Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MEMA Accepting January Storm Reports through January 31
(Augusta) A reminder from the Maine Emergency Management Agency, reports on January 10th and 13th storm damages were originally due by January 22nd. Because some who were impacted have been unable to access the forms or fill them out, MEMA is now accepting those damage reports for another week, through January 31st. You can access report forms on MEMA’s website or call 2-1-1.
(Augusta) Those who experienced storm damage due to the January 10th and 13th wind and storm surge now have another week to report damage from those storms. The more damage documented, the more apt the state will be to qualify for federal funding. The original deadline for reporting was this past Monday, but Maine Emergency Management Agency officials say they realize some of those impacted by the storms have been unable to access and/or fill out the forms, so citizens now have through January 31st. You can access report forms on MEMA’s website or by calling 2-1-1.
Authorities Investigate Suspicious Package at Cross Building
(Augusta) Capitol Police Tuesday responded to the Cross Building in Augusta after a white powdery substance was discovered in a piece of mail. Public Information Office Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7 authorities cleared the 4th floor about 4:20 yesterday afternoon when the powder was discovered during regular mail processing. Several public safety agencies responded, including the Augusta Fire Department, Maine State Police, and the Department of Environmental Protection. The powder was secured and field tested on site; all tests were negative and no one was injured. The incident remains under investigation.
(Augusta) Multiple agencies responded to the Cross Building in Augusta yesterday afternoon after mail processors discovered a powdery white substance in a piece of mail. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7 authorities cleared the 4th floor about 4:20 yesterday afternoon. Public safety agencies responding included the Augusta Fire Department and the National Guard Civil Support Team. The powder was secured and field tested on site; all tests were negative and no one was injured. The incident remains under investigation.
Local Politics
Right to Repair Law in Effect, but Full Impact Not Felt Just Yet
(Augusta) Maine’s Right to Repair Law is now in effect, but the Portland Press Herald reports its full impact won’t be felt until next year. The state still needs to create a database for repair data and an oversight board to ensure manufacturers are sharing information. Until that happens, mechanics and consumers may not see any changes. Tommy Hickey, Director of the Right to Repair Coalition, has been among those meeting with the Attorney General’s office to help create the platform. Hickey is also head of the Massachusetts R to R Committee, which passed a similar law in 2020. He says the roll out will require working with experts who can provide guidance on best practices to ensure cyber security, accessibility to consumers, and effective enforcement.
(Augusta) Last year, voters overwhelmingly approved Maine’s Right to Repair Law. The Portland Press Herald reports while it’s now in effect, the full impact of Right to Repair won’t be felt until next year. That’s because the state still needs to create a database for repair data and an oversight board to ensure manufacturers are sharing information. Until then, mechanics and consumers likely won’t see any changes. Experts say the roll out will require working with experts who can provide guidance on best practices to ensure cyber security, accessibility to consumers, and effective enforcement.
Economy
Maine Businesses Have New Reporting Requirement
(Augusta) There’s a new federal law in effect that includes a new federal reporting requirement for businesses nationwide. The Corporate Transparency Act is designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and establishes a beneficial ownership reporting requirement for corporations, LLC’s and other entities created or registered to do business in the United States. Businesses formed or registered prior to January 1, 2024, must file by January 1, 2025. Failure to comply could result in significant penalties, according to the office of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.
(Augusta) The Office of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is reminding corporations, LLC’s and similar entities created or registered to do business in the US of a new federal law in effect that includes a new federal reporting requirement. The Corporate Transparency Act is designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and establishes a beneficial ownership reporting requirement that must be filed with the federal government. Businesses formed or registered prior to January 1, 2024, must file by January 1, 2025. Failure to comply could reportedly result in significant penalties.
Ellsworth Businesses to Fill Space Left by Sugar Mags
(Ellsworth) The Main Street space left vacant when Sugar Mags in Ellsworth closed last month won’t remain empty for long Three businesses plan to open up shop in the building known as “the Newberry Exchange”. The Ellsworth American reports a bar, a music shop called Vinyl Vogue, and Trio, which is currently located next to The Grand, will share the space, creating an open venue that will include food, shopping and possibly a small radio museum. Vinyl Vogue owner Matt Manry plans to donate 10% of his profits to providing music lessons and instruments to students in local schools. An early spring opening is planned.
(Ellsworth) Spring this year will bring a new venue to downtown Ellsworth. Three businesses plan to open up shop in the building known as “the Newberry Exchange”, a space left vacant when Sugar Mags closed just before Christmas. The Ellsworth American reports a bar, a music shop called Vinyl Vogue, and Trio, which is currently located next to The Grand, will share the space, creating an open venue that will include food, shopping and possibly a small radio museum. Vinyl Vogue owner Matt Manry plans to donate 10% of his profits to providing music lessons and instruments to students in local schools. An early spring opening is planned.
Education
RSU 25 Superintendent to Retire
(Bucksport) Jim Boothby will be sorely missed when he retires at the end of this school year. The RSU 25 Superintendent is “all about the kiddos” according to Bucksport Town Manager Susan Lessard. The Ellsworth American reports Boothby has been in education for 33 years, including the past 18 as Superintendent of Bucksport, Orland, Verona Island, and Prospect schools. Boothby says it’s time for new challenges and opportunities – we wish him good luck and congratulations for changing the lives of so many students and educators.
