Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Church Robberies
(Auburn) A man from Auburn was at church Sunday – in fact, authorities say 27 yo Connor McGlone was at three churches yesterday morning – robbing people in church parking lots in Parsonsfield, then Cornish, and then entering a church in Baldwin and taking money from the collection plate before fleeing. In all three cases, McGlone reportedly referenced having a firearm or displayed a firearm. McGlone was apprehended after a police chase that ended in a PIT maneuver in Bridgton. Authorities say McGlone had three active warrants for robbery and theft prior to Sunday’s incident.
(Auburn) A 27 yo from Auburn was arrested Sunday morning after visiting three different churches. The problem, police say, is that he went to the three to rob parishioners. Authorities report Connor McGlone robbed people in church parking lots in Parsonsfield and Cornish, then entered a church in Baldwin, where he took money from the offering plate and grabbed a woman’s purse before fleeing. McGlone reportedly brandished a gun or claimed to have a firearm in all three cases. After a police chase that ended in a PIT maneuver, McGlone fled on foot but was quickly located and taken into custody. Officers say he had three active warrants at the time of the incident. He’s charged with two counts of robbery with additional charges expected.
Two Arrested, More than 100 Animals Seized in Abuse Case
(Belfast) A court hearing is scheduled next month for two women accused in a horrific case of animal abuse and human neglect. Chief Robert Cormier with the Belfast Police Department tells Star 97.7, the investigation began April 10th when officers responded to 360 Belmont Avenue for a welfare check on a senior citizen. They say that visit revealed unsafe conditions and led to several other visits that week; but the residents fled, leaving behind animals without food or water in what officers describe as deplorable conditions. The suspects were later located in Auburn, arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a dependent person and animal cruelty. 64 yo Monique Kandra and 25 yo Rowan Kandra were transported to the Waldo County Jail and later released on bond. An at-risk senior adult was taken into protective custody. The animals were taken to Peace Ridge Sanctuary and Northeast Equine Sanctuary. Peace Ridge reports more than 130 animals were rescued and are receiving food and medical attention. You can donate to their care at a link you’ll find on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Belfast) Authorities in Belfast conducting a well-being check found a senior citizen living in what they say were unsafe conditions, and a follow up investigation revealed more than a hundred animals living in a state they describe as deplorable. Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier reports to Star 97.7, authorities were first called to 360 Belmont Avenue on April 10th. Follow up visits that week revealed the occupants had fled, leaving the animals behind without food and water. On April 17th, police located 64 yo Monique Kandra and 25 yo Rowan Kandra in Auburn. Both were arrested and taken to the Waldo County Jail where they face charges of endangering the welfare of a dependent person and animal cruelty. The at-risk senior adult was taken into protective custody. The animals were taken to Peace Ridge Sanctuary and Northeast Equine Sanctuary. Peace Ridge reports more than 130 animals were seized and are receiving food and medical attention. You’ll find a link to donate if you wish on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Senator Inn Fire
(Augusta) A fire at the Senator Inn in Augusta Friday caused significant damage. The Fire Marshal’s Office reports units responded to the Inn about 12:30 Friday morning and were able to contain the fire to the attic space and roof of the “Governor’s Wing”, a 15-unit detached facility only rented in the summer season. Investigators say the building was under renovation. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental.
(Augusta) Fire caused significant damage to a section of the Senator Inn in Augusta early Friday morning. Nine area fire departments sent crews to battle the blaze that investigators say began in the attic space and roof of the “Governor’s Wing”, a 15-unit detached facility only rented in the summer. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze, but say the building suffered significant damage. The Governor’s Wing was being renovated. The fire was ruled accidental.
Warren Drug Arrests
(Warren) A month-long investigation in Warren led to the arrest of three people on drug charges Friday. Authorities say MDEA agents executed a search warrant at an Eastern Road home and seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun. Arrested were 63 yo Denise Richards of Warren, 34 yo Marissa Widdecomb of Union, and 33 yo Clair Turner of Warren. The three were taken to the Knox County Jail and were scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
More Large-Scale Illegal Marijuana Grows Uncovered
(Maine) Ripley, Harmony, and Jay – three more large-scale marijuana growing operations were uncovered across the state last week. Altogether, Central Maine authorities seized over 5,000 plants in the raids in Somerset and Franklin Counties. The operations are believed to be the work of Chinese organized crime syndicates. The issue in Maine and other rural states has been documented on the national news. Maine’s congressional delegation continues to urge the US Department of Justice to investigate the illegal activity they believe to be the work of Chinese nationals. .
UMaine Vehicle Strikes Student
(Orono) Authorities are seeking information in the case of a graduate student that was hit by a university vehicle on Long Road on the Orono campus Friday morning. The student was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The crash happened about 9:30 a.m. near Jenness Hall. Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Noel Santiago in the campus police department.
(Orono) A University of Maine graduate student continues to recover today after being hit by a university vehicle. Authorities say the crash happened about 9:30 Friday morning on Long Road near Jenness Hall. The student suffered minor injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact noel dot santiago at maine dot e d u.
Local Politics
Legislators Remove Roadblock to Building Wind Terminal on Sears Island
(Augusta) A wise proverb cautions not to build your house on the sand, but a wind terminal NEAR sand may be another matter. Until last week, a half acre sand dune on a 100-acre parcel of Sears Island stood in the way of the state’s decision to build an offshore wind development hub, designed to ignite the state’s transition to renewable energy. Legislators last week passed LD 2266, exempting the dune from the state’s sand dune protections and opening the door for the Department of Environmental Protection to consider permit applications for the proposed development.
