Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Rockland Police Seek July 3rd Surveillance Video
(Rockland) Rockland police responded to that town’s South End at 2 a.m. on July 3rd after receiving a report of three juveniles, dressed in black and wearing masks, checking vehicle doors. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the officers patrolled the area on foot and located the suspects, who then took off on foot. Two of the juveniles were caught – one was reportedly in possession of a knife. Officers then found several unlocked vehicles that had been gone through and a nearby residence where the first floor screen of an open window had been cut and partial entry made. The two juveniles face multiple charges. Rockland Police are asking anyone living in the area who has a home security system to check for suspicious activity between midnight and 2:30 a.m. on the third and report that to Rockland P.D.
South Thomaston Woman Charged
(South Thomaston) A South Thomaston woman was arrested and charged after she allegedly assaulted two people after entering their apartment. The Pen Bay Pilot reports 32 yo Kristina Larrondo was arrested June 27th by Rockland Police. According to court records, a woman went to the door of an apartment on Knox Street in Rockland and she and the resident got into a verbal argument. Police say Larrondo then appeared at the door and assaulted the resident by pulling her hair and tackling her. A man who attempted to stop the assault was punched with Larrondo’s closed fist, which held a key, further injuring him. Larrondo is scheduled to appear in court again on August 29th.
Local Politics
Mills Meets with Biden
(Washington, DC) Governor Janet Mills was one of two dozen Governors who met with President Biden Wednesday night in a follow up meeting to his disastrous debate performance. The Portland Press Herald reports Mills told the President the debate was “hard to watch” and urged him to reassure Maine voters by demonstrating the heart, determination, and vigor he’s brought in the past. Despite calls to step aside, Biden has adamantly declared he’s up to the job and plans to continue as the Party’s presumptive nominee.
(Washington, DC) In an effort to shore up support after a disastrous debate performance, President Biden on Wednesday met with two dozen governors, including Maine Governor Janet Mills. The Portland Press Herald reports Mills told the President the debate was “hard to watch” and urged him to reassure Maine voters by demonstrating the heart, determination, and vigor he’s brought in the past. Despite calls to step aside, Biden has adamantly declared he’s up to the job and plans to continue as the Party’s presumptive nominee.
Economy
MDOL Works to Help Businesses Transition with Paid Family and Medical Leave
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor is partnering with an organization, FAST Enterprises, to build the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program’s online contributions portal. The portal will allow employers to register their business information with the program, file quarterly wage reports and remit contributions, and apply for private plan substitutions when eligible. It will also provide the opportunity for self-employed individuals and tribal governments to opt into coverage. Payroll contributions begin January 1, 2025, with benefits scheduled to begin May 1, 2026.
(Augusta) The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program goes into effect just months from now, with payroll contributions beginning January 1, and benefits scheduled to begin in May 2026. In preparation, the Maine Department of Labor is partnering with FAST Enterprises, to build the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program’s online contributions portal. The portal will allow employers to register their business information with the program, file quarterly wage reports and remit contributions, and apply for private plan substitutions when eligible. It will also provide the opportunity for self-employed individuals and tribal governments to opt into coverage.
Staffing Shortages Affect Maine State Ferry Riders
(Maine) Riders who use the Maine State Ferry are making waves about repeated ferry cancellations caused by staffing shortages. The service runs seven boats that are critical for those traveling back and forth from Vinalhaven, Swans Island, Islesboro, and other islands. The Portland Press Herald reports 14 of 64 MSF full-time positions are vacant, with another seven staffers on leave in recent months. Five of 18 part time positions also remain unfilled. The State Department of Transportation, which operates the service, is spending nearly a million dollars to address the issue.
(Maine) When it comes to staffing at the Maine State Ferry Service, it’s been a bit of rough seas. The Portland Press Herald reports 14 of 64 full time positions are unfilled, as well as five of 18 part time positions, with seven staffers going on leave in recent months. The shortages have left residents of Swans Island, Matinicus, French Island, North Haven and others stranded at times because of repeated ferry cancellations. The State Department of Transportation, which operates the service, is spending nearly a million dollars to address the issue.
Walgreen’s Closing 100 “Underperforming Stores” – Five in Maine
(Maine) Word is out. CNN reporting Walgreen’s is closing 100 of what it calls its “underperforming stores” across the U.S. With the convenience of having prescriptions filled online, and sometimes less expensive goods elsewhere, the company said it was a financially sound move. Five of the stores scheduled to close are in Maine – stores in Fairfield, Milo, on U.S. 1 in Scarborough, in Saco, and on Congress Street in Portland. Walgreen’s says it will reevaluate in 2025; a move that could to lead to further closures down the road.
(Maine) Citing underperforming sales and lack of profit, Walgreen’s says it will close 100 stores across the US by the end of the year. CNN reports the chain is facing competition from online and other pharmacies. Five of the stores that will be closing are in Maine, including stores in Fairfield, Milo, on US 1 in Scarborough, in Saco and on Congress Street in Portland. Walgreen’s said it will reevaluate in 2025 and may close more stores down the road.
