Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Study Shows Summertime Traffic Fatalities Up in Maine
(Maine) Many people worry about the dangers of winter driving, but a study published in USA Today shows summer is one of the most deadly times on Maine roads. The study found the number of traffic fatalities in June, July and August has increased by 18% since 2021 – that’s the sixth highest increase nationwide. Even more alarming, when it comes to a jump in summertime deaths involving teens, Maine ranks number one, with a 400% increase in the past three years. Experts state the obvious – reminding motorists to pay attention while driving, avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt, and don’t drive if you’re tired or under the influence.
(Maine) Maine is seeing an ever-earlier influx of tourists and summer residents, resulting in much heavier traffic on roadways. Add in construction, distractions, including drivers attempting to take photos of the beautiful scenery, and it’s no wonder summer is one of the most deadly times on Maine roadways. A study published this month in USA Today found the number of traffic fatalities in June, July and August has increased by 18% since 2021 – that’s the sixth highest jump nationwide. Even more alarming, when it comes to an increase in summertime deaths involving teens, Maine ranks number one, with a 400% increase in the past three years. Experts state the obvious – they say pay attention while driving, avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt, and don’t drive if you’re tired or under the influence.
Great Pond Fatal Update
(Great Pond) The State Fire Marshal’s Office and Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit continue to investigate the deaths of two people whose bodies were discovered in the remains of a fire at a home in Great Pond on Monday. Autopsies have been completed, but authorities say more testing is needed to determine a cause and manner of death. They also say DNA evidence will be needed to confirm identities.
(Great Pond) Autopsies have been completed on the two bodies found in a burned out home in Great Pond on Monday. But the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit continue to investigate the deaths. Authorities say more testing is needed to determine a cause and manner of death, and DNA evidence will be needed to confirm the identities of the two.
Skeletal Remains Found in Gorham
(Gorham) Police in Gorham say they received a call Tuesday from utility workers who believed they had come across skeletal remains. The remains were found at 76 Longfellow Road and have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit South was called in to assist with that investigation.
(Gorham) Utility workers in Gorham Tuesday reported finding what may be human skeletal remains. Gorham police responded to 76 Longfellow Road and say the remains have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta. Members of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit South are assisting in that investigation.
Local Politics
Potatoes Confirmed as Vegetable
(Washington, DC) Republican or Democrat? Dog or Cat? Vegetable or Grain? The long awaited decision has officially come down from Washington, DC. Yes, Virginia, the potato shall remain a vegetable. Senator Susan Collins’s office reporting she received a joint letter confirming that both the Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA will officially support keeping the classification, as opposed to spuds being demoted to the title of grain. The Senator said the “grain” reclassification would have sent a false message to the public that potatoes aren’t necessarily healthy. In case you’re wondering, potatoes have more potassium than bananas, are cholesterol, fat, and sodium free, and contain significant amounts of the daily recommended value for vitamins B6 and C. Pass the fries, please …
(Washington, DC) Idaho or Maine? Obviously, the best potatoes come from the soils of Aroostook County here in the Pine Tree State. But recently, spuds in both states faced a potentially damaging designation. Rumor had it the USDA was considering labeling the fried-mashed-scalloped delight a grain and no longer a vegetable. Senator Susan Collins and others said, basically, that ain’t gonna happen. The vegetable connotation conjures visions of being much healthier. In response to the concerns of Collins and others, the Agency this week issued a letter saying, “Let us assure you there is no intent underway to classify potatoes as a grain, nor are there any analyses singling out potatoes.” It’s great to know they “dug deep”, “got to the root of” and now see “eye to eye” on that one. Cue the sigh of relief and pass the butter and sour cream.
Governor Signs Executive Order on Adaptive Infrastructure
(Stonington) Governor Janet Mills was in Stonington Tuesday to sign an Executive Order establishing the Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission. The Commission will reportedly evaluate the state’s response to recent storms and develop Maine’s first long-term infrastructure plan to ensure readiness for the inevitable storms of the future. The Governor said Commission members will meet with local officials, business owners, and fishermen to learn about their communities’ response to the storms and their future needs. The Governor signed the Executive Order at Stonington Lobster Co-op, one of many businesses hard-hit by the winter storms.
(Stonington) Maine’s back to back winter storms were a wake-up call to the inevitability of increasingly damaging weather as our climate warms. On Tuesday, Governor Janet Mills took another step toward mitigating future destruction caused by such storms. The Governor was in Stonington to sign an Executive Order establishing the Maine Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission. The Commission will reportedly evaluate the state’s response to the recent storms and will develop Maine’s first long-term infrastructure plan to ensure the state is better prepared. The Governor said Commission members will meet with local officials, business owners, and fishermen to learn about their communities’ response to the storms and their future needs.
Economy
Castine Looks to Boost Economy with Mobile Vending Ordinance
(Castine) Like those in many other towns, restaurants in Castine took a hit after the devastating winter storms. To offset the challenge, officials have been working with local businesses to offer more diverse food options in the area. WABI-TV reports Castine hoped in particular to include food offerings that would drive foot traffic. As a result, the town took a second look at a mobile vending ordinance – an option banned since 2013. A compromise reached includes the caveat that mobile vending units will only be allowed in the backshore recreation area on holiday weekends, as designated by the state. The town says it will try mobile vending this year and then revisit it to see what worked, what didn’t and what they might want to revise.
