Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Trespass Complaint Leads to Arrest of Man on Drug Charges
(Brooksville) A trespassing complaint Wednesday led to the arrest of a Stockton Springs man. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, they received a complaint of someone being on an island off the coast of Brooksville without permission. Officers responded and found 38 yo Raymond Pomeroy, Jr. An investigation led to Pomeroy’s arrest on an outstanding warrant charge, as well as possession of scheduled drugs and violating conditions of release. Pomeroy was taken to the Hancock County Jail without incident.
(Brooksville) A Stockton Springs man faces drug charges after he was allegedly caught trespassing on an island off the coast of Brooksville. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7 they responded to the trespassing complaint and found 38 yo Raymond Pomeroy, Jr., who had an outstanding warrant charge pending. Further investigation led to charges of possession of scheduled drugs and violating conditions of release. Pomeroy was taken to the Hancock County Jail without incident.
Bar Harbor Drowning
(Bar Harbor) A New Hampshire man’s body was recovered yesterday evening from Clark Cove in Bar Harbor. The Maine Marine Patrol and State Police Underwater Recovery team responded to an eyewitness report of a man swimming in the cove who was in distress. Authorities say the victim was 20 yo Gregory Taylor. His body was taken to a funeral home. No other details were given.
(Bar Harbor) A New Hampshire man apparently drowned while swimming in Clark Cove in Bar Harbor yesterday. Authorities responded to a report of a man who was swimming in the cove and appeared to be in distress. The Maine Marine Patrol and State Police Underwater Recovery team responded and about 6 p.m. recovered the body of 20 yo Gregory Taylor. The victim’s body was taken to a funeral home. No other details were given.
Body of Victim in Auburn Standoff Identified
(Auburn) A man whose body was found inside a burned out Auburn home on June 15th has been identified as 43-year-old Brian Woodbury. The Maine State Medical Examiner’s Office says the cause of Woodbury’s death is still pending. WMTW reports police were called to the home by a woman who lived there and said Woodbury was fighting with her ex-boyfriend, who was armed, and was trying to break in. When police arrived, they found the home on fire. The armed man was later identified as Leein Hinkley, a convicted felon. Hinkley reportedly exchanged gunfire with police and ultimately died. Officials have not disclosed whether he killed himself or was shot by police.
(Auburn) The body of a victim found inside an Auburn home after a violent encounter with a suspect and police has been identified as that of 43 yo Brian Woodbury. According to the Maine State Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of Woodbury’s death is still pending. The incident began June 15th when a woman at the home called police to say her ex was fighting with her ex-boyfriend. She said Woodbury was armed and was trying to break into the home. When police arrived, they found the residence on fire. The armed man was later identified as Leein Hinkley, a convicted felon. Hinkley exchanged gunfire with police and ultimately died. Officials have not disclosed whether he killed himself or was shot by police.
Economy
Versant Customers to See Rate Changes
(Bangor) Beginning July 1, Versant Power customers will see changes on their bills. Versant says differences in rates by district, customer class, and usage, are largely due to calculations from a new bill line item labeled “Public Policy Charges”. Residential customers in the Bangor Hydro District will see a slight decrease in their bills – about a 60-cent decrease for those using 500 kw hours a month, while those in the Maine Public District will see an increase. Public Policy Charges are applied as a means for all customers to share costs for state policy programs, such as incentives for business and community solar production. Versant says it does not own, control, or profit from such programs and passes to customers the amount the state requires in order to fund them.
(Bangor) Versant customers will see changes on their bills come July 1st. Versant says the differences are largely due to calculations from a new bill line item labeled “Public Policy Charges”. Residential customers in the Bangor Hydro District will see a slight decrease in their bills, while those in the Maine Public District will see an increase – about $7.61 for those using 500 kw hours a month. Public Policy Charges are applied as a means for all customers to share costs for state policy programs, such as incentives for business and community solar production. Versant says it does not own, control, or profit from such programs and passes to customers the amount the state requires to fund them.
Heart of Ellsworth Launches Bricks and Clicks
(Ellsworth) Time is running out for businesses to register for Heart of Ellsworth’s biennial Bricks & Clicks Program. The program connects downtown Ellsworth businesses with local experts in order to identify and address unique business challenges and is made possible through the generosity of Machias Savings Bank. Applications are accepted just through this Sunday. Each participant receives a complimentary one-on-one consultation with a local expert tailored to their specific needs and the opportunity for a follow-up session at no additional cost. For more information or to register, see the link on the Heart of Ellsworth social media pages.
(Ellsworth) Here’s a great opportunity for downtown Ellsworth businesses – but you only have until Sunday to register! Heart of Ellsworth’s biennial Bricks & Clicks Program connects businesses with local experts in order to help them identify and address unique business challenges. You only have until Sunday to apply. Every participant receives a complimentary one-on-one consultation with a local expert tailored to their specific needs and the opportunity for a follow-up session at no additional cost. For more information or to register, see the link on the Heart of Ellsworth social media pages.
