Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Public Safety Training Scheduled for Houses of Worship
(Hancock) Because even houses of worship are no longer immune to violence, the Hancock County Maine Emergency Management Agency would like pastors and others who play a role in providing and maintaining safe worship to know about a free online training coming up this week. The program, entitled “Protecting Houses of Worship” will be held online this Thursday, February 29th, from 6-9 pm. It’s recommended for anyone with an interest in learning about safety and security practices designed to protect the faith community. To register, visit the link posted on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Hancock) Because houses of worship are no longer immune to violence, the Department of Justice and others have joined together to offer pastors and others who play a role in providing and maintaining safe worship a free online training this Thursday from 6-9. The Hancock County Maine Emergency Management Agency says the February 29th training is available to anyone with an interest in learning about safety and security practices designed to protect the faith community. The training is free. Register at the link posted on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Eliot Cutler Disbarred
(Brooklin) Eliot Cutler is no longer allowed to practice law in Maine. The former gubernatorial candidate and now disbarred attorney was first arrested two years ago. Cutler ultimately pleaded guilty to felony charges of possessing child pornography after authorities found over 140,000 pornographic images and videos of children on electronics at his Brooklin residence. Cutler served seven months of an initial four year sentence with all but nine months suspended before being released in January.
(Brooklin) Former Gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler has been disbarred. Cutler was arrested two years ago and ultimately pleaded guilty to felony charges of possessing child pornography, after a search of his Brooklin home turned up more than 140,000 pornographic images and videos of children on his electronics. Cutler, who will now be barred from practicing law in Maine, served just over seven months in the Hancock County Jail before his release in January.
New Report Finds Maine Office of Child and Family Services Often Failed to Meet Federal Guidelines
(Augusta) A new report by an independent watchdog group found the State’s Office of Child and Family Services often failed to meet federal guidelines when deciding whether to return children to their families. WMTW reports the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability reviewed 235 cases dating from April 2017 to March 2023. They also interviewed staff and stakeholders. The report found in 67% of those cases, the caseworker failed to have productive meetings with parents to discuss goals and services. OPEGA said a lack of experience and staffing shortages contributed to the failings.
(Augusta) Once again, a report by an independent watchdog group has found critical shortcomings in the State’s Office of Child and Family Services. WMTW reports the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability reviewed 235 cases from April 2017 to March 2023. OPEGA also interviewed staff and stakeholders. Among other problems, the report states in 54% of the cases, the caseworker wasn’t able to provide an accurate assessment of the parent’s substance use before making a decision on returning a child or children to the home. OPEGA said a lack of experience and staffing shortages contributed to the failings of the agency to meet federal guidelines.
Thomaston Incident Underscores Dangers Faced by EMT’s
(Thomaston) An incident in Thomaston last week underscores the dangers faced by EMT’s and other safety personnel. The Pen Bay Pilot reports officers were called to a parking lot where a man was reportedly passed out behind the wheel. After emergency personnel arrived, the man was conscious and breathing but tried to provide an obviously false name to police. The man then reportedly started his car and sped off, hitting a paramedic standing at the open driver’s side door, and an EMT standing at the opposite door, injuring both. A high speed chase was called off due to public safety. Officers eventually learned the driver’s true identity and found he had accumulated multiple felonies. Authorities say 17 more traffic violations will be added to charges against the suspect.
(Thomaston) A paramedic and an EMT who were attempting to help a man passed out at the wheel in Thomaston last week were injured when the man reportedly gained consciousness and sped off in his car. The Pen Bay Pilot reports officers were called to the scene and questioned the man, who gave an obviously false name to police. He then reportedly started his car, speeding off and hitting the two first responders, who were standing at the open car doors attempting to provide aid. A high speed chase was called off due to public safety. Officers eventually learned the driver’s true identity and found he had accumulated multiple felonies. Authorities say 17 more traffic violations will be added to charges against the man.
Deadline Approaches for Applying for Aid for December Storm Damage
(Augusta) The deadline to apply for Public Assistance from December’s storm is this Thursday, February 29th. Deadline to apply for individual assistance from that storm is April 1st. Monies available from that storm are from the Major Disaster Declaration approved by the President to help ten counties affected by the December storm. Information on applying is available through the State of Maine’s Flood Resources and Assistance Hub at maine dot gov, forward slash flood.
(Augusta) The deadline to apply for Public Assistance from December’s storm is fast approaching. Those affected must apply by this Thursday, February 29th. Deadline to apply for individual assistance from the December storm is April 1st, a little over a month away. Federal funds are from the Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Biden to help ten counties affected by the pre-holiday storm that caused flooding, power outages, and significant property damage across central and western Maine.
Local Politics
Voters Could Decide on Limiting Contributions to PACs.
(Augusta) Voters could have an opportunity to vote on a citizens’ initiative that could limit contributions to certain PACs come November. The Secretary of State’s Office last week found that a petition for an effort to limit contributions to certain Political Action Committees had the required number of signatures by voters who support the initiative. It will now go to the Legislature, which could either enact the bill as written or send it to a statewide vote in November.
