Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Mechanic Falls Deaths Update
(Mechanic Falls) Authorities have released the identities and causes of death of the three people whose bodies were found in a home in Mechanic Falls Saturday. WABI-TV reports police went to the Highland Avenue home Saturday afternoon to check on a U-Haul truck that had been reported stolen. Inside, they found the body of 37 yo Jennifer Barney, who they now say died by suicide. Also, the bodies of her children, 7 yo Hope West and 11 yo Harmony West. Following autopsies, authorities say they were victims of homicide. Pets were also found inside the home. They’re now in the care of an animal control officer until placement is decided. The State Police Major Crimes Unit will continue to investigate. Elm Street School, where the girls attended, had crisis counselors on hand this week to help friends, families and classmates affected by the tragedy.
(Mechanic Falls) Another blow to the Mechanic Falls community as authorities release more details about the deaths of three people whose bodies were found in a home on Highland Avenue Saturday. WABI-TV reports police had gone to the home to check on a U-Haul truck that had been reported stolen. Inside, they found the body of 37 yo Jennifer Barney, who they now say died by suicide. Also, the bodies of her children, 7 yo Hope West and 11 yo Harmony West. Following autopsies, authorities say they were victims of homicide. Pets were also found inside the home. They’re now in the care of an animal control officer until placement is decided. The State Police Major Crimes Unit will continue to investigate. Elm Street School, where the girls attended, had crisis counselors on hand this week to help friends, families and classmates affected by the tragedy.
Details Emerge in Death of Owls Head Toddler
(Owls Head) More details have emerged surrounding the death of a toddler police say was found not breathing at the Thomaston WalMart on May 29th. The 22 month old later died at Pen Bay Medical Center. His death was ruled a homicide from blunt force trauma. The Portland Press Herald reports Quayshawn Wilson had a severely lacerated liver, suggesting someone had stomped on the boy. Quayshawn had been with his mother’s boyfriend, Aziayh Scott, who is being held at Two Bridges Regional Jail on manslaughter charges. An affidavit outlining probable cause for Scott’s arrest was still under seal this week
(Owls Head) The man accused in the death of a toddler who was found not breathing at the Thomaston WalMart on May 29th appeared virtually in Superior Court this week for a hearing on a motion to reduce his bail. Aziayh Scott, the boyfriend of the child’s mother at the time, is accused of killing 22 month old Quayshawn Wilson. The Portland Press Herald reports Quayshawn had a severely lacerated liver, suggesting someone had stomped on the boy. His death was ruled a homicide. Scott was arrested June 3 in New Orleans and has reportedly made hundreds of calls begging the child’s mother to tell prosecutors he is innocent. In some of the calls, detectives say Scott said he was angry with himself and needed “to work on my control”.
Old Town Police to Host First National Night Out Event
(Old Town) The Old Town Police Department is excited to announce the community will be hosting its inaugural participation in National Night Out on Tuesday. National Night Out is a community-building campaign celebrated across the US that aims to foster positive relationships between the police and community members, making neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Old Town’s event will feature games, food, a movie in the park, and more – activities for all ages. That’s this Tuesday, August 6th, beginning at 5:30 pm. at Main Street City Park. The event is free of charge and open to all.
(Old Town) Old Town is hosting its inaugural participation in National Night Out. National Night Out is a community-building campaign celebrated across the US that aims to foster positive relationships between the police and community members, and making neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. The event is free and open to everyone. Old Town’s event will feature games, food, a movie in the park at 8, and more – activities for all ages. That’s this Tuesday, August 6th, beginning at 5:30 pm. at Main Street City Park.
Waldo County Seeks Disaster Response Volunteers
(Swanville) The foundations are in place. If a disaster DOES happen in Waldo County, officials say they’re ready with infrastructure and agreements at the ready, supplies stored in a local warehouse, and transportation and feeding plans in place. Now, the Pen Bay Pilot reports, the county just need to train some volunteers. A core team has been meeting for several months to make sure the county is prepared, but they say a few more “hands-on” hands would be even better. Officials say it just requires a couple of nights of training and a willingness to be part of the team if needed. If you can assemble cots, serve soup, count pillows, or man a registration table at a shelter, you’re qualified. For more information, visit waldo county m e dot gov.
