Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Officer Involved Shooting in Augusta
(Augusta) Four Augusta and one Capitol Police Officer involved in a shooting Sunday night. The officers responded to Northern Avenue about 11 pm on a report of a man armed with a firearm threatening other residents at the location. 22 yo Liban S. Mohamed of Lewiston reportedly opened fire on the officers, who then returned fire. The suspect was later found dead inside the residence. None of the officers was injured, but per protocol, all are currently on leave pending a full investigation by the Office of the Attorney General.
(Augusta) A police involved shooting in Augusta Sunday night resulted in four Augusta Police Officers and one Capitol Police Officer being placed on leave, per protocol. The officers responded to Northern Avenue about 11 pm on report of a man armed with a firearm threatening other residents at the location. Officers say 22 yo Liban S. Mohamed of Lewiston opened fire on the officers, who then returned fire. The suspect was found dead inside the residence. None of the officers was injured, but per protocol, all are currently on leave pending a full investigation by the Office of the Attorney General.
MBHS Releases Preliminary Motor Vehicle Fatality Numbers for 2023
(Augusta) Motor vehicle fatalities were down. Seat belt usage was up – but only during the day. Motorcycle fatalities were way down, but pedestrian deaths way up. Those are some of the 2023 statistics released Monday by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. There were 134 motor vehicle fatalities last year – the lowest number since 2014. During the day, officers observed almost 95% of drivers wearing seat belts. That number dropped to just over 77% at nighttime. The 17 motorcycle fatalities in 2023 were a 47% decrease from 2022’s 32 motorcycle deaths. The biggest area of concern was a jump in pedestrian deaths, which have been on the increase since 2021, each year reporting 20 or more. BHS officials are taking steps to increase education, awareness, and enforcement efforts in problem areas.
(Augusta) Stricter requirements for funding public safety grants, more safety education, and stepped up enforcement efforts. Those are some of the steps being taken to continue improving safety on Maine highways. A report released Monday by the Bureau of Highway Safety showed motor vehicle and motorcycle fatalities were down in 2023, but pedestrian deaths continue to rise, with 20 or more deaths each year since 2021. There were 134 motor vehicle fatalities last year, the lowest since 2014. Officials say it’s too early to know how much impaired driving impacted last year’s fatality numbers, but between 2018 and 2022, an average of nearly one-quarter of the fatalities each year involved drivers who were under the influence of alcohol.
Rockport Woman Escapes Harrowing Crash
(Rockport) A sturdy ash tree was all that stood between the driver of a Jeep and a plunge into the icy waters of a quarry this weekend. The Pen Bay Pilot reports 57 yo Maureen Legage of Lincolnville was crossing an intersection when her vehicle left the roadway, went into a ditch, over a four foot chain link fence and was left dangling over the edge of the Union Street Quarry. Another woman and a young girl in the car were able to escape, but Legage was injured and unable to move. Law enforcement, EMT’s, and fire department personnel worked quickly but meticulously for an hour, using cables and extricating equipment to free the driver, who was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center. The crash is under investigation.
(Rockport) It was just 16 degrees, but the night could have turned much colder and more ominous for a driver in Rockport, who crashed her Jeep and was left dangling perilously above the frigid waters of the Union Street Quarry Saturday night. The Pen Bay Pilot reports 57 yo Maureen Legage of Lincolnville was crossing an intersection when her vehicle left the roadway, went into a ditch, over a four foot chain link fence and was left dangling over the edge of the quarry. Another woman and a young girl in the car were able to escape, but Legage was injured and unable to move. Law enforcement, EMT’s, and fire department personnel worked for an hour, using cables and extricating equipment to free the driver, who was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center. The crash is under investigation.
