Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Carroll Plantation Fatal Fire
(Carroll Plantation) A man is dead and a small home destroyed after a Monday morning fire in Carroll Plantation. Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, the Penobscot County RCC received a call about 5:40 a.m. reporting the fire at 1821 Main Road. Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office located remains believed to be those of the homeowner, 57 yo Jeffrey Macy, who lived alone in the residence. No word on the cause of that fire.
(Carroll Plantation) A Carroll Plantation man died Monday when his home was destroyed by fire. According to Public Information Officer Shannon Moss, the Penobscot County RCC received a call reporting the blaze at about 5:40 that morning. Authorities say the small home located at 1821 Main Road was totally destroyed. Inside the home, investigators found human remains believed to be those of 57 yo Jeffrey Macy, who lived alone in the residence. Investigators are working to determine a cause of that fire.
Windsor Camper Fire
(Windsor) An early morning camper fire in Windsor Tuesday claimed the life of a 25 yo man. Authorities say the Augusta RCC received a 9-1-1 call about 12:40 a.m. reporting the blaze on Ridge Road. The victim was identified as Payson Viles. A second person escaped with minor injuries. No word yet on a cause, but fire officials say there’s no indication of foul play.
(Windsor) A 25 yo man is dead as the result of a Tuesday morning camper fire in Windsor. Fire officials tell Star 97.7, the Augusta RCC received a 9-1-1 call about 12:40 a.m. reporting the blaze on Ridge Road. The body of Payson Viles was discovered in the camper. They say a second person escaped with minor injuries. No word yet on the cause of that fire.
Local Politics
Ellsworth Election Results
(Ellsworth) The results still have to be certified, but it looks like Patrick Lyons and Nancy Smith will be the newest members on the Ellsworth City Council. The two were elected to three year terms. Kathleen Cravens and Rain Perez ran unopposed for School Board, and Elizabeth Alteri and Kelly McKenney were voted in as Library Trustees. If you voted in Ellsworth yesterday, you may have been helped out by poll worker Sylvia Lock who never turns down an opportunity to serve – going back to the 60’s. Sylvia turns 100 years old today, and we’re electing to give her a big Happy Birthday shout out and thanks for her example.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth voters yesterday voted in Patrick Lyons and Nancy Smith to three year terms on City Council. The results must still be certified, but the two won by significant margins over the other candidates. Kathleen Cravens and Rain Perez will serve three year terms on the School Board – the two ran unopposed, as did Elizabeth Alteri and Kelly McKenney who were elected Library Trustees. And if you voted in Ellsworth yesterday, you likely saw a familiar face. Sylvia Lock began her involvement in elections in the 1960’s when she lived in New York and is always one of the first workers at the polls in Ellsworth. Sylvia turns 100 years old today, and we’re saying thank you and wish you the happiest of celebrations.
Eight Ballot Questions
(Maine) Voters pulled the plug on Question 3 – an attempt to create a consumer owned utility – and by no small margin. Nearly 70% of Maine voters voted against the measure. Most of the other eight questions passed, including Question 2, which bans foreign campaign funding, and Question 4, the so-called “right to repair” initiative. We’ve posted results on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Maine) Mainers said lights out to a proposal to create a consumer owned utility. And not by just a small spark. The vote was nearly 70% against the creation of Pine Tree Power, shedding light on consumers’ distrust of such a move. Most of the other measures passed, including Question 2 banning foreign campaign spending, and Question 4, the so-called “right to repair” initiative. We’ve posted results on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Economy
Hire-A-Vet Campaign Wraps Up This Week
(Portland) Maine’s Hire-A-Vet campaign wraps up Thursday in Auburn. The Maine Department of Labor reports about 60 employers will be at the event, which is open to all job seekers. The goal of the campaign is to have at least 100 employers hire at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100 day period. For more information, contact the Maine Department of Labor.
(Portland) Maine’s Hire-A-Vet campaign has a goal each year of having at least 100 employers hiring at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100 day period. This year’s hiring event wraps up Thursday, November 9th in Auburn. The Maine Department of Labor reports about 60 employers will be present, and the expo is open to all job seekers. Contact the Maine Department of Labor to learn more.
Infrastructure
Machias Dike Bridge Closure
(Machias) A routine inspection of the Machias Dike Bridge has resulted in the closure of part of the shoulder and parking area on the southbound side of the bridge as of yesterday. The Maine Department of Transportation reports bridge inspectors found areas of concern during an inspection in September. Divers returned to the area last week and found new areas of soil loss between the under road surface and the timber that forms the top of the gated boxes. The bridge carries Route One over the Middle River in Machias and dates back to the Civil War era. MDOT plans a fully gated culvert to improve the structure’s condition, maintain the Sunrise Trail, and avoid flooding, with a design phase expected by this time next year.