(Swanville) We always hope disasters don’t happen, but counties must be ready if they do. The Waldo County EMA says the county is ready with infrastructure and agreements in place, supplies stored in a local warehouse, and transportation and feeding plans. But, they tell the Pen Bay Pilot, they could use some volunteers. Officials say it just requires a couple of nights of training and a willingness to be part of the team if needed. If you can assemble cots, serve soup, count pillows, or man a registration table at a shelter, you’re qualified. A core team has been meeting for several months, but would like to see more “hands on” hands … just in case. For more information, visit waldo county m e dot gov.
Local Politics
Tax Credits Sought for Working Waterfronts
(Washington, DC) A bill that would offer tax credits to working waterfronts affected by natural disasters was introduced in Congress this week. The bill’s sponsors include Senator Angus King of Maine and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. The Working Waterfronts Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act would provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to a million dollars in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually.
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King is co-sponsoring a bill that would offer tax credits to working waterfronts affected by natural disasters. The bill would provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to a million dollars in mitigation expenses, adjusted annually for inflation. The tax credit would be available to any small business that operates a working waterfront.
Economy
Heart of Ellsworth Seeks Volunteers for Clean-up Day
(Ellsworth) This fall, if selected, Ellsworth will become the 11th Main Street community in Maine to be named a Main Street America City – and the only city so designated in Hancock, Washington, and Penobscot Counties. The designation would put Ellsworth on the map as having an economically vibrant and sustainable downtown with a proven track record of community engagement; which of course, WE know to be true. On August 15th, Maine Downtown Center reps will be visiting as part of the application process. Heart of Ellsworth is looking for volunteers to join their Design Committee next Tuesday for a Volunteer Clean Up morning to ensure Ellsworth is at her finest. Help weed, pick up trash, water, and more – that’s from 8:30 to Noon on August 6th. Learn more and sign up on the Heart of Ellsworth FB page!
(Ellsworth) New businesses, concerts at the Franklin Street Parklet, every food option and atmosphere you can imagine, top notch shows and more at The Grand, and the best shopping experiences around. We already know Ellsworth’s downtown is economically sustainable with a proven track record of community engagement. Now, Heart of Ellsworth is hoping for an official designation as the 11th Main Street America community in Maine. HoE has applied for and worked hard to earn the honor, which would put the city on the map and bring even more economic activity. On August 15th, Maine Downtown Center representatives will be visiting as part of the application process. You can help make sure our Downtown shines by volunteering to help weed, water, sweep, and more on Tuesday, August 6th, between 8:30 and Noon. Learn more and sign up on the Heart of Ellsworth FB page!
Environment
Lobster War Showing at MTCAC
(Milbridge) There’s a war going on in the waters off the coast of Downeast Maine. This Saturday, the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center is showing a documentary about that conflict, Lobster War. We spoke with Boston Globe reporter and the film’s Director, David Abel, who tells Star 97.7, his interest began with coverage of climate change’s effect that led to collapse of the cod fishery. (((LobWar 1 “…and in the waters off Canada.” :22))). Today, those disputed waters, a 277 square mile area known as the Gray Zone, are a war zone among lobster fishermen from the US and Canada because of an explosion of the lobster catch in those cooler waters. Lobster War features people and places you know – your neighbors, local businesses and boats, and an issue that strongly impacts Downeast Maine … this Saturday at 6:30 at the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center.
