Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Illegal Marijuana Growing Operation in Eddington
(Eddington) Authorities believe Chinese Nationals are behind another illegal marijuana growing operation in Maine – this time in Eddington. Penobscot County Sheriff Troy Morton tells WABI-TV, smell from the marijuana and traffic coming and going from a Clewleyville Road home alerted police, who executed a search warrant at the home Wednesday. Morton could not say if anyone was arrested, as it is part of an ongoing investigation. He did say authorities are in ongoing conversations with utility companies about alerting police when unusually high rates of power are being used – a red flag for the illegal operations.
(Eddington) It was the smell of marijuana that first alerted Penobscot authorities to a suspected Chinese Nationals-backed illegal marijuana growing operation in Eddington. Penobscot Sheriff Troy Morton reported to WABI-TV, officers executed a search warrant at the Clewlyville Road home Wednesday. Because the investigation is ongoing, Morton wouldn’t say whether any arrests were made. He did say multiple power cables running through the home were extremely dangerous, putting EMS and firefighters at risk should the home catch fire. Such infrastructure is often a sign of the illegal growing operations, which use large quantities of electricity.
Lewiston Shooter’s Commanding Officer Testifies Before Independent Commission
(AP) Lewiston shooter Robert Card’s commanding officer acknowledged Thursday he didn’t get deeply involved in the reservist’s medical care after Card was discharged from a psychiatric hospital. Captain Jeremy Reamer testified before an independent commission he understood Card experienced a psychiatric breakdown during training last summer, but Reamer said he was limited in the level of oversight he could provide after Card returned home. Reamer said more aggressive action would have been possible had Card still been a full-time soldier.
Family of Missing Graham Lacher Continues Search Downeast
(Bangor) The family of Graham Lacher continues the search for their son, who walked away from the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center in June 2022. Lacher is schizophrenic and likely nonverbal, but not considered dangerous. The family has posted tiny flyer displays in 143 locations from Kittery to Caribou and will next be here in Downeast Maine to spread the word. For more information on how you can help, visit Missing Graham Lacher on FB.
Expired Marine Flare Day
(Searsport) Don’t forget tomorrow, April 13th, is expired marine flare disposal day. Staff from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office will be at Hamilton Marine locations in Searsport, Rockland, and Portland between 9 and 1 Saturday to collect used and expired marine flares. Flares expire 42 months from the date of manufacture, and it’s illegal to throw them in the trash or to otherwise improperly dispose of them.
(Searsport) The Maine State Fire Marshal’s office is having a bit of a flare up this Saturday. Members will be at Hamilton Marine locations in Searsport, Rockland, and Portland between 9 and 1 to collect used and/or expired marine flares. They say flares expire 42 months from the date of manufacture, and it’s unsafe to keep them past that point. Because they burn at high temperatures, it’s illegal to throw them in the trash or otherwise dispose of them improperly.
Steuben Fatal
(Steuben) Maine State Police are investigating a fatal crash that happened Thursday afternoon in Steuben. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, shortly before 1 p.m., 36 yo Nicholas Libby of Addison was traveling east on Route One when his 2014 Nissan Rogue crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Subaru Forester driven by 51 yo David Worcester of Lamoine. Worcester died at the scene. Libby was taken to Northern Light EMMC in Bangor with serious injuries. The road remained closed into the evening on Thursday. State Police were assisted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Ellsworth Police Department, the Steuben, Milbridge, and Cherryfield Fire Departments and Bold Coast EMS.
(Steuben) A Lamoine man was killed and an Addison man seriously injured in a crash Thursday afternoon in Steuben. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, 36 yo Nicholas Libby of Addison was eastbound on Route One shortly before 1 p.m. when his vehicle crossed the centerline, striking a vehicle driven by 51 yo David Worcester of Lamoine. Worcester was pronounced dead at the scene. Libby was taken to Northern Light EMMC in Bangor. The road remained closed into the evening Thursday. The crash remains under investigation.
