Crime/Public Safety/Drugs Steuben Fatal Crash (Steuben)  A high school student was killed and another injured yesterday afternoon when their 2013 Chevy Malibu came over a hill on Unionville Road in Steuben, went airborne, and struck a tree.  No names have yet been released, pending notification of kin, but Sumner Principal Jackson Green sent a letter […]

Star 97.7 - Smooth Rock n' Roll Local News AM 12/11/23 - Star 97.7
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Local News AM 12/11/23

Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Steuben Fatal Crash

(Steuben)  A high school student was killed and another injured yesterday afternoon when their 2013 Chevy Malibu came over a hill on Unionville Road in Steuben, went airborne, and struck a tree.  No names have yet been released, pending notification of kin, but Sumner Principal Jackson Green sent a letter to parents saying both students were seniors at the high school.  The passenger, a Sullivan senior, died at the scene.  The driver, a senior from Steuben was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.  Grief counselors will be available today at the school.

(Steuben)  A crash on Unionville Road in Steuben Sunday afternoon claimed the life of a high school senior from Sullivan and injured a senior from Steuben.  Authorities say the crash happened about 1:30 when their vehicle came over a hill on Unionville Road and went airborne.  The driver reportedly lost control and struck a large tree on the passenger side.  That passenger died at the scene; the driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.  Charles M. Sumner Principal Jackson Green posted a letter saying support will be available today for students and staff.  A candlelight vigil is planned for 6 p.m. on December 17th at the Sullivan gazebo.

One Dead Following Crash in Lincoln

(Lincoln)  A crash in Lincoln Saturday afternoon claimed the life of a passenger riding in a vehicle involved in a collision between a small pickup truck and an SUV.  WABI-TV reports the Lincoln Police Department responded to the intersection of Route 6 and Buena Vista Drive, where they found one person had died at the scene.  An initial investigation indicates road conditions may have been a factor in the accident, which remains under investigation.

(Lincoln)  Authorities say road conditions likely played a part in a two-vehicle crash in Lincoln Saturday afternoon in which one person died.  WABI-TV reports police responded to the intersection of Route 6 and Buena Vista Drive where a small truck and an SUV had collided.  A passenger in one of the vehicles was pronounced dead at the scene.  The crash remains under investigation.

Troopers Respond to 20 Crashes on I-95 Saturday

(I-95 Maine)  Things got slick really quick Saturday, leading to some 20 crashes in a short time  on Interstate 95.  Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, about 12:30 that afternoon, eight crashes and slide-offs were reported due to black ice on I-95 north of Waterville to the Greater Bangor area.  At least a dozen other crashes and slide offs followed a short time later at Mile 188 southbound.  One person was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  The speed limit was reduced to 45 MPH in the area.

(I-95 Maine)  Troopers could hardly keep up with the accidents on I-95 Saturday after black ice quickly developed, leading to some 20 crashes and slide offs.  Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, conditions suddenly became icy … then dicey about 12:30 Saturday afternoon.  Eight crashes and slide offs were reported on I-95 north of Waterville to the Greater Bangor area.  Those were followed a short time later with at least another dozen crashes and slide offs near Mile 188 southbound.  One person was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  The speed limit was reduced to 45 MPH in the area.

Milford Man Drowns After Falling Through Ice

(T3 Indian Purchase Twp)  A Milford man drowned Friday morning after breaking through the ice on Quakish Lake in T3 Indian Purchase Township.  62 yo Walter Demmons and a friend were preparing to go ice fishing about 9:30 a.m. when they heard the ice crack.  The two spread out, but the ice broke, and both went into the water some 75 yards from shore.  The two were attempting to pull themselves out, but Demmons went under and didn’t resurface.  His friend made it to shore and called 9-1-1.  Game wardens urge caution when venturing onto the ice and say check the ice frequently, as early season conditions are often treacherous.

