Happy Veterans’ Day, and thanks to all who served.
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Moshier Sworn in as President of Maine Chiefs of Police Association
(Ellsworth) A big honor for Ellsworth Police Chief Glenn Moshier this week. Moshier was sworn in as President of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. The Association’s mission includes fostering a closer official and personal relationship among Maine Police Officials, working to unify action in law enforcement matters, and promoting the profession as a dedicated force in protecting life and property. Moshier tells Star 97.7, the appointment is to a year-long Presidency, and he’ll continue to serve as Ellsworth’s Police Chief.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth Police Chief Glenn Moshier has been sworn in as President of the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. In this new role, Moshier will serve the State of Maine in advancing crime detection and prevention, promoting the profession as an integral part of today’s society, and securing a closer official and personal relationship among Maine Police Officials. Moshier tells Star 97.7, he’ll continue to serve as Ellsworth’s Police Chief during the year-long Presidency.
Panel to Investigate Lewiston Shooting Selected
(Augusta) Seven people will serve on a panel appointed to investigate the Lewiston shootings. Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey selected former chief justice of Maine’s high court, Daniel Wathen to chair the commission, which also includes a forensic psychologist, a doctor, a former US Attorney and other experts. In announcing the commission, the Governor said, “All we ask is that you follow the facts, wherever they may lead and do so in an independent and unbiased manner, guided only by the truth.”
(Augusta) In the wake of alleged missteps, missed signals, and misunderstandings surrounding the Lewiston shootings, Governor Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey have now put into place a panel tasked with completing an in-depth look at the events surrounding the tragedy. The panel will be chaired by former chief justice of Maine’s high court, Daniel Wathen, and includes experts from the medical, law, and forensic psychology fields. In appointing the panel, the Governor cautioned the seven members to follow the facts wherever they may lead and to do so in an independent and unbiased manner.
Seven Arrested in Protest at Jared Golden’s Office
(Bangor) Seven people were arrested this week after they gathered inside the office of Representative Jared Golden in Bangor and reportedly refused to leave. The protestors ranged in ages from 65 to 82 and was demanding Golden’s support of a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine. Bangor Police were called to disperse the group around 5 p.m. Wednesday, but the protestors made it clear they were prepared to go to jail. Police obliged, and off they went to the Penobscot County Jail. All seven bailed out shortly and face one charge each of Criminal Trespass.
(Bangor) Protestors from the generation that grew up protesting held their ground on Wednesday when they arrived at the Bangor office of Representative Jared Golden. Seven people ranging in age from 65 to 82 reportedly refused to leave the office when asked, demanding Golden support a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine. When police were called to disperse the group about 5 p.m., the protestors made it clear they’d stand their ground and be hauled off to jail if necessary. So, off they went to the Penobscot County Jail, where all seven quickly posted bail. The seven face one charge each of Criminal Trespass.
Education
Milbridge Library Evolves with MakerSpace
(Milbridge) The Milbridge Library is evolving with the creation of a Makerspace. A makerspace is a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech … to NO-tech tools. Such spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and can include materials as simple as cardboard, legos, and art supplies to 3-D printers, laser cutters, and even sewing machines. Most of the equipment at the library has arrived and is being assembled. A big shoutout to Librarian Amanda Fickett who wrote the grant for the space, and volunteer Ed Latham for working on the endeavor. Fickett says they hope to have the space up and running by the first of the year.
(Milbridge) Milbridge residents will soon have a brand new Makerspace, located at the Milbridge Library. Librarian Amanda Fickett wrote the grant, volunteer Ed Latham pitched in, and most of the equipment has arrived and is being assembled. Just what is a makerspace? It’s a lot like what it sounds – a space to create. It’s a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech … to NO-tech tools. Such spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and can include materials as simple as cardboard, legos, and art supplies to 3-D printers, laser cutters, and even sewing machines. Fickett tells Star 97.7 they hope to have the space available to “creators” by the first of the year.
MDI High School Trustees to Educate Residents on Proposed $15M Renovation
(MDI) With a proposed $15M renovation in the works, the Mount Desert Island High School Trustees say they want to thoroughly inform residents of the four MDI towns that jointly own the high school about the renovation and why it’s needed. The Mount Desert Islander reports the trustees hope to begin the conversations centered on cost and likely tax implications in late winter or early spring before they consider proposing a vote for Fall 2024 or Spring 2025.
(MDI) A makeover of the main entrance, a complete renovation of the library, a new main office area and new fixtures and furniture for the science classroom/labs. Those are some of the upgrades being proposed as part of a $15M renovation of Mount Desert Island High School. The Mount Desert Islander reports the school is jointly owned by residents of four MDI towns, and Trustees want to thoroughly inform residents about the costs and why the renovation is needed. The Trustees say they hope to begin conversations centered on cost and likely tax implications in late winter or early spring before they consider proposing a vote for Fall 2024 or Spring 2025.
