Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Law Enforcement Memorial Service Planned
(Augusta) A monument stands in Augusta, bearing the names of 88 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty – some dating back to the 1800s. Tomorrow (Tuesday), officers from across the state, families of the fallen, and dignitaries will join in an annual observance at the Maine Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Governor Janet Mills will deliver the keynote address. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and is an opportunity for law enforcement officers and members of the public to honor the fallen officers who gave their lives in service to the state.
(Augusta) The Maine Law Enforcement Memorial in Augusta was dedicated in May 1991 by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. The Memorial serves to honor fallen officers who gave their lives in service to the state. Eighty-eight names of those killed in the line of duty are engraved on the monument. On Tuesday, officers from across the state, families of the fallen, and dignitaries will join in an annual observance at the memorial. Governor Janet Mills will deliver the keynote address. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and is an opportunity for law enforcement officers and members of the public to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Tractor Trailer Filled with Bees Crashes in Clinton
(Clinton) Talk about an incident that really stung – a tractor trailer hauling bees crashed on I-95 northbound in Clinton Thursday evening. The truck was hauling approximately 15 million of the pollinators and was headed to Washington County where the bees were to do their thing for the blueberry fields. The bees were mostly contained, with a goal of saving them. The accident happened about 7 p.m. Thursday night. Authorities had to close down one lane throughout the night while they worked to contain the bees and remove the wreckage.
Maine Woman Sentenced to 55 Years in Perry Murder Case
(Machias) A Washington County court on Friday sentenced 39 yo Kailie Brackett to 55 years in prison. Brackett was convicted of the April 2022 murder of 43 yo Kim Neptune. Neptune was reportedly stabbed nearly 500 times. Brackett and a friend, Donnell Dana, were tried for the crime, but Dana’s case was ruled a mistrial. The two had reportedly gone to Neptune’s Pleasant Point apartment to rob her of drugs. Brackett’s attorneys have asked for a new trial.
(Machias) A woman convicted of murdering a Perry woman in 2022 was sentenced to 55 years in prison Friday in a Washington County court. 39 yo Kailie Brackett and a friend, Donnell Dana, allegedly went to the home of 43 yo Kim Neptune to rob her. Neptune was reportedly stabbed nearly 500 times. Dana’s case was ruled a mistrial. Brackett’s attorneys are asking for a new trial.
Local Politics
Governor’s Vetoes Upheld
(Augusta) Maine lawmakers on Friday upheld Governor Janet Mills’s vetoes on laws that, among others, would have provided minimum wage for farm workers and banned bump-stocks that turn guns into rapid-firing machine gun-like weapons. The legislature failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed to override the vetoes, all eight of which were ultimately upheld.
(Augusta) The Maine Legislature on Friday upheld all eight bills vetoed by Governor Janet Mills after the last legislative session. The bills included a proposal to ban bump stocks, a minimum wage requirement for farm workers, and a proposal to create a higher income tax for the wealthiest Mainers. The legislature failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed to override the vetoes, all eight of which were ultimately upheld.
Environment
Auroras Inspire Awe Across Maine
(Maine) It was an awe-inspiring sight across the skies of Maine Friday night into Saturday. Solar flare activity was its strongest since 2003, causing an intense geomagnetic storm. What that meant for sky watchers was a rare viewing of the aurora borealis. Pictures were posted from Maine to Ohio to Tennessee, and even as far south as Arizona and Mexico. While not as dramatic, the auroras could also be seen in places on Saturday night into Sunday.
Green Ellsworth Hosts Annual Union River Watershed Summit
(Ellsworth) Stakeholders from communities across the Union River Watershed will focus on possibilities and potential for the watershed at Green Ellsworth’s annual Union River Watershed Summit. Speakers from the Downeast Salmon Federation, the Ellsworth Historical Society, Maine Audubon and others will discuss water protection initiatives and what can be done about aging dams, water quality and fish passage. There will be displays, discussions, videos, and special speakers – that’s May 17th and 18th. Learn more by clicking on the link we’ve shared on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Ellsworth) What can be done about aging dams along the Union River watershed? How are current initiatives affecting fish passage? What’s happening with alewives, salmon, and water quality? These and other topics will be part of Green Ellsworth’s annual Union River Watershed Summit on May 17th and 18th. Downeast Trout Unlimited, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District and others will be on hand with displays, discussions, videos and special speakers. Learn more by clicking on the link provided on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Study Finds Diseases Worsening with Climate Change
(NYT) Scientists are sounding the alarm on yet another problem that’s being blamed on climate change. A study published in the New York Times finds several large-scale, human driven changes to the planet are making infectious diseases more dangerous to people, plants and animals. Scientists point to an earlier study that found a warming climate may be helping malaria expand in Africa and a decline in wildlife diversity, which may be boosting Lyme disease cases in North America.
