Crime, Public Safety, Drugs
Body Found in Lincolnville Identified
(Lincolnville) A body found in Lincolnville last week has been identified as that of a missing Union man. The Pen Bay Pilot reported the body was discovered last week, and had apparently washed up just north of Lincolnville Beach. Authorities say the body was that of 30 yo Jonah Farley, who was reported missing to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office on May 18th. More information was not readily available.
(Lincolnville) The state medical examiner has identified a man whose body washed ashore in Lincolnville last week as 30 yo Jonah Farley of Union. According to the Pen Bay Pilot, Farley was reported missing to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office on May 18th. The body was found June 3rd just north of Lincolnville Beach. More information was not readily available.
Belfast Officer Involved Shooting
(Belfast) An officer involved shooting in Belfast Monday afternoon. The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and Belfast Police Department report to Star 97.7, about 1:30 yesterday afternoon, 65 yo Daniel Ryan called the Waldo County Dispatch to say he was going to burn down his Cedar Street apartment building if law enforcement failed to respond. When officers arrived at Ryan’s apartment, they say he continued making the threat. Upon entering the apartment, Ryan allegedly charged officers with a gas can that was on fire. Ryan was shot and killed by Waldo County Sheriff’s Sergeant Nicholas Oettinger. Per protocol, Sgt. Oettinger has been placed on leave while the Attorney General’s Office investigates.
(Belfast) A Waldo County man is dead after he allegedly threatened law enforcement officers with a gas can that was on fire. A joint press release issued by the Belfast Police Department and the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office reports about 1:30 Monday afternoon, 65 yo Daniel Ryan called dispatch to say he was going to burn down his Cedar Street apartment building if officers did not respond. They say he continued his threats as police arrived at the building. Upon entering the apartment, Ryan allegedly charged the officers with the flaming gas can. Ryan was shot and killed by Waldo County Sheriff’s Sergeant Nicholas Oettinger. Per protocol, Sgt. Oettinger has been placed on leave while the Attorney General’s Office investigates.
Vacationing Six Year Old Killed in Tragic Accident
(Limerick) A tragic accident claimed the life of a six year old who was vacationing with her family in Maine in early June. Maine State Police tell Star 97.7, Lucy Morgan was staying in Limerick while visiting from New Jersey. While outside playing with her 10 yo brother, the aluminum shaft of a badminton racket came apart from the wooden handle, piercing the young girl’s skull. Although LifeFlighted to Maine Medical Center, she did not survive her injuries.
(Limerick) A freak accident claimed the life of a six year old girl who was vacationing with her family from New Jersey. Maine State Police tell Star 97.7, the child identified as Lucy Morgan was visiting Limerick with family members and was outside playing with her 10 yo brother when the aluminum shaft of a badminton racket came apart from the wooden handle, piercing the young girl’s skull. Although LifeFlighted to Maine Medical Center, the girl did not survive her injuries.
Truck Driver Blamed in Prospect Train Collision
(Prospect) Authorities say the driver of a truck that collided with a train in Prospect last week was to blame for that crash. Police say 34 yo Dallas York of Ellsworth was on the Muskrat Farm Road when he failed to yield to the southbound train. The collision occurred just east of an intersection with Route 1A. State officials were on the scene for several hours removing the truck and cleaning up diesel fuel. York was hospitalized with injuries. No word on his condition.
(Prospect) The truck and trail collision a week ago in Prospect is being blamed on the truck driver’s failure to yield. Police say 34 yo Dallas York of Ellsworth was on the Muskrat Farm Road when he failed to stop for the southbound train. The collision occurred just east of an intersection with Route 1A. State officials were on the scene for several hours removing the truck and cleaning up diesel fuel. York was hospitalized with unspecified injuries. No word on his condition.
