Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Move Over – Public Safety Officials Remind Motorists It’s the Law
(Augusta) More than 2,000 people, including 1,400 line and tree crews, continue working around the clock to restore power to everyone before the holiday weekend. As workers continue to remove fallen trees and repair downed lines, the Bureau of Highway Safety reminds motorists Maine law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching all stopped emergency, public service, or disabled vehicles on the sides of roads. The Maine State Police say in keeping roadways safe, a traffic incident responder is struck and killed nearly every week, with many others sustaining serious injuries, and they ask drivers to give work crews the room they need to work safely.
(Augusta) In keeping roadways safe, a traffic incident responder is struck and killed nearly every week, with many others sustaining serious injuries. Maine State Police are asking drivers to give work crews the room they need to work safely. The Bureau of Highway Safety says it’s not a suggestion, it’s the law. More than 2,000 people, including 1,400 line and tree crews, continue working around the clock to restore power to everyone before the holiday weekend. As workers continue to remove fallen trees and repair downed lines, drivers are urged to move over or slow down when approaching all stopped emergency, public service, or disabled vehicles on the sides of roads.
Verdict Reached in Trial of Two People Accused of Stabbing Perry Woman
(Machias) The crime was horrific – with the victim stabbed more than 500 times. After nearly three weeks of testimony and three days of deliberations, a jury reached a verdict in the trial of two people accused of murdering 43 yo Kimberly Neptune of Perry. 38 yo Kailie Brackett was found guilty of Neptune’s murder, but WABI-TV reports the jury could not reach a verdict in the case against 39 yo Donnell Dana, and the judge declared a mistrial. Brackett and Dana had reportedly gone to Neptune’s apartment to rob her when the crime occurred. A sentencing date for Brackett has not yet been set but is expected soon.
(Machias) No sentencing date yet, but after nearly three weeks of testimony before a packed courthouse in Machias and three days of jury deliberations, a verdict was reached this week in the murder trial of a Perry woman. WABI-TV reports 38 yo Kailie Brackett and 39 yo Donnell Dana had gone to the apartment of 43 yo Kimberly Neptune allegedly to rob her. An argument reportedly ensued, and Neptune was stabbed more than 500 times. The jury found Brackett guilty of Neptune’s murder, but was unable to reach a verdict in the case against Dana, and the judge declared a mistrial. The judge indicated a sentencing date would be set soon.
Second Body Found in Mexico Floodwater Incident
(Mexico) All four people who were in a vehicle that was swept away in floodwaters near Mexico, Maine on Monday have now been accounted for. Only two survived. The body of the driver, 61 yo Gertrude Richard, was found in her truck on Wednesday. The body of a passenger who was able to exit the vehicle but who was swept away in the floodwaters has been identified as 20 yo Ciara Cooper, also of Mexico. Her body was found Thursday morning. A 37 yo man from Mexico and a 53 yo man from Rumford escaped the vehicle and were rescued and treated for hypothermia. Richard had apparently attempted to cross the Red Bridge and was trying to turn her truck around when the vehicle was swept away in the Swift River.
(Mexico) Authorities say they’ve found the body of a woman who went missing when the vehicle in which she was riding was swept away by floodwaters near Mexico, Maine on Monday. The driver of the vehicle, 61 yo Gertrude Richard, tried to cross the Red Bridge between Rumford and Mexico and was attempting to turn around when her truck was swept into the Swift River. Her body was found in the vehicle on Wednesday. The three passengers, a 53 yo Rumford man, a 37 yo Mexico man, and 20 yo Ciara Cooper of Mexico managed to escape the truck. The two men were rescued; Cooper was swept away. Her body was found near the bridge on Thursday morning.
Economy
Sweet Spot Open in Downtown Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) You can’t miss the bright pink door – and you’ll definitely want to walk through it into the little shop with the big menu at 61 Main Street in Ellsworth. With a name like “Sweet Spot”, of course you’ll find delicious candies and baked goods. You’ll also find a huge variety of hot and cold drinks – from coffee to crafted brews, bubble teas to energy drinks, and smoothies to sweet fruit teas. Need a quick, warm on-the-go for breakfast or lunch? The Sweet Spot offers a breakfast burrito, avocado toast, a chicken bacon ranch wrap or a Caesar salad for those looking for the lighter side. You can even order ahead online. And they have gift cards for the perfect stocking stuffer. The Sweet Spot is open 7-3 weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays until 2! Nice to see a new face in downtown Ellsworth!