Former Gouldsboro Fire Chief Reportedly Facing New Charges
(Gouldsboro) Gouldsboro’s former Fire Chief is reportedly facing a new felony charge. The Bangor Daily News reports 52 yo Tatum McLean is accused of stealing money from the town before he resigned two years ago. McLean was indicted last summer on forgery and other charges. Recent court filings suggest McLean was involved in an alleged scheme to skim the town’s emergency medicine program. He now also faces a charge of aggravated criminal invasion of computer privacy. If convicted, that charge could mean up to five years in prison and a $5K fine.
(Gouldsboro) A new felony charge being reported against former Gouldsboro Fire Chief Tatum McClean. The Bangor Daily News reports the 52 yo McLean is accused of stealing money from the town before he resigned two years ago. He was indicted last summer on forgery and other charges. Recent court filings suggest McLean was involved in an alleged scheme to skim the town’s emergency medicine program. He now reportedly also faces a charge of aggravated criminal invasion of computer privacy. If convicted, that charge could mean up to five years in prison and a $5K fine.
Local Politics
Maine Voter Stats Released
(Augusta) As of January 18th, the number of voting age citizens in Maine was a little over one million, one hundred thirty seven thousand. Registered data files posted online Monday show about 83% are active registered voters. Democrats lead the state with about 36% of the state’s total. Republicans are second with 29.5% of the state’s total. But nearly the same number – 28.8% – are unenrolled. In Maine, voters can register in person up to and including Election Day. To receive a ballot in Maine, voters must be a US Citizen, at least age 18 (or 17 at a Primary Election date where the voter will be 18 by the General Election), and have a residence established in the state.
(Augusta) Maine is one of the few states where no one loses their right to vote due to a current or former incarceration status. That’s one of the reminders released yesterday when the Secretary of State’s Office posted the latest registered data files. Among those eligible to vote in Maine, active registered voters make up about 83% . 36.2% are registered Democrats, 29.5% registered Republicans. But nearly as many – 28.8% are unenrolled. In Maine, voters can register in person up to and including Election Day. Plenty of time to make your voice heard.
Governor Mills Calls for Passage of Reproductive Rights Amendment
(Augusta) Monday marked what would have been the 51st Anniversary of the 1973 landmark decision, Roe vs. Wade, which for 50 years guaranteed a woman’s right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. The decision was overturned by the US Supreme Court in 2022, with more than a dozen states since then enacting what Governor Janet Mills yesterday called extreme bans on abortion. In response, the Governor called for passage of a Reproductive Rights Amendment that would enshrine reproductive autonomy in the Maine Constitution. If passed with two-thirds support from the Maine Legislature, voters would be asked to ratify language making abortion access a constitutional right in the Pine Tree State.
(Augusta) Roe v. Wade for 50 years guaranteed a woman’s right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned that 1973 decision. On what would have been the 51st anniversary yesterday, Governor Janet Mills called for passage of a Reproductive Rights Amendment. The Governor said the measure would enshrine reproductive autonomy in the Maine Constitution, cautioning there have been bills in the Maine Legislature that would restrict such rights by forced ultrasounds, mandated biased counseling, and restricting access to abortion for rural women. If passed with two-thirds support from the Maine Legislature, voters would be asked to ratify language making abortion access a constitutional right in the Pine Tree State.
Grohoski Announces Run for Re-Election
(Ellsworth) Democratic Senator Nicole Grohoski of Ellsworth has announced her plan to run for re-election to represent Senate District 7. That District covers most of Hancock County, as well as Isle au Haut in Knox County. Grohoski is an Ellsworth native who attended Ellsworth High School. She served two terms in the House before running for the Maine Senate in a special election in June 2022. She’s currently serving her second term. Her political history includes championing laws that ensure older Americans can afford to remain in their homes, environmental issues. She also volunteers with Green Ellsworth.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth native Nicole Grohoski has announced her intention to run for re-election to serve Senate District 7, which covers most of Hancock County, as well as Isle au Haut in Knox County. The Democratic Senator was born and raised in Ellsworth, attended the local high school, the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, and Middlebury College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Environmental Studies. In her political career, Grohoski has championed tax credits that ensure older Americans can remain in their homes, and has been proactive in areas that safeguard against and help prepare for climate change.