(NYT) Climate change and other large-scale human driven changes to the planet may be making infectious disease more dangerous to people, plants and animals. A study published in the New York Times says scientists have documented cases that seem to back up that hypothesis, including evidence that a warming climate may be helping malaria expand in Africa and a decline in wildlife diversity, which may be boosting Lyme disease cases in North America.
Pingree Announces Funding to Preserve Coastal Wetland
(Blue Hill) Blue Hill Heritage Trust will receive funding to continue building on their coastal conservation successes, adding to their more than 184,000 acres conserved to date within five miles of the Gulf of Maine Shoreland. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree last week announced the $1.5M in federal funding that will be used to protect, conserve, and restore coastal wetlands and habitats in Maine. The funding for Blue Hill Heritage Trust is part of $87M designated by the Migratory Conservation Commission. More than half the Endangered Species Act listed species rely on wetlands for essential habitat.
(Blue Hill) More than half the species listed in the Endangered Species Act rely on wetlands for essential habitat. Blue Hill Heritage Trust works tirelessly to build on their coastal conservation successes that include wetlands protection, restoration, and conservation. On Thursday, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced BHHT will receive a $1.5M boost to those efforts. The Trust will use the monies to add to its more than 184,000 acres of land conserved to date within five miles of the Gulf of Maine Shoreland.
Health
Stop the Bleed Training
(Bar Harbor) Learn how to stop bleeding, how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose, and how to administer the opioid reversal drug Narcan at a public training sponsored by the Bar Harbor Fire Department and MDI Hospital. That’s Wednesday, May 22nd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lisa Stewart Women’s Health Center in Bar Harbor. Registration is required, and the training is limited to 16 participants. To register, call Chief John Lennon at the Bar Harbor Fire Department or click on the link we’ve provided with this story on our Star 97.7 website. mdihospital.enrollware.com/schedule
Infrastructure
Down East Sunrise Trail Now Open
(Maine) The Down East Sunrise Trail is now open, for the most part. Many people worked hard to repair winter storm damage, and the section from Machias to East Machias remains closed due to such damage. There is a re-route for that section, with signs pointing the detour for those using a bicycle or motorized vehicle in that area. Users should note there is logging in Marion, crossing the trail – so they urge caution, but say you can now get back out there and enjoy.
(Maine) Riders, runners, ATV users, and walkers – the Down East Sunrise Trail is now open – mostly. Winter storm damage meant the trail has been closed for awhile, but they say many worked hard to repair such damage. The section from Machias to East Machias remains closed due to such damage. There is a re-route for that section, with signs pointing the detour for those using a bicycle or motorized vehicle in that area. Also, users should note there is logging in Marion crossing the trail – so they urge caution, but say you can now get back out there and enjoy!.
Deer Isle Closure
(Deer Isle) Beginning today, the Town of Deer Isle will close the Greenlaw District Road at the intersection with Fish Creek Road. The closure is necessary in order to complete the Fish Creek culvert replacement. The road closure lasts through Thursday. Traffic will need to detour back to Route 15 until the work is completed.
(Deer Isle) If you travel the Greenlaw District Road in the Town of Deer Isle, be aware that today through Thursday the road will be closed at the intersection with Fish Creek Road. Crews will be working to complete the Fish Creek culvert replacement, and traffic will need to detour back to Route 15 during the closure.
Human Interest
Thorndike Cornhole Tournament
(Thorndike) Cornhole enthusiasts, come enjoy a great tournament at the Thorndike Fire Department on Saturday, May 25th. Food, raffles, and kids activities will be a part of the day, with the tournament tossing off at 11 a.m. Pre-register for just $25 a team; day-of registration, $30 per team. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, and all proceeds will go to the purchase of new forestry equipment. Pre-register by May 24th at the number you’ll find on our Star 97.7 FB page. 386-316-8859.
Sports
Red Sox beat the Nationals yesterday 3-2. The Red Sox home against the Tampa Bay Rays this evening.
Panthers up 3 games to 1 after a 3-2 win last night over the Bruins. Game Five of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Tuesday in Florida.
Celtics and Cavaliers face off for Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs tonight in Cleveland. Celtics leading
2 games to 1.