Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
North Woods Law Warden on Paid Leave
(Mechanic Falls) A Mechanic Falls warden remains on paid administrative leave after a member of the public filed a complaint against him to the Maine Warden Service. The Bangor Daily News reports Mark Latti, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, declined to comment on the nature of the complaint, but said no criminal charges have been filed against Warden Jeremy Judd. It’s reportedly the second time the department has put Judd on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation into his conduct. The now 41 yo appeared on the television show “North Woods Law” in 2016.
(Mechanic Falls) A Mechanic Falls warden is on paid administrative leave for the second time, pending the outcome of an investigation into his conduct. The Bangor Daily News reports 41 yo Jeremy Judd was placed on leave Friday after a public complaint was filed against him to the Maine Warden Service. The department would not comment on the nature of the complaint, but said no criminal charges have been filed against the Warden. Judd appeared on the television show “North Woods Law” in 2016.
Three Penobscot County Men Arrested on Drug Charges
(Bangor) A traffic stop early Tuesday led to the discovery of more than four pounds of cocaine and the arrest of three Penobscot County men. Authorities say 28 yo Chase Kane of Bangor was a main suspect in an ongoing investigation involving US Postal Inspectors and MDEA Agents. Kane was stopped on I-95 just north of Newport and taken into custody along with a passenger, 27 yo Benjamin Hughes of Brewer. A subsequent search of a home at 315 Griffin Road in Bangor turned up more illicit drugs, firearms, and cash and led to the arrest of 30 yo Hayden Taylor of Brewer. All three are being held in the Penobscot County Jail and were scheduled to make initial court appearances yesterday.
(Bangor) A months-long investigation involving US Postal Inspectors and MDEA Agents Tuesday led to the arrest of three Penobscot County men. Authorities stopped a car on I-95 just north of Newport Tuesday morning and discovered more than four pounds of cocaine. The driver of the car, 28 yo Chase Kane of Bangor, and a passenger, 27 yo Benjamin Hughes of Brewer, were arrested on drug charges. A subsequent search of a home at 315 Griffin Road in Bangor turned up more contraband and led to the arrest of 30 yo Hayden Taylor of Brewer. The three were taken to the Penobscot County Jail and were scheduled to make initial court appearances on Wednesday.
Local Politics
Question Eight Fails
(Augusta) The only one of the eight questions on Tuesday’s ballot that was too close to call until late yesterday was Question 8, which asked voters to amend the Maine Constitution to remove wording already ruled unconstitutional. The wording disqualifies voters under guardianship for reasons of mental illness. Voters ultimately voted against making the change. Six of the eight questions passed – all but Questions 3, regarding a consumer owned utility, and Question 8.
(Augusta) Two of the eight questions on Tuesday’s ballot have now failed. Until late yesterday, the results on Question 8 were too close to call. The question asked voters to amend the Maine Constitution to remove wording already ruled unconstitutional. The wording disqualifies voters under guardianship for reasons of mental illness. Voters ultimately voted against making the change. Six of the eight questions passed – all but Questions 3, regarding a consumer owned utility, and Question 8.
Economy
Collins/King Announce Additional H-2B Visas
(Washington, DC) Nearly 65,000 additional H-2B visas will help stem the workforce shortage in FY 2024. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor say the temporary nonagricultural worker visas will be issued on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 made available each fiscal year. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins called the visas a lifeline for Maine’s economy.
(Washington, DC) A boost to the number of H2-B visas issued in FY 2024 should be a lifeline for Maine’s economy and businesses that continue to face a shortage of employees. On top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H2-B visas available each fiscal year, the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor will make available an additional 64,716 temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the coming fiscal year.
Education
Sumner Students Treated to Visit by Blackhawk Helicopter
(Sullivan) Students at the new Charles M. Sumner campus in Sullivan yesterday watched in awe as a Black Hawk helicopter flew onto one of their fields. The fly in was part of a recruiting event during Veterans Day week that helps the Maine Army National Guard honor those who served. WABI-TV reports one of the pilots is local to the Sorrento-Sullivan area.
(Sullivan) It’s not every day a Blackhawk helicopter lands at the field at your high school, but that was the surprise Wednesday at the new Charles m. Sumner campus in Sullivan. The Maine Army National Guard has in the past brought in humvees and other equipment, but thought the Blackhawk Helicopter would be a special treat now that the school has fields large enough to land such equipment. WABI-TV reports it gave the students a reason to reflect on what Veterans Day meant to them.
Environment
Virus Forces Killing of 170K Salmon
(East Machias) A virus forced the Downeast Salmon Federation to kill all of its 170,000 salmon in its East Machias Peter Gray Hatchery. DSF officials say although the young salmon looked healthy, they tested positive for infectious pancreatic virus during a routine screening. DSF has dedicated more than three decades to restoring Maine’s wild salmon population in Washington County rivers. It’s the first time disease has forced the elimination of an entire crop of fish. The organization is raising money to install a filter system and ultraviolet sterilization process at the hatchery.
