Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Alleged Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Bangor YMCA
(Bangor) A lawsuit filed this week alleges the Bangor Region YMCA failed to protect a 13 yo boy from a sexual assault. The Bangor Daily News reports Wayne Quimby was sexually assaulted by his youth basketball coach, William Kearns, in December 1979. Kearns was convicted of unlawful sexual contact the following year and sentenced to a year of prison and two years probation. The YMCA reportedly failed to do a background check on then 24-yo Kearns, who reportedly had a previous criminal record and who was hired as a basketball coach for 13-15 year old boys at the Y. An attorney for the YMCA says Quimby’s claims are alleged to have occurred 45 years ago and assert the alleged incident did not happen at the Bangor Y.
(Bangor) The Bangor Region YMCA is facing a lawsuit over the alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy. According to The Bangor Daily News, William Kearns was 24 years old when he was hired by the Y to coach youth basketball for 13-15 yo boys. Kearns allegedly took a player, 13 yo Wayne Quimby, to a hockey game in December 1979 and allegedly assaulted Quimby at his house before the game. The suit charges the YMCA failed to do a background check on Kearns, who reportedly had a previous criminal record. An attorney for the YMCA says Quimby’s claims are alleged to have occurred 45 years ago and assert the alleged incident did not happen at the Bangor Y.
Lawmakers Call on Stores to End Sales of Assault Weapons
(Augusta) Saying everyone has a responsibility to do more to prevent gun violence in Maine, Representative Lori Gramlich of Old Orchard Beach is spearheading an effort calling on Cabela’s in Scarborough and the Kittery Trading Post to stop selling military-style, semi-automatic weapons, WABI-TV reports forty-seven legislators have signed on to letters sent to each organization, referencing the Lewiston mass shooting. The letters say the tragedy shows Maine is not immune from the epidemic of gun violence.
(Augusta) Saying the Lewiston tragedy shows Maine is not immune from the epidemic of gun violence, forty seven legislators have signed letters asking Cabela’s in Scarborough and the Kittery Trading Post to end the sale of assault weapons. WABI-TV reports the effort is being spearheaded by Representative Lori Gramlich of Old Orchard Beach. Gramlich says everyone has a responsibility to do more to prevent gun violence in Maine.
Governor Mills Unveils Public Safety Legislation
(Augusta) Gun violence prevention is important. We must strengthen our mental health system. Dangerous people should not have access to firearms. Governor Janet Mills yesterday said those three statements were a common theme from lawmakers and people across Maine in response to the Lewiston tragedy. The Governor Wednesday unveiled legislation to address those and other areas related to public safety. Among specific actions proposed – establishment of an injury and violence prevention program at the Maine CDC, extending the National Instant Criminal Background Check System to advertised, private sales, hiring more state troopers, funding victims’ services, and creating a one-time $5M Maine Mass Violence Care Fund. More on the bill is available at maine dot gov.
(Augusta) In speaking with lawmakers, organizations, and people across Maine after the Lewiston tragedy, Governor Janet Mills said three common themes emerged – the need for gun violence prevention, a stronger mental health system, and keeping weapons out of the hands of dangerous persons. Yesterday, the Governor unveiled a proposal she said addresses those three areas of concern and others in a responsible and responsive way that respects the right to safe and legal gun ownership and upholds Maine’s long held outdoor heritage. The legislation is complemented by several supplemental budget initiatives that further strengthen public safety and mental health. A complete outline of the proposal is available at maine dot gov.
Economy
Grants Available for Maine Growers to Pursue Innovation
(Augusta) From almonds and apples to peaches and passion fruit to wasabi and walnuts – the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is seeking proposals for the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Eligible specialty crops include fruits, tree nuts, herbs, mushrooms, floriculture and horticulture crops. Funded applications may be for projects designed to develop and implement research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, conservation and more and must benefit more than one particular product or single organization. Proposals are due by the end of the day Monday, March 18th. We’ll post a link for more information or to apply on our website under local news. www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants
(Augusta) From asparagus to watermelons, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry wants to help fund projects designed to develop and implement research, promotion, marketing and more of specialty crops. Eligible specialty crops include fruits, tree nuts, herbs, mushrooms, floriculture, and horticulture crops. Proposals for the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are due by the end of the day on Monday, March 18th. Projects must benefit more than one particular product or single organization. We’ll post a link to more information and to apply with this story on our website. www.maine.gov/dafs/bbm/procurementservices/vendors/grants
Education
Districts Urged to Stop Using Electric Buses
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Education is urging several school districts in Maine to put the brakes on using electric school buses made by Lion until they can be inspected. A department spokesperson told WABI-TV, several school districts, including M-D-I, have reported reliability and operational issues with their electric buses. MDOE is also working with Maine State Police to get the buses inspected.
(Augusta) Unplug from those electric school buses …at least for now. WABI-TV reports that’s the word from the Maine Department of Education, which is urging several school districts in Maine to stop using the electric buses made by Lion until they can be inspected. Schools in Maine have purchased dozens of electric school buses in recent years, but a spokesperson said several districts, including MDI and Winthrop, have experienced issues with reliability and operation of the vehicles. MDOE and Maine State Police are reportedly working on getting the buses inspected.
