Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Portland Man Rescued After Being Buried in Avalanche at Sugarloaf
(Carrabassett Valley) A Portland man was back on the slopes Monday after he was buried in an avalanche while skiing at Sugarloaf the day before. The Portland Press Herald reports Nathan Sanborn was enjoying the two feet of fresh snow with his wife and others when he ended up on a huge shelf on the trail that broke and basically swallowed him right up. Nik Krueger of Old Town was following Sanborn and reacted quickly, digging for 10 to 15 minutes to clear and haul Sanborn out of the snow. In a FB post, Sanborn reminded others to never assume you won’t get caught up in an avalanche, even in an area you’ve skied for years, never ski lines where you might not be found, always carry a whistle, and keep your phone high up on your body where it’s easily accessible.
(Carrabassett Valley) Nathan Sanborn had skied Sugarloaf Mountain for years and never dreamed what happened to him Sunday could occur. The Portland Press Herald reports the Portland resident was buried in an avalanche. Sanborn was skiing with his wife and others at Sugarloaf when he ended up on a huge shelf on the trail that broke and swallowed him. Fortunately, Nik Krueger of Old Town was following Sanborn and was able to free him after 10-15 minutes of digging, hauling Sanborn out of the snow unharmed. In a FB post, Sanborn reminded others to never assume you won’t get caught up in an avalanche, even in an area you’ve skied for years, never ski lines where you might not be found, always carry a whistle, and keep your phone high up on your body where it’s easily accessible.
Man Accused of Sexually Abusing a Child Dies After Crashing Car
(Strong) A 32 yo man from Strong has died as the result of crashing his car into a tree after officers deployed spike strips during a low speed pursuit. The incident began about 5 p.m. Monday when deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence in the town of Strong to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a child. The suspect, Joshua Burdin, had fled the home before officers arrived. About an hour later, a deputy located Burdin and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect reportedly failed to stop and led authorities on a low speed chase through Strong and into Farmington, where he ran through the spike strips, then accelerated at a high rate of speed and struck a tree head on, suffering fatal injuries. The incident remains under investigation.
(Strong) A man accused of sexually assaulting a child died Monday after crashing his vehicle into a tree following a police pursuit. The incident began when Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence in Strong about 5 p.m. Monday to investigate the alleged assault. A suspect, 32 yo Joshua Burdin, had fled the home before officers arrived. About an hour later, a deputy spotted Burdin and attempted a traffic stop. Burdin led authorities on a slow speed chase into Farmington, where police deployed spike strips. The suspect ran over the strips then accelerated at a high rate of speed and crashed into the tree. Burdin was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
Collaboration Leads to Funding to Combat Domestic Violence
(Machias) Collaboration between Next Step Domestic Violence Project and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has led to a four year Department of Justice Grant to strengthen services for victims of domestic violence in Washington County. Grant monies will also be used to address dating violence and sex trafficking and to ensure safety and autonomy for victims. Sheriff Barry Curtis and two detectives will meet weekly with Next Step’s Criminal Justice Advocate, Crystal Cushing, to review domestic violence calls. Cushing will then provide immediate advocacy for victims, while law enforcement focuses on the crime scene. Next Step reports collaboration and support will include local government and law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and victim service providers.
(Machias) NEXT STEP Domestic Violence Project announcing a BIG STEP toward stemming domestic violence in Washington County. NSDVP has received a significant four year Department of Justice Grant to strengthen services to address domestic and dating violence and sex trafficking and to ensure safety and autonomy for victims. Sheriff Barry Curtis and two detectives will meet weekly with Next Step’s Criminal Justice Advocate, Crystal Cushing, to review domestic violence calls. Cushing will then provide immediate advocacy for victims, while law enforcement focuses on the crime scene. Next Step reports collaboration and support will also include the Machias Police Department, Washington County Manager Renee Gray, community organizations and victim service providers.
New Measure Forbids Power Disconnects During Extreme Weather
(Augusta) Utility customers need no longer worry about having their utilities disconnected during severe heat and other extreme weather events. Under a new measure signed by Governor Janet Mills, electric utilities are prohibited from disconnecting meters due to unpaid bills between mid-November and mid-April. And the Maine Public Utilities Commission must create rules prohibiting gas or electric disconnects during any periods of extreme weather or temperature, including heat and humidity, at other times of the year. WMUR reports electric utilities will also be forbidden from charging fees to reconnect utilities and late fees for low-income customers.
(Augusta) With extreme weather events becoming more frequent in Maine, Governor Janet Mills has signed a measure that prohibits electric utilities from disconnecting meters due to unpaid bills between mid-November and mid-April. According to WMUR, the new law also requires the Maine Public Utilities Commission to create rules prohibiting gas or electric disconnects during any periods of extreme weather or temperature, including heat and humidity, at other times of the year. In addition, the rule forbids utility companies from charging reconnection fees or late fees for low income customers.
Economy
Heart of Ellsworth Presents “So You Want to Own A Business”
(Ellsworth) Come learn about opportunities available right here in Ellsworth for following your dream of owning a business. Join Heart of Ellsworth and others for “So You Want to Own a Business.” Heart of Ellsworth’s Zabet NeuCollins tells Star 97.7 about tonight’s event. (((Business 1 “…about what it takes to buy a business.” :20)) NeuCollins says Dilena will be sharing her story of buying the iconic toy store in downtown Ellsworth. That’s tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 at the store – the event is free, and kids are welcome, because it is, after all, a toy store.
