Local Politics
Columbia Falls on the Hook for Thousands After Plug Pulled on Theme Park
(Columbia Falls) The tiny town of Columbia Falls is on the hook for thousands of dollars after the family behind Worcester Resources pulled the plug on the planned “Flagpole of Freedom” theme park. The Bangor Daily News reports the Worcesters have paid back just over $28K of the roughly $122K in bills Columbia Falls received from attorneys and consultants who helped to shore up local standards in advance of the now defunct park. Selectman Jeff Green told the BDN, the town of under 500 residents went back and forth with the Worcesters regarding a formal reimbursement agreement, but never reached a consensus.
(Columbia Falls) The Town of Columbia Falls is currently facing thousands of dollars in fees from attorneys and consultants over a project that is now defunct. The Bangor Daily News reports since pulling the plug on the proposed “Flagpole of Freedom” theme park, the Worcesters, the family behind the project, have paid back just over $28,000 of the roughly $122,000 in bills incurred by the tiny town of less than 500 residents. The town hired the professionals to help craft better local standards in advance of the proposed park, which residents feared would have turned the rural Washington County area into an area bulging with tourists, traffic, and tumult. Selectman Jeff Green told the BDN the town went back and forth with the Worcesters regarding a formal reimbursement agreement, but never reached a consensus.
Secretary Bellows Modifies Ruling
(Augusta) In light of Monday’s Supreme Court ruling that states have no power under the Constitution to enforce the so-called insurrection clause with respect to federal offices, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows modified her ruling that stated Trump was disqualified from appearing on the Presidential primary ballot in Maine. As a result, votes cast for Trump in Maine today will be counted. At least 30 states currently have challenges to Trump’s eligibility, based on his central role in the attempt to overturn the 2020 election. The ruling was unanimous, flying in the face of one of the former President’s key campaign claims that the American legal system is hopelessly corrupt and rigged against him. The Court will take up another matter in late April – deciding whether Trump has presidential immunity from prosecution for his role in the January 6th riots.
(Augusta) The ruling by the Supreme Court Monday was unanimous – a state cannot keep a presidential candidate off the ballot who is found to have engaged in insurrection against the US. In light of that ruling, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows modified her ruling that stated Trump was disqualified from appearing on the Presidential primary ballot in Maine. The ruling flies in the face of one of the former President’s key campaign claims that the American legal system is hopelessly corrupt and rigged against him. Trump has repeatedly portrayed the multiple legal proceedings against him as a political witch hunt orchestrated by his opponents. While Trump praised yesterday’s decision, the Court could turn the tables when it takes up another matter in late April – deciding whether Trump has presidential immunity from prosecution for his role in the January 6th riots.
Maine Delegation Rolls Out MDIA
(Sanford) Maine’s congressional delegation last week announced a new nonprofit created to attract and train thousands of new employees to perform critical jobs in Maine’s defense industry. The newly established coalition includes Maine defense companies, state agencies, community colleges and universities and other vocational training organizations and will be based at York County Community College in Sanford. Senator Angus King said the Maine Defense Industry Alliance will connect educational institutions with the state’s cutting edge defense industry and will boost the state’s economy and defense workforce, as well as national security.
(Sanford) Maine’s Governor and members of its congressional delegation were in Sanford last week to announce the rollout of the Maine Defense Industry Alliance. The nonprofit utilizes Maine defense companies, state agencies, community colleges and universities and other vocational training organizations and will be based at York County Community College in Sanford. The coalition is designed to attract and train thousands of new employees to perform critical jobs in the state’s defense industry. Representative Chellie Pingree said the MDIA would help address challenges like Maine’s historically low unemployment rate, aging workforce, and the decline in the number of students graduating high school by creating more opportunities for Mainers to learn skilled trades in service of our state and nation.
Economy
Jonesport Proposed Aquaculture Facility on Hold Pending Challenge by Conservationists
(Jonesport) The aquaculture facility could bring sorely needed jobs and a boost to the economy of Jonesport. But construction of a Kingfish Maine facility that would eventually produce 8000 metric tons of yellowtail kingfish a year and provide up to 100 jobs is on hold, pending the outcome of challenges in the court system. The Maine Monitor reports conservationists fear the operation would pollute Chandler Bay with nitrogen and could lead to toxic algae blooms. Kingfish reps say there are multiple safeguards in place that would monitor discharge. The Department of Marine Resources has five public discussions scheduled this month to discuss aquaculture in coastal communities, including March 7th in Belfast, March 14th in Machias and March 21st in Ellsworth.
(Jonesport) A proposed aquaculture facility in Jonesport is on hold, pending legal challenges by conservationists. Kingfish Maine says its facility would bring 70-100 sorely needed jobs to the community, and would eventually produce 8000 metric tons of yellowtail kingfish a year. Conservationists claim discharge from the project would pollute Chandler Bay, but reps from Kingfish say not so, and that multiple safeguards are planned to prevent such problems. Aquaculture has brought division between coastal towns who see it as a lifeline and conservationists who see it as a danger to the environment. The Department of Marine Resources has five public discussions scheduled this month to discuss aquaculture in coastal communities, including this Thursday in Belfast, March 14th in Machias and March 21st in Ellsworth.
