Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Cyber Attack Affects Millions
(Maine) One point three million people who interacted with government offices across the state may be at risk after a massive cyber attack by a Russian ransomware gang. Last week, officials revealed a file transfer tool involving MOVEit software had allowed cybercriminals to download data, possibly including names, Social Security numbers, birthdates and other sensitive information. The attack was discovered months ago, on May 31st, and was part of a global attack that affected millions in other states and across the globe. The state is offering credit monitoring and other safeguards to certain people whose information is compromised. To learn more, check out maine dot gov and search for the MOVEit global security incident or call the 877 number posted on our Star 977 news page.
(Maine) More than a million people in Maine alone may have had sensitive information compromised in a cyberattack that involved a Russian ransomware gang. Officials discovered the breach in late May, but just alerted the public last week, saying they wanted to first complete an assessment of the hack. The attack was the result of a vulnerability in MOVEit software used by Maine State government offices and may have exposed names, Social Security numbers, health, and other information to the hackers. The breach affected as many as 70 million people across the world. Anyone who interacted with Maine state government offices is urged to call 877-618-3659 weekdays between 9 and 9 or log onto Maine dot gov and search for the MOVEit global security incident.
(Maine) A worldwide data breach involving a Russian ransomware gang likely affected virtually everyone in Maine. That’s the word from the State of Maine, which on Thursday revealed the information hack. The breach was discovered back on May 31st, but officials say they wanted to first complete an assessment before notifying those affected. The attack involved MOVEit software used by Maine State government offices and may have compromised sensitive information such as names, birthdates and Social Security numbers. The state has created a website devoted to the breach at maine dot gov – search for MOVEit Global Security Incident. You can also call a toll free number weekdays between 9 and 9 – we’ve posted that number on our Star 97.7 news page.
(Maine) Names, birthdates, Social Security numbers and even health information – sensitive stats on virtually every person in Maine may have been compromised earlier this year in a massive security breach involving a Russian ransomware gang. The hack was discovered months ago at the end of May, and involved MOVEit software used by state government offices, but officials say they waited until last Thursday to reveal the breach because they wanted to first complete a comprehensive assessment of the situation. Information in other states and countries was compromised as well, with up to 70 million people worldwide affected. The state has taken steps to protect your data – you can learn more at maine dot gov, search MOVEit Global Security Incident or by calling the toll free number posted on our Star 97.7 news page.
Appleton Crash
(Appleton) A Life Flight helicopter was called to respond to an early Sunday morning crash in Appleton. The Pen Bay Pilot reports emergency crews were called to the single vehicle crash on Searsmont Road shortly after midnight on November 12th. A car was found on the opposite side of the road from which it was traveling with its hood against a tree. The sole male occupant reportedly sustained severe injuries. Authorities say it took a lengthy amount of time to extricate the driver, who was then flown to a hospital. No word on his condition. The road was closed for more than two hours while investigators worked to reconstruct the crash.
(Appleton) A single vehicle crash in Appleton early Sunday morning involved the lengthy extrication of the driver, a road closure, and transport of the victim via a Lifeflight helicopter. The Pen Bay Pilot reports first responders were called to 1382 Searsmont Road shortly after midnight and found a Toyota Corolla smashed against a tree at the edge of the opposite, northbound, lane. The single male occupant, who sustained serious injuries, was flown to a hospital. Route 131 was closed for more than two hours while police investigated the crash. No word on the condition of that driver.
West Paris Head On
(West Paris) A head-on collision in West Paris Saturday morning resulted in both drivers being hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Department reports 43 yo Eric Cole of Norway crossed the centerline and struck a car driven by 52 yo Heidi Kokkola of Bryant Pond. The crash happened about 7:30 a.m. and shut down Route 26 while investigators worked to reconstruct the crash.
(West Paris) Both drivers involved in a head-on collision in West Paris Saturday morning were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred about 7:30 a.m. and shut down Route 26 for a time. According to the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department, a car driven by 43 yo Eric Cole of Norway crossed the centerline and struck a vehicle driven by 52 yo Heidi Kokkola of Bryant Pond. No word on the condition of either driver at this time.
Oh, Deer!
(Hancock County) Oh, deer! Ten of 14 crashes reported to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department last week included vehicles colliding with deer. Deer/vehicle collisions were reported in Sullivan, Mariaville, Castine, Blue Hill, Trenton and elsewhere. Experts advise being extra cautious, especially when driving at dawn and dusk when does are on the move.
(Hancock County) Sullivan, Mariaville, Castine, Blue Hill, Trenton … deer/vehicle collisions were reported in all those areas last week. Crash reports released by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department showed more than two thirds of the crashes reported – 10 out of 14 – involved deer. They urge drivers to be extra cautious, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife is on the move.
Illegal Moose Kills in Washington, Aroostook Counties
(Baileyville) The Maine Warden Service is looking for the person or persons involved in two illegal moose killings within the past week in Washington and Aroostook Counties. A moose apparently died late Friday morning after being shot in Baileyville near Grand Falls Road. A second moose carcass was found in Township 9 along County Road 15, a logging road off Route 11 in Aroostook County. Wardens say that moose was likely shot on Wednesday night. The incidents are not believed to be related – both animals were left to waste. Operation Game Thief is offering a $3K reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for either killing.
