Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Park Officials Release Information on St. Sauveur Wildfires
(ANP) Acadia National Park officials Monday released information on a pair of wildland fires that burned a tenth of an acre and a quarter acre along the St. Sauveur hiking trail on Saturday. The fires were reported around 4 p.m., with several area fire departments responding and the Maine State Forest Service coordinating a water drop from its helicopter. The incident is currently under investigation by the National Park Service. Anyone with information is asked to email acadia dot dispatch at n p s dot gov.
(ANP) Fire departments from three local towns on MDI responded to a report of a wildland fire along the St. Sauveur hiking trail Saturday afternoon. Acadia National Park officials yesterday released details, saying they helped extinguish two fires – one that burned a quarter of an acre. The Maine State Forest Service coordinated a water drop from their helicopter. The park reminds users, contained charcoal and wood fires are allowed only in campgrounds and designated picnic areas and should be monitored at all times. Saturday’s fires are under investigation, and they say anyone with information should email acadia dot dispatch at n p s dot gov.
Oxford County Sheriff Can Stay in Office
(Oxford) Oxford County Sheriff Christopher Wainwright learned Monday he’ll be able to keep his job. The Republican Sheriff has a Democratic Governor to thank for that. Commissioners in February had sent Governor Mills a 10-page complaint, saying Wainwright had requested leniency on a pending charge, mishandled firearms, and violated other county policy and state law. Since the sheriff’s office is an elected position, only the governor can recommend removal. Mills said, “the hearing record shows that he has made mistakes and acted intemperately on occasion,” but she added removing and installing a replacement for a county sheriff should only happen under “extraordinary circumstances.”
(Oxford) Saying removing and installing a replacement for a county sheriff should only happen under “extraordinary circumstances”, Governor Janet Mills ruled Monday that Oxford County Sheriff Christopher Wainwright could remain in office. In February, Commissioners sent the Governor a 10-page complaint against Wainwright, charging the sheriff had requested leniency on a pending charge, improperly handled confiscated firearms, and committed other acts they say violated county policy and state law. In making her decision, Governor Mills agreed Wainwright, a Republican, had made mistakes; but, she said, removal should only be considered in cases of professional dishonesty or corruption or due to a pattern of incompetence or dereliction of duty.
Waldo County Marijuana Operation Yields Nearly 2,000 Plants
(Belfast) A search warrant executed at a Belfast Road address in the town of Freedom Monday yielded more than 1900 live marijuana plants. The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, the warrant was the result of an ongoing investigation into an illegal marijuana growing operation. Maine State Police, Homeland Security and other agencies assisted in the investigation, which Lieutenant Cody Laite tells Star 97.7 is ongoing. Laite says any charges as a result of the investigation will be released at a later time.
(Belfast) An investigation into a suspected illegal marijuana growing operation on Monday yielded more than 1900 live marijuana plants at a Belfast Road address in the town of Freedom. The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, members of the Maine State Police Tactical Team, Homeland Security and others assisted in executing a search warrant yesterday. Lieutenant Cody Laite says an investigation is ongoing, and any charges as a result will be released at a later time.
Highway Safety and Work Zone Awareness
(West Gardiner) Every year, Maine averages more than 500 crashes and two fatalities in work zones. The Maine Department of Transportation says the leading causes of work zone crashes are drivers following too closely, being distracted, and failing to yield. On Monday, members of MDOT, the Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine State Police and others held a Highway Safety and Work Zone Awareness Event in West Gardiner to encourage drivers to stay focused, slow down, and be alert, especially in work zones. This year, MDOT is using new technology to improve safety and awareness. Portable sensors will be installed miles ahead of interstate work zones to monitor vehicle speeds and volume and then post on digital message boards the latest information about what’s ahead.
(West Gardiner) The Maine Department of Transportation says it will use new technology to improve safety and awareness in work zones this year. They say portable sensors will be installed miles ahead of interstate work zones to monitor vehicle speeds and volume and post on digital message boards the latest information about what’s ahead. At a Highway Safety and Work Zone Awareness Event in West Gardiner Monday, members of MDOT, Maine State Police, and others encouraged drivers to stay focused, slow down, and be alert. Officials say every year in Maine there are on average more than 500 crashes and two fatalities in work zones. Major causes include following too closely, being distracted, and failing to yield.
Last Week to Apply for FEMA Benefits
(Undated) A reminder from the folks at the Federal Emergency Management Agency – this is the last week to apply for reimbursement of storm damage from the January storms. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 20th. To date, FEMA reports to Star 97.7, 2,177 Mainers have applied, and FEMA has disbursed over $2.9M. Potentially eligible parties include homeowners and renters in Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Knox and four other counties with uninsured losses from the storms and flooding. Financial assistance is available for reimbursement of temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other uninsured disaster-related expenses. Apply at your Disaster Recovery Center, online or by phone. We’ve posted details on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Undated) A reminder the deadline to apply for FEMA reimbursement of storm damage from the January 9-13th storms is this Monday, May 20th. To date, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reports to Star 97.7, 2,177 Mainers have applied, and FEMA has disbursed over $2.9M. Potentially eligible parties include homeowners and renters in Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Knox and four other counties with uninsured losses from the storms and flooding. Financial assistance is available for reimbursement of temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses, and other uninsured disaster-related expenses. Apply at your Disaster Recovery Center, online or by phone. We’ve posted details on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Local Politics
State Primary Day Less Than a Month Away
(Augusta) With less than a month until Maine’s June 11th Primary, election workers throughout the state are hard at work so voters will have the same safe, secure, and fair elections they’ve always had, according to Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Poll workers are needed at all stages of the election process, and training is provided by local municipal clerks and their staffs. Maine’s 2024 primaries will be held under the new semi-open primary law. Unenrolled voters now have the option to vote in any party primary without having to enroll in the party, but may vote in only one party’s primary. Sample ballots are available at maine dot gov.
