Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Yellow Flag Law
(Augusta) A Maine law used to restrict access to guns during a mental health crisis has been invoked more than a dozen times since the killings of 18 people in Lewiston last month. According to WMTW, several people whose guns were temporarily removed referenced the name of the gunman responsible for the Lewiston mass shooting. The updated figures were released this week during a law enforcement training that focused on the yellow flag law.
(Augusta) Maine’s Yellow Flag law was first used in July 2019, and since then has been used a total of 95 times. WMTW reports data from the Attorney General’s office shows 14 of those cases occurred since the October 25th Lewiston shootings that killed 18 people. The law was invoked five times last Friday alone. In three recent cases, the person from whom police secured weapons made specific reference to the shooter in the Lewiston tragedy, with one person stating he was going to be “the next Robert Card.”
Record Deadly Fires
(Augusta) We’re barely into winter weather, and Maine State Fire Marshal Richard McCarthy says the year is “going off the rail” as far as deadly fires. NewsCenter Maine reports there have been ten deadly fires in just over the past week and a half across the state, with 23 fatalities from fires so far this year. With six weeks to go, that’s nearing the state record of 27. McCarthy said an increase in home fires is always expected this time of year as people begin to heat their homes, but this year’s spike is alarming. To prevent further tragedies, the American Red Cross and McCarthy are urging everyone to make sure they have working smoke detectors.
(Augusta) Maine is closing in on a record number of deadly blazes for the year. Maine State Fire Marshal Richard McCarthy says the year is “going off the rail” as far as deadly fires, with a recent string of fire-related fatalities – close to ten in just the last week and a half across the state. NewsCenter Maine reports there have been 23 deadly fires so far this year – just four short of a record 27 in 2021. Although McCarthy said there are always more fires this time of year as people begin to heat their homes, this year’s recent run is alarming. He urges everyone to make sure they have adequate working smoke detectors to help prevent future tragedies.
Crash Responder Safety Week
(Augusta) This is National Crash Responder Safety Week. The recognition is designed to bring to light the courageous and often under-represented stories of local responders. The Maine Department of Public Safety says every minute of every day, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services personnel, and others work roadside to make roadways safe for all road users. According to Triple A, despite laws being passed in all 50 states, 71 percent of Americans are still unaware of “Slow Down and Move Over” laws that require drivers to reduce speed and switch lanes to protect such workers.
(Augusta) Despite laws being passed in all 50 states, 71 percent of Americans are still unaware of “Slow Down and Move Over” laws that require drivers to reduce their speed and switch lanes to protect law enforcement, EMS, public works, transportation, and other roadside first responders. That’s according to Triple A as part of this week’s designation as National Crash Responder Safety Week. This week, as a road user, you’re encouraged to not only re-enforce safety protocol, but to use social media to show your appreciation of traffic incident responders using the hashtag C R S W.
Local Politics
District Attorney Hires New Assistant DA
(Ellsworth) Justine Barry was sworn in recently as the new Assistant District Attorney for Hancock and Washington Counties. The Ellsworth American reports Barry lives in Deer Isle with her husband and two children, and has been practicing law in Maine since 2021. She graduated cum laude from the Western New England School of Law in 2019 and opened the Barry Law Firm in Blue Hill, focusing on creditor rights, domestic violence, and family matters. District Attorney Bob Granger said Barry will be an asset in working to address the backlog of cases in the two counties.
(Ellsworth) Hancock and Washington Counties now have help when it comes to addressing a backlog of cases in the two counties. The Ellsworth American reports District Attorney Bob Granger has hired Justine Barry as the new Assistant District Attorney. Barry graduated cum laude with a juris doctor degree from Western New England School of Law in 2019 and opened the Barry Law Firm in Blue Hill in 2021. She was named a Justice Andrew Mead Fellow in 2022 for her pro bono contributions to Maine’s Volunteer Lawyers Project and served as Treasurer for the Blue Hill Society for Aid to Children from 2014 to 2021.
Cruise Ship Counter
(Bar Harbor) With the 2024 cruise ship season just months away, the town of Bar Harbor is grappling with how to enforce the newly imposed limit of allowing just 1,000 passengers a day to disembark at the town’s pier. MaineBiz reports so far 105 cruise ships have scheduled stops in Bar Harbor between May 2nd and October 28th next year – about ⅔ of the number of ships scheduled in previous years. The Bar Harbor Town Council, staff, and attorney drafted rules to implement and enforce the rule, with a workshop on the proposal set for November 21st. Among ideas floated, the harbormaster or a designee would count passengers as they come ashore, with a minimum $100 penalty levied against a ship for each disembarking person exceeding the daily limit.
(Bar Harbor) A town referendum a year ago, voted to limit passengers disembarking from cruise ships in Bar Harbor to 1,000 per day. Now the town is grappling with how to manage and enforce that limit. MaineBiz reports so far 105 cruise ships have scheduled stops in Bar Harbor between May 2nd and October 28th next year about 50 fewer than in years past. The Bar Harbor Town Council, staff, and attorney drafted rules to implement and enforce the rule, with a workshop on the proposal set for November 21st. Among ideas floated, the harbormaster or a designee would count passengers as they come ashore, with a minimum $100 penalty levied against a ship for each disembarking person exceeding the daily limit.
Economy
In Person Shopping a Returning Trend
(Undated) During the pandemic, consumers got used to shopping online. But Katherine Bruce, Market Insights Manager for Cotton, Incorporated, tells Star 97.7, this year the trend is a return to shopping local and in person. (((Local 1 “… the decorations, even the music.” :18))) This Saturday is Small Business Saturday – the perfect time to reconnect with all the local shops have to offer. Grab a friend and make a day of it by dining out as well.