Versant Power Seeks Change in Distribution Rates
(Bangor) Versant Power is seeking a change in distribution rates. The utility plans to use the funds for such projects as installation of covered wire in heavily forested areas in northern Penobscot, Hancock, and Piscataquis counties, in order to reduce outages from falling trees and branches and for substation work and transformer replacement in Brewer, Washington County and elsewhere. The change would mean an increase of between $12 and $18 a month for the average residential customer and would take effect in 2025. Versant says if the change is approved, it will still offer distribution rates and total average residential bills that are lower than most comparable New England utilities.
(Bangor) Reducing storm damage and replacing aging equipment are some of the reasons behind a change in distribution rates being proposed by Versant Power. Some of the projects funded by the change would be rebuilds to improve reliability in Mount Desert, SW Harbor, Blue Hill and Trenton and replacement of an underwater cable from Swan’s Island to Frenchboro. That’s in addition to major storm restoration costs. The change would mean an increase of between $12 and $18 a month for the average residential customer and would take effect in 2025. Versant says if the change is approved, it will still offer distribution rates and total average residential bills that are lower than most, comparable New England utilities.
Environment
Warm Days Wreak Havoc on Winter Sports
(Maine) It’s been a tough winter, and many of the state’s areas whose economies depend on snow are praying for at least one last foot or so. Baxter State Park is currently closed to snowmobiling. Poplar Stream and Stratton Hut accommodations at Maine Huts and Trails will be closing March 11th, and Flagstaff Hut will be open only until the 24th. Ice out on Maine’s lakes and ponds is likely to come early this year, with pressure ridges and thinning ice already making conditions dangerous or impossible. Penobscot River Trails in Stacyville suspended all grooming operations and ski rentals a week ago. And at the New England Outdoor Center near Millinocket, snowmobiling is non-existent as well, largely because Baxter, Katahdin Woods and Waters, and the Nature Conservancy have all closed their gates that affect NEOC’s trails. A spokesperson for NEOC does tell us they currently have spring condition skiing – stop at the center and they’ll guide you where to find a trail.
(Maine) You can’t help but enjoy the spring-like weather, but it’s leaving winter sports enthusiasts anything but enthusiastic. Star 97.7 spoke with the New England Outdoor Center near Millinocket, who tell us snowmobiling is non-existent, largely because Baxter, Katahdin Woods and Waters, and the Nature Conservancy have all closed their gates that affect NEOC’s trails. Baxter State Park temporarily suspended all snowmobiling as of yesterday. Maine Huts and Trails tell us the trails are running out of snow – an anomaly that will force closure of the Poplar Stream and Stratton Huts on March 11th. And Penobscot River Trails in Stacyville suspended all grooming operations and ski rentals on February 29th. Rapid melting and pressure ridges on most lakes and ponds have made conditions dangerous if not impossible. Recreational facilities say they’re hoping for at least one more good round of snow before the season ends.
Human Interest
Ellsworth Public Library Hosts Seed Swap
(Ellsworth) Seed swaps – the Bangor Daily News says it’s that time of year to connect with fellow gardeners, learn about new plants and diversify seeds for the upcoming growing season. The Ellsworth Public Library is on it! They’re hosting a Seed Swap on March 16th from 10 until 1. Bring your leftover seeds from last year, seeds you won’t be planting this year, or just come and see what’s new and help promote agricultural diversity. In addition to the seed swap, the library will get kids involved with a seed-themed story time, and Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library will be hosting a Think Spring Book Sale – that’s a week from Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ellsworth Public Library!
(Ellsworth) Seed swaps – they’re not only fun, they’re an important part of worldwide food security. If the recent mild weather has you in the mood for digging in the dirt, put March 16th on your calendar. That’s the day the Ellsworth Public Library is hosting a seed swap – a chance to connect with fellow gardeners, learn about new plants and diversify seeds for the upcoming growing season. Bring your leftover seeds from last year and help promote the agricultural diversity it took gardeners and farmers thousands of years to create. In addition to the seed swap, the library will get kids involved with a seed-themed story time, and Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library will be hosting a Think Spring Book Sale – that’s a week from Saturday, March 16th, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ellsworth Public Library!
Heart of Ellsworth Plans Annual Meeting and Trivia Night
(Ellsworth) Join Heart of Ellsworth for a fun community building event this week. It’s their annual meeting and Trivia Night. Meet the Heart of Ellsworth Board of Directors, learn about their most recent accomplishments, share input for Downtown Ellsworth, and compete for a fabulous trivia prize. This year’s event is set for tomorrow, March 6th, from 5:30 to 7:30 at Finn’s Irish Pub. The event is free and is open to the public, includes appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, and a chance to purchase your own food and beverage, as well.
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth is excited to invite the community to their Annual Meeting and Trivia Night, tomorrow night at Finn’s Irish Pub. Meet the Heart of Ellsworth Board of Directors, learn about their most recent accomplishments, share input for Downtown Ellsworth, and compete for a fabulous trivia prize. This year’s event is March 6th, from 5:30 to 7:30. The event is free and is open to the public, includes appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, and a chance to purchase your own food and beverage as well.
Sports
Bruins beat the Maple Leafs last night, 4-1. Bruins back on the home ice tonight against the Edmonton Oilers.
Celtics in Cleveland to shoot hoops with the Cavs.
Red Sox vs. Tigers. The Red Sox continue Spring Training today as they run the bases against the Tampa Bay Rays. Game time 1:05. (Red Sox vs. Twins Wednesday)