Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Volunteers to Aid in Disaster Recovery on Maine Islands
(NE Harbor) Help is on the way to several unbridged islands affected by storms in January and March. Maine Seacoast Mission will hold two, multi-day volunteer service trips to Frenchboro, Great Cranberry, Islesford, and Matinicus over the next two months. Volunteers will assist with cleanup of damage caused by flooding and winds, including clearing debris, moving items, and removing trash from public ways and buildings. Trips will be March 19 to 21 and April 12 to 14. Maine Seacoast Mission has worked with Maine islands for nearly 120 years and says as destructive storms continue to challenge island and coastal communities, they’ll continue to be there to support them.
(NE Harbor) Maine Seacoast Mission has a long history of supporting coastal and island communities with mail service, holiday gifts, health care, and recovery from storms. During March and April, the Mission will hold two, multi-day volunteer service trips to Frenchboro, Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry, and Matinicus. Volunteers from Northeastern University’s Sigma Kappa Sorority and others will help with cleanup and repair of damage caused by storms in January and March, including clearing debris, moving items, and removing trash from public ways and buildings. The Mission says it’s been working with Maine islands for more than a century and that as destructive storms continue to take their toll, they’ll continue to be there for island and coastal communities.
Cote to Lead Hancock County DA Detective Program
(Ellsworth) Former Hancock County Deputy Sheriff Tim Cote recently retired after 37 years with the Sheriff’s Department. But that didn’t last long. Yesterday, Cote was sworn in to lead the detective program at the Hancock County District Attorney’s Office. The Ellsworth American reports Bob Granger, who serves as DA for both Hancock and Washington Counties, secured funding for the position during the 2024 budget session, after citing a critical need to help with investigations of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and other such cases. The program was cut under the previous DA’s administration and had been discontinued for nearly a decade.
(Ellsworth) After nearly a decade without such a position, the Hancock County District Attorney’s office will once again have critical law enforcement support for investigations of domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and other such cases. On Tuesday, former Hancock County Deputy Sheriff Tim Cote was sworn in to lead the detective program at the DA’s office. The Ellsworth American reports Robert Granger, who serves as DA for both Hancock and Washington Counties, secured funding for the position during the 2024 budget session. The program was cut under the previous DA’s administration and had not been filled for the past eight years.
Local Politics
Moshier Terminated as Chief of Police
(Ellsworth) It began in Executive Session Monday night – the City of Ellsworth late yesterday morning confirmed City Council voted 6-zero outside that session to terminate Glenn Moshier as Chief of Police. Council then voted 6-zero to appoint Deputy Police Chief Troy Bires as Interim Chief of Police. Communications Specialist Maura Condon confirmed Moshier remains on paid administrative leave from his City Manager post. City Planner Matthew Williams is filling that position until new hire Charles Pearce officially begins duties on April 1st, pending contract ratification next Monday. The City did not specify details as to why Moshier was terminated.
(Ellsworth) Another in a series of Executive Sessions by the Ellsworth City Council Monday night, ended with a 6-zero vote after the session to terminate Glenn Moshier as the City’s Chief of Police. A statement issued late Tuesday morning confirms Council then voted 6-0 to appoint Deputy Police Chief Troy Bires as Interim Chief of Police. Communications Specialist Maura Condon tells Star 97.7, Moshier remains on paid administrative leave from his City Manager position. Meanwhile, City Planner Matthew Williams is filling in until new hire Charles Pearce officially takes the reins on April 1st, pending ratification of his contract next Monday. Details as to what was behind Moshier’s dismissal were not disclosed.
Ellsworth City Council Offers Clarification on Recent Executive Sessions
(Ellsworth) In a separate letter posted on the City of Ellsworth website Tuesday, City Council acknowledged there have been a number of Executive Sessions over the past few months, creating frustrations for some residents. Council writes the closed door meetings allow for discussions of sensitive information, including matters regarding personnel, such as discipline and HR matters, and stated a commitment to transparency must be balanced with the legal rights of City employees. The letter further explains the general process for handling complaints against an employee. It concludes by saying despite a time of turbulence and transition, Council has great confidence in the City’s staff and looks forward to the future with the new City Manager. The full letter is available on the City’s website.