(Baileyville) Operation Game Thief is offering a $3K reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for two illegal moose kills during the past week. The incidents aren’t believed to be related. In the first incident, a moose died late Friday morning after being shot near Grand Falls Road in Baileyville and then left to waste. A second moose carcass was found in Township 9 along County Road 15 in Aroostook County. Wardens believe that moose was shot on Wednesday night and was also left to waste. Anyone with information on the illegal kills is asked to contact the Maine Warden Service.
Local Politics
Ellsworth Council Members to be Sworn In
(Ellsworth) Two new Ellsworth City Councilors are expected to be sworn in this evening. Voters Tuesday elected Patrick Lyons, an attorney, and Nancy Smith, a former state representative, to serve on the seven-member Council. The two agreed issues such as affordable housing, updating the city’s comprehensive plan, infrastructure, and finding a new City Manager would be top priorities. Police Chief Glenn Moshier served in dual roles during the pandemic, but has decided to step away from his post as City Manager and prioritize his role in law enforcement.
(Ellsworth) Patrick Lyons and Nancy Smith are expected to officially be sworn in tonight as Ellsworth’s newest City Council members. The two were the top vote getters in Tuesday’s election. Lyons is an attorney specializing in municipal government who has served on the Ellsworth Planning Board.. Smith is a former farmer who previously served as a state representative. The two say an affordable housing shortage, infrastructure needs, and the search for a new City Manager will be priorities.
Human Interest
Belfast’s Colonial Theatre to Reopen
(Belfast) It was lights out and curtains down for Belfast’s Colonial Theatre last year when the longtime owners decided to retire and put the iconic venue up for sale. But a nonprofit group is making sure the theater will once again come alive for the community of some 7,000, beginning with an Open House this coming weekend. The Hawthorne Theatre and Arts Collaborative secured a million dollar loan from philanthropists Bill and Libby Catania, who also felt it imperative to keep the theater open. Opening weekend will include free popcorn and soda, a ribbon cutting, and the showing of three different films. The collaborative says they hope to host live theater productions and more in the future.
(Belfast) This Friday, it’s curtains up once again at Belfast’s Colonial Theater. The venue went dark a year ago in September when longtime owners Mike Hurley and Therese Bagnardi decided to retire and put the theater up for sale for $1.3M. A nonprofit made up of patrons who recognized the importance of the venue to the community of 7,000 secured a million dollar loan and made plans for a grand reopening, now set for this coming weekend. A first movie screening is planned for Friday evening, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, free popcorn and soda, giveaways, movies, and a chance for previous patrons to record favorite memories of the historic entertainment hub. Learn more on the Colonial Theatre FB page.
Rotary Club of Ellsworth Teams with Loaves and Fishes for Annual Food Drive
(Ellsworth) The Rotary Club of Ellsworth has teamed with Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry for their Annual Food Drive, coming up this Saturday, November 18th, from 9 to 2 at the Ellsworth Hannaford. Both food and monetary donations will be gratefully accepted. The food drive involves “The Two Tons of Turkey Challenge”, asking the public to help donate 250 frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving meals for those in need. If you live out of the area but still wish to contribute, a $20 donation will cover the cost of a turkey, two chickens, or a ham. You can donate at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) Look for members of the Ellsworth Rotary Club this Saturday at the Ellsworth Hannaford. They’ll be participating in the Rotary’s Annual Food Drive for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. Both food and monetary donations will be gratefully accepted. As part of the food drive, Rotarians are asking the public to help donate 250 frozen turkeys in “The Two Tons of Turkey Challenge”, which ensures a holiday dinner for those in need. Anyone not in the area who would like to donate … $20 will cover the cost of a turkey, two chickens, or a ham. Donate at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Mano e Mano Wrapping Up Let Kids Shine Campaign
(Milbridge) Just one week left to donate in the Mano e Mano “Let Kids Shine” campaign, the goal of which is to double the difference for kids and families in Maine. Every gift made to the organization this week will be matched, with a goal of raising $50,000. Monies raised will go toward much needed expansion of the organization’s bilingual children’s center in Milbridge, which acts as a bridge to connect families from different backgrounds. The kickoff campaign is part of a larger funding effort to raise $1.7M toward the building campaign. Donate at mano maine dot network for good dot com.
(Milbridge) This is the last week to see your donation doubled as part of the Mano e Mano “Let Kids Shine campaign. After two years of serving more than 30 families in Milbridge, the group has begun construction on a new childcare building that will help the center serve even more families and children. The center acts as a bridge to connect families from different backgrounds across culture and language differences. Donate at mano maine dot network for good dot com. All contributions made this week will be matched dollar for dollar.
Sports
It was a phenomenal run for the Ellsworth Girls soccer team – although defeated by Yarmouth 2-zip, the Class B Runners Up gave the city a thrilling season. Orono’s Ruth White running away with her third consecutive cross country title, beating the second place finisher by a whopping :27 seconds. And MDI’s Spencer Laurendeau rushed for 145 yards as the Trojans Saturday brought home the school’s first state title, shutting out Greeley 28-nothing.
The Patriots lost to the Colts 10-6 yesterday in Germany, where the two teams met up for an International game at Frankfurt Stadium. The Celtics home tonight against the Knicks. And the Bruins have the night off – they take on the Sabres in Buffalo tomorrow night.