(Ellsworth) There’s something sweet going on in Downtown Ellsworth. The Sweet Spot is THE place to grab your morning coffee, latte, or tea, along with mouth-watering pastries and baked goods. They even offer a breakfast burrito or avocado toast for those who want something a bit hardier to grab on the go. The cheery shop with the bright pink door is just one more reason to shop Ellsworth’s vibrant downtown this holiday season. While you’re shopping locally for those last minute gifts, stop in for a Natural Energy Drink to boost your stamina, or order a burst of flavor with a bubble tea. Need a quick sandwich for lunch? The Sweet Spot offers a grilled cheese with tomato and bacon or how about the perfect BLT? And, of course, there’s a variety of candies for dessert. The Sweet Spot is open 7-3 weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays until 2.
Education
Hancock County Jail Inmate Completes High School Degree
(Ellsworth) Here’s to those who make the most of their mistakes! A Hancock County Jail inmate this month received his high school equivalency diploma. The Ellsworth American reports John Lanpher, an inmate since July, is the first resident in more than two decades to achieve the task. Lanpher received his HiSET through RSU 24 Adult Education and even got to don a cap and gown and participate in a graduation ceremony at the jail. Adult Ed teacher Phil Wormuth praised Lanpher for his dependability, attendance, cooperative attitude, effort and initiative and noted Lanpher was even nominated and inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society. Way to go!
(Ellsworth) John Lanpher is a shining example of a person who turned a poor decision into a success story. Lanpher has been an inmate at the Hancock County Jail since July 2023. During that time, he’s worked with RSU 24 Adult Ed Teacher Phil Wormuth to complete his high school equivalency diploma – or HiSET. The Ellsworth American reports Lanpher is the first resident of the jail to achieve that task in more than two decades. Last Friday, members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, RSU 24 staff, and Lanpher’s mother got to watch him don a cap and gown to receive his diploma. And, oh, yes, there was a distinct gold cord around his neck to signify his nomination to and induction into the National Adult Education Honor Society. Congratulations, John!
Brooklin Residents Approve Spending for School Renovations
(Brooklin) There was just a 12 vote difference, but voters in Brooklin this week narrowly approved spending up to $4.3M to renovate the elementary school and install a new heating system. The Ellsworth American reports the vote was 151-139, a difference of just 4%. At a public hearing this fall, Union 76 Superintendent Dan Ross told those in attendance public schools are required to have two sources of heat. He said the town’s only school only has one, and that it has outlived its estimated life span.
(Brooklin) The vote was a close one, but Brooklin residents this week approved spending up to $4.3M to renovate the elementary school and install a new heating system. Other projects planned are replacing windows and the roof, about 70% of which is original to the building. The Ellsworth American reports the measure passed by just a dozen votes – 151-139. At a public hearing this fall, Union 76 Superintendent Dan Ross told those in attendance public schools are required to have two sources of heat. He said the town’s only school only has one, and that it has outlived its estimated life span.
Health
Sleeping in on the Weekend Could be Good for Us
(KFF) You no longer need to feel guilty about sleeping in on the weekend – in fact, new research suggests it could help keep heart attacks at bay. Kaiser Health News reports a study published in the journal “Sleep Health” reports researchers from Nanjing Medical University in China analyzed data from 3,400 US adults age 20 and older between 2017 and 2018 and found people who slept at least one hour longer on weekends had lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Don’t set that alarm.
(KFF) Don’t set that alarm this weekend – sleeping in could save your life. Kaiser Health News reports a study published in the journal “Sleep Health” reports researchers in China analyzed data from 3,400 US adults ages 20 and older between 2017 and 2018 and found people who slept at least one hour longer on weekends had lower rates of cardiovascular disease. So snore away this weekend, and ditch the guilt.
