Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Arrest Made in Ellsworth Burglaries
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth police are thanking the public for helping them solve a string of restaurant burglaries. During an investigation, Officers were able to identify a possible suspect with the help of the community, after releasing a video on the Department’s FB page, which was then shared by Star 97.7 and others. Tips and information led to the arrest Friday of 23 yo Jacob Fallica on charges of burglary, theft, and criminal mischief. Fallica is being held at the Hancock County Jail and is scheduled to appear before a judge tomorrow.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Police Department is crediting the community today for helping them to make an arrest in connection with a string of restaurant burglaries. Captain Shawn Willey reports to Star 97.7, after releasing a video on the Department’s FB page, tips and information led to an arrest Friday of 23 yo Jacob Fallica. Fallica is being held at the Hancock County Jail and faces charges including two counts each of Burglary Class B, Theft Class C, and Criminal Mischief Class D. Fallica is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Wednesday.
Veazie Vehicle Fire
(Veazie) Maine State Police responded to a Monday morning fire on I-95 in Veazie. Troopers say a Kia Sorrento was pulled to the side of the road near mile marker 189 southbound and was fully engulfed when they arrived. The 82 yo driver, Robert Scott of Milford, told authorities the vehicle was having some brake issues before he pulled to the side of the road. He was able to escape, along with his 81 yo wife, Carolyn. The interstate was shut down for about 30 minutes while the Bangor Fire Department put out the flames.
(Veazie) A pair of octogenarians escaped safely Monday morning after their vehicle burst into flames on I-95 in Veazie.. Maine State Police say Troopers responded to mile marker 189 Southbound about 10 a.m. and found that the driver, 82 yo Robert Scott and his 81 yo wife, Carolyn, both of Milford, were able to escape the vehicle safely. Scott told troopers he was having brake trouble and initially was unable to stop the car. The Interstate was shut down for about 30 minutes while the Bangor Fire Department extinguished the flames. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
FEMA Assistance Available
(Ellsworth)) Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are on the ground in Hancock, Washington, and other eligible counties affected by the January 9th through 13th storms. Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week from 8 to 6 to help affected persons apply for federal assistance and disaster loans, get updates on applications and learn about other resources available. In Hancock County, the DRC is at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth. In Washington County, at the UMaine Torrey Building in Machias. People can also apply online at disaster assistance dot gov or by phone. FEMA Representatives will also be at the Town of Mount Desert Municipal Building tomorrow from 10 until 4 and in Sullivan on Thursday.
(Ellsworth) A reminder that Disaster Recovery Centers are now open to assist those affected by the January 9th – 13th storms. In Hancock County, FEMA representatives are available at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth. Washington County residents will find representatives at the UMaine Torrey Building in Machias. Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week from 8 to 6 to help affected persons apply for federal assistance and disaster loans, get updates on applications and learn about other resources available. People can also apply online at disaster assistance dot gov or by phone. Phone lines are open daily 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. We’ve posted the 800 number with this story on our Star 97.7 website. FEMA 1-800-621-3362.
Local Politics
Dems Agree to Reverse Funding Changes
(Augusta) Democrats facing strong pushback, on Monday agreed to reverse controversial changes pushed through earlier this month, including cuts to transportation funding, a pension break, and less monies to supplement milk prices for the state’s dairy farmers. The Bangor Daily News reports Republicans and even some Democrats still expressed frustration about the late night vote to approve the initial changes made by budget panel co-chair Melanie Sachs of Freeport. The reversal reinstates $60M that would have been transferred from the transportation budget, and restores the amount of a pension tax break for seniors. The Legislature is set to adjourn this session on Wednesday.
(Augusta) A late night vote by Democrats last week angered those on both sides of the aisles, resulting in a reversal on Monday. The Bangor Daily News reports budget panel co-chair Melanie Sachs of Freeport proposed the changes, which included moving $60M from the transportation budget and cuts to pension tax breaks for seniors. The vote was pushed through in a late night session, which also didn’t bode well with Republicans and even some Democrats. The reversal yesterday restores the monies to the Highway Fund and other transportation programs, as well as restoring the amount of pension tax breaks and increasing milk prices under a state relief program.
Governor Allows Popular Vote Legislation to Become Law Without Her Signature
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills said Monday she will allow National Popular Vote Legislation to become law without her signature. Under LD 1578, Maine joins sixteen other states and Washington, DC in becoming part of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, replacing the Electoral College. The compact will only take effect if the coalition secures 270 electoral votes – the threshold needed to elect a President. The compact is now just 61 votes short of taking effect. The Governor said both supporters and opponents of the legislation had raised legitimate arguments.
(Augusta) Maine is now the 17th state, along with Washington, DC, to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact in favor of the popular vote over the electoral college. Governor Janet Mills Monday allowed LD 1578 to become law without her signature, saying she had heard valid arguments from both supporters and opponents. In order to replace the Electoral College nationwide, the coalition would need to secure 270 electoral votes – the number needed to elect a President. With Maine’s membership, the compact is now 61 votes short of taking effect.
Economy
Bar Harbor Food Pantry Buys Mama DiMatteo’s
(Bar Harbor) The Bar Harbor Food Pantry has purchased a building that most recently housed Mama DiMatteo’s Restaurant. The Mount Desert Islander reports the pantry, which has operated out of the basement of the YWCA for more than 25 years, plans to renovate the former restaurant and then relocate to the facility. Three MDI residents reportedly provided half the funding for the purchase, renovations and the start of an endowment for maintenance. The pantry secured interim funding and will launch a campaign later this year to raise the rest of the funds needed.