(Milbridge) The Gulf of Maine is one of the fastest warming bodies of water in the world. David Abel, Director of multiple films about Maine’s fisheries, tells Star 97.7 that warming has pushed lobsters … and the lobster industry … north. That, in turn, led to an explosion of catch and of the value of that catch into a contested area of water just off the coast of Downeast Maine. And that, says Abel led to a Lobster War. (((LobWar 2 “…and the United States as “the Gray Zone”. :18))) The conflict includes fishermen, boatbuilders and tour boats from Lubec, Cutler, Jonesport, and other areas right in our backyard. Don’t miss Abel’s documentary, Lobster War, showing this Saturday beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center.
(Milbridge) In 2018, Boston Globe Reporter David Abel and his film crew visited Cutler, Lubec, Jonesport and other ports affected by the northward movement of Maine’s lobster fishery – that migration prompted by warming waters in the Gulf of Maine. The outcome of their travels is a riveting hour and 14 minute documentary, Lobster War. Star 97.7 asked Abel how that continued warming could affect Maine’s critical lobster industry. (((LobWar 3 “…and elsewhere in Atlantic Canada.” :21))) Lobster War chronicles the “war” between fishermen from the US and Canada competing for a hefty catch in an area known as “the Gray Zone” before the lobster population moves even further north. See Lobster War this Saturday at 6:30 at The Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center.
(Milbridge) Warming waters driving lobsters north, government regulations that continue to increase costs and effort on the part of lobster men and women, dangers year round as they traverse sometimes stormy and brutal waters. And the perils of the industry itself that have caused many over the years to make the ocean their final resting place. Star 97.7 asked David Able, Director of the Documentary Lobster War, what drives people to stay with the profession. (((LobWar 4 “…it is part of the culture of Maine.” :19))) See Abel’s riveting documentary this Saturday at 6:30 at the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center. And check out his latest offerings, Entangled, and In the Whale – the true story of a lobsterman who was swallowed by a whale and lived to tell that story.
Washington County Courthouse Roof Repairs Begin
(Machias) Repairs began this week on the roof of the Washington County Courthouse in Machias. Built in 1853, tiles on the building’s slate roof had worn and gone missing, leading to severe leaking. For years, the solution was buckets and tarps strategically placed in the attic, in an attempt to protect the Superior Courtroom below and the archive room that holds the state’s largest selection of newspapers – more than 600 historic issues. The roof was one of the first problems tackled by Washington County Manager Renee Gray when hired in June 2023. Requests for total replacement of the roof went out in September, but only one bid was received. So the Commissioners, who had worked to save funds for the project, opted instead to repair the roof of the Courthouse, also allowing funds for repairs to the roof of the Sheriff’s office and jail, which are in equally bad shape.
(Machias) There’s a leak in the Washington County Courthouse – and leaks in the Sheriff’s office and jail as well. Built in 1853, tiles on the slate roof of the courthouse, like the other facilities, had gone missing in places, leading to severe leaking. The solution for many years was buckets and tarps strategically placed in the attic, in an attempt to protect the historic walls, floors, offices and archives below. It was one of the first issues Washington County Manager Renee Gray addressed when she was hired in June 2023. The county looked at a total replacement of the courthouse roof; but the Commissioners opted, instead, for repairs, which began this week, allowing for funding for roof repair of the equally damaged roofs of the Sheriff’s office and jail.
Sports
The Red Sox at Globe Life Stadium in Arlington, TX to begin a weekend series against the Rangers.
Team USA captured silver in the 4 x 100 relay, making Katie Ledecky the most decorated US female Olympian and the most decorated female in swimming history, now with 13 Olympic medals.
Katie Ledecky is now the most decorated U.S. female athlete in Olympic history after Team USA captured silver Thursday in the 4 by 100 relay. It was Ledecky’s 13th Olympic medal. The 27 yo holds 8 golds, 4 silver, and a bronze in the sport of swimming.
Simone Biles won gold in the women’s gymnastics individual all-around, while fellow American Suni Lee took bronze. Brazil’s Rebecca Andrade took the silver. It’s the third time Team USA has had two medalists on the same podium – the sixth straight time Team USA has won gold in the event.
Team USA now with 37 medals in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris – 9 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze.