Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
As Cleanup Continues, Flooding Remains a Concern
(Maine) Strong winds today could hamper restoration efforts – still about 36,000 Versant customers in the dark this morning, but with power being restored and storm cleanup continuing, the big concern now is flooding. In Augusta, officials say the Kennebec River continues to rise and flow heavily above flood stage due to the recent rains and snow melt. Several streets in the city were closed, making some locations inaccessible. The City of Lewiston ordered residents on streets near the Androscoggin to evacuate, setting up shelters to accommodate those affected. Flood warnings were in effect as of Wednesday along the Androscoggin, Carrabassett, Kennebec, Penobscot, and Piscataquis Rivers.
(Maine) Flood warnings remain in effect along multiple rivers across Maine after downpours Monday combined with snow melt to cause rivers to rise to historic levels. In Augusta, officials report the Kennebec River continues to rise and flow heavily above flood stages, forcing road closures and detours. In Lewiston this week, residents on streets near the Androscoggin were forced to evacuate, with the city opening shelters to accommodate them. Flooding was also reported in Hallowell, Auburn, and other towns along the state’s major rivers. In addition, forecasters say strong winds today could hamper power restoration efforts. Versant reports about 36,000 customers still in the dark this morning, down from some 90,000 on Tuesday.
Governor Mills Addresses Mainers After MEMA Briefing
(Augusta) Just how bad was it? Governor Janet Mills held a press briefing yesterday, following an update on storm damage and response from the Maine Emergency Management Agency. As of yesterday’s briefing, about half of CMP’s customers and about 40% of Versant customers had had their power restored, as crews continue to work diligently to get everyone powered back up. MDOT reports 66 State Road closures, down from 100 on Tuesday – more than half of those in Oxford, Franklin, and Kennebec Counties. The Governor cautioned flood warnings remain in effect, especially along the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers and urged those living near flood zones to stay off roads as much as possible.
Augusta) Flood warnings remain in effect along the swollen Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, and 66 state roads remain closed today, down from 100 on Tuesday. Those were some of the updates provided by Governor Janet Mills during a Wednesday afternoon press briefing with the Maine Emergency Management Agency. The Governor on Tuesday declared a state of civil emergency in 14 counties, which ensures every state resource available to Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Knox, Penobscot and the other nine counties most seriously affected by Monday’s storm. The Governor also issued a waiver for fuel delivery drivers to help ensure homes remain heated during the crisis.
Ski Resorts Hit Hard by Monday’s Storm
(Sunday River) Several ski resorts in Maine were among those hit hard by Monday’s storm. WGME reports roads near Sunday River were flooded and impassable, with the only road leading to the Grand Summit Hotel washed away Tuesday afternoon. That left guests stranded until a temporary bridge was erected. Sunday River remains closed after up to five inches of rain melted snow on the slopes, washed out roads, and left a muddy mixture to be cleaned out of facilities at the base of the mountain. Sunday River says ski operations will reopen as quickly as possible and snowmaking will resume once repairs are made.
(Sunday River) Sunday River was turned into what one person called “Sunday Lake” after Monday’s storm pummeled the ski resort with rain, melting snows on the mountain, and forcing a muddy mess to land at the base of the mountain. WGME reports the only road leading to the Grand Summit Hotel was washed away, leaving guests stranded until a temporary bridge was constructed. The resort continues to assess damage and work to clean up and clean out facilities filled with water, mud and debris. They say ski operations will reopen as quickly as possible, with snowmaking to resume once repairs are made.
Local Politics
Colorado Ballot Decision Prompts Request for Supplemental Briefs in Maine Case
(Augusta) In light of the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to disallow Trump’s name on that state’s primary ballot, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows yesterday invited petitioners in Maine to file a short supplement to their closing legal briefs addressing any impact of that decision on the Maine case. The Colorado petitioners cited Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which disqualifies anyone who incites insurrection from running for the office of President of the United States. Any supplemental briefs are due by 8 p.m. tonight. A decision is expected on Friday.
(Augusta) Secretary of State Shenna Bellows yesterday invited the petitioners who have filed to have Trump’s name omitted from the primary ballot to file a short supplement to their closing legal briefs. Petitioners in 32 states have filed requests to keep Trump off ballots, citing Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which expressly disallows anyone who incites insurrection from running for the office of the President of the United States. This week, the Colorado Supreme Court became the first to rule in favor of the petitioners, resulting in keeping the former President’s name off that state’s ballot. The petitioners in the Maine case are from both major parties, Democrat and Republican. Supplemental briefs are due by 8 tonight. Secretary Bellows was expected to rule on the matter by Friday.
Economy
AIO Plans Fill the Strand
(Rockland) Members of Rockland’s Area Interfaith Outreach will barely catch their breath after the holidays before hosting the fourth “Fill the Strand’ food and funds drive to benefit AIO’s food, energy, and diaper assistance and weekend meal programs. Donations tend to drop off after the holidays – not so, the need for food and energy assistance. The event is planned for January 15th from 9 until 2. AIO members say monetary donations are welcome, as well as non-perishable, unexpired canned goods. Since AIO can purchase food through partners at a competitive price, monetary funds for every $25 theater seat go even further. Donate at “a i o food pantry dot org”.
