Happy December!
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
U.S. Marshals Service Warns of Increase in Phone Scams
(Bangor) The U.S. Marshals Service is warning of a significant increase in Maine residents reporting a phone scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. Marshals or other federal officials. They say the scams are occurring throughout New England states. Authorities say scammers are often “spoofing” actual office phone numbers to collect money or to gain information from victims, and may even threaten legal ramifications. U.S. Marshals will never ask for credit or debit card numbers, wire transfers or bank routing numbers for any reason. They ask you to report scam phone calls to your local FBI office and to the Federal Trade Commission.
(Bangor) The U.S. Marshals Service has issued a warning about an increase in phone scams affecting residents of Maine and throughout other New England States. Authorities say scammers are often “spoofing” actual office phone numbers to collect money or to gain information from victims, and may even threaten legal ramifications. U.S. Marshals will never ask for credit or debit card numbers, wire transfers or bank routing numbers for any reason. And, of course, they say you should never divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers. Phone scams can be reported anonymously to your local FBI office and to the FTC.
Local Politics
Additional Revenue Predicted for State’s Rainy Day Fund
(Augusta) A committee of state budget and economic experts this week forecast a sunny future for Maine’s General Fund. The projection for the next two-year budget period includes a nearly $265M net increase. Officials credit the sunny outlook to increased consumer spending. Increases in the fund are expected in 2026 and 2027 as well, according to the Revenue Forecasting Committee.
(Augusta) The state’s Revenue Forecasting Committee had some positive news for Maine’s budget this week. Partly due to consumer spending, the General Fund is projected to see about $265M over the next two-year budget period, with increases expected in 2026 and 2027, as well. The Committee reports the state’s Highway Fund is projected to grow about 40% between this year and next, but may shrink slightly the following two years.
King Introduces Legislation to Save Lives, Protect 2nd Amendment Rights for Law Abiding
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King yesterday joined Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico in introducing legislation to curb mass killings without hindering Americans who own firearms for self-defense or marksmen who head to the woods during hunting season. The legislation focuses not on the weapons themselves but on preventing features that make them especially dangerous, such as unlawful modifications and unlawful firearm self-assembly and manufacturing. The bill would also establish a voluntary buy-back program.
(Washington, DC) Legislation introduced this week by Senator Angus King is designed to curb mass killings, like the Lewiston tragedy, without hindering Americans who own firearms for self-defense or hunting. The legislation focuses not on the weapons themselves but on preventing features that make them especially dangerous, such as unlawful modifications and unlawful firearm self-assembly and manufacturing. The Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act is co-sponsored by several other Senators, including Mark Kelly of Arizona, whose wife, then-Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, was shot and nearly killed in an assassination attempt in 2011.
Economy
Efficiency Maine Backs Away from Disconnection Requirements
(Augusta) Citing concern about the aggressiveness of the requirement, Efficiency Maine is backing away from those new requirements for heat pump rebates. The organization had insisted homeowners disconnect older heating and fossil fuel dependent systems in order to get the largest rebates on heat pumps. Efficiency Maine is now only recommending older heating systems be turned off or thermostats turned down. Efficiency Maine is sticking with its revamped rebate program that will offer state rebates only for whole-house installations. However, federal rebates remain available for those wishing to install a unit to heat just a part of a home.
(Augusta) Efficiency Maine may have taken some heat about the aggressiveness of its new requirements for heat pump rebates. EM had required homeowners to disconnect most other heating systems in order to get the largest rebates on heat pumps. They’re now recommending only that fossil-fuel dependent systems be turned off or thermostats turned down. Efficiency Maine is sticking with its revamped rebate program that will offer state rebates only for whole-house installations. However, federal rebates are still available for those wishing to install a unit to heat only a single room or part of a dwelling.
Versant Donates Power Match Funds
(Maine) Go paperless – do good. Versant Power will donate $25 to its Power Match fund for every customer who enrolls in paperless billing between now and the end of the year. The utility started the Power Match program, a charitable matching program that provides electricity bill assistance to customers in need, at the end of November last year. Through a partnership with Downeast Community Partners and others, nearly $160,000 in electricity bill credits has been donated.
