Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Narrows Search for Police Chief
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth officials hope to fill the position of police chief permanently in the coming days. The Bangor Daily News reports the city has narrowed its search to three candidates. Deputy Police Chief Troy Bires has been serving as Interim Chief since March. Six people applied for the job. City Manager Charlie Pearce has reviewed the applications, as has the Council’s Human Resources Committee. It will be up to the Council as a whole to decide on a final candidate. A decision is expected in July.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth officials hope to make a decision on a permanent new police chief in the coming days. The Bangor Daily News reports the city has narrowed its search to three from six people who applied. City Manager Charlie Pearce has reportedly reviewed the applications, as has the Council’s Human Resources Committee. It will be up to the Council as a whole to decide on a final candidate. Deputy Police Chief Troy Bires has been serving as Interim Chief since March.
Ellsworth City Clerk Departing for Another Job
(Ellsworth) Another big loss for the City of Ellsworth; City Clerk Toni Dyer is leaving to take a job as a Human Resources Manager at a large mortgage company. Dyer has been a huge asset at City Hall the past four years, working as City Clerk and Registrar. She’s also served as human resources manager, payroll specialist, and interim finance director. The Ellsworth American reports Tax Collector Sue McLean will likely step in while the City works to replace Dyer, who will leave at the end of the month.
(Ellsworth) In related news, the City has narrowed down its choice for a new Finance Director. City Manager Charlie Pearce says around 27 people applied for the job, and they’ve pared down the list to interview five “excellent candidates.” Next up, the City will be looking for a new City Clerk. Toni Dyer has served since 2020, but will leave at the end of the month to take a job as Human Resources Manager at a large mortgage company.
Waterville Man Rescued at Gulf Hagas
(Gulf Hagas) The Maine Warden Service and others rescued a 38 yo Waterville man who broke his ankle while hiking at Gulf Hagas Sunday. MDIFW Spokesperson Mark Latti reports to Star 97.7, Joshua Steele was hiking the Rim Trail near the Jaws Waterfall with friends, when he slipped on a rock about 4:30 last Sunday. A member of his group hiked out and was able to call for help. By the time rescuers reached Steele, darkness had set in. Medical crews stabilized the injured hiker and carried him two miles over rugged terrain, where he was eventually transported to a hospital in Greenville for treatment.
Summer Solstice
(Maine) Summer officially arrives this afternoon at 4:50, and Mother Nature is leaving no doubt about it. There’s a heat advisory in place today, and we could see the hottest temperatures yet, with temps in the 90s being the norm. Experts say be sure to hydrate, try not to exert yourself, and leave some cool, fresh water in the birdbaths for the little critters. .A cold front will move through this evening, bringing welcome relief. Steve McKay will be in throughout the day with details.
(Maine) As if there’s any doubt, the summer solstice arrives at 4:50 p.m. this afternoon, heralding in the longest day of the year. And it’s going to be another warm one, with a heat advisory in place and temps well into the 90s. This year’s June solstice is the earliest since 1796. Look for a cold front to move in late in the day, along with the solstice, bringing welcome relief from the heat.
Black Bear Spotted on UM Bike Path
(Orono) UMaine officials in Orono are urging caution after a jogger reported seeing a black bear this week on the bike paths near Witter Farms in Old Town. The path is a favorite of UMaine students and staff and community members, who enjoy utilizing the trail for walking, biking, running and other activities. The bear was reported early Tuesday morning by an employee of the Old Town Police Department who was running on the path. Wildlife officials say if you spot a bear, back away slowly. If a bear approaches you, wave your arms to make yourself appear bigger, don’t run, but continue to slowly back away, and if it continues to follow, stand your ground, make noises, and use bear spray if you have it.
Economy
Electricity Customers to See Jump in Bills
(Maine) CMP customers will see quite a jump in their bills come July 1st. The Portland Press Herald reports bills will rise by 12.5% or about $15.50 per month for the average residential customer. Maine Public Utilities Commission Chair Phil Bartlett said much of the increase is due to the community solar farms going up across the state, which are effectively subsidized through electricity rates. He said customers can expect another increase connected to the so-called stranded costs and that after that, prices should begin to level off. Versant Power customers will see about a 6% increase next month, while Bangor Hydro district consumers may actually see a slight decrease.
(Maine) Ratepayers will see a jump in their utility bills come July 1st. The Portland Press Herald reports the biggest increase will be felt by CMP customers, whose bills will rise 12.5% or about $15.50 per month for the average residential customer. Versant Power customers will see about a 6% increase and Bangor Hydro district consumers may see a slight decrease. Maine Public Utilities Commission Chair Phil Bartlett said much of the increase is due to the community solar farms going up across the state, which are effectively subsidized through electricity rates. He said customers can expect another increase connected to the so-called stranded costs and that after that, prices should begin to level off.
