Crime/Drugs/Public Safety
Knox County Slowly Rebuilds RCC
(Knox Co) Last year, the Knox County RCC found itself in such dire straits due to a lack of staffing, 9-1-1 calls had to be directed to Waldo County. The Pen Bay Pilot reports while it’s still a work in progress, Knox County administrators are celebrating a slow rebuild. After County Commissioners approved a sizable increase in wages to bring them to more appropriate levels, along with a competitive benefits package, seven dispatcher positions have been filled, bringing staffing up to 11 out of 14 needed. The County has also been able to hire employees in the areas of law enforcement and corrections officers. While training new staff and recruiting others means Waldo County will still handle calls in the short run, Knox County says it’s seeing light at the end of the tunnel.
(Knox Co) Last year when the Knox County RCC got down to just 4 dispatchers – out of 14 required for full staffing, the County made the difficult decision of transferring its 9-1-1 calls to Waldo County. The Pen Bay Pilot reports changes made by the Commissioners have resulted in the call center seeing light at the end of the tunnel. The Commissioners began by bringing pay up to appropriate levels by approving a sizable increase in wages and adding a competitive benefits package. Seven dispatchers have now been hired, along with new law enforcement personnel. The County is still in need of three dispatchers, 5 corrections officers and 2 law enforcement deputies, but they say 17 new County employees have been hired in the few weeks since the changes were announced.
Local Politics
Bellows Appeals Superior Court Ruling Regarding Trump Ballot Status
(Augusta) Last Wednesday, Maine Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy tossed the ruling regarding Donald Trump’s eligibility to appear on the state’s primary ballot back to Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Murphy instructed the Secretary to await the US Supreme Court’s ruling on a similar case in Colorado that declared Trump unqualified to appear on the Centennial State’s ballot; and to then reaffirm or revise her ruling. On Friday, Bellows issued a statement saying she welcomed the high court’s ruling in the Colorado case, but that in the interim, Maine law provides the opportunity to seek review from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, which she again requested. Bellows said the appeal ensures Maine’s highest court has the chance to weigh in now, before ballots are counted, promoting trust in free, safe, and secure elections.
(Augusta) Back to you, Justice Murphy. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on Friday tossed the opportunity to rule on Trump’s ballot eligibility back to Maine’s Superior Court. On Wednesday, Justice Michaela Murphy had returned the ruling to Bellows, instructing her to await the US Supreme Court’s ruling on a similar case in Colorado that also declared Trump unqualified to appear on the Centennial State’s ballot. Murphy requested Bellows reaffirm or revise her ruling once the high court made a decision. On Friday, Bellows issued a statement saying she welcomed the high court’s ruling in the Colorado case, but that in the interim, Maine law provides the opportunity to seek review from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, which she again requested. Bellows said the appeal ensures Maine’s highest court has the chance to weigh in now, before ballots are counted, promoting trust in free, safe, and secure elections.
New Office Designed to Help Solve Worker Shortage
(AP) Governor Janet Mills worked with a state lawmaker who immigrated from Somalia to unveil a proposal Friday that could help solve the state’s serious worker shortage. While Maine has traditionally had some of the lowest immigrant populations in the country, that has slowly been changing as people from Somalia and other African countries, in particular, settle in Lewiston and Portland. The Office of New Americans is part of a bill introduced by State Representative Deqa Dhalac that would address shortages in critical industries such as healthcare, education and construction by preparing immigrants for such jobs. The bill is due for a public hearing on January 30th.
(AP) Combine the state’s growing immigrant population with its growing need for workers and you could have a marriage made in heaven. That’s the hope of Governor Janet Mills and State Representative Deqa Dhalac, a Somali immigrant herself, who on Friday unveiled a proposal that includes opening an Office of New Americans. The proposal would address shortages in critical industries such as healthcare, education and construction by preparing the state’s immigrants to work in such industries. The bill is due for a public hearing on January 30th.
