Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Stormy Wednesday
(Maine) Ready or not, another powerful storm is upon us. School closings began coming in to Star 97.7 as early as yesterday afternoon, and all State Offices have delayed opening until Noon today. Steve McKay will keep us updated throughout the day, and we’ll have the latest closings and delays throughout the morning.
(Maine) Less than a month after a powerful winter storm knocked down trees and wires and knocked OUT power to tens of thousands across the state, Winter Storm Finn is knocking at our door this morning. With serious warnings issued, delays and closings began coming into our newsroom yesterday afternoon, We’ll have updates throughout the morning, and Steve McKay will have all your weather details throughout the day today right here on Star 97.7.
Local Politics
Brigadier General Diane Dunn on Track to Become First Woman to Lead ME National Guard
(Augusta) Brigadier General Diane Dunn is one step closer to becoming the first woman to lead the Maine National Guard. Dunn was nominated by Governor Janet Mills in December to replace the retiring Adjutant General Douglas Farnham, who served nearly four decades in the military. In an 8-3 vote, Dunn was endorsed by the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee this week. The opposition came from three Republicans. Dunn must next be confirmed by the Senate.
(Augusta) Despite opposition from three Republicans, when it comes to leading the Maine National Guard, you apparently can’t keep a good woman down. Brigadier General Diane Dunn this week received a vote of confidence from the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, which voted 8-3 in her quest to become the first woman to lead the Guard. Dunn was nominated by Governor Janet Mills in December and must still be confirmed by the Democratic-led Senate.
Maine House Rejects Effort to Impeach Secretary of State
(Augusta) The Maine House yesterday rejected an effort by Republicans to impeach Secretary of State Shenna Bellows for her ruling on removing Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot. Secretary Bellows said she based her ruling on the US Constitution’s insurrection clause. The Democratic controlled legislature voted 80-60 along party lines. Bellows labeled efforts to impeach her “political theatre”.
(Augusta) An effort to impeach Secretary of State Shenna Bellows for her decision that Donald Trump is unqualified to appear on the state’s March primary ballot was voted down Tuesday. The vote was 80-60 along party lines in the Democratic controlled Legislature. Bellows maintains her decision was based on the 14th Amendment, which bars from office anyone who once took an oath to uphold the Constitution, but who then engaged in insurrection or rebellion, as some consider the January 6th, 2021 storming of the US Capitol. Bellows labeled the effort “political theater”.
Ellsworth City Manager’s Contract Extended
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth City Council this week voted to extend Glenn Moshier’s contract as City Manager for up to a year while the City continues its search for a replacement. The vote was 5-1, with only Councilor Steve O’Halloran voting against the motion. Councilor Jon Stein was absent. Moshier was hired as the city’s police chief in 2017 and stepped into the additional role of City Manager in 2021 during the pandemic . Last July, Moshier expressed a desire to return to focusing on his duties as Police Chief. Moshier was also presented with a certificate for his 20 years of service as a police officer, receiving a standing ovation from the Council.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Manager Glenn Moshier received a standing ovation at this week’s City Council meeting. Moshier was presented with a certificate for his 20 years of service as a police officer. City Council voted to extend Moshier’s contract as City Manager for up to a year. The vote was 5-1 with only Councilor Steve O’Halloran voting against the motion. Moshier has been the city’s police chief since 2017 and took on the additional role of City Manager in 2021 during the pandemic when the city was unable to find a replacement for the retiring David Cole. Last July, Moshier expressed his desire to step aside as City Manager and focus on his law enforcement career, pending the hiring of a replacement.
Economy
Ellsworth Seeks Input on Business Attraction Plan
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth businesses and residents are invited to review and comment on the final draft of the city’s updated Business Attraction Plan. The BAP Steering Committee consulted with local businesses, community stakeholders, and government leaders in crafting the plan, designed to provide the City with a new economic development vision statement and concrete steps for implementing conditions for economic growth. A copy of the plan is available at ellsworth maine dot gov.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Business Attraction Plan Steering Committee has completed its updated Business Attraction Plan, and is now seeking the input of local businesses and residents. The Committee consulted with local businesses, community stakeholders, and government leaders in creating the plan, which is designed to provide Ellsworth with a new economic development vision statement and concrete steps for implementing conditions for economic growth. A copy of the plan is available at ellsworth maine dot gov.
Education
MaineCF Scholarships Available to Adult Learners
(Ellsworth) The Maine Community Foundation has scholarships available for adult learners. Adults considering a career change or advancement may be eligible for the short-term scholarships. Amounts are determined based on individual need and are awarded up to $1,500 for programs such as CNA’s , phlebotomy, coding, cosmetology, and commercial drivers’ licenses. Visit maine c f dot org forward slash scholarships to apply.
(Ellsworth) If you’re an adult who’s thinking about a career change or advancement, the Maine Community Foundation invites you to apply for one of their short-term scholarships. Amounts are determined based on individual need and are awarded up to $1,500 for programs such as CAN’s, phlebotomy, coding, cosmetology, and commercial drivers’ licenses. Visit maine c f dot org forward slash scholarships to apply.
