Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Storm Brings Flooding, Power Outages
(Downeast Maine) Wednesday’s storm was a fast moving one, but powerful winds nonetheless brought power outages, and many roads were temporarily closed due to storm surge and flooding. In Machias, the temporary dike bridge built just last month to carry motorists over the river when the current bridge is replaced was totally underwater. Flooding also closed the permanent dike bridge over Route One, along with Main and Court Streets. The Deer Isle Causeway was closed for a short time, and flooding was reported at Seawall, in Addison, and Castine. Still about 5,800 Versant customers in Hancock and Washington Counties without power as of 4 a.m. Another rain and wind event is on its way for Saturday.
(Downeast Maine) Water, water everywhere – that was the theme Wednesday as high tide combined with heavy rains and snow melt to create flooding headaches. Storm surge tossed debris across roads in Hulls Cove and Seawall. In Machias, flooding was a problem at Bad Little Falls and washed over the temporary dike bridge built just last month to carry motorists over the river when the current bridge is replaced. The Deer Isle Causeway was closed or “cross at your own risk”. Flooding also created issues at Seawall, on the Eastside Road in Addison, on the Shore Road in Castine and other areas.
(Downeast Maine) High winds, high tides, and heavy, wet snow combined to create the perfect storm in Downeast Maine on Wednesday. Flooding in Winter Harbor destroyed a historic building, water completely covered the temporary bridge built just last month that was to carry motorists across the Machias dike bridge while the current bridge was being replaced, and storm surge washed debris across roads at Seawall, Hulls Cove, the Schoodic Loop Road, and the Deer Isle Causeway. By 11:15 yesterday morning, Versant was reporting just over 21,000 power outages, mostly in Hancock, Washington, and Penobscot Counties. Another storm is predicted to hit the area on Saturday, though forecasters say it won’t be as intense.
(Downeast Maine) Officials were barely finished assessing damage from a December 18th wind and rain event, when Finn came to visit on Wednesday. While there were fewer power outages by far yesterday, the flooding was intense, closing or washing out roads and bridges in Castine, Machias, Bar Harbor, Deer Isle, and elsewhere. The storm surge also washed away the pier at Hancock Point, and powerful waves tossed boulders onto the Schoodic Loop Road. Repair crews will barely have time to catch their breath before another storm drops in on Saturday, although forecasters at this point say that storm won’t be as intense as Finn.
Truck Crashes Through Guardrail and Plunges 45 Feet Onto Submerged Roadway
(Portland) The operator of a Freightliner utility truck is lucky to be alive today after the rig he was driving smashed through a guardrail and plunged 45 feet onto a partially submerged roadway Wednesday. Authorities say 51 yo Arazo Marrero Niorge of Florida was on I295 northbound in Portland about 10 yesterday morning. He and a motorist in the far right lane were attempting to merge into a center lane, when Niorge realized what was happening, overcorrected, and lost control. Niorge and two other occupants in the truck were wearing their seatbelts and were able to extricate themselves. All three were taken to Maine Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
(Portland) The driver of a Trees R Us utility truck and his two passengers have seatbelts and perhaps divine intervention to thank after they were able to walk away from a 45 foot plunge onto a flooded roadway. Authorities tell Star 97.7, the crash happened about 10 a.m. on Tukey’s Bridge on I-295 in Portland. 51 yo Arazo Marrero Niorge of Florida was in the far left of the three northbound lanes, when he and a driver in the far right lane attempted to merge center. Realizing what was happening, Niorge overcorrected, lost control, and smashed through a guardrail, landing 45 feet below on pavement that was partially submerged due to yesterday’s high tide and heavy rains. Niorge and the two other occupants of the truck were all wearing seatbelts. All three were taken to Maine Medical Center and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Storm Once Again Damages EEMS Roof
(Ellsworth) No sooner had workers repaired the roof at the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School from December’s storm than yesterday’s storm again took its toll, leading to further damage in four classrooms. In a letter to the school community, Superintendent Amy Boles said administrators worked tirelessly throughout the day to craft a comprehensive plan to address the situation. Classroom assignments have been reassigned to accommodate students and staff, and maintenance is working diligently to assess and repair the latest damage. Although there will be some classroom changes, school is expected to be back in session this morning.
(Ellsworth) Yesterday’s storm once again took a toll on the roof of the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School. Workers had barely repaired damage from the December 18th storm, when Wednesday’s winds and rain caused further damage to four classrooms. In a letter to the school community, Superintendent Amy Boles said administrators worked tirelessly throughout the day to craft a comprehensive plan to address the situation. Classroom assignments have been reassigned to accommodate students and staff, and maintenance is working diligently to assess and repair the latest damage. Although there will be some classroom changes, school is expected to be back in session this morning.
Maine Judge Deciding Trump’s Eligibility Praised as “Fair”
(Augusta) When Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued her decision that Donald Trump was not qualified to be on the state’s primary ballot, she suspended that decision until after a ruling by Superior Court Judge Michaela Murphy. While, like Bellows, Murphy is a Democrat, the Bangor Daily News reports those in the capital area legal community say she’s known for her fairness. One criminal defense attorney said while he is a staunch Republican, “There aren’t many judges that I would trust with this issue – (Murphy) is one of them.” Justice Murphy has said she would rule on the matter by January 17th.