Maine Republican Announces Bid to Unseat King
(Augusta) The former chair of the Maine Republican Party Friday announced her plan to run against Independent Senator Angus King for his U.S. Senate seat. The Portland Press Herald reports Demi Kouzounas as saying Republican Senator Susan Collins called to encourage her in challenging King, a move King’s office said he found disappointing. Collins has said she does not plan to make a formal endorsement in the race.
(Augusta) Demi Kouzounas Friday announced plans to run against Independent Senator Angus King in a bid for his U.S. Senate seat. The Portland Press Herald reports the former Chair of the Maine Republican Party said Senator Susan Collins called to encourage her in challenging King. A spokesperson for Senator King said they found the move by Collins disappointing. Collins has said she does not plan to make a formal endorsement in the race.
Maine Dems to Hold Municipal and Regional Caucuses
(Maine) With this year’s Presidential election fraught with uncertainty and potential dire consequences, Maine Democrats are holding Municipal and Regional Party Caucuses on February 3rd and 4th. The caucuses hope to bring together friends and neighbors from every town across Maine to select delegates, elect local committee leaders, and hear from local legislators and candidates. Maine will have 32 delegates and 2 alternates to the Democratic National Convention. More information is available at maine dems dot org.
(Maine) Politics – no matter your view, there’s never been a more critical time to get involved, and be informed. Many on both sides believe the future of democracy is at stake. With that in mind, Democrats are holding Municipal and Regional Party Caucuses February 3rd and 4th. The caucuses hope to bring together friends and neighbors from every town across Maine to select delegates, elect local committee leaders, and hear from local legislators and candidates. Maine will have 32 delegates and 2 alternates to the Democratic National Convention. More information is available at maine dems dot org.
Economy
DCP Plans 2nd “To Warm A Winter’s Night”
(Ellsworth) Downeast Community Partners is gearing up for their 2nd Annual “To Warm A Winter’s Night” – an evening of live music in support of THAW – The Heating and Warmth Fund, which helps residents in Hancock and Washington counties heat their homes. The event will include music by The Crown Vics, Chris Ross, and Golden Oak, with a silent auction and a heat pump from Dave’s World auctioned off by Ellsworth Area Chamber Executive Director PJ Keenan. Tickets for the February 24th event are $29, with $25 of each ticket going directly to the THAW fund. Get yours at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) A night of live music to ward off cabin fever, an incredible array of silent auction items, an evening of helping our neighbors in need. Darling’s Auto Mall GMC is the first major sponsor to kick off Downeast Community Partner’s 2nd Annual “To Warm a Winter’s Night”, set for February 24th at The Grand in Ellsworth. The evening helps replenish the THAW – The Heating and Warmth Fund – for those in Hancock and Washington Counties who are struggling to heat their homes. Ellsworth Chamber Executive Director PJ Keenan will be auctioning off a heat pump from Dave’s World at intermission! Tickets are on sale now at grand online dot org.
Infrastructure
MDOT Releases Multi-Billion Dollar Three-Year Plan
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Transportation last week released a new, three-year infrastructure plan that includes nearly $5B in projects and investments. State officials say the investment in Maine’s roads and bridges will include moving forward with initiatives to combat climate change. The plan and projects it includes can be accessed at maine dot gov.
(Augusta) Highway and bridge projects, improvements to Downeast fish passage and culverts, and reconstruction of Route 1 between Frenchville and Fort Kent. Those are some of the projects in a new three-year infrastructure plan released last week by the Maine Department of Transportation. The plan includes $4.74B in spending. State officials say the investment in Maine’s roads and bridges will include moving forward with initiatives to combat climate change. The plan can be accessed at maine dot gov.
Environment
Governor Mills Calls Special Meeting of Maine Climate Council
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills has called a special meeting of the Maine Climate Council for tomorrow to discuss the impacts of the recent storms on Maine. The focus of the meeting will be strengthening the state’s resilience to the impacts of extreme storms like the recent ones which caused historic damage to inland and coastal areas. The Climate Council is made up of scientists, citizens, business and bipartisan state and local officials tasked with delivering an updated climate plan to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1st.