(Maine) You can help those in need simply by going paperless. In celebration of the one year anniversary of Versant Power’s Power Match program, the utility will donate $25 for each customer who enrolls in paperless billing between now and December 31st. Power Match is a charitable program that provides electricity bill assistance to customers in need. Last year, in partnership with Downeast Community Partners and others, Versant’s Power Match program donated nearly $160,000 in electricity bill credits
Architectural Digest Names Top Four Winter Wonderland Destinations in Maine
(Maine) Where can you enjoy Maine’s best cold-weather activities, seek new adventures, and experience breathtaking views? Architectural Digest looked at data from Yelp, AirBnB, and other platforms to rank the state’s top winter wonderland destinations across six categories. Coming out on top in the Pine Tree State – Bethel, which ranked 18th of all 95 destinations in the study, with Rangeley coming in at the state’s number 2, Sugarloaf taking the number 3 spot, and Camden ranking fourth in Maine. Nationwide, the top four spots went to cities in Colorado, including Vail, Aspen, Beaver Creek, and Keystone. Check out the full list at architectural digest dot com.
(Maine) Luxury short-term lodging, winter activity offerings, the après-ski scene, and scenic value. Those are some of the categories from Yelp, AirBnB and other platforms Architectural Digest used to rank the country’s top winter wonderland destinations. Not surprisingly, the top four cities out of 95 ranked were all in Colorado, which thrives on winter skiing like Bar Harbor thrives on summer tourism. The top four in rank order – Vail, Aspen, Beaver Creek, and Keystone. Here in Maine, the town of Bethel ranked number one in the state and 18th overall, followed by Rangeley as the state’s number two magical winter destination, Sugarloaf at number three, and Camden at number 4. You’ll find the entire list at architectural digest dot com.
Health
Managing Winter Dry Skin Woes
(Undated) You’re probably already feeling it – that crisp winter air, while invigorating, tends to dry out the skin on our faces, our hands, even our arms and legs that tend to be covered up this time of year. Dr. Cheri Frey is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Howard University. She tells Star 97.7, dry skin issues go beyond mere discomfort. (((DrySkin 1 “…to manage, even beyond the winter months.” :15))) Dr. Frey says look for a skin care regimen with a line of products that include hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or pro-glycerin.
(Undated) Baby, it’s cold outside. Chances are, you’re already feeling the effects of the cold dry air on your hands, face, and other skin. Of course, you use a moisturizer, but Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Cheri Frey, tells Star 97.7, it’s about more than just moisturizing. (((DrySkin 2 “…our washes are not stripping the skin as well.” :13))) Dr. Frey says it’s important to have a good skin care regimen early in the season, because dry skin protects itself by adding more layers of dry skin in a self-perpetuating cycle that makes it more difficult to moisturize.
(Undated) You’re counting down to that first big snowfall when you can get out the skis, the snowshoes, the snowmobiles and hit the trails for some winter fun. Such activities and warming up by a cozy fire afterward, unfortunately, often lead to dry winter skin. Star 97.7 spoke with Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Cheri Frey about what causes and how to prevent those winter woes. (((DrySkin 3 “…to help replace the moisture that we are lacking.” :20))) Dr. Frey says it’s important to begin your regimen early, because dry skin tends to build up more layers, making moisturizing the skin increasingly difficult.
(Undated) We’re not officially into winter yet, but the air certainly has that winter feel. Whether you’re outdoors during the winter months or inside with more warm, dry air, dry skin tends to be a real problem this time of year. Star 97.7 asked Dr. Cheri Frey, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Howard University, what to look for in a moisturizer to prevent dry, chapped, or cracked skin. (((DrySkin 4 “…a body wash and a body moisturizer.” :18))). Dr. Frey says it’s important to have a whole moisturizing regimen this time of year – from cleansers, to lotions, to shampoos – that include those moisturizing elements.
