Crime/Public Safety/Drugs Poland Shooting (Poland)  Maine State Police continue to investigate a shooting that happened in Poland Friday night and left a man dead.  Authorities say it happened on White Oak Hill Road shortly before 8 p.m.  No names were released.  The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office says an autopsy will be performed on the deceased.  […]

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Local News 08/05/24

Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Poland Shooting

(Poland)  Maine State Police continue to investigate a shooting that happened in Poland Friday night and left a man dead.  Authorities say it happened on White Oak Hill Road shortly before 8 p.m.  No names were released.  The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office says an autopsy will be performed on the deceased.  They say there is no danger to the public.

(Poland)  Maine State Police continue to investigate a deadly shooting Friday night in Poland.  The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office says it happened just before 8 p.m. on White Oak Hill Road.  One man was killed.  No names were released.  They say there is no danger to the public.

Sedgwick Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

(Sedgwick)  A Sedgwick man was in court Friday on charges he produced child sexual abuse material.  WABI-TV reports in May 2021, 29 yo Travis Bessey participated in a chat room and shared images of an adult man sexually abusing young children.  Similar images were reportedly recovered from his phone. Bessey pleaded guilty to two counts, each of which carry sentences of 15 to 30 years in prison.  Sentencing will occur at a later date.

(Sedgwick)  A Sedgwick man could face up to 60 years in prison after a Homeland Security agent monitoring a chat room found the accused, 29 yo Travis Bessey, shared images of an adult man sexually abusing young children.  Similar images were reportedly recovered from Bessey’s phone.  WABI-TV reports Bessey was in court Friday and pleaded guilty to two counts, each of which carries a sentence of 15 to 30 years.  Sentencing will take place at a later date.

Three Accused of Violating Precipice Trail Closure

(ANP)  Park rangers at Acadia National Park are thanking the public for their help in identifying three people who violated a wildlife protection closure within the park.  The Park posted pictures of two men and a woman on the Precipice Trail, which is clearly marked as closed in order to protect vulnerable nesting peregrine falcons.  The three were later identified, although park officials have not said how, nor have they released further information regarding possible fines and/or consequences.

(ANP)  The National Park Service Friday posted disturbing pictures of a group of hikers who were violating a wildlife protection closure within Acadia National Park.  The Precipice Trail is closed and clearly marked as such this time of year, in order to protect vulnerable nesting peregrine falcons.  Multiple media outlets, including Star 97.7, shared the photos of a woman and two men climbing the closed section, which the park service said led to identification of the suspects.  Park officials have not released the hikers’ identities, nor have they disclosed information on potential fines or possible punishments.

Report Finds Meta Ads Steer Users to Illegal Drugs

(KFF)  According to The Wall Street Journal, Meta Platforms is running ads on Facebook and Instagram that steer users to online marketplaces for illegal drugs, months after The Journal first reported that the social-media giant was facing a federal investigation over the practice.   According to the WSJ, the company has continued to collect revenue from ads that violate its policies, which ban promotion of the sale of illicit or recreational drugs. A review by The Wall Street Journal in July found dozens of ads marketing illegal substances such as cocaine and prescription opioids.  They say such ads were found online as recently as a week ago.  A separate analysis over recent months by an industry watchdog group allegedly found hundreds of such ads.

(KFF)  Drugs online?  The Wall Street Journal says Meta Platforms is running ads on Facebook and Instagram that steer users to online marketplaces for illegal drugs, such as cocaine and prescription opioids.  The report comes months after the WSJ first reported the social media giant was facing a federal investigation over the practice.  According to the paper, the company has continued to collect revenue from ads that violate its policies banning promotion of the sale of illicit or recreational drugs.  A review by The Wall Street Journal last month reportedly found dozens of ads marketing illegal substances, as recently as last Friday.  A separate analysis over recent months by an industry watchdog group allegedly found hundreds of such ads.

Local Politics

Winner of Flag Contest to Be Unveiled

(Augusta)  Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will unveil the winner of the Maine State Flag Redesign Contest and the chosen design for the model flag this morning at 10.   More than 400 people submitted entries.  We’ll post the winning design on our Star 97.7 FB page.

(Augusta)  And the winner is … Secretary of State Shenna Bellows will unveil the winner of the Maine State Flag Redesign Contest and the chosen design for the model flag this morning at 10.   More than 400 people submitted entries.  We’ll post the winning design on our Star 97.7 FB page.

Economy

Maine Ends Fiscal Year with Another Surplus

(Augusta)  In spite of ending the 2024 Fiscal Year with a more than $93M surplus, the Mills administration is urging caution during the next budget session.  The Portland Press Herald reports the total is much lower than the previous two years’ surpluses – $141M in 2023 and an eye popping $595M in 2022 – and, though still impressive, is part of a downward trend.  State law requires surplus funds must be allocated to certain accounts, such as one that subsidizes the increasing cost of child care, another for retiree health insurance, Finance Authority of Maine’s loan insurance reserve, and transportation.

(Augusta)  While Maine once again ended its fiscal year with an impressive surplus – $93.5M – that figure was much lower than the $141M in 2023 and the eye-popping $595M in 2022.  The Portland Press Herald reports it’s part of a downward trend and reason for the Mills Administration to urge caution during the next budget season.  State law requires surplus funds to be allocated to certain accounts, including those that subsidize the increasing cost of child care, retiree health insurance, and Finance Authority of Maine’s loan insurance reserve.  The rainy day fund is at its statutory maximum, so the remaining surplus will go to transportation.