Environment
Alliance for Sears Island Continues to Oppose Wind Hub
(Searsport) A group calling themselves the Alliance for Sears Island continues to push for the state to abandon plans to build a wind energy hub there. They say in the spring, two people went looking for and documented salamanders, wood frogs, and other species in vernal pools where the Maine Department of Transportation wants to build an offshore wind manufacturing facility. The group says significant vernal pool habitat is protected by law under the Natural Resources Protection Act. When the group wrote MDIFW and the Maine Department of Transportation, MDOT reportedly responded they preferred to use information from their own qualified consultants. The Alliance said both sets of data should be consulted.
(Searsport) The Alliance for Sears Island continues to protest the use of Sears Island for an offshore wind manufacturing facility. The group says in the spring, two members went looking for and documented vernal pools where the Maine Department of Transportation plans to build the wind energy hub. They say significant vernal pool habitat is protected by law under the Natural Resources Protection Act. When the group wrote MDIFW and the Maine Department of Transportation, MDOT reportedly responded they preferred to use information from their own qualified consultants. The Alliance said both sets of data should be consulted.
Birdsacre is Ellsworth Lush, Green Treasure
(Ellsworth) Between the fast food venues and the Myrick Street complexes on Route 3 as you head out of Ellsworth lies an oasis of calm and beauty, where imprinted owls, red tailed hawks and turkey vultures have found sanctuary and where travelers and residents alike can find quiet trails, bird songs, and a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Birdsacre Director and Caretaker Grayson Richmond tells Star 97.7 how Ellsworth came to have such a treasured connection with nature, thanks to famed ornithologist Cordelia Stanwood. (((Birdsacre 1 “…of preserving and caring about nature.” :22))) The trails are open year round from 9 to 5 – stop by. They’re at 289 High Street for self-guided walking and hiking adventures.
(Ellsworth) Looking for a place to get away for a peaceful walk filled with fields, forests, and feather songs? No need to go far. Just off High Street as you head out of Ellsworth, you’ll find the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Birdsacre. The 200 acre treasure includes an orchard, a nature center showcasing Cordelia Stanwood’s avian field notes and an extensive photographic collection. Director/Caretaker Grayson Richmond tells Star 97.7, there’s also a wonderful trail system that’s a great place to “take a hike”. (((Birdsacre 2 “…you can still hear a lot of wonderful encounters out there.” :17))) Birdsacre is located at 289 High Street, and the trails are free and open year round. There is a donation box if you’d like to help the sanctuary continue their work of connecting people with nature.
(Ellsworth) Cordelia Stanwood was a pioneering ornithologist who left journals and photographs, documenting her world-renowned studies, at what is now the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary off High Street in Ellsworth. Director/Caretaker Grayson Richmond tells Star 97.7, today, the Sanctuary boasts 200 acres of trails, an orchard, and a sanctuary for some rehabilitated visitors who are unable to be released back into the wild. (((Birdsacre 3 “…great horned owls, red tailed hawks, broad winged hawks…” :21))). Richmond says when you visit, you may not see the ambassadors right away because they’re doing their natural behaviors, such as camouflaging, and living their natural lives at the Sanctuary. Check birdsacre dot com or give them a call if you’d like to set up a talk about their work and get a special visit and viewing of their winged representatives.
(Ellsworth) When you think of value do you think green? One of Ellsworth’s most valuable treasures is a 200 acre gem located just off High Street as you head out of Ellsworth toward Myrick Street. Birdsacre has miles of trails, a nature center that right now boasts a poster exhibit celebrating migration, and a host of feathered ambassadors to delight kids and adults alike. Director/Caretaker Grayson Richmond tells Star 97.7 how you can support the legacy of renowned ornithologist Cordelia Stanwood. (((Birdsacre 4 “…and onsite, we have a QR code.” :22))). There’s also a donation box right on the registration building where you can contribute when you stop by to walk the trails or visit. Check out birdsacre dot com to learn about hours, special summer programs, and all things nature.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Opening Day at Maine State Aquarium Attracts Large Crowds
(West Boothbay Harbor) You might say things on reopening day of the Maine State Aquarium went “swimmingly”. The Portland Press Herald reports within 15 minutes of opening its doors – after a four year hiatus – the aquarium was at full capacity and stopped letting people inside. When the aquarium closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, multiple problems were discovered, leading to just over a million dollars in renovations while the attraction was shuttered. Inside, visitors dipped their hands into a touch tank, marveled at moon jellies, and hauled a lobster trap aboard the mock end of a lobster boat called the “Lawbstah”. Best of all, admission was free opening day. The Maine State Aquarium is located in West Boothbay Harbor and is now open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 to 4.
(West Boothbay Harbor) New walls, floors, electrical systems … new displays, bubbling fish tanks, and rare blue lobsters. The Portland Press Herald reports visitors to the Maine State Aquarium in West Boothbay Harbor on Wednesday got to experience it all – for the first time in four years. The Aquarium closure due to the pandemic in 2020 led to the discovery of multiple issues, so the venue has been under a million dollar renovation. When it reopened this week, the aquarium quickly filled to full capacity; and a line of other visitors had to wait their turn to dip their hands into a touch tank, marvel at moon jellies, and haul a lobster trap aboard the mock end of a lobster boat. The venue is located in West Boothbay Harbor and is now open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 until 4.
Sports
The Red Sox begin a weekend series against the San Diego Padres tonight at Fenway.
LeBron James’s son, Bronny James, has been drafted by the Lakers, where they could play alongside each other.