Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Gorham Crash Victim
(Gorham) The spring-like weather has brought out motorcyclists, and unfortunately, crash victims. Police say 22 yo Nolan Irish of Gorham died at the scene of a crash in Gorham on Tuesday. The incident happened shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Flaggy Meadow Road when Irish’s motorcycle collided with a Honda Civic driven by 21 yo Lily Courtney of Biddeford. Police say they’d like to speak with a witness who was operating a white pickup truck in the area at the time of the crash. Gorham police also hope to speak with anyone who witnessed the crash or any actions prior to the crash.
(Gorham) One of the season’s first crashes involving a motorcycle resulted in the death of a Gorham man. Police say 22 yo Nolan Irish died at the scene Tuesday when his motorcycle collided with a car driven by 21 yo Lily Courtney of Biddeford. The incident happened about 1:30 p.m. on Flaggy Meadow Road. Police are hoping to speak with a witness who was operating a white pickup truck in the area at the time of the crash. Gorham police are also asking anyone who witnessed the crash or any actions prior to the crash to call the Department.
Local Politics
Local Towns Will Share in Energy Pilot Program
(Jonesport ) Jonesport, Machias, Lubec, and Rockland – those towns, along with seven others, will be sites of an energy resiliency pilot program announced this week by Senator Angus King. The Senator’s office says as the state faces increasingly extreme weather, modernizing energy infrastructure thorough clean solar energy and new storage technologies will help ensure public buildings are able to remain connected during destructive weather events. The towns will share 2.5 million dollars to invest in renewable and sustainable energy. Municipalities say with increasingly tight budgets, the investment in energy savings and climate resilience will save towns and taxpayers alike.
(Jonesport) Eleven towns in Maine will share 2.5 million dollars and participate in a pilot program to modernize energy infrastructure. Machias, Jonesport, Lubec, Rockland and seven other towns will use the funds to add or upgrade clean solar energy and new storage technologies that will help ensure public buildings are able to maintain access to energy during destructive weather events. The monies will be distributed through the Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
Public Comment Period Open on Ballot Question Wording
(Augusta) Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is now accepting public comment on the wording of a citizen initiative question. The question will appear on the November 5th General Election ballot, unless enacted by the Legislature as written. It pertains to “An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures”, which was certified in February. The ballot wording currently reads as follows, “Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to groups that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?” Comments will be accepted via an online submission form, email, mail, or in person through Thursday May 30th.
Economy
Ellsworth Trailside Condo Unit Planned
(Ellsworth) The housing boom continues in Ellsworth. Current and proposed projects include a three-story, 72 unit apartment building on High Street near Myrick Street, a 12 unit apartment building a block south from Main between Pine and Spruce Streets, and a proposed development behind D’Amanda’s Candlepin Bowling Alley. According to the Bangor Daily News, a 36 unit condominium is planned on Beals Avenue, next to the Down East Sunrise Trail. Ellsworth has seen an uptick in the need for housing in recent years as the City continues to attract businesses such as Jackson Labs, Northern Light Pharmacy, Harbor Freight and others.
(Ellsworth) At 94 square miles, Ellsworth is Maine’s largest city, geographically. It also serves as a gateway to Acadia National Park and in recent years has attracted industry and retail such as Jackson Labs, Northern Light Pharmacy, and Harbor Freight. So it’s little surprise, there’s been a housing boom as well. Current and proposed projects include a three-story, 72 unit apartment building on High Street near Myrick Street, a 12 unit apartment building a block south from Main between Pine and Spruce Streets, and a proposed development behind D’Amanda’s Candlepin Bowling Alley. According to the Bangor Daily News a 36 unit condominium is also being planned on Beals Avenue, next to the Down East Sunrise Trail.
Steamy Buddha Reopens Under New Name, Ownership
(Ellsworth) The Steamy Buddha Cafe on Church Street in Ellsworth reopened this week – but under a new name and a new owner. The Ellsworth American reports the business closed its doors in October. Steamy Buddha Chef Jesse Steiger has reopened the venue as the Conscious Cafe. Steiger hopes to implement new ideas, such as offering a community kitchen and hosting events such as fermentation and mushroom foraging classes, along with a health-conscious menu, similar to that of Steamy Buddha.
(Ellsworth) Healthy eating advocates were saddened last October when Ellsworth’s Steamy Buddha closed its doors. The Ellsworth American reports the business has reopened thanks to Steamy Buddha’s former chef, Jesse Steiger. Rebranding the restaurant the Conscious Cafe, Steiger says he hopes to implement new ideas, such as offering a community kitchen and hosting events such as fermentation and mushroom foraging classes, along with a health-conscious menu, similar to that of Steamy Buddha.
Environment
Katahdin Woods and Waters Visitor Center to Open This Summer
(Patten) Katahdin Woods and Waters offers 89 miles of sometimes rugged roads for those who want to experience the beauty and wildness of the North Woods. This summer, there will be a new addition to the park – a $31M Visitor’s Center. The National Park Service Visitor Center will be located at the summit of Lookout Mountain and is designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. They hope to welcome visitors beginning in mid August. Once open, visitors will find the story of the Wabanaki told through art and other features. Katahdin Woods and Waters was designated a national monument in 2016 under President Barack Obama.
