Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine to Add Public Defenders Offices
(Augusta) Maine is poised to add two new public defender offices under a bill passed by the legislature and signed last week by Governor Mills. Before 2023, Maine was the only state in the nation to rely entirely on private attorneys to represent defendants who could not afford an attorney. But the Bangor Daily News reports the number of lawyers willing to step into that role had plummeted in recent years, resulting in criminal defendants sometimes languishing in jails. A public defenders’ office was previously opened in Augusta. Last week’s legislation will create two new offices to serve Aroostook, Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties.
(Augusta) Until last year, Maine was the only state in the nation without a public defenders’ office. The state relied solely on private attorneys to represent the indigent; but the number of attorneys willing to do that had dwindled, leaving many criminal defendants languishing in jails. The state’s first public defenders’ office was opened in December last year in Augusta. Legislation signed last week will allow for the creation of two more offices that will serve Aroostook, Penobscot, and Piscataquis Counties.
Long Creek Superintendent Steps Down
(Augusta) The Superintendent of the Long Creek Youth Development Center is stepping down after a little over two years on the job. Lynne Allen cited personal reasons for the move, which was announced Friday. Deputy Superintendent Ryan Anderson was appointed to step into the role, effectively immediately, while the Department of Corrections looks for a permanent replacement.
Brewer Police Chief Placed on Leave After Fatal Shooting
(Brewer) Brewer Police Chief Jason Moffitt has been placed on administrative leave, following a Friday incident in which a suspect was shot and killed. Brewer police say they responded to a call about a robbery at the local WalMart shortly before 11 a.m. Store staff reportedly attempted to stop the suspect, who then allegedly brandished a firearm and fled into nearby woods. Chief Moffitt located the suspect and issued commands, which they say the suspect failed to follow and who then appeared to be reaching for a weapon. The man was then shot and killed. Per protocol, Chief Moffitt will remain on leave pending an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.
(Brewer) A man who allegedly tried to rob the Brewer WalMart Friday morning was shot and killed by police after he reportedly refused to follow commands and then appeared to be reaching for a weapon. Authorities say store staff tried to retain the suspect, who they say then brandished a firearm and fled into nearby woods. The suspect, who has not been identified, was located by Brewer Police Chief Jason Moffitt. Moffitt reportedly fired at the man after he refused commands and then appeared to be reaching for a weapon, killing the suspect. Per protocol, Chief Moffitt was placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.
Missing Woman Found Deceased in Gouldsboro
(Gouldsboro) The body of a Massachusetts woman who was staying with her sister in Gouldsboro was found Friday in a wooded area just a half mile from where she was last seen. A Silver Alert had been issued late Wednesday for 61 yo Lori Ann Read who reportedly suffered from mental health issues. Read’s body was found about 2:30 Friday afternoon after an extensive air and ground search. Her body was taken to the office of the state medical examiner where an autopsy was to be performed.
Local Law Enforcement Thwarts Fraud Scheme
(Surry) Local law enforcement officers worked with federal officials to thwart a sophisticated fraud scheme in Surry. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, two suspects allegedly hacked into a computer system and claimed to have accidentally refunded the victims $30K. The victims had withdrawn funds from their bank when law enforcement intervened, leading to the arrest of 36 yo Kozaa Burns and 38 yo Latterion Taylor of Texas. Authorities say the case underscores the need for vigilance when dealing with unsolicited communications and they urge the public to report any suspicious activities.
(Surry) Some Surry residents came close to losing $30,000 in a sophisticated fraud scheme that was stopped by local and federal authorities. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, two suspects allegedly hacked into a computer system and claimed to have accidentally refunded the victims $30K. The victims had withdrawn funds from their bank when law enforcement intervened, leading to the arrest of 36 yo Kozaa Burns and 38 yo Latterion Taylor of Texas. Authorities say the case underscores the need for vigilance when dealing with unsolicited communications and they urge the public to report any suspicious activities.
Spring Storm Leaves Many “Powerless”
(Maine) A surprise spring storm left many across the state “powerless” – literally. Roads were impassable at times, with snow and freezing rain coating roadways and trees with ice and slush. In Downeast Maine and the Bangor area, snow changed to heavy rain overnight, causing flooding, then temperatures dropped as much as 20 degrees in three hours just before daybreak. Versant reported about 16,000 customers without power Sunday morning in Hancock County alone, and repair crews were slowed by the dangerous conditions. Across York and Cumberland Counties, Central Maine Power reported more than 200,000 customers in the dark at the peak of outages. More than 200 accidents were attributed to the storm.
(Maine) The first week of spring brought anything but springlike weather, as snow, sleet, and heavy rains caused thousands of power outages, flooding, trees and wires downed, and hundreds of accidents on roadways. Meanwhile, northern Maine received the heaviest of the winter white stuff, but was no doubt happiest with the late season snowfall. The New England Outdoor Center near Millinocket reported close to two feet of snow fell on top of the 10 inches that had fallen earlier in the week, allowing for snowmobile trails to be reopened to the delight of recreation enthusiasts who had suffered through a lackluster winter. About 16,000 Versant customers, mostly in Hancock County, lost power overnight Saturday. Meanwhile, in York and Cumberland Counties, more than 200,000 CMP customers were left in the dark at the peak of outages.
(Maine) Maine Maple Sunday weekend was slightly less sweet due to an early spring storm that brought snow, icy roadways, flooding and power outages across the state. Sugar Shacks were still open for a tasty reprieve from the havoc, sending visitors home with all things deliciously maple. While the storm remains a headache for thousands still without power, particularly in southern Maine, our neighbors to the north were thrilled to see the heaviest snow of the season, leading to the reopening of many snowmobile and ski trails. Maine Huts and Trails near Kingfield reported two feet of snow on top of 10 inches that had fallen earlier in the week.
