Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Statue Unveiled for Wildfire Prevention Awareness Week
(Hampden) It’s hard to believe there would be any fire danger, with all the rain we’ve had recently, but this is Wildfire Prevention Awareness Week, and Maine Forest Rangers say 65% of the state’s wildfires ignite in the spring. In honor of the cause, a six foot statue was unveiled this week at the Hampden North Visitor Center off I-95. The statue is, of course, a ranger-hat-wearing bear that goes by the name of Smokey, who tells Star 97.7, Maine is the country’s most forested state, boasting 17.5M acres of forest land. He says that’s a lot to burn, and asks us to remind listeners, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”
(Hampden) Smokey the Bear has been warning, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” for more than eight decades. This week, he got his own statue at the Hampden North Visitor Center off I-95. It’s fitting that Smokey’s statue was unveiled this week, because it’s Wildfire Prevention Awareness Week. Maine Forest Rangers say Maine is the most forested state, with 17.5M acres of forest land. And in spite of typically wet spring weather, experts say 65% of the state’s wildfires ignite in the spring.
BMV/EMCC Host Free Catalytic Converter Etching Event
(Bangor) Forget diamonds, jewels, and hard cold cash. Some of the hottest items for thieves are catalytic converters. To help discourage thefts, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Enforcement Division and Eastern Maine Community College are hosting a free catalytic converter etching opportunity. Owners can register for a specific time slot for the Tuesday, April 23rd event by emailing investigations dot b m v at maine dot gov. The event runs 8 until Noon Tuesday at EMCC on Hogan Road in Bangor. EMCC students from the Criminal Justice and Automotive Technology Programs will be on hand to assist with the marking of the converters.
(Bangor) Following increased reports of catalytic converter thefts around the state, a 2022 law created engraving and marking requirements for catalytic converters at risk of being stolen from vehicles. The thieves then sell the parts to recyclers at a sometimes hefty profit. To help deter such thefts, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Enforcement Division and Eastern Maine Community College are hosting a free catalytic converter etching event. Owners can register for a specific time slot on Tuesday, April 23rd by emailing investigations dot b m v at maine dot gov. The event runs 8 until Noon Tuesday at EMCC on Hogan Road in Bangor. EMCC students from the Criminal Justice and Automotive Technology Programs will be on hand to assist with the marking of the converters.
Local Politics
Governor Mills Will Veto Storm Relief Bill After Last Minute Additions
(Augusta) An update on a story we brought you yesterday. Governor Janet Mills says she will veto a storm relief bill designed to help those affected by the January storms because of last minute changes that add more than a hundred million dollars. The Governor said the additions are unrelated to storm damage and would cost those struggling to rebuild, such as fishermen, seafood dealers and coastal towns. Mills said she will sign the revised supplemental budget approved by the Appropriations Committee earlier this week and that addresses such issues as increasing pay for ed techs, support for state employees, and tax relief.
(Augusta) A storm relief bill is headed for disaster itself after legislators made last minute changes that added more than a hundred million dollars. Governor Janet Mills yesterday said she would veto the bill because the extra monies are not related to recovery and would cost fishermen, seafood dealers, coastal towns, and others struggling to rebuild after the January storms. Mills said she will sign the revised supplemental budget approved by the Appropriations Committee earlier this week and that addresses such issues as increasing pay for ed techs, support for state employees, and tax relief.
Ellsworth City Council Approves School Budget
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth City Council this week approved the school budget that includes an 8.87 percent increase. Those monies will mean an increase for taxpayers. But Council members said students have been neglected in the past and the increase is just a matter of catching up and giving students what they deserve. The total school budget, including state funding and other revenue is just over $30M, an 11 and a half percent increase over last year. Residents will vote on the budget on June 11th.
