Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MDMR Urges Swimmers and Others to be Shark Safe This Summer
(Augusta) Evidence of a Great White Shark attack off the coast of Great Cranberry Island earlier this month has prompted the Maine Department of Marine Resources to caution swimmers, paddlers and surfers to be shark safe this summer. They say if you do choose to go in the water, be aware of your surroundings, stay close to shore, enjoy those water activities in groups, avoid areas where there are seals or schooling fish, and avoid murky or low visibility water. If you see what you think is a Great White and would like species confirmation, there is a form on the MDMR website on which you can submit photos and a description.
(Augusta) Great White Sharks are uncommon but not unheard of off the coast of Maine. In 2020, 63 yo Julia Dimperio Halowach was killed by a Great White off the coast of Bailey Island near Harpswell. Just a couple of weeks ago, evidence of a Great White washed ashore on the backside of Great Cranberry Island. That has prompted the Maine Department of Marine Resources to urge swimmers, paddlers and surfers to be shark safe this summer. They say, among other cautions, if you choose to go in the water, avoid shiny jewelry, limit splashing, avoid swimming at dawn and dusk when lighting is low, and adhere to all signage at beaches. If you see what you think is a Great White and would like species confirmation, there is a form on the MDMR website where you can submit photos and a description.
Vinalhaven Child Death
(Vinalhaven) Maine State Police continue to investigate the death of a child on Vinalhaven. Authorities tell Star 97.7, shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday, the parents of a one year old boy called 9-1-1 to report their child was unresponsive. First responders arrived at the home and began life saving efforts. The child was then transported to the island hospital. A short time later, the MSP Major Crimes Unit was notified the child did not survive. An autopsy was performed yesterday by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Further testing is needed before a cause and manner of death are determined. Police say the parents are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
(Vinalhaven) Authorities say the parents of a Vinalhaven child who died Wednesday are cooperating with an investigation into his death. Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday, the parents of a one year old boy called 9-1-1 to report their child was unresponsive. First responders arrived at the home and began life saving efforts. The child was then transported to the island hospital. A short time later, the MSP Major Crimes Unit was notified the child did not survive. An autopsy was performed yesterday by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, but detectives say further testing is needed before a cause and manner of death are determined.
Suicide Barriers on Penobscot Narrows Bridge Delayed Until 2025
(Bucksport) Installation of suicide barriers scheduled for the Penobscot Narrows Bridge now won’t begin until 2025. The Republican Journal reports the Maine Department of Transportation originally planned to begin installing the fencing last spring, but engineers identified a potential problem. They say the added wind load of the fence system required a wind tunnel study to see what effect it had on the overall bridge structure. The bridge has been a suicide draw, averaging one per year, while others in crisis have been talked down from making the jump. Experts say deterrents, such as the planned fencing, buy time for those contemplating the tragic act to rethink their decision and/or get help.
(Bucksport) About one person in crisis per year takes their life by jumping from the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. One deterrent is the planned fencing on the bridge. Installation was scheduled to begin last spring; but The Republican Journal reports the project has been delayed until 2025 after engineers identified a potential problem. They say the added wind load of the fence system required a wind tunnel study to see what effect the fencing had on the overall bridge structure. Experts say deterrents, such as fencing, buy time for those contemplating the tragic act to rethink their decision and/or get help.
Local Politics
Senator King Co-Sponsors Affordable Housing Legislation
(Washington, DC) Maine has more than 600 manufactured housing communities. Without rent control, out-of-state and corporate ownership can lead to higher rents and other concerns. Last April, residents of an Old Orchard Beach mobile home park tried to buy their property to make it into a co-op. The attempt failed after the current owners decided to go with another offer. Senator Angus King announced yesterday he is cosponsoring critical legislation to protect the affordable housing market in Maine and across the country. The Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act would encourage manufactured home park owners interested in selling their properties to sell the land to their residents, rather than to another landlord or developer. If passed, the Act would create a 75% federal tax credit, offsetting capital gains if the property is sold to a resident-owned cooperative or nonprofit.
(Washington, DC) In April, residents of an Old Orchard Beach mobile home park tried to buy their property to make it into a co-op. The attempt failed after the current owners decided to go with another offer. Senator Angus King on Thursday announced he is cosponsoring critical legislation to protect the affordable housing market in Maine and across the country through the Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act. The legislation, if passed, would encourage manufactured home park owners interested in selling their properties to sell the land to their residents, rather than to another landlord or developer. The act would allow more Americans to stay in their homes and protect them from excessive rent increases. More than 22 million Americans currently live in manufactured housing in more than 50,000 manufactured housing communities.
Senator Collins Opposes New Requirements for Transporting Dogs into US
(Washington, DC) Come August 1st, dog owners who wish to transport their pups across Maine’s northern and eastern borders into the US will face tough new restrictions. The CDC in May announced the final rule restricts all travel for dogs younger than six months old and requires numerous new certifications, creating what some say are unnecessary requirements. Senator Susan Collins says the rule is a doggone shame and has called on the CDC to work to revise the rule to address the concerns of responsible dog owners and visitors who demonstrate little risk of importing canine rabies. Collins has the support of the American Kennel Club in voicing her opposition.
