Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Clinton Fatal Crash
(Clinton) A fatal crash Monday in Clinton. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, a Ford Fusion was northbound in the passing lane on I-95, passing a Ford Escape and then quickly changed lanes in front of the Escape, causing a collision. The collision forced the driver of the Fusion, the car that was passing, to lose control, go off the road, and hit a tree. That driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Escape was not injured. Names are being withheld pending notification of kin.
(Clinton) An attempt at passing another vehicle on I-95 in Clinton Monday proved deadly for the driver of a Ford Fusion. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, shortly before 6 p.m., the driver of the Fusion was attempting to pass a Ford Escape, but then changed lanes in front of the Escape, causing a collision. The driver of the Fusion then veered off the road and hit a tree. That driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Escape was not injured. Names are being withheld pending notification of kin.
Bowdoin College Student’s Death Ruled a Suicide
(Topsham) The medical examiner’s office has ruled the death of a 20 yo Bowdoin College student, whose body was found Sunday morning in Topsham a suicide. Authorities say anyone in crisis or who knows someone in crisis can call the suicide hotline at 9-8-8.
(Topsham) The 20 yo Bowdoin College student whose body was found Sunday near the Frank J. Woods bridge died by suicide. That’s the ruling by the chief medical examiner in the death of Qingyang Zhan. Those in crisis can find help by calling the suicide hotline – just dial 9-8-8.
Bangor Police Investigate Shooting
(Bangor) Bangor police are investigating a shooting they say took place early Tuesday morning on Highland Avenue. Bangor Police sent a press release saying officers were called to a residence about 4:30 a.m. on report of an altercation. When they arrived, they say they found a man with a gunshot wound. That victim was transported to an area hospital. Police say the situation is developing and they expected to be on the scene until late yesterday.
(Bangor) An early morning shooting yesterday had Bangor police responding to a residence on Highland Avenue. The Bangor Police Department issued a press release saying they were called to the residence about 4:30 Tuesday morning after an altercation was reported. When they arrived, they say they found a person with a gunshot wound. That person was transported to a local hospital. Bangor police say the situation is developing and they expected to be on the scene until late yesterday.
Versant Power Prepares for Storm
(Bangor) Versant Power says it’s been preparing for our upcoming storm, expected to bring heavy snow and high winds beginning late tonight. Gusts up to 50 mph are predicted throughout Versant’s service territory, with the strongest winds expected along the coast. Storm Manager Warren Morgan tells Star 97.7, they have additional internal and external line and tree crews ready to respond. Versant offers these preparedness tips – make sure you have a supply of fresh water and non-perishable food items, charge your cell phones and electronic devices. Make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries, and call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 maine dot org for a complete list of emergency shelters and other services provided.
(Bangor) Versant Power reports it has been preparing all week for the latest snow/sleet/wind/rain storm and likely power outages as a result. Storm Manager Warren Morgan tells Star 97.7, they have additional internal and external line and tree crews at the ready. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are predicted, especially along the coast; and heavy, wet snow is likely to topple trees and power lines. Versant offers these preparedness tips – make sure you have a supply of fresh water and non-perishable food items, charge your cell phones and electronic devices. Make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries, and call 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 maine dot org for a complete list of emergency shelters and other services provided.
Local Politics
Popular Vote Compact One Step Closer in Maine
(Augusta) The vote was a close one, but the House Tuesday cast a deciding vote for Maine to do away with the Electoral College and join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The 73-72 vote means the bill will now need to pass the Senate, which has previously given it wide support. The measure would then go to Governor Janet Mills, who thus far has not given her opinion on the issue. The popular vote measure would take effect only if states accounting for at least 270 electors adopt it.
(Augusta) By a one vote margin Tuesday, the Maine House cast a vote for Maine to reject the Electoral College in favor of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The 73-72 vote means the bill will now need to pass the Senate, which has previously given it wide support. The measure would then go to Governor Janet Mills, who thus far has not given her opinion on the issue. The compact needs 65 more votes in order for it to take effect. Sixteen states and Washington, DC have adopted the measure.
Education
Jonesport-Beals HS-101 Class Selected for Washington County Youth Leadership Challenge
(Jonesport) Students in the High School 101 Class at Jonesport Beals are already visionaries and go-getters. They’ve been selected as one of the pioneering groups for the Washington County Youth Leadership Challenge. The class has set out to build up the Moosabec community through a fantastic project that includes renovating the town-owned tennis and basketball courts, transforming them into vibrant spaces for all to enjoy. The Select Board and Economic Development Committee have thrown their support behind the students, some of whom have crafted a comprehensive survey for community input on the project and funding. If you live or work in the area, you’re asked to kindly respond at the link you’ll find with this article on our Star 97.7 News Page. https://forms.gle/oPeDtcp3sRSqStqS6
(Jonesport) Never underestimate the power of a group of motivated young people. The Jonesport Beals High School 101 Class has been selected as one of the pioneering groups for the Washington County Youth Leadership Challenge. The class plans to build up the Moosabec community by renovating the town-owned tennis and basketball courts, transforming them into usable and vibrant spaces for all to enjoy. The Jonesport Select Board and the Economic Development Committee have thrown their enthusiastic support behind the group, and now the young people need community input on the project and on funding through a survey they’ve put together. If you live or work in the area, they’d love for you to respond at the link you’ll find with this article on our Star 97.7 News Page. https://forms.gle/oPeDtcp3sRSqStqS6
Versant Power Astronomy Center April Offerings
(Orono) It’s a bit of a split schedule for programming at the Versant Power Astronomy Center this month. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7 why much of their regular programming is “eclipsed” this weekend. (((PlanetApr 1 “…since the eclipse is on April 8th.” :18))) By the way, the planetarium will be closed next Monday and Tuesday, because the team will be up in Jackman documenting the event. Laatsch says anyone is welcome to join them in Jackman if you want to make the drive.