(Bucksport) If you’re in education, you need to be “all about the kiddos”. That’s how Bucksport Town Manager Susan Lessard describes Jim Boothby. The RSU 25 Superintendent is retiring at the end of this school year. The Ellsworth American reports Boothby has been in education for 33 years, including the past 18 as Superintendent of Bucksport, Orland, Verona Island, and Prospect schools. Boothby says it’s time for new challenges and opportunities. Thanks for so many years of making a positive difference in the lives of students and fellow educators.
Health
Struggling EMS Providers Awaiting Funding Promised Last Year
(Augusta) Last year, legislators approved $31M for the state’s struggling emergency medical responders. Ambulance services had reached a critical point, especially in rural areas where hospitals and walk-in clinics are scarce. The Portland Press Herald reports those life-saving service providers are still waiting to see the promised funds. Lawmakers had wanted to distribute the first $12M as quickly as possible, given the urgent need, but bureaucratic hurdles have hampered distribution. Maine EMS providers now have a $70M a year structural funding gap, having had to increase wages to hire and retain workers, with many having to request municipalities for property tax increases in order to survive.
(Augusta) At all hours, 24/7, 365 days a year, EMS providers stand ready to answer the call of those in need of lifesaving measures. The Portland Press Herald reports many such services remain on life support themselves, in spite of legislation passed last year to ease the funding gap. Legislators approved $31M for the state’s struggling emergency medical responders in 2023. EMS providers are still waiting to see those funds. Lawmakers had wanted to distribute the first $12M by last October, but officials say bureaucratic hurdles associated with rulemaking have stalled delivery of the funds and applications are still being accepted through the end of this week. Many agencies have had to turn to municipalities and resulting property tax increases to survive.
Give Kids a Smile Day to Provide Free Dental Cleanings and Exams
(Bangor) Smile … the UMA Dental Health Clinic is hosting its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” on Friday, February 23rd. Children ages 5 to 19 who don’t have a dentist can schedule free dental appointments for cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments and dental hygiene education. Students from UMA’s Dental Hygiene programs will be providing the services from 8 to 5, under the supervision of staff dentists and faculty. To make an appointment, call the clinic at 262-7872 or email u m a dental at maine dot e d u.
(Bangor) UMA Dental Hygiene students will once again be brightening the smiles of children next month. The UMA Dental Health Clinic is hosting its annual “Give Kids a Smile Day” on Friday, February 23rd. The clinic is free to children ages 5 to 19 who don’t have a dentist … and will include cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments and dental hygiene. Staff dentists and faculty will be at the clinic at 201 Texas Avenue to supervise between the hours of 8 and 5. To make an appointment, call the clinic at 262-7872 or email u m a dental at maine dot e d u.
Environment
MDIFW Seeks Help with Golden Eagle Study
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is asking for the public’s help in monitoring the population of one of the state’s endangered birds – the golden eagle. You can participate by setting up and monitoring a baited camera trap, reporting golden eagle observations, and supplying lead-free bait for a camera trap site. If you’d like to help monitor eagle presence, habitat, and movement, contact MDIFW.
(Augusta) The golden eagle is an endangered species in the state of Maine, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife would like your help in monitoring the majestic birds. You can do that by setting up and monitoring a baited camera trap, reporting golden eagle observations, and supplying lead-free bait for a camera trap site. If you’d like to help monitor eagle presence, habitat, and movement, contact MDIFW.
Infrastructure
Trash Talk
(Maine) Let’s talk trash. Between 2018 and 2022, the amount of municipal solid waste landfilled in Maine bagged a whopping 47% increase, up almost 200 tons, according to a report released this month by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The Maine Monitor reports the total amount of waste going to Maine landfills, including sludge and demolition debris, is up 34%. At a briefing earlier this month, one official told legislators, let’s face it, “…it’s easier to throw away trash than to recycle it.” Experts say it’s not just a matter of recycling, but of turning off the tap on throw-aways, with extended producer responsibility forcing more sustainable packaging.
(Maine) Somebody need to take out the trash? Maine landfills are filled and overflowing, with The Maine Department of Environmental Protection reporting a 47% increase in the amount of solid waste landfilled in Maine between 2018 and 2022. That’s a bunch of garbage, say experts, who want to not only see recycling increase but are also demanding extended producer responsibility, including more sustainable packaging. The Maine Monitor reports several studies on waste streams are underway. Despite a requirement that municipalities report to DEP every two years on their waste management and recycling, in 2021 out of nearly 500 communities notified, reportedly only 150 complied.
Sports
The Bruins put the sticks to the home ice this evening as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Celtics have the night off. They’ll be in Miami Thursday to try to beat the Heat.
Local high school basketball this evening, the Ellsworth boys take on Hermon. On the girls’ side, it’s the Calais Blue Devils vs. the Machias Bulldogs, MDI takes on Washington Academy, the Woodland Dragons hit the court against Shead, and GSA vs. Narraguagus.
Results from local high school basketball last night: these boys’ teams reporting in, George Stevens over Central, Orono beats MDI, Old Town gets the win over Washington Academy, the Machias Bulldogs beat the Calais Blue Devils, and Senior Breven Kenney scores his 1,000th point for the Royals on the way to a Jonesport-Beals victory over Sumner.