Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Cushing Crime Update
(Cushing) Knox County officials have identified the person killed last week in Cushing as Kyle MacDougall. The Courier Gazette said the 45 yo victim’s last known address was in Waldoboro. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports detectives spent Friday and Saturday at 834 River Road processing the scene. 41 yo Mark Gagne of Cushing was arrested Friday in connection with the case and made his initial court appearance on Monday. Gagne is charged with Hindering Apprehension and Abuse of a Corpse after allegedly trying to get rid of the victim’s body. An affidavit in the case has been sealed at the request of the Maine Attorney General’s office. Gagne’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 5th.
(Cushing) The man arrested in connection with a suspicious death in Cushing last week made his initial court appearance Monday. 41 yo Mark Gagne of Cushing is charged with Hindering Apprehension and Abuse of a Corpse after he allegedly tried to dispose of the victim’s body. An affidavit in the case has been sealed at the request of the Maine Attorney General’s office. Gagne’s bail was set at $100K. The Courier Gazette identified the person killed as 45 yo Kyle MacDougall whose last known address was in Waldoboro. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports detectives spent Friday and Saturday at 834 River Road processing the scene. Gagne’s next court appearance is set for September 5th.
Augusta Incident
(Augusta) Authorities are releasing few details, but a section of Route 3 in Augusta was closed for several hours Tuesday while Maine State Police responded to a developing situation. Public Safety Information Spokesperson Shannon Moss said tactical and crisis negotiation teams were in the area. The road was closed between Church Hill and Bolton Hill Roads but has since reopened.
Bomb Threat Hoax
(Brooks) Maine State Police Tuesday responded to an emailed bomb threat directed at Ralph’s Café in Brooks. They say Troopers, a K9 Team and the Maine State Police Bomb unit were called shortly after 11 a.m. and cleared the business, which was reportedly not open yesterday. No explosives were found, and the threat was deemed a hoax. An investigation is ongoing.
Cornish Shooting
(Cornish) A shooting in a restaurant parking lot in Cornish yesterday resulted in one man being wounded and another in custody. Authorities say about 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, State Police responded to the Fairgrounds Pizza and Pub Restaurant parking lot on a report of a shooting. 44 yo Eric Letendre of West Baldwin was shot twice and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers rendered aid at the scene and Letendre was Life-Flighted to Maine Medical Center in Portland. 40 yo Sean Ambrose of Canterbury, NH was arrested and charged with Reckless Conduct with a Firearm. He was taken to the York County Jail. Officers say the two men knew each other. The owner of the restaurant told NewsCenter it appeared the incident involved a dispute during a child drop off. The men were not patrons of the restaurant.
Economy
IRS Collects One Billion in Back Taxes from Wealthy Tax Evaders
(Washington, DC) The IRS says it has collected a billion dollars in back taxes from high wealth individuals who failed to pay their recognized tax debts. ABC News reports the announcement showcases how the agency is using the money received as part of the Biden administration’s signature climate, health care and tax package signed into law in 2022. The current phase focused on about 1600 millionaires and other wealthy individuals, putting the average tax levy on each at about $625,000.
(Washington, DC) The IRS is cracking down on millionaires and other wealthy persons who fail to pay their tax debts. Since 2023, the agency has collected a record billion dollars in tax debts, showcasing how the agency is using the money received as part of the Biden administration’s signature climate, health care and tax package signed into law in 2022. In addition, Forbes reports the IRS has cracked down on the misuse of corporate jets for personal travel, high income owners that have not paid taxes, and closing loopholes the wealthy take advantage of in order to avoid paying taxes. Meanwhile House Republicans are proposing significant cuts to the agency’s budget, proposing a specific $2B cut to enforcement funding.
Education
Connors Emerson School Rebuild Approved at Over Budget Cost
(Bar Harbor) The Bar Harbor Town Council has authorized the Connors Emerson School to rebuild with the lowest bidder, even though the nearly $63M bid is just under $5M higher than voters approved last June. The Mount Desert Islander reports the School Committee had worked to cut corners after receiving some bids that were more than TEN million over what was approved. A design team has cut projected overages by at least $4M and proposed three options, two of which would cut 9200 or 20,000 square feet on the third floor, respectively. Those two options would reduce classroom size and result in program elements being moved or eliminated. The design changes could also delay construction and impact the school calendar year.
(Bar Harbor) The Bar Harbor Town Council has authorized the Connors Emerson School to go ahead with a much needed rebuild with the lowest bidder, even though the $62.9M bid was almost $5M higher than what voters approved last June. The Mount Desert Islander reports the School Committee worked diligently to cut corners and has presented three options, two of which would drastically cut space, leaving some to wonder if they would be back at square one in a few short years. Some residents have reportedly expressed buyer’s remorse over voting for the $58M bond because taxes went up 15 percent, and the town is looking at another increase next year.
