Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
State Reaches Plea Deal with Suspect in Washington County Slaying
(Machias) A Washington County man who was accused in the brutal slaying of 43 yo Kimberly Neptune in her Pleasant Point apartment in April 2022 is out of jail after a judge declared a mistrial. The Portland Press Herald reports 40 yo Donnell Dana and 39 yo Kailee Brackett allegedly went to Neptune’s apartment to rob her, and ended up stabbing the victim hundreds of times. Brackett was convicted of depraved indifference murder, but the jury could not reach a verdict in Dana’s case. Dana this week pleaded guilty to one count of hindering apprehension. The state agreed to dismiss the murder charge and reduce the hindering charge to a misdemeanor conviction if Dana commits no crimes and completes substance use disorder counseling.
(Machias) A Washington County man who was accused in the stabbing death of a Point Pleasant woman in April 2022 is out of jail today. The Portland Press Herald reports 40 yo Donnell Dana and 39 yo Kailee Brackett allegedly went to 43 yo Kimberly Neptune’s apartment to rob her, and ended up stabbing the victim hundreds of times. Brackett was convicted of depraved indifference murder, but the jury could not reach a verdict in Dana’s case, and the court declared a mistrial. Dana this week pleaded guilty to one count of hindering apprehension. The state agreed to dismiss the murder charge and reduce the hindering charge to a misdemeanor conviction if Dana commits no crimes and completes substance use disorder counseling.
Local Politics
Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration
(Maine) President Joe Biden has approved the state’s Major Disaster Declaration for the December storm and flooding. The President also approved the Governor’s request for individual assistance for Maine people who were severely impacted by last year’s pre-holiday storm. FEMA estimated damage from the December storm at more than $20M. FEMA officials will work with the Maine Emergency Management Agency to establish Disaster Recovery Centers in impacted areas. The centers will offer services to help those affected learn about disaster assistance programs, apply for relief, check the status of FEMA applications and get referrals to other agencies.
(Maine) President Joe Biden has approved the state’s Major Disaster Declaration for the December storm and flooding. The President’s approval will make public assistance available that the State will use to repair public infrastructure in Hancock, Washington, Waldo, and six other counties affected by the storm. Individual assistance will also be made available to eligible families in five counties where federal officials found the high level of damage met the threshold for individual assistance. Information on Disaster Recovery Centers that will be established in various locations throughout the state will be announced in the coming days. FEMA estimated damage from the December storm at more than $20M.
Governor Touts Mandated Background Checks
(Augusta) Among issues supported by Governor Janet Mills in Tuesday’s State of the State address, mandated background checks on all advertised gun sales. The Governor also advocated for strengthening the state’s “yellow flag” law, which has faced criticism since the October Lewiston tragedy. Under her proposal, Mills, who has historically balked at tighter gun control in a state that embraces its hunting culture, would mandate anyone selling guns via any platform, including Facebook, would have to visit a gun dealer and check the buyer against a national background check system.
(Augusta) “Doing nothing is not an option.” Words spoken by Governor Janet Mills in her State of the State address in advocating for changes in the state’s gun laws, following the October mass shooting in Lewiston. Under a proposal, Mills, who has historically balked at tighter gun control in a state that embraces its hunting culture, would mandate anyone selling guns via any platform, including Facebook, would have to visit a gun dealer and check the buyer against a national background check system. The Governor also advocated for strengthening the state’s “yellow flag” law, which has faced criticism since the Lewiston massacre.
Collins Introduces Bill to Help Stem Vaping Crisis
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins this week joined a bipartisan group of legislators in introducing the “Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act”. The act would protect young people from the dangers of e-cigarettes by requiring manufacturers of the products to pay user fees to the FDA to help conduct stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry and to increase awareness of the dangers associated with vaping. The bill is endorsed by the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.
(Washington, DC) In spite of progress made, e-cigarette use among middle and high schoolers continues to rise. Senator Susan Collins this week joined a bipartisan group of legislators in introducing the “Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act”. The act would protect young people from the dangers of e-cigarettes by requiring manufacturers of the products to pay user fees to the FDA to help conduct stronger oversight of the e-cigarette industry and to increase awareness of the dangers associated with vaping. The bill is endorsed by the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.
Economy
Two New Food Businesses to Open in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Two new food-related businesses will be opening on High Street in Ellsworth in the coming days. Legends Roast Beef hopes to open in early February in the old Wicked Munchies location. Legends will serve one pound burgers, as well as smaller sandwiches, roast beef and other delights. Follow them on FB for an exact opening date. And a sign is up at the site of the former Tan Turtle, before that known as Jasper’s, announcing the Fusion Buffet which will offer dine in and take out.
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth will soon have at least two new food options on High Street. The owners of Legends Roast Beef, opening soon in the former Wicked Munchies location, are well known for their one pound burgers, roast beef sandwiches and other delights. Up the road a bit, there’s a sign up at the former Tan Turtle, once known as Jasper’s, announcing the Fusion Buffet. No word on an opening date there, but the restaurant will reportedly offer dine in, carry out, a buffet, and/or menu ordering.
Health
Nurses Ranked Most Trusted Profession in 2023 Gallup Poll
(KFF) In nurses, we trust — even more than in doctors. Gallup’s 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll ranked 23 major professions by the level of trust U.S. adults place in them. Nurses hold the top spot as the most trusted, with 78% of Americans polled saying they adhere to “very high” or “high” standards for honesty and ethics, according to a press release from Gallup. It’s the 22nd consecutive year nurses have been ranked as the most trustworthy. Overall, nurses’ trust ranking has dipped by 7 percentage points since 2019, but is still higher than dentists at 59% and medical doctors at 56%.
(KFF) When it comes to honesty and ethics, Americans put nurses at the top of a list of 23 professions ranked by the level of trust placed in them by US adults. 78% of Americans polled saying nurses adhere to “very high” or “high” standards for honesty and ethics, according to a press release from Gallup. It’s the 22nd consecutive year nurses have been ranked as the most trustworthy. While nurses’ overall trust ranking has dipped by 7 percentage points since 2019, it’s still higher than dentists at 59% and medical doctors at 56%.
Human Interest
Kisses for Kittens
(Old Town) Today is February 1, which means Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away. Take your sweetie to Governor’s’ Old Town location on February 14th, and a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Animal Orphanage. It’s Kisses for Kittens – the purr-fect date!
(Old Town) Wondering where to eat on Valentine’s Day? Dine at Governor’s’ Old Town location on February 14th, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Old Town Animal Orphanage. It’s Kisses for Kittens, and it couldn’t be “fur” a better cause.
Farmington Gets Snowplow Grant from Domino’s Pizza
(Farmington) Dominoes is clearing the way for pizza – even when it snows … at least if you live in Farmington. According to the Daily Bulldog, Farmington and 19 other towns were chosen to receive $25,000 snowplow grants from the pizza chain. Plowing for Pizza not only provides funds to help clear snow, but Domino’s is also pitching in with hats, scarves, and snow measuring sticks, as well as gift cards for those hard working plow drivers. Dominoes execs say nothing should stand in the way of getting a hot, delicious pizza.
(Farmington) Dominoes Pizza is well known for their “30 minutes or less” promise to deliver your hot, fresh takeout pizza. To make that even more “promising”, Dominoes is granting Farmington and 19 other towns $25,000 snowplow grants. The Daily Bulldog reports not only that, but the pizza chain is providing hats, scarves, and snow measuring sticks, along with gift cards for those hard working plow drivers. Farmington and the other towns across the US were chosen through a nomination process. Winning towns are asked to film the snow removal process for Dominoes to use in their campaign.
Banff Film Festival Returns to The Grand
(Ellsworth) Come travel the world this weekend as the Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to The Grand in Ellsworth. Thrill to the best adventure films of the hundreds submitted to the festival competition. The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, the sell-out show is a no-brainer to bring back every year. (((Banff 1 “…it’s hosted by Kelly Cochrane.” :13))) The festival’s films will take you to exotic locations, on unexpected adventures, and encourage you with inspiring stories from around the world. February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th … tickets just $18 general admission and available at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Every November, the small town of Banff in the heart of the Canadian Rockies hosts the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, with more than 400 films competing to bring to life adventure sports and exotic locations. A handful are chosen to tour the country and thrill eager audiences. The Festival returns to the Grand in Ellsworth this weekend, and Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, you’ll also enjoy a very special host. (((Banff 2 “…Banff Film Festival at the Grand.” :13))). Still some tickets available for the February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th shows at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) The Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to The Grand this weekend. Why should you attend? Grand Executive Director Nick Turner sums it up perfectly for Star 97.7 (((Banff 3 “…and living every second of it.” :21))). Don’t miss out on the amazing experience. Tickets at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to The Grand in Ellsworth. The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, besides the adventure, the thrills, and the spills, there’s an even better reason to attend. (((Banff 4 “…this weekend at The Grand.” :19))) Tickets at grand online dot org.
Sports
Celtics on the home court tonight against the LA Lakers.
Bruins off until February 6th, when they’ll be on the home ice against the Vancouver Canucks.
High school boys’ teams on the local courts this evening – Ellsworth takes on John Bapst, the MDI Trojans on the court against the WA Raiders, Sumner Tigers shooting hoops with the Calais Blue Devils, and Jonesport Beals vs. Shead.