(Ellsworth) When Ellsworth residents go to the polls June 11th, they’ll be voting on a school budget that includes an 8.87 percent increase over last year. The budget was approved Monday night by City Council members and will mean an increase for taxpayers. Council members contend students’ needs have been neglected in the past and that the increase is just a matter of catching up and giving students what they deserve. The total school budget, including state funding and other revenue is just over $30M, an 11 and a half percent increase over last year.
Economy
Branch Pond Marine Closing After 50 Years
(Ellsworth) Branch Pond Marine on High Street in Ellsworth is closing after more than five decades in business. The Ellsworth American reports rumors surrounding the business, which unofficially closed after Christmas, have caused no small controversy. The facility still houses boats in storage, and concerns arose when vessel owners sought to reach Branch Pond Marine but calls were sent to voicemail. Branch Pond owner Patrick Jude said he has been working through each voicemail and responding. He said the concern was unfounded and that he expected boat owners to email him when they wanted to pick up their boats, typically in May or June when they’re taken out of storage.
(Ellsworth) Branch Pond Marine owner Patrick Jude said stress and money are behind a decision to close the boat storage business on High Street in Ellsworth after more than 50 years. But the closure caused some whose boats were stored for the winter to sail into a tizzy. The Ellsworth American reports Jude unofficially closed after Christmas, and soon after rumors began to fly when those storing vessels were unable to reach Jude by phone or mail. Jude says he expected boat owners to email him when they wanted to pick up their boats, typically in May or June. He says he’s been working through voicemails, and that anyone wishing to contact him should do so by email.
Education
EHS Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Passes Million Dollar Milestone
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth High School Alumni Association’s Scholarship Endowment Fund has surpassed one million dollars. The fund was established in 1999 to generate income for the Alumni Association to provide scholarships to Ellsworth High School graduates and post graduates. The Association says the fund has grown through the generous contributions of alumni and the community, and is the result of diligent work by the investment committee. The group says it will be able to award $30K in scholarships in 2024.
(Ellsworth) A milestone for the Ellsworth Alumni Association. The Association’s Scholarship Endowment Fund has surpassed one million dollars. The Association credits the generous contributions of alumni and the community and the diligent work of the investment committee. The fund was established in 1999 to generate income to provide scholarships for EHS graduates and post graduates. The group says it will be able to award $30K in scholarships in 2024.
Infrastructure
Cadillac Summit Road Now Open
(ANP) Good news, the Cadillac Summit Road is now open for vehicles. Public Affairs Officer Amanda Pollock tells Star 97.7, the Summit Road wasn’t scheduled to open Monday due to icy conditions; but the span of nice weather prompted a nice change of plans. The reservation system doesn’t begin until May 22nd, but officials do expect a temporary road closure again sometime in May for paving. We’ll keep you updated.
(ANP) This string of nice weather surprised Acadia National Park officials by erasing the icy conditions on the Cadillac Summit Road that originally forced the road to remain closed during the weekend. Public Affairs Officer Amanda Pollock tells Star 97.7, the park was able to open the summit road to vehicle traffic Monday afternoon. No reservations for accessing the summit by car are required until May 22nd; however the road will be closed again for a few days sometime in May for paving. We’ll keep you posted.
Technology
Searsport Wind Project Remains Controversial, But Draws Support
(Searsport) Supporters of offshore wind in Searsport this week delivered a petition to the Select Board. The petition was signed by more than 100 residents voicing their support for wind power, although some did urge the Board to not build on Sears Island but on Mack Point instead. WABI-TV reports those in support of the project cited an influx of jobs, a reduction of pollution, and improvement to the area’s economy and climate benefits.
(Searsport) The proposed creation of an offshore wind project in Searsport has certainly fanned controversy. But WABI-TV reports at this week’s Select Board meeting, supporters delivered a petition signed by more than 100 residents who said the project would benefit the area in multiple ways, citing an influx of jobs, reduced pollution, and improvement to the area’s economy and climate benefits. Some of those voicing support for the project did plead with project overseers to build on Mack Point rather than the planned location on Sears Island.