Health
Mills Announces Initiative to Expand Support for Older Adults and Caregivers
(Augusta) Governor Mills this week announced a new initiative to expand support for older adults and caregivers across Maine. WABI-TV reports $2.5 million in federal funds will be used to connect older adults and caregivers through state, regional, and local partners, driven by community-based navigators. The programs will be created with the help of the University of Maine Center on Aging and Maine’s area agencies on aging. Maine leads the country as an AARP “Age Friendly State”, with more than 80 official Age Friendly communities, including Sullivan, Deer Isle, Ellsworth, Blue Hill, and Machias.
(Augusta) More support could be coming for older adults and caregivers across Maine. Governor Janet Mills this week proposed a new initiative that will provide $2.5 million in federal funds to connect older adults and caregivers through state, regional, and local partners. The initiative would be driven by community-based navigators. The programs will be created with the help of the University of Maine Center on Aging and Maine’s area agencies on aging. Maine leads the country as an AARP “Age Friendly State”, boasting more than 80 official Age Friendly communities, including Ellsworth, Sullivan, Stonington, Brooklin, Eastport and Bar Harbor.
American Red Cross Calls on Donors to Help with Critical Blood Shortage
(USA Today) The American Red Cross collects and distributes about 40% of the nation’s blood donations, and they say supplies are at a critical low. USA Today reports the agency said the emergency shortage means some patients may get less blood than they need or hospitals may struggle to find suitable matches for patients with rarer blood types. The lack of supplies may even lead to cancellation of critical procedures, including heart surgeries. To find a drive near you and donate, visit red cross blood dot org.
(ABC News) The American Red Cross said this week it is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. According to the humanitarian organization, the Red Cross is seeing the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. ABC News reports hospitals are currently experiencing a need for blood products — including whole blood, red blood cells, plasma and platelets — faster than donations are coming in. To find a drive near you and donate, visit red cross blood dot org.
More EMS Services Requesting Critical Additional Funding
(Scarborough) Northeast Mobile Health Services is the latest EMS Service to request a critical increase in payments from towns they serve. Such services regularly operate in the red, with low reimbursement rates leading to shortages in staffing, pay rates, and operating costs. The Pen Bay Pilot reports NEMHS is requesting an increase from towns of approximately $492,000 beginning July 1. NEMHS is based in Scarborough, with a center in Rockport that offers EMS services to Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport.
(Scarborough) Moosabec Ambulance Service in Jonesport was one of the first to ask for and receive more critical funding for the towns it serves, in large part because of low reimbursement rates. After that service received unanimous approval for such funding, other EMS services across the state have stepped up to ask for funding from towns … funding necessary to keep the lifesaving services in operation. Scarborough-based Northeast Mobile Health Services is the latest to ask, requesting a $492,000 increase from towns beginning July 1. NEMHS has a center in Rockport that offers EMS services to Camden, Hope, Lincolnville and Rockport.
Environment
2023 Was Hottest on Record
(NYT) It’s official – 2023 was the hottest year by far in a century and a half. The New York Times reports month after month, global temperatures didn’t just break records, they smashed them. And scientists say this year could be even warmer. Averaged across last year, temps worldwide were 2.66 degrees Fahrenheit warmer that in the second half of the 19th century. According to researchers, every tenth of a degree of global warming represents fuel that intensifies heat waves and storms, adds to rising seas, and hastens the melting of glaciers and ice sheets.
(NYT) Searing temperatures last year baked Texas, the American South, Iran, China, Greece and Spain. Canada had its most destructing wildfire season on record, with more than 45 million acres burned. And less ice formed around the coasts of Antarctica than ever measured. Scientists this week confirmed 2023 was the hottest year by far in a century and a half, with global temperature records not just broken, but smashed month after month, and temps worldwide 2.66 degrees warmer than the second half of the 19th century. According to researchers, every tenth of a degree of global warming represents fuel that intensifies heat waves and storms, adds to rising seas, and hastens the melting of glaciers and ice sheets.
Sports
These high school games on tap this evening – *CALL AHEAD – WITH SCHOOL CLOSINGS, GAMES WILL LIKELY BE RESCHEDULED. The Deer Isle Stonington/boys and girls take on Searsport, and these girls’ games – Machias vs. Sumner, the MDI Lady Trojans take on the Foxcroft Ponies, Narraguagus shoots hoops with Woodland, and the WA girls hit the hardwood against Old Town.
The Celtics home against the Minnesota Timberwolves; the Bruins have the night off. Bruins lost to the Arizona Coyotes last night 4-3 in overtime.
High school basketball results from last night – the Ellsworth Lady Eagles crushing the John Bapst Crusaders, and these results on the boys’ side – George Stevens over Dexter, Sumner beats Central, Narraguagus squeaks past Jonesport-Beals, and the Hermon Hawks with a two point win over Washington Academy.