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Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Demolition Begins on Former DA’s Office in Machias
(Machias) Demolition has begun on the former District Attorney’s office at 82 Court Street in Machias. Washington County Manager Renee Gray tells Star 97.7 News, at their February 15th meeting, Commissioners awarded the project to J&J Construction of Jonesboro. The RFP asked for salvage to be included in the bid in order to repurpose materials from the 1800’s era former parsonage. The demolition is needed to make room for a new Public Safety building that will house the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The project will be funded with ARPA Covid Relief funds. Construction will begin in May.
(Machias) Construction is set to begin in May on a new Public Safety facility in Machias. The building will house the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Demolition is underway on the former DA’s office at 82 Court Street, where the new facility will be located. Washington County Manager Renee Gray tells Star 97.7, Commissioners this month awarded the project to J&J Construction of Jonesboro. Gray said the RFP asked for salvage to be included in the bid, in order to repurpose materials from the 1800’s-era former parsonage.
Largest Class to Graduate MCJA Today
(Vassalboro) It’s graduation day today for 67 corrections cadets who have completed the Basic Training Program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. Today’s is the largest graduating class in the Academy’s history. The cadets completed training on Defensive Tactics, Mental Health, First Aid, Interpersonal Skills, Corrections Law and more in the 224-hours class, which began in January. Ceremonies begin at 2 p.m. at the Academy on Oak Grove Road in Vassalboro.
(Vassalboro) Just since January, the cadets have completed 224 hours of training in Defensive Tactics, Mental Health, First Aid, Interpersonal Skills, Corrections Law, and Situational Use of Force. Today is graduation day for those 67 corrections cadets who finished the Basic Training Program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. It’s the largest graduating class in the Academy’s history. Ceremonies begin this afternoon at 2 p.m.
Local Politics
Maine Could Become Next State to Ban Paramilitary Training
(Augusta) Maine would become the 27th state to ban paramilitary training under a bill narrowly passed by the State’s House of Representatives. Supporters say the bill is designed to block groups hoping to create civil unrest. WABI-TV reports some Republican opponents argued during a public hearing the proposal violates the 2nd Amendment and would prevent groups from learning self-defense. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
(Augusta) Paramilitary training could be banned in Maine under a bill which narrowly passed the House, 66-60 this week. WABI-TV reports the proposal is designed to block groups hoping to create civil unrest. The measure comes in the wake of a rise in public demonstrations by white nationalist groups in Maine. Some Republican opponents argued during a public hearing the proposal violates the 2nd Amendment and would prevent groups from learning self-defense. The proposal next goes to the Senate. If passed, Maine would become the 27th state to ban paramilitary training.
Kennedy Sues Over Maine’s Signature Collection Policy
(Augusta) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. this week sued Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows over limits on campaigns collecting signatures at polling places during the March 5th Primary. Attorneys for the Independent Presidential candidate claim Bellows implemented a “sudden ban” on Independents collecting petition signatures at Maine polls in order to qualify for the November ballot. Kennedy, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, entered the race last year as a Democrat, but changed to an Independent in October. Bellows reportedly instructed town clerks earlier this month to not allow signature collection at primary polling locations in March so as to not “unduly influence voters.”
(Augusta) Candidates in Maine have historically been allowed to collect signatures inside polling locations during the Super Tuesday Primary. But on February 12th, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows instructed town clerks not to allow such signature location so as not to “unduly influence voters.” Independent Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. this week filed a lawsuit against Bellows over the limitation. Non-party Presidential candidates must file petitions with at least 4,000 signatures by August 1st in order to be placed on the November ballot. Lawyers for the 70 yo Kennedy say their campaign was initially told it would be allowed to collect signatures inside polling places on March 5th.
Economy
Potato Chip Plant Planned at Former Loring Air Force Base
(Limestone) Developers at the former Loring Air Force Base are feeling especially “chipper” these days. Bruce Sargent and Jim Pelkey of Falcon Transportation in Presque Isle announced plans this week to build a $55M potato chip processing plant at Loring Commerce Center, the commercial campus that opened on the site after the base closed three decades ago. The two say they plan to break ground on the Taste-of-Maine facility in July and open the plant in late 2025. The company hopes to start with 75 employees and expand to 100 workers as business grows.
(Limestone) Aroostook County is known for its potatoes – what better location for a potato chip processing plant? Bruce Sargent and Jim Pelkey of Falcon Transportation in Presque Isle plan to build a $55M potato chip processing plant at Loring Commerce Center, the commercial campus that opened on the site after Loring Air Force Base closed in 1994. The development has drawn the birth or expansion of companies such as Portland-based Green 4 Maine, a sustainable aviation fuel plant, and businesses working on artificial intelligence and rocket production. The two say they plan to break ground on the Taste-of-Maine facility in July and open the plant in late 2025. The company hopes to start with 75 employees and expand to 100 workers as business grows.
Columbia Falls Company Could Be Fined for Allegedly Failing to Secure Proper Permits
(Columbia Falls) The company behind now abandoned plans for the “Flagpole of Freedom” Theme Park in Columbia Falls could be on the hook for a quarter million dollars in fines related to cabins erected on the site. The Bangor Daily News reports Worcester Resources built 52 rental cabins between 2019 and 2022. Worcester was reportedly first notified in July 2022 that it had violated state environmental rules by not securing permits for the work. Nineteen months later, the family operation reportedly still doesn’t have the permits, but continues to seasonally rent out the cabins. A proposed consent agreement drafted by the state would require Worcester Resources to finally secure permits and pay the $250,000 penalty. The agreement will go before the Board of Environmental Protection on February 28th. If the company doesn’t secure the permit, the agreement would require it to remove all developments.
