Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Bureau of Highway Safety Urges “Do Your Part, and Drive Smart”
(Augusta) It’s finally looking like spring here in Maine, and we’re already seeing increased traffic for graduation ceremonies, with more to come for Memorial Day, trips to the beach and mountains, and all good things that come with this time of year in the Pine Tree State. May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month, National Bicycle Safety Month, and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, with Memorial Day kicking off the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. As of today, 42 people have already lost their lives on Maine roads this year – up from 29 on this date in 2023. The Bureau of Highway Safety urges all road users to plan ahead so there’s no need to speed, buckle those seat belts, drive sober and alert, and put the phone down so everyone gets where they need to go safely – and alive.
(Augusta) Memorial Day kicks off the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Through Labor Day, Maine will see increasing traffic from tourists and other activities, such as riding bicycles and motorcycles. As of today, 42 people have already lost their lives on Maine roads this year – that’s up from 29 on this date in 2023. The Bureau of Highway Safety urges all road users to plan ahead so there’s no need to speed, buckle those seat belts, drive sober and alert, walk against traffic if you’re a pedestrian and ride with traffic if cycling, never leave children or pets unattended in cars, and put the phone down so everyone gets where they need to go safely – and alive.
Packages Delivered to Wrong Address Yields Large Quantity of Drugs
(Winslow) Some Winslow residents got quite the surprise last weekend when packages were wrongly delivered to their address. The Winslow Police Department reports the packages contained multiple bags of pills which turned out to be Fentanyl. Authorities say the pills weighed almost thirty pounds and had an estimated street value in the millions of dollars. Winslow Deputy Police Chief Randy Wing issued a press release saying an investigation is ongoing.
Sidney Standoff
(Sidney) A man is in custody this morning after a more than eight hour standoff with police in Sidney. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, shortly after 8 yesterday morning, police received a tip that 33 yo Marlon Cloutier of Augusta was at a relative’s home on Sunset Ridge. Cloutier was wanted out of Penobscot County on multiple charges, including Felony Burglary and Theft of Firearms. Residents left the home once police arrived, but a State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were called in to try to persuade Cloutier to surrender. He was finally taken into custody yesterday afternoon and was taken to the Kennebec County Jail, where he was booked on the warrants and faces further charges, including refusing to submit to arrest.
Gunfire Closes Schools in Fort Kent
(Fort Kent) Gunfire in the area forced the closing of schools in Fort Kent on Wednesday. Police say The University of Maine Fort Kent was closed and schools in MSAD 27 opened late. Police said they responded to the report of a gun being fired in the area of Pleasant Street, near the University around 8 a.m. yesterday morning. No further details were released. Police say it was an isolated incident.
Economy
Clean Energy Jobs in Maine Surpass 15,000
(Augusta) Maine is now more than half way to its goal of having 30,000 clean energy workers by the year 2030. Governor Mills said Wednesday the number of clean energy jobs in the state has increased faster than in any other New England state. According to an independent report released by the Maine Governor’s Energy Office, the clean energy sector contributed more than $2.3B to Maine’s economy in 2022.
(Augusta) Clean energy is creating jobs and contributing to the economy in Maine. That’s the word from the office of Governor Janet Mills, which reports Clean Energy jobs in Maine have surpassed 15,000 – propelling the state half way to its goal of having 30,000 such jobs by 2030. One source said the number of clean energy jobs in the Pine Tree State has increased faster than in any other New England state. An independent report released by the Maine Governor’s Energy Office, avows the clean energy sector contributed more than $2.3B to Maine’s economy in 2022.
Brown, Holmes, Milliken Opens Office in Bucksport
(Bucksport) Congratulations to the Brown, Holmes, & Milliken Agency. They celebrated with a ribbon cutting at their new location in Bucksport on Wednesday. You can connect with them at the Roland Grindle Agency: A Division of Brown, Holmes, and Milliken, located at 133 Main Street in Bucksport.
