Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Bomb Threat Forces Evacuation of Maine Statehouse
(Augusta) Legislators cleared out early on the first day of the new session yesterday, but it wasn’t for lack of things to do. A threat received Wednesday afternoon forced evacuation of the statehouse. CNN reported bomb threats were made to multiple Statehouses across the country in the form of a mass email sent to several Secretaries of State and state offices. A copy of the threat obtained by CNN showed at least 23 states were targeted, with the sender claiming to have placed explosives inside “your state Capitol”. State and Capitol police were on the scene in Augusta. The threats were determined to be a hoax. The FBI is investigating.
(Augusta) A bomb threat received Wednesday afternoon made a short day for legislators on their first day back for the new session in Augusta. CNN reports at least 23 states were targeted in a mass email that claimed to have placed explosives inside “your state Capitol”. The Maine State Police bomb squad responded with two K9 teams to clear the building, according to Public Safety Spokesperson Shannon Moss. The threat was reportedly received at 1:45 p.m. yesterday. Other states targeted include Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Hawaii, and Mississippi. No states have reported finding any hazardous items. The FBI is investigating.
Patrols Now Required to Carry Narcan While On Duty
(Maine) While many law enforcement officers already carry Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, packing the antidote is now a requirement when law enforcement officers are on duty. The new state law is in response to the growing number of fentanyl overdoses across the state. Experts say when administered, Narcan reverses the effects of an overdose fairly quickly. The number of drug deaths in Maine was down slightly last year compared to 2022, but the state reported 513 overdose deaths through October of last year.
(Maine) The rise in drug-related overdose deaths prompted a new law that took effect on Monday. In 2024, law enforcement officers are required to carry the opioid reversal drug, Narcan. Many reportedly already carry the antidote, which when administered can reverse the effects of fentanyl poisoning fairly quickly. As of October last year, overdose deaths were down slightly, with the state reporting 513 overdose deaths compared to more than 700 for the same period in 2022.
Local Politics
House Republican Files Impeachment Resolution Against Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
(Augusta) Republican Representative John Andrews yesterday formally introduced impeachment proceedings against Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. The joint order calls for a House special investigative committee to explore possible misconduct by Bellows while in office, with findings to be submitted no later than January 31st. Andrews argues Bellows showed bias and failed to recuse herself from a decision regarding Donald Trump’s qualification to appear on the state’s primary ballot. Bellows has maintained strongly that her decision rests solely on the direction of the Constitution of the United States.
(Augusta) Swatting threats against Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, constant harassment of elected officials, a multi-state email threat that cleared statehouses across the country Wednesday. In the midst of the upheaval, a Republican representative is calling for Bellows’ removal following her decision to bar Donald Trump from the March primary ballot. Republican John Andrews yesterday formally introduced impeachment proceedings against Bellows, calling for a special investigative committee to explore possible misconduct by the Secretary while in office. The filing contends Bellows showed bias and failed to recuse herself from the decision. Bellows says her decision was based solely on the US Constitution. She suspended her decision pending a ruling by the State Supreme Court that is due by January 17th.
Belfast Considers Increased Rates for Fire and EMS
(Belfast) The Belfast City Council this week heard a request from Fire Chief Patrick Richards for increases for that town’s ambulance and fire contract rates. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the Chief recommended a 10 percent contract increase each year for EMS service due to increases in the cost of supplies and equipment and a 3.8 percent contract cost increase for fire suppression services, based on increases throughout the industry. The City provides medical services to Northport, Belmont, Morrill and Waldo and both primary EMS and fire suppression services for Swanville. On top of contract rates, each community is also billed separately for each fire and EMS call, with the hourly labor rate to increase $2 over the next two years.
(Belfast) Belfast first responders hoping for an increase for the town’s ambulance and fire contract rates. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Fire Chief Patrick Richards this week recommended a 10 percent contract increase each year for EMS service due to increases in the cost of supplies and equipment and a 3.8 percent contract cost increase for fire suppression services, based on increases throughout the industry. The City provides medical services to Northport, Belmont, Morrill and Waldo and both primary EMS and fire suppression services for Swanville. On top of contract rates, each community is also billed separately for each fire and EMS call, with the hourly labor rate to increase $2 over the next two years.
Economy
Bath Iron Works Gets More Than $34M for Workforce Initiatives
(Bath) The US Navy has approved more than $34M for six new workforce initiatives at Bath Iron Works. Funding for the projects was included in the FY 23 Defense Appropriations Bill at Senator Susan Collins’s request. Collins commented, “These workforce investments are aimed at strengthening the backbone of BIW, which is the thousands of dedicated workers who build the world’s most capable ships.” Funded initiatives include increasing the number of workers trained at BIW apprentice academies, free local bus service for employees, and funding for 85 new housing units for BIW workers that will be located closer to the shipyard.
(Bath) Bath Iron Works is slated to receive $34M for six new workforce initiatives. Those include building 85 new housing units for BIW workers closer to the shipyard, 150 additional year-round childcare slots for employees, and on-the-job training for new workers at the shipyard to reduce the training timeline from five to three years. Funding for the projects was included in the FY 23 Defense Appropriations Bill at the request of Senator Susan Collins.
