Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine Launches Maine Law Enforcement Recruitment Video
(Bangor) Maine will soon have a new tool for recruiting critically needed law enforcement officers. This Thursday, the Maine Chiefs of Police and Husson University students will launch a law enforcement recruitment video they created, and which is intended for a nationwide audience. The video promotes the many facets of law enforcement, while highlighting the numerous amenities and quality of life Maine provides. The video will be unveiled Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Department of Public Safety in Augusta. Maine currently has 250 police, corrections, and communications openings across the state.
(Bangor) The Maine Chiefs of Police have been at Husson University in recent weeks – not to address crime, but to work with students in creating a new video designed to recruit law enforcement officers. The video is intended for a nationwide audience, but highlights the many facets of law enforcement and the many amenities and quality of life offered by the state of Maine. There are currently 250 police, corrections, and communications openings across the state. The video will be unveiled Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Department of Public Safety in Augusta.
Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School Incident
(Ellsworth) A few scary moments at Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School Monday. According to a letter from Principal April Clifford posted on the EEMS Parents, Teachers, and Friends Community FB page, a middle school student reported finding a “buried gun” outside the school premises. Staff immediately implemented safety protocols, including a thorough search by law enforcement. No firearm was found, and it was determined the student may have misunderstood or misinterpreted the situation. Clifford said at no point was there any direct threat to the safety of students and staff.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School staff had to put their safety protocols to the test Monday. According to a letter from Principal April Clifford posted on the EEMS Parents, Teachers, and Friends Community FB page, a middle school student reported finding a “buried gun” outside the school premises. Staff immediately implemented safety protocols, including a thorough search by law enforcement. No firearm was found, and it was determined the student may have misunderstood or misinterpreted the situation. Clifford said at no point was there any direct threat to the safety of students and staff.
Waterville Schools Closed After Body Found on Bus
(Waterville) Waterville schools were closed Monday after a person was found dead inside a school bus there. WABI-TV reports Waterville police were called to the Junior High School parking lot on report of a person found slumped over the steering wheel of a bus. Police say it was an isolated incident and that there was no threat to the public. No other information was released as of yet.
(Waterville) Waterville school students got an extended vacation day Monday after a person was found dead inside a school bus there. WABI-TV reports police were called to the parking lot of the Junior High School and found the deceased slumped over the wheel of a bus. Schools were closed Monday as a precaution, but authorities say it was an isolated incident and that there was no threat to the public. We’ll update you if further details are forthcoming.
Local Politics
Bellows Responds to Kennedy Lawsuit
(Augusta) Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is defending her decision to not allow presidential candidate teams to collect signatures inside polling places on March 5th. Bellows said the law is clear; within a polling place, a person may not influence another person’s decision regarding a candidate or ballot question up for decision for that day. Last week, Independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. filed a lawsuit against Bellows accusing her of violating the Constitution. Bellows said Kennedy can collect signatures on the next voting day in June, because the presidential race is not on that ballot.
(Augusta) Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says it’s about transparency, fairness, and not allowing undue influence on Election Day. Bellows this week responded to a lawsuit filed against her by Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Bellows has instructed town clerks not to allow presidential candidate teams to collect signatures inside polling places on March 5th, where voters will be deciding on those candidates. Bellows said Kennedy can collect signatures on the next voting day in June, because the presidential race is not on that ballot.
Environment
National Invasive Species Awareness Week
(Undated) From the browntail moth to Japanese stiltgrass – invasive species are real pests. Now through Sunday is National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and that includes both bugs and plants that are harmful to humans and/or native species. The Maine Forest Service has ten ways individuals can contribute to slowing or preventing the spread of invasive species in Maine … from using local firewood, to protecting waterways by cleaning, draining, and drying boats and equipment after use. Learn more at maine dot gov forward slash d a c f.
(Undated) Tree of heaven is not so heavenly because it hosts the invasive spotted lanternfly. Earthworms are real lowlifes when it comes to disrupting forest soils. And exotic pets become common enemies when released into the wild. Now through Sunday is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Learn how to slow or prevent the spread of invasive species in Maine. Check out tips from the Maine Forest Service at maine dot gov forward slash d a c f.
Can-Am Sled Dog Race a No Go Due to Lack of Snow
(Fort Kent) No snow means a no go for the Can Am Crown Sled Dog Race in Fort Kent this year. What snow is on the ground is expected to be largely melted away in the rains predicted for the area this week. The race was to have begun Friday and run through March 5th over a 250-mile course. Race organizers say the safety of the dogs and mushers is a priority.