(Ellsworth) In a separate letter posted on the City of Ellsworth website yesterday, City Council acknowledged Ellsworth is going through a time of transition. They say it’s imperative in such times to keep the trust of citizens, and that a recent spate of Executive Sessions – closed door by definition – have made it difficult to balance transparency with the legal rights of City employees. The letter goes on to detail the general process for handling complaints against an employee and concludes by saying despite a time of turbulence and transition, Council has great confidence in City staff and looks forward to the future with the new City Manager. The full letter is available on the City’s website.
Republican State Prosecutors Attack Maine’s Stance on Abortion
(Augusta) Could other states dictate Maine’s stance on abortion? Prosecutors in more than a dozen Republican-led states seem to think so. This week, they sent a letter to Maine Democrats allegedly threatening a lawsuit over a proposed “shield” bill, designed to protect out-of-state patients who get abortions and/or gender affirming care here. The letter was reported by Fox News and posted online by Auburn Republican State Representative Laurel Libby. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey shot off a swift response to Tennessee’s AG warning, “Harmony between our states would be best preserved by the exercise of restraint by all parties seeking to control health care related policy choices in other states.”
(Augusta) Keep your hands off my body and your lawsuits off my state. That’s the message from Democrats this week, as prosecutors from more than a dozen Republican-led states sent a letter, allegedly threatening Maine Democrats with a lawsuit over a proposed “shield” bill. The bill is designed to protect out-of-state patients who come to Maine for abortions or gender affirming care. Fox News first reported the letter, which was posted online by Republican State Representative Laurel Libby. The bill could be one of the most contentious pieces of legislation argued this year in Augusta. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued a terse response to Tennessee’s AG warning, “Harmony between our states would be best preserved by the exercise of restraint by all parties seeking to control health care related policy choices in other states.”
Paid Family Leave Benefits Authority Holds First Meeting
(Augusta) Maine’s newly confirmed Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority met for the first time Tuesday in Augusta. The meeting included introductions, an overview of the statute, commission training, and a selection of Chair and Vice Chair. The Authority unanimously voted Maria Fox, a specialist in employment law representing employee interests, as Chair … and Samuel Hight, a self-employed businessman, as Vice Chair. More information on the program is available at maine dot gov, forward slash labor.
(Augusta) There’s much work to do as Maine’s newly confirmed Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority gets down to business. The group met for the first time Tuesday in Augusta for a day of introductions, an overview of the statute, training and more. Members unanimously elected Maria Fox as Chair and Samuel Hight as Vice Chair. Fox is a specialist in employment law representing employee interests; Hight, a self-employed businessman, who owns car dealerships and a property management group. More information on the program is available at maine dot gov, forward slash labor.
Environment
Spring Arrives
(Orono) Good news if the weather cooperates. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells us the Spring Equinox is one week from today. (((Spring “…the first day of Spring, officially. :07))). The season actually arrives at 11:06 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on the 19th, which means most of us will be asleep and will observe the first full day on the 20th.
Education
Business Community Plans Ellsworth School Appreciation Luncheon
(Ellsworth) A show of appreciation – few things are more important, and – well, appreciated. Especially by local educators. Members of the Ellsworth business community this Friday will show their gratitude with a caravan of pizzas, cookies, flowers, and more delivered to Ellsworth teachers and staff. Jack Frost, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Director of Community Giving, has coordinated the Appreciation Luncheon for the past four years. A special delivery on Thursday will arrive at the Hancock County Technical Center, as that school’s staff will be in Bangor Friday for Skills competition. Hey, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Coastal Auto Parts-NAPA, Bud Connection, Stanley Subaru, Pat’s Pizza and Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home – a shout out of appreciation to YOU for such a nice gesture.
