Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Waterville Man Charged After Alleged Threats Against Politicians, Immigrants
(Waterville) A Waterville man is accused of making threats online to kill President Biden, Senator Susan Collins, other politicians, and illegal immigrants. WABI-TV reports 45-year-old Benjamin Brown has made numerous posts and comments on YouTube over the last several years; that’s according to court documents. On February 20th this year, the F-B-I was alerted to new threats toward immigrants and elected officials, as well as claims of stockpiling weapons to prepare for a “violent civil war in the United States.” Brown was scheduled to make a court appearance yesterday.
(Waterville) A Waterville man was due in court yesterday, accused of posting online threats against immigrants and elected officials, including President Joe Biden and Maine Senator Susan Collins. WABI-TV reports court documents show 45 yo Benjamin Brown is accused of posting threats on YouTube, and that he has been investigated by the FBI and Secret Service several times since 2021. A former landlord described Brown as “increasingly abusive to (his) family, especially women” and said Brown’s wife and children were “subservient” to him. In the most recent case, FBI agents spoke with Brown at his apartment on March 6th and filed a complaint charging him with interstate threatening communications on March 8th.
King Says Flow of Illegal Drugs Into US is an “Assault” on the Nation
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King on Thursday had strong words as he challenged US Army General Laura Richardson about the flow of illegal drugs entering the United States, calling it an assault on the nation. King questioned Richardson about the government’s capacity to intercept dangerous drug shipments coming into the country by sea. He emphasized that on average, 300 Americans lose their lives every day due to a drug overdose. The Independent Senator said he was not questioning the country’s intel, but its capability to prohibit dangerous shipments from Mexico, China, and other sources from entering the US. King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee is recognized for his authority on national security and foreign policy issues.
(Washington ,DC) Calling the flow of illegal drugs into the US an “assault on the nation”, Senator Angus King Thursday questioned military authorities about drugs entering the US by sea. King grilled General Laura Richardson in particular, saying he believes the US has the intel, but asked for reassurance the country has the capability to prohibit dangerous shipments from Mexico, China, and other sources. The Senator said that on average, 300 Americans lose their lives every day to drug overdoses, and he noted the growing problem in Maine and across the country. King is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and has been a strong voice, pushing for reforms to deal with the nation’s opioid crisis.
Fluctuating Weather Prompts Warnings About Ice Safety
(Fairfield) Fluctuating temperatures have authorities once again warning that ice conditions across most of the state are “extremely dangerous”. WMTW reports earlier this week, first responders pulled two people and two dogs from the icy waters of a small pond in Fairfield. Dispatchers first received a call that a dog had fallen through the ice and another dog was still on the ice. As people ventured out to save the dogs, at least two also fell through the ice. Those two people were pulled into canoes before first responders arrived, but one canoe was stuck in broken ice. The people and dogs were all rescued, but one pup was reported to have suffered serious injuries.
(Fairfield) An incident in Fairfield this week has prompted authorities to issue yet another warning about the instability of ice on lakes and ponds. WMTW reports earlier this week, first responders pulled two people and two dogs from the icy waters of a small pond in Fairfield. Dispatchers first received a call a dog had fallen through the ice and another dog was still on the ice. As people ventured out to save the dogs, at least two of them also fell through the ice. Those two people were pulled into canoes before first responders arrived, but one canoe was stuck in broken ice. The people and dogs were all rescued, but one pup was reported to have suffered life-threatening injuries.
Ice Out Early on Area Lakes and Ponds
(Ellsworth) Ice out on Hamilton Lake in Bar Harbor was March 6th. Graham Lake in Ellsworth, Waltham and Mariaville, March 7th. Hadley Lake in East Machias March 8th. And Phillips Lake in Lucerne March 11th. Historical data shows typical ice out dates occur as late as the end of March and even into April, highlighting the unusually mild winter here in Maine. Ice out dates are provided by the DACF Bureau of Parks and Lands Boating Facilities Division and is defined as when boaters can navigate unimpeded from one end of the water body to the other, although there could still be ice in coves and along shorelines.