(Castine) How can a town offer more food options, drive foot traffic, and still retain its shoreline charm? That was the issue facing the Town of Castine after it was hit hard by the winter storms. WABI-TV reports mobile vending had been banned in the town since 2013, but town officials decided to take a second look. The new mobile vending ordinance passed by an overwhelming vote. To address the concern of some residents, such will only be allowed in the backshore recreation area on holiday weekends, as designated by the state. The town says it will try the option for a year and then revisit and revise if necessary. Interested vendors can apply on the Town of Castine website.
Education
UMaine Chancellor Gets Two-Year Contract Extension
(Orono) Dannel Malloy will serve at least another two years as Chancellor of the University of Maine. Malloy’s contract was set to expire next year, but has been extended through June of 2027. The University Board released a statement citing Malloy’s accomplishments, including what they say are improved educational quality and student outcomes, increased philanthropy, and innovative new programming to meet the changing needs of students and the economy.
(Orono) Despite some controversy during his time as Chancellor, the University of Maine Board of Trustees this week announced it has extended Dannel Malloy’s contract through June 2027. Malloy’s contract was set to expire next year. In a press release, Board members cited Malloy’s accomplishments, including what they say are improved educational quality and student outcomes, increased philanthropy, and innovative new programming in order to meet the changing needs of students and the economy.
Environment
Maine Communities Receive Grants for Brownfield Cleanup
(Lincoln) The Town of Lincoln is one of eight Maine communities to receive nine grants totaling $33M to help with brownfield cleanup. The EPA says Lincoln will receive $5M to clean up the Lincoln Paper and Tissue Parcel on Katahdin Avenue. The cleanup site operated as a pulp mill that processed sodium carbonate and sulfite pulp until it closed in 2015 and is heavily contaminated with heavy metals, PCB’s and other hazardous materials. Other groups funded include Our Katahdin for cleanup of the former Great Northern Paper Company Wastewater Treatment Plant Lagoons in Milinocket, and the City of Westbrook to clean up the River Walk North site on Water and Bridge Streets.
(Lincoln) Eight Maine communities will share $33M in grant funding as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address pollution and create healthier communities. Among them, the Town of Lincoln will receive $5M to clean up the Lincoln Paper and Tissue Parcel on Katahdin Avenue. The cleanup site operated as a pulp mill that processed sodium carbonate and sulfite pulp until it closed in 2015 and is heavily contaminated with heavy metals, PCB’s and other hazardous materials. Other groups funded include Our Katahdin for cleanup of part of the former Great Northern Paper Company in Milinocket, and the City of Westbrook for cleanup of the River Walk North site on Water and Bridge Streets.
Infrastructure
CAT Ferry Season Begins
(Bar Harbor) The CAT Ferry between Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia made the season’s first voyage last Friday. Maine Public reports the ferry service, operated by Bay Ferries Limited, has already booked more than 18,000 passengers for high speed travel between MDI and Yarmouth. They say that’s a nearly 2,500 passenger increase compared to last year. The service says good weather and a Black Friday Sale likely contributed to the increase in ridership.
(Bar Harbor) The CAT high speed Ferry service hit the seas for the season last Friday. MPBN reports the service, which runs between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, returned to the tourist mecca of MDI two years ago after a 13-year hiatus of setting sail from Portland. Bay Ferries Limited, which operates the CAT, says bookings are up nearly 2,500 passengers over last year, with 18,000 passengers already booked for 2024. The service says good weather and a Black Friday Sale likely contributed to the increase in ridership.
Human Interest/Entertainment
DeMeyer Field Complex Fundraiser Hits it Out of the Park
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Rotary Club and others didn’t just hit it out of the park, they scored a Grand Slam Friday night with an auction to fund the first phase of the DeMeyer Field complex project. The Rotary and partners had set a goal of raising $50K. Friday’s event at Big Cat’s Catering raised more than $62K, bringing the amount raised so far to $130K. The monies include a $35K matching grant from Chuck and Belinda Lawrence and donations from the always-generous Ellsworth community of businesses and individuals. Plans for upgrades include a fenced walking path to keep users safe, a handicap-accessible playground and bocce ball courts.
(Ellsworth) Put me in coach – that seemed to be the theme from individuals and businesses who showed up Friday night at Big Cat’s catering to support a fundraiser for upgrades to the DeMeyer Field Complex. The Rotary Club of Ellsworth, Little League, YMCA , Ellsworth Recreation Committee, and Challenger Little League partnered to put together an auction with a goal of raising $50K for the first phase of renovations. When all was said and done, Friday’s coffers yielded more than $62K. A matching grant and other donations bring the total raised so far to $130,000. The first phase of renovations will include a fenced walking path along Boggy Brook Road to keep users safe, a handicap-accessible playground and bocce ball courts.
Sports
Red Sox score another win over Tampa Bay down in Florida. They beat the Rays last night 5-2
The Celtics and Pacers take it into overtime – Boston putting up the win, 133-128 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The teams remain in Boston for Game Two on Thursday.