(Orono) All eyes are on the path of Monday’s total solar eclipse. The Versant Power Planetarium team will be in Jackman documenting the event, so the astronomy center and planetarium will be closed. But Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, if you’re staying in this area, there will be places to go. (((PlanetApr 2 “…is welcome to join us there, if they’d like to travel.” :20))) After this weekend, regular programming resumes at the Planetarium, including 2 o’clock shows every day during April break. Check out astro dot u maine dot e d u for all their amazing offerings.
(Orono) This weekend is the second weekend of special eclipse programming at the Versant Power Planetarium on the UMaine Orono campus. But Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, the following three weekends, the Planetarium will be back to some regular stellar programming for all ages. (((Planet Apr 3 “…on April 14, 21, and 28.” :17))) For tickets and a schedule of all the Planetarium has to offer during April, visit astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) Special eclipse programming again this weekend at the Versant Power Planetarium, then programming on asteroids, the seasons, April break week offerings … and, Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, a very special music program this month. (((PlanetApr 4 “… so we look forward to sharing that with people.” :20))) Laatsch said ticket sales have been so brisk already, they anticipate adding additional shows. Don’t wait to get YOUR tickets at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Environment
Woodlawn Trails Closed
(Ellsworth) The wet weather has caused a bit of a messy situation on the trails at Woodlawn, so the trails are currently closed in order to protect them from further damage. The paths around the two fields are open, as are the rest of the grounds, but you’re asked to avoid the very muddy others until they dry out and the staff at Woodlawn can safely reopen them.
(Ellsworth) Mud! That’s the word on the trails at Woodlawn, so the trails are temporarily closed in order to protect them from further damage. The paths around the two fields are open, as are the rest of the grounds, but you’re asked to avoid the others until they dry out and the staff at Woodlawn can safely reopen them.
First EV Chargers Funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Open in Rockland
(Rockland) Some of the nation’s first EV charging stations funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are now open along US Route 1 in Rockland. The five high speed public chargers are located at Hannaford Supermarket. The NEVI program was established by the Biden Administration and provides states with funding to strengthen and improve the reliability of the nation’s electric vehicle charging network. Maine is the fifth state to open NEVI-funded chargers.
(Rockland) As of this week, Maine is the fifth state to open NEVI-funded high speed public chargers for those who drive electric vehicles. Five chargers have been installed at the Hannaford Supermarket on US Route 1 in Rockland and are the first in the state to be funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law by President Biden. The NEVI program provides states with funding to strengthen and improve the reliability of the nation’s electric vehicle charging network.
Infrastructure
Island Nursing Home Moves Ahead with Plans for Senior Apartment Housing
(Deer Isle) The Board of the Island Nursing Home on Deer Isle is moving forward with plans to develop the property into apartments for seniors. At its meeting last month, the Board signed an agreement with L&B Developers of Portland to create a document outlining the potential cost of renovating the facility, operating expenses, revenue streams once complete, and possible sources of funding. Of the $231,000 collected to reopen INH as a residential care facility, donors agreed the Board could keep all but about $12K. The Board has also hired an architect and is working to identify contractors to offer estimates of how much renovations will cost.
(Deer Isle) When it became clear it would not be viable to turn the former Island Nursing Home on Deer Isle into a residential care facility, the Board began looking at the option of renovating the building as Senior Apartment Housing. The Board says they’ve signed an agreement with L&B Developers of Portland to create a document outlining the potential cost of renovating the facility, operating expenses, revenue streams once complete, and possible sources of funding. Of the $231,000 collected to reopen INH as a residential care facility, donors agreed the Board could keep all but about $12K. The Board has also hired an architect and is working to identify contractors to offer estimates of how much renovations will cost.
Sports
Boston with another win against the A’s last night – they beat Oakland 5-4. Red Sox wrap up their series against the A’s this afternoon. (3:37 game time). Red Sox in LA Friday to take on the Angels.
Celtics back home tonight to hit the court with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Bruins shut out the Predators yesterday in Nashville, beating them 3-zip. Bruins have the night off tonight. They’ll be in Raleigh Thursday to skate against the Carolina Hurricanes.