(Augusta) We’re just four weeks away now from the state’s June 11th Primary. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows tells Star 97.7, poll workers are needed at all stages of the election process. If you choose to help out, training will be provided by your municipal clerks – contact your town office to sign up. Maine’s 2024 primaries will be held under the new semi-open primary law. Unenrolled voters now have the option to vote in any party primary without having to enroll in the party, but may vote in only one party’s primary. In case you want to look ahead, sample ballots are available at maine dot gov.
Economy
Revised Overtime Rule Goes Into Effect July 1
(Augusta) A new US Department of Labor overtime rule goes into effect this July 1st. The current minimum salary in Maine will go from just over $816 to $844 per week. That increases again to $1,128 on January 1, 2025. While the new rule will, overall, take effect in Maine, the state does not have an exemption from overtime for highly compensated employees. When there is both a federal and state wage and hour law, the most protective takes precedence, meaning the new federal rule will be enforced in Maine except for that exemption for highly compensated employees. More information is available on the US Department of Labor website.
(Augusta) New US Department of Labor rules go into effect this July 1st. The new final rule updates and revises current rules, including increases to the standard salary level. Current minimum salary in Maine will increase from just over $816 to $844 per week. That increases again to $1,128 per week on January 1, 2025. There are exemptions for executive, administrative, and professional employees. More information is available on the US Department of Labor website or by contacting the Maine Department of Labor.
Dunbar Store in Sullivan for Sale
(Sullivan) The Dunbar Store on Route One in Sullivan is up for sale. The store had been closed and left to ruin until a few years ago when Scott Holtz and Bobby Cheshire transformed it into an amazing Downeast deli and one-stop shop for fresh veggies, meats, spirits, frozen foods and other staples … turning it into a convenient resource for locals and a favorite stop of travelers heading to Machias, Lubec, and other points north. The pair sold the store to Dawn Lamendola and her husband, Josh Winer in 2022. But the newest owners also own House Wine in Bar Harbor and a photography business, and they say it’s become a bit too busy to run the store on top of their other businesses. Dunbar’s is listed with the Swan Agency.
(Sullivan) The Dunbar Store on Route One in Sullivan has become a staple for folks Downeast, as well as a convenient stop for tourists and others headed north to Lubec, Campobello, and other locations. The store had sat vacant and left to ruin for more than five years when Bobby Cheshire and Scott Holtz bought it and spent months transforming Dunbar’s into a clean, bright store that carries staples, along with fresh produce, a wide array of spirits, and a deli offering up pizza, sandwiches, and other delicious prepared foods. In 2022, the pair sold the store to Dawn Lamendola and her husband, Josh Winer. But the newest owners also own House Wine in Bar Harbor and a photography business and say it’s become a bit too busy to run the store as well. The Dunbar Store is for sale once again. The store is listed with the Swan Agency.
Health
Survey Ranks Maine Third Loneliest State
(Maine) Feeling kind of alone? It seems you’re NOT alone in feeling that way – at least here in Maine. A USA Blueprint Health Insurance survey determined 17% of people in Maine “always or usually” feel lonely – the third highest rate in the country, behind only Mississippi and Louisiana. Nationwide, 13% of people say they are “always or usually” lonely, 28% say they “sometimes” feel lonely and 58% say they “rarely or never” feel lonely. Rhode Island was ranked least lonely at just under 9%, followed by Hawaii and Idaho. The surveyors say health insurance plans sold on the ACA marketplace are required to cover mental health services and that 90% of those who struggle with loneliness are seeking help.
(Maine) A recent survey on loneliness took us a bit by surprise, considering how warm and friendly our state tends to be. A USA Blueprint Health Insurance survey determined 17% of people in Maine “always or usually” feel lonely – the third highest rate in the country, behind only Mississippi and Louisiana. Nationwide, 13% of people say they are “always or usually” lonely, 28% say they “sometimes” feel lonely and 58% say they “rarely or never” feel lonely. Rhode Island ranked least lonely at just under 9%, followed by Hawaii and Idaho. The surveyors say health insurance plans sold on the ACA marketplace are required to cover mental health services and that 90% of those who struggle with loneliness are seeking help.
USA Today Reports Loneliness a Contributing Factor to Declining Mental Health
(Undated) But perhaps it’s not all about getting “professional” help. USA Today reports not having meaningful relationships is hurting the mental health of tens of millions of us. While many advocate for funding to address mental health care – currently, the US has just one mental health professional for every 350 people who need help – Evan Feinberg of the Stand Together Foundation says the mental health crisis isn’t just clinical, but a crisis of community. He says social media and the pandemic contribute to our isolation and the worst thing we can do is expect others to solve the crisis. Instead, he says, we ourselves need to reach out to others as parents, friends, and neighbors.
(Undated) The pandemic, social media, growing self-isolation. USA Today reports the growing lack of meaningful relationships is hurting the mental health of tens of millions of people. While many advocate for funding to address mental health care – currently, the US has just one mental health professional for every 350 people who need help – Evan Feinberg of the Stand Together Foundation says the mental health crisis isn’t just a clinical crisis, but a crisis of community. Feinberg contends the worst thing we can do is expect others – i.e., government funding – to solve the crisis. Instead, he says, we ourselves need to reach out to others and spend time as parents, friends, and neighbors.
Sports
Red Sox losing to Tampa Bay yesterday, 5-3. Teams on the field again this evening.
Celtics over Cavaliers last night 109-102. Celtics up 3-1 going into Game Five of the NBA Playoffs on Wednesday in Boston.
Bruins/Panthers Game 5 Stanley Cup Playoffs tonight in Florida. Panthers leading 3 games to 1.