Downeast Scenic Railroad On Board for the Season
(Ellsworth) All aboard! Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 season on the Downeast Scenic Railroad. The whole family will enjoy the one and three-quarter hour ride through the Ellsworth area. The train will leave from Washington Junction in Hancock on Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets, specific dates and times, visit downeast scenic rail dot org.
Education
County Teachers of the Year to Be Announced
(Augusta) It’s a big week for teachers, and promises to be a big DAY for 16 educators in particular. Maine’s 2024 County Teachers of the Year will be announced this afternoon at a ceremony at the State Capital. Hundreds of deserving teachers across the state were nominated by members of their school communities. Through a rigorous process, one teacher from each county is selected by a panel of teachers, principals, and business community members within the county. Those teachers then serve as ambassadors, with one ultimately chosen as Maine State Teacher of the Year. The announcement of the 16 County Teachers of the Year is planned for today at 2 p.m.
(Augusta) We’re firm believers every good teacher deserves recognition. The Maine Department of Education has the difficult task of narrowing it down to 16 – one teacher per county – to serve as Maine’s 2024 County Teachers of the Year. An announcement as to who is chosen is set for 2 p.m. this afternoon at the State Capital in Augusta. Hundreds of teachers across the state were nominated by members of their school communities. Those chosen will serve as ambassadors, with one eventually to be named Maine State Teacher of the Year.
Young Named Sumner Middle School Principal
(Sullivan) Devin Young will be the new Middle School Principal at the Charles M. Sumner Learning Campus in Sullivan. Up until now, the school has had just one Principal, Jackson Green, who oversaw both the Middle and High Schools, while Young served as Assistant Principal. Green is leaving at the end of this school year, so the search is underway for a new High School Principal.
Health
Helping Those Who May Be Suicidal
(Undated) Mental health and suicide. Recent events in Maine have made it all too clear those are not issues to be ignored. Vic Armstrong, a Vice President with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, tells Star 97.7, it’s important to speak up if we suspect someone is troubled. (((Suicide 1 “…do you want to talk about that?” :22))) Armstrong said there’s been a stigma because we fear if we mention suicide, it will put the idea in a person’s head. He says, research shows the opposite is true, and we need to ask clearly whether someone is contemplating killing themselves.
(Undated) Based on CDC data, 90% of those who died by suicide had a diagnosable mental health issue at the time of their death. The good news is 46% of Americans age 18 and over living with a mental health condition received treatment in the past year. Vic Armstrong, a Vice President with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, tells Star 97.7, how to recognize the signs. (((Suicide 2 “…an indication that that person’s having suicidal thoughts.” :22))) Armstrong says those abrupt mood changes can be sadness or elation, a person thinking their problems will all be over when they end their life. He says it’s critical to ask bluntly and clearly if a person is suicidal and then help them to find help.
(Undated) Issues with mental health and suicide – all too raw for us here in Maine in recent months. Vic Armstrong is a Vice President with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He also hosts the Strong Talk Podcast. Armstrong says if you have a concern, you need to talk directly with that troubled person, but that there are specific ways to have those conversations. (((Suicide 3 “…to help you with those conversations.” :21))) That website is A F S P dot org forward slash Talk Away the Dark. You’ll find videos of a person contemplating suicide, but they’re not talking about it. The videos address warning signs, how to talk with a suicidal person – including those who are reluctant or resistant to treatment, and resources for connecting them with help.
(Undated) The CDC reports the provisional number of suicides in 2022 was 3% higher than in 2021, just after the pandemic. But Vic Armstrong, Vice President of Health Equity at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, says there is good news when it comes to mental health and suicide issues. (((Suicide 4 “…and the individuals that are hurting.” :21))) Armstrong graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina Central University, holds a Masters in Social Work, and hosts the Strong Talk Podcast. You’ll find more resources at A F S P dot org, forward slash Talk Away the Dark.