Environment
MCCF Offers Series on Climate Resilience
(Stonington) The Town of Stonington invites residents to attend a series of public conversations and media screenings entitled, “Sea Level Rise, Warming & Storming”. With warming happening faster in the Gulf of Maine than anywhere, Mainers who make their living on the ocean are seeing new species migrate northward, flooded causeways, roads, homes, and businesses. In partnership with the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, the series examines what Maine’s Number One lobster port is doing and what we can ALL do to meet the challenge. The free public series begins Wednesday, December 6th at 6 p.m. at the Stonington Opera House, with the lobby opening at 5 for snacks and opportunities to network.
(Stonington) Waters in the Gulf of Maine are some of the fastest warming waters in the world. Fishermen and others are seeing new species migrating northward, and residents are experiencing flooded causeways, roads, homes, and even Main Streets. With that in mind, the Town of Stonington has partnered with the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries to present a free public series on sea level rise. The series will include public conversations and media screenings and will take a look at what the state’s Number One lobster port is doing … and how other coastal communities can tackle the challenge of climate change. The series begins Wednesday, December 6th at 6 p.m. at the Stonington Opera House, with the lobby opening at 5 for snacks … and an opportunity to network.
DACF Warns Gift Givers to Send Cheer, Not Pests
(Maine) Nothing more beautiful than a Maine-made wreath. If you’re planning to ship one as a gift, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry cautions different states regulate the sending of plant material, and many countries prohibit most types of plant material from being included in holiday decorations. They also say be aware of invasive plants, such as Asiatic multiflora, check for pests and their eggs before shipping, and clearly label your packages “Grown in Maine”. For more information on shipping greenery, visit the DACF website.
(Maine) You’re just about to send that beautiful Maine-made wreath to Aunt Carol in Wisconsin or that greenery-infused table decoration to Cousin Pat in Arizona. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry cautions, while they’re sure your family will love the sentiment, there are things to check before you ship. Import regulations vary from state to state, and some countries don’t allow foreign plant material at all. DACF says don’t ship invasive plants, such as multiflora rose, be sure you check for pests and their eggs, and clearly label your package “Grown in Maine”. For more information, visit the DACF website.
Infrastructure
Bar Harbor to Replace Meters with Kiosks
(Bar Harbor) Things could look a bit different on the streets of Bar Harbor next summer. The Town Council unanimously approved replacing the town’s 320 single-space parking meters with 32 multi-space kiosks. The Mount Desert Islander reports crews from the police and highway departments spend about 300 hours each year to remove and install the individual meters. Police Lieutenant Chris Wharff said the kiosks also tend to increase online payments over coin payments, which means less time spent retrieving quarters from every meter.
(Bar Harbor) A vote by the Bar Harbor Town Council this week could be a real time saver for that town’s police and highway departments. The council voted unanimously to replace the town’s 320 single space parking meters with 32 multi-space kiosks. The Mount Desert Islander reports the changeover will cost the town close to $225K, but will save about 300 hours in manpower each year. The individual meters are taken down each fall and reinstalled each spring, partly to help with snow removal. Police Lieutenant Chris Wharff said the kiosks also tend to increase online payments over coin payments, which means less time spent retrieving quarters from every meter.
Versant Planned Outage – Machias
(Machias) Customers on outer Court Street beyond the hospital in Machias may experience service interruptions this morning, as Versant Power crews work to remove a tree. The project is scheduled to begin about 9 a.m. and take about an hour to complete.
(Machias) Versant Power crews will be working to remove a tree in Machias this morning, which could lead to service interruptions for customers on outer Court Street beyond the hospital. Work is set to begin at 9 a.m. and should take about an hour.
Sports
Bruins shut out the Sharks 3-zip last night at TD Garden. Bruins in Toronto Saturday for a game against the Maple Leafs. Celtics on the home court tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers. And the Patriots at Gillette Stadium Sunday to take on the LA Chargers.