Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Saturday Storm Brings Record Breaking Tides
(Maine) Saturday’s storm brought astronomically high tides, and once again flooded roads and causeways already damaged by last Wednesday’s Finn. The tides washed up even more debris on Marlboro Beach in Lamoine, Sorrento, Machias, Seawall and elsewhere. Portland set an all-time record high tide on Saturday. CBS 13 reported at 20 minutes prior to high tide, the swell was already at 14.29 feet, breaking a previous record of 14.17 feet set in 1978. In an interview with WGME, Ryan Hutmacher says it was emotional for some who saw three historic fishing shacks, built in the 1800’s, being swept away in the record high tides. (((Wells “…to the rest of the community, too.” :16)))
(Maine) The streets of Winter Harbor were once again flooded along the coast, the Machias and Deer Isle causeways were inundated by sea water, and high tides, heavy surf, and wind tossed waves tossed logs, shells, piles of seaweed, and boulders onto coastal roadways Saturday, just days after ferocious Finn caused unprecedented damage to businesses and infrastructure up and down the coast. Portland set an all-time record high tide on Saturday, with CBS 13 reporting at 20 minutes prior to high tide, the swell was already at 14.29 feet, breaking a previous record of 14.17 feet set in 1978.
Deaths of Two Women at Farmington Dog Kennel Ruled a Homicide
(Farmington) The deaths of two women whose bodies were found at the Pawsitive Dog Kennel in Farmington on December 27th have been ruled a homicide. A 9-1-1 caller reported discovering the bodies of 76 yo Jean Robinson and 53 yo Allison Cumming, a mother and daughter who lived on the Red Schoolhouse Road property in a separate building. Authorities are not releasing a cause of death at this time, but say they are continuing their investigation. They emphasize there is no danger to the public.
(Farmington) The bodies of the mother and daughter were found last month at the Pawsitive Dog Kennel in Farmington. Now, authorities have ruled those deaths a homicide. A 9-1-1 caller reported discovering the bodies of 76 yo Jean Robinson and 53 yo Allison Cumming on December 27th. The two lived on the Red Schoolhouse Road property in a separate building. Authorities are not releasing a cause of death at this time, but say they are continuing their investigation. They emphasize there is no danger to the public.
Feds Crack Down on Highway Signs
(CBS) With the tension in Congress these days, one can hardly blame the Feds for lacking a sense of humor. Still, it’s a bit sad to learn the Federal Highway Administration is cracking down on those humorous highway signs. CBS reports officials worry serious warnings will get lost in the smiles brought on by such messages as, “Your Mom called, is your seatbelt buckled?” and “Texting and Driving Leads to the Dark Side.” The FHA is giving the Maine Department of Transportation and other states two years to “can” the humor.
(CBS) It’s a bit late for the Grinch, but federal officials want to crack down on those message boards that bring smiles to the faces of motorists. CBS reports the Federal Highway Administration worries warnings about serious issues, such as texting and driving, are getting lost in the humor. They’re telling MDOT and other states’ highway officials to do away with messages such as “Best unopened gift – airbags”, and “Did it come with a turn signal?“. The signs have been so popular, Mississippi even held a contest in 2019 asking for suggestions on the witty one-liners. The FHA is giving states two years to get serious. Bah, humbug.
Local Politics
Senator King Pushes for Climate Action
(Washington, DC) Saying, “We are fiddling while the world burns,” Senator Angus King is pushing for urgency in moving forward with clean energy projects. King referenced the recent storms, unprecedented flooding and damages caused, calling on legislators to talk urgently about the impact of the climate crisis and the cost of dealing with the devastation in terms of taxpayer dollars. King has been a staunch advocate for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of the historic Inflation Reduction Act. Scientists last week released data showing the earth smashed previous warming records in 2023.
(Washington, DC) “We are fiddling while the world burns.” Those were the words of Senator Angus King as he pleaded urgency in moving forward with clean energy projects. King referenced the recent storms and the unprecedented flooding and other damages caused, calling on legislators to talk urgently about the impact of the climate crisis and the cost of dealing with the devastation in terms of taxpayer dollars. Scientists last week released data showing the earth smashed previous warming records in 2023. King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of the historic Inflation Reduction Act.
Economy
Historical Preservation, Affordable Housing Focus of HTC-GO
(Washington, DC) Redeveloping historic buildings to expand affordable housing in Maine. That’s the goal of the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act, or HTC-GO. The bipartisan Act, co-sponsored by Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, would create a new 30 percent tax credit for qualified rehabilitation projects that cost less than $3.75 million, while maintaining the existing 20 percent credit. The bill lowers the threshold cost a project must meet in order to qualify. HTC-GO also amends rules for tax-exempt entities such as healthcare centers and arts organizations, in order to allow better access to the credit.
(Washington, DC) Historic Preservation and expanding affordable housing in Maine go hand in hand in a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Senators Angus King and Susan Collins and others. The Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act, or HTC-GO, would create a new 30 percent tax credit for qualified rehabilitation projects costing less than $3.75 million, while maintaining the existing 20 percent credit. The bill lowers the threshold cost a project must meet in order to qualify. HTC-GO also amends rules for tax-exempt entities such as healthcare centers and arts organizations, in order to allow better access to the credit.