(T3 Indian Purchase Twp)   A Milford man drowned Friday morning after he and a friend fell through the ice on Quakish Lake in T3 Indian Purchase Township.  Authorities say 62 yo Walter Demmons and a friend were preparing to ice fish about 9:30 that morning and were about 75 yards from shore when they heard the ice crack as they were drilling holes to check for thickness.  The two spread out, but both broke through.  Demmons reportedly went under and didn’t resurface.  The friend was able to get out and made it to shore, where he called 9-1-1.  He was treated for hypothermia and released.  Game wardens say ice is treacherous, especially early in the season.  They urge folks to check the ice frequently if planning to go out on it.

Grand Jury Indicts Two on Attempted Murder Charges

(Ellsworth)  A Grand Jury last week indicted 29 yo Dimitry Dubrovsy of Bar Harbor on attempted murder charges.   A citizen called 9-1-1 in July to report hearing  a fight on Stolt Road in Lamoine and that they had heard two gunshots and had seen men loading a body into the back of a truck.  Officers later found Spencer Trott on the Bayside Road in Trenton with a gunshot wound to the head.  Trott said he was watching TV in his cabin when Dubrovsky and 30 yo Duncan Haas of Lamoine allegedly entered and shot him.

(Ellsworth)  A man who allegedly shot another man on Stolt Road in Lamoine was indicted last week by a Grand Jury on attempted murder charges.  37 yo Spencer Trott told authorities he was in his cabin last July when 29 yo Dimitry Dubrovsky of Bar Harbor and 30 yo Duncan Haas of Lamoine burst in and shot him, then punched him and tied him up.  Another citizen called 9-1-1 to report an altercation and hearing shots fired.  Trott was able to escape by jumping into water and hiding in a shed for a time before he was found on the Bayside Road in Trenton with a gunshot wound to the head.  Dubrovsky faces multiple charges in addition to attempted murder.

Education

Ellsworth Educator Honored

(Ellsworth)  An honor for another Ellsworth educator last week.  The Maine Principals’ Association on Friday named Rebecca Wright “Maine’s Assistant Principal of the Year.”  Wright, an Assistant Principal at Ellsworth High School, was surprised by the award, presented at a monthly awards ceremony for students and staff.  In honoring Wright, who has been an educator for more than 30 years, MPA Executive Director of Professional Development Holly Blair said, “My job is to go and find the best of the best in the state.”  Wright was identified by the more than 500 other Assistant Principals in the state.

(Ellsworth)  There’s probably no greater honor than one given by your peers.  On Friday, Ellsworth High School Assistant Principal Rebecca Wright was honored by the Maine Principals’ Association with the “Maine Assistant Principal of the Year” Award.  MPA Executive Director of Professional Development Holly Blair said Wright was identified by the more than 500 other Assistant Principals across the state.  Wright, an Ellsworth educator for more than three decades, was surprised at the monthly awards ceremony for students and staff on Friday, and said the honor was both humbling and emotional.

Environment

National Park Service Picks New Carriage Operator

(ANP)  Acadia by Carriage will be the new operator of Wildwood Stables at Acadia National Park.  The National Park Service chose the company for a 10-year concession contract.  The transition from the current operator is expected to take place in early 2024.

(ANP)  The National Park Service has chosen Acadia by Carriage to be the new operator of Wildwood Stables at Acadia National Park under a 10 year concession contract.  Carriages of Acadia had provided the service since 2009.  Park officials tell Star 97.7 they expect a smooth transition to take place early next year.

Human Interest

Artist Robert Shetterley to Unveil Portrait of Noel Paul Stookey at Upcoming Concert

(Ellsworth)   Singer/songwriter Noel Paul Stookey has been influencing the musical and ethical landscape of this country for decades – as an independent musician and as “Paul” of “Peter, Paul, and Mary” fame.  This Thursday during a concert at The Grand in Ellsworth, artist Robert Shetterley will unveil a portrait of Stookey as part of his “Americans Who Tell the Truth” series.  In typical unassuming fashion, Stookey tells Star 97.7, he’s humbled by the honor.  (((NoelPaul 1  “…and to keep the truth out in front.”  :23)))  It’s a testament to Stookey’s influence and popularity that the concert is almost sold out.  If you’d like to attend, better hurry – tickets at grand online dot org.