Green Career Week Seeks to Spark Interest in Horticulture Careers
(Undated) March 4-8 is Green Career Week, an opportunity for schools and businesses to highlight the many opportunities in the field of horticulture. Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future, tells Star 97.7, today’s horticulture is farming, flowers, trees, soil … and the “growing” options of working with technology. (((GCW 1 “…and the well being of our communities.” :17))) Albarran says green businesses are looking for young people who think outside the box, the next generation of professionals and thinkers. To see a sample of career options, visit seed your future dot org.
(Undated) Did you know you can drive today’s tractors with an i-pad? That food growers can use technology to determine what soils need to be watered and just how much they need? That the growing field of horticulture often makes use of drones? Green Career Week is coming up the first full week in March. Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future, tells Star 97.7, there are three components, including businesses offering field trips. (((GCW 4 “…familiar with industry culture, industry passion.” :24))). For more information, visit Seed Your Future dot org.
(Undated) Not sure what you want to do as a career? Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future, tells Star 97.7, green careers offer everything from working with the soil, to flowers, to technology, science and communication. You’ll find a wealth of information at Seed Your Future dot org. (((GCW 2 “…some of those options based on their interests.” :19))) You’ll also find a study map with two and four year plant science programs across the country. And ask your teachers and local businesses to check the website for options for participating in Green Career Week, March 4-8.
(Undated) We take for granted the trees around us, the food we eat, the flowers we send. But behind all these plants are exciting careers. Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future, tells Star 97.7, this “growing” field offers a wealth of opportunities, especially for young people. (((GCW3 “…we have those jobs here, too!” :22))) Green Career Week, March 4-8, offers educators and businesses a chance to help find out more about this exciting “field”. Check out Seed Your Future dot org to learn how you can get involved.
Environment
Paw Paw and Persimmon Good Choices for Spring Planting
(Trenton) In the mood for spring planting? Plants Unlimited in Trenton says you might want to consider one or two unusual fruit trees. The Paw Paw is a deciduous native tree that grows in shade to full sunlight in moist, nutrient rich forests. In the spring, it produces six-petaled purplish brown flowers; and in the late fall, an edible, sweet, custard-like fruit. Another good choice they say is American persimmon. Native to the eastern US, persimmon trees can grow to 30-80 feet high and 35 feet wide. Spring flowers produce sweet fruits in the fall that are a favorite, not only with humans, but wildlife as well.
(Trenton) Maine’s soils are often sandy or acidic, so if you’re thinking of planting trees this spring, Plants Unlimited has a couple of recommendations. They say consider persimmon trees, which do well in woodland areas. The fruits are sweet and a good source for many birds and mammals. Another favorite? The Paw Paw, a deciduous native tree that grows in shade to full sunlight in moist, nutrient rich forests. In the spring, the Paw Paw produces purplish brown flowers that result in an edible, sweet, custard like fruit. The flowering tree attracts butterflies, pollinators, small mammals and songbirds and produces a sweet fruit in the fall. Another plus? They say it’s an easy-to-grow fruit tree for children’s gardens.
Cherry Blossoms Bursting out Early
(Washington, DC) Want to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC in 2024? Better book a flight this weekend. The blooms generally burst forth in late March or early April; but this year are already blossoming – they’re expected to be in full bloom by the end of February. According to The Weather Channel, it’s been more than 10 degrees above average in the area recently. Experts blame climate change and El Nino.
(Washington, DC) If you’re planning to visit Washington DC in another month or six weeks, you’ll be too late to see the famous cherry blossoms this year. The blooms generally burst forth in late March or early April, but this year are already blossoming and will likely be in full bloom by the end of this month. According to The Weather Channel, it’s been more than ten degrees above normal in recent weeks. Experts blame a combination of climate change and El Nino.
Chamber Names Sargent 2024 “Citizen of the Year”
(Ellsworth) She’s the ultimate volunteer, serving on the Boards of the Ellsworth Business Development Corporation, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, the Downeast Family YMCA and HCTC’s study committee. The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has named Rebecca Sargent Citizen of the Year for 2024. Sargeant, an attorney and partner with Jones, Kuriloff, and Sargent is a longtime Ellsworth resident known for her unassuming work helping others. Chamber Executive Director PJ Keenan told the Ellsworth American Sargent’s heart is always in the right place. She said the fact Sargent doesn’t want recognition for her work made the Chamber all the more eager to honor her.
(Ellsworth) She’s unassuming in her tireless volunteer work and is happiest when her work goes unheralded. All the more reason says Ellsworth Chamber Executive Director PJ Keenan to honor Rebecca Sargent by naming her this year’s Citizen of the Year. Sargent serves on numerous boards and committees and is known for her work helping others. The long-time Ellsworth resident is an attorney and partner with Jones, Kuriloff, and Sargent. The award, along with others, will be presented at the Chamber’s May 9th Annual Meeting.
Sports
It all comes down to the Ellsworth girls in high school tournament play. On Wednesday, the MDI boys and girls both lost to Old Town, and the Orono boys defeated Ellsworth in the Class B North quarterfinals. But the Ellsworth girls pulled off a win last night against Caribou. They’ll play Old Town Friday night for the Class B North championship.
Bruins beat the Oilers 6-5. Bruins in Calgary tonight to skate against the Flames.