Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Body Missing Maine Man Shot, Placed in Barrel
(AP) The body of a man who went missing in May 2023 was discovered in a small town in New Hampshire in April. New details have come to light with the arrest of 30 yo Joseph Chute of Leeds on charges he murdered that missing man, 34 yo Alex Jackson. The Associated Press reports Chute appeared in court last week. Witnesses say he confessed to shooting Jackson in the head at his farm, before putting his body in a barrel and dumping it in a sand pit. Chute’s girlfriend took the stand and described traveling to various locations before dumping Jackson’s body. Chute was being held without bail in the Androscoggin County Jail.
(AP) Grim details have come to light about the murder of a Maine man who went missing in May 2023. Authorities found the body of 34 yo Alex Jackson in April near the small town of Stark, New Hampshire. 30 yo Joseph Chute of Leeds has been charged in Jackson’s death. The Associated Press reports Chute appeared in court last week. Witnesses say he confessed to shooting Jackson in the head at his farm, before putting his body in a barrel and dumping it in a sand pit. Chute’s girlfriend took the stand and described traveling to various locations before dumping Jackson’s body. Chute was being held without bail in the Androscoggin County Jail.
Investigators Search for Clues in Simultaneous Wildfires
(Hancock) The Maine Forest Service is investigating a series of fires that broke out on Route One in Hancock Friday afternoon. Crews from multiple area departments were called to battle the first blaze near the YU takeout at Mud Creek Road about 2 p.m. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, but almost concurrently, four other fires broke out along Route One between the first fire and Darling’s in Ellsworth. Heavy smoke made for poor visibility, but traffic was able to continue through the area.
(Hancock) Firefighters battled multiple wildfires, while motorists on Route One in Hancock Friday afternoon battled smoke and poor visibility. The Maine Forest Service reports multiple departments were first called to a blaze near Y U takeout and Mud Creek Road about 2 p.m. That fire was quickly extinguished, but four other fires were subsequently reported along Route One all the way to near Darling’s in Ellsworth. The Maine Forest Service is looking for a cause.
Bolduc Correctional Facility Resident Killed While on Work Detail
(Rockport) A resident of the Bolduc Correctional Facility died Friday while employed as part of a work release program. Authorities say 39 yo Sean Alan Rancourt was welding on a diesel fuel tank at Rockport Steel when it exploded shortly before 3 p.m. EMS and Fire personnel provided treatment on the scene, but Rancourt did not survive. Rancourt began serving a sentence in 2018 for aggravated trafficking of drugs and had an early release date of September 2024.
(Rockport) An inmate who was scheduled for an early release date this September was killed Friday afternoon while employed as part of a work release program. Authorities say 39 yo Sean Alan Rancourt was welding on a diesel fuel tank at Rockport Steel when it exploded shortly before 3 p.m. EMS and Fire personnel provided treatment on the scene, but Rancourt did not survive. Rancourt began serving a sentence in 2018 for aggravated trafficking of drugs.
Meeting to Discuss Future of Blue Hill Fire Station
(Blue Hill) Blue Hill may have a new fire station in its future. The Ellsworth American reports a planning meeting about relocating the station and potentially building a new one is planned for tomorrow, June 4th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the town office. Voters at the Annual Town meeting approved an article that allowed for relocation discussion. The meeting is part of the planning for a possible new fire station, according to Town Administrator Julie Atwell.
(Blue Hill) A new fire station could in the future for the Town of Blue Hill. The Ellsworth American reports voters at the Annual Town meeting approved an article allowing for relocation planning for the fire station. A meeting is planned for tomorrow – Tuesday, June 4th, from 1 to 4 at the town office to discuss relocation and possibly a new build, according to Town Administrator Julie Atwell.
Several Injured in Topsham Monster Truck Crash
(Topsham) Several people were injured Saturday at a monster truck show in Topsham when one of the trucks in the show caused a crash involving a utility pole. WMTW reports the crash happened just before 2 p.m. Witnesses say one of the trucks hit a jump, clipped a utility wire, and dragged down several poles, landing near the spectator section at the Topsham Fairgrounds. Two of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. No word on their condition. Topsham police are investigating.
(Topsham) Topsham police continue to investigate a Saturday afternoon crash at the Renegade Monster Truck Tour at the Topsham Fairgrounds that injured several spectators. Witnesses say one of the trucks involved in the show hit a jump, clipped a utility wire, and dragged down several poles, landing near the spectator section. Two of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. No word on their condition. The driver of the truck was not injured.
Economy
DCP Phone Lines Open This Morning for First Step in HEAP Assistance
(Ellsworth) Phone lines open this morning for those who anticipate needing heating assistance this winter. Downeast Community Partners oversees the HEAP – Home Energy Assistance Program – for Hancock and Washington Counties. The first step in the program is to simply schedule an appointment, and that’s the purpose of calling today. DCP Energy Services Director, Kelli Casey, tells Star 97.7, it’s important to call and get on the schedule early to ensure you get the help needed – don’t wait until winter, as processing takes time. The number to call, beginning at 8 a.m. is 690-5914.
