Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MDIFW Cautions Test Ice for Safety
(Augusta) In light of the recent ice rescue in Denmark and the tragedy in Carmel, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is warning that it’s up to anglers, hikers, and skaters and others to test for ice safety. They say accessing lakes and ponds should be avoided unless you can be certain of ice conditions by checking ice thickness with a chisel or auger. Be sure to check the ice in several places; experts warn ice seldom freezes uniformly and conditions are always changing. They say ice that forms over flowing water can be particularly dangerous. Finally, before you head out, always let someone know where you’re going and what time you plan to return.
(Augusta) Many folks are anxious to get out onto the ice this time of year – for ice fishing, skating, or snowmobiling across that frozen lake or pond. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is urging caution before you venture out. They say always test the ice with an auger or chisel. Check the ice in several places, as ice seldom freezes uniformly, and conditions are changeable. Ice formed over flowing streams or other moving water can be particularly dangerous. And finally, they say before you head out, always tell someone where you’re going and what time you plan to return.
Brewer Tractor Trailer Rollover
(Augusta) A tractor trailer rollover in Brewer Tuesday morning injured a Sheriff’s Deputy and caused the westbound on-ramp and eastbound off ramp to Wilson Street to be closed for several hours. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, 41 yo Kristofer Higgins of Baileyville was on the westbound on-ramp of I-395 about 8 a.m. when he failed to negotiate the turn. The rig rolled over, taking out the center portion of the guardrail and striking a Penobscot County Sheriff’s cruiser driven by Sgt. Gary Decker. Decker and Higgins were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The tractor trailer was carrying diesel fuel, which resulted in a spill. DEP was called to the scene to help with cleanup.
(Augusta) An early morning crash on I-395 at Wilson Street Tuesday resulted in a diesel spill, injured a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Deputy, and force the closure of the Wilson Street on and off ramps for several hours while DEP worked to clean up the spill. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, 41 yo Kristofer Higgins of Baileyville was on the westbound on-ramp of I-395 about 8 a.m. when he failed to negotiate the turn. The rig rolled over, taking out the center portion of the guardrail and striking a cruiser driven by Sgt. Gary Decker. Decker and Higgins were both taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The area was closed for several hours while cleanup was being handled.
Governor Mills Delivers State of the State Address
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills yesterday delivered her two-part State of the State address. In the first part, an 11-page written address, the Governor discussed the issue of homelessness, proposing $16M for emergency housing and $10M to bolster the Affordable Home Ownership Program, which is estimated to build 130 homes in Maine. Other issues covered were improving child safety, addressing the opioid epidemic, and investing in K-12 Education. Access the full document at maine dot gov.
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills Tuesday delivered her State of the State address in two parts. The first was an eleven page document detailing several critical issues facing the state, such as affordable housing, homelessness, the opioid epidemic, and improving child safety. With Maine last year having the highest child maltreatment rate in the nation, the Governor proposed adding targeted positions to support child caseworkers and reviewing compensation of child welfare workers to ensure the work would attract and retain qualified persons. You can access the full document at maine dot gov.
Economy
Island Institute Expands Business Resilience Storm Grants
(Washington County) Island Institute is expanding their Business Resilience Grant program for those impacted by January’s storms. Grants up to $5,000 are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands, and in fishing-dependent communities impacted by the storms. Grant applications are reviewed weekly, and they say they’ve streamlined the application process to ensure the limited funds will quickly arrive in communities. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure. Grant monies can be used for wharf repair, equipment repair and replacement, short term operational support and the like. Apply at grants dot island institute dot org.
(Washington County) Grants up to $5,000 are available for those impacted by January storms through Island Institute’s Business Resilience Grant Program. The Institute has expanded the program, streamlined the application process, and will review applications weekly to ensure the limited funds arrive quickly in communities. The grants are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands, and in fishing-dependent communities impacted by the storms. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure. Monies can be used for wharf repair, equipment repair and replacement, short term operational support and the like. Apply at grants dot island institute dot org.
Elver Fishery Escapes Potentially Devastating Cut
(Maine) Maine’s elver fishery escaped a potentially devastating cut in harvest quotas that could have decimated the market. MaineBiz reports at its meeting earlier this month, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Eel Board decided against a 21.8% reduction in the state’s maximum catch. The cut would have reduced the more than 9600 pound quota to just under 7600 pounds. The baby eels, known as elvers, are mostly shipped to Asia, where they are seen as a prized delicacy in restaurants. Maine’s elver fishery in 2022 was valued at more than $20M.
(Maine) Maine’s elver fishery in recent years has brought in between $16M and more than $20M. A potentially devastating cut in harvest quotas could have decimated the profitable market. MaineBiz reports at its meeting earlier this month, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Eel Board decided against a 21.8% reduction in the state’s maximum catch. The cut would have reduced the more than 9600 pound quota to just under 7600 pounds. The baby eels, known as elvers, are almost exclusively shipped to Asia, where they are seen as a prized delicacy in restaurants.
