Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Family of Graham Lacher Doubles Reward
(Bangor) The family of Graham Lacher has doubled their reward for the first member of the public who provides information that leads to a successful reunion. The now 39 yo Lacher reportedly walked away from the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Facility in June 2022 and has been missing since, with his concerned family leaving no stone unturned. The reward is now up to $10,000. Lacher is said to be fearful of people, so if you see him, you’re asked to take a picture, note the time and location, and call 9-1-1 or the Bangor Police Department.
(Bangor) Family and friends of Graham Lacher are hoping for a miracle this holiday – the return of their son. Lacher reportedly walked away from the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Facility a year ago in June. The family is offering a $10K reward for the first member of the public that provides information leading to a successful reunion. You’re asked not to approach the now 39 yo Lacher, as he can be fearful of people, but to take a picture, note the time and location and notify the family on FB – Missing Graham Lacher – or the Bangor Police Department.
Norridgewock Armed Robbery
(Norridgewock) Scary moments Wednesday as Norridgewock schools and businesses were put on lockdown because of an armed robbery. Two men and a woman reportedly entered a home on Airport Road and assaulted and robbed a resident. State police and other agencies quickly apprehended the female suspect and later the two others. The three were taken into custody and transported to the Somerset County Jail.
(Norridgewock) Three suspects are in the Somerset County Jail, after reportedly robbing an Airport Road homeowner Wednesday morning in Norridgewock. The suspects, who are said to have been armed, then fled into nearby woods. Schools and businesses in the area were locked down while state police and other agencies searched the area. A female suspect was quickly taken into custody; the two males were apprehended early yesterday afternoon. The victim did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
High Court Throws Out Lawsuit Involving Maine Hotel
(Maine/AP) The Supreme Court has dismissed a case surrounding a Maine hotel that could have made it harder for people with disabilities to learn in advance whether a hotel’s accommodations meet their needs. WMTW reports the case involved whether Deborah Laufer, a woman with disabilities, has the right to sue a hotel in Maine that lacked the accessibility information on its website, despite having no plans to visit the hotel. In addition to dismissing the case, the justices also threw out a lower court ruling in favor of such so-called tester lawsuits. According to a Supreme Court filing, Laufer has filed more than 600 federal lawsuits against hotel owners and operators.
(Maine/AP) The US Supreme Court has thrown out a court case that could have made it harder for people with disabilities to learn in advance whether a hotel’s accommodations meet their needs. The case asked whether Deborah Laufer, a Florida woman with disabilities, has the right to sue a hotel in Wells, Maine that lacked the accessibility information on its website, reportedly despite Laufer having no plans to visit it. Hotels and other business interests had urged the justices to limit the ability of so-called testers to file such lawsuits.
First Public Defenders’ Office Opens
(Augusta) Maine’s first public defenders’ office is now open in Augusta. The office began accepting new cases on November 27th and will provide service to low-income criminal defendants who can’t afford representation. The Portland Press Herald reports Maine has been the only state in the nation without a public defenders’ office, with the court system relying on appointing private practice attorneys for relatively low pay, an issue that led to a shortage of those willing to defend the indigent and a backlog of cases.
(Augusta) Maine’s first public defenders’ office has been accepting new cases for a little over two weeks now. The Portland Press Herald reports four attorneys have been hired at the Augusta office, with two more positions being filled. Until recently, Maine was the only state in the nation without a public defenders’ office to represent low-income criminal defendants. The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services hopes to have six more offices by 2025.
Local Politics
Consultants’ Pay Angers MDOT Workers
(Augusta) Consultants for the Maine Department of Transportation began receiving higher pay for project assistance this Fall – a move that has reportedly frustrated and angered MDOT workers. The Bangor Daily News reports the consultant “wage limit” increased from 50 to 85 dollars an hour. The raise comes as the Maine Service Employees Association and the Mills Administration struggle to come to terms for a new two year contract that expired in June. The contract affects some 9,000 workers.
(Augusta) While state workers covered by other unions have already reached new contract agreements this year, the 9,000 state workers under the umbrella of the Maine Service Employees Association have been negotiating with the Mills’s Administration for months with no consensus. The Bangor Daily News reports the Mills’s Administration as saying the state and the MSEA remain “hundreds of millions of dollars apart”. MDOT workers have reportedly been further angered by an agreement this fall that offered consultants a “wage limit” increase of from 50 to 85 dollars an hour.
Education
Dolly Parton Expands Book Program in Maine
(Bangor) Dolly Parton is expanding her book program for even more of Maine’s youngest readers. WABI-TV reports the Country Music legend sent a pre-recorded personalized message announcing Maine will soon offer her Imagination Library to every child in the state from birth to age five. The program puts a book into every child’s hands every month, sent to their home to inspire reading at a young age. To learn more, visit the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library’s website.