(Augusta) If there’s one thing a judge MUST be, it’s fair and impartial. The general consensus of the capital area legal community is that Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy is just that. When Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued her decision that Donald Trump was not qualified to be on the state’s primary ballot, she suspended that decision until after a ruling by Murphy. The Bangor Daily News reports while some worry Murphy, a Democrat, may be biased, one criminal defense attorney said while he is a staunch Republican, “There aren’t many judges that I would trust with this issue – (Murphy) is one of them.” Murphy has said she would rule on the matter by January 17th.
Economy
Beth C. Wright Seeks Program and Volunteer Coordinator
(Ellsworth) Anyone locally who has experienced a cancer diagnosis or that of a loved one has likely benefitted from the resources of the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth. The Center is currently looking to hire a Program/Volunteer Coordinator to develop and oversee new programs and services. The ideal person would also provide active support for daily activities and operations, while working with other local organizations and in-house staff to make a positive impact on the communities served. For more information on qualifications or to apply, contact Beth C. Wright.
(Ellsworth) Cancer – the diagnosis is devastating to patients and their loved ones. The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth is there to help. The Center is currently looking to hire a Program/Volunteer Coordinator to develop and oversee new programs and services. The ideal person would also provide active support for daily activities and operations, while working with other local organizations and in-house staff to make a positive impact on the communities served. For more information on qualifications or to apply, contact Beth C. Wright.
Education
Hampden, Caribou Students Selected for US Senate Youth Program
(Augusta) A pair of Maine high school students has been selected for the United States Senate Youth Program. For Hampden Academy’s Ryan Hafener and Caribou’s Claire Ouelette that means participation in Washington Week in March and $10K in scholarships. The pair was selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104-member student delegation.
(Augusta) Two Maine high school students are at the top of their game and will be tops on the list of those attending the United States Senate Youth Program in March. Hampden Academy’s Ryan Hafener and Caribou’s Claire Ouelette will attend Washington Week, an opportunity to watch the three branches of government interact and learn the importance of democratic decision making. The two were selected from among the state’s top student leaders. Each will also receive a $10K scholarship.
Human Interest
Curbside Queens
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth Pride and Bar Harbor Pride invite folks to enjoy New England’s Number One Traveling Drag Show. Curbside Queens will be performing “Glitter a Go-Go” at the Grand tomorrow evening from 7 to 9. The event is sponsored by Fogtown Brewing, with proceeds benefitting the two local Pride organizations. Tickets for the 18 and older event are available through grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Costumes, props, and immersive visuals – part of the fun you’re invited to enjoy Friday night as Ellsworth Pride and Bar Harbor present Curbside Queens’ Glitter a Go Go at the Grand. The high energy performance is billed as New England’s number one drag show. Sponsored by Fogtown Brewing, proceeds benefit the two local Pride organizations. Tickets for the 18 and older show are still available at grand online dot org.
New Resources for Dog Owners
(Maine) It’s not unusual for families to adopt a dog as a Christmas gift, a companion, or just to provide a home for a loving pet that may be frightened or alone in a shelter. Those pups often come with a need for a bit of training, but Bradley Pfiher, Executive Director of the Council for Professional Dog Trainers, tells Star 97.7, it’s not all about the dog. (((DogTrain 1 “…and our family and our environment.” :06))). We asked Pfifher if you have to start training when your dog is a puppy. (((DogTrain 2 “…and dogs can be trained at any age.” :17))) Pfiher says it’s important to commit to adjusting our behavior and managing our environment so that the dog isn’t able to self-reward in undesired ways.
(Maine) You’ve finally adopted that dog you’ve always wanted, but find he or she may need some training with leash walking, house training, puppy nipping, or chewing. Bradley Pfiher is the Executive Director of the Council for Professional Dog Trainers. He tells Star 97.7, there are a number of resources available online. (((DogTrain 3 “…within a certain range of your zip code.” :20))) Pfiher says many also offer online lessons virtually, or they may even come to your home.
(Maine) You just adore that new pup you rescued or purchased from an ethical breeder, but Spot needs some guidance and direction. Bradley Pfiher, Executive Director of the Council for Professional Dog Trainers, tells Star 97.7, buyer beware. Dog training is an unlicensed profession in the U.S., so anyone can identify as a dog trainer and provide services to the public. (((DogTrain 4 “…and is committed to ethical practices.” :20))) Pfifher says the Certification Council for CCPDT has two credentials – the knowledge assessment and knowledge and skills assessment, and you can look for those credentials when searching for a trainer using your state and zip code.
(Maine) You love that new pup to pieces, but he or she needs some training on walking on a leash, sitting or staying on command, nipping, and other behaviors. We asked Bradley Pfiher, Executive Director for the Council for Professional Dog Trainers if it’s ok to use treats to reward skills and good behavior. (((DogTrain 5 “…on a regular basis to teach skills.” :26))) For more resources on finding a certified trainer, many of whom provide training online, visit fetch dot com or c c p d t dot org, where you can search by state and zip code. And take that sweet pup for a pup cup.
Sports
The Celtics took the game into overtime last night, ultimately defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-120. Celtics in Milwaukee tonight to shoot hoops with the Bucks. The Bruins are in Vegas to hit the hardwood against the Golden Knights. High School basketball tonight, the WA Lady Raiders on the court against the Old Town Coyotes; on the boys’ side, Ellsworth vs. Orono, the Sumner Tigers take on the George Stevens Eagles, Narraguagus vs. WA, John Bapst boys take on Bucksport, and the Calais Devils up against the Woodland Dragons.