Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies Can Now Live Outside County Limits
(Ellsworth) A new policy agreed to by the Hancock County Commissioners will most certainly lift a burden off some deputies serving with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and may lead to an easing of staffing issues. The Ellsworth American reports the Commissioners last week agreed to a proposal brought by Deputy Dakota Dupuis that deputies be allowed to reside up to 15 miles outside county limits. Three deputies, including Dupuis, currently live in Penobscot County. Dupuis cited the staffing shortage, which has been exacerbated by a shortage of affordable housing, and successfully argued some outside the county can respond to locations even more quickly than if living in certain areas of Hancock County. Dupuis also researched residency requirements of other agencies and found no such requirements for Maine State Police, nor Knox, Waldo, or Lincoln County Sheriff’s Offices.
(Ellsworth) There are no residency requirements for Maine State Police, nor for Knox, Waldo, or Lincoln County Sheriff’s Offices. As of last week, a policy change agreed to by Hancock County Commissioners eases the residency requirement for deputies serving in the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. A proposal was brought by Deputy Dakota Dupuis, who along with two other deputies lives in Penobscot County, not far from the Hancock County line. Dupuis said a lack of affordable housing makes it almost impossible to live in Hancock County, and that that in turn exacerbates ongoing staff shortages. Dupuis also noted that from their homes in Penobscot County, the officers can answer calls more quickly than some who live in parts of Hancock County itself, such as on the Blue Hill or Schoodic Peninsulas. The policy change allows those in law enforcement to live up to 15 miles outside county limits.
Local Politics
Citizens Speak Against the “Sanctuary” in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) At last night’s Ellsworth City Council Meeting, neighbors turned out “en force” to speak about issues surrounding a building known as “The Sanctuary” on Birch Street. (((Birch 1 “…for the homeless and/or drug users.” :09))) Residents said problems include safety concerns due to a lack of supervision, traffic in and out at all hours of the day and night, partying, pot smoke, and cigarette butts littered everywhere. The Sanctuary is privately owned and not affiliated with Healthy Acadia’s INSPIRE Recovery Center located on Church Street.
(Ellsworth) Residents say they can’t open their windows because the smell of pot is so prevalent. Traffic at all hours of the day and night. Cigarette butts littering their yards. And proximity to a Downeast Family Y facility that hosts children. Those were some of the concerns expressed at last night’s City Council meeting by residents of Birch Avenue in Ellsworth who live near a building known as “The Sanctuary”. (((Birch 2 “…with no one supervising.” :08))). In addition, neighborhood residents say the Sanctuary is operating without a permit, and they asked the City to immediately close down the facility. The Sanctuary is privately owned and not affiliated with Healthy Acadia or its INSPIRE Recovery Center.
Proposed Courthouse Location Draws Concern from Citizens
(Ellsworth) A proposed location for a new Hancock County Courthouse on Surry Road had citizens up in arms at last night’s Ellsworth City Council Meeting. Resident Gordon Workman said he has lived in the area for 62 years. (((Courthouse 1 “…not to be commercialized like this.” :06))). Residents also expressed concerns about traffic, saying the area is already congested, especially during tourist season.
(Ellsworth) Citizens who live along Surry Road spoke out against the proposed location for the new Hancock County Courthouse at last night’s City Council meeting. One woman said she already had to sit in traffic while rushing her husband to the hospital with a heart attack. City Planner and Interim City Manager Matt Williams explained the area is under special zoning. (((Courthouse 2 “…there is a zone specifically called “Special Use”.” :20))) Williams said there will be meetings with the state where citizens can again express their concerns before any project goes forth.
Community Leaders Share State’s Progress at White House
(Washington, DC) Maine based organizations and community leaders had a chance recently to meet with White House officials to highlight the impact of Biden-Harris Administration policies on the creation of new jobs and opportunities across the state. The group included members of Maine Conservation Voters, Island Institute, the Sunrise County Economic Development Council, and others who shared progress on leveraging federal investment to address climate change, inequities in accessing technology in rural areas, and building a renewable energy economy.
(Washington, DC) A group of community leaders from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont recently had the opportunity to meet with White House officials to highlight the impact of federal funding and Biden-Harris Administration policies on the creation of new jobs and opportunities. Among those attending from Maine were members of GrowSmart Maine, USDA Rural Development Maine, and Sunrise County Economic Council. Participants in the forum discussed expanding electric vehicle opportunities, strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, and investments in climate resilience, including planning for upgrades to roads, bridges, and working waterfronts.
Economy
Bipartisan Bill Would Make Maine Maple Products More Accessible to Seniors
(Washington, DC) A sweet idea out of Washington. Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have put their support behind a bill that would add maple syrup to the list of eligible products under the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which gives low-income seniors access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other products at farmer’s markets and roadside stands. In addition, the so-called MAPLE Act helps by providing a new market for maple syrup producers and locally sourced maple products.
(Washington, DC) Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, along with Vermont Senator Peter Welch kicked off the sweetest week of the year by co-sponsoring a bill that would add maple syrup to the list of eligible products under the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which gives low-income seniors access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other products at farmer’s markets and roadside stands. In addition, the so-called MAPLE Act helps by providing a new market for maple syrup producers and their locally sourced maple products.