(Machias) Portions of the Machias Dike Bridge were closed yesterday – the result of concerns noticed during recent routine inspections. The Maine Department of Transportation reports bridge inspectors found areas of concern during an inspection in September. Divers returned to the area last week and found new areas of soil loss between the under road surface and the timber that forms the top of the gated boxes. The findings caused MDOT to close part of the shoulder and parking area on the southbound side of the bridge. MDOT plans a fully gated culvert to improve the Civil War era structure and to prevent flooding that could affect hundreds of acres of land.
Human Interest
Heart of Ellsworth Cider and Cheese Festival
(Ellsworth) This weekend, foodies from across the country will gather in Ellsworth for a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating a little known piece of the city’s history. Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, you can get a taste of that heritage – and taste some award winning food and drink at this year’s Downeast Cider and Cheese Festival. (((CiderCheese 1 “…sometimes even as far away as China.” :15))) Romano says a cold snap in the 1820’s and changes in the shipping industry pretty much ended the heyday of the area’s 24 working apple orchards. But you’ll find the tastes very much alive this weekend in Ellsworth. Find a complete schedule at heart of ellsworth dot org – click on “events”.
(Ellsworth) There’s nothing else like it in Maine, and this weekend, people from across the U.S. will be in Ellsworth to get a “taste” of all things food happening right here in the Pine Tree State. Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, this year, all events but one are free – including music, demonstrations, and award-winning cideries and cheesemakers. (((CiderCheese 2 “…in the Riverview Room at the Library.” :20))). Some events do require pre-registration. You’ll find details, a complete schedule and the list of participating cideries, cheesemakers, and sponsors at heart of ellsworth dot org. Click on the events tab.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth has a rich history of cider-making and drinking, rooted in the local agricultural economy, where every farm had apples for cider to drink and vinegar to preserve their food. Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, this weekend is all about celebrating that heritage at the Sixth Annual Downeast Cider and Cheese Festival. (((CiderCheese 3 “…because we’re getting to really showcase our community.” :20))). The festival features five Maine cideries and six Maine cheesemakers, including Crooked Face out of Skowhegan, whose cheeses just won an international award in Europe.
(Ellsworth) A fascinating talk on apple DNA and weird apples from Todd Little-Siebold … a cider pressing in the Fogtown Brewing Company Beer Garden … Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, those are just two of the many delicious events at this weekend’s Downeast Cider and Cheese Festival. (((CiderCheese 4 “…there are still tickets available.” :10))). Downtown merchants will be in on the events as well. (((CiderCheese 5 “…or a food-based special.” :11))). Get tickets to that 7 o’clock tasting before they sell out and find a schedule of all the weekend’s events at heart of ellsworth dot org.
Cat Capers
(Undated) It turns out cats may not be as aloof as you think. Researchers filmed 53 cats at a cat café in California. Overall, the study observed 276 distinct facial feline expressions. The study found 45% of the expressions were friendly while 37% were aggressive. In case you were wondering, a friendly expression is shown when the ears and whiskers move forward while the eyes close. An aggressive expression consists of constricted pupils, flattened ears and a tongue-swipe of the lip. As all cat owners know, you can easily avoid such aggression by giving your furry companion whatever he or she wants … whenever he or she wants it.
(Undated) A new study confirms what cat lovers have known all along – our feline friends have quite the purr-sonality! The researchers filmed 53 kitties at a cat cafe in California over the course of a year and observed 276 distinct facial expressions. The researchers say 45% of those were friendly, and 37% aggressive. And in case you haven’t already learned as much from your own furry friend, a friendly expression is when the ears and whiskers move forward while the eyes close. An aggressive expression consists of constricted pupils, flattened ears and a tongue-swipe of the lip.
Obituary
(Orono) Condolences to family, friends and patrons of Pat’s Pizza in Orono. The patriarch of the pizza restaurant passed away this week. Carl Bruce Farnsworth was known as “Pat Junior”, and expressions of heartache on their FB page “say it all” about how beloved he was. A celebration of life is planned this spring.
(Orono) Friends, family and patrons are mourning the passing this week of Carl Bruce Farnsworth, the patriarch of Pat’s Pizza Orono. There’s been an outpouring of heartbreak and stories of the beloved man known as “Pat Junior” on the restaurant’s FB page. A celebration of life is planned for this spring.
Sports
The Bruins on home ice tonight to take on the NY Islanders.
Celtics in Philadelphia tonight to take on the 76ers