(Rockland) Donations to nonprofits tend to drop off after the holidays, especially at food pantries. Sadly, that’s when the need increases. To help combat hunger in the Rockland area, members of Area Interfaith Outreach will hold their fourth “Fill the Strand” food and funds drive on Monday, January 15th. Donations will benefit AIO’s food, energy, and diaper assistance and weekend meal programs. Folks can donate unexpired non-perishable food items. They say your $25-a-seat monetary donation will go even further, as AIO can purchase food through partners at competitive prices. You can help fill the Strand by donating at “a i o food pantry dot org”.
SNAP Benefits Replacement
(Sullivan) If you receive SNAP benefits and you’ve lost your food due to a power outage that lasts longer than eight hours, you can ask for replacement benefits. First, you’ll need to report your loss of food to DHHS by emailing farmington dot d h h s at maine dot gov and you’ll need to fill out and submit a form within 10 days of your power coming back on. DHHS will verify the outage; and if you’re eligible, they’ll replace up to a month’s worth of SNAP benefits. We’ve posted a link to the form on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Sullivan) No doubt many people have lost food due to the power outages. Maine Equal Justice reports if you receive SNAP benefits and lose food due to a power outage that lasts longer than eight hours, you can apply for replacement benefits. First, you’ll need to report your loss of food to DHHS by emailing farmington dot d h h s at maine dot gov and you’ll need to fill out and submit a form within 10 days of your power coming back on. DHHS will verify the outage; and if you’re eligible, they’ll replace up to a month’s worth of SNAP benefits. We’ve posted a link to the form on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Education
Bowdoin Offers Employees Forgivable Loans to Purchase Homes
(Brunswick) Bowdoin College is offering its employees a novel idea – up to $50K in forgivable loans to first time homebuyers. The Portland Press Herald reports the bonus is part of a trend by employers considering big perks in order to attract and retain employees in a challenging housing market. Faculty and staff first time homebuyers can receive a forgivable loan for up to 10% of the purchase price on a home within 40 miles of the school’s campus, capped at fifty-K. The program is thought to be the first of its kind here in Maine.
(Brunswick) Affordable housing remains scarce across the Pine Tree State. With the median home price in the Brunswick area around $550,000, Bowdoin College has turned to a unique offer to attract and retain faculty and staff. The college is offering up to $50K in forgivable loans for first time homebuyers. The Portland Press Herald reports it’s part of a trend by employers considering big perks in order to attract and retain employees in a challenging housing market. Employee homebuyers can receive a forgivable loan for up to 10% of the purchase price on a home within 40 miles of the school’s campus, capped at fifty-K. The program is thought to be the first of its kind here in Maine.
Environment
Winter Solstice
(Maine) Today is the Winter Solstice! It’s the shortest day of the year with the longest night and shortest period of daylight … but that just means the days get longer from here. This year, the winter solstice arrives at 10:27 p.m. tonight. Experts say it’s the day when the sun is at its lowest in the sky. Each polar region experiences continuous darkness or twilight around its winter solstice. By New Year’s Day, we should be around 9 hours, 15 minutes of daylight, with the increase jumping to about 2 minutes per day by mid January. That speeds up to 3 minutes a day by the 20th of February.
(Maine) It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and the shortest day of the year today in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter officially arrives at 10:27 p.m. tonight, and we’ll see the days getting longer from here. This year, if the skies are clear, there’s also a skywatching opportunity, with Jupiter shining brightly next to a little-more-than-half-full moon. Look high above the southeastern horizon as soon as twilight begins. Why is today the shortest? Scientists say the earth’s northern axis is tipped farthest from the sun, while the sun is as low in the sky as it gets. It only gets brighter from here.
Maine Receives Monies for Wetland Restoration
(Augusta) Eleven wetland restoration projects across Maine will share $6.3M from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program. Funded projects include five salt marsh enhancement plans along the coast, from Saco to Mt. Desert and removal of a dam to restore tidal marsh in Trenton. Erin Witham with Frenchman Bay Conservancy said the funds will help FBC restore 11 acres of significantly altered coastal wetlands along the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline in Trenton.
(Augusta) Close to a dozen wetland restoration projects in Maine will receive funding from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program. Among others, the $6.3M funding will benefit five salt marsh enhancement projects along the coast from Saco to Mt. Desert, and removal of a dam to restore tidal marsh in Trenton. Erin Witham with Frenchman Bay Conservancy said the support makes it possible for FBC to achieve their goal of protecting precious wading bird and waterfowl habitat, while investing in climate resilience for migrating birds forced to adapt to sea level rise.
Human Interest
Christmas Eve Service in Hancock
(Hancock) A Community Candlelight Christmas Eve Service is planned for 4 pm. on December 24th at the Union Congregational Church in Hancock. Everyone is invited to celebrate the Christmas story and share in singing favorite carols. The church is an open and affirming congregation that welcomes all to their location at 1368 Route One in Hancock.
(Hancock) Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Union Congregational Church in Hancock. Located right on Route One, the church is an open and affirming congregation that welcomes all. Enjoy the Christmas story and share in singing your favorite carols. Service begins at 4 p.m. The church is located at 1368 Route One in Hancock.
Sports
Celtics came back last night to beat the Kings 144-119. Celtics next game against the LA Clippers on Saturday afternoon. Bruins have another night off – Bruins in Winnipeg Friday to take on the Jets.
HS Basketball last night, the Ellsworth boys handily defeated MDI, the Sumner girls crushing Searsport, and Machias girls beat Narraguagus.
HS Basketball tonight: these boys’ games Calais. locally: Searsport vs. Sumner, GSA up against Mattanawcook, WA takes on Bucksport, and Jonesport-Beals shooting hoops with Calais.