Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Hampden Police Department Earns MLEAP Certification
(Hampden) The Hampden Police Department is the state’s latest to earn the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program certification. The award was presented Monday evening and represents the culmination of months of assessing, improvement, and review of current Department policies, training and facilities to ensure best practices of a law enforcement agency.
(Hampden) It takes months of assessing, improvement, review of policies, training and facilities to earn Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program certification. In a ceremony Monday evening, the Hampden Police Department became the latest Maine law enforcement agency to earn that honor. The program is an opportunity for police agencies to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and compliance with the profession’s highest standards.
South Portland Man Found Guilty in Murder of Girlfriend
(Bangor) A jury deliberated for about two hours Monday before finding Raymond Lester guilty of the intentional murder of his girlfriend last year at Acadia National Park. Activist Nicole Mokeme was working at a youth retreat at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor when her body was found on a walking path a year ago in June. Witnesses and evidence led authorities to believe Lester had been drinking and had hit Mokeme with his SUV, killing her. Lester initially fled to Cancun, Mexico, where he was later arrested and extradited back to the United States.
(Bangor) A jury yesterday found Raymond Lester guilty of the murder of his girlfriend at Acadia National Park in 2022. Nicole Mokeme’s body was found on a walking path early on the morning of June 19th. Witnesses and evidence pointed to her being run down by Lester in his SUV. Mokeme, an activist, was working at a youth retreat at the Schoodic Institute in Winter Harbor when she was killed. The jury deliberated about two hours before delivering the guilty verdict.
Collins, King Call on Army Inspector General to Review Lewiston Shooting Events
(Washington, DC) Senators Susan Collins and Angus King are calling for a comprehensive review of the events surrounding last month’s Lewiston shooting from the Army Inspector General. Among other things, the pair questioned what concerns were raised by Army personnel regarding Robert Card’s mental health and whether all existing Army regulations, policies, and procedures were followed with regard to the shooter.
(Washington, DC) Were all existing Army regulations, policies and procedures followed with regard to Lewiston shooter Robert Card? What concerns were raised by or to Army personnel regarding Card, including issues surrounding his mental health, and what actions were taken in response? These and other questions are among those raised in a letter sent by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King to the Army Inspector General. The pair issued a news release Monday saying they are calling for a comprehensive review by the Inspector General of the events surrounding the shooting, saying while nothing can bring back the lives lost, we can work together to help prevent future such tragedies.
Local Politics
Election Day
(Maine) It’s Election Day in Maine. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says she plans to visit polling places across the state today and lauded the state’s municipal clerks, poll workers and voters for their dedication to ensuring secure and fair elections. As of last Thursday, more than 68,000 Mainers had returned absentee ballots. In the November 22 General Election, Maine saw the highest voter turnout of any state.
(Maine) More than 68,000 – that’s the number of absentee ballots returned in Maine as of last Thursday. It’s Election Day, and if you plan to vote in person, most polls are open 8 to 8, but be sure and check with your city or municipality for exact voting times. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will be visiting polling locations across the state and applauded the state’s municipal clerks, poll workers, and voters for their dedication to ensuring secure and fair elections. In last year’s General Election, Maine saw the highest voter turnout of any state.
Supporters of Ending Sale of Flavored Tobacco to Gather Signatures at Polling Places
(Maine) Supporters of ending the sale of flavored tobacco products statewide in Maine will be at polling places throughout the state today, gathering signatures to demonstrate the what they say is overwhelming support for such legislation. The Senate passed the bill earlier this year, and the proposed legislation is now before the House to consider in the coming legislative session. A recent National Youth Tobacco Survey shows more than 2 million kids are using e-cigarettes, with an alarming uptick of use among middle schoolers.
(Maine) When you head out to vote today, you may find folks gathering signatures to show support for ending the sale of flavored tobacco products statewide in Maine. The group Flavors Hook Kids Maine says such products are marketed to kids and already marginalized communities and that more than 2 million kids nationwide are using e-cigarettes, with an alarming uptick of use among middle schoolers. The Senate passed a bill banning such sales earlier this year, and the proposed legislation is now before the House to consider in the coming legislative session.
Governor Mills Ready to Listen to Proposed Changes in Gun Laws
(Augusta) Despite being historically opposed to bans on assault style weapons and high capacity magazines, Governor Janet Mills now says “action is needed” when it comes to gun violence and public safety. The Governor has said she would bring together public health experts, advocates, community members, and public safety officials to discuss actions to consider. When asked if she would support a red flag bill, Mills reportedly said she would not take any specific proposal off the table.
