Crime/Public Safety/Drugs Fisherman Rescued After Harrowing, Hours-Long Effort (Tenants Harbor)  A fisherman whose skiff overturned and who was forced to swim to a rocky island is alive today, thanks to nearly two dozen rescuers who braved several hours of treacherous terrain and weather Sunday evening to rescue him from Northern Island near St. George.  Maine […]

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Local News 01/30/24

Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Fisherman Rescued After Harrowing, Hours-Long Effort

(Tenants Harbor)  A fisherman whose skiff overturned and who was forced to swim to a rocky island is alive today, thanks to nearly two dozen rescuers who braved several hours of treacherous terrain and weather Sunday evening to rescue him from Northern Island near St. George.  Maine DMR reports the man had gone to check his pilings on Rackliff Island and was to return by 4:15.  When he didn’t show up, his wife called 911.  A property owner who heard the man’s cries for help directed the rescuers to the island, where the man was put into a carrier and warmed as he was transported hand over hand to a boat and then to the mainland and a waiting ambulance.

(Tenants Harbor)  Almost two dozen rescuers from multiple agencies worked through darkness, across treacherous terrain, and braved frigid waters to rescue a fisherman stranded on Northern Island Sunday, after his skiff overturned and he was forced to swim to the rocky outcrop.  The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports the man had gone to check his pilings on Rackliff Island near St. George and was to return by to Tenants Harbor by 4:15.  When he didn’t show, his wife called 911.  A property owner who heard the man’s cries for help directed the rescuers to the island, where the victim was put into a carrier and warmed as he was transported hand over hand to a boat and then to the mainland and a waiting ambulance.

Robbinston Woman Sentenced to 32 Years for 2022 Murder

(Machias)  A Robbinston woman will serve 32 years for the murder of another  woman from whom she allegedly purchased drugs.  43 yo Rebecca Moores pled guilty in December to murdering 53 yo Paula Johnson of Pembroke, who reportedly not only was her dealer but a close friend.  Johnson was found shot to death in her Leighton Point Road home in February 2022. Witnesses alleged Moores shot Johnson, then stole her drugs and money.  Sentencing was handed down Monday in Machias.

(Machias)  43 yo Rebecca Moores of Robbinston yesterday was sentenced to 32 years in prison for the murder of a Pembroke woman.  Moores pled guilty in December to murdering 53 yo Paula Johnson, whose body was found in her Leighton Point Road home in February 2022.  Court records indicate Johnson dealt drugs from her home and Moores was a customer and close friend.  Moores claimed she was with two men who used her so they could get close to Johnson, but police testified Johnson’s bullets and blood were found in Moores’s car and that her statements during questioning were inconsistent.

Lewiston Commission Seeks Subpoena Power

(Augusta)  The independent commission tasked with investigating the Lewiston shooting says their final report will be incomplete because they’re being denied access to the facts.  WABI-TV reports Anne Jordan, the Commission’s Executive Director, claims they’ve encountered several individuals who have either refused to appear or been directed not to appear by their superiors and that they’ve been denied access to records relevant to the investigation.  They’re hoping the Legislature will agree to a bill that would give the Commission subpoena power to access key records and testimony.

(Augusta)  The independent commission tasked with investigating the Lewiston shooting says they’re facing roadblocks that will make a final report on the tragedy incomplete.  According to WABI-TV, the group claims to have encountered several individuals who have either refused to appear or been directed not to appear by their superiors and that they’ve been denied access to records relevant to the investigation. Anne Jordan, Executive Director of the Commission, spoke Monday in favor of a bill that would give the investigators subpoena power to access key records and witness testimony.

Local Politics

Collins’ Bill to Address Nursing Shortage Passes Senate

(Washington, DC)  A bill designed to address the nationwide nursing shortage passed the Senate unanimously last week.  The bill was sponsored by US Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Mike Braun of Indiana, along with Democrat Jacky Rosen of Nevada.  Collins said the Train More Nurses Act addresses the growing demand for medical treatments and healthcare providers across Maine, while the state faces a significant shortage of nurses.

(Washington, DC)  A bipartisan bill designed to address the nationwide shortage of nurses was passed unanimously by the Senate last week.  The bill was sponsored by US Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Mike Braun of Indiana, along with Democrat Jacky Rosen of Nevada.  Collins said the Train More Nurses Act addresses the growing demand for medical treatments and healthcare providers across Maine, while the state faces a significant shortage of nurses.

DECH Nurses Hold Rallies to Demand Better Support

(Machias)  Union nurses and technicians at Down East Community Hospital in Machias this weekend held rallies to demand management address patient safety, chronic short staffing and staff retention.  The Maine State Nurses Association says the workers have been negotiating for a new contract since September of last year.  The current contract expired October 18th.  The Association says the nurses and technicians first and foremost want the community to be cared for, and that currently there are too many patients to provide optimal care.  They say there’s no nursing shortage, but a shortage of nurses willing to work under the current conditions.

(Machias)  Union nurses and technicians at Down East Community Hospital in Machias say there’s not a shortage of nurses, but a shortage of nurses willing to work under the current conditions.  Over the weekend, union members held two rallies in Machias, demanding management address patient safety, chronic short staffing and staff retention.  The Maine State Nurses Association says the workers have been negotiating for a new contract since September last year.  The current contract expired October 18th.  The Association says the nurses and technicians first and foremost want the community to be cared for, and that currently there are too many patients to provide optimal care.

Governor Mills Named to Co-Chair NBRC

(Augusta)  Governor Janet Mills will serve as the State Co-Chair of a Federal-State partnership focused on stemming economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.  Mills was elected to the Northern Border Regional Commission by her fellow governors and succeeds New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu in the position.  In making the announcement, the Governor’s office noted under her leadership, Maine has experienced record economic growth, with a GDP rate of growth at 9.2 percent, the best in New England.

(Augusta)  The Northern Border Regional Commission is a Federal-State partnership focused on stemming economic distress and encouraging private sector job creation in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.  Governor Janet Mills has been elected by her fellow governors to serve as State Co-Chair of the organization, succeeding New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. In making the announcement, the Governor’s office noted under her leadership, Maine has experienced record economic growth, with a GDP rate of growth at 9.2 percent, the best in New England and a growth rate that exceeds that of larger states, including California, New York, and Virginia.

 King Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Classify Emergency Dispatchers as First Responders

(Washington, DC)   9-1-1 Dispatchers are often the first point of contact during emergencies. Senator Angus King has joined in supporting bipartisan legislation that would reclassify those dispatchers as first responders.  The Enhancing First Response Act would direct the Office of Management and Budget to change how federal agencies set salaries and establish training programs.  Dispatchers are currently listed as clerical or administrative workers, which can also limit career advancement opportunities.

(Washington, DC)  What’s in a name?  Apparently, a lot when it comes to 9-1-1 Dispatchers, who are often the first point of contact during emergencies.  Currently, dispatchers are listed as clerical or administrative workers, which can limit career advancement opportunities. Senator Angus King has joined in supporting bipartisan legislation that would reclassify those dispatchers as first responders.  The Enhancing First Response Act would also directs the Office of Management and Budget to change how federal agencies set salaries and establish training programs.

Education

February Versant Power Planetarium Offerings

(Orono)  The elusive aurora – Maine is one of the better places to catch them in the US, but what went through the minds of ancient people when the colorful lights began dancing across the skies?  Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium on the UMaine campus in Orono, tells Star 97.7, you can learn all about them, Friday nights in February.  (((FebPlan 1  “….and how people have viewed them over time.”  :14))).  That starts this Friday at 7 and every Friday night during February.  Tickets at astro dot u maine dot e d u or at the door.

(Orono)  Boost your child’s education with fun programming they’ll think is a Sunday afternoon treat!  Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7 about the planetarium’s February programming for kids.  (((FebPlan 2  “…and also a little bit about the aurora, as well.”  :18))).  That’s Sundays at 2 p.m. during February. The Planetarium has a week of great programming planned for February break, as well – learn more and get tickets at astro dot umaine dot e d u.

(Orono)  Rhiannon, Landslide, Go Your Own Way, the Chain … Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the UMaine campus in Orono, tells Star 97.7, Fleetwood Mac fans are in for a treat this month.  (((FebPlan 3  “…and features a variety of their hits.”  :11))).  Bring your Valentine and enjoy the bright lights, fast moving images, and hit music.  Every Sunday afternoon at 4 in February.  Tickets at the door or at astro dot u maine dot e d u.

(Orono)  Clear winter nights – perfect for stargazing.  Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium, tells Star 97.7 what we can watch for in February.  (((FebPlan 4 “…in the glare of the sunset.”  :32)))

Human Interest

AIO Fills the Strand Times Two-and-a-Half

(Rockland)  Last week, we told you the generous folks around the Rockland area helped AIO, the Area Interfaith Outreach, fill the historic Strand Theatre with enough food and $25-per-seat donations to fill the theatre twice over.  The final results are in – make that two and a half times!  The initiative helps meet local food insecurity through Knox County’s largest food pantry.  The AIO Food and Energy Assistance program provides weekly food assistance for nearly 300 families and individuals.

(Rockland)  The numbers are in for the fourth Annual “Fill the Strand” event, sponsored by AIO, the Area Interfaith Outreach.  On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the goal was to fill the Strand’s 350 seats with non-perishable food items or $25 per seat donations.  When all was said and done, the generous folks of Knox County did that two and a half times over.  The initiative helps meet local food insecurity through Knox County’s largest food pantry.  The AIO Food and Energy Assistance program provides weekly food assistance for nearly 300 families and individuals.

Sports

The Celtics shooting hoops with the Pacers tonight.  The Celtics beat the Pelicans 118-112.

The Bruins skate against the Calgary Flames.

And these high school basketball games scheduled: these are all boys’ games … George Stevens vs. Narraguagus, Woodland takes on WA, the Searsport Vikings set sail against the Shead Tigers, Calais vs. Jonesport-Beals, MDI takes on Foxcroft Academy, and the Ellsworth Eagles hit the court against the Bucksport Golden Bucks.

These girls’ teams reporting in from Monday night – Machias over Deer Isle/Stonington, Old Town over Washington Academy, MDI beating Hermon, and the Jonesport-Beals Royals pulling off a 46-42 win over Narraguagus.