Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Gun Give Back Nets Hundreds of Firearms Statewide
(Ellsworth) Multiple law enforcement agencies took part Saturday in the Maine Gun Safety Coalition’s Gun Give Back Program. Across the state, authorities collected hundreds of firearms and caches of ammunition. The coalition says it has a goal of decreasing gun violence and suicide that can result from unsecured weapons. For those who participated, agencies offered free safety locks, in addition to the chance to rid homes of guns and ammunition. Bar Harbor police tell Star 97.7, they had just one firearm turned in, but the Ellsworth Police Department had six handguns and two rifles turned in, plus a hundred rounds of ammunition, and Rockville reporting 13 handguns and long guns, with five people turning in ammunition and four people taking home the free gun locks.
(Ellsworth) Multiple police departments across the state participated in the Maine Gun Safety Coalition’s Gun Give Back Program on Saturday. Bar Harbor police tell Star 97.7, they had just one firearm turned in, but the Ellsworth Police Department had six handguns and two rifles turned in, plus a hundred rounds of ammunition, and Rockville reporting 13 handguns and long guns, with five people turning in ammunition, some, they say, packaged in large containers. The goal of the program is to decrease the violence and suicide that can result from unsecured weapons. In addition to helping people rid their homes of unsafe weaponry – GSC says 50 percent of homes with guns have weapons that aren’t secured – participating agencies offered free safety locks.
Washington County Safety Building Groundbreaking
(Machias) Washington County will have a new Sheriff’s Office Building, likely by next Spring. The Washington County Commissioners and Washington County Manager Renee Gray will be on hand Thursday, June 13th, for a groundbreaking at the new location, 82 Court Street in Machias. The public is invited to a brief ceremony, beginning at 3 p.m.. The Commissioners’ regularly scheduled monthly meeting will follow.
(Machias) Washington County is breaking new ground – and making much-needed new space for the Sheriff’s Department and other safety officials. Plans for a new building have been in the works for awhile, with a ground-breaking planned for Thursday, June 13th, at 3 p.m. at 82 Court Street. The County Commissioners and Washington County Manager Renee Gray will be on hand, and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The Commissioners’ regularly scheduled monthly meeting will follow at 4.
Domestic Violence Non-profit to Visit Maine Islands Via Sunbeam
(NE Harbor) It’s the abuse no one talks about – Domestic Violence. During the last week of this month, the grassroots non-profit Finding Our Voices will accompany Maine Seacoast Mission to outer islands aboard the Sunbeam to provide outreach and opportunities for guidance. As part of the Mission’s guideline of “meeting people where they are”, Mission and FOV staff will share their stories of surviving domestic abuse, host cookouts, and provide opportunities for islanders to learn about domestic violence in a casual way. For more information, visit finding our voices dot net or seacoast mission dot org.
(NE Harbor) The bruises aren’t always visible, but the harm goes beyond skin deep, whether it’s emotional or physical. June 25th through the 27th, the grassroots non-profit Finding Our Voices will accompany Maine Seacoast Mission to outer islands aboard the Sunbeam to provide outreach and opportunities for guidance for those in the throes of Domestic Abuse. As part of the Mission’s guideline of “meeting people where they are”, Mission and FOV staff will share their stories of surviving domestic abuse, host cookouts, and provide opportunities for islanders to learn about domestic violence in a casual way. For more information, visit finding our voices dot net or seacoast mission dot org.
One Injured in Semi Truck-Train Collision
(Prospect) One person was seriously injured Monday afternoon when the semi truck he was driving collided with a train in the Stockton Springs/Prospect area. The crash happened on Muskrat Farm Road just before 1 p.m. It was unclear whether the truck was crossing the tracks or sitting idle, but the cab was heavily damaged and the driver was transported to a hospital. The truck was reportedly not carrying any cargo, but News Center Maine reports 5 to 10 gallons of diesel fuel and some hydraulic fuel were spilled. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection was on the scene to help with cleanup. Officials continue to investigate, but say many such rural crossings do not have lights, signals, or crossing gates.
Driver Killed After Pickup Crashes into Hampden Home
(Hampden) The driver of a pickup truck died yesterday after he reportedly drove his vehicle into a home on Coldbrook Road in Hampden. WABI-TV reports police say the crash happened about 8 a.m. Monday after the driver went off the road, drove through a field and into the side of the house. That driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Two people were inside the home at the time of the crash – neither was hurt. Hampden Police are investigating to determine a cause of that crash.
Camp Postcard
(Maine) From June 14-21, Camp POSTCARD will connect 140 5th and 6th graders in every county in Maine with first responders, all of whom make up the camp counseling staff. Christine Buchanan, a retired Maine State Trooper and one of the camp founders, tells Star 97.7, the idea for the camp stemmed from a meeting of DARE officers back in 1994 and was the brainchild of a well known local law enforcement officer. (((Camp PC 1 “…and so here we are 30 years later.” :22))) Buchanan is also a former DARE officer and one of several counselors who has never missed a session of camp.
(Maine) Back in 1994, a group of DARE officers was brainstorming in the basement in a local Pizza Hut. They were pondering how best to use a one-time donation from a corporation. Thus was born the idea of Camp POSTCARD, which stands for Police Officers Striving to Create and Reinforce Dreams. Christine Buchanan is a retired Maine State Trooper and former DARE officer, who tells Star 97.7 fifth and sixth grade students are referred to the camp by their DARE Officers. (((Camp PC 2 “…that have come through the program.” :17))) Camp POSTCARD this year is June 14-21 in Winthrop. Like several others, Buchanan has never missed a session of camp.
