Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Versant Hoping to Further Ally with Police in Fight Against Illegal Marijuana Grows
(Bangor) The fight against illegal marijuana grows will get a “power” boost if one of the state’s utility giants gets its way. FoxBangor reports law enforcement officers generally see a spike in electricity usage as a red flag in marijuana operations hidden inside homes and buildings in Maine’s rural areas. Versant wants to ally with officers, but must first “smoke out” any privacy concerns. A lawyer for the utility says Versant has been cooperating when it receives subpoenas from law enforcement, but that it would be far more efficient to proactively report suspicions to police. A proposal allowing such interactions is on the agenda and planned for discussion next week by regulators.
(Bangor) Law enforcement officers say a spike in utility usage at homes or other buildings, particularly in rural Maine , is very often a red flag of illegal marijuana grows. FoxBangor reports Versant has allied itself with law enforcement in order to take down such operations, but is open to doing more … if attorneys can “smoke out” privacy concerns. A lawyer for the utility says Versant has been cooperating when it receives subpoenas from authorities, but that it would be far more efficient to proactively report suspicions to police. A proposal allowing such interactions is on an agenda planned by regulators for discussion next week.
Vandalism Could Mean No More Public Access at Fish Hatchery
(Orland) Recent vandalism at the Craig Brook Fish Hatchery in Orland may result in limiting the opportunity for the public to enjoy visiting the federal fish hatchery and its surrounding amenities. Until now, folks have been able to tour the displays and view the process of spawning and rearing protected Atlantic salmon that are stocked in seven rivers in Maine, along with using the hatchery’s boat ramps, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The Bangor Daily News reports until 2020, access gates were locked each night at 8 p.m. to prevent campfires and vandalism, among other things. But the facility has allowed greater access since then. That is, until vandals this spring spray-painted restrooms and outbuildings and committed other such crimes. Service officials say they may once again have to begin locking the gates in the evenings. And they ask anyone with information on the vandalism to contact the hatchery or the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
(Orland) Since 2020, access to the Craig Brook Fish Hatchery’s amenities – the boat ramps, picnic areas, and hiking trails, have been open pretty much 24/7. But recent vandalism may force the Orland facility to once again begin locking gates … and locking OUT access at 8 p.m. each evening. Officials say vandals this spring spray-painted restrooms and outbuildings and committed other crimes that may force the change at the hatchery – a federal facility that promotes the spawning and rearing of protected Atlantic salmon that are stocked in seven rivers in Maine. The Bangor Daily News reports the hatchery lacks the resources and staff to monitor the area, and there were no cameras to catch the perpetrators of the destructive acts. Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the hatchery or the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
Local Politics
Some Maine Republicans Supporting Harris
(Portland) WGME reporting a group of Maine Republicans is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. They say this election is about more than party loyalty. Maine Republican Minority Leader Roger Katz says he believes the choice in the Presidential election is clear – between a prosecutor and a felon, according to the station. The Harris campaign this week held a virtual event called “Maine Republicans for Harris” and has since, of course, added Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the ticket as the Democrats’ Vice Presidential pick.
(Portland) WGME reporting some Maine Republicans are throwing their support to Kamala Harris in this year’s Presidential election, saying they can disagree about party issues but that this is a binary choice and the choice is clear. Maine Republican Minority Leader Roger Katz says he believes the choice in the Presidential election is, in his words, between a prosecutor and a felon, according to the station. The Harris campaign this