Biden Convenes Meeting to Preserve Women’s “Right to Choose”
(Washington, DC) President Joe Biden on Monday gathered key members of his Cabinet to discuss abortion rights. The meeting was a symbolic reminder of the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling on January 22nd, 1973. NBC News reports the President planned to, “hear directly from physicians on the frontlines of the fallout” since the landmark decision was reversed. Biden also was to detail new actions his administration is taking to strengthen access to contraception and medication abortion, as well as ensuring patients can receive emergency medical care.
(Washington, DC) One the anniversary of the landmark Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, President Joe Biden yesterday convened a meeting of key Cabinet members to discuss abortion rights. NBC News reports the President planned to, “hear directly from physicians on the frontlines of the fallout” since the landmark decision was reversed. Biden also was to detail new actions his administration is taking to strengthen access to contraception and medication abortion, as well as ensuring patients can receive emergency medical care.
Economy
Loaves and Fishes Plans “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation”
(Ellsworth) The kids will be on school vacation later next month, but hunger doesn’t take a break. Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is once again sponsoring “Hunger Doesn’t Take A Vacation”, providing clients with the makings of a holiday style meal to keep families fed during February school break. Meal kits will be available during open hours the week of February 21st, when many children face food insecurity, especially with family budgets stretched tight this time of year. The pantry hopes to provide 250 meals to those in need. Community members who would like to support this initiative can donate and loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) School break is coming up in February, but hunger doesn’t take a vacation. Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth will once again provide clients with the makings of a holiday style meal to keep families fed during the February school break. Meal kits will be available during open hours the week of February 21st, when many children face food insecurity, especially with family budgets stretched tight this time of year. The pantry hopes to provide 250 meals to those in need. Community members who would like to support “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation” can donate and loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Human Interest
All-Female Snow Sculpting Team to Represent Maine in Snow Sculpting Competition
(Waterville) Look out Wisconsin – Mainers know their snow. Especially when it’s the all female Snow Sculpting Team from Waterville known as the Chickadees. NewsCenter Maine reports Captain Serena Sanborn, her sister Phoebe, and friend Desiree Dubois will represent Maine as the only all-women squad in next week’s Snow Sculpting Championship in Lake Geneva. Competitors have several days to construct a complex sculpture from a block of snow, using only hand tools. The Maine team plans to sculpt the Greek Goddess Artemis to celebrate NASA’s mission to put a woman on the moon.
(Waterville) When the all-female snow sculpting team from Waterville competes in next week’s championship in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, they’ll have a goddess on their side. NewsCenter Maine reports Captain Serena Sanborn, her sister Phoebe, and friend Desiree Dubois, aka The Chickadees, will represent Maine as the only all-women squad in next week’s Snow Sculpting Championship. Competitors have several days to construct a complex sculpture from a block of snow, using only hand tools. The Maine team plans to sculpt the Greek Goddess Artemis to celebrate NASA’s mission to put a woman on the moon.
Sports
The Bruins and Celtics both have the night off tonight; Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday, and the Celtics in Miami on Thursday to take on the Heat.
The Bruins beat the Jets last night 4-1. The Celtics beat the Mavericks in Dallas, 119-110.
Local basketball teams on the courts tonight: The Ellsworth girls take on Hermon. On the boys’ side, it’s MDI vs. Orono, WA takes on Old Town, the Woodland Dragons shoot hoops with the Narraguagus Knights, Machias Bulldogs on the court against the Calais Blue Devils and Sumner facing off with Jonesport-Beals.
Monday night results from local high school basketball games: the Ellsworth boys pull off a close one over Old Town 62-58. On the girls’ side, MDI easily defeating John Bapst, Jonesport-Beals with an edge-of-your-seat 40-38 win over Calais, the GSA Eagles making quick work of the Sumner Tiger, and Shead defeats Narraguagus.