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills’s press secretary says the Governor has initiated outreach to legislators to begin considering potential actions surrounding gun violence and public safety. The Maine Monitor reports the Governor has been historically opposed to bans on assault style weapons, but has supported legislation that allows judges to remove firearms from domestic abusers. The Maine Monitor reports over her two decades in public office, Mills’s position on gun legislation has varied but that she plans to convene a panel of experts to discuss actions to consider in light of the Lewiston tragedy.
Federal Relief Approved for Maine Businesses Impacted by Lewiston Shooting
(Washington, DC) The US Small Business Administration has approved Governor Janet Mills’s request for federal relief for Maine businesses impacted by the Lewiston tragedy. The SBA disaster declaration requested by the Governor makes available low interest loans to businesses and nonprofits affected by shelter-in-place orders during last month’s crisis. To help businesses in applying for assistance, the SBA will open a Business Recovery Center in Lewiston at 11 a.m. this Wednesday at the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
(Washington, DC) It took just about a week for the US Small Business Administration to approve Governor Janet Mills’s request for federal aid for Maine businesses impacted by the shooting in Lewiston on October 25th. The Governor announced yesterday the SBA disaster declaration will make available low interest loans to businesses and nonprofits affected by shelter-in-place orders during the manhunt that followed the Lewiston tragedy. The SBA will open a Business Recovery Center in Lewiston at 11 a.m. this Wednesday at the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Environment
DMR Approves Changes for 2023-24 Scallop Season
(Augusta) The Department of Marine Resources has approved the proposed rulemaking for Chapter 11 Scallops for the coming year. Among changes, for ALL zones, scallop harvest may begin a half hour before sunrise. Other changes can be found on the DMR website. The DMR reminds fishermen scallop fishery requires electronic reporting of day trips, submitted weekly by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. For assistance with online reporting, contact landings dot d m r @ maine dot gov.
(Augusta) A few changes for the scallop fishery in the 2023-24 season. The Department of Marine Resources reports for ALL zones, scallop harvest may begin a half hour before sunrise in the upcoming season. DMR officials remind fishermen scallop fishery requires electronic reporting of day trips, submitted weekly by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. For help with online reporting, and to see other changes approved for the 2023-24 season, visit the d m r website.
Human Interest
City of Ellsworth Silent Auction
(Ellsworth) While you’re out and about to vote today, stop by the City of Ellsworth Silent Auction and place your bid on a variety of items … from cozy blankets, to beautiful handmade Christmas wreaths to a spreader, to gift baskets. Place your bids now through November 30th to support the Christmas for Kids Holiday Fund.
(Ellsworth) Speaking of voting, cast your vote for kids this holiday by stopping by the City of Ellsworth City Hall and placing your bid on a huge variety of silent auction items. Bidding is open through November 30th, and proceeds benefit the Christmas for Kids Holiday Fund.
Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament
(Ellsworth) In May 2022, Jordan Merchant lost her life in a car crash. To help turn that tragedy into something positive, her parents established the Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament, which raises money for a scholarship fund to help kids headed to college. This year’s tournament is Sunday, November 12th and will again be held at Big Cat’s Catering in Trenton. Registration begins at 10, bags fly at 11. Cost is $50 per team – bring your own partner and bags. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, an auction, and cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Last year’s event raised $14,000. For more information, you can contact Corporal Shawn Merchant at the Ellsworth Police Department.
(Ellsworth) It’s cornhole for a cause this Sunday, November 12th, at Big Cat’s Catering. The Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament honors the memory of the daughter of Corporal Shawn Merchant and his wife, who died in a tragic car crash in May 2022. To turn that tragedy into something positive, all proceeds from the annual tournament go directly to the Jordan Merchant Scholarship Fund. Registration – $50 per team – begins at 10, bags fly at 11. Bring your own partner and bags and enjoy the competition, a 50/50 raffle, an auction and cash prizes. Last year’s event raised $14,000 and helped five students fund their college education. Donations are also gratefully accepted.
Sports
The Timberwolves ended the Celtics’ winning streak with a 114-109 win last night in Minnesota that included a wild overtime ending. Celtics in Philly tonight to take on the 76ers.
Bruins fared better in Dallas last night, beating the Stars 3-2. Bruins now 10 and 1 for the season. They host the NY Islanders Thursday.