Environment
How Best to Experience the Outdoors
(Augusta) If you’re visiting our beautiful state this holiday week, welcome! You’re most likely here to experience our beautiful outdoors. Maine DACF offers these tips for exploring safely and comfortably. First, know your limits. There are trails for all ages and ability levels – you probably want to avoid certain ones if you have a fear of heights or don’t like to climb ladders on the way up. Make sure you have comfy hiking boots – trails are no place for flip flops or crocs. Wear layered clothing and bring something waterproof. The weather can change quickly, especially with elevation changes. And don’t forget water, snacks … and bug spray!
(Augusta) It’s a beautiful day for a hike! Whether you’re visiting or a seasoned trail user here in Maine, experts offer up some tips for making the most of that day outdoors! First, they say, know your limits. From Wonderland in Acadia National Park to a climb up Mount Katahdin, pick the path that’s right for your courage and skill level. Take plenty of water and snacks, a compass, map, or GPS device, binoculars and a camera or smart phone. You’ll likely want to capture pics of those amazing views and that unique wildlife. Sunscreen and bug spray are musts, and be sure to dress in layers and bring waterproof gear, as the weather can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.
Health
Healthy Acadia, Ellsworth Public Library to Host Public Health Afternoon
(Ellsworth) If you have questions about vaccinations, MaineCare, or other health-related concerns, mark your calendar for July 20th. Healthy Acadia is partnering with the Ellsworth Public Library to offer a Public Health Afternoon. Connect with Healthy Acadia Community Health Coordinator Audra Stewart-Gordon who will guide you to find answers for your health-related questions. Handouts and a list of local resources will be provided for attendees to take home. The forum will be held from Noon to 2 at the Ellsworth Public Library.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library is more than just your resource for books, media, internet use, children’s reading material, and current periodicals – although it certainly IS all those things! On July 20th, the library and Healthy Acadia invite you to a Public Health Afternoon. From noon until 2, come have your questions answered about vaccinations, MaineCare, and the Unwinding process – or any other questions you have about health resources. The event is free, and participants will be sent home with handouts and a list of local resources.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Road Closure
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth letting users of Red Bridge Road know of a scheduled road closure from July 22nd through approximately September 20th. Crews will be working to remove and replace a deteriorated pipe arch structure near the intersections of Mill Dam Road and Alder Brook Way. During the closure, traffic will be restricted to local traffic only, with access granted only to residents within the work zone. The closure encompasses the section of Red Bridge Road that spans Branch Lake Stream, necessitating a complete shutdown of traffic at that culvert.
(Ellsworth) If you travel Red Bridge Road in Ellsworth, the City wants you to be aware of a scheduled closure. From July 22nd through approximately September 20th, crews will be working to remove and replace a deteriorated pipe arch structure near the intersections of Mill Dam Road and Alder Brook Way. During the closure, traffic will be restricted to local traffic only, with access granted only to residents within the work zone. The closure encompasses the section of Red Bridge Road that spans Branch Lake Stream, necessitating a complete shutdown of traffic at that culvert.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Songwriting Class
(Winter Harbor) Are you a frustrated songwriter? Have a story inside you that’s just dying to be set to a tune? Schoodic Arts for All is offering a Songwriting class with Chelsea Berry. The class will be held at Hammond Hall in Winter Harbor on July 23rd, 24th, and 25th and will meet you where you are – as a beginner, dabbler, or pro. Participants will workshop through tips, exercises, and self-editing tools to help them bring their lyrics and music to life. The class is designed for teens and adults, and is priced with a flexible tuition. Register by July 16th at Schoodic arts for all dot org.
Ellsworth Public Library Soliciting Input on Renovation
(Ellsworth) If you’re still off for the holiday today, why not take a moment and make your thoughts heard? The Ellsworth Public Library is conducting a Space Planning Survey to gather insights from the community about how they can best utilize and add square footage without major building expansion. The survey asks you to share your opinions and ideas on the children’s area, meeting rooms, the computer area for studying and research, and the organization of books and media. The survey takes just a couple of minutes to complete, and they know you’ve got some insightful ideas about the use of space. We’ve posted a link to the survey on our Star 97.7 FB page; and, of course, you’ll find that on the library’s FB page as well!
Grand Summer Concert Series
(Ellsworth) The Grand in Ellsworth’s Summer Concert Series kicks off tonight with the Crown Vics, just about the most entertaining band around! Bring your lawn chair and prepare to dance and clap the night away – that’s from 6 to 7 p.m. at Harbor Park in Ellsworth. The free summer concert series is brought to you by the City of Ellsworth. For all things Grand, including programming for all ages and ways you can support Ellsworth’s treasured venue, visit grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Put on your dancing shoes and shades and get on down to Harbor Park for the Grand in Ellsworth’s Summer Concert Series – kicking off this evening with the Crown Vics, just about the most fun and entertaining band around! Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a beautiful evening of music and fun on the waterfront. The free concert series is sponsored by the City of Ellsworth. Learn about all the great things the Grand has planned this summer – for kids, teens, adults, opera lovers, and comedy connoisseurs – visit grand online dot org.
Sports
Red Sox making it 3 for 3 with a 6-5 win over the Marlins last night down in Florida. The Red Sox in New York tonight to take on the Yankees.