JoAnn Fabrics Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
(Bangor) They weren’t quite hanging by a thread, but JoAnn Fabrics, the crafts and materials retailer with a location in Bangor, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to the Associated Press, the move comes as consumers continue to cut back on discretionary spending. The company’s more than 800 stores will continue to operate normally during the bankruptcy proceedings, which could be finalized as early as the end of April. At that point, its shares will no longer be publicly traded, and JoAnn will likely become privately owned by lenders and industry parties.
(Bangor) JoAnn Fabrics, the craft and materials retailer with a store in Bangor, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Hudson, Ohio based company says its more than 800 stores and website plan to “seamlessly” serve customers during the bankruptcy process, which is expected to be all sewn up as early as the end of April. Once finalized, the company’s shares will no longer be publicly traded and JoAnn will likely materialize as a privately owned company under lenders and industry parties. The Associated Press reports the move comes as consumers continue to trim discretionary spending in the wake of continued inflation.
Education
Local Students Earn Scholarships from Maine Fishermen’s Forum
(Downeast) Local students were among about two dozen from Maine fishing industry families that will share $52K in scholarships awarded earlier this month at the Maine Fishermen’s forum. Senator Angus King randomly drew the names of Leighia Gray of Deer Isle and Lake Lindelof of Islesboro – they’ll each receive $8K. And these students will each receive $1500 – Alexa Beal of Milbridge; Alexis Coombs of Sullivan, Mariaville’s Andrew Pappiane, Deer Isle’s Ashley Emerson and Asia Dube, Winter Harbor’s Brett Bragdon, Delaney Sweeney of Bass Harbor, Gavin Dow of Trenton, McHenna Martin of Stonington, and Southwest Harbor’s Sylvester Mays.
(Downeast) The Maine Fishermen’s Forum earlier this month served up more than just information on the latest rules, technology, and restrictions, they also awarded $52,000 in scholarships to children from Maine fishing industry families. Senator Angus King was on hand to draw the names of two lucky students who will each receive $8K – Lake Lidelof of Islesboro and Leighia Gray of Deer Isle. And these local students are among some two dozen who each received $1500 in scholarship funds – Milbridge’s Alexa Beal, Sullivan’s Alexis Coombs, Andrew Pappiane of Mariaville, Ashley Emerson and Asia Dube of Deer Isle, Winter Harbor’s Brett Bragdon, Bass Harbor’s Delaney Sweeney, Gavin Dow of Trenton, Stonington’s McHenna Martin, and Sylvester Mays of Southwest Harbor.
Heart of Ellsworth Historic Preservation Workshops
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth will be presenting a workshop series focused on historic preservation during March and April. The series will educate attendees on the principles of historic preservation, with a focus on preserving Ellsworth’s rich architectural heritage. In addition, participants will learn about strategies for funding preservation projects, and techniques for rehabilitating historic buildings while meeting contemporary needs and standards. Workshop dates are March 28th and April 11th and 28th. Learn more at heart of ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) The Grand Theatre, the old Sheriff’s home and jail, historic downtown structures – Learn how you can be a part of preserving Ellsworth’s rich architectural heritage in a three-part series of workshops presented by Heart of Ellsworth and others. The series will educate attendees on the practices of historic preservation, strategies for funding preservation projects, and techniques for rehabbing historic buildings while meeting contemporary standards. Workshop dates are March 28th and April 11th and 28th. Learn more at heart of ellsworth dot org.
Environment
Lobster Fishermen Relieved at BOEM Decision on Offshore Wind Development in North Atlantic
(Ellsworth) Lobster fishermen raised their voices, and in this case, it appears they were heard. Offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine will not take place in Lobster Management Area 1. The Mount Desert Islander reports the area was initially considered for offshore development by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, but lobstermen objected on the grounds such development would have interfered with known fishing grounds. Lobster fishermen expressed gratitude to BOEM, but warned another area still under consideration in the North Atlantic is an area where many endangered North Atlantic Right Whales are sighted.
(Ellsworth) An area of well known fishing grounds will remain off limits as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management works on offshore wind development in the North Atlantic. The Mount Desert Islander reports BOEM had originally considered Lobster Management Area 1 in the Gulf of Maine for development. But fishermen defended their opposition, and the area was taken off the table. Lobster fishermen expressed gratitude to BOEM, but warned another area still under consideration in the North Atlantic is an area where many endangered North Atlantic Right Whales are sighted.
Commercial Farms Affected by PFAs Contamination Can Apply for Assistance
(Augusta) If your commercial farm was affected by PFAs contamination, you can now apply for assistance through the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. Monies come from the $60M PFAs fund established by Governor Janet Mills with bipartisan support in order to provide impacted farmers with financial assistance, to purchase contaminated farmland from willing sellers, accelerate research, and support health-related initiatives. For more information or to apply, visit the link attached to this story on our Star 97.7 News webpage. https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/
(Augusta) Financial assistance is available to commercial farmers affected by PFAs contamination. Monies come from a $60M fund established with bipartisan support to provide impacted farmers with financial assistance, to purchase contaminated farmland from willing sellers, accelerate research, and support health-related initiatives. Examples of use for funds include income replacement payments, clean feed assistance, help with new and/or existing loans, and technical assistance. For more information or to apply, contact the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry at the link posted with this story on our Star 97.7 News webpage. https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/
Sports
The Minnesota Twins beat the Red Sox Monday in Spring Training. Red Sox vs. Rays this afternoon in Fort Myers.
Celtics beat the Pistons 119-94 last night in Boston. Celtics have the night off – they’ll be back on the home court on Wednesday to take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bruins on the home ice tonight to skate against the Ottawa Senators.