(Patten) If you want to experience the ruggedness and beauty of Maine’s North Woods, you’d do well to visit Katahdin Woods and Waters. This summer, there will be even more reason to visit– the park plans to open a $31M Visitor’s Center. The National Park Service Visitor Center will be located at the summit of Lookout Mountain, is designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and NPS officials say it should be open by mid-August. Visitors to the center will find the story of the Wabanaki told through art and other features. Katahdin Woods and Waters was designated a national monument in 2016 under President Barack Obama.
Offshore Wind Sales Include Gulf of Maine
(Maine) The Department of the Interior this week announced two proposals for offshore wind energy auctions off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management says in choosing the locations, it prioritized avoidance of offshore fishing grounds and vessel transit routes. The first-ever offshore wind energy auction in the Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Area would include eight lease areas in offshore Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, totaling nearly one million acres, with the potential to generate enough clean, renewable energy to power more than five million homes.
(Maine) The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is seeking feedback on a proposed lease area for offshore wind energy auctions in the Gulf of Maine. The first-ever offshore wind energy auction in the Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Area would include eight lease areas offshore Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, totaling nearly one million acres, with the potential to generate enough clean, renewable energy to power more than five million homes. The Bureau says in choosing the locations, it prioritized avoidance of offshore fishing grounds and vessel transit routes.
Bear Safety
(Maine) Black Bears are out and about and may soon be coming to a dooryard near you – if they haven’t already made an appearance! The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offers these safety tips to protect yourself and your property. They say remove those bird feeders now through November 1st, rake up uneaten bird seed, keep pet food and trash inside or in fenced in areas, and clean those grills thoroughly after every use. They say those tasty drippings are all too tempting to a hungry bear emerging from a long winter’s nap.
(Maine) Got bears? The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife warns you likely WILL have, especially if you have bird feeders, messy grills, or pet food outside this time of year. MDIFW says to protect yourself and your property, take down the bird feeders between now and November 1st. Clean grills thoroughly after each use. Store garbage cans in a building or enclosed by an electric fence, and use bear resistant dumpsters or garbage cans. They say you can’t blame a bear for waking up hungry after a long winter nap.
Education
Crowley Community Service Award Recipient
(Beals Island) Congratulations are in order for Beals Island’s Christopher Crowley. Crowley has been tapped to receive the Norman W. Duzen Community Service Award. The award is presented annually by the Washington County Extension Association to an individual who has contributed to the lives of Washington County citizens as a volunteer. Crowley shares his talents with his church and Maine Seacoast Mission’s EdGE Program. Crowley is a teacher and principal at Beals Elementary. The award will be presented at WCEA’s Annual Meeting on May 11th.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Grand “Raise the Roof” Campaign
(Ellsworth) When it comes to entertainment, the Grand in Ellsworth has certainly raised the bar in Downeast Maine. Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, now it’s our turn to help OUR Grand “Raise the Roof”. (((RaiseRoof 1 “….a lot of fundraising, but we are now.” 24))). To kick off renovations, the Grand needs to raise $50,000 to repair a leaking roof. It’s easy to donate – you can buy a shingle for just $10 bucks. If we all pitch in, because as Turner says, this is OUR Grand, we can fund that repair in no time. Stop in or donate at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) It’s time for us to step up and take care of OUR Grand, the historic venue in downtown Ellsworth that has brought live theatre, concerts, movies, and more, providing an escape into laughter, song, and drama. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, we can start by “Raising the Roof”. (((RaiseRoof 2 “…it would start the ball rolling on bigger plans.” :22))). Those bigger plans include extending the concession area and opening up the lobby, expanding the bathrooms and making them more accessible, and eventually installing a much needed HVAC system. Be a part of ensuring our Grand remains Ellsworth’s iconic entertainment hub. Help “raise the roof” by purchasing your shingle or shingles today for just 10 bucks apiece at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) For years, Grand Executive Director Nick Turner has been telling us, “this is YOUR Grand”. So here’s our opportunity to step up and ensure Ellsworth’s premier entertainment hub continues to shine in and for our community. The Grand is kicking off an ambitious fundraising campaign with an initial goal of raising $50,000 to repair a leaking roof over the little gallery next door. Turner says that repair would literally open the door to (((RaiseRoof 3 “…have modern, accessible bathrooms.” :26))) And eventually a much needed HVAC system, new seating and carpeting. Ready to contribute to OUR Grand? Purchase a shingle or two at just ten bucks each – available at the Grand or at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) It’s no secret the Grand in Ellsworth has no air handling or air conditioning system. The beautiful, historic building still operates off an oil-fueled boiler, through the original duct work. Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7… (((RaiseRoof 4 “…and all the guests that come to see us in the summer.” :24))) It’s truly OUR Grand, and our opportunity to kick off this ambitious fundraising campaign by “Raising the Roof”, similar to the old fashioned barn raising where the whole community kicks in to raise $50K for the first project – repair of a leaking roof. Learn more and donate to YOUR Grand … at grand online dot org.
Sports
Red Sox with another win over the Giants – 6-2 last night. Red Sox and Giants have one more at-bat this afternoon at Fenway.
It’s Round One, Game Six of the Stanley Cup playoffs tonight in Toronto. Boston leading 3 games to 2.
Celtics beating the Heat again, 118-84 yesterday in Round One, Game Five of the NBA Playoffs . That gives Boston the win at 4 games to 1.