(Washington, DC) A new rule takes effect August 1st, that has responsible dog owners growling at what they say are unnecessary new restrictions. The CDC announced the final rule in May. It restricts travel for dogs younger than six months old and requires numerous new certifications, an especially egregious rule for those wishing to transport their “good boys” (and girls) across Maine’s northern and eastern borders into the U.S. Senator Susan Collins says the rule is a doggone shame and has called on the CDC to work to revise the rule to address the concerns of responsible dog owners and visitors who demonstrate little risk of importing canine rabies. Collins has the support of the American Kennel Club in voicing her opposition.
Economy
EMDC Working to Expand Employment Opportunities
(Augusta) Building on a model launched in Machias and Bangor, the Eastern Maine Development Corporation is working to expand employment opportunities in Central and Northeastern Maine for justice-involved individuals and those in recovery. The model is based on the belief that everyone is ready for something on the path to employment, and offers a flexible and gradual approach to work – from a tour or job shadow to work experience, on-the-job training support, and – ultimately – sustainable employment. The effort is made possible through a nearly $500,000 contract with the Maine Department of Labor. For more information, email Progressive Employment dot M D O L at maine dot gov.
(Augusta) Mainers with disabilities, in recovery, or working to reenter the workforce after being incarcerated, have a new resource that offers a flexible and gradual approach to employment. The proven model is based on one launched in Machias and Bangor and is rooted in the belief everyone is ready for something on the path to employment. The project is funded through a $500K contract between the Maine Department of Labor and the Eastern Maine Development Corporation and meets prospective employees where they are …from a tour or job shadow to work experience, on-the-job training support, and – ultimately – sustainable employment. Interested jobseekers, businesses, and nonprofits can learn more and get connected by emailing Progressive Employment dot MDOL at maine dot gov.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Public Library Survey
(Ellsworth) Patrons are passionate about their Ellsworth Public Library! Close to 100 people have already responded to the library’s online survey regarding renovation of the library’s interior space. Director Sarah Lesko and staff say they want to make the best of space in the children’s area, circulation area, computer and other spaces, in order to benefit those who depend on the valuable resource. The library is hoping to get about 300 responses, and you still have about three weeks to respond to the quick survey, which you can access on the Ellsworth Public Library FB page and on our Star 97.7 FB page, as well.
(Ellsworth) Welcoming and user friendly – that’s what Director Sarah Lesko and the staff and the Ellsworth Public Library hope to capitalize on with interior renovation. Computer space, the children’s area, the circulation desk; what changes do YOU want to see to make the library YOUR number one resource for … resources. Fortunately, patrons of the library are passionate supporters. About 100 individuals have already responded to a quick survey posted by the library. The library is hoping to have THREE hundred responses by the time the survey closes on July 31st. Make your voice heard – the library staff says they know you’ve got some great ideas! Access the survey link on the library’s FB page or on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Island Reader Features Work of Island Residents
(NE Harbor) There’s a wave of talent on Maine’s unbridged islands, and you’re invited to enjoy some of that talent through this year’s “The Island Reader”. For almost two decades, the multi-arts anthology, published by Maine Seacoast Mission, has featured the work of island residents – from stories to prose to art and photographs. This year, forty six islanders have their work featured in the just-published 18th edition. Order your copy through Maine Seacoast Mission. Plus, the editorial team is now welcoming submissions for the 19th “Island Time” edition. Submissions are accepted from writers and artists living on unbridged Maine islands. We’ve posted a link with this story on our Star 97.7 website. https://seacoastmission.org/sunbeam/island-outreach/the-island-reader/.
(NE Harbor) The Island Reader is a project that began in 2006 as a labor of love, in order to bring together island artists and writers to showcase their work. This year’s just-published 18th edition contains poetry, a ghost story, beautiful photographs and paintings, and art that encapsulates what it means to live on an unabridged island. The multi-arts anthology is published and is available through Maine Seacoast Mission, with submissions from residents of 14 islands, including Frenchboro, Great Cranberry, Islesford, Swan’s Island and others. In addition, the editorial team is now welcoming submissions for the 19th edition from those living on unbridged Maine islands. We’ve posted a link with this story on our Star 97.7 website.
https://seacoastmission.org/sunbeam/island-outreach/the-island-reader/.
Maine Towns Named Best for Biking
(Farmington) Gardiner, Fryeburg, Patten, Farmington, and Buckfield – those Maine towns ranked in the top 5 “best for biking” in the state. Bicycle Coalition of Maine reports the assessment is part of a PeopleforBikes” comprehensive analysis, based on the quality of bike networks. Towns ranking highest had some advantages in common, including access to parts of the city where residents live, access to jobs and schools, and access to places that serve basic needs, like hospitals and grocery stores. Unfortunately, no towns in Maine ranked as high as or higher than 50 out of 100 points. PeopleforBikes consider that a significant threshold to becoming a great place to bike.
Sports
Red Sox shut out the Oakland A’s 7-zip last night to round out a three game series at Fenway. Red Sox begin a weekend series on the home field against the Kansas City Royals tonight.