Heavy Rains Cause Delays, Road Closures

(Maine)  Heavy rains Saturday caused delays, flooding, and road closures in parts of Maine.  The Maine Lobster Festival’s Lobster Parade floats were “trapped” by drenching rains, causing the Rockland lineup to kick off an hour later than planned.  In Westbrook, storm drains became overwhelmed by the downpours, forcing road closures.  And in Topsham, flooded paddocks meant cancellation of harness racing events at the Topsham Fair.  The National Weather Service reported nearly 3.4 inches of rain in places before Noon on Saturday.  A flash flood warning was issued in parts of southern Maine on Sunday, as storms continued to move across the region.

(Maine)  Parts of Maine saw soaking rains Saturday that caused flooding, road closures, delays and cancellations.  Drenching rains forced the Lobster Festival Parade in Rockland to kick off an hour late.  In Westbrook, storm drains became overwhelmed by the downpours, forcing road closures.  And in Topsham, flooded paddocks meant cancellation of harness racing events at the Topsham Fair.  The National Weather Service reported nearly 3.4 inches of rain in places before Noon on Saturday.  A flash flood warning was issued in parts of southern Maine on Sunday, as storms continued to move across the region.

Wildlife Watching for a Cause

(Augusta)  Judging from Social Media posts, we all love watching wildlife – so why not put that toward a good cause?  The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife invites outdoor enthusiasts, landowners, and casual wildlife observers throughout the state to take part in two annual community science projects – Maine Deer Spy, from now to September 30th, and the Wild Turkey August Production Survey throughout the month of August.  Simply observe the numbers you see and report your findings online through MDIFW.  And you can sign up to do that with them right online.

(Augusta)  It’s not Counting Crows, it’s counting deer and wild turkey!  The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife invites outdoor enthusiasts, landowners, and casual wildlife observers throughout the state to take part in two annual community science projects.  Maine Deer Spy – from now  to September 30th, and the Wild Turkey August Production Survey throughout the month of August.  Simply observe the numbers you see and report your findings online through MDIFW.  And you can sign up to do that with them right online.

Health

Study Shows Addressing Health Issues Can Delay or Prevent Dementia

(Bloomberg)  New research has promising advice for people concerned about dementia.  According to a study reported by Bloomberg, almost half of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by addressing health issues such as vision and hearing loss along with depression.  The research offers potential relief as cases of the condition continue to rise. Studies have also found wearing head protection in contact sports, and controlling levels of cholesterol, a blood fat linked to dementia, are among 14 actions that should be encouraged by health officials and doctors. The study, published in the Lancet Medical Journal, also advises against exposure to smoke from wildfires, and making bicycle helmets mandatory for children, and getting a shingles vaccine.

(Bloomberg)  The number of people with dementia is expected to triple by 2050.  But Bloomberg reports a study published in the Lancet Medical Journal says almost half of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by addressing certain health issues.  Researchers identified fourteen actions that should be encouraged by health officials and doctors, including addressing vision and hearing loss, along with depression, avoiding smoke from wildfires, and making bicycle helmets mandatory for children in order to prevent head injuries, and getting a shingles vaccine.  The study also recommends controlling levels of cholesterol, a blood fat that’s been linked to dementia.

Human Interest/Entertainment         

Acadia Critter Cruise

(Bar Harbor)  Hot days are perfect for a cruise along the shoreline of Bar Harbor, especially when that cruise benefits the SPCA of Hancock County!  On September 8th, the Acadia boat will showcase summer mansions, Egg Rock Lighthouse, eagles, osprey, seals, and more on its Critter Cruise.  Then, watch the sun go down over the water before heading back to land.  The cost of the cruise includes hors’d’oeuvres and a cash bar, with all proceeds benefiting the many animals helped by the SPCA.  Sign up at s p c a hancock county dot org.

(Bar Harbor)  Nothing more peaceful than an evening cruising along the shoreline of Mount Desert Island, especially when that cruise helps benefit a worthy non-profit.  On September 8th, the Acadia boat will showcase summer mansions, Egg Rock Lighthouse, eagles, osprey, seals, and more on its Critter Cruise.  After an evening of wildlife watching, catch the sun going down over the water before heading back to land.  Cost of the cruise includes hors’d’oeuvres and a cash bar, with all proceeds benefiting the many animals helped by the SPCA of Hancock County.  Sign up at s p c a hancock county dot org.

Sports

Red Sox round out a weekend series against the Rangers with a 7-2 win last night down in Texas.

Katie Ledecky took top honors in the 800-meter freestyle Saturday to bring her total number of Olympic gold medals to nine – tying a record set by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina.

Scottie Scheffler topped off a stellar year so far by rallying from four shots behind to win Olympic gold in Men’s Golf.

Novak Djokovic has spent a lot of time at the top spot in tennis. The one thing that was missing for the now 37 yo was an Olympic gold medal for his home country of Serbia.  Mission accomplished Sunday in Men’s Tennis Singles.

Team USA ended swimming at the Paris Olympics Sunday, winning gold and breaking the world record in the women’s 4 by 100 meter medley relay.

American Bobby Finke Sunday set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, 14 minutes 30.67 seconds, giving the US a huge boost on the final night of swimming at the Paris Olympics.

Team USA’s Kristen Faulkner won the women’s road race at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, the first American rider in 40 years to medal in the event.

Noah Lyles wins the Olympic 100 by five-thousandths of a second, among the closest finishes in Games history.