Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Addison Man Charged with Manslaughter
(Addison) An Addison man is facing manslaughter charges in connection with an April 11th crash on Route One in Steuben that claimed the life of 51 yo David Wocester of Lamoine. Authorities tell Star 97.7, 36 yo Nicholas Libby was driving east shortly before 1 p.m. that afternoon when he crossed the center line and struck Worcester’s vehicle head on, killing Worcester and his dog. In addition to manslaughter charges, Libby is charged with driving under the influence and driving to endanger.
(Addison) An Addison man faces multiple charges in connection with an April 11th crash on Route One that claimed the life of a Lamoine man. Maine State Police tell Star 97.7, 36 yo Nicholas Libby was driving east in Steuben shortly before 1 p.m. that afternoon, when his vehicle crossed the centerline, hitting a Subaru Forester driven by 51 yo David Worcester of Lamoine. Worcester and his dog died at the scene. Libby was seriously injured. Libby faces charges of manslaughter, driving under the influence and driving to endanger.
Augusta Police Looking for Man Considered “Armed and Dangerous”
(Augusta) Augusta police continue to search for a man they say is armed and dangerous after he allegedly assaulted his parents on July 5th. Police Chief Kevin Lully reports to Star 97.7, officers responded to a domestic violence call at a home on Riverside Drive Friday afternoon. The suspect, identified as 40 yo Justin Larrabee, fled before police arrived. His vehicle was later located, but Larrabee remains at large. Riverside Drive was closed for several hours while authorities searched the area. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Augusta Police.
(Augusta) Augusta police are asking the public’s help in finding a man they say threatened his parents with a firearm and then fled. Police Chief Kevin Lully tells Star 97.7, officers responded to a domestic violence call at a home on Riverside Drive Friday afternoon. The suspect, 40 yo Justin Larrabee, fled the scene before officers arrived. His vehicle was later located, but Larrabee remains at large. Police say the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. We’ve posted a picture on our Star 97.7 FB page. Any tips should be reported to the Augusta Police Department.
Multiple Arrests Following Hermon Robbery and Assault
(Hermon) Multiple people have been arrested in connection with a robbery and assault that took place in Hermon last month. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office says a 9-1-1 call reported an injured man on Union Street in the early morning hours of June 23rd. Responding deputies learned the victim had been attacked and robbed by persons he knew. Three of the five suspects were later found and detained at the Odlin Road Holiday Inn in Bangor. Searches of the hotel rooms and their vehicles also reportedly turned up multiple bags of crack cocaine. Taken into custody and charged were 45 yo Tory Kindred, 47 yo Thomas Pope, and 35 yo Amanda Allard. Additional suspects have been identified and are expected to be located.
(Hermon) The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department arrested three suspects last week in connection with a June 23rd assault and robbery in Hermon. According to a press release, a 9-1-1 call came in in the early morning hours, reporting a man had been attacked and robbed on Union Street by persons he knew. Three of the five suspects were later found and detained at the Odlin Road Holiday Inn in Bangor. Searches of the hotel rooms and their vehicles reportedly turned up multiple bags of crack cocaine. Taken into custody and charged were 45 yo Tory Kindred, 47 yo Thomas Pope, and 35 yo Amanda Allard. Additional suspects have been identified and are expected to be located.
Social Media Filled with Warnings of Project 2025
(Undated) Social media has been flooded the past few weeks with warnings about Project 2025. The 900 page document is the brainchild of the ultra right wing Heritage Foundation, made up of Trump allies, though the former President denies any knowledge of the project. Project 2025 proposes a massive overhaul of the federal government, including the firing of as many as 50,000 federal workers and other actions to be taken in the first 180 days of a Trump administration if he is reelected. It outlines plans for reforming SNAP, WIC, school meals and other social services, chips away at the separation of church and state, further eliminates a woman’s right to choose and proposes moving the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education’s programs to the Department of Labor. The full document is available at static dot project 2025 dot org.
(Undated) Although Donald Trump denies any knowledge of Project 2025, the 900-plus page document is the brainchild of mostly former associates and current allies of the presumptive Republican nominee for President. The document is the brainchild of the ultra conservative Heritage Foundation and outlines actions to be taken in the first 180 days of the Trump administration if he is elected. The plan includes drastic changes to education, a woman’s right to choose, federally subsidized programs such as SNAP, WIC, and school meal programs, and changes to retirement age and Social Security. The full document can be accessed at static dot project 2025 dot org.
Hancock Point Fire
(Hancock) Members of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department responded to an outbuilding fire on Hancock Point Friday afternoon. The building, a boathouse, had just been repaired after January storm damage, and the fire department had held a July 4th fundraising cookout at that location the day before. Sources say teens had left unused fireworks in a pile next to the building, and shingles on the lower part of the building caught fire. Quick action by neighbors, who spotted the fire and rushed to extinguish the blaze, helped prevent major damage.