(Ellsworth) Snowmobilers and skiers aren’t the only ones out of luck this winter. Historical data shows typical ice out dates occur as late as the end of March and even into April. But ice out on Hamilton Lake in Bar Harbor was March 6th. Graham Lake in Ellsworth, Waltham and Mariaville, March 7th. Hadley Lake in East Machias March 8th. And Phillips Lake in Lucerne March 11th. Ice out dates are provided by the DACF Bureau of Parks and Lands Boating Facilities Division and is defined as when boaters can navigate unimpeded from one end of the water body to the other, although there still could be ice in coves and along shorelines.
Local Politics
Maine’s Delegation Pushes for Reimbursement to Maine’s Veterans’ Homes
(Washington, DC) Maine’s Veterans’ Home could lose close to $4M by the end of the fiscal year without intervention. This week, Maine’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, pushing for an update on a rule that would allow the VA to reimburse Maine Veteran’s Homes for nursing home care for veterans with dementia. There are currently 118 veteran residents requiring domiciliary care at MVH. The Delegation wrote that for the 92 not grandfathered in before 2020, they, their families or MVH must pay out of pocket for their needed care, at a cost that can run more than $1500 a month.
(Washington, DC) Three years after the law was passed, and six months after a proposed rule for eligible veterans to receive domiciliary care payments at state veterans’ homes, many are still paying out of pocket without a penny of reimbursement. This week, Maine’s Congressional Delegation sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, pushing for an update on the rule regarding veterans with dementia. There are currently 118 veteran residents requiring domiciliary care at MVH. The Delegation wrote that for the 92 not grandfathered in before 2020, they, their families or MVH must pay out of pocket for their needed care, at a cost that can run more than $1500 a month. Without intervention, the Delegation noted Maine’s Veterans’ Home could lose close to $4M by the end of the fiscal year.
Maine Senate Passes Proposal to Nullify Electoral College
(Augusta) The move away from the Electoral College to the popular vote in Maine in choosing a President moved one step closer to becoming law this week. The Senate passed a proposal that would allow Maine to join 16 other states and Washington, DC in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The proposal passed the House last week. The measure will need additional votes before it reaches the desk of Governor Janet Mills, who has not made her position on the matter clear. The move would mean awarding presidential electors based on the candidate who receives the most votes nationally.
(Augusta) Maine this week moved a step closer to joining 16 other states and Washington, DC in signing the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The House approved the measure lat week; and this week, it also passed the Senate. The measure will need additional votes before it reaches the desk of Governor Janet Mills, who has not made her position on the matter clear. The move would mean awarding presidential electors based on the candidate who receives the most votes nationally.
Southwest Harbor Select Board Considers Purchase of New Town Garage
(SW Harbor) The SW Harbor Select Board this week agreed to take steps toward purchase of a new town garage. The Mount Desert Islander reported the decision came after at least six years of debates regarding the town’s budget on whether to buy a garage or update the existing facility with its long history of structural faults. The Board reportedly discussed purchasing Skip’s Garage on Bass Harbor Road. The 5-bay facility is listed for $1.6M. However, owner “Skip” Wilson on Thursday posted in a FB group that while he will be retiring after 35 years, the team at Skip’s Garage would continue to provide reliable automotive services under new ownership.
(SW Harbor) At this week’s SW Harbor Select Board meeting, the Board agreed to take steps toward purchasing a new town garage. The Mount Desert Islander reported the decision comes after years of back and forth about whether to buy a garage or update the existing facility. The Board reportedly discussed the possible purchase of Skip’s Garage, a five bay facility located on Bass Harbor Road. The 5-bay structure is listed for $1.6M. However, yesterday, owner “Skip” Wilson posted in a FB group that while it’s time for him to retire, the team at Skip’s Garage would continue to provide reliable automotive services under new ownership.