(Augusta) The Maine Climate Council is a group of scientists, citizens, business and bipartisan state and local officials tasked with delivering an updated climate plan to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1st. In light of the recent storms and their extreme destruction to Maine’s inland and coastal areas, the Governor has called a special meeting of the Council to be held Tuesday. The focus of the meeting will be strengthening the state’s resilience to the impacts of extreme storms like the recent ones which caused unprecedented destruction, especially in coastal areas.
MDI Resident is Finalist on Cake Boss
(Town Hill) Town Hill resident Lori Bartlett is in a pretty sweet spot in her latest competition. By day, Lori is a full-time police dispatcher. She’s also advanced to the quarterfinals of “Cake Boss”, the Greatest Baker contest, where she has a shot at taking home the final $10K prize and being featured in the Bake from Scratch Magazine. The Mount Desert Islander reports the contest is judged by the public, with monies raised going to fund families of children battling cancer. You’ll find information on voting for Lori on her FB page – that’s L O R I Bartlett.
(Town Hill) Lori Bartlett is a full time dispatcher with the Bar Harbor Police Department. She also bakes up a mean round of sweets. The Mount Desert Islander reports Lori has advanced to the quarterfinals of “Cake Boss”, the Greatest Baker contest, where she has a shot at taking home the final $10K prize and being featured in Bake from Scratch Magazine. The contest is judged by the public, with monies raised going to fund families of children battling cancer. You’ll find information on voting for Lori on her FB page – that’s L O R I Bartlett.
Coastal Auto Parts Donates to Maine Veterans Project
(Ellsworth) As co-owner of Coastal Auto Parts NAPA, Michael Boles isn’t just passionate about caring for all your automotive needs, he’s also committed to helping those who served through the Maine Veterans Project. Recently, Boles worked with MVP to raise $10K to help veterans stay warm, happy, and well cared for. The money raised will go directly to an oil supplier who will deliver fuel. Last year, MVP delivered 12,000 gallons of heating fuel and was able to help everyone who reached out with a need. Any veteran in need can call the Maine Veterans Project and speak with Doc Goodwin. Between Doc and Coastal Auto Parts NAPA, you’re likely to get a real warm welcome this year.
(Ellsworth) Last year, the Maine Veterans Project supplied veterans in need with 12,000 gallons of heating oil. Doc Goodwin says this year, they’re on track to do the same – thanks in part to Michael Boles, co-owner of Coastal Auto Parts NAPA. The two recently worked together to raise $10K over the span of two months to help veterans stay warm and well taken care of through the winter. Any veteran in need can call the Maine Veterans Project and speak with Doc Goodwin. Between Doc and Coastal Auto Parts NAPA, you’re likely to get a real warm response when you reach out.
Sports
Records are meant to be broken, and a player at Springs Valley High School in French Lick, Indiana has broken his school’s All-Time single game scoring record. Deion Edwards put up a historic 56 points in a recent game. The previous record, of course, was set 50 years ago by the school’s most famous alumnus, Larry Bird.
Congratulations to the Ellsworth High School Cheer Team – they placed first Saturday in the Big East Cheering Competition in Presque Isle! They beat out Hermon, which placed second, and Houlton 3rd. The Ellsworth team is the defending Class B Champions.
These high school basketball games on tap this evening – the Ellsworth boys take on Old Town. On the girls’ side, John Bapst up against MDI, the Sumner Lady Tigers take on the GSA Eagles, Calais shooting hoops with Jonesport-Beals, and the Narraguagus Lady Knights take on the Shead Tigers.
The Bruins home tonight against the Winnipeg Jets.
Celtics spending some time down in Texas – they’re on the court tonight in Dallas to shoot hoops with the Mavericks. Celtics beat the Rockets last night in Houston 116-107.