(Undated) After years of staying home and shopping on line, this year the trend is to get back out there and enjoy the lights, decorations, and special offers in local shops and eateries. Katherine Bruce, Market Insights Manager for Cotton, Incorporated, tells Star 97.7, shoppers plan to spend more this year, as well. (((Local 2 “…those are the days they’re really planning to ‘have at’”. :21))) This Saturday is Small Business Saturday – the perfect day to get a jump on the holiday shopping and spirit by shopping and eating out locally and discovering all the community businesses have to offer.
(Undated) The trend this year is nixing the online shopping and returning to in person shopping in local stores and eateries. What’s trending in gift giving? Katherine Bruce, Market Insights Manager for Cotton, Incorporated, tells Star 97.7, it’s all about comfort. (((Local 3 “…clothing helps them feel better.” :21))) You’ll find racks of comfortable, yet stylish, clothing in the shops of Downtown Ellsworth, Blue Hill, and other local communities – along with books, toys, electronics and everything you need for every ONE on your holiday shopping list.
(Undated) The holidays can be stressful – what to buy Aunt Sarah who has everything? What to gift the young person just starting out who NEEDS everything? After the last few years, Katherine Bruce, Market Insights Manager for Cotton, Incorporated, tells Star 97.7 where to find suggestions for the gift you can’t go wrong on – the gift of comfort. (((Local 4 “…celebrate what we can and have a great time.” :11))) Once you have those great ideas, shop local this Saturday during Small Business Saturday. Local shopkeepers are waiting to match you with the perfect gift ideas for everyone on your list – something you just won’t find online.
King, Collins Support Maine Farmers’ Access to Global Markets
(Washington, DC) Legislation sponsored by Maine’s Senators could boost exports of Maine’s wild blueberry and potato crops to foreign markets. The Specialty CROP Act is co-sponsored by Senators Angus King and Susan Collins and aims to address high tariffs, burdensome labeling requirements, and other trade barriers that restrict U.S. products from accessing overseas markets and consumers.
(Washington, DC) In introducing legislation that could boost exports of Maine’s wild blueberry and potato crops, Senator Susan Collins said Maine is known throughout the country and the world for the two crops. The Specialty CROP Act, co-sponsored by Senator Angus King, aims to address high tariffs, burdensome labeling requirements, and other trade barriers they say threaten rural communities and agricultural producers who depend on customers overseas because of trade barriers that restrict U.S. products from accessing foreign markets.
Environment
Leonid Meteor Shower
(Orono) For those skygazers who enjoy watching the magic of shooting stars, Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, there’s a special event that will peak Saturday morning. (((Leonid “…for that shower, in the morning sky.” :20))). The next storm , unfortunately, won’t be until about 2032.
(Orono) Lots of skywatchers out this week trying to get a glimpse of the elusive aurora borealis have caught shooting stars on camera. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7 those moving meteors will peak Saturday morning. (((Leonid “…for that shower, in the morning sky.” :20))). The next storm is a bit down the road in 2032.
Infrastructure
Machias Dike Bridge Construction
(Machias) Drivers who traverse Route One across the Machias Dike Bridge will be dealing with a week-long bridge closure sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Star 97.7 spoke with MDOT Director of Communications Paul Merrill, who says the closure will enable construction of a temporary bridge while more permanent repairs are being made. Merrill says there will be north-south detours during the week-long closure that involve single digit mileage and should cause only brief travel delays. Recent inspections revealed serious concerns about the safety of the Civil-War era bridge. The Maine Department of Transportation plans to rebuild the dike that carries Route One over the Middle River. No word on a timeline for that larger, more permanent project.
(Machias) Drivers who utilize the Machias Dike Bridge that carries Route One over the Middle River will be facing a week-long closure sometime after Thanksgiving. Star 97.7 spoke with MDOT Director of Communications Paul Merrill who says the bridge will be closed in order to allow for construction of a temporary bridge that will carry traffic while more permanent repairs are being made. Merrill says there will be north-south detours involving single-digit mileage during the temporary closure. Inspectors recently found serious safety concerns with the Civil War Era structure. The Maine Department of Transportation plans to rebuild the bridge. No word on an exact timeline for that larger project.
Criterion Theatre Seeks New, Electronic Sign for Marquee
(Bar Harbor) A sign of the times? Bygone times, perhaps. The Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor says it’s time to replace its outdated marquee. Currently, the sign’s letters must be individually changed by hand each time a new act or show is scheduled. The Mount Desert Islander reports Criterion Board members are asking the Design Review Board to allow them to update the sign with a modern LED display. They say in addition to being task intensive, the antique glass letters are fragile and nearly impossible to replace when they break. The Criterion management is seeking to replace only the lettered section of the sign with an LED screen and plans to retain the rest of the marquee’s historic features.
(Bar Harbor) The Criterion Theatre is looking for a sign – an updated marquee sign, that is. Board members have asked the Bar Harbor Design Review Board to allow them to update the marquee with a modern LED display. They say not only is changing each individual letter time and labor intensive, the antique glass letters are fragile and nearly impossible to replace when they break. The Mount Desert Islander reports The Criterion is seeking to replace only the lettered section of the sign with the LED screen and staff plan to retain the rest of the marquee’s historic features.
Sports
The Bruins host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. The Celtics with a 117-107 win last night over the 76ers. The Celtics hit the hardwood against the Toronto Raptors on Friday.