Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Former Soldier Sentenced for Child Exploitation
(Bangor) A former soldier from Texas will spend a decade behind bars for child exploitation involving a Maine teen. WABI-TV reports 23 yo Christopher Meza of Fort Hood was sentenced in Bangor on Friday. Sources say Meza met the 13 yo on a popular online gaming platform in 2021 and that he and the victim had conversations about sex and the teen’s age. Meza then reportedly came to Maine twice to meet with the then 14 yo and left the state with the teen both times. Meza was found guilty in November on multiple counts, including enticement of a child and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
(Bangor) A former Texas soldier was sentenced Friday in Bangor on charges of child exploitation involving a Maine teen. WABI-TV reports 23 yo Christopher Meza of Fort Hood met the 13 yo on a popular gaming platform in 2021, then traveled to Maine twice, and was able to leave the state with the then 14 year old on both occasions. Meza was found guilty in November on multiple counts, including enticement of a child and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He was sentenced to ten years in jail.
Two Arrested Following Nearly Seven Hour Standoff in Prentiss
(Prentiss) Two people were arrested Saturday after a nearly seven hour standoff in Prentiss. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office reports an arrest warrant was issued last Wednesday for 45 yo Matthew Vandine, a suspect in a February 14th shooting in Springfield. On Saturday, authorities received information Vandine was holed up in a residence on Tar Ridge Road in Prentiss, along with 32 yo Noel Wilson, who had reportedly left the scene of the shooting with Vandine. Multiple agencies were called in, and Vandine and Wilson eventually came out of the home and were taken into custody. Vandine is said to have a lengthy criminal history and was out on bail for another dangerous situation.
(Prentiss) A six and a half hour standoff with police on Saturday ended with the arrest of two people in connection with a Valentine’s Day shooting in Springfield. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office says an arrest warrant was issued for 45 yo Matthew Vandine following the shooting. Vandine is said to have a lengthy criminal history and was out on bail for a separate incident. On Saturday, authorities received word he was located in a residence on Tar Ridge Road in Prentiss, along with 32 yo Noel Wilson, who had reportedly left the scene of the shooting with him. Multiple agencies responded and the two eventually came out of the home and were taken into custody.
Environment
MDMR to Hold Listening Sessions on Aquaculture Leasing
(Ellsworth) The Maine Department of Marine Resources is hosting five listening sessions to gather input on the Aquaculture Leasing Program. Locally, sessions are scheduled for Belfast on March 7th, Machias on March 14th, and Ellsworth on March 21st. The goal is to hear directly from stakeholders about recent reorganization of the program. In addition, MDMR hopes to promote an understanding of opportunities and challenges moving forward with aquaculture in Maine. For more information, visit maine dot gov and search for MDMR News.
(Ellsworth) What does the future of aquaculture in Maine look like? What are the opportunities and challenges moving ahead with the Aquaculture Leasing program in light of recent reorganization? These and other topics will be the focus of five listening sessions offered by the Maine Department of Marine Resources in March. Locally, sessions will be held in the Belfast High School Gym on March 7th, the UMaine Machias Science Building on March 14th, and the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth on March 21st. All sessions are from 4-6 p.m. For more information, visit maine dot gov and search for MDMR News.
Maine Wardens Seize Silver Fox from Residence
(Waldoboro) The Maine Warden Service last week seized a rare silver fox from a Waldoboro residence. The Lincoln County News reports the animal was taken from Danielle Brann by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Officials reportedly became aware of the fox, named Timber Bear, after it escaped its enclosure in early February. MDIFW spokesperson Mark Latti said it’s illegal to have wildlife without a permit, which Brann originally claimed to have, but then admitted had expired. Brann said she is working on getting a permit to reclaim the fox. Latti said, in the meantime, Timber Bear is in a secure place and is being well taken care of.
(Waldoboro) A rare silver fox that was cared for as a pet by a Waldoboro woman is now in the custody of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Lincoln County News reports officials became aware of the animal, known as Timber Bear, after the 9-month-old fox escaped its enclosure in early February. Timber Bear remained on the run for nine days. Owner Danielle Brann and community members searched tirelessly for the fox, whom Brann says has formed a deep bond with her and with her cat Princess. MDIFW spokesperson Mark Latti said it’s illegal to have wildlife without a permit, which Brann originally claimed to have, but then admitted had expired. Brann said she is working on getting a permit to reclaim the fox.
Local Politics
Senators King, Collins Support Kids Online Safety Act
(Washington, DC) Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have joined 60 of their Senate colleagues in cosponsoring the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act. The legislation would provide kids and parents with better tools to protect minors online, hold Big Tech accountable for harm to kids, and provide transparency into such companies’ proprietary algorithms. The bill reportedly has strong support from the NAACP, Nintendo of America, Microsoft, Snap and X.
(Undated) Parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by Big Tech are championing bipartisan legislation known as the Kids Online Safety Act. The legislation would reportedly provide kids and parents with better tools to protect minors online, hold Big Tech accountable for harm to kids, and provide transparency into such companies’ proprietary algorithms. The bill is said to have strong support from the NAACP, Nintendo of America, Microsoft, Snap and X. Maine Senators Angus King and Susan Collins are among the more than 60 Senators co-sponsoring the bill.
King Issues Stern Warning on Ukraine Situation
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King has issued stern warnings upon nearing the two year mark of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. King, Historian Heather Cox Richardson, and others have likened the result of doing nothing to Hitler’s being allowed to annex the Sudetenland prior to WW II, ultimately leading to more than 50 million deaths. King further warned if the United States backs away without helping Ukraine with the resources needed to defend itself, it would compromise U.S. interests for decades and that not one of our allies would then trust America to stand by them.
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King is warning of dire consequences if the U.S. fails to send needed aid and resources to Ukraine. King, Historian Heather Cox Richardson, and others are calling on the US to remember the consequences of America’s isolationist policies in the early days prior to World War II that allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland, leading to more than 50 million deaths. King warned that Putin, like Hitler, would not stop with one country; and that failure to back Ukraine would compromise US interests for decades and lead to mistrust among America’s allies.
Economy
Legends Roast Beef Now Open in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Legends Roast Beef is now open in Ellsworth in the former Wicked Munchies location on High Street. The owners say they’ve found a great staff, but could certainly use more to keep up with demand. One drawback to being so deliciously popular is their phone system hasn’t been able to keep up with calls, so they’re working on a new system they say should be up and running mid March. In the meantime, Legends writes on FB they’ll be closed on Mondays to review feedback and make positive changes. But they’ll reopen tomorrow from 11 to 7 for now, so get in line for their legendary sandwiches, sides, and salads.
(Ellsworth) The reviews are in for Legends Roast Beef, which opened in time for Super Bowl Sunday. People are raving about their legendary roast beef, burgers, sides, and salads. Legends staff says they’ve hired a great crew, but could use more help. They say phone lines were overwhelmed this past week, but they’re working on a new system that should be up and running in the next four weeks. In the meantime, they report on FB they’ll be closed on Mondays to review feedback and make positive changes, but will reopen tomorrow from 11 to 7 for now, until they can fully staff. Legends is located in the former Wicked Munchies site on High Street in Ellsworth.
Infrastructure
MPUC to Hold Coffee and Conversation Gatherings
(Hallowell) The Maine Public Utilities Commission says it’s listening when utility consumers share concerns about cost, reliability, environmental impact, and Maine’s energy future. In order to give customers more of a voice, MPUC plans to hold a series of coffee and conversation forums. Three Commissioners will host remote sessions on April 2nd and 30th. For more information on dates, times, and for a link to participate, visit maine dot gov forward slash m p u c.
(Hallowell) Here’s an opportunity to speak your mind on utility concerns – cost, reliability, environmental impact, and Maine’s energy future. The Maine Public Utilities Commission says it will hold a series of coffee and conversation forums throughout the year, with two remote sessions planned for April 2nd and 30th, and an in-person session in Bangor in May. Registration is not required, and the forums are open to the public. For more information on dates, times, and for a link to participate in the remote sessions, visit maine dot gov forward slash m p u c.
Blue Hill Falls Bridge Transitioning to Two-Way Traffic
(Blue Hill) Motorists who traverse the Blue Hill Falls Bridge will notice it’s transitioning to two-way traffic. A flashing yellow light will signal the change, though crews report the signals will return to stop and go at times due to lane closures as they work to finish construction. Drivers are asked to respect the posted 20 mph speed limit.
(Blue Hill) Drivers using the Blue Hill Falls Bridge will notice its transitioning to two-way traffic. Construction crews say a flashing yellow light will signal the change, although motorists are still reminded to maintain the 20 mph posted speed limit. They say traffic may revert to one way again at times as construction is completed.
Human Interest
Maine Seacoast Mission Accepting Groups for Summer Volunteerism
(Cherryfield) Every summer from May to September, hundreds of volunteers make their way to Downeast Maine. A week at a time, they make a lasting impact on community members as part of Maine Seacoast Mission’s Housing Improvement Program. The volunteers repair dozens of homes throughout the Mission’s service area. MSM is now accepting volunteer groups for the 2024 season. They say you don’t have to be a “weekend warrior” or even handy – the Mission always provides support and there’s a staff member on hand at each site that often will show a young person how to complete a project. For more information, visit seacoast mission dot org.
(Cherryfield) If your church, youth group, men’s or women’s club is interested in making a difference this summer, Maine Seacoast Mission is looking for you. From May to September, groups work with the Mission a week at a time, repairing homes throughout the Mission’s service area. Last year, 112 volunteers completed 35 projects. They say you don’t have to be a “weekend warrior” or even handy – the Mission always provides support and there’s a staff member on hand at each site that often will show volunteers how to complete a project. If your group is interested in volunteering this year, visit seacoast mission dot org.
Sports
For the first time since 2012, rain postponed NASCAR’s Daytona 500 to this morning.
The Ellsworth Lady Eagles hit 14 three pointers Saturday afternoon in their Class B North quarterfinal win over Presque Isle. That’s a high school girls’ tournament record for all classes. Stay tuned to Star 97.7 for up to the minute high school basketball tournament results throughout the day and evening.
Bruins host the Dallas Stars this afternoon at 1.
Celtics off tonight – they’ll be at TD Garden Tuesday to take on the 76ers.