(Maine) Behind the scenes, the everyday heroes in law enforcement do a lot of good to build trust in a community. One such example is Camp POSTCARD, which this year will celebrate 30 years of working with 5th and 6th graders. Campers are referred by their DARE officers and attend a week-long camp experience. The camp’s founders include Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane and retired Maine State Trooper Christine Buchanan, who tells Star 97.7, campers attend the camp at no charge. (((Camp PC 3 “so that the children can come.” :21))) The camp is supported by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, the Maine Sheriff’s Association, the Department of Corrections, and VOA. Learn more at camp postcard dot org.
(Maine) Seventy-two first responders have volunteered for this year’s Camp POSTCARD, June 14-21 in Winthrop, Maine. The camp is an all-expenses paid week for 5th and 6th graders referred by their DARE officers with a goal of building positive relationships with law enforcement officers. Christine Buchanan is a retired Maine State Trooper, former DARE officer, and one of the camp founders, who has never missed a session. She says it’s the dedication of others who come back year after year that make the camp a success for kids. (((Camp PC 4 “…we probably wouldn’t have made it for 30 years.” :19))) Buchanan tells Star 97.7 the camp was actually the brainchild of Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane. Learn more at camp postcard dot org, or talk with your child’s local DARE Officer.
Economy
Starbuck’s to Open Third Location in Bangor
(Bangor) If you’ve tried to get your Starbuck’s at the Bangor Mall, you know the drive through line is almost always outside the parking lot, sometimes backed up to the light. And, of course, there’s the Starbuck’s in the Bangor Target – but again, you’ll generally stand in line. So the coffee giant is opening a third Bangor location at 699 Broadway. Star 97.7 spoke with an Assistant Manager at the Bangor Mall location who tells us an exact Grand Opening Date hasn’t been set, but the Broadway location is expected to open in just a couple of weeks.
(Bangor) Coffee, chai tea, cake pops, and all things Starbucks will soon be available at a third Bangor location. Good move, since the Starbuck’s in the Bangor Mall and at the Bangor Target almost always have long lines. The new Starbuck’s will be opening at 699 Broadway. Star 97.7 checked with an Assistant Manager at the Bangor Mall location who tells us the new store will be opening sometime in the next two weeks.
Human Interest
Special Olympics Maine Summer Games
(Bangor) A big weekend coming up in sports – Special Olympics Maine is holding its annual State Summer Games from Friday, June 7th , to Sunday, June 9th, at the University of Maine in Orono. The event kicks off with the Annual Torch Run, which leaves Key Bank in Ellsworth at 9 a.m. Friday. This year’s Games feature track and field and bocce competitions and bring together 91 teams from across Maine. The Summer Games are a celebration of inclusion, health, and community spirit. Come cheer on your favorite athletes – beginning Friday at 10 a.m.
(Bangor) It’s a celebration of inclusion, health, and community spirit. Special Olympics Maine is holding its annual Summer Games this Friday to Sunday at the University of Maine in Orono. Watch for runners, who will carry the Olympic Flame on Friday, leaving from Key Bank in Ellsworth and running to the stadium. This year’s Games feature track and field and bocce competitions and bring together 91 teams from across Maine. Besides the competitions, there will be free health screenings for athletes, along with a dance, a parade and sharing meals together. For a schedule of events, visit Special Olympics Maine on Facebook.
Heart of Ellsworth Works to Secure Historic District Nomination
(Ellsworth) Historic buildings – downtown Ellsworth is teeming with structures that echo the past and will hopefully be preserved into the future. Although the Downtown Ellsworth area has multiple historic buildings listed on the National Register, it has yet to achieve its status as a National Historic District. Over the next two years, Heart of Ellsworth will be collaborating with the City of Ellsworth, The Ellsworth Historical Society, downtown building owners and community members to secure a prestigious historic district nomination with the National Park Service. Learn how you can get involved by clicking on the link on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Ellsworth) From the Grand Theatre, to the Old Hancock County Sheriff’s Home and Jail, to City Hall, and our beautiful Ellsworth Public Library. Ellsworth abounds in the number of historic buildings listed on the National Register. But the downtown area has yet to achieve status as a Nationally Designated Historic District. Over the next two years, Heart of Ellsworth will be collaborating with the City of Ellsworth, The Ellsworth Historical Society, downtown building owners and community members to secure a prestigious historic district nomination with the National Park Service. Learn how you can get involved by clicking on the link on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Downeast Lobsterman Transitions to Energy Auditor
(Ellsworth) A Downeast lobsterman is now fishing for ways to help people save on energy costs. Cory Falabella is a 5th generation lobsterman from Steuben who also works as an Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector for Downeast Community Partners’ Housing Department. Recently, Cory had the light shining on him after he spoke at the National Home Performance Conference in Minneapolis. Falabella ended up sharing his story with more than 2,000 people, prompting numerous interviews – at least one of which was published nationally. Falabella credits his transition to the clean energy field to DCP’s training program, which paid for his apprenticeship, certifications, and licenses.
(Ellsworth) Cory Falabella is used to trapping lobsters in the waters around his home in Steuben. He’s actually a fifth generation lobsterman. These days, he’s helping folks trap the energy their home uses as Downeast Community Partners’ newest Energy Auditor and Control Inspector. Cory participated in DCP’s training program, which paid participants to apprentice, learn, and earn their certification and license. In April, he shared his story at the National Home Performance Conference in Minneapolis. His talk, given to an audience of more than 2,000, led to multiple interviews, at least one of which was published nationally. Not only does Falabella help Maine homeowners affordably stay in their homes, he’ll now be one to train others to change vocations to the growing field of energy efficiency.
Sports
The Red Sox on the field at Fenway tonight against the Atlanta Braves.