Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Drone Pilot Program Is “Fire Tower in a Backpack”
(Old Town) Each year, the State of Maine sees between 600 and a thousand wildfires. New technology is having a major impact on how the Maine Forest Service fights and manages those fires. NewsCenter Maine reports the Forest Service’s drone pilot program is the latest game-changer in battling such blazes. Ranger Zach Monroe called the program a “fire tower in a backpack”. The program, which began in 2019, now boasts 15 pilots statewide. Monroe says when rangers show up at a site with thick woods, the drones give them a quick aerial look at what’s happening. Through thermal technology and drone mapping, rangers can track and stay on top of the fires; something they say is especially helpful in remote areas.
(Old Town) Forest services across the country are implementing a new weapon against wildfires – drone technology. NewsCenter Maine reports in Maine, the program launched in 2019 with four to five licensed remote pilots. Today, 15 are licensed to utilize the technology. With 15 to 20 million acres to cover and well over 600 wildfires reported each year, Ranger Zach Monroe said the program is a game changer. He says when rangers show up at a site with thick woods, the drones give them a quick aerial look at what’s happening. Through thermal technology and drone mapping, rangers can track and stay on top of the fires, which they say is especially helpful in remote areas.
Highway Shooter Sentenced
(West Bath/AP) A judge Monday sentenced Joseph Eaton to life in prison for killing his parents and two of their friends and then wounding three others in a highway shooting in April last year. The now 35 yo confessed to the killings, which happened on a property in rural Bowdoin, and then shooting at vehicles on I-295 in Yarmouth. The tragedies came just days after Eaton was released from a Maine prison for unrelated crimes. Eaton has given no explanation for committing the crimes.
(West Bath/AP) The man who killed his parents, their two friends, and then went on a shooting rampage on I-295 in April 2023 will serve life in prison. The crimes happened just days after 35 yo Joseph Eaton was released from prison for unrelated crimes and after his mother, Cynthia Eaton, had picked him up from the Maine prison on April 14th. Superior Court Justice Daniel Billings in handing down the sentence yesterday said Eaton was lucky to have family and friends waiting to welcome him back into society and that those were the people he killed. Eaton has given no explanation for his actions.
Woman Attacked on Kennebec River Rail Trail
(Augusta) A 57 yo transient was arrested yesterday, after police say he sexually assaulted a woman on the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta. The attack happened about 7 a.m..When police arrived, they found a “Good Samaritan” witness had intervened and the suspect had fled on foot. The alleged perpetrator was later identified as James W. Oliver, a transient from Lincoln County. Oliver was later arrested and charged with Gross Sexual Assault, Criminal Threatening, and Unlawful Sexual Contact. He’s being held without bail in the Kennebec County Jail.
(Augusta) An early morning outing on a rail trail turned into a nightmare for a woman in Augusta Monday. Augusta Police Chief Kevin Lully reports to Star 97.7, the woman was on the Kennebec River Rail Trail about 7 a.m. yesterday when she was allegedly sexually assaulted. A Good Samaritan witness had intervened and was with the woman when authorities arrived on the scene. The suspect, later identified as 57 yo James W. Oliver, a transient from Lincoln, fled on foot but was later found and arrested. He’s charged with Gross Sexual Assault, Criminal Threatening, and Unlawful Sexual Contact and is being held without bail in the Kennebec County Jail.
Local Politics
Paid Family Medical Leave Rules Public Comment Period Ending
(Augusta) There’s still time to comment on the proposed rules for Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. The Maine Department of Labor will receive comments for another week, through July 8th. Comments may be made on MDOL’s website. Once the public comment period ends, the Department will review and consider all comments and may make changes to the proposed rule. It also has the option to issue another version of the rule for public comment.
(August) There’s just a week left to make your voice heard on Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. The public is invited to leave comments on the MDOL website through July 8th. Once the comment period closes, the Department will review and consider all comments and may make changes to the proposed rule. It also has the option to issue another version of the rule for public comment.
Ellsworth Hires “New” Finance Director
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has a “new” Finance Director, although he’s been on the job since the end of April. The Ellsworth American reports Deputy Finance Director Nate Moore, who has been filling the position for several months, has officially been promoted. Current Orono Finance Director, Zachary Turner, has been hired to fill a new position – Finance Manager. Several other changes in the Department are reflective of the City’s growth, including promotions of the two current assistant deputy treasurers.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth’s “new” Finance Director says he’s excited about working with the team that’s in place. In fact, former Deputy Finance Director Nate Moore HAS been working with them since April, when he stepped in as interim Finance Director. City Manager Charlie Pearce told the Ellsworth American several other changes are being made to reflect the City’s growing needs, including hiring Orono’s current Finance Director, Zachary Turner, to fill the new position of Finance Manager.
Environment
Island Explorer Buses Going Electric
(ANP) The federal government is awarding Maine more than $23M to buy electric buses and charging equipment for the company that operates the Island Explorer buses at Acadia National Park and on Mount Desert Island. Maine Public reports the buses are currently propane powered, but Executive Director Paul Murphy says going electric should improve the air quality on the island. He says although propane is pretty clean, when compared to fossil fuel buses, they’re dramatically cleaner and are quieter as well.
