Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Body of Bowdoin College Student Found in Topsham Parking Lot
(Topsham) The body of a 20 yo woman was found Sunday morning in a parking lot near the Frank J. Woods Bridge in Topsham. WMTW reports the woman was a student at Bowdoin College. Authorities were dispatched to the lot around 7 a.m. Sunday after a person reported finding the body at 2 Main Street. Bowdoin College identified the student as Qingyang Zhan. They say she was born in China but has lived in the US since 2019. Zhan’s body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s office. Police say they don’t believe there’s any threat to the public.
(Topsham) Authorities continue to investigate after the body of a 20 yo Bowdoin College student was discovered Sunday in Topsham. WMTW reports police were called to a parking lot at 2 Main Street near the Frank J. Woods Bridge about 7 a.m. Sunday. Bowdoin College identified the student as Qingyang Zhan. They say she was born in China but has lived in the US since 2019. The body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s office. An investigation is ongoing, but police say they don’t believe there’s any threat to the public.
Sabattus Police Department Receives MLEAP Certification
(Auburn) It’s graduation day for the Sabattus Police Department. They’ll be presented today with the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Certification award. The honor signals the culmination of months of assessment, improvement and review of current department policies, training and facilities and signifies a commitment to current public safety practices, community interaction and positive law enforcement initiatives. Twenty law enforcement agencies throughout Maine have now completed certification, including Ellsworth, Brewer, Old Town and Farmington.
(Auburn) The Sabattus Police Department today joins 19 other agencies in Maine who have earned the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Certification award. The program is an opportunity for police agencies in Maine to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and compliance with the highest standards in law enforcement. Coordinators say it signals the culmination of months of assessing, improving, and the review of current best practices, community interaction and positive law enforcement initiatives. Ellsworth, Brewer, Old Town, and Farmington police agencies are among those who have previously earned MLEAP accreditation.
Local Politics
Ellsworth Now Has Full-time City Manager
(Ellsworth) It’s official. Ellsworth now has a full-time City Manager. Charlie Pearce was sworn in Monday by City Clerk Toni Dyer. Pearce holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and most recently worked remotely in management positions within the Massachusetts state government. Pearce had been living in Castine, and city officials say he brings a strong knowledge of the local area to the job.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth yesterday officially rolled out the welcome mat to new full time City Manager, Charlie Pearce. Pearce was sworn in Monday by City Clerk Toni Dyer, beginning his first week on the job. Pearce holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, most recently lived in Castine, and brings a strong knowledge of the local area to the job.
Abortion Rights Amendment Fails in Maine Senate on Republican Votes
(Augusta) A proposal that would have enshrined “reproductive autonomy” – or a woman’s right to choose – in the Maine Constitution failed to get the two-thirds support needed in the state Senate on Monday. The Bangor Daily News reports all Republicans withheld the votes necessary to get the item on the November ballot. Although Republicans have mobilized against the proposal, proponents point to polling showing Mainers generally support abortion rights and that a majority opposed the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs. Wade.
(Augusta) A proposal that would have enshrined a woman’s right to choose in the Maine Constitution failed to get the two-thirds support needed in the state Senate on Monday. The Bangor Daily News reports the vote came down to all Republicans withholding the votes necessary to get the item on the November ballot. The proposal faces further action in both the House and Senate, though it’s all but certain to fail in this election year. Even so, proponents point to polling showing Mainers generally support abortion rights and that a majority opposed the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe vs. Wade.
Maine Judicial Branch Schedules Meeting on Hancock County Courthouse
(Ellsworth) The azure signs of discontent line the Surry Road heading out of Ellsworth like bluebirds of unhappiness. Residents on that stretch are clearly unhappy about the idea of a courthouse in their neighborhood. The state recently closed on land at 120 Surry Road, next to Josie’s Country Store, as the site of the new Hancock County Courthouse, with construction slated to begin a year from this summer. To address concerns, the Maine Judicial Branch has scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, April 30th, at 6 p.m. at the current courthouse. Officials will be there to answer questions and provide details on plans for building the new facility.
(Ellsworth) Residents who live on the Surry Road heading out of Ellsworth are making it clear they’re pretty “blue” about the idea of a new Hancock County Courthouse going up in their neighborhood. The road is everywhere lined with blue signs expressing their opposition. The stretch of road is not entirely residential – Woodlawn with the Black House and new multipurpose barn is on the way, and the parcel purchased for the new courthouse sits next to Josie’s Country Store, a popular shopping hub and restaurant. To address concerns, the Maine Judicial Branch has scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, April 30th, at 6 p.m. at the current courthouse. Officials will be there to answer questions and provide details on plans for building the new facility.
Plaintiffs File Appeal in Cruise Ship Lawsuit
(Bar Harbor) The plaintiffs in a lawsuit centered on limits to the number of passengers that can disembark from cruise ships in Bar Harbor have filed notices of appeal to the US Court of Appeals. The appeal follows a decision that found in favor of the Town of Bar Harbor, which sought to set the limits. The Mount Desert Islander reports the initial lawsuit was filed in response to an amendment to the town’s land use ordinance approved by voters in November 2022 that set out to put limits in place to deal with overcrowding during the busy tourist season. Plaintiffs include a group of mostly business people known as The Association to Preserve and Protect Local Livelihoods, or APPLL.