(Ellsworth) “So You Want to Own A Business” – that’s the name of an informal event tonight in Downtown Ellsworth, designed for anyone who’s ever thought of owning their own business. Union River Book & Toy Company is hosting the event at their store, with owner Molly Dilena sharing her story of acquiring that shop, Ellsworth Economic Director Janna Richards, and presenter Heart of Ellsworth. Program Coordinator Zabet NeuCollins let’s us in on a few of the topics of discussion planned this evening. (((Business 2 “…for people to buy existing businesses. :19))). That’s tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 at the store – the event is free, and Zabet says, it’s at a toy store, so you’re welcome to bring the kids!
Bath Iron Works Awarded Contract Worth Millions
(Bath) Bath Iron Works has been awarded a multimillion dollar contract to continue services for the Navy’s three Zumwalts – the military’s newest guided missile destroyers. A press release said the services include design, logistics, and planning and execution, with most of the work to be carried out in Maine. If exercised and fully funded by the Navy, the total value of the agreement would be more than 340 million dollars and extend its performance period into 2029. The Zumwalts incorporate a stealth design that minimizes radar visibility.
(Bath) Bath Iron Works has been awarded a multimillion dollar contract by the US Navy. According to a press release, the contract is worth close to $23M and includes continued services related to the military’s three Zumwalts – the Navy’s newest guided missile destroyers. The Zumwalts incorporate a stealth design that minimizes radar visibility. If exercised and fully funded by the Navy, the total value of the agreement would be more than 340 million dollars and extend its performance period into 2029.
Breeze Airways Touching Down in Bangor
(Bangor) Breeze Airways is touching down in Bangor! WABI-TV reports the company on Tuesday announced service from Bangor International Airport to three Florida locations, beginning this Fall. Breeze will offer twice-weekly direct routes to Orlando, Tampa, and – seasonally — Fort Myers. Each flight begins at $99 one-way. Flights will begin departing Bangor in early October.
(Bangor) It will be a “Breeze” flying to Florida beginning this Fall. WABI-TV reports Breeze Airways announced Tuesday it will begin offering service from Bangor International Airport to three Florida locations, beginning in early October. Breeze plans to offer twice-weekly direct routes to Orlando, Tampa, and – seasonally – Fort Myers. Each flight begins at just $99 one way.
Health
PCHC Receives funding for Public Health Dental Practice
(Belfast) This should put a smile on a lot of faces. The Penobscot Community Health Center is receiving a million three hundred thousand dollars in federal funding to help build a public health dental practice. The practice will be located within the primary care space. The funding is part of a 2.4 million dollar funding package secured by Senator Susan Collins to help improve access to health care throughout Maine. Northern Light Home Care and Hospice and the Waterville Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter will also receive funding.
(Belfast) A Belfast healthcare facility will soon be making some million dollar smiles – make that one point three million. That’s the amount of federal funding the Penobscot Community Health Center is receiving to help build a public health dental practice. The practice will be located within the primary care space. The money is part of a 2.4 million dollar funding deal secured by Senator Susan Collins in order to help improve access to healthcare throughout Maine. As part of the package, Northern Light Home Care and Hospice will also receive a million dollars to acquire telehealth devices for hospice and home health patients.
Environment
Total Eclipse Weekends at Versant Power Planetarium
(Orono) It hasn’t happened here since 1963, and we’ll likely not be around for the next one. We’re talking about the total solar eclipse here in Maine on April 8th. We’re so fortunate to have a wonderful resource like the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the University of Maine Orono campus. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, they’ve got some special eclipse programming planned, coming up the next two weekends. (((Eclipse “…and Eclipse, Moments of Wonder, again at 4))). Again, that programming runs from 10 to 5 each of those days. Learn more and get tickets at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) The Versant Power Astronomy Center on the UMaine campus in Orono continues to have exciting programming leading right up to the total eclipse on April 8th, including special eclipse weekends on March 30th and April 6th. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, there will be hands on activities for the kids and some solar viewing through the solar telescope. (((Eclipse 2 “…happening here in the month of March and into early April.” :17))) The planetarium and astronomy center will be closed April 8th and 9th, because the team will be in Jackman to document the eclipse.
Safety Tips for Traveling to See the Eclipse
(Maine) If you’re planning to head north or west for the eclipse, experts caution travellers to plan for heavy traffic. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reminds folks Maine State Park campgrounds are closed in April, as are Katahdin trails and Baxter State Park camping. None of the campsites or access roads is maintained during the winter months in the North Maine Woods, and GPS and cell phone coverage are spotty and often non-existent. Also, they say ATV trails are not open to riding because of mud season, and landowner permission is required to operate off trail. They say it’s best to stay on paved roads.
(Maine) Donning proper eyewear isn’t the only safety precaution you’ll need if you’re planning to view the eclipse on April 8th, especially if you’re headed north. Maine State Park campgrounds are closed in April, as are Katahdin trails and Baxter State Park camping. None of the campsites or access roads is maintained during the winter months in the North Maine Woods, and GPS and cell phone coverage are spotty and often non-existent. Also, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife officials warn ATV trails are not open to riding because of mud season, and landowner permission is required to operate off trail. They say it’s best to stay on paved roads.
Sports
The Celtics and Hawks meet for a rematch in Atlanta tomorrow night.
Bruins vs. Panthers. Bruins in Tampa tonight to take on the Lightning.
The Red Sox have their season opener tomorrow in Seattle as they take on the Mariners.
The #6 University of Maine men’s hockey team faces #12 Cornell tomorrow night in first-round play of the NCAA Tournament.
In March Madness, the NCAA Basketball Tournament back underway tomorrow and Friday in the Sweet Sixteen Playoffs. (Elite Eight play Saturday and Sunday)