Maine’s Single Area Code Extended Another Year
(Hallowell) Good news for fans of Maine’s single area code, 207. A semi-annual review of exhaust dates by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator – yes, Virginia, there really is such an organization – shows Maine’s single area code has gained another year before its predicted exhaust date. The Maine Public Utilities Commission reports that while Maine uses only about 38% of telephone numbering, the 207 Area Code has been in danger of exhaustion because of the distribution practices of some providers that tie up large blocks of unused numbers. The Commission says it continues to work on the issue.
(Hallowell) Maine’s singular area code – 207 – will remain king of connections for another year. The Maine Public Utilities Commission reports a semi-annual review of exhaust dates shows its once tenuous position as sole area code for the state has gained time because of the work of the Commission regarding distribution practices by some providers. They say phone companies sometimes tie up large blocks of unused numbers for future use, but the practice is being slowly reversed. MPUC says Maine uses only about 38% of 207 area code telephone numbering.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA of Hancock County Temporarily Closed
(Trenton) The SPCA of Hancock County says it needs to temporarily close visitation in order to save more lives and maintain their long term mission. While the rescue said they were originally trying visitation by appointment only, they find they need all hands on deck for a bit for training and animal care. If you need to get in touch, they’re still available by phone, and you can still fill out an online application for any of their adoptable furry ones. They say they’re also working on a secure donations bin and that they currently have plenty of blankets and towels. The SPCA staff say they’re most grateful for the community’s understanding while they hire and train more staff, reorganize, and – of course – make caring for the animals a priority.
(Trenton) The SPCA of Hancock County is asking the community’s understanding, as they are temporarily closed for visitations. The rescue is in the process of hiring and training new staff, cleaning out and reorganizing, and – of course – caring for the furry little ones in their care. They say they tried being open by appointment only; but for now, they need all hands on deck. They are still available by phone and you can still adopt by filling out an online application. SPCA staff say they’re also working on a secure donations bin and that they currently have plenty of blankets and towels, but can always use cat food and cleaning supplies.
Lamoine School SkillsUSA Donates to Comfort Cases
(Lamoine) Shampoo, and PJ’s, and books … oh, my! A big thank you to the grades 5-8 SkillsUSA kiddos at the Lamoine Consolidated School. Along with Advisor, Miranda Engstrom, the students collected, sorted, and organized a huge collection of donations and backpacks, filling them with items to be passed along to children transitioning to foster care through Comfort Cases. Engstrom tells Star 97.7, the kids were pumped that they were able to make such a difference and that she was certainly inspired in helping them complete their mission. Engstrom also noted the generous outpouring of support from the Lamoine community.
(Lamoine) The SkillsUSA fifth through eighth graders know all about backpacks. Theirs are usually filled with books and school supplies. But the 50 or so students at Lamoine Consolidated School recently put together a different kind of backpacks … for Comfort Cases – a program that helps children transitioning to foster care. The backpacks all have brand new pjs, travel size toiletries, a book, a new stuffed toy, and other items to make those sometimes scary first nights in a foster home a little more comforting. Advisor Miranda Engstrom tells Star 97.7, the Lamoine community stepped up, as well, generously donating to the project.
Sports
The Red Sox and the Guardians have one more game today at Fenway.
Ellsworth wins its baseball season opener against Bucksport. The Eagles only scored two runs at the top of the seventh, but that was all that was needed to slide past the Golden Bucks 2-1.
Former Black Bear Tyler Walsh will be the new head men’s hockey coach at Division III Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter, MN. He’ll be just the school’s fourth coach in the past 60 years.
The familiar voice of Bruins play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards will be wrapping it up after the playoffs. Edwards began broadcasting with the Bruins in 2005 after more than a decade with ESPN, and said it was his dream job. The 67 yo has struggled with slow speech in recent months, for which he has undergone therapy.
UMaine men’s basketball will play Cooper Flagg and Duke this Fall – that game set for Nov 4th.