Maine Supreme Court Reinstates Manslaughter Conviction Against Portland Man
(Portland) The Maine State Supreme Judicial court on Thursday reinstated a manslaughter conviction against Mark Cardilli, Jr. WMTW reports the Portland man, who is white, killed his sister’s black boyfriend in 2019, shooting him three times in the chest. A judge had tossed the original conviction against Cardilli in 2023, but the supreme court reversed the order for a new trial. Cardilli, Jr. claimed self-defense. Some in Portland’s Muslim community called it a hate crime
Local Politics
Collins, Others Criticize USPS Consolidation
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins is among those criticizing the US Postal Service’s plan to convert the Eastern Maine plant in Hampden to a local processing center, moving outgoing mail processing to Scarborough. The Senator called the decision misguided, saying it jeopardizes the reliable delivery of mail, including that of critical medications to Mainers. The Hampden facility is important for mail delivery across large parts of Maine. Collins noted transport mileage for local mail will almost double, delaying delivery times and impacting the dependability of mail delivery.
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins has posted her “stamp” of DISapproval on the planned consolidation of the Hampden and Scarborough postal facilities. The Senator called the US Postal Service’s plan to convert the Eastern Maine plant in Hampden to a local processing center, moving outgoing mail processing to Scarborough, “misguided.” Collins noted the Hampden facility is important for mail delivery across large parts of Maine, and transport miles for local mail will almost double. That means delays in delivering critical medications, Social Security and other checks, and other important pieces of mail. Prior to the decision, Collins had written several letters to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy objecting to the proposed change, and even met with USPS officials last fall to argue against it.
Mills Urges Senate Passage of Storm-Related Act
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills Thursday sent a letter to Senate President Troy Jackson, urging immediate passage of LD 2225, a bill to provide funding to rebuild infrastructure affected by the recent storms. The Governor introduced the bill as a standalone measure to expedite passage. It passed the House unanimously last week. The bill would invest $60M from the Budget Stabilization Fund to help communities rebuild in the wake of flooding and storm surge damage. It’s been waiting for Senate approval since April 1st. Governor Mills asked Jackson to put the bill up for a vote today so as to move forward with critical funding for communities in need of repair and rebuild.
(Augusta) A bill that would provide funding to rebuild infrastructure affected by recent storms was passed unanimously by the House on April 1st. LD 2225 has since been awaiting action in the Senate. On Thursday, Governor Janet Mills sent a letter urging Senate President Troy Jackson to put the measure up for a vote today in order to move forward with $60M to help communities repair and rebuild from flooding and storm surge suffered in storms that decimated the state in December and January. The bill allocates funding to working waterfronts to help them rebuild with structures that are more resilient to the effects of long-term climate change and will also help small businesses impacted by the storms.
Republican Lawmaker Censured for Lewiston Comments
(Augusta) A Republican lawmaker from Chelsea drew rebukes from both sides of the aisle this week when he blamed the Lewiston mass shooting on God, saying it was punishment for an abortion-rights expansion movement passed by Democrats last year. Michael Lemelin used a floor speech to claim this year’s bill came from “Lucifer himself”. He also deemed abortion murder, and decried transgender as a slap in God’s face. Lemelin was ruled out of order by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross. At least one other Republican, Shelley Rudnicki of Fairfield, said she agreed with Lemelin. The two were censured Thursday for their remarks.
(Augusta) A Republican lawmaker this week was ruled out of order for remarks he made saying abortion rights proposals were responsible for the Lewiston mass shooting. Michael Lemelin of Chelsea used a floor speech to claim the shooting was a reaction from God against last year’s abortion law, which took effect the same day as the October 25th shooting. Lemelin went on to say this year’s proposals supporting a woman’s right to choose were from “Lucifer himself”. While at least one other Republican, Shelley Rudnicki of Fairfield, said she agreed with Lemelin’s remarks, others on both sides of the political aisle called the remarks asinine and reprehensible. Lemelin and Rudnicki were ultimately censured Thursday for their remarks.
Economy
Arrival of Cruise Ships to Eastport Threatened by Lack of Staffing
(Eastport) The planned arrival in Eastport this fall of four international cruise ships is being threatened by a lack of staffing. US Customs and Border Protection officials recently informed Eastport the agency is unable to accommodate the arrivals, even though CBP staffed a larger number of such arrivals in Eastport last year. The situation is even more concerning, considering the reduction of international cruise ships to Bar Harbor. Senator Susan Collins on Thursday sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asking him to help address the staffing issue.