(Fort Kent) Predicted heavy rains and a lack of snow have washed away plans for this year’s 250-mile CanAm Crown Sled Dog Race in Fort Kent. Just a week before the race was to have taken off from the starting line, the organizers made the difficult decision to cancel because of weather conditions. The race was to have kicked off Friday and run through March 5th. Those behind the event said the safety of the dogs and mushers had to be a priority.
Climate Change Means Struggles for Maine’s Winter Recreation
(Maine) Maine’s winter recreation industry has done anything but warm to climate change. The Bangor Daily News reports it’s not your imagination that it’s increasingly difficult to find enough winter in Maine for traditional activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing. Maine has followed nine other states in creating an Office of Outdoor Recreation to study its role in the state’s economy. And last week, ClimateWork Maine gathered a group of experts for a presentation on where Maine stands and how to position the state for the future. Among other remedies, the industry is looking at ways to reduce its carbon footprint, with electric snowmobiles, EV charging stations, and energy efficient building projects.
(Maine) Climate change has made it increasingly difficult to find enough winter for traditional recreation activities, such as snowmobiling and ice fishing. But the state’s recreation industry has done more than just freeze at the prospect of warmer winters. The Bangor Daily News reports ski resorts, snowmobile manufacturers, and others are working to reduce their carbon footprint. And the recreation industry this year has used social media to let consumers know where they can find winter. Sites have been diligent in giving ice reports and listing safety concerns. Experts say ice-out on lakes and ponds, which is generally late April to early May, is expected early this year.
Infrastructure
NPS and FHA to Begin Rehab of Bridges at Acadia National Park
(Bar Harbor) Rehabilitation of the Jordan Pond Road Bridge is set to begin next month. The historic bridge is in the Town of Mount Desert and carries Jordan Pond Road over the park’s carriage road between Day Mountain and Stanley Brook Bridge. During construction, a partnership with the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration, traffic will be detoured through the Park via Stanley Brook Road until Memorial Day weekend, when alternating one-way traffic on Jordan Pond Road will be possible.
(Bar Harbor) Some folks will need to plan on a detour beginning in March when rehab work begins on the Jordan Pond Road Bridge. The historic bridge is in the village of Seal Harbor and carries Jordan Pond Road over the Park’s carriage road between Day Mountain and Stanley Brook Bridge. During construction, a partnership with the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration, traffic will be detoured through the Park via Stanley Brook Road until Memorial Day weekend, when alternating one-way traffic on Jordan Pond Road will be possible.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Grand Hosts Griffin William Sherry in Concert
(Ellsworth) Pretty much everyone was bummed to hear of the break-up of the band “The Ghost of Paul Revere” in 2022. Leave it to The Grand in Ellsworth to find a way to give us our fix. Grand Executive Director Nick Turner explains. (((GWSConcert 1 “…the writer of The 20th Maine, Griffin Williams Sherry.” :23))) Sherry will be in concert at The Grand on March 28th. Tickets are on sale now at grand online dot org. Don’t put it off, because the show will sell out!
(Ellsworth) It was devastating news to music lovers in 2022 when the band “The Ghost of Paul Revere” announced their decision to break up. The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, they didn’t exactly work the miracle of getting the band back together, but they sure did the next best thing. (((GWSConcert 2 “…basically, an anthem for Maine, Griffin Williams Sherry.” :20))) That’s right, Griffin Williams Sherry has launched a solo career, and he’s coming to the Grand in Ellsworth on March 28th. Tickets are on sale now, and you don’t want to miss out, so get yours today at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) It was haunting news for countless fans a couple of years ago, when the band “The Ghost of Paul Revere” announced their break up. Fortunately, one key member, Griffin William Sherry, has launched a solo career. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, Sherry is headed back to the Grand in Ellsworth for a March 28th concert. (((GWSConcert 3 “…he’s worth looking into.” :20))). Tickets are on sale now at grand online dot org. Get them now, because fans of Sherry and his former band are sure to snatch them up quickly.
(Ellsworth) It was grave news for fans of “The Ghost of Paul Revere” when they learned of the band’s breakup after 11 years of sold out shows. Fortunately, all wasn’t lost – The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, a key member of the band and writer of Maine’s anthem, The 20th Maine, has launched a solo career, and he’ll be back at The Grand in Ellsworth next month. (((GWSConcert 4 “…Maine singer-songwriter, Griffin William Sherry.” :18))). Tickets are on sale now at grand online dot org. Get them soon – fans are sure to make this a sold out show.
Sports
Celtics on the home court tonight to take on the 76ers.
Bruins fall to the Seattle Kraken 4-3. Bruins off now until Thursday when they host the Vegas Golden Knights