(Augusta) A citizens’ initiative requesting a limit to contributions to certain political action committees could go to the voters this November. The Secretary of State’s office found a petition for the effort had the required number of signatures by voters who support the initiative. It will now go to the Legislature, which could enact the bill as written or send it to a statewide vote in November.
Governor Mills Requests Disaster Relief for January Storm Damage
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills on Friday formally requested President Joe Biden issue a Major Disaster Declaration to help Maine’s eight coastal counties recover from the back to back storms on January 10th and 13th. In her letter of request, the Governor stated flooding and other impacts from the two weather events caused an estimated $70.3 million dollars in damages. If approved, Maine would have access to federal funds to repair damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, and other public infrastructure in Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Knox and four other counties. The Governor also requested individual assistance for people impacted in the eight counties.
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills on Friday once again requested President Joe Biden issue a Major Disaster Declaration to help Maine recover from back to back January storms. This request follows a similar one that brought federal aid to assist with repair of storm damage from a December weather event. The storms on January 10th and 13th flooded public buildings, washed out roads, and swept away infrastructure on the state’s working waterfront. The Governor estimated damage from the two storms at $70.3M. If approved, Maine would have access to federal funds to repair damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, and other public infrastructure in Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Knox and four other counties. The Governor also requested individual assistance for people impacted in the eight counties.
Notice of Executive Session
(Ellsworth) A quick note from the Ellsworth City Council. The Council had published a notice of executive session this evening at 6 p.m. Too late for the deadline for a printed notice in the Ellsworth American, a second executive session was scheduled for 5:30 this evening. So, they asked us here at Star 97.7 to let you know there will be two executive sessions scheduled this evening.
(Ellsworth) First there was one, now there are two. The Ellsworth City Council wants to let you know they had published a notice of executive session this evening at 6 p.m. Too late for the deadline for a printed notice in the Ellsworth American, a second executive session has been scheduled for 5:30 this evening. So, they asked us here at Star 97.7 to let you know there will be two executive sessions scheduled this evening.
Pine Tree Plate
(Augusta) Motorists will soon have a new choice of plates for their vehicles. The design of the new Pine Tree Plate is set to be unveiled this morning at 11 a.m.. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and the State BMV’s Cathie Curtis will reveal the new design at the BMV Administrative Office in Augusta.
(Augusta) Maine currently has 19 specialty plates from which car and truck drivers can choose. This morning at 11, the design of a new plate will be revealed at the BMV Administrative Office in Augusta. The Pine Tree Plate will be unveiled by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and the State BMV’s Cathie Curtis and will likely be available for viewing on social media shortly thereafter.
Infrastructure
Planned Power Outage
(Sullivan) Residents of Ashville, Gouldsboro, Sullivan, and T7 SD could experience brief service interruptions Tuesday morning. Versant Power will be working on planned electrical system maintenance beginning tomorrow at 6 a.m. The work is expected to take about an hour, with a rain date planned for Wednesday if needed.
(Sullivan) If you live in Ashville, Sullivan, Gouldsboro or the Unorganized Territory T7 SD, you may experience brief service interruptions tomorrow morning. Versant Power will be working on planned electrical system maintenance beginning tomorrow at 6 a.m. They say the work is expected to take about an hour, with a rain date planned for Wednesday if needed.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Nite Show Ending
(Bangor) An iconic Maine show that has entertained and informed audiences the past 14 years is heading into its final season this coming year. Dan Cashman of the Nite Show made the announcement to cast members on Wednesday and to the public on Friday. Cashman didn’t give details, but compared the need to end the show with a time he suffered a major concussion while tubing. He said despite it’s being painful, there came a moment where he had to let go of the tube and that, likewise, the time had come to let go of the show. Cashman said there would be another full season before the stage goes dark; and he promises amazing sketches, exciting guests, and great music. The show is tentatively scheduled to wrap next spring.
(Bangor) If you want to catch a live taping of The Nite Show with Dan Cashman, better do it before next Spring Cashman told staff Wednesday and announced on the air last week this would be the show’s final season. Although he didn’t give details, Cashman compared the need to end the show with a time he suffered a major concussion while tubing. He said despite it being painful, there came a moment where he had to let go of the tube and that, likewise, the time had come to let go of the show. Cashman said there would be another full season before the stage goes dark. He promised amazing sketches, exciting guests, and great music in the final year of production.
Sports
The Celtics have the night off. They’ll be home tomorrow night against the 76ers.
Bruins in Seattle tonight for a rematch against the Kraken.
Daniel Suarez edges Blaney and Busch in a 3-wide finish to claim the NASCAR Cup Series win at Atlanta.
The Ellsworth High School basketball season ended for the girls Friday night, as they fell to Old town 58-42 in the Class B North Final. But what a season! It was the only loss for the defending State Champs who certainly bring a lot of pride to the Downeast region.
That left only one Downeast team in the competition – the #1 seeded Calais boys. They lost to No. 7 Mt. View in a stunning 72-38 upset Saturday in Class C North.