Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Police Department Hopes t0 Equip Officers with Body Cameras
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Police Department is hoping to equip officers with body cameras. The equipment is part of the Department’s draft budget proposal presented to City Councilors last week. Captain Shawn Willey told the Ellsworth American the cameras would help enhance transparency between the department and the public and aid in investigations and civil litigations. If purchased, all officers would be required to wear one while on duty.
(Ellsworth) Body cameras are not a requirement for law enforcement in Maine, but the Ellsworth Police Department says the equipment would help enhance transparency between the department and the public and aid in investigations and civil litigations. Cameras are part of the Department’s draft budget proposal presented to City Councilors last week. Captain Shawn Willey told the Ellsworth American if purchased, all officers would be required to wear one while on duty. The total cost for equipping officers would be a little over $248,000 and would be paid out over five years.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
(Ellsworth) Don’t forget as we head into May today, the deadline for applying for FEMA assistance for damage caused by the January storms is May 20th. Disaster Recovery Centers are open for Hancock County residents at the Moore Community Center and for Washington County Residents at Torrey Hall at the University of Maine at Machias, Monday through Friday between 8 and 6. You can also apply at disaster assistance dot gov, or by calling 800-621-3362.
(Ellsworth) Don’t forget FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open in counties affected by the January storms. The centers are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Hancock County, the DRC is located at the Moore Community Center. In Washington County, visit the DRC at UMM’s Torrey Hall. You do not have to appear in person to get help. Assistance is also available at disaster assistance dot gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Deadline to apply is May 20th.
Charge Dismissed Against Bar Harbor Man
(Bar Harbor) “Evidentiary issues” – that’s the reason a charge against a Bar Harbor man for one count of possession of sexually explicit material of a child under age 12 has been dismissed, according to Hancock County District Attorney Bob Granger. The case against 67 yo Earl A. Libby, Jr. was brought by Granger’s predecessor, Matt Foster, three years ago, according to the Ellsworth American. Libby’s attorney said his client is legally blind and can’t even watch TV. Granger said he could not give specifics but that evidentiary issues recently surfaced, which necessitated dismissal of the case.
(Bar Harbor) A 67 yo Bar Harbor man is no longer facing criminal charges, due to “evidentiary issues.” Earl A. Libby, Jr. was charged three years ago on one count of possession of sexually explicit material of a child under the age of 12. Hancock County District Attorney Bob Granger said the charges were brought under his predecessor, Matt Foster, and have been aging. Granger told the Ellsworth American he could not give specifics but that evidentiary issues recently surfaced, which necessitated dismissal of the charges. Libby’s attorney says his client is legally blind and can’t even watch TV.
Local Politics
City of Ellsworth Hosting Coffee with the Clerks
(Ellsworth) May 6th through 10th is Municipal Clerk Appreciation Week. In celebration, the public is invited to stop by City Hall for Coffee with the Clerks each day next week between 8 to 10 a.m., and on Thursday from 8 to 10 and 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a raffle basket for all who stop by, with a prize drawing Friday at 11. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit with and show your appreciation for City Clerks Toni Dyer, Ebony Kramp-Dowling, Katlyn Miller, Katina Vanadestine, and Marcia Monk.
(Ellsworth) City Clerks are those often behind-the-scenes heroes who keep everything from elections to council meetings running smoothly. Next week is Municipal Clerk Appreciation Week. In celebration, the City of Ellsworth invites the public to stop by City Hall and enjoy coffee and express your appreciation to Clerks Toni Dyer, Ebony Kramp-Dowling, Katlyn Miller, Katina Vanadestine, and Marcia Monk. Coffee with the Clerks will be each morning, May 6 – 10, from 8 to 10 a.m., with an afternoon addition on Thursday from 4 to 6. There will be a raffle basket for all who stop by – drawing for that will be held next Friday morning at 11.
