Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Milo Fatal Fire
(Milo) Fire officials discovered human remains when responding to a structure fire in Milo Sunday morning. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, the fire was reported about 4:17 at a free standing garage workshop located next to a single family dwelling on Elm Street. The deceased has been tentatively identified as 76 yo Dwight Russell, who lived at the property. The body was taken to the office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to confirm identification. Authorities say the fire is still under investigation.
(Milo) Authorities continue to investigate a fatal fire that happened in Milo early Sunday morning. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, first responders were called to a structure fire on Elm Street shortly before 4:30 a.m. The blaze was in a free standing garage/workshop next to a single family dwelling. Human remains were found and tentatively identified as 76 yo Dwight Russell, who lived at the property. An autopsy is being performed to confirm the identity of the victim.
Sullivan Man Arrested on Domestic Assault
(Sullivan) A Sullivan man was arrested Sunday for assault. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, authorities responded to a residence Sunday morning on report of the incident. They say as the result of an investigation, 45 yo Michael Soule was summoned for Assault. It’s unclear what charges he will face, if any.
(Sullivan) A Sullivan man has been summoned for Assault following a Sunday morning incident. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports authorities responded to a residence in Sullivan Sunday morning upon report of the incident. They say as a result of an investigation, 45 yo Michael Soule of Sullivan was summoned. It’s unclear what charges he will face, if any.
Sedgwick Man Charged with Trespassing in Lamoine
(Lamoine) A 24 yo Sedgwick man was arrested for criminal trespass in Lamoine Sunday. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, officers were summoned to a location in Lamoine shortly before midnight Sunday. As a result, Michael O’Rourke was arrested. He’s charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief, and violating conditions of release. O’Rourke was taken to the Hancock County Jail without incident.
(Lamoine) A Sedgwick man faces multiple charges related to a trespassing complaint in Lamoine Sunday. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, officers were summoned shortly before midnight Sunday. They say 24 yo Michael O’Rourke was arrested and transported to the Hancock County Jail. He’s charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief, and violating conditions of release.
Former NLEMMC Physician Gets $325K Settlement
(Bangor) A former emergency room physician at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center was awarded a $325K settlement in a lawsuit over her 2017 firing. The Bangor Daily News reports Dr. Brenda Gowesky filed a claim with the Maine Human Rights Commission saying she was fired after reporting patient safety concerns, according to the lawsuit. Gowesky sued the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine and its executive director in federal court last June over what she says was her illegal firing. The board did not admit fault, according to the settlement which was reached Friday and the lawsuit was dismissed.
Local Politics
Eastport Residents Express Concerns Over ATV Vote
(Eastport) A vote by the Eastport City Council about allowing ATV’s on certain local roads has residents steaming, although council members say it will be some time before the issue is settled. The Bangor Daily News reports the topic of allowing all terrain vehicles on local roads was not on the agenda at last week’s meeting, but the council voted 3-2 in support of a proposal to allow the vehicles on local roads in the city’s bow-hunting district. It does not endorse their use in downtown Eastport or on nearby residential streets. One councilor said there’s a lot of misinformation about the vote and that he wouldn’t be surprised if it was contested.
Economy
Maine Home Sales Surge in May
(Maine) Single family housing continues to be highly sought after in Maine. MaineBiz reports in May, 1,180 homes changed hands, up nearly 4% from a year ago. The median sales price increased more than 7% compared to May 2023, with the average home last month going for $398,250. That’s an all time high median price and closes in on the national median sales price of more than $424,000. For-sale inventory remains tight in some markets, with sellers continuing to experience multiple offer situations. Knox County saw the biggest percentage increase in unit volume sold between March and May, with double digit declines in Aroostook, Somerset, and Washington Counties.
(Maine) It’s a seller’s market in Maine, even with relatively high mortgage interest rates. MaineBiz reports last month, 1,180 homes changed hands. That’s up nearly 4% from a year ago. The median sales price increased more than 7% compared to May 2023, with the average home last month going for $398,250. That’s an all time high median price and closes in on the national median sales price of more than $424,000. For-sale inventory remains tight in some markets, with sellers continuing to experience multiple offer situations. Knox County saw the biggest increase in the number of units sold – up more than 45%, followed by Androscoggin, York, and Hancock Counties.
Environment
Tornadoes Not As Uncommon As You Might Think in Pine Tree State
(Maine) Unlike folks in the Midwest sometimes have to, we don’t generally have to head for the basement when a hot, unstable day turns stormy. But WMTW reports tornadoes happen here in the Pine Tree State more often than you might think – about two times a year, on average. In recent history, most have occurred in the southwestern and central parts of the state and have occurred as early as May and as late as November. 2017 was a rare stormy year when the National Weather Service issued seven warnings and confirmed five actual tornadoes on July 1st alone that caused significant damage. Until then, the office had never issued more than six tornado warnings in the entire year in 2009, 2010, and again in 2014. Most tornadoes in Maine, fortunately, are on the low end of the EF scale, although they can still strike with little warning and can be dangerous.
