Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Lewiston Shooter Given Glowing Reviews from Army Personnel Before Tragedy
(Lewiston) Lewiston shooter Robert Card was given glowing reviews by his military superiors, before the mass shooting last October in which he killed 18 people before killing himself. The Portland Press Herald reports an annual evaluation in April 2023 cites Card as “a consummate professional” whose mentoring of troops was “among the best”. Meanwhile, Card’s family was reportedly becoming more concerned about his mental health. His last evaluation was dated shortly before his ex-wife and son told police Card was becoming increasingly angry and paranoid. Card’s personnel records reportedly show no concerns that he might snap and do a mass shooting, a warning a close friend of the Army reservist issued to his superior officer six weeks before the attack.
(Lewiston) Army reservist Robert Card’s last evaluation in April 2023 reportedly contains glowing reviews about the man who six months later would kill 18 people before shooting himself. The reviews say Card was a “consummate professional” and exceeded standards in his role as a senior trainer, even as his family was reportedly growing increasingly worried about his mental health. According to the Portland Press Herald, Card’s last evaluation was dated shortly before his ex-wife and son told police he was becoming increasingly angry and paranoid. Card’s personnel records reportedly show no concerns that he might snap and do a mass shooting, a warning a close friend of the Army reservist issued to his superior officer just six weeks before the attack.
Dedham Man Tased on Bridge Over I-395
(Brewer) An altercation between officers and a Dedham man Tuesday in Brewer led to police having to tase the man. WABI-TV reports Holden police recognized 29 yo Mark Chadwick as he was walking on the Wilson Street Bridge in Brewer over I-395 yesterday morning and knew he had an outstanding warrant. When they tried to take him into custody, Chadwick reportedly fought police, forcing the officers to tase him. Chadwick was arrested and transported to a hospital as a precaution. He was then taken to the Penobscot County Jail.
(Brewer) A Dedham man was tased and arrested on the Wilson Street Bridge over I-395 in Brewer yesterday morning. WABI-TV reports Holden police recognized 29 yo Mark Chadwick as he was walking on the bridge and knew he had an outstanding warrant. When they tried to take Chadwick into custody, they say he fought police, forcing the officers to tase him. Chadwick was arrested and transported to a hospital as a precaution and was then taken to the Penobscot County Jail.
AG Frey Files Civil Rights Complaint Against Lewiston Woman
(Augusta) Saying Maine should be a place where everyone, no matter what race, feels safe to live and thrive, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey Tuesday filed a civil rights complaint against a Lewiston woman. According to the complaint, 65 yo Andrea Ouellette was involved in two racial incidents involving Black people. In one case, the complaint says she confronted a 31 yo Black man while he was outside speaking with his neighbor last November, calling him a racial epithet and assaulting him by throwing a pumpkin at his head. The victim reportedly suffered a broken tooth, broken nose, and swollen face and required surgery as a result of the assault. The Lewiston Police Department investigated, and charges are pending.
(Augusta) Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey yesterday filed a civil rights complaint against a Lewiston woman. According to the complaint, 65 yo Andrea Ouellette was involved in two racial incidents involving Black people. In one case, Ouellette confronted a 48 yo Black woman when the victim parked her car near Ouellette’s residence. Ouellette reportedly began yelling she could not park there, and approached the woman with a knife, screaming racial epithets and telling the victim to, “go back to your country, or I will (expletive) kill you!” The Lewiston Police Department investigated; charges are pending. Frey said Maine should be a place where everyone, no matter what race, feels safe to live and thrive.
Local Politics
Ellsworth City Council Selects New City Manager
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Council has decided on a new City Manager. Charles Pearce will officially step into the role on April 1st. Pearce was among those chosen to be interviewed from an initial field of more than 30 applicants. He was then invited to the City for a comprehensive Council interview and a meet and greet with staff and community members. Pearce holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and brings not only experience, but also a strong knowledge of the local area. He’ll take over for Glenn Moshier, who stepped into the dual role of City Manager and Police Chief during the pandemic. The City extended its deepest gratitude for Moshier’s service in the role the past three years. Moshier will actively work with Pearce to ensure a smooth transition.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth has a new City Manager. Charles Pearce was one of more than 30 initial candidates who applied after current City Manager Glenn Moshier decided to step away from the dual role and return to full time law enforcement once a replacement was found. Pearce currently lives in Castine and works remotely for the Massachusetts state government. He recently earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. The City extended its deepest gratitude to Moshier for his service the past three years as City Manager and 20 years with the City. Moshier will be instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition as Pearce officially steps into the role on April 1st.
Maine Seeks to End Electoral College
(Augusta) Maine was on the cutting edge when it came to Ranked Choice Voting. Now it’s among 16 states and Washington, DC, hoping to replace the Electoral College with electing the president by popular vote. The Bangor Daily News reports the fate of that bill will likely come down to a few Democrats in the House of Representatives, including some rural lawmakers who are concerned about Maine and other small states losing their influence in deciding presidential elections. The group sank a similar measure in 2019; but several past holdouts say they support this year’s proposal. A poll released this week found 72 percent of Mainers surveyed favor the national popular vote.