Economy
Millenials and GenZers Embrace Age of the DINKS
(Undated) Think the American Dream is still a white picket fence, a yard, and 2.5 kids? Not for Millenials and GenZers, reports Today on NBC. According to Credit Karma, a new survey of more than 2,000 women age 18 and above revealed 19% of respondents said their goal is to be a DINK – that’s double income, no kids. Among GenZers alone, the number was 32%. The DINK movement highlights the financial and lifestyle perks of being in a partnership where both people work and have no dependents, theoretically allowing for time and financial resources to travel and enjoy other freedoms. Videos boasting of the lifestyle have taken off across TikTok and other social media; and some say they can reek of privilege. Experts warn being dual income without children is not the sole solution to financial peace and prosperity.
(Undated) Freedom over family? Today on NBC reports a new study shows Millenials and GenZers in particular are making the conscious choice to remain childless. Credit Karma surveyed more than 2000 women age 18 and above and found 32% of Gen Z respondents and 18% of Millennials planned to embrace the DINK – double income, no kids – lifestyle. That means being in a partnership where both adults work and have no dependents, supposedly allowing more time and financial resources to travel and enjoy other freedoms. DINK videos are popping up on TikTok, and one expert says that’s fine – as long as there’s no shaming going on. He says, “No one should be shamed for their financial decisions, whether that is buying a boat or paying for a travel soccer team.”
Environment
Gulf of Maine Has One of Hottest Years on Record
(AP) Seas off the coast of New England registered one of the hottest years on record last year. The Gulf of Maine has been warming faster than most of the world’s oceans and last year had an annual sea surface temperature nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. That’s according to scientists with the Portland, Maine based Gulf of Maine Research Institute. The Institute said 2023 was the fifth warmest on record for the body of water which is critical to commercial fishing and other maritime industries.
(AP) The Gulf of Maine has emerged as a case study for the warming of the world’s oceans in the last 10 years, according to scientists with the Portland, Maine based Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Seas off the coast of New England registered one of the hottest years on record last year. The Gulf of Maine has been warming faster than most of the world’s oceans and last year had an annual sea surface temperature nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. The higher temperatures are bringing changes such as different species of fish getting caught in nets, and the increased threat from sea level rise to coastal communities.
Game Wardens Honored
(Augusta) A Game Warden from Gray has been named the 2023 Game Warden of the Year. Josh Smith serves with Division A and has been a game warden for nearly 20 years. Game Warden Sergeant Josh Beal of the Downeast Region was honored as Supervisor of the Year, and long time retired chief pilot Roger Wolverton was honored as Legendary Game Warden of the Year. Not to be slighted, a pair of pups was also cited for their service – Game Warden Chad Robertson and K9 Storm were honored with the Conservation Case of the Year Award, and Preston Pomerleau and K9 Gordon were recognized with the Search and Rescue of the Year Award.
(Augusta) From search and rescue to criminal trespass to cases involving illegal kills of wildlife, Game Wardens handle a plethora of crime, conservation, and recovery issues. Several Maine Game Wardens were recently honored with well-deserved awards. Josh Smith serves with Division A and has been a game warden for nearly 20 years. Smith was given the 2023 Game Warden of the Year Award. Sergeant Josh Beal of the Downeast Region was honored as Supervisor of the Year, and long time retired chief pilot Roger Wolverton was honored as Legendary Game Warden of the Year. Not to be slighted, a pair of pups also cited for their service – Game Warden Chad Robertson and K9 Storm were honored with the Conservation Case of the Year Award, and Preston Pomerleau and K9 Gordon were recognized with the Search and Rescue of the Year Award.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Heart of Ellsworth Hosts Third Annual Jane’s Walks
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth is one of hundreds of city’s worldwide hosting Jane’s Walks this Saturday, with both morning and afternoon walks planned for May 4th. The afternoon walk will be led by Ellsworth Historical Society President, Jennifer Sala, who gives Star 97.7 a bit of background on what the walks are all about. (((Janes 1 “…and put stories and a sense of place to the community.” :15))) Sala’s walk will begin at 3 p.m, She’ll be sharing fascinating stories about the multifaceted uses of Ellsworth’s historical buildings – including the building for which School Street was named, which you’d never guess by looking at it has served as a school, a hotel, and today, an apartment building.