Economy
Mason’s Brewing Set to Open in Machias
(Machias) St. Patrick’s Day seems like a perfect opening day for Mason’s Brewing in Machias. The Quoddy Times reports that’s the date owner Chris Morley is shooting to open Mason’s Downeast in the new Washington County location. The restaurant will operate in the location of the former Blue Bird Restaurant, a Machias area staple for more than two decades before the owners decided to retire last year. Mason’s will have two large dining rooms and outside dining on a two-level deck. Mason’s Downeast will offer craft beers and a similar menu and vibe as its flagship location in Brewer, which is now in its ninth year.
(Machias) What better day to open Mason’s Downeast in Machias than St. Patrick’s Day? Owner Chris Morley says despite a few setbacks in getting equipment, they’re shooting for an opening day on Sunday. The Quoddy Tides reports the restaurant will have two large dining rooms, as well as outside dining on the deck, once the weather warms. Morley says the18-plus craft beers offered will continue to be brewed in their flagship Brewer location, but will be available in Machias, along with a similar menu that will include more seafood. The new Washington County location is located in the building that formerly housed the Bluebird Restaurant, which served the town for 25 years before the owners decided to retire in 2023.
St. Patrick’s Day Not a Lucky One When It Comes to Expenses
(Undated) Sunday is, of course, St. Patrick’s Day. The March 17th holiday honors a man who, as a teenager, was enslaved and taken to Ireland. Legend has it, Patrick escaped after six years … but later returned to bring Christianity to the people of the Emerald Isle. The golden – or rather, emerald boy – became a priest and founded schools, churches and monasteries before his death on March 17th, 461 CE. Because the day falls during Lent, it has become a day for Christians to take a break from the abstinence practiced leading up to Easter. However you’ll be celebrating on Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day might bring you more loss than luck when it comes to expenses. E-commerce accelerator Pattern reports the price of Irish Whiskey is up 4%, Beer up 9%, and corned beef up a whopping 12% over last year.
(Undated) Many folks will be celebrating Sunday with St. Patrick’s traditions that date back centuries in some cases. In Chicago, they dye the river green; New York City holds the largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world. The practice of wearing green dates to the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Originally, the blue that represented the ancient Irish flag was identified with the holiday. But the rebels wore green to differentiate themselves from the British, who wore red. The holiday commemorates the March 17th death of St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the Emerald Isle over 1500 years ago. Be sure to watch out for those mischievous leprechauns as you’re drinking your green beer, and downing your Irish soda bread, corned beef and hash.
Health
Former Seaport Village Now Assisted Living Facility
(Ellsworth) Seaport Village Healthcare in Ellsworth this week officially transitioned to Seal Cove, a level IV assisted living facility. The Ellsworth American reports the changeover included the last-minute discharge of 19 residents from Seaport’s now-closed nursing facility. Seaport was sold at the end of last year to Camden-based Bella Point. The transition marks the closure of the last nursing home in Hancock County and resulted in the relocation of about 50 residents total to other nursing facilities. Nineteen of those who lived at Seaport were informed Seal Cove would not be able to accommodate their needs within a week of the nursing facility’s closure. Those residents were told they would need to be relocated by March 12th. About two dozen nursing homes in Maine have shut their doors in the last ten years.
(Ellsworth) Nineteen residents who called Ellsworth’s Seaport Village Healthcare home were surprised this month when told the facility would no longer be able to accommodate their needs. The Ellsworth American reports the facility was purchased by Camden-based Bella Point at the end of last year, and this week officially transitioned to Seal Cove, a level IV assisted living facility. The 19 receiving nursing level care were reportedly originally told by Bella Point their needs could be accommodated within the new assisted living facility. But they were then told Seal Cove would not be able to accommodate their needs … within just a week of the nursing facility’s closure. They were reportedly told in early March they would need to be relocated by March 12th. The transition marks the closure of the last nursing home in Hancock County.
Sports
Celtics with a 127-112 win last night over the Phoenix Suns Celtics in Washington on Sunday to shoot hoops with the Wizards.
Red Sox running the bases this evening with the Minnesota Twins as Spring Training continues.
Bruins beat the Canadiens in Montreal, 2-1. Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers tomorrow at TD Garden