(Eastport) A lack of Customs and Border Protection staffing is threatening the arrival of four planned international cruise ships to Eastport this Fall. CBP officials recently informed Eastport the agency would be unable to accommodate the arrivals, even though it staffed a larger number at that port last year. The situation is further complicated by the reduction of international cruise ships to Bar Harbor. Executive Director for the Port of Eastport, Chris Gardner, said growing the port brings much needed economic activity to the entire region. He praised Senator Susan Collins, who this week sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas asking him to help address the staffing issue.
Trio of Businesses Set to Open in Downtown Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Brown paper covers the windows, giving an air of mystery to the current goings on at 142 Main Street in Ellsworth. What’s happening will likely become clear later this month when the three businesses working to occupy the space open for patrons. The Bangor Daily News reports Katina Stanwood and partner Steve Peer will operate a pub known as Black Moon Public House, that will serve small food plates, snacks, craft cocktails, wine, specialty beers and non-alcoholic drinks. The building, known as the Newberry Exchange, will also house Vinyl Vogue, a vintage records and electronics shop, and Trio, a home goods store that will move from its current downtown location.
(Ellsworth) When it opens in the coming weeks, three business owners working to prepare the space at 142 Main Street in Ellsworth say they hope the Newberry Exchange will serve as a community gathering spot where people can walk back and forth between the businesses, enjoying drinks and browsing record bins and home goods. The Bangor Daily News reports the facility, which most recently housed Sugar Mags, will reopen with a pub known as Black Moon Public House … a vintage records and electronics shop, Vinyl Vintage, owned by Matt Manry … and Leslie Harlow’s Trio – which will move from its current downtown location. Pub owner Katina Stanwood says she and the other tenants hope to have the space fully open for business by the end of this month.
Infrastructure
BIA to Add Hundreds of Parking Spaces
(Bangor) Parking has been an issue at the state’s major airports in both Portland and Bangor. Bangor International Airport plans to add more than 800 new parking spaces on currently undeveloped land on Godfrey Boulevard. Airport officials say the need for more parking is driven by increased passenger traffic, which has risen more than 30% over the past five years. Funding for the project will come from the city’s unallocated airport fund.
(Bangor) Come this fall, it should be a little easier to find a parking space at Bangor International Airport. Airport officials say passenger traffic is up more than 30% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. BIA plans to build a new 800-plus space lot on land across the street from existing long-term parking. Funds for the $6.5M project will come from the city’s unallocated airport fund.
ANP Park Loop Road Opens Monday
(ANP) The Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park reopens to vehicle traffic on Monday. The National Park Service says the Park’s carriage roads will reopen to pedestrians on the 15th, as well. Campgrounds and other park facilities will open on various dates throughout April and May, with the Hulls Cove Visitors Center expected to open May 3rd. Due to icy conditions, the Cadillac Summit Road will remain closed to motor vehicles for now. Need a park pass? They’re available from the wonderful folks at the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce – cash only this year.
(ANP) Ah, Spring! It’s that time of year when the buds start opening, and so does the Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park! Come Monday, the road reopens to vehicle traffic, and the carriage roads reopen to pedestrian traffic. Campgrounds and other park facilities open on various dates – get specific dates at n p s dot gov. Park officials say due to icy conditions, the Cadillac Summit Road remains closed to vehicle traffic for now, and they’ll be closing it again sometime mid-May for repaving. Need a park pass? They’re on sale from the great crew at the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce – cash only.
Blue Hill’s Patrick Doak Named Hannaford Store Manager of the Year
(Blue Hill) And finally, a big congratulations to Patrick Doak. Doak is the manager of the Blue Hill Hannaford Supermarket and was selected as Store Manager of the Year, beating out 186 other store managers throughout New England and New York.
Sports
Ellsworth native and 1999 EHS grad Louie Luchini is being inducted into the Maine Principals’ Association Hall of Excellence. Luchini is a well known local distance runner.
Celtics lose to the Knicks 118-109. The Celtics remain at home tonight for a game against the Charlotte Hornets.
Red Sox lose to the Orioles 9-4. Red Sox begin a three game series against the Angels tonight at Fenway.
Bruins off until Saturday when they head to Pittsburgh to skate against the Penguins.