(Ellsworth)  Blue Hill resident and influential musician Noel Paul Stookey will be in concert this Thursday at an already almost sold out show at The Grand in Ellsworth.  During the concert, artist Robert Shetterley will unveil a portrait of the musician who was an integral part of the folk trio  “Peter, Paul, and Mary”.  Star 97.7 asked Stookey what he thought was behind the honor.  (((NoelPaul 2  “…paint my portrait, I was just flabbergasted.”  :18)))  The portrait is part of a series of Shetterley’s paintings entitled “Americans Who Tell the Truth” that includes such history makers as John Muir, Susan B. Anthony, and Rosa Parks.  Stookey says he doesn’t see himself among such a list of history-makers, but Shetterley – and those of us who are familiar with Stookey’s music and influence, find him a natural fit.

(Ellsworth)  Noel Paul Stookey began performing in the 1960’s as part of the folk trio “Peter, Paul, and Mary” and is well-known as an independent musician as well.  He tells Star 97.7, we’re surrounded by music in stores, on the radio, in our homes.  And while we often relate it to our personal feelings … (((NoelPaul 3  “…to those events that concern us all as citizens.”  :25)))  The longtime Blue Hill resident will be rightfully honored for his commitment to making a difference with his music this Thursday at a special concert at The Grand in Ellsworth.  Just a few tickets still available at grand online dot org.

(Ellsworth)  An evening of song, a message that resonates, a portrait in history – they’re all part of “An Evening with Noel Paul Stookey” this Thursday night at The Grand in Ellsworth.  Stookey tells Star 97.7, the music will include the upbeat sounds of bassist and ukulele player, Michael Burd.  (((NoelPaul 4  “…been a strong part of David’s performance team.”  :20)))  Just a few tickets left for the December 14th show.  Purchase tickets at grandonline dot org.

Ellsworth Police Department “Stuff the Cruiser Event”

(Ellsworth)  Members of the Ellsworth Police Department will be at the Ellsworth WalMart this Thursday for their annual “Stuff the Cruiser” Event!  Officers will be collecting toys and gifts for kids between 2 p.m. and 8.  You can also donate money; and after the event, the officers will go in and shop for kids.  Any and all donations of money and toys are greatly appreciated!  Stop by and get to know the guys and gals who not only keep our wonderful town safe, but also ensure a Merry Christmas for every child in the Ellsworth area!

(Ellsworth)  Members of the Ellsworth police department will be donning their Santa hats this Thursday between 2 and 8 p.m. at the Ellsworth WalMart!  They need your help to “Stuff the Cruisers” with toys and gifts for kids in need this holiday!  If you’d rather donate money, the officers will head into the store after the event to shop.  They say monetary donations from the generous folks in Ellsworth typically add up to a few thousand dollars!  Come on out Thursday and meet the men and women in uniform who keep our town safe … and help ensure no child goes without this Christmas.

Sports

Orono’s Ruth White placed sixth at the Foot Locker Nationals on Saturday, wrapping up an incredible high school running career.  White has officially signed to Boise State University in Idaho.

Bruins off until Wednesday when they’ll be in NJ to take on the Devils.

The Celtics back on the court tomorrow night at TD Garden to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

High School basketball this evening:  the Ellsworth boys at Foxcroft Academy; on the girls’ side, Machias at Woodland, Deer Isle/Stonington at Searsport, Sumner at GSA, and the Jonesport-Beals Royals take on the Knights at Narraguagus.

LSU QB Jayden Daniels awarded the Heisman Trophy.