Local Politics
Primary Election Day
(Maine) It’s Primary Election Day. The State Primary Election includes nominating contests for U.S. Senate, both Congressional Districts, all 35 State Senate seats, all 151 State House of Representative seats, and in some counties, Justice of the Peace, Register of Probate, Sheriff, and County Commissioners. This is the first State Primary Election to be held under the new semi-open primary law, which allows unenrolled voters the option of voting in any party primary without having to enroll in the party. Voters enrolled in a party must vote that party’s primary ballot.
(Hancock County) Today is Primary Election Day across the state. Ellsworth voters will decide whether the school budget adopted a few weeks ago should be validated. Two charter changes are also on the local ballot. In Bar Harbor, six people are running for two seats on the town council. And, one Hancock County Commissioner seat is on the ballot as well.
Pingree, Colleagues Reintroduce Government by the People Act
(Washington, DC) Representative Chellie Pingree and several colleagues are echoing the sentiment of many Americans who don’t vote because they say the system is broken, rigged, or too heavily influenced by big money. In order to combat that, Pingree and three other Representatives have reintroduced the Government by the People Act. The legislation would create a small-donor public financing program for House of Representative candidates. Pingree’s office says such public financing offers an effective way to reduce the influence of wealthy donors and encourage new and more diverse donor participation.
(Washington, DC) Big moneyed special interests continue to stand in the way of what voters want on issues … from climate change to reproductive rights and gun safety. That’s the message from Representative Chellie Pingree, who this week joined three Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the Government by the People Act. The legislation would create a small-donor public financing program for House of Representative candidates. Pingree’s office says such public financing offers an effective way to reduce the influence of wealthy donors and encourage new and more diverse donor participation, as well as providing opportunities for more diverse candidates.
Education
More Honors for HCTC Faculty
(Ellsworth) Another honor for Hancock County Technical Center staff. The Ellsworth American reports SkillsUSA Advisor and health occupations instructor Michelle Cote (CO-tee) has won a prestigious Outstanding Career and Technical Educator Award. It’s one of SkillsUSA’s highest honors, awarded to individuals who guide members to become leaders in their chosen fields. The honor is only bestowed when the SkillsUSA Board of Directors wants to honor an exceptional educator. The Outstanding Educator of the Year award will be presented during the National Leadership & Skills conference on June 26th in Atlanta.
(Ellsworth) Another best-of-the-best award for HCTC faculty. The Ellsworth American reports SkillsUSA Advisor and health occupations instructor Michelle Cote (CO-tee) has won a prestigious Outstanding Career and Technical Educator Award. One of SkillsUSA’s highest honors, the Outstanding Educator of the Year award is presented to individuals who guide members to become leaders in their chosen fields. The honor is not given regularly or even yearly, but only when the SkillsUSA Board of Directors wants to honor an exceptional educator. Cote will be honored with the award during the National Leadership & Skills conference on June 26th in Atlanta.
Economy
MDOL Seeks Input on Paid Family and Medical Leave
(Augusta) Businesses and individuals have a say in how Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Program will be implemented. MaineBiz reports stakeholders can submit their comments to the Maine Department of Labor through July 8th. The proposed program will give eligible workers up to 12 weeks of paid time off for family or medical needs. Funding will come from a 1% payroll tax, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, with benefits scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026. Employers with plans whose benefits go beyond the state-sponsored ones will be allowed to keep the private plans in place, pending approval from the Labor Department.
(Augusta) Have thoughts or concerns about how Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program will be implemented? MaineBiz reports the Maine Department of Labor wants to hear from you. The proposed program will give eligible workers up to 12 weeks of paid time off for family or medical needs. Funding will come from a 1% payroll tax, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, with benefits scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026. .Employers with plans whose benefits go beyond the state-sponsored ones will be allowed to keep the private plans in place, pending approval from the Labor Department. MDOL is accepting public comments through July 8th.
CMP Customers to See Reduced Charges for 2022 Storms
(Maine) Central Maine Power customers will not have to bear the burden of as much cost related to 2022 storms as previously thought. WABI-TV reports the Maine Office of Public Advocate William Harwood Monday reached a settlement with the power company to reduce the cost to taxpayers by $850,000. That cost will be covered by shareholders. The agreement works out to about a $1.25 savings per customer.