Education
FAME Offers Personal Finance Institute for High Schoolers
(Portland) The Finance Authority of Maine – or FAME – is offering a free class on finances for high school students. The Summer Institute covers topics like credit, banking, insurance and budgeting, with a maximum of three students per Maine high school accepted. The course runs July 15-19 in Portland. Transportation and housing are not provided. Visit FAME’s website to learn more.
(Portland) It might mean a bit of travel and overnight housing, but Maine high school students can learn all about credit, banking, insurance and budgeting at a July 15-19 Personal Finance Summer Institute offered by FAME – the Finance Authority of Maine. The class itself is free to those graduating in 2025 and 2026 – a maximum of three students per high school accepted. The institute will be held at Waynflete School in Portland. Visit FAME’s website to register or learn more.
Environment
Concerns Grow Over Fish Caught in Maine Rivers
(Maine) Sixteen bodies of water in Maine now have advisories concerning consumption of freshwater fish caught in those waters. A CDC advisory issued this week includes the Kenduskeag Stream from the Robyville covered bridge to the Penobscot River. Consumers are advised to eat no more than one meal per month of smallmouth bass from that area. Testing of fish in this and other areas found levels of PFAS above the Maine CDC’s recommended levels for regular consumption. A complete list of affected water bodies is available on the CDC’s website.
(Maine) Unsafe levels of PFAS have been found in sixteen bodies of water in Maine. The CDC this week issued advisories against regular consumption of fish harvested from those waters, including the Kenduskeag Stream from the Robyville covered bridge to the Penobscot River. Consumers are advised to eat no more than one meal per month of smallmouth bass from that area, which includes Bangor. A complete list of affected water bodies and recommended precautions is available on the CDC’s website.
Infrastructure
Road Resurfacing in Sullivan
(Sullivan) If you’ve traveled Route 1 in Sullivan the past few days, you’ve likely been stopped in traffic. The town says Maine Department of Transportation crews are getting the road ready for resurfacing.
(Sullivan) Be prepared for delays as you travel through Sullivan on Route One. MDOT crews have been preparing the road for resurfacing, so you may run into one lane traffic and traffic delays.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Grand Brings American Idol Finalist to Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) The news is out, and the tickets are all but SOLD out! The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, on August 3rd, the Grand presents the hottest ticket of the summer. (((Julia 2 “…lets’s get Julia Gagnon … and we did!” :12))). But there’s more … one talented local singer will have the opportunity to open for Julia when she comes to the Grand. Watch the Grand’s FB page beginning tomorrow to find out how to compete for the honor!
(Ellsworth) By now, you’ve probably heard The Grand in Ellsworth will be a stop for the summer’s hottest ticket – Maine’s own American Idol competitor, Julia Gagnon. Hopefully, you have your tickets for the August 3rd show! In addition to the concert, Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, one talented LOCAL performer will get the chance to open for Julia! (((Julia 3 “…but you can see all the information on FB and on grand online.” :18))) Only ten people will have the chance to compete for the honor, and there will be a small entry fee. Registration for the competition goes live tomorrow on the Grand’s social media pages.
(Ellsworth) She captured the hearts of Mainers, America, and the American Idol audience, as well as the judges! Top seven finalist Julia Gagnon is coming to The Grand in Ellsworth on August 3rd. If you don’t already have your tickets, you may be out of luck when it comes to being in the audience. But Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, you might still have a chance to appear on stage. (((Julia 4 “…they will open for Julia Gagnon on August 3rd.” :15))) Again, just ten local contestants will have the opportunity to compete for the chance to open for Julia. Registration begins tomorrow – watch the Grand’s social media pages to enter.
(Ellsworth) Julia Gagnon is coming to The Grand in Ellsworth! Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, he credits Operations Manager Kim Fitch for jumping on the opportunity to bring the American Idol singer-songwriter finalist to Ellsworth. To add to the excitement, The Grand is hosting a competition for a LOCAL singer to open for the voice that helped put the Maine entertainment scene on the map! (((Julia 5 “…it should be a wonderful, wonderful night!” :17))). Only ten singers will be chosen to compete for a chance to open for Julia. Registration opens tomorrow via the Grand’s social media pages.
Sports
The Red Sox on a winning streak – they beat the Blue Jays in Toronto all three games, with a 7-3 victory last night. Red Sox off tonight. They’ll be in Cincinnati to run the bases against the Reds tomorrow evening.