(Ellsworth) Lunch is on us Friday! That’s the word to Ellsworth school staff from members of the Ellsworth business community, who on the 15th will be delivering pizzas, cookies, flowers, and a boatload of appreciation to teachers and staff. Jack Frost, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Director of Community Giving, has coordinated the Appreciation Luncheon for the past four years. A special delivery Thursday will arrive at the Hancock County Technical Center, as that school’s staff will be in Bangor on Friday for Skills competition. Hey, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Pat’s Pizza, Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, Coastal Auto Parts-NAPA, Bud Connection, and Stanley Subaru – a round of applause to YOU for such a nice gesture.
Health
Collins Helps Secure Funding for Diabetes Research
(Maine) Diabetes and Pre-diabetes are major health issues in Maine, sometimes leading to kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke. It’s also the 7th leading cause of death in the Pine Tree State. Senator Susan Collins secured a provision in Congress’s March 8th funding package to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program through December 31st, at an annual rate of approximately $160M per year. That’s about a $10M dollar increase from current funding levels, and is SDP’s first funding increase in 20 years. Collins said renewal of the program will help accelerate progress made over the past two decades to treat – and one day cure – Type 1 diabetes.
(Maine) Diabetes and Pre-diabetes – they’re the seventh leading cause of death in Maine. It’s estimated more than 11% of Mainers suffer from the disease – about 3% of whom have not been diagnosed. In the President’s March 8th funding package, Senator Susan Collins took the lead in urging Congress to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program through December 31st, at an annual rate of approximately $160M per year. That’s about a $10M dollar increase from current funding levels, and is SDP’s first funding increase in 20 years. Collins said renewal of the program will help accelerate progress made over the past two decades to treat – and one day cure – Type 1 diabetes.
Infrastructure
Improvements at BIA Begin Soon
(Bangor) The Runway Rehab Project at Bangor International Airport is slated to begin April 1st. Bangor City Council Monday awarded the $45M project to Northeast Paving. Officials say they are working hard to minimize the impact to passengers and airport tenants, utilizing possible overnight closures during off-peak hours in April and full runway closure from 8 a.m. Monday to 3 p.m. Wednesday from April 29th to May 24th, with no air service available during those time periods. The project is expected to be completed in phases during the next two construction seasons, 2024 and 2025. Airport runways are typically redone every 15-20 years.
(Bangor) Passenger traffic at Bangor International Airport has increased more than 30% in the last five years, creating a high demand for more space and amenities. Thus, travelers soon will see two major renovation and infrastructure improvement projects. In addition to improvements to the terminal, the Runway Rehab Project is slated to begin April 1st. Officials say they’re working hard to minimize the impact to passengers and airport tenants, utilizing possible overnight runway closures during off-peak hours in April and full runway closure from 8 a.m. Monday to 3 p.m. Wednesday from April 29th to May 24th, with no air service available during those time periods. The project is expected to be completed in phases during the next two construction seasons, 2024 and 2025.
Ellsworth Historical Society Secures Funding for Rehab of Old Sheriff’s Home and Jail
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Historical Society is not passing go – they’re going directly to jail. The Old Sheriff’s Home and Jail, that is. And they’re going with $500K in Congressionally Directed Spending for rehab of the iconic building, which has stood since 1886. The funding will go toward exterior rehabilitation of the landmark, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Senator Susan Collins took the lead in securing the funding. The Historical Society has worked tirelessly to preserve the architectural gem, located in the heart of Ellsworth’s Historic District and its downtown core.
(Ellsworth) Back in 1998, the Ellsworth Historical Society acquired the Old Sheriff’s Home and Jail from the County. Since then, they’ve been committed to preserving the building located in the heart of Ellsworth’s Historic District. This month, that commitment paid off, as Senator Susan Collins helped secure $500K in funding to help preserve the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The money will go toward exterior rehabilitation of the landmark, built in 1886. Members hope it will serve as a catalyst for a next phase of funding, to be used for removal of lead paint from the jail cells.
Sports
Celtics beat the Utah Jazz 123-107. Celtics off tonight; they take on the Suns in Phoenix tomorrow.
The Bruins in Montreal Thursday to take on the Canadiens.
Red Sox beat by the Cardinals yesterday 8-6 in Spring Training. Red Sox vs. Yankees this afternoon. Red Sox vs. Phillies Thursday. (vs. Twins Friday – 6:05 game)