Infrastructure
Tennis Courts Open in Sullivan
(Sullivan) The Sullivan Harbor Russell-Jewell tennis court is now open for the season and sporting a new fence. While the town says the work isn’t 100% complete, it’s open for tennis. No taxpayer funds were used for the major upgrade, and the town says they’re grateful to everyone who donated toward the project.
(Sullivan) Tennis anyone? The Sullivan Harbor Russell-Jewell tennis court is now open for the season and sporting a new fence. While the town says the work isn’t 100% complete, it’s open for tennis. No taxpayer funds were used for the major upgrade, and the town says they’re grateful to everyone who donated toward the project.
Human Interest/Entertainment
EPL Presents Evening of Bridgerton
(Ellsworth) If you’re a fan of the Netflix series “Bridgerton”, you don’t want to miss this special event planned at the Ellsworth Public Library! Lady Whistledown invites you to an evening of Bridgerton-themed fun and games on Friday, May 17th, from 6 to 7 p.m. Join Lady Whistledown and fellow aficionados for an unforgettable evening celebrating the romance, intrigue, and charm of Bridgerton! Registration is required – call the library to reserve your spot.
(Ellsworth) Lots happening at the Ellsworth Public Library this month! All month long, there’s a solo art exhibit by Liv Pearl on display, with an artist reception planned for May 29th. The Ellsworth Historical Society will hold their annual meeting at the library on the 13th. May 16 through 18th, stop in for Friends of the Library’s three-day Spring Fling Book Sale. An evening of Bridgerton-themed fun and games is planned for May 17th … and on May 30th, an author talk with Bark Borton, author of 2023’s Moondoggle. For more information, follow the Ellsworth Public Library on Facebook.
Tragedy Ends in Beautiful Love Story
(Lewiston) Ben Dyer was enjoying a night of friendly cornhole competition at Schemengee’s Bar and Grill in Lewiston last October when he first heard the pops. Dropping to the ground, Ben was hit at least twice directly, up to four more times by ricocheting bullets. All he could think was that he had to live for his two children, Liam and Zoe, and the girlfriend he had known since childhood, and whom he’d been dating the past 2 years. When he awoke in the hospital, she was there – Keela Smith had dropped everything at her job as a radiolgic tech at MDI Hospital Medical Imaging and driven two hours to be by his side. The Boston Globe writes, through two and a half weeks and four surgeries, she never left Ben, except to check the mail and do a few home chores. So it was fitting this past weekend that Ben placed a beautiful engagement ring on Keela’s finger. The couple isn’t sure what the future holds, but they are sure they’ll be sharing it together. Congratulations! And credit to Keela’s co-worker, Lori DiGuardia, for sharing this beautiful story with us.
(Lewiston) It was a typical night with his buddies, playing cornhole at Schemengee’s Bar and Grill in Lewiston last October, when Ben Dyer heard the pops. He dropped to the ground, noting the shooter was just a few yards away. Dyer was shot twice directly, at least four more times by bullets that must have ricocheted. The 47 year old played dead, but when he awoke in the hospital two days later, he remembered it all. He especially remembered being determined to live for his two children, Liam and Zoe, and his beautiful girlfriend, Keela Smith, who, he’d known since childhood and had been dating for two years. When she heard the news, Keela dropped everything at her job as a radiolgic tech at MDI Hospital Medical Imaging, driving two hours to be by his side. The Boston Globe writes, through two and a half weeks and four surgeries, she rarely left Ben’s side. So it was fitting this past weekend that Ben placed a beautiful engagement ring on Keela’s finger. The couple isn’t sure what the future holds, but they are sure they’ll be sharing it together. Congratulations! And credit to Keela’s co-worker, Lori DiGuardia, for sharing this happy ending story with us.
Sports
The Red Sox have the day off – they’ll be back at Fenway Friday to go bat-to-base against the Washington Nationals.
The Celtics and Cavaliers hitting the hardwood tonight at TD Garden for Round Two, Game Two of the NBA Playoffs.
Bruins lose to the Panthers last night 1-6 in Round 2, Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs – now tied at a game apiece. Game Three Friday in Boston.