SNAP Replacement Benefits Issued
(Maine) Recipients of SNAP this weekend received some $13.5M in replacement funds for food lost during the December 18th storm and resulting power outages. The Portland Press Herald reports those living in areas affected by the storm were issued benefits totaling 60% of their December allocation on Saturday.
(Maine) Saturday not only brought Mainers another storm, but also relief to beneficiaries of SNAP who lost food during December’s storm and power outages. The Portland Press Herald reports those living in areas affected by the storm were issued benefits totaling 60% of their December allocation on Saturday. Altogether, the state issued some $13.5M in replacement funds.
Fill the Strand Day
(Rockland) It’s Fill the Strand Day in Rockland. Area Interfaith Outreach has a goal of filling every seat in the historic theatre with bags of groceries – even better, you can sponsor a seat for just $25 – funds that can be used to buy food and supplies at reduced cost. All the food and funds go directly to AIO’s Food, Energy Assistance, Weekend Meal, and Diaper Assistance Programs. Donate at a i o food pantry dot org.
(Rockland) $25 goes a long way these days – that is, when it comes to helping others through local food pantries. Today is Fill the Strand Day in Rockland. Area Interfaith Outreach has a goal of filling every seat in the historic theatre with bags of groceries … or you can sponsor a seat for just $25. All the food and funds go directly to AIO’s Food, Energy Assistance, Weekend Meal, and Diaper Assistance Programs. Donate at a i o food pantry dot org.
Education
Hancock, Lamoine Hire New Superintendent
(Hancock) Ellen Halliday has been tapped to take over as Superintendent of the Hancock and Lamoine School Departments, beginning July 1. Halliday succeeds interim superintendent Rob Liebow. She currently works as Superintendent of Schools in Fremont, New Hampshire. Halliday is returning to Maine, where she previously served as Superintendent in the Wells-Ogunquit and Houlton school systems.
(Hancock) You might say being selected to serve as Superintendent of the Hancock and Lamoine School Departments is a bit of a homecoming for Ellen Halliday, who will begin the job on July 1. Halliday is currently Superintendent of Schools in Fremont, New Hampshire, but previously served as Superintendent in the Wells-Ogunquit and Houlton school systems. She’ll take over the job from Rob Liebow who has been serving as Interim Superintendent the past two years.
Technology
Federal Grant Will Enable Nearly 600 New EV Chargers in Maine
(Augusta) Electrifying news out of Augusta. A federal grant will be used to install 582 EV chargers in 63 Maine cities and towns. Governor Janet Mills said this week the state has been awarded $15M for the project under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. An MDOT engineer said the goal is to have enough fast chargers around the state that motorists don’t have to worry about the likelihood of a battery running out. Locally, chargers will be installed in Machias, Medway, Baileyville, Searsport, and Rockland.
(Augusta) Put it on my charge. More motorists will be able to do that soon, as the state installs 582 EV chargers in 63 Maine cities and towns. Governor Janet Mills said this week the state has been awarded $15M under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. An MDOT engineer said the goal is to have enough fast chargers around the state that drivers don’t have to worry about the likelihood of a battery running out. Locally, chargers will be installed in Machias, Medway, Baileyville, Searsport, and Rockland.
Human Interest
Tay Remains Once Again Battered by the Sea
(ANP) The sea giveth, and the sea taketh away – again. Wednesday’s storm exposed the remains of The Tay, a shipwreck that’s been at Sand Beach since 1911. Saturday’s storm battered it again, washing some of it back out to sea. WABI-TV reports the wreckage has been exposed a number of times since it originally came ashore. Although Sand Beach experienced some heavy erosion during the storms, Park Management Assistant John Kelly explained that in the past, the beach has returned over time through natural processes.
(ANP) It was a case of Northern Exposure this week, as Wednesday’s violent storm uncovered once again the remains of the shipwrecked Tay, a vessel beached on the rocky coast back in 1911. But Mother Nature doesn’t give up her treasures for long. Although the intrepid ventured out to Sand Beach at Acadia National Park to see the wreckage, Saturday’s storm once again battered and swallowed up some of the remaining bones of the Tay, where she’ll likely rest and await the next storm.
Sports
High school basketball games on this Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – all girls’ games locally. The Woodland Dragons take on the George Stevens Eagles, Washington Academy vs. Presque Isle, the Searsport Lady Vikings up against the Bucksport Golden Bucks, Ellsworth takes on Foxcroft Academy, and the Jonesport-Beals Lady Royals shoot hoops with the Sumner Tigers.
The Bruins home for an afternoon game against the NJ Devils. Bruins put the sticks to the home ice against the Avalanche on Thursday.
The Celtics in Toronto tonight to hit the hardwood against the Raptors.
The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to hire Jerod Mayo as the team’s next head coach. Mayo played eight seasons with the Patriots, joining them as an Assistant Coach in 2019.