(Augusta) Despite opposition from some locals, state authorities in February declared Sears Island the ideal spot for an offshore wind development hub that would catapult the state into the age of renewable energy. But a tiny half acre sand dune on the 100-acre parcel of the island to be used for the project was protected, resulting in a roadblock. Before adjourning last week, the Maine legislature passed LD 2266, exempting the dune from the state’s sand dune protections and opening the door for the Department of Environmental Protection to consider permit applications for the proposed development.
Biden-Harris Administration Expected to Announce New Funding for Washington, Two Other Counties
(Scarborough) Today is officially Earth Day, an apt day for the Biden-Harris Administration to announce new funding to improve climate resilience and protect coastal habitat in Washington, Cumberland and York Counties. The Earth Day announcements will help the state take actions that enhance the climate resilience of infrastructure, communities, and ecosystems. A coalition of political and environmental leaders is expected to be on hand for the announcement, which is scheduled for 12:30 this afternoon at the Scarborough Marsh on Route 9.
(Scarborough) An announcement today on Earth Day is likely to bring some relief to residents of Washington, Cumberland and York Counties. Political and environmental leaders are expected to gather at the Scarborough Marsh on Route 9 at 12:30 this afternoon to hear details of the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan to provide funding to help improve climate resilience and protect coastal habitat in the three counties. The funding is part of the President’s ambitious overall climate agenda that includes $50B for climate resilience.
Senator Collins Extends Roll Call Vote Record
(Washington, DC) Maine’s Senator Susan Collins on Friday cast her 9,000th consecutive roll call vote. The vote extends her unbroken voting streak that began in 1997. Collins is the first Senator in history to have cast that many votes without having missed a vote during her entire time in the Senate.
(Washington, DC) Agree or disagree with her political stance, Mainers can proudly say Senator Susan Collins never fails to show up. On Friday, Collins cast her 9,000th consecutive roll call vote, extending her unbroken voting streak that dates back to 1997. Collins is the first Senator in history to have cast that many votes without having missed a vote during her entire time in the Senate.
Health
DECH Nurses to Hold Two-Day Strike
(Machias) Registered Nurses and Technicians at Downeast Community Hospital in Machias gave notice last week of their plans to hold a two-day strike, beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30th. The professionals say they are protesting the administration’s refusal to address deep concerns about recruitment and retention. They say the hospital’s offer of a 1 percent pay increase is disrespectful and that they are fighting for a fair contract so they can stay and care for the community. The Maine State Nurses Association points to a 48% salary increase for DECH CFO Lynette Parr between 2020 and 2022. State-wide, a nurse staffing ratio bill failed to pass this session, but did receive initial approval from the Senate. MSN says it will continue fighting to pass such a law.
(Machias) Downeast Community Hospital will be even more short staffed on April 30th and May 1st – but the hospital’s Registered Nurses and Technicians say a strike planned for those two days is necessary in order for hospital officials to address their deep concerns about recruitment and retention. They say the hospital’s offer of a 1 percent pay increase is disrespectful and that they’re fighting for a fair contract in order to be able to stay and care for the community. The Maine State Nurses’ Association points to what they say was DECH CEO Steve Lali’s compensation increase of over $100,000 a year between 2020 and 2022. State-wide, nurses are calling for a tighter nurse staffing ratio in order to ensure patient safety. A nurse staffing ratio bill failed to pass this legislative session, but did receive initial approval from the Senate. MSN says it will continue fighting to pass such a law in Maine.
Hancock County Food Drive Wrapping Up Final Week
(Ellsworth) The Hancock County Food Drive is moving into its last full week! Program Coordinator Rachel Emus says she’s pleased with the number of young people participating in this year’s Read-A-Thon, the Volta Climbing and Fitness Climb-A-Thon, and the generosity of businesses and the community. For more information or to donate, visit h c food drive dot org.
City of Ellsworth Craft and Vendor Fair
(Ellsworth) You don’t want to miss the upcoming City of Ellsworth Craft and Vendor Fair, benefitting the Backpacks for Kids Program. The fair is scheduled for May 4th and 5th at the Moore Community Center on State Street. Meet new Ellsworth City Manager Charlie Pearce at the event at 10 a.m. Saturday. The fair is free and aims to bring together the community to support area vendors and artisans, with proceeds from vendor table reservations going to the backpack program. For more information, contact e dowling at ellsworth maine dot gov.
Sports
Trevor MacLean of Nova Scotia captured his 18th Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race title Saturday. The solo kayaker finished the course in 2 hours, 10 minutes. Wet weather didn’t seem to deter some 742 participants in 402 boats. Nearly all the registrants finished the 16.5 mile race this year.
Celtics beat the Heat 114-94 in Round 1, Game 1 of the NBA playoffs Sunday. Game 2 set for Wednesday night (Celtics vs. Heat)
In Round 1, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it was Bruins 5, Maple Leafs 1 Saturday. The teams skate again tonight in Boston in Game 2.
Red Sox made it a clean sweep in their 3-game weekend against the Pirates, with a 6-1 win yesterday in Pittsburgh. Red Sox off tonight – they’ll be in Cleveland Tuesday to run the bases with the Guardians.
The Ellsworth boys baseball team home against Brewer tomorrow afternoon. Ellsworth held John Bapst scoreless Friday, beating them 13 to nothing. Ellsworth 2 and 0 for the season.