(Columbia Falls) Plans for the “Flagpole of Freedom” Theme Park in Columbia Falls aren’t the only thing that may be abandoned. The Bangor Daily News reports Worcester Resources built 52 rental cabins on the site between 2019 and 2022. In July 2022, Worcester was reportedly notified it had violated state environmental rules by not securing permits for the work. More than a year and a half later, the family operation reportedly still doesn’t have the permits, but continues to seasonally rent out the cabins. The state has drafted a proposed consent agreement that would require Worcester Resources to finally secure permits and pay the $250,000 penalty. The agreement will go before the Board of Environmental Protection on February 28th. If the company doesn’t secure the permit, the agreement would require it to remove all developments.
Education
Biden Administration Rolls Out First Round of Student Loan Cancellations
(AP) While a college degree can be a ticket to a better life, it can also lead to years of debt and paying back student loans. President Joe Biden this week said that cost is too high, and announced he’s canceling federal student loans for nearly 153,000 borrowers. The Administration this week began sending email notifications to some of the borrowers who will benefit from the so-called SAVE program. The repayment plan allows for those who have paid their loans for ten years and borrowed $12K or less to have their debt cancelled, clearing $1.2B in loans in this first round.
(AP) Some 153,000 student loan borrowers this week are getting emails from the Biden Administration notifying them of debt cancellation. In a swing through California, the President this week said while a college degree can be a ticket to a better life, it all too often leaves students saddled with years of debt. The SAVE repayment plan allows for those who have paid their loans for ten years and borrowed $12K or less to have their debt cancelled, clearing $1.2B in loans in this first round, which was to begin in July but has been rolled out six months early.
Alumni Scholarships Available
(Ellsworth) Alumni scholarships are available to assist Ellsworth High School graduates with their post-secondary education. In 2023, the Ellsworth High School Alumni Association awarded one- and two-thousand dollar scholarships totaling $25,000. Graduates or students in good standing who are currently enrolled or who have been accepted in an Associates, Bachelors, Masters or PhD program are eligible to apply through the Ellsworth Alumni Association website, or they can pick up an application at Ellsworth High School. Hurry – deadline to apply is March 15th.
(Ellsworth) If you are a diploma or GED graduate or student in good standing anticipating graduation from Ellsworth High School and are currently enrolled in or have been accepted in a degree program, you may be eligible for an EHS Alumni scholarship. Last year, the Ellsworth Alumni Association awarded one- and two-thousand dollar scholarships totaling $25,000. Deadline to apply is March 15th. Visit the EAA website or pick up an application at Ellsworth High School. And if you’re interested in giving a gift or pledge, contact the Association at P.O. Box 11, Ellsworth.
Infrastructure
Plan to Rebuild Historic Fishing Shacks May Be Underwater
(S. Portland) A plan to rebuild those historic fishing shacks washed away in the January storms may be underwater before the first footings are laid. Following the destruction, the South Portland Historical Society immediately began raising funds to rebuild the shacks, which had lined Willard Beach since the late 1800’s and were said to be the most photographed spot in the city. But the Portland Press Herald reports if the shacks are rebuilt as they were, South Portland with its 105 neighboring property owners would be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program and be unable to otherwise obtain flood insurance. The City hasn’t totally closed the door on a rebuild, but says it’s exploring options.
(S. Portland) A piece of South Portland history was washed away in the January 13th storm this year. Now, plans to rebuild three historic fishing shacks which had stood since the late 1800s may be blown off course, as well. The Portland Press Herald reports last year, the South Portland Historical Society proactively paid an architect to produce drawings of the local landmarks. Monies for restoration began pouring in almost as soon as the relics were swept out to sea. But City officials report if the shacks are rebuilt as they were, South Portland’s 105 neighboring property owners would be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program and unable to otherwise obtain flood insurance. All is not lost; the city is working on a survey to gather ideas and options.
Road and Bridge Repair Work from December Storms Completed
(Strong) Two months after the December storm that wreaked havoc on Maine’s infrastructure, the Maine Department of Transportation announced all roads and bridges have finally reopened. WABI-TV reports the last closure, a bridge in Strong, re-opened earlier this week. Damage to public infrastructure from that storm was estimated to be 20-million dollars.
(Strong) A milestone for miles of roads and bridges damaged in December’s storm that pummeled the state with power outages, downed trees, and flooded roadways. The Maine Department of Transportation says all roads and bridges damaged by that storm have finally reopened. WABI-TV reports the last, a bridge in Strong, reopened Tuesday. Damage to public infrastructure from that storm was estimated at 20 million dollars.
Sports
Bruins lose to the Flames in Overtime last night, 3-2. Boston in Vancouver Saturday to skate against the Canucks.
Celtics beat the Bulls 129-112. Celtics at Madison Square Garden Saturday to shoot hoops with the Knicks.
The Ellsworth Lady Eagles on the court this evening, taking on Old Town for the Class B North Championship and a continued chance to defend last year’s State Championship.