(Bangor) About 8% of Maine’s young children, age 5 and under, currently have access to country music legend Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program puts a book in the hands of each enrolled child every month, sent to their home. WABI-TV reports thanks to a $200K investment by the Mills Administration, the program will soon expand to every child in Maine. The singer herself sent a pre-recorded personalized message announcing the expansion, adding, “So happy, reading Maine … and remember, that I will always love you”.
Health
Island Nursing Home Board Proposes Senior Housing Complex
(Deer Isle) Now that the board of the Island Nursing Home in Deer Isle has determined it won’t be feasible to open again as a skilled care facility, the board is proposing turning the property into an affordable housing complex for people over the age of 55. The Nursing Home closed during the pandemic in 2021 amid staffing shortages and MaineCare reimbursements that didn’t cover the full cost of nursing care. NewsCenter Maine reports losing the hub of senior activity on the island was especially difficult. Town officials are on board with the idea of affordable housing. As always, the idea depends on financial support from the state and surrounding community.
(Deer Isle) Once the board of the former Island Nursing Home on Deer Isle determined it would not be feasible to reopen as a skilled nursing care facility, they began looking at other options. At this week’s board meeting, a proposal was put forth to turn the property into an affordable housing complex for residents age 55 and over. NewsCenter Maine reports town officials are behind the proposal, saying losing the hub of senior activity on the island when the Nursing Home closed in 2021 was especially difficult. The senior housing plan is in its infancy and depends on financial support from the state and surrounding community.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Grand’s Production of “Elf”
(Ellsworth) Christmas stories over the years have had drama, humor, empathy, and tugs at the heartstrings! This holiday, the Grand brings you one that has all these and more. The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, it was 20 years ago Buddy the Elf first hit the big screen. (((Elf 1 “…it just has become part of that.” :20))) Elf the Musical opens tonight at the Grand with a pay-what-you wish rehearsal and runs for three weekends through December 23rd. Tickets at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) This year’s holiday production at The Grand in Ellsworth is the timeless story of Buddy the Elf. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, folks can take a break from the Christmas hustle and bustle and see the production that will almost make you “sick” with holiday joy! (((Elf 2 “…all over the Grand … so kind of be aware of that…” :21))) Well, there’s always the Grand’s famous popcorn for refills. Elf runs weekends right up to Christmas – tickets online at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Twenty years ago, Will Ferrell made the Christmas movie “Elf” an instant classic. The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, Chris Madigan brings that same magic to the character in this year’s holiday musical. (((Elf 3 “…as this over six foot elf.” :19))) Give your friends and family the ultimate gift this season – take a break from the holiday rush and just be together and enjoy the show. Turner guarantees no one will leave without a smile. Opening this weekend – tickets at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Chris Madigan IS Buddy the Elf in the Grand in Ellsworth’s production of Elf, opening tonight! The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, Buddy is sure to bring a smile to the face of everyone who comes to the show. (((Elf 4 “…joy of Christmas, throughout the whole show.” :07))) Turner says people are often surprised to find the entire cast of dedicated, talented actors are ordinary people from right around here. (((Elf 4 “…but especially, in this case, at The Grand.” :16))) Ordinary people with the extraordinary ability to entertain you with the perfect holiday show! Elf opens this weekend – tickets at grand online dot org.
Camp CaPella Online Auction
(Dedham) Just a few more days to bid on all the amazing items in Camp CaPella’s online auction. From gift cards to great getaways, you’ll find all your wants, needs, and holiday gifts! Bid often and bid high – proceeds benefit the many campers with disabilities – and no one is turned away for an inability to pay. Check out the link on the Camp CaPella FB page – bidding closes this Sunday.
(Dedham) Camp Capella is an amazing camp for persons with disabilities. And no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. This year’s online auction is hoping to raise $10,000 to help send kids to camp. You’ll find everything from gift baskets, to great getaways! Bidding is open now but only through December 10th, so get your bids in soon. You’ll find a link on the Camp CaPella FB page…where you can also sign up now for their February fundraiser, the infamous Polar Plunge!
Sports
The Celtics will host “Lewiston Strong Night” on December 16th, with the team wearing uniforms sporting Lewiston High School colors. The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation will make a $50K donation on behalf of the team. The Bruins put the sticks to the home ice tonight against the Buffalo Sabres. The Patriots in Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. The Celtics taking a nice long break – they’ll be back on the home court next Tuesday to shoot hoops with the Cleveland Cavaliers.