(Augusta) Maine is one of 16 states and the District of Columbia who are vying to replace the Electoral College with popular vote in the presidential election. The Bangor Daily News reports the fate of that bill will likely come down to a few Democrats in the House of Representatives, including some rural lawmakers who are concerned about Maine and other small states losing their influence in deciding presidential elections. The group failed to support a similar measure in 2019; but several past holdouts say they support this year’s proposal. A poll released this week found 72 percent of Mainers surveyed favor the national popular vote.
Economy
Mills Proposes Extending Sales Tax Exemption to All Maine Non-profits
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills has proposed extending a sales tax exemption to all non-profits operating in Maine. According to the Maine Monitor, state officials say the move would address inequities among organizations seeking exemption and would simplify the tax exemption process. However, the change would cost Maine about $10M annually. Of the 47 states with sales tax, Maine is among just 17 – and the only one in New England –without a blanket exemption for non-profits, according to Maine Revenue Services. The proposed exemption will go before Committee as part of the supplemental budget.
(Augusta) Maine is one of 47 states with sales tax, but is among just 17 – and the only one in New England – without a blanket exemption for non-profits. That’s according to a report from Maine Revenue Services. Governor Janet Mills has proposed extending the sales tax exemption to all non-profits operating in the state. State officials say that would address inequities among organizations seeking exemption and would simplify the tax exemption process. However, the move would cost Maine about $10M annually. The proposed exemption will go before Committee as part of the supplemental budget.
Education
March at the Versant Power Planetarium – It’s Eclipse Month!
(Orono) It’s Eclipse Month at the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the University of Maine Orono campus! Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, it’s everything you need to know, beginning this Friday night. (((PlanetMar 1 “…the first time we’re having totality since 1963.” :25))) That’s every Friday night in March – tickets at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) A chicken social network star with insomnia, a robot, and a solar eclipse! Shawn Laatsch, Director or the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, it’s all part of the entertaining eclipse programming for kids coming up in March. (((PlanetMar 2 “…how to see the one coming up in April, as well.” :20))). Designed for those 12 and up, that’s every Sunday afternoon in March at 2 p.m., and at 11:30 on Saturday March 30th at the Planetarium.
(Orono) March at the Versant Power Planetarium on the UMaine campus in Orono is all about the upcoming total eclipse. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, the selection for their music show was obvious. (((PlanetMar 3 “…about the eclipse in that one, as well, just for fun.” :17))) That’s every Sunday at 4 throughout the month of March. Tickets at the door or at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) March at the Versant Power Planetarium is all about the upcoming total eclipse on April 8th. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7 it begins with a special Lunch and Learn this Friday, March 1st. (((PlanetMar 4 “…eclipse weekends, Saturday, March 30th, and Saturday, April 6th.” :19))) Programming on the 30th and 6th begins at 10 each day and runs through 5 p.m, and you can learn more about those and all the exciting programming planned for March at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Senior College Returns to Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Suffice it to say, successful people never stop learning. So, it’s great news that Maine’s Downeast Senior College is returning to Ellsworth! The Maine Senior College Network includes 17 college programs with more than 6,000 members. Each college plans interesting and intellectually stimulating non-credit courses, taught by volunteers, providing learning opportunities for those over 50. Anyone interested in teaching, attending classes, or assisting with coordinating the program is invited to the Woodlawn Barn on Monday, March 11th, at 4 p.m., to hear Woodlawn’s goals as they prepare to launch the program.
(Ellsworth) Want to learn about learning opportunities for those over 50? Interested in teaching a class for those students right here in Ellsworth? You’ll want to be at the Woodlawn Barn on Monday, March 11th, at 4 p.m. to hear Maine Senior College Coordinator Anne Cardale speak about the Senior College Network in Maine. The Network, which includes 17 Senior College programs across the state, is returning to Ellsworth. Senior colleges charge a modest fee for annual membership, plus extra low tuition for each course, and scholarships are available.
Health
Lubricant Eye Ointments Recalled
(CBS News) Multiple brands of lubricant eye ointments are being recalled due to a risk of infection, after federal inspectors found unsterile conditions at the Indian plant where the products were manufactured. Sold nationwide by retailers including CVS Health and WalMart, CBS News reports the latest recall involves four products by brands Equate, CVS Health and AACE Pharmaceuticals. That’s according to a notice posted this week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
(CBS News) If you use lubricant eye ointments, better check to see if they are part of the latest recall. CBS News reports multiple brands sold nationwide by retailers including CVS Health and WalMart are being recalled, after federal inspectors found unsterile conditions at the Indian plant where products were manufactured. The latest recall involves products by the brands Equate, CVS Health and AACE Pharmaceuticals, according to a post from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Sports
Celtics beat the 76ers last night 117-99. Celtics keep possession of the home court as they take on the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.
Bruins have another night off. They’ll be on home ice Thursday to put the sticks to the ice against the Vegas Golden Knights.