s high tide at Noon, in areas such as Seawall Road and on the Schoodic Peninsula and may be enough to bring water and rocks up on the Deer Isle Causeway, as well as minor flooding in vulnerable locations such as Machias and Stonington.
(NWS) The National Weather Service has downgraded much of the area to a Tropical Storm Warning. However, the entire area should still expect winds strong enough to bring down trees, especially with the ground saturated from all the rain. They say everyone in eastern and northern Maine should plan for power outages. The heaviest rain from the storm is expected Downeast. NWS cautions people to not underestimate the power of water and they say never drive around barriers blocking a flooded road, especially since the road could have collapsed under that water.
(NWS) If you have plans for Saturday especially, call ahead. The forecast for Hurricane Lee has caused many closures and cancellations. Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for Hancock and Washington Counties, along with southern and central Penobscot County. Winds could gust up to 50 or more mph, causing downed trees and power outages, and the National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for areas along the coast, especially toward high tide at Noon on Saturday.
Economy
Loaves & Fishes Fill the Grand Act II
(Ellsworth) Today’s the day! Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is asking the community to help fill every seat in the historic Grand Theatre with bags of food or funds to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Hancock County. It’s Fill the Grand – Act II. Volunteers will be on hand from 11 to 7. Drop off food or monetary donations – each seat is just $25, and the goal is to raise $10,000. You can also support the Grand by purchasing concessions. Donate online at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org. And if you haven’t been to the new pantry, stop by during open hours and see the good your donations are making possible.
(Ellsworth) Since opening the doors of the new pantry at 137 Downeast Highway in October 2022, Loaves and Fishes has registered more than 1500 families, fed more than 25,000 individuals, and distributed close to a million pounds of food, personal hygiene products, and pet food to families in need throughout Hancock County. They need your help to continue to provide for those facing food insecurity. Join us at The Grand in Ellsworth between 11 and 7 today for Fill the Grand – Act II. Just $25 fills a seat in the Grand, with a goal of filling every seat and raising $10,000 to continue to help those in need. Donate online at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org. And if you haven’t been to the new pantry, stop by during open hours and see the good your donations are making possible.
Healthy Acadia Recruiting AmeriCorps VISTA Members
(Ellsworth) Interested in a job helping to stem food insecurity? Healthy Acadia is partnering with Hunger Free America to recruit two, year-round AmeriCorps VISTA members to increase access to healthy food for people living in Downeast Maine. Beginning in late October, recruits will help build connections between local farms and food assistance programs, develop community gardens, organize food drives and fundraisers and more. One person will be located in Ellsworth and the other in Machias. Resume and cover letter due by October 9th. Learn more at healthy acadia dot org.
(Ellsworth) A bi-weekly living allowance, health benefits, personal and sick leave, and a chance to defer student loans while in service. Those are just some of the perks of working with Hunger Free America to increase access to healthy food for people living in Downeast Maine. Healthy Acadia is working with HFA to recruit two, year-round AmeriCorps VISTA members to help build connections between local farms and food assistance programs, develop community gardens, organize food drives and fundraisers and more. One person will be located in Ellsworth, the other in Machias. Resume and cover letter due by October 9th. Learn more at healthy acadia dot org.
Health
Maine Medical Association Calls for Healthcare System Overhaul
(Maine) The Maine Medical Association this week strongly endorsed a policy statement calling for universal healthcare insurance coverage. The Maine Monitor reports it’s only the fifth state medical association to do so. Members decried the fact thousands in Maine go without primary and specialist care or forgo hospital stays for fear of bankruptcy. The statement calls for immediate action to create a system that provides access to healthcare for all, contains costs, eliminates disparities, and ensures a robust public health system.
(Maine) The United States is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not provide universal health care. This week, The Maine Medical Association strongly endorsed a policy statement calling for universal healthcare insurance coverage. The Maine Monitor reports Maine’s is just the fifth state medical association to do so. MMA members say it’s unconscionable not all Americans have access to primary and specialized care and/or hospital stays without fear of bankruptcy. The statement calls for immediate action to create a system that provides access to healthcare for all, contains costs, eliminates disparities, and ensures a robust public health system.
Environment
Wild Atlantic Salmon Make Comeback
(Bangor) The last wild Atlantic salmon that return to U.S. rivers have had their most productive year in more than a decade, raising hopes they may be weathering ecological threats. WABI-TV reports officials counted more than 1,500 salmon in the Penobscot River, home to the country’s largest run of Atlantic salmon. Maine state data shows that’s the most since 2011 when researchers counted about 2,900.
(Bangor) Wild Atlantic salmon may be making a comeback in U.S. rivers. WABI-TV reports salmon were once abundant in American rivers; but overfishing, loss of habitat and other factors reduced populations to just a handful of rivers in Maine. The fish are protected by the Endangered Species Act, as only a few hundred now return from the ocean to the rivers in a year. Officials recently counted more than 1,500 salmon in the Penobscot River, home to the country’s largest run of Atlantic salmon – the most since 2011 when the count was about 2,900.
Deer Spies Wanted
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is looking to recruit some spies – deer spies, that is. Volunteers are needed across the state to help with the annual Deer Spy program of whitetail deer management. All you have to do between now and September 30th, is note the location, date and time, number of does, bucks and/or fawns. Then report the information online to MDIFW.
(Augusta) If you’ve dreamed of becoming a spy, here’s your chance. And it’s likely not even that dangerous. Volunteers are needed across the state to help with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s annual Deer Spy program of whitetail deer management. All you have to do between now and September 30th, is note the location, date and time, number of does, bucks and/or fawns. Then report the information online to MDIFW.
Infrastructure
SW Harbor Road Work
(SW Harbor) A reminder if you’re traveling Main Street Route 102 through SW Harbor, construction gets underway on sidewalk replacement again next week. Signs are up, warning of delays. As an alternative, you can take Indian Point Road and join 102 in Town Hill.
(SW Harbor) Expect slow-downs again next week if you’re traveling Main Street Route 102 through SW Harbor. Sidewalk replacement resumes next week. There are signs posted; expect delays. If coming off the ferry from Swans Island, you can take Tremont Road up the back side through Seal Cove and Pretty Marsh and join 102 at the Somesville Fire Station.
WAA Seeks Partner Trucking Companies
(Columbia Falls) Wreaths Across America is looking for transportation, trucking companies, and independent contractors to join them in helping deliver precious cargo this December. With over 4,000 locations across the country, your trucking company can find the perfect lane. Find out more at learn dot wreaths across america dot org.
(Columbia Falls) If you’ve watched the moving Wreaths Across America convoy and wondered how you could be a part of it as an independent contractor or trucking company, now would be a great time to contact them. With more than 4,000 locations across the country, you or your company can find the perfect lane. Find out more at learn dot wreaths across america dot org.
Sports
The Red Sox finally pulled off a win in the first of yesterday’s double header, holding the Yankees scoreless, 5-zip. But New York came back last night with an 8-5 win. Red Sox in Toronto tonight to take on the Blue Jays.