(Maine) It works out to just about a dollar twenty-five savings per customer, but Central Maine power ratepayers will not have to bear as much cost related to 2022 storms as previously thought. WABI-TV reports the Maine Office of Public Advocate William Harwood Monday reached a settlement with the power company to reduce the cost to taxpayers by $850,000. That cost will be covered by shareholders.
Infrastructure
Versant Planned Outage
(Islesford) Versant Power has scheduled maintenance in Islesford for tomorrow, June 12th, beginning at 9 a.m. The work is expected to take about two hours. Islesford customers may experience service interruptions during that time.
(Islesford) A heads up for our Star 97.7 Islesford listeners – Versant Power crews will be working on maintenance and repairs tomorrow, June 12th, beginning at 9 a.m. Work is expected to take about two hours, with a rain date of June 13th. Islesford customers may experience temporary service interruptions while crews are working on equipment.
Medway Rest Area Renovations
(Medway) The Maine Department of Transportation is renovating the rest area buildings on both sides of I-95 in Medway. Work on the northbound side began Monday and is expected to take about three weeks, after which work will begin on the southbound side. The buildings will be closed to the public during the renovations, although portable toilets will be available. The work is expected to cost about $129,000.
(Medway) If you plan to use the rest area on I-95 in Medway, you might want to have a “Plan B” for part of this summer. The Maine Department of Transportation is renovating the rest area buildings on both sides of the interstate. Work on the northbound side began Monday and is expected to take about three weeks, after which work will begin on the southbound side. The buildings will be closed to the public during the renovations, although portable toilets will be available.
Bar Harbor Cottage Street Construction
(Bar Harbor) You might want to avoid Cottage Street in Bar Harbor this week at least while driving. The town reports the already tourist-crowded thoroughfare will be alternating one-way traffic between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. through June 14th. Contractors will be performing subsurface boring exploration work – that’s a fancy way of saying they’re looking ahead at a possible engineering project. Other summer roadwork includes ongoing construction on Route One through downtown Searsport, closure of the section of Main Street in Bar Harbor between Wayman and Cromwell Harbor Road as the town upgrades utility lines, and the Seawall Road closure due to storm damage that awaits a decision from MDOT.
Sunrise Trail Machias Section Reopens
(Machias) The DownEast Sunrise Trail section in Machias that was closed due to construction is now open. That means the whole trail is now safe and open to enjoy, according to a recent FB post. If you use the trail, especially for ATV purposes, they remind you it’s turtle season – not only on the roads, but on the trail as well. Watch for the critters so you can avoid them; and if you can move them safely, always move them in the direction they’re crossing.
Human Interest
SPCA of Hancock County Kitten Shower a Success
(Trenton) If you hold it, they will come – and they’ll adopt! That was the case with Saturday’s Kitten Shower at the SPCA of Hancock County. Thirty-eight big and little furry ones were adopted – including all of the shelter’s 30-plus kittens! In addition, one dog and six adult and senior cats found loving companionship! Watch the SPCA of Hancock County’s FB page for an upcoming post with pictures and gratitude for all who showed up – as Downeast Maine always does!
Sorrento Maine Fire and Rescue Loses Assistant Chief
(Sorrento) Our condolences to the Sorrento Maine Fire and Rescue Department on the loss yesterday of Assistant Chief Chris Eklund. No word on a cause of his passing, but several members and former members say he was a great leader and support for them and was dedicated to Sorrento and the surrounding communities over the years.
Sports
Game 3 of the NBA Finals tomorrow in Boston. Celtics with a 2-0 lead over Dallas.
Red Sox open a series against the Phillies this evening at Fenway.
The #2 Old Town Coyotes bested the #3 Ellsworth Eagles Monday in the Class B North Semifinals. High school regional baseball and softball finals are set for today.