Deadline to Contribute to MaineCF Lewiston Auburn Fund Drawing Near
(Ellsworth) February 20th – that’s the deadline set by the Maine Community Foundation for citizens to contribute to the MaineCF Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund. To date, the fund has received more than $5M in contributions from more than 3,000 donors around the world. One hundred percent of funds donated goes to help victims, families and non-profits supporting the recovery effort. Donations can be made at maine c f dot org, forward slash Lewiston.
(Ellsworth) More than $5M – that’s the amount received to date by the MaineCF Lewiston Auburn Area Response Fund. Monies have been contributed by more than 3,000 donors across the world. MaineCF has set a deadline in order to distribute funds to help victims, families and non-profits supporting the recovery effort. One hundred percent of each dollar donated goes directly to help those affected. Donations can be made through February 20th at maine c f dot org, forward slash Lewiston.
Don’t Overlook Incentives That Can Reduce Money Owed
(Augusta) New Ventures Maine reminds folks at tax filing time not to overlook federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits that can provide a much needed income boost and reduce federal taxes owed. They say not everyone is aware of their eligibility for the credits. People who worked in 2023 could qualify for extra money from EITC and CTC, which could help with the rising costs of essentials like food, clothing, and shelter. Be sure and ask your accountant or tax preparer.
(Augusta) Many people who qualify for Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits may be unaware of their eligibility. New Ventures Maine reminds tax filers not to overlook such credits that may provide a much needed income boost and reduce federal taxes owed. Be sure and ask your accountant or tax preparer.
Health
Policy Brief Outlines Wins, Challenges for State’s Childcare Sector
(Augusta) The recent opening of Jackson Lab’s childcare center in Bar Harbor increased the childcare capacity of the coastal town by 30%. While that’s a step in the right direction, a policy brief released last week by Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women makes clear more work needs to be done in the state’s child care sector. Gaps outlined in the report include the need for expanding access to childcare for families in rural areas, standardizing regulations for childcare sites, encouraging businesses to adopt more policies that support working parents, and strengthening subsidies for child care workers to help them join or stay in the childcare workforce.
(Augusta) Wins, ongoing challenges, and potential solutions – topics covered in a report released last week on the state of Maine’s childcare sector. The report lists several areas where gaps remain, including the need for expanding access to childcare for families in rural areas, standardizing regulations for childcare sites, encouraging businesses to adopt more policies that support working parents, and strengthening subsidies for child care workers to help them join or stay in the childcare workforce. The policy brief is the work of Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, a non-partisan, independent advisory board charged with advising policy makers on matters that impact the state’s women and girls.
Infrastructure
MDMR Survey
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Marine Resources yesterday posted a survey on behalf of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and others, designed to assess areas of greatest need in helping fund storm recovery. The goal of the survey is to help secure access to needed goods and services and identify available resources. You’ll find a link to the survey on our Star 97.7 FB page. They’re asking working waterfront entities fill out the survey by February 5th.
(Augusta) A survey posted Tuesday on behalf of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, the Maine Lobster Union and others is designed to survey commercial fishing and other marine industries to understand what materials and services are needed in order to rebuild the working waterfront. You’ll find a link to the survey on our Star 97.7 FB page. They’re asking affected industries to complete the survey by February 5th.
Human Interest
Old Town Pasta Drive
(Old Town) The Old Town Police Department is hoping to collect a lotsa pasta next month. They’re holding a pasta drive all during February to benefit local pantries. Deputy Chief of Police Lee Miller tells Star 97.7, they believe small acts of kindness can make a significant impact. You can drop off any type of pasta at the public safety building, library, city hall, or the YMCA. There will be a special pasta drive day on February 17th from 10 until 2.
(Old Town) The Old Town Police Department is asking you to use your noodle – or rather, drop off packages of noodles during the February Pasta Drive. Deputy Chief of Police Lee Miller tells Star 97.7, the donations will benefit local food pantries. They’re hoping the entire community will reach out. There’s a special collection day planned February 17th between 10 and 2, but you can drop off pasta anytime during the month at public safety, the library, city hall, or the YMCA.
Sports
Celtics and Bruins both off tonight. The Celtics shoot hoops with the Lakers on Thursday. Bruins off until next Tuesday.
These high school girls’ basketball teams hitting the courts this evening – the Calais Blue Devils take on the Machias Bulldogs, Deer Isle/Stonington vs. George Stevens, the Jonesport-Beals Lady Royals take on the Woodland Dragons, and MDI up against Foxcroft Academy.
Last night’s high school basketball – these boys’ teams reporting in: Ellsworth easily defeats Bucksport, Foxcroft Academy with a 4-point win over MDI, George Stevens beats Narraguagus, Washington Academy crushing Woodland, Calais beats Jonesport-Beals, and Searsport with a 5-point win over Shead.