(Bar Harbor) The Bar Harbor Food Pantry has operated out of the basement of the YWCA for more than 25 years, but a move is in their future. The Mount Desert Islander reports the pantry has purchased the former Mama DiMatteo’s Restaurant. The pantry plans to renovate the facility and then relocate. A press release revealed three MDI residents provided half the funding for the purchase, renovations and the start of an endowment for upkeep and maintenance. The pantry secured interim funding and will launch a campaign later this year to raise the rest of the funds needed.
Mano e Mano to Receive $831K for Childcare Services
(Machias) More than $831,000 is coming to Washington County for childcare. Senator Angus King announced Mano en Mano was awarded the federal funding to support Maine’s sizable farming and agriculture workforce. The money will go toward construction of a new and larger Bilingual Childcare center, enabling the organization to expand its services to 64 children.
(Machias) Mano en Mano will soon be able to expand services to 64 children – connecting families from different backgrounds and celebrating language and culture to enrich the whole community. Senator Angus King announced the organization will receive $831K in federal funding to support Washington County’s sizable farming and agricultural workforce. The funding will go toward construction of a new and larger Bilingual Childcare center.
Education
Seaweed Week at EPL
(Ellsworth) Coming up next week … it’s Seaweed Week at the Ellsworth Public Library! Four to 12 year olds can explore and touch various types of seaweed up close in a special touch tank and try yummy snacks like Kelp Krunch Energy Bars, and Seaweed-Seasoned popcorn, along with a seaweed-themed story time. That’s at 10 a.m. on April 24th. At 6 that evening, join Maine Coast Sea Vegetables for a special cooking demonstration for adults. Learn to identify seaweed … and sample local seafood salad, dulse corn chowder, and Irish Moss chocolate pudding. Spots are limited for that session – register at info@ellsworthlibrary.net or by calling the library.
(Ellsworth) Get tangled up in seaweed at the Ellsworth Public Library on April 24th! Not really, but kids ages 4-12 can touch various types of seaweed up close in a special touch tank and try yummy seaweed-based snacks like seaweed smoothies and Kelp Krunch Energy Bars. That’s April 24th at 10 a.m. at the library. It’s part of Seaweed Week, presented by Maine Coast Sea Vegetables. For the little bit older crowd, at 6 that evening, join in a special cooking demonstration. Learn to identify seaweed… and sample local seafood salad, dulse corn chowder, and Irish Moss chocolate pudding. Spots are limited for that session – register at info@ellsworthlibrary.net or by calling the library.
Environment
No Mow May
(Maine) The grass seems to have turned green overnight, but many towns are encouraging residents to hold off on mowing. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the City of Rockland won’t be mowing city properties, in order to allow for habitat growth for early season pollinators. It’s the third year the City has followed the practice, and they encourage residents to do the same. No Mow May began in England to allow flowers such as dandelions to bloom on lawns as crucial forage for spring-emerging bees. Maine has seventeen species of bumblebees, several of which are in decline.
(Maine) With the grass greening up rapidly, you may be tempted to get out the mower. But towns such as Rockland are encouraging residents to hold off through May in order to allow for habitat growth for early season pollinators. The Pen Bay Pilot reports No Mow May began in England as a way for flowers such as dandelions to flourish as crucial forage for spring-emerging bees. Maine has seventeen species of bumblebees, several of which are in decline. Environmentalists say if you feel you can’t go that long without mowing, leave sections of your yard unmowed or mow less because even that can often make a difference for those all-important pollinators.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Sea of Blue 2 Mile Walk and 5K Run
(NE Harbor) It’s time to sign up for the Sea of Blue 2 mile Walk and 5k Run, celebrating Autism Awareness Month. Founded and now organized by runner Christopher Heel, Sea of Blue is one of the area’s premier running events, with awards, drawings, auction items, and refreshments. And the Darling’s Ice Cream Truck is back for the cause. New this year, the Dog Run with the 5K run, with dogs registering separately. The event is Saturday, April 27th, with the walk beginning at 9:30 and the runners crossing the starting line at 10 at the Neighborhood House in NE Harbor. Register at sea of blue autism dot com.
(NE Harbor) April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Sea of Blue 2 mile Walk and 5K Run is one of the month’s premier events! Runners and walkers toe the starting line at the Neighborhood House in NE Harbor on April 27th, with walkers taking off at 9:30 and 5K participants at 10. New this year, the Dog Run with the 5K Run – pups register separately. The race is organized by the amazing Christopher Heel and his family, and they know how to put on a race! Awards, drawings, auction items, refreshments, and the Darling’s Ice Cream Truck will be there as well. To make a donation and to register, visit sea of blue autism dot com.
Sports
The Capitals shut out the Bruins last night 2-zip. Bruins on the home ice again tonight to take on the Ottawa Senators.
The Cleveland Guardians hold Boston scoreless yesterday, beating the Red Sox 6-nothing. Red Sox and Guardians have three more at-bats this week, beginning this evening at Fenway.
Ethiopian Sissay Lemma captured the men’s title and Kenyan Hellen Obiri defended her women’s title in yesterday’s Boston Marathon.
The Celtics waiting to hear who will be their first round playoff opponent for next Sunday.