(Maine) The weekend’s strong storms brought unusual tornado warnings and watches across the state. Although we’re no tornado alley, WMTW reports such vortexes occur here more often than you might think – about two times a year on average, most often between June and August. Most happen in the southwestern and central portion of the state, and until 2017, the National Weather Service in Gray had never issued more than six tornado warnings a year. That year, seven were issued on July 1st alone, with five confirmed rotations, causing significant damage and minor injuries. The lifespan of tornadoes in New England is relatively short, and they’re low on the EF scale, but experts caution to take those warnings seriously as they can potentially cause destruction and injury.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Heart of Ellsworth Continues Working to Preserve Downtown Ellsworth Heritage
(Ellsworth) Becoming a National Historic District will bring multiple benefits to the City of Ellsworth’s downtown area. Heart of Ellsworth and others have been working for months to secure the designation, beginning with working in line with the City of Ellsworth, the Historic Preservation Commission and local business owners to ensure their support and interest, and then holding workshops to inform and share with the community, a step Heart of Ellsworth Director Cara Romano says they just completed. And now, Romano tells Star 97.7 … (((NHDHeart 1 “…as a Nationally Designated Historic District.” :16))). Once that designation is secured, it will mean additional funding for preserving Ellsworth’s historical buildings, drawing visitors and helping to boost the economy of the downtown area and the city as a whole.
(Ellsworth) Downtown Ellsworth is well on its way to being designated a National Historic District. Heart of Ellsworth Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, it’s been in the works for years as the Historic Preservation Commission has worked to create a footprint of contributing buildings that fit the criteria for the prestigious designation. (((NHDHeart 2 “…would come to downtown and to visit buildings.” :25))) Heart of Ellsworth is in a third phase of the project, working to secure funding for a historic preservation consultant to support the City’s efforts in securing the title. The designation ultimately comes from the National Park Service.
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth, the Historic Preservation Commission, and others are in the process of gaining recognition of Downtown Ellsworth as a National Historic District. It’s a two-year process that recently received a $30K grant – about half the cost – from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. Heart of Ellsworth Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, there’s a huge benefit to working through a non-profit to secure the prestigious designation. (((NHDHeart 3 “…the city doesn’t have to bear the burden of the entire project.” :24))) Romano says it’s really important that downtowns around the country seek out and secure these types of designations and Ellsworth is fortunate to have had so much of the groundwork laid to get them to this point.
(Ellsworth) The footprint has been laid, the City, business leaders, and community are on board, and Downtown Ellsworth is well on its way to being designated a National Historic District. Of course, there’s always more work to be done. Star 97.7 asked Heart of Ellsworth Director Cara Romano how people can get involved. (((NHDHeart 4 “…a part of our design committee.” :08))) Romano says the Design Committee’s “office” is the entire downtown area and involves much more than planting flowers and trees. (((NHDHeart 5 “…is ensured into perpetuity.” :10)))) And again, if you’re interested in getting involved, check out the Heart of Ellsworth website and shoot them an email.
Summer is Here at the Ellsworth Public Library
(Ellsworth) Summer is here at the Ellsworth Public Library – and that means no excuses for the kids, or adults for that matter, to be bored. This July and August, the library offers thirty special and free events for all ages – on top of most of its regular programs. From free ukulele classes for kids, to author talks and concerts, an interactive murder mystery at the library, and a visit by Paul Doiron on August 8th! Registration is required for some events. Visit the library’s social media pages to learn more.
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
(Bethel) Just a few hours’ drive from Bangor, discover a cache of topaz, gold, tourmaline … and more lunar meteorites than all other museums combined. The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum in Bethel takes visitors from the depths of the Newry mine to the surface of Mars and is a fascinating journey of history and science for all ages, where everyone can truly “rock on”. On Saturdays through the summer, kids can participate in a sluicing activity and take home bags of treasures they find. Open every day but Tuesday, the museum is well worth the drive – learn more with a visit to their social media pages, and then we highly recommend you dig deeper and get the full experience with a visit in person.
Maine State Aquarium to Reopen
(West Boothbay Harbor) Fishing for a getaway for the family this summer? The Maine State Aquarium will finally reopen its doors Wednesday. When the venue closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, an inspection revealed severe damage in the three-decades-old building, including problems with the walls, floors and electrical system, caused largely by saltwater corrosion. The popular venue has since undergone significant updates, including facilities renovations, new displays, and interactive exhibits, including touch screen displays of DMR research. The Maine State Aquarium is located in West Boothbay Harbor and will be open Wednesdays through Sundays through Labor Day. We’re sure once you go, you’ll be “hooked”.
(West Boothbay Harbor) With a sea of new exhibits and a whale of improvements, the Maine State Aquarium reopens tomorrow in West Boothbay Harbor. When the facility closed due to the pandemic in 2020, an inspection revealed severe damage in the three-decades-old building, including problems with the walls, floors and electrical system, caused largely by saltwater corrosion. In the years it’s been closed, the venue has undergone significant updates and will reopen with new displays and interactive exhibits, including touch screen displays of DMR research. The Maine State Aquarium is located in West Boothbay Harbor and will be open Wednesdays through Sundays through Labor Day.
Sports
The Florida Panthers have won the Stanley Cup for the first time in the franchise’s 30-season history. They took it all the way to Game Seven in the Final, beating the Edmonton Oilers last night 2-1.
The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 7-6. Teams on the field again this evening at Fenway.