(Ellsworth) Community activist Jane Jacobs inspired a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations that today take place in more than 200 communities around the world. This Saturday, Heart of Ellsworth and others will take part with both morning and afternoon walks. Ellsworth Historical Society President Jennifer Sala will lead the afternoon walk. She tells Star 97.7, preserving historical buildings is about more than just history. (((Janes 2 “…that are bigger than just losing our heritage.” :21))). Sala’s talk begins at 3 p.m. – meet at the Old Burial Grounds behind the Congregational Church, and learn about buildings that have housed everything from furniture to funeral parlors. The conversation is sure to continue after the walk, which will last about an hour and will end at Fogtown Brewing for refreshments and even more lively discussion about Ellsworth’s past.
(Ellsworth) This Saturday, you’re invited to participate in one or both Jane’s Walks in Downtown Ellsworth. The morning walk will include a time of forest bathing along the Union River, led by a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. In the afternoon, Ellsworth Historical Society President Jennifer Sala will take participants on a storied walk, while sharing the fascinating history behind the town’s many historical buildings – and their sometimes surprising secrets. (((Janes 3 “…they became the undertaker.” :23))). The walk begins at 3 p.m. at the Old Burial Ground behind the Congregational Church in Ellsworth, will last about an hour, and will end at Fogtown Brewing where we’re sure the stories and conversations will continue.
(Ellsworth) Put on your walking shoes this Saturday and join Ellsworth Historical Society President Jennifer Sala for an eye-opening walk among the historical buildings of downtown Ellsworth. The afternoon walk with Sala is one of two planned for May 4th, and will begin at 3 p.m. at the Old Burial Ground behind the Congregational Church in Ellsworth and last about an hour. (((Janes 4 “…of an adaptive reuse of a building.:” :06))). Sala says that will not only be a treat because you’ll have a chance to relax and refresh, but also (((Janes 5 “…with other people who learned the same thing.” :06))) For more on this Saturday’s Jane’s Walks, check out Heart of Ellsworth on Facebook.
Bangor Standpipe Won’t Open This Year
(Bangor) Closed – that’s the word on the Thomas Hill Standpipe this year. The Bangor Daily News reports the Bangor Water District will not offer tours of the structure due to upcoming repairs and maintenance. The Water District has opened the standpipe for public tours four times a year for the past 24 years, and tours were always well attended. Authorities did not give details as to what work is needed, but said necessary repairs and maintenance were “identified during a recent survey by property and liability insurers in preparation for the annual policy renewal.”
(Bangor) Area residents will have to get those panoramic vistas somewhere besides the Thomas Hill Standpipe in Bangor this year. The Bangor Daily News reports the Bangor Water District will not offer tours of the structure due to upcoming repairs and maintenance. For the past 24 years, the Water District has opened the standpipe for public tours four times a year, and tours were always well attended. Authorities did not give details as to what work is needed, but said repairs and maintenance were “identified during a recent survey by property and liability insurers in preparation for the annual policy renewal.”
Gouldsboro Dog Headed for Westminster Dog Show
(Gouldsboro) As if Maine isn’t already bursting with pride at the success of Cumberland’s Julia Gagnon on American Idol, it now seems there’s another celebrity among us. The Ellsworth American reports a Newfoundland from Gouldsboro has been invited to compete in the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which runs May 11-14 in New York. The six year old dog, Sam Adams, is the beloved companion of breeder Amy Davis, who says he embodies the breed’s hallmark sweet temperament. Sam will take his handler, Samantha Brainard, into the arena with him during the show – we wish them all the best.
Sports
Red Sox shut out the Giants last night at Fenway 4-zip. Red Sox and Giants on the field again this evening in Boston.
The Maple Leafs skated to a 2-1 victory over the Bruins last night in Overtime. Round One, Game Six of the Stanley Cup Playoffs tomorrow night in Toronto. Boston still leading 3 games to 2.
Celtics and Heat in Boston tonight for Round One, Game five of the NBA Playoffs. Celtics lead 3 games to 1.