(East Machias) An organization that has worked tirelessly for 30 years to restore the wild salmon population in Washington County rivers last week was forced to kill all of its 170,000 salmon in its East Machias Peter Gray Hatchery. Downeast Salmon Federation says the young salmon appeared healthy but tested positive for infectious pancreatic virus during a routine screening. Officials say the virus occurs naturally in Maine waters. DSF is raising money to install a filter system and ultraviolet sterilization process at the hatchery.
Human Interest
Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament
(Trenton) What’s more fun than a cornhole tournament? How about a cornhole tournament for a great cause. One that includes a 50/50 raffle, a Chinese auction, food, cash prizes and more. School Resource Officer Corporal Shawn Merchant tells Star 97.7, that’s what you’ll find at this Sunday’s Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament. (((Merchant 1 “…a little extra money in their pocket.” :14))) The event takes place this Sunday, November 12th at Big Cat’s Catering in Trenton. Registration from 10 to 11, bags fly at 11, and the cost is just $50 a team.
(Trenton) Come on out to Big Cat’s Catering this Sunday for the 2nd Annual Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament! School Resource Officer Corporal Shawn Merchant tells Star 97.7, bring some cash – because you’re going to find much more than just a fun competition! (((Merchant 2 “…that’s where we get most of our money for this.” :20))) Boards provided, bring your own bags and partners. Cost is $50 per team, with registration beginning at 10 and bags flying at 11. And there are cash prizes for first, second, and third place – with all proceeds going to scholarships for worthy students headed off to college or technical school.
(Trenton) This Sunday, you don’t want to miss out on some friendly cornhole competition for a really good cause. It’s the second annual Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament at Big Cat’s Catering in Trenton. Besides the competition with cash prizes, there’s a Chinese auction, food, a 50/50 raffle … and Corporal Shawn Merchant tells Star 97.7, you have a pretty good chance, even if you’re quite the amateur! (((Merchant 3 “…a little better chance, I think.” :15))) All proceeds help kids with college scholarships. If you’d like to help out, but can’t make the tournament, checks can be made to the Jordan Merchant Scholarship Fund, c/o 730 Eastbrook Road in Eastbrook.
(Trenton) Jordan Merchant lost her life in a tragic car accident in 2022. To help turn tragedy into something positive, her parents established the Jordan Merchant Cornhole Tournament, which provides scholarships for kids headed off to college or technical school. School Resource Officer Corporal Shawn Merchant tells Star 97.7, last year’s tournament was a huge success and they’re hoping for a great turnout again this year. (((Merchant 4 “…here’s a thousand bucks …and hopefully, it will help you.” :24))). This year’s tournament is this Sunday, November 12th, at Big Cat’s Catering in Trenton. Registration at 10, bags fly at 11, and be sure to bring cash for the 50/50 raffle, great food, a Chinese Auction and more.
K9 Helps Woman Locate Missing Wedding Ring
(Cumberland County) A Cumberland County woman took a dogged approach to finding her lost wedding ring recently. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office reports the woman was hiking in the woods when she lost the precious jewelry. The ring was a family heirloom she said was irreplaceable. Enter K9 Rain and the pup’s handler who helped locate the ring among some rocks and leaves – another case of our incredible animals and the good guys who so often go above and beyond.
(Cumberland County) A Cumberland County woman was heartbroken recently when she lost her wedding ring while out hiking. Not only was it her wedding ring, the woman said it was a priceless family heirloom that was irreplaceable. Time to call in the experts – The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department responded with K9 Rain and the pup’s handler, who together located the ring among the rocks and leaves and returned the treasure to the ecstatic owner.
The Grand Honors Veterans
(Ellsworth) The best place to honor veterans tomorrow? The Grand in Ellsworth presents a free Salute to Veterans event Friday with the 195th Army Band. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, it’s been three years since the band was here. A representative from Wreaths Across America will speak, and Joe Marshall will read the Gettysburg Address. The event begins at 5 p.m. tomorrow at The Grand and is free and open to all.
(Ellsworth) It’s a Salute to Veterans event tomorrow evening at The Grand in Ellsworth. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, the event is free and open to all and will include the 195th Army Band, a representative from Wreaths Across America, and Joe Marshall reading the Gettysburg Address. It’s been three years since the Army band was here, so come on out tomorrow and help celebrate those who sacrificed to protect our freedoms. Event begins at 5 p.m.
Sports
Celtics fall to the 76ers in a close one, 106-103 Celtics off tonight. They’re home against the Nets on Friday.
Bruins vs. NY Islanders tonight in Boston.