Technology
FTC Proposes Changes to Protect Children’s Privacy Online
(NYT) The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep your kids safe online. This week, the FTC proposed sweeping changes to bolster the key federal rule that has protected children’s privacy. The New York Times reports the proposal is one of the most significant attempts by the U.S. government to strengthen consumer privacy in more than a decade. The changes are intended to fortify the rules underlying a 1998 law that restricts the online tracking of youngsters by services like social media apps, video game platforms, toy retailers and digital advertising networks. Regulators said the moves would “shift the burden” of online safety from parents to apps and other digital services while curbing how platforms may use and monetize children’s data.
(NYT) Just how much data are apps, video game platforms, toy retailers and others allowed to collect on your children? Too much, says the Federal Trade Commission, which this week proposed sweeping changes that would bolster a key federal rule that has protected children’s privacy online. The New York Times reports the changes are intended to fortify the rules underlying a 1998 law that restricts the online tracking of youngsters by services like social media apps and digital advertising networks. Regulators said the moves would “shift the burden” of online safety from parents to apps and other digital services, while curbing how platforms may use and monetize children’s data.
Infrastructure
Versant Power Update and MDOT Update on Road Closures
(Maine) More than 250 crews, many from out of state, were hard at work through the night helping to restore power to the 26,000 Versant customers who remained in the dark. As of this morning, about 17,000 were still impacted. That’s down from a high of 90,000 on Tuesday. About 70% of the more than 400,000 CMP customers impacted by Monday’s storm had power restored as of yesterday. The Maine Department of Transportation reports of yesterday, there were 41 road and 18 bridge closures – more progress after a high of nearly 100 road closures on Tuesday. Officials warn as flood waters recede, motorists should still respect barriers and not attempt to drive around barrels or cones.
(Maine) Thousands of Mainers spent the longest night of the year without power, but linemen and women have been hard at work for days in order to get the lights back on before the holiday weekend. As of last night, about 26,000 Versant customers remained in the dark. As of this morning, only about 4,000 were without power in Hancock County, 17,000 overall. That’s down from a high of 90,000 on Tuesday. About 70% of the more than 400,000 CMP customers impacted by Monday’s storm had power restored as of yesterday. The Maine Department of Transportation reports as of yesterday, there were 41 road and 18 bridge closures – more progress after a high of nearly 100 road closures on Tuesday. Officials warn as flood waters recede, motorists should still respect barriers and not attempt to drive around barrels or cones.
Human Interest
Most Popular Christmas Movies in Maine
(Maine) The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, while Mom and Dad have collapsed in their chairs. Outside the white fluff is piling up snow, it sounds like a good time for a Christmas show. Casinos dot com has compiled a list of the 10 most popular Christmas movies by state. In Maine, The Polar Express comes in at number 10, Miracle on 34th Street at number 9, then Love Actually, The Grinch, Home Alone 2, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, … at Number 2, It’s a Wonderful Life, and the top spot goes to Elf!. Speaking of which, tonight and tomorrow are the last two performances of Elf at The Grand. Get your tickets at grand online dot org!
(Maine) Up on the housetop click, click, click – or is that the sound of the remote as you look for a favorite movie to watch this holiday? Casinos dot com has compiled a list of the 10 most popular Christmas Movies by state. In Maine, The Polar Express comes in at number 10, Miracle on 34th Street at number 9, followed by Love Actually, The Grinch, Home Alone 2, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, …at Number 2, It’s a Wonderful Life, and the top spot goes to Elf!. Speaking of which, tonight and tomorrow are the last two performances of Elf at The Grand. Get your tickets at grand online dot org!
Sports
Plenty of High School basketball action tonight: These schools facing off tonight with both the boys’ and girls’ teams: Ellsworth taking on Caribou, MDI up against Presque Isle, Deer Isle/Stonington vs Greenville, Shead vs. Narraguagus and Machias vs. Bangor Christian. The Shead girls take on Narraguagus. And these girls’ teams going head to head tonight – Sumner takes on Bucksport, and the Woodland girls hit the hardwood against Calais.
High school basketball results from last night – these are all boys’ games, Sumner defeated Searsport, GSA over Mattanawcook, WA gets the win over Bucksport, and Calais over Jonesport-Beals.
The Bruins in Winnipeg tonight to skate against the Jets. The Celtics have the night off. They’ll be in LA Saturday for an afternoon game against the Clippers.