(ANP) The Island Explorer buses that serve Acadia National Park and parts of MDI currently operate on relatively clean propane. Soon, they’ll be even quieter and less polluting. Maine Public reports the federal government is awarding the state more than $23M to buy electric buses and charging equipment for the company that operates the Island Explorer bus system. Executive Director Paul Murphy says going electric should improve the air quality on the island.
Maine DACF Launches PFAS Navigator for Farmers
(Augusta) There’s a new resource for Maine farmers navigating the contaminating business of PFAS, those unsafe chemicals that are turning up in fish, wildlife, and soil. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry yesterday announced the launch of “PFAS Navigators”, a program designed to offer dedicated one-on-one assistance to farmers affected by PFAS contamination. The confidential, no cost program’s aim is to provide comprehensive support in securing necessary resources and guidance for farmers managing the impacts of PFAS on their farms and families. For more information, visit the Navigator Program website at extension dot u maine dot e d u.
(Augusta) The chemical contaminants known as PFAS have turned up in fish, wildlife, and soil, with farmers being especially hard hit. On Monday, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry launched “PFAS Navigators”, a program designed to offer dedicated one-on-one assistance to farmers affected by PFAS contamination. The confidential, no cost program’s aim is to provide comprehensive support in securing necessary resources and guidance for farmers managing the impacts of PFAS on their farms and families. For more information, visit the Navigator Program website at extension dot u maine dot e d u.
Health
Beth C. Wright Expands Resources to Washington County
(Machias) No one should have to face cancer alone. That’s the rallying cry of the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, which on Monday announced it is expanding services for patients in the Machias area and across Washington County. The “Facing Cancer Together” Down East Support Group is open to anyone affected by any type of cancer, including those caring for persons WITH cancer. Meetings are held from 5 to 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, beginning July 18th, at the Machias WIC/Family Planning Office. For more information, contact the Beth C. Wright Center in Ellsworth.
(Machias) When it comes to facing cancer, it’s all about having a support group. The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center yesterday announced it is expanding services for patients in the Machias area and across Washington County. The “Facing Cancer Together” Down East Support Group is open to anyone affected by any type of cancer, including those caring for persons WITH cancer. Meetings are held from 5 to 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, beginning July 18th, at the Machias WIC/Family Planning Office. For more information, contact the Beth C. Wright Center in Ellsworth.
Technology
Free Tech Support Offered
(Machias) Do you find yourself needing help setting up a new device, recovering your passwords, or syncing and backing up devices? The Sunrise County Economic Council is offering free tech support at various locations in Washington County, beginning today in Eastport. SCEC’s Joshua Merhoff will be at the Peavey Memorial Library from 11 to 1 today, and again on July 16th and 30th, with support from the Maine Connectivity Authority. There are also dates and locations planned for Calais, Jonesport, and Harrington. The help is free, and no reservations are required. We’ve posted the dates, locations and times on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Machias) If you live in Washington County and find you need help with email, setting up a new device, internet access and safety or any other tech-related issue, the Sunrise County Economic Council has a great opportunity for you! Beginning today, SCEC’s Joshua Merhoff will be at the Peavey Memorial Library in Eastport from 11 to 1, and again on July 16th and 30th, with support from the Maine Connectivity Authority. There are also dates and locations planned for Calais, Jonesport, and Harrington. The help is free, and no reservations are required. We’ve posted the dates, locations and times on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Annual Wine & Whiskers Supports SPCA
(Trenton) Support the animals while enjoying great food and drink and bidding on amazing auction items at the SPCA of Hancock County’s 11th Annual Wine & Whiskers fundraiser. The gala begins at 5:30 on Tuesday, July 23rd at the Bar Harbor Club and includes hors d’oeuvres and a three course dinner, plus there will be a cash bar. All proceeds support the operation of the non-profit animal shelter – which receives no state or federal funding and relies on such events to operate. This year’s Wine & Whiskers is in honor of beloved animal advocate and former board member, Natalie Knox. Reserve your spot at s p c a hancock county dot org.
(Trenton) It’s the SPCA of Hancock County’s largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds directly supporting the dogs and cats in the SPCA’s care. Wine & Whiskers includes hors d’oeuvres, a three course dinner, and there will be a cash bar. Plus live and silent auctions – featuring a two-hour cruise for 10 aboard the Asticou, with Linda Greenlaw serving as captain. Other items include jewelry, gift certificates, local artwork and more. This year’s event is in honor of beloved animal advocate and former board member, Natalie Knox. That’s Tuesday, July 23rd, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Bar Harbor Club. Reserve your spot at s p c a hancock county dot org.
Sports
The Red Sox hoping to reel in a big win tonight as they take on the Marlins down in Miami.
The ownership group that controls reigning NBA champs, the Boston Celtics, intends to sell all its shares of the team. Boston Basketball Partners intends to sell the majority interest within a year, with the balance of its shares then closing in 2028.