(Bar Harbor) In February, a US District Judge found in favor of the Town of Bar Harbor in a lawsuit centered on the right to impose limits on the number of cruise ship passengers allowed to disembark each day. The judge set a 30 day window in which the plaintiffs could file an appeal. The Mount Desert Islander reports plaintiffs have filed notices of appeal to the US Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs are largely a group of business owners known as The Association to Preserve and Protect Local Livelihoods, or APPLL. The notices only show an intent to appeal and do not offer specific information as to the grounds for the appeal.
Bill to Support Maine Shelters Approved by Legislature
(Augusta) Legislation to increase funding for homeless shelters in Maine received unanimous approval this past week from the Maine Legislature. The bill, sponsored by Democrat Anne-Marie Mastraccio, would allocate $10M for ongoing funding for all shelters across the state and an additional $2.5M for ongoing funding to increase the nightly rate the state pays to low-barrier shelters. The bill now faces a funding decision from the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
(Augusta) In 1988, the Maine Legislature created an annual shelter-operating budget for homeless shelters. That budget figure remained the same until 2015. The Legislature then increased the $500K subsidy to $2.5M. Last year, they then approved an additional increase of $10M. Last week, Democrat Anne-Marie Mastraccio proposed a bill that would make the increase permanent. The bill also included an additional $2.5M for ongoing funding to increase the nightly rate the state pays to low-barrier shelters. It received unanimous approval this past week and now faces a funding decision from the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.
Economy
IRS Unclaimed Funds
(AP) About 940,000 people in the U.S. have unclaimed funds waiting for them through the IRS. The agency reports more than a billion dollars is waiting to be claimed by those who filed for tax year 2020. The average refund is around $932, so it may be worth looking into. But you only have until May 17th to submit tax returns for those unclaimed funds. To file, request your W2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 from your bank or employer, or you can order a free wage and income transcript using the “Get Transcript Online” tool at I R S dot gov.
(AP) Imagine having a thousand dollar refund waiting for you this year. The IRS says that’s the case with many people in the US who filed income tax returns for the year 2020. Close to a billion dollars in unclaimed funds is on the table, with the average refund at $932. But you only have until May 17th to submit returns for those unclaimed funds. To file, request your W2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 from your bank or employer, or you can order a free wage and income transcript using the “Get Transcript Online” tool at I R S dot gov.
Heart of Ellsworth Applies for Main Street America Accreditation
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth has taken a major step in its mission to enhance the vitality of the city’s downtown district. The Board of Directors will apply to be a designated Main Street America Accredited community. The recognition offers formal acknowledgement from MSA and the Maine Downtown Center, organizations that collaborate to bolster local initiatives for heritage-driven economic development. Designation opens access to a network that promotes a preservation-based approach, including support, resources, and informed decision-making across city departments. Application will be made this summer, followed by site visits from MSA and the City of Ellsworth, with a goal of attaining MSA accreditation by November 2024.
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth continues to move the city forward with steps toward preservation-based economic development. This week, the Board agreed to apply to be a designated Main Street America Accredited community. The recognition from MSA and the Maine Downtown Center will open a door to support, resources, and informed decision-making from a network that promotes a preservation-based approach, working across city departments. If successful, Ellsworth will become one of 1600 accredited communities nationwide. Heart of Ellsworth plans to formally apply this summer. That will be followed by site visits from MSA and the City of Ellsworth, with a goal of attaining accreditation this fall.
Environment
Ellsworth Public Library Offers Little Seed Library
(Ellsworth) There’s something a little “seedy” going on at the Ellsworth Public Library – the Little Seed Library is back … and it’s bigger and better than ever! The seeds are in file drawers located behind the circulation desk. Bring seeds to swap or just grab a packet or two. They even have coin envelopes if you want to just take a few seeds of something to try. Seeds were generously donated by High Mowing Organic Seeds, Fedco Seeds, the Ellsworth Garden Club, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and the wonderful community of gardeners in Ellsworth and the surrounding area.
(Ellsworth) We’d like to plant a great idea in your mind for spring and summer gardening – the Little Seed Library is back at the Ellsworth Public Library! And they tell us it’s bigger and better than ever! Bring seeds to swap or just grab a packet or two. They even have coin envelopes if you want to take a few seeds of something just to try. Seeds were generously donated by High Mowing Organic Seeds, Fedco Seeds, the Ellsworth Garden Club, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Ellsworth community members. While you’re there, check out the library’s resources for gardening and seed saving… the call number for gardening is 635!
Sports
Red Sox shut out the A’s yesterday 9-zip. Boston and Oakland on the mound again tonight.
The Celtics stung the Hornets – beating Charlotte 118-104. Celtics have tonight off – they’ll be back home at TD Garden tomorrow to shoot hoops with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Bruins in Nashville tonight to skate against the Predators.