Environment
Beals Select Board Schedules Meeting to Vote on Aquaculture Moratorium
(Beals) A follow up on a story we brought you yesterday. A large fish kill at a Cooke Aquaculture facility in Jonesport last month has prompted the Beals Select Board to schedule a vote on a Large Scale Aquaculture Moratorium. The Jonesport incident in June was the third large die-off at a Cooke facility in as many years. Select Board member Glenda Beal said the fish kill should motivate Beals to protect the town. A meeting to vote on the moratorium is set for 6 p.m. on July 23rd at the Town Office. If approved, the moratorium would put a hold on large projects or expansions for six months while a committee develops an ordinance on which Beals voters would then have the final say. Beals approved a similar moratorium a couple of years ago but reportedly didn’t follow through on crafting an ordinance.
(Beals) A follow up to that Jonesport fish die off we reported on yesterday. The June die off was the third incident at a Cooke Aquaculture facility in as many years. That has prompted the Beals Select Board to schedule a vote on a Large Scale Aquaculture Moratorium. Select Board member Glenda Beal said the fish kill should motivate Beals to protect the town. A meeting to vote on the moratorium is set for 6 p.m. on July 23rd at the Town Office. If approved, it would put a hold on large projects or expansions for six months while a committee developed an ordinance on which Beals voters would then have the final say. Beals approved a similar moratorium a couple of years ago but reportedly didn’t craft a long term ordinance.
Human Interest/Entertainment
World Atlas Names Ellsworth a Not-to-be-Missed Stop
(Ellsworth) Where in the world is one of the state’s most charming cities? According to the World Atlas, that would be Ellsworth. The publication calls Ellsworth “a charming city on the Union River” and named it one of the most adorable small towns in 2024. The atlas noted the city is often skipped as folks head to Acadia National Park, but recognizes the town’s delicious and diverse culinary landscape, and calls the Courthouse Gallery one of the best fine art galleries north of Boston. Not to mention the many chic boutiques and retail venues, the scenic Union River that winds through town, and historic Woodlawn with its historic Black House and more than two miles of forested and field trails.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth’s charm has once again landed it on the map – literally. The World Atlas says the City is one of the most charming river towns in Maine to visit in 2024. Founded in 1869, Ellsworth now boasts over eight thousand residents, a vibrant downtown with shops and a diverse culinary landscape, and Harbor Park and Marina overlooking the meandering Union River – where the Grand puts on summer concerts and movies. The publication also notes the Woodlawn Museum with tours of its historic house, gardens, and now community barn. A stop they say is not to be missed as visitors make their way to Acadia National Park.
A Grand July in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) It’s a Grand July here in Ellsworth! Star 97.7 talks with Grand Executive Director Nick Turner, who tells us summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy some family time and fun entertainment. (((GrandJuly 1 “…and waterfront concerts every Friday.” :14))) The waterfront concerts are at Harbor Park, with Movies by Moonlight beginning with tomorrow night’s showing of “Migration” at Knowlton Park – and both are free of charge! Get all the details at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) What happens when a man goes to the trouble to cover his heaps of odds, ends, and whatnots with a brand new tarp – and then finds the town has passed an ordinance outlawing said blue tarps? The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, hilarity ensues … (((GrandJuly 2 “…all information at grand online dot org.” :24))) We have OUR tickets – hope to see you there!
(Ellsworth) The staff at The Grand in Ellsworth LOVES Christmas! Who doesn’t? Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7 listeners, here’s your opportunity to think cool and get a jump on the holiday! (((GrandJuly 4 “…on FB or grandonline dot org.” :23))). That’s July 26th from Noon until 8 and July 27th from 9 to 8. And if summertime is more your thing, Turner says they’re also raffling off a grill to be given away later this summer. Get those raffle tickets at any Grand event.
(Ellsworth) She’s Maine’s Number One Sweetheart! American Idol’s Julia Gagnon is coming to The Grand in Ellsworth. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, one lucky local talent will be opening for Julia – and tonight’s the night to come cheer on your favorite! (((GrandJuly 3 “…to a sold out audience.” :21))) And again, that competition is tonight at 7 at the Grand – come cheer on your favorite!
Feeling Low? Make Something.
(Undated) Feeling low? Experts say, make something. Whether planting an herb garden, building a birdhouse, or modeling with air-dry clay, making something with your hands, they say, is good for the brain … and the emotions. There are some guidelines – scientists say have a learner’s mind and let go of any pressure you feel to be good at what you’re making. Aim for meaningful, not perfect. You don’t have to be a Monet in order to paint. Susy Brandt, an artist at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle says she often makes things to surprise herself and doesn’t know what she’s going to get. Experts say the goal is not perfection, but play, even if you have a break for just a few minutes.
Sports
The American League batted their way to a 5-3 win over the National League in last night’s All Star Game