(Ellsworth) Winter may be the last thing on your mind right now; but with federal funds for heating services being drastically cut the past few years, if you anticipate needing heating assistance this winter – now is the time to call and schedule an appointment. Downeast Community Partners oversees the HEAP – Home Energy Assistance Program – for Hancock and Washington Counties. The first step in the program is to simply call and make an appointment. DCP Energy Services Director, Kelli Casey, tells Star 97.7, it’s important to get on the schedule early to ensure you get the help needed – if you wait until winter, it may be too late for the often lengthy processing needed. The number to call, beginning at 8 a.m. this morning is 690-5914.
Record Number of 401(k) Savers Post Million Dollar Balances
(Undated) A record number of 401(k) savers had balances of over $1 million at the end of the first quarter this year. According to Fidelity Investments, that number is 43% higher than a year ago. Fidelity says the average participant with a balance over $1 million has been saving for 26 years and contributes 17% of their income, including any matches they receive from their employer.
(Undated) Whether or not a million dollars is worth what it used to be, Fidelity Investments reports a record number of 401(k) savers had balances of over $1 million at the end of the first quarter this year. That number is 43% higher than a year ago. Fidelity says the average participant with a balance over $1 million has been saving for 26 years and contributes 17% of their income, including any matches they receive from their employer.
Nordic Aquafarms Suing City of Belfast
(Belfast) Nordic Aquafarms says the City of Belfast of going back on their word. They’re suing the city over a recent decision to reverse the use of eminent domain – a move meant to help the company develop its land-based salmon farm. Belfast City Council earlier this month reversed that 2021 decision after facing legal challenges from residents upset about Nordic securing access to a contested section of mudflats where the company hoped to bury intake and discharge pipes running to Penobscot Bay. Nordic claims the eminent domain ruling can’t be reversed. According to the Bangor Daily News, an attorney for the City says it has not been served with the lawsuit, but otherwise refused comment.
(Belfast) In 2021, the Belfast City Council voted to use eminent domain to secure access to a contested section of mudflats where Nordic Aquafarms planned to bury intake and discharge pipes running to Penobscot Bay. Facing legal threats and pushback from residents, the City earlier this month reversed its decision. Now, the Bangor Daily News reports Nordic intends to sue, saying the decision on eminent domain can’t be reversed. An attorney for the City says it has not been served with the lawsuit, but otherwise refused comment.
Environment
Planetary Parade
(Maine) A total solar eclipse, a stunning solar storm that created amazing aurora borealis sightings; now June is kicking off with a parade of the planets. A rare alignment of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will occur in the night sky over the next few days. For the best viewing, scientists say you may need high powered binoculars or a telescope, especially to view Uranus and Neptune. Best time to spot them? Experts say after sunset or right before dawn. Look to the eastern sky – the rare alignment should be visible almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere the next few days.
(Maine) The night sky has certainly offered up some entertainment here in Maine this year. First, a total solar eclipse on April 8th, then some rare viewing of the aurora borealis caused by a solar storm. For the next few days, you can catch a parade of the planets. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be aligned and may be visible with the naked eye; while those with high powered binoculars or a telescope may be able to see Uranus and Neptune as well. Astronomers say look to the eastern sky – the six-planet alignment should be visible over the next few days almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA of Hancock County Open House and Kitten Shower
(Trenton) It’s a baby shower – baby kitties, that is! The SPCA of Hancock County hopes you’ll stop by this Saturday, June 8th to see the beautiful upgrades they’ve made during restructuring, and …bonus! … see the many adorable kittens they have available. Since May 1st, the animal care team has taken in 13 mother cats with kittens – 75 cats and kittens in all! And they’re all looking for the purr-fect forever home. There’s no charge to attend, but if you can bring along kitten supplies or make a monetary donation to offset the cost of care, it will be, well, … the cat’s meow! There will be snacks, a raffle, and a chance to fill out an application for your perfect new furry family member. That’s this Saturday from Noon until 4 at the SPCA of Hancock County in Trenton.
(Trenton) Get ready to have your heart melted – the SPCA of Hancock County in Trenton is having a Kitten Shower and Open House this Saturday from 10 until 4. In the last month, the SPCA has taken in 13 momma cats and their kittens – and they’re all looking for that purr-fect family! Note: it’s always nice to adopt a pair. The SPCA is a 100% community funded non-profit no-kill shelter. Come see the amazing changes the SPCA made during their recent restructuring. There’s no charge to attend the shower, but your donations of wet canned and dry kitten food, snuggle blankets, low-entry litter boxes or money to help cover spay/neuter, vaccinations, and flea, worm, and tick treatment will be greatly appreciated! Stop in, meet the cats and kittens up for adoption, and fill out an application – guaranteed to bring you meownds of joy!
Sports
Celtics vs. Mavericks as the NBA Finals get underway Thursday in Boston.
The Red Sox have the night off tonight. They’ll be home against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.
Congratulations to Ruth White and the other members of the Orono Girls Track Team on bringing home a second consecutive Class C state championship on Saturday.