Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MDIFW Issues Warning About Wearing Life Jackets
(Maine) The next few days notwithstanding, it won’t be long before we’ll be putting those boats and kayaks into the water. Even as the air warms, officials caution don’t think you’ll have time to find and put on your lifejacket after you’re in the water. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says a lifejacket can only help save your life when you wear it. They say 55 degree water may not sound very cold, but the sudden shock to your body can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. They say even if you survive the initial threat of cold shock, you may start to lose control of your muscles, making swimming and staying afloat nearly impossible without your flotation device. Bottom line, they say … before you put your vessel IN, put your vest ON.
(Maine) It won’t be long before we put those kayaks, canoes and other boats into the water. Officials caution even as the air warms, the waters remain cold – even through summer in many places. They say if you think you have time to find and don your life jacket once you’re in the water, think again. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says even at 55 degrees, the sudden cold water shock to your body can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. They say even if you survive the initial threat of cold shock, you may start to lose control of your muscles, making swimming and staying afloat nearly impossible without your flotation device. Bottom line, they say before you put your vessel IN, put your vest ON.
Bangor Woman Arrested for Felony Drug Trafficking
(Bangor) A two-month long investigation led to the arrest of a Bangor woman this week on felony drug trafficking charges. Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, MDEA Agents on Tuesday took 21 yo Jade Willette into custody at a residence on Larkin Street. A search warrant yielded crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, three firearms and $1300 in suspected drug proceeds. Willette was taken to the Penobscot County Jail and is charged with three counts of Aggravated Drug Charges. The charges were aggravated due to the residence’s proximity to the Vine Street School. Authorities say more arrests are expected.
(Bangor) A 21 yo Bangor woman was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with three counts of Aggravated Drug Trafficking. Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, MDEA Agents had been monitoring activity at 166 Larkin Street for about two months. The residence is within a thousand feet of the Vine Street School. A search warrant at the address turned up crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, three firearms and $1300 in suspected drug proceeds. Jade Willette was taken to the Penobscot County Jail. Members of the Bangor Police Department, USDEA, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs assisted in the investigation.
MaineCF Distributes Nearly $5M to Victims and Families of Lewiston Shooting
(Ellsworth) The Maine Community Foundation has distributed nearly $5M to 162 individual beneficiaries directly impacted by the October 25th mass shootings in Lewiston. The monies from the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund were gifted to eligible beneficiaries, including direct heirs of murder victims and those injured at a Bar-and-Grille and Bowling Alley where the shootings took place. Throughout the application process, applicants were supported by victim advocates. Maine CF President Deborah Ellwood said the organization is humbled to have helped provide a way for people around the world to contribute to the community’s road to recovery.
(Ellsworth) Victims of the horror of the October 25th mass shooting in Lewiston have received some solace from the Maine Community Foundation. MaineCF has distributed nearly $5M to 162 individual beneficiaries directly impacted by the tragedy. An application process included validation from law enforcement and medical providers, who confirmed victims were at the scene of the shooting and/or injured as a result. Applicants were supported throughout the application process by victim advocates. The monies were part of the Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund that saw contributions pour in from around the world.
HCEMA Seeking Office Space for FEMA
(Ellsworth) The Hancock County Emergency Management Agency is looking for office space to use for about 4-6 weeks. The space is needed in support of FEMA establishing a Disaster Recovery Center for Hancock County in the Ellsworth area in order to assist eligible people and businesses with recovery from the January 10th and 13th storms. FEMA will need about 2500 feet of ADA compliant space, with hours that will include evenings and weekends. If you own, operate, or manage a suitable space that includes adequate parking, please reach out to the contact posted on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Ellsworth) FEMA is coming to Ellsworth, and they’re in need of office space for about 4-6 weeks. Agency members will assist individuals and businesses in Hancock County with disaster recovery from the January 10th and 13th storms. Space for the Disaster Recovery Center needs to be about 2500 square feet of ADA compliant space, be able to be used hours that include evenings and weekends, and have adequate parking. If you own, operate, or manage a suitable space, please reach out to the contact posted on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Economy
Heart of Ellsworth Sponsors “So You Want to Own A Business”
(Ellsworth) Many people have dreamed of owning their own business, but most put the thought aside, not knowing where to begin. If that’s the case with you, Heart of Ellsworth has just the opportunity! On March 27th, HOA members and the owners of Union River Book and Toy will discuss why buying an existing business could be a smart approach. Other “So You Want to Own A Business” presenters include Janna Richards, the Economic Development Director for the City of Ellsworth. You’re invited to listen, learn, and mingle with those who’ve made the leap – that’s Wednesday, March 27th, at 5:30 pm at 100 Main Street in Ellsworth.
(Ellsworth) Likely many of us have, at one time or another, likely thought about owning our own business. If that’s still on your radar, Heart of Ellsworth has an event next week you won’t want to miss. “So You Want to Own a Business” will feature members of HOA, Molly Dilena, who acquired Union River Book & Toy, Martha Bentley, the founder of Proprietor App, and Ellsworth Economic Development Director Janna Richards. Come listen, learn, and mingle – who knows, you could be the next Ellsworth business owner. That’s Wednesday, March 27th, at 5:30 pm at 100 Main Street in Ellsworth.
The Sweet Spot Plans to Open Candy Store in Downtown Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) How could The Sweet Spot in downtown Ellsworth get any sweeter? Perhaps by opening a candy store! The pastry, coffee, and smoothie shop announced on FB their projected opening date is June 1st. The candy store will be located right next door to The Sweet Spot – the delicious eatery in downtown Ellsworth with the cheery pink door.
(Ellsworth) Supreme croissants, pastries, a huge drink menu, including lotus energy and smoothies – could The Sweet Spot in downtown Ellsworth get any sweeter? Apparently so! The delightful eatery with the bright pink door just announced on FB they’ll be opening a candy store, right next to their current location at 61 Main Street. Target opening date is June 1st.
Education
Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Scholarships
(Bar Harbor) If you’re a high school senior who attends a technical career program and are planning to attend a college or technical school next year, you may be eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Application deadline is May 1st. Apply at bar harbor dot bank forward slash scholarship.
(Bar Harbor) Many students are choosing career paths through technical training while in high school. If that describes you and you’re a high school senior planning to attend a college or technical school next year, you might want to apply for a scholarship from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Income eligible students can apply for the $1,000 scholarships through May 1st at bar harbor dot bank forward slash scholarship.
Infrastructure
Maine Trails Face Millions in Storm Damage
(Maine) Maine’s trails are facing a $5.2M storm damage crisis. That’s the word from The Maine Trails Coalition, which revealed recent storms wreaked havoc on trails statewide. From major washouts to toppled trees, estimates for repair are expected to climb. Trail managers say it’s important to implement sustainable solutions for long-term resilience. MTC is asking trail users and others to advocate for LD 1156 – the Maine Trails Bond, join the Outdoor Recreation Economy roadmap, and support local trails organizations. Learn more at maine trails coalition dot org.
(Maine) If you’ve traversed any of Maine’s trails recently, you know they were hard hit by recent storms. Paths are sometimes washed out, and trails are thick with blowdowns. The Maine Trails Coalition says the state’s trail system is facing a $5.2M storm crisis; and that figure is expected to grow. Whether you ski, snowmobile, hike, or fat bike our state’s trails, MTC is asking trail users to help by advocating for LD 1156, a bond fund to help develop and maintain trails, joining the Outdoor Recreation Economy roadmap, and supporting local trails organizations. Learn more at maine trails coalition dot org.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Maine Maple Sunday at Church’s Sugar Shack
(Columbia Falls) Neither rain, nor snow, nor any kind of weather can hold back the sweetest weekend of the year! It’s Maine Maple Sunday weekend, the real rite of passage into spring here in Maine. Andrea Joyce of Church’s Sugar Shack in Columbia Falls tells Star 97.7 some of the fun events they have planned this weekend. (((Maple 1 “…or we also will have maple beans available for a sample. :21))) Bring the kids and learn how it all works – from tapping the trees, to watching the sap boil, to heading home with maple whoopie pies, maple cotton candy, or maybe even a maple cheese ball. Church’s Sugar Shack is located at 5 Look Lane in Columbia Falls – look for the big bottle of maple syrup! Wear your boots – they’ll be open no matter what the weather!
(Columbia Falls) The unusually warm winter has some concerned about the running of the sap and the making of all things maple this year. Star 97.7 asked Lewis Church of Church’s Sugar Shack in Columbia Falls if the mild winter has affected the tree tapping this year. (((Maple 2 “…maybe even almost a record season.” :13))). Don’t let a little weather keep you away – Church’s will be open 9 to 4 this Saturday and Sunday, no matter the forecast. Wear your boots and see how the trees are tapped, visit the sugar shack where you and the kids will see Lewis boiling it down, then visit Andrea in the big white tent and take home a maple cheese ball, maple jellies and jams, even a maple face scrub! Look for the big bottle of maple syrup at 5 Look Lane in Columbia Falls.
(Columbia Falls) It doesn’t matter if there’s rain, snow, or mud – Maine Maple Sunday Weekend marks the rite of passage into Spring here in Maine. The state boasts the third largest syrup industry in the country, with about 1.89 million taps! Star 97.7 asked Lewis Church of Church’s Sugar Shack to tell us a bit about the process of making that rich, sweet pancake and waffle topping. (((Maple 3 “…not quite three quarters of a gallon of syrup an hour.” :18))) Church’s taps about 800 trees a year! Wear your boots – Church’s will be open for you to purchase this year’s supply of all things maple, rain or shine, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 4 at 5 Look Lane in Columbia Falls. You’ll find Lewis in the sugar shack, and Andrea selling a delicious variety of maple sweets, nuts, cheeses and more in the big white tent.
(Columbia Falls) Get ready for your mouth to water! This Saturday and Sunday is Maine Maple Sunday weekend! We’ll be visiting our favorite sugar shack – Church’s at 5 Look Lane in Columbia Falls. Andrea Joyce tells Star 97.7, come prepared for a truly sweet experience. (((Maple 4 “…and also we have a maple facial scrub as well.” :21))) Wear your boots and bring the kids for the whole experience. Church’s will be open 9 to 4 both Saturday and Sunday, no matter the weather. Look for the big bottle of maple syrup and come prepared for the sweetest experience in Maine!
Sports
The Red Sox take on the Orioles this evening as Spring Training continues.
The #1 Celtics beat the #2 Bucks yesterday 122-119. Celtics in Detroit Friday to shoot hoops with the Pistons.
Bruins on the home ice tonight to skate against the NY Rangers.