Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine’s State Police Chief Addresses Lewiston Shooting Panel
(Augusta) (AP) The Lewiston massacre in which 18 people were killed was unique among mass shootings in that it involved two separate locations, followed by an intense search. That testimony was offered Thursday to the panel investigating the shooting from Maine’s State Police Chief, Colonel Bill Ross. Ross told the panel, “The weight on our shoulders to find (shooter) Robert Card was immense and became heavier as each minute passed.” He said in most other mass shootings, the suspect has died or been captured at the scene. Card’s body wasn’t found until 48 hours after the shooting, partly because of precautions by the MSP, who feared Card was preparing an ambush. Yesterday was the first day hearing from commanders with State Police.
(Augusta) Law Enforcement officials on Thursday began testifying before the panel investigating the Lewiston mass shooting. It was the first day of deposition from commanders with the State Police. They testified warnings from relatives and a fellow reservist between May and September last year prompted local police to make a visit to shooter Robert Card’s Bowdoin home in September. Authorities say they became concerned after Army officials allegedly downplayed a warning that Card was going to “snap and do a mass shooting.” When deputies arrived, Card refused to come to the door, and a deputy testified he didn’t have legal authority under Maine’s yellow flag law to knock on the door. Maine’s State Police Chief testified the case was especially unique and challenging among mass shooting cases in that it involved two separate locations, followed by an intense search, whereas most suspects are killed or apprehended at the site of the shooting.
Narcan Training Offered
(Bar Harbor) Learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer the overdose reversal drug, Narcan, at a February training in Bar Harbor. Sponsored by the Bar Harbor Fire Department, Deputy Chief John Lennon will teach participants to administer the drug, also known as Naloxone. Attend on Tuesday, February 27th at 11 a.m. or Thursday, February 29th at 6 p.m. Both sessions will be held at the Bar Harbor YWCA on Mt. Desert Street. The program is in person and no registration is required. Laypeople who attend will also be offered naloxone kits.
(Bar Harbor) Opioid overdoses have affected almost everyone, whether through family, friends, colleagues or even strangers. The Bar Harbor Fire Department says it’s important for the general public to know how to administer the opioid overdose reversal drug, Narcan. During the last week of February, Chief John Lennon will hold public training on administering the antidote, also known as Naloxone. Attend on Tuesday, February 27th at 11 a.m. or Thursday, February 29th at 6 p.m. Both sessions will be held at the Bar Harbor YWCA on Mt. Desert Street. The program is in person and no registration is required. Laypeople who attend will also be offered naloxone kits.
Local Politics
Gouldsboro Seeks New Police Chief and Town Manager
(Gouldsboro) The town of Gouldsboro has begun a search for a new Town Manager and Police Chief. The current Police Chief, Patrick McNulty, hasn’t officially resigned but has been on a leave of absence to deal with family matters in another state. That has prompted town officials to look for a replacement in anticipation of McNulty’s possibly stepping down in the near future. Eve Wilkinson has been serving as interim Town Manager for a little over two years but explained the town hopes to find the right person to fill the position permanently.
(Gouldsboro) The town of Gouldsboro is hoping to fill two key positions – Town Manager and Police Chief. Current Police Chief Patrick McNulty is still technically filling that position, but has been on leave out of state, reportedly dealing with a personal family matter. Town officials say because of the nature of the matter, they anticipate McNulty’s resignation. Eve Wilkinson has been serving as interim Town Manager for a little over two years, but explained the town hopes to find the right person to fill that position permanently.
Economy
Frontier Airlines Coming to Maine
(Portland) Mainers will soon have another option for traveling out of state. WMTW reports Frontier Airlines will soon begin seasonal service between Portland International Jetport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The new summer service is set to begin May 16th, with flights Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Frontier also recently announced it will resume service between Portland and Philadelphia on the same days.
(Portland) Beginning May 16th, travelers can catch a flight from Portland International Jetport to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport via Frontier Airlines. WMTW reports the announcement comes just days after Frontier announced it would resume service to Philadelphia, as well. Flights out of Portland will take wing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Education
Federal Resume Workshops Offered
(Ellsworth) Before applying to work as a seasonal employee at Acadia National Park, consider taking one of their free federal resume workshops. You can attend in person at the Adult and Community Education facility in the Mill Mall in Ellsworth or online. Workshops will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on February 20th and again on March 13th, and from 10 until Noon on Saturday, April 13th. Acadia National Park hires more than 100 seasonal employees each year for jobs with great potential for developing into exciting careers. For more information on the workshops, visit n p s dot gov or contact Amanda Pollock at 288-8806.
(Ellsworth) Acadia National Park hires more than 100 seasonal employees each year for jobs with great potential for developing into exciting careers. Before applying to work as a seasonal employee at Acadia National Park, consider taking one of their free federal resume workshops. You can attend in person at the Adult and Community Education facility in the Mill Mall in Ellsworth or online. Workshops will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on February 20th and again on March 13th, and from 10 until Noon on Saturday, April 13th. For more information on the workshops, visit n p s dot gov or contact Amanda Pollock at 288-8806.
Lamoine Offers Volunteer Training
(Lamoine) You’d like to try your hand at volunteering, but you’re not sure where to start. Why not start at the Lamoine Volunteer Training on Wednesday, February 28th at 1 p.m. at the Lamoine Town Office. The Lamoine Committee on Aging will discuss how you can help your neighbors with grocery deliveries, rides to medical appointments and more. Can’t make that date and time? Friends in Action in Ellsworth and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth also provide training on volunteering. The Lamoine session is open to residents of Lamoine and surrounding towns.
(Lamoine) If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but weren’t sure where to start, the Lamoine Committee on Aging is offering Volunteer Training on Wednesday, February 28th at 1 p.m. at the Town Hall. You’ll learn how you can help your neighbors with grocery deliveries, rides to medical appointments and more. Can’t make that date and time? Friends in Action and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth also provide training on volunteering. The Lamoine session is open to residents of Lamoine and surrounding towns.
Health
Nationwide Adderall Shortage Needs Attention
(CBS) Experts say a nationwide shortage of the stimulant drug Adderall, commonly prescribed to help those diagnosed with ADHD to focus, needs some attention itself. CBS News reports the FDA and many Americans who rely on the medication are wondering why the shortage is continuing now into its second year. Among other factors, growing demand from patients and federal limits to supply are being blamed for the ongoing shortfall. Sources say production quotas are set each year by the Drug Enforcement Administration, limiting manufacturing of controlled substances.
(CBS) Some parents say use of the stimulant drug Adderall provides instant and marked change in their child’s ability to focus. But a nationwide shortage of the drug threatens to delay the benefits students and adults receive . CBS News reports the FDA and many Americans who rely on the medication are wondering why the shortage is continuing now into its second year. Among other factors, growing demand from patients and federal limits to supply are being blamed for the ongoing shortfall. Sources say production quotas are set each year by the Drug Enforcement Administration, limiting manufacturing of controlled substances.
Environment
Rope from Maine Found Entagled in Dead Right Whale’s Tail
(Maine) Authorities have confirmed fishing rope from Maine was entangled around the tail of an endangered right whale found dead off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in January. Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say the rope had purple markings and was consistent with rope used in Maine water trap buoy lines. It’s the first reported entanglement of a right whale in Maine lobster gear in 20 years … and the first ever death attributed to the fishery. The Maine Lobstermen’s Association released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the death of a juvenile right whale that NMFS has attributed to the Maine fishery.” Congressman Jared Golden said while the death is unfortunate, Maine’s lobster industry is the backbone of many coastal communities and that we must be real about the tradeoffs.
(Maine) NOAA officials have confirmed rope found entangled in the tail of a dead right whale last month was from Maine. The whale was found near Martha’s Vineyard, its tail reportedly embedded with rope with purple markings consistent with gear used in Maine water for trap buoy lines. It’s the first reported entanglement of a right whale in Maine lobster gear in 20 years … and the first ever death attributed to the fishery. The Maine Lobstermen’s Association released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the death of a juvenile right whale that NMFS has attributed to the Maine fishery.”
Urban Forestry Grants
(Augusta) A total of one million dollars in grant funding is available for Community Forestry projects. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry says $250,000 in Project Canopy Assistance grants will be offered for projects that enhance community health and livability through proper tree planting and maintenance and for projects that focus on sustainable community forestry management and increasing awareness of the benefits of trees and forests. Another $750,000 will fund projects under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forest program. Interested persons must attend a virtual grant workshop on February 28th from 1 to 3 p.m. Contact MDACF with questions and for a link to the workshop.
(Augusta) Money may not grow on trees, but a million dollars is available for Community Forestry projects in Maine. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry says $250,000 in Project Canopy Assistance grants will be offered for projects that enhance community health and livability through proper tree planting and maintenance and for projects that focus on sustainable community forestry management and education. Another $750,000 will fund projects under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forest program. Interested persons must attend a virtual grant workshop on February 28th from 1 to 3 p.m. Contact MDACF with questions and for a link to the workshop.
Human Interest
Elementary Students Raise Funds for SPCA
(Trenton) The animals and humans at the SPCA of Hancock County say the 2nd and 4th graders at Trenton Elementary School deserve an A-plus. The kids recently raised a whopping $614 for the shelter – that’s a lot of Fancy Feast! The SPCA is entirely community funded, and they say they’re most grateful for the support of these young people.
(Trenton) The 2nd and 4th graders at Trenton Elementary School recently shared a most purr-fect gift with the SPCA of Hancock County. The students raised an amazing $614 for the shelter, which is totally community funded. The kitties say that will keep them in Fancy Feast for quite some time, and they’re fur-ever grateful.
Sports
Bruins crushed by the Seattle Krakens last night, 4-1. Bruins host the LA Kings on Saturday. Celtics have a week off. High school tournament action – on the girls’ side today, MDI takes on Maranawcook, and the WA boys up against Old Town. On Saturday, the Ellsworth Lady Eagles hit the court against Presque Isle, the Ellsworth boys take on Winslow, and the Jonesport-Beals boys battle it out with Southern Aroostook.