(Hancock) Quick action by neighbors and the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department Friday helped save a boathouse on Hancock Point. The building had just been repaired after January storm damage and a fundraising cookout was held at the building the day before, on July 4th. Sources say teens had left unused fireworks in a pile next to the building, and shingles on the lower part of the building caught fire. Quick action by neighbors, who spotted the fire and rushed to extinguish the blaze, helped prevent extensive damage.
Children Rescued from Rip Currents at Old Orchard Beach
(CBS) Several children had to be rescued from rip currents Friday evening at Old Orchard Beach. Lifeguards were able to pull the four children to safety before fire and EMS responders arrived. Experts say if you get caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore.
Blue Hill Fire Chief Retires
(Blue Hill) Blue Hill Fire Chief Matthew Dennison is retiring at the end of this month. Dennison has served the department for 25 years, the last eight as fire chief. He’ll be retiring come July 31st. Great job – thank you for your service.
Machias Firefighter Passing
(Machias) Our condolences to Chief Joey Dennison and the members of the Machias Fire Department on the passing of Firefighter and Chaplain Leslie Haynes, who passed away last week. His fellow first responders say Haynes served the Department tirelessly for more than 15 years and will be greatly missed.
Ellsworth Police/Healthy Acadia/Hannaford Partner to Fight Addiction
(Ellsworth) You deserve flowers – and this month, your bouquet purchase will help a worthy cause. In 2016, the Ellsworth Police Department partnered with Healthy Acadia to launch Project HOPE – Heroin-Opiate Prevention Effort – as a police-led initiative working to connect area residents seeking treatment for heroin and opioid addiction with recovery resources and treatment. During July, when you purchase a Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet at Hannaford, a dollar will go toward Project HOPE. Officers say the project has helped many, with lots of positive outcomes, and they thank you for being a part of that success.
Environment
Lakes Appreciation Month
(Maine) July is Lakes Appreciation Month here in Maine. The state has more than 6,000 lakes and ponds that offer ecological, economic, recreational, and intrinsic value. During July especially, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is asking folks to help protect those waters from aquatic invasive species; which, once established, are next to impossible to eradicate. For a list of ways to help keep those bodies of water pure, check out the MDIFW website.
(Maine) Hopefully, you’ve gotten the boat out on the water some this summer, in spite of those rainy weekends. July is Lakes Appreciation Month, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is asking boaters and others to help keep Maine’s 6,000 lakes and ponds free of aquatic invasive species by draining your craft prior to entering and when preparing to leave a site, drying your vessel completely before reuse, and cleaning off any visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud, disposing of them in a responsible receptacle far from the water. For more on how to protect Maine waters, visit the MDIFW website.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Grand Presents Disney’s Frozen, Junior!
(Ellsworth) Heat getting the best of you? Try getting Frozen in Summer. This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the Grand in Ellsworth presents Disney’s Frozen Junior, a 60 minute musical designed for middle school aged performers. Thirty seven young actors take the stage portraying Anna, Elsa, and all your favorite characters, as they embark on an epic journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Don’t miss out – get your tickets for the coolest show around at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) It’s the perfect summer show for the young and the young at heart! This weekend, the Grand in Ellsworth presents Disney’s Frozen Junior. Join Anna, Elsa, and all your favorites as 37 middle school aged performers take you on an epic journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. That’s July 11-13 at the Grand – tickets at grand online dot org.
Grand Christmas in July Fundraiser
(Ellsworth) It’s Christmas in July at your Grand! Win a tree with goods and services donated by local businesses. Tickets for the raffle are just 50 cents each, with all proceeds benefiting The Grand! Come have your photo taken with Santa, enjoy concessions and a cash bar! Friday, July 26th from Noon until 8 p.m. They say parkas or beachwear optional. Visit grand online dot org to learn more.
(Ellsworth) Who doesn’t love Christmas? And now you don’t have to wait six more months to celebrate the holiday. The Grand in Ellsworth is hosting a Christmas in July Tree Raffle on Friday, July 26th, from Noon until 8 p.m. Get your pictures taken with Santa, enjoy concessions and a cash bar, and purchase your tickets for a chance to win a tree with goods and services donated by local businesses! Learn more at grand online dot org. Parkas or beachwear optional.
Sports
The Red Sox have the night off tonight. They’ll run the bases with the Oakland A’s this week, beginning tomorrow night at Fenway.
And we’re just a month away today from pre-season play with the New England Patriots. Patriots face off with the Carolina Panthers on August 8th.