Environment
Lamoine Seed Giveaway
(Lamoine) The town of Lamoine is on a mission to attract and benefit Monarch Butterflies. Residents can stop by the Lamoine Town Hall to pick up free seeds for one of four milkweed varieties. All four are Monarch butterfly host plants and nectar flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators. The seed giveaway caps off the town’s first year participating in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, an effort organized by the Lamoine Conservation Commission. They say be sure to look for instructions online, as milkweed seeds require cold stratification to germinate.
(Lamoine) The Town of Lamoine is hoping to stay all aflutter with Monarch butterflies. If you live in Lamoine, stop by the Town Hall to pick up free seeds – they have four milkweed varieties available, all of which are Monarch butterfly host plants and nectar flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators. The Lamoine Conservation Commission organized this first year of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, which is capping off with the seed giveaway. And, they say, if you pick up a packet, be sure to follow instructions you’ll find online, as milkweed seeds require cold stratification to germinate.
Somesville Work Zone
(Somesville) A heads up for those who live and travel through Somesville. Beginning Tuesday, November 14th, Versant Power will be upgrading electrical equipment. The work zone spans from the corner of Main Street and Sound Drive to Main and Pretty Marsh Road. Vehicles will still be able to pass, but should expect short delays between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays until around December 22nd.
(Somesville) Versant crews will be working to upgrade poles and wires and replace aging equipment in Somesville beginning next week. Beginning Tuesday, the work zone will span from the corner of Main Street and Sound Drive to the corner of Main and Pretty Marsh Road. You’ll still be able to drive through the area, but prepare for short delays weekdays between 7 and 3 through approximately December 22nd.
Human Interest
SPCA of Hancock County Receives Animal Welfare Grant
(Trenton) The SPCA of Hancock County is one of 29 nonprofit organizations to receive Maine Community Foundation Grants designed to advance animal welfare in the state. Altogether, Maine CF gave close to $409,000 to the more than two dozen organizations. The Animal Welfare Fund supports projects and organizations that help low income people stay with their pets through hardships, support population control and/or educate pet owners and communities about the humane treatment of animals.
(Trenton) Twenty-nine nonprofit organizations that support animal welfare in Maine received a portion of some $409,000 from the Maine Community Foundation’s Animal Welfare Fund. Among those receiving funds, the SPCA of Hancock County in Trenton. The Animal Welfare Fund was established in 2017 by an anonymous donor and supports projects and organizations that help low income people stay with their pets through hardships, support population control and/or educate pet owners and communities about humane treatment of animals. Head on over to Bark the Halls from 5 to 8 this evening at the Holbrook B&B in Bar Harbor to do a little early Christmas shopping and to show YOUR support of the SPCA.
Veterans’ Day
(Undated) Today, we’re observing Veterans’ Day. Most government offices are closed; and many banks and credit unions are shuttered, as well. The day is set aside to honor the millions who have served in the military protecting our country. The November 11th date originally recognized the end of World War I, was known as Armistice Day, and was observed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Everyone is welcome to honor those who served with a free event featuring the 195th Army Band, beginning at 5 p.m. this evening at The Grand in Ellsworth.
(Undated) The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – Veterans’ Day, originally known as Armistice Day, commemorates the cease fire at the end of WW I when a cessation of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect at that time and day in 1918. The Great War didn’t officially end, however, until June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in the Palace outside Versailles, France. Today, you’ll find most government offices and many banks closed. You can, however, attend a free event honoring all veterans this afternoon beginning at 5 p.m. at The Grand in Ellsworth, featuring the 195th Army Band, a reading of the Gettysburg Address and more, and everyone is welcome.
Emmaus Shelter Food Boxes
(Ellsworth) The Emmaus Shelter in Ellsworth is giving out free holiday food boxes for both Christmas and Thanksgiving. If you need a Thanksgiving box, be sure to sign up by Wednesday, November 15th. You can also call Emmaus to sign your child up for their Holiday Gift Program for Children. And if you’d like to shop for, donate to, or “adopt” a child or two, send an email to “director at Emmaus shelter dot org”.
(Ellsworth) This coming Wednesday, November 15th is the sign up deadline for anyone in need of a free Thanksgiving food box from the Emmaus Shelter in Ellsworth. Deadline for a Christmas food box is December 8th. If you have a child or children in need, you can contact the shelter weekdays between 8 and 3 to sign up for the Holiday Gift Program. And anyone wanting to donate to, shop for, or “adopt” a child or two for that program, can send an email to “director at Emmaus shelter dot org”.
Sports
Celtics host the Nets tonight.
Bruins skated to a 5-2 win over the NY Islanders. Bruins in Montreal tomorrow to skate against the Canadiens.
And the Patriots host the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium.