Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Confiscated Firearms Not Always Fully Destroyed.
(Portland) Guns, guns, everywhere – that’s the situation at the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in Portland. The Maine Monitor reports the firearms were confiscated, found or otherwise turned over to the agency. Detective Keith Cook says the weapons are difficult to work with, a problem to store, and that they have a strict, very specific way of dealing with such firearms. Maine law enforcement agencies are allowed to sell the guns to the public at auction, use them for training, or destroy them. Cumberland County has, in the past, sent the guns to GunBusters, a company which sometimes sells parts before demolishing the frames, in order to offset the cost of destroying the weapons.
(Portland) The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office says it has an estimated 600 guns that have been confiscated, found, or turned over, many of which have been there for two years. Detective Keith Cook says the weapons are a problem to store and difficult to work with. But there is a very strict, very specific way which law enforcement agencies must abide by when dealing with such firearms. The Maine Monitor reports they can be sold to the public at auction, used for training, or destroyed. One source for destroying the guns is a company called GunBusters; although a New York Times investigation last December revealed the guns aren’t fully destroyed by the company, but are sometimes broken down and parts sold to dealers.
Independent Commission on Lewiston Shooting Granted Subpoena Power
(Augusta) The independent commission tasked with investigating the facts surrounding last October’s shooting in Lewiston now has subpoena power. On Tuesday, Governor Janet Mills signed off on bipartisan legislation unanimously approved by the Legislature, giving the Commission immediate authority to subpoena documents, eyewitnesses and others connected to the events of October 25th.. The commission had said it was struggling to put together a complete report because it ran into roadblocks with certain evidence and individuals who were reluctant to testify.
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills on Tuesday signed bipartisan legislation to grant subpoena power to the Independent Commission tasked with investigating the facts of the tragedy in Lewiston. The Commission had said it would be unable to present a complete picture because it could not get access to needed documents and that some witnesses were reluctant to testify. The subpoena power was unanimously approved by the Legislature and then signed by the Governor, giving the Commission immediate authority to access persons and paperwork needed to present a thorough and accurate investigation.
Education
Husson to Add New Degree Programs
(Bangor) Students who extend their education at Husson University will soon have five new programs from which to choose. The University is expanding its online degree programs and will begin accepting applications for the new offerings this spring. The new programs includes Bachelor of Science Degrees in Applied Health Sciences, Health and Fitness, and Nutrition and Health, along with Masters Degrees in Applied Psychology and Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare. According to a press release, applications to the school’s online degree offerings increased by 71% in the past year alone.
(Bangor) Two new Masters programs and three new Bachelor of Science Degrees will be offered at Husson University, with applications being accepted this spring. The University says the five new online degree programs include BS degrees in Applied Health Sciences, Health and Fitness, and Nutrition and Health, along with Masters Degree programs in Applied Psychology and Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare. Applications to the school’s online degree offerings increased by more than 70% in the past year alone, according to a press release.
Local Student Honored in Statewide Writing Contest
(Addison) A local second grader’s writings may one day be coming to a bookstore near you if she pursues her talent. Anais Hernas, who attends Daniel W. Merritt Elementary in Addison, was given honorable mention in the PreK to grade 2 category of the Second Annual Student Writing Contest, sponsored by the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association. Anais was the only local student to place in the prestigious contest, which drew entries from across the state and which showcases students’ outstanding talents. Principal Lorna Greene tells Star 97.7, her winning entry honored her teacher, Mrs. Bailey, who Anais says taught her to love writing.
(Addison) Good teachers just know how to foster a love of writing. Such is the case with a second grader at D.W. Merritt Elementary in Addison, and her teacher, Karen Bailey. Anais Hernas received honorable mention in the PreK to grade 2 category of the Second Annual Student Writing Contest, sponsored by the Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association. The competition drew entries from all over the state, and Anais was the only local student to place in the prestigious contest. Principal Lorna Greene tells Star 97.7, the young student’s winning entry honored her teacher, Mrs. Bailey, who Anais wrote taught her to love writing.
Health
Valentine’s Day a Good Day to Become an Organ Donor
(Maine) Consider giving your heart away on this Valentine’s Day – or at least make sure it goes to someone in need when you’re gone. New England Donor Services is hoping you’ll consider signing up to give the gift of life. More than 4,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a donor heart. Today’s “Have a Heart and Give a Heart Day” encourages everyone who hasn’t already, to spend part of Valentine’s Day registering to be an organ and tissue donor. For more information, log onto RegisterME dot org or contact your local BMV office.
(Maine) On this Valentine’s Day, New England Donor Services is hoping you’ll consider giving your heart away – or at least making sure it keeps on beating after you’re gone. More than 4,000 people in the U.S. are currently waiting for a donor heart. “Have a Heart and Give a Heart Day” encourages everyone who hasn’t already, to spend part of Valentine’s Day registering to be an organ and tissue donor. For more information, log onto RegisterME.org or contact your local BMV office.
CDC to Ease Covid Restrictions
(Wash Post) Americans who test positive for the coronavirus may soon no longer need routinely stay home from work and school for five days. That’s according to new guidance planned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as reported in The Washington Post. The agency reportedly plans on loosening its Covid isolation recommendations for the first time since 2021, in order to align it with guidance on how to avoid transmitting flu and RSV. The information comes from four agency officials and an expert familiar with the discussions. No firm decision has been made as of yet.
(Wash Post) It’s never a good idea to go to work sick and spread those germs around, but The Washington Post reports new guidance planned by the CDC says Americans who test positive for the coronavirus may soon need no longer routinely stay home from work or school for five days. Four agency officials and an expert familiar with the discussions told the Post the agency is loosening its Covid isolation recommendations for the first time since 2021, in order to align with guidance on how to avoid transmitting flu and RSV. No firm decision by the CDC has yet been issued.
Judge Tosses PhRMA Lawsuit Over Drug Price Negotiations
(KFF) A federal district judge this week granted the Biden administration’s request to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Medicare’s new drug price negotiation program. The lawsuit was filed by the drug industry lobbying organization PhRMA. The move is an early but positive sign for the Biden administration in a legal fight that could stretch for years, as a host of major drug makers, including Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson, have reportedly also filed lawsuits over the constitutionality of Medicare’s new powers.
(KFF) It’s no surprise major drug manufacturers have challenged Medicare’s new drug price negotiation program. But a federal district judge this week granted the Biden Administration’s request to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the drug industry’s lobbying organization, PhRMA. The move is an early but positive sign for the Biden administration in a legal fight that could stretch for years, as a host of major drug makers, including Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson, have reportedly also filed lawsuits over the constitutionality of Medicare’s new powers.
Environment
Court Rules Against Public Beach Access
(Maine) Only two states don’t consider the intertidal zone along beaches public land – Maine and Massachusetts. And it looks like it will stay that way in the Pine Tree State, at least for now. A Superior Court Justice has ruled against Maine’s Attorney General and others in a case that sought to establish public access rights to the intertidal zones. The case originated from a dispute concerning Moody Beach in Wells. At present, the rights of beachfront property owners extend to the low tide line. AG Aaron Frey had asked the court to grant unfettered rights to the public to walk along the intertidal zones. The restrictions go back 30 years to 1989. An attorney for AG Frey and the others says they will appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court.
(Maine) Intertidal zones in Maine will remain in the hands of beachfront property owners – at least for now. A Superior Court justice this week ruled against the Attorney General and others in a case that sought to establish public beach access rights to the intertidal zones. Only two states currently don’t consider the intertidal zone along beaches public land – Maine and Massachusetts. The restriction goes back three decades to a 1989 ruling. An Attorney for AG Aaron Frey and members of the public who brought the case says they will appeal.
Infrastructure
Three Maine Airports Get Funds for Upgrades
(Eastport) Three Maine airports are flying high after they learned they’ll be getting more than $18M in grant money for infrastructure improvements. The funds have been cleared for take-off at the Eastport Municipal Airport, which will get a little over a million dollars, Presque Isle will get $6.5M, and the Portland Jetport will receive $10.4M. According to Senator Susan Collins, the monies are earmarked for terminal improvements.
(Eastport) More than $18M in grant money will be winging its way to three Maine airports. Senator Susan Collins said the funds are earmarked for terminal improvements. The Eastport Municipal Airport will get a little over a million dollars, Presque Isle will get $6.5M, and the Portland Jetport will receive $10.4M.
Human Interest
Chamber Names Helen’s in Ellsworth as Top Drawer Winner
(Ellsworth) When Helen’s Restaurant in Ellsworth won the Chamber of Commerce’s Customer Service Award in 2022, the first thing owner Melanie Omler-Fox did was praise and highlight the two other businesses up for the award. It’s typical of her compassion and outreach that also made sure her staff was taken care of all through the pandemic, and that pushes Omler-Fox to support schools, area law enforcement, and other causes. In a surprise announcement Tuesday, the Chamber revealed Helen’s will receive this year’s Top Drawer Award. The honor is officially presented at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Night in May and recognizes a person or business that has made a substantial contribution to the growth and development of Ellsworth.
(Ellsworth) Helen’s Restaurant in Ellsworth on Tuesday was named the recipient of this year’s Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Top Drawer Award. It’s a fitting honor for owner Melanie Omler-Fox who cares deeply about and contributes to numerous local causes – including area schools, law enforcement, cancer patients, and her long-time loyal staff. During the pandemic, Omler-Fox kept her cooks and wait staff employed by offering drive up theme nights. Upon winning the Chamber’s Customer Service Award in 2022, Omler-Fox deflected the praise, choosing instead to highlight the two other businesses up for the award. The Top Drawer Award will be officially presented at this year’s Awards night in May.
Sports
Bruins lose to the Lightning last night 3-2. Bruins take on the Seattle Kraken Thursday at TD Garden.
Celtics over Nets last night in Brooklyn, 118-110. Celtics at United Center in Chicago Thursday to take on the Bulls.