Economy
Heart of Ellsworth Hosts Historic Preservation Workshops
(Ellsworth) The architecture of downtown Ellsworth is a study in the community’s history. Beginning this week, Heart of Ellsworth is hosting a series of workshops on historic preservation. HOE Program Coordinator Zabet NeuCollins tells Star 97.7 participants will learn how preserving the PAST can play a powerful role in shaping our community’s FUTURE. (((HOEl HP 1 “…will only encourage fixing the old to make it new again.” :23))) The first in the series of workshops is this Thursday from 5:30 to 7 at the Ellsworth Public Library. There’s no charge to attend. Come learn how you can support the buildings and places that make Ellsworth a special city to live, work, and visit.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Hall, the Ellsworth Public Library, the Grand Theatre, the Black House and Birdsacre – a walk or drive through Ellsworth is a walk through the community’s history. Zabet NeuCollins, Program Coordinator with Heart of Ellsworth, tells Star 97.7, preserving our history is vital not only to the city’s heritage, but also to its economy. (((HOEl HP 2 “…how vital they are to those local communities”. :19))) Heart of Ellsworth is hosting a series workshops for citizens to learn about historic preservation – beginning this Thursday, March 28th, from 5:30 to 7 at the Ellsworth Public Library. There’s no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome.
(Ellsworth) You know it’s going to be a great event when sponsors, grant funding, and local organizations throw their support behind it. Heart of Ellsworth this week begins a series of free workshops on the importance of historic preservation. Program Coordinator Zabet NeuCollins tells Star 97.7, there’s a wealth of community support helping to pull the workshops together. (((HOEl HP 3 “…and Design Group Collaborative.” :21))) The first in the series of workshops led by the engaging and informative Brad Miller is this Thursday, from 5:30 to 7 at the Ellsworth Public Library, and again, there’s no charge to attend.
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth Program Coordinator Zabet NeuCollins says when you walk past, into, and through the City’s many historic buildings, you’re truly walking in the footsteps of our community’s history – a history it’s critical to preserve. This week, the non-profit begins a series of workshops on historic preservation, led by an engaging and informative speaker. (((HOEl HP 4 “…and we’re really excited to have him.” 20))). The first of the three-part workshop is this Thursday, March 28th, from 5:30 to 7 at the Ellsworth Public Library. It’s free, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Education
UMaine Graduate System Workers Plan Rally for Fair Contract
(Orono) University of Maine Graduate Workers say it’s been more than four months since they began negotiations for what they’re calling a fair contract – with the university administration still not agreeing to requested contract provisions. Workers say requests include addressing ongoing issues around low and inconsistent pay, substandard health benefits, protection for international grad student workers, and the need for a voice at work. Union members are planning a rally Tuesday, March 26th, at 1:30 p.m. at the MLK Plaza on the UMaine Orono campus. The Maine Graduate Workers Union/UAW was formed seven months ago. They say workers will be joined at the rally by state legislators, community leaders, and other supporters.
(Orono) The Maine Graduate Workers Union/UAW was formed seven months ago; and for the past four months, members say they’ve been negotiating with UMaine administrators for what they’re calling a fair contract. Union members say requests include addressing ongoing issues around low and inconsistent pay, substandard health benefits, protection for international grad student workers, and the need for a voice at work. Union members are planning a rally Tuesday, March 26th, at 1:30 p.m. at the MLK Plaza on the UMaine Orono campus. They say workers will be joined at the rally by state legislators, community leaders, and other supporters.
Health
Life Expectancy in U.S. Increases
(Politico) U.S. life expectancy increased for the first time in two years, according to a new report released last week by the CDC. The report marks a notable reversal: People born in the U.S. in 2022 can expect to live 77.5 years, an increase from 76.4 in 2021. Life expectancy had dropped in 2020 and 2021, which experts have said was driven by Covid-19 deaths and drug overdoses. Politico reports the 2021 life expectancy report marked the lowest U.S. life expectancy since 1996.
Signs of Hope in U.S. Drug Overdose Crisis
(STAT) The U.S. recorded just under 108,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, according to a new federal report — a total that marks an all-time record, but also shows signs the country’s overdose rate may finally be levelling off after years of steady increase. STAT reports the 2022 total marks only a slight increase from the drug death toll of the year before, according to the CDC. Experts say it’s a spark of hope in the bleak US drug crisis which has seen overdose rates rise the past two decades, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Obituary
Linda Bean, LL Bean’s Granddaughter, Dies
(Maine) The granddaughter of LL Bean who was heir to the outdoor retail giant, passed away Saturday. Linda Bean not only was an integral part of LL Bean, she also owned a lobster business and several fishing wharves, sold lobster rolls at multiple restaurants she owned, and ran a cottage rental business. Bean ran for Congress in Maine twice, in 1988 and again in 1992. Linda Bean was 82.
Sports
Boston will try to keep its six-game road win streak intact when the Celtics play Atlanta tonight, Boston is the Eastern Conference leader, with Atlanta in the 10th spot.
Lots of excitement surrounding the UMaine Black Bear, as the men’s hockey team goes into the first round of NCAA Tournament play Thursday in Massachusetts. Black Bears facing off against Cornell.
Bruins have the night off. They’ll be in Florida Tuesday to skate against the Panthers.
The Red Sox run the bases against the Rangers tonight and Tuesday as Spring Training wraps up down in Florida.