Health
Seaport Village Healthcare Sold
(Ellsworth) Another nursing home in Maine has sold, with the new owners possibly planning to convert the nursing care operation into a residential care facility. The Bangor Daily News reports Seaport Village, a 91-bed facility in Ellsworth has been acquired by a Camden-based group that could convert the facility to offer a reduced level of care. The proposed change is a blow to an area already struggling with a lack of resources for those who need skilled nursing care.
(Ellsworth) The options for those needing skilled nursing care may soon be even fewer, with the reported sale of Seaport Village, a 91-bed facility in Ellsworth. The Bangor Daily News reports the facility has been sold to a Camden-based group that possibly plans to convert the home into a residential care facility offering a reduced level of care. Currently, Seaport Village is licensed for 61 beds in its nursing home wing and 30 beds in its assisted living wing. The newspaper reports the new owners are looking into dropping the facility’s accreditation as a skilled nursing home and possibly fully converting it to residential care.
Two Contract Legionnaire’s Disease After Visiting New Hampshire Resort
(NH) Two people were sickened and one died after contracting Legionnaire’s disease, a dangerous form of pneumonia, following stays at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, New Hampshire. State officials say the person who died was a Massachusetts resident, while the other person lives in Rhode Island. The NH Department of Health and Human Services is still investigating how the people who fell ill after visiting the resort were exposed.
(NH) Public Health officials are trying to determine how two people who stayed at a New Hampshire resort contracted Legionnaire’s disease, a dangerous form of pneumonia. Sources say one of those sickened was a Massachusetts resident who later died. The NH Department of Health and Human Services is still investigating how the people who fell ill after visiting the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield were exposed.
Infrastructure
Winter Parking Bans
(Ellsworth) The weekend is still a ways out, but we could see our first major snowstorm Sunday night. The City of Ellsworth reminds motorists when we do get significant snowfall, winter parking bans will be in effect for public streets, ways, and city-owned parking areas so that snow removal can take place quickly and without hindrance. Vehicles not moved may be subject to towing at owners’ expense. The center row of parking in the lower city hall parking lot is available on a first-come, first served basis. You can find more information at ellsworth maine dot gov.
(Ellsworth) Winter parking bans could be in effect Sunday, as meteorologists closely watch an impending snow storm. The City of Ellsworth reminds motorists when we do get significant snowfall, winter parking bans go into effect for public streets, ways, and city-owned parking areas to facilitate timely snow removal without hindrance to plow drivers. Vehicles not moved may be subject to towing at owners’ expense. Find more information at ellsworth maine dot gov.
Bar Harbor Puts Forth $40M Phased Proposal for Ferry Terminal Redevelopment
(Bar Harbor) Bar Harbor planners hope to offset sticker shock for a nearly $40M multi-year project to redevelop an aging ferry terminal. MaineBiz reports the plan would be carried out via a phased approach that taps into state and federal grant programs. Voters must ultimately approve the redevelopment, which is currently just in the concept stage. Chris Wharff, the town’s Harbormaster who presented the plan to the Town Council, said while there are big dollar signs up front, if broken down to smaller pieces, there are very achievable projects.
(Bar Harbor) $40M. That’s the potential price tag on a multi-year project to redevelop Bar Harbor’s deteriorating ferry terminal. MaineBiz reports the proposed plan would be carried out via a phased approach that taps into state and federal grant programs, with voters having the final say on approving the redevelopment. The plan is currently just in the concept stage. Chris Wharff, the town’s Harbormaster who presented the plan to the Town Council, said there are big dollar signs up front, but if broken down to smaller pieces, there are very viable projects.
Human Interest
Study Shows Pets Can Help Slow Cognitive Decline
(CNN) If you want to keep your brain healthy as you age, make a trip to your local animal rescue. A new study shows having a four-legged friend could slow the rate of cognitive decline among older adults who live alone. Researchers looked at data from nearly 8,000 people, age 50 and older. They found pet ownership was associated with slower rates of decline in verbal cognition, verbal memory and fluency. The study credited the companionship a pet provides, along with opportunities to meet and socialize with others, as factors in helping to keep seniors from declining in those areas.
(CNN) Worried about your brain declining as you age? New research suggests you may want to visit your local animal shelter. A study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows having a four-legged friend could slow the rate of cognitive decline among older adults who live alone. Researchers looked at data from nearly 8,000 people, age 50 and older. They found pet ownership was associated with slower rates of decline in verbal cognition, verbal memory and fluency. The study credited the companionship a pet provides, along with opportunities to meet and socialize with others, as factors in helping to keep seniors from declining in those areas.
Sports
The Bruins skating on home ice tonight as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Celtics have another night off. They’ll take over TD Garden on Friday to shoot hoops with the Utah Jazz.
These high school basketball games on the schedule tonight: The John Bapst girls and boys take on Hermon. On the boys’ side, the Ellsworth boys take on Old Town, Sumner Tigers up against Machias, the George Stevens Eagles try to sink their talons into the Narraguagus Knights, Deer Isle/Stonington vs. Searsport, Jonesport-Beals Royals shoot hoops with the Shead Tigers, MDI vs. Bucksport, and the Washington Academy boys hit the hardwood against Woodland.
Results from last night’s games: these boys’ teams reporting in – Ellsworth beat Old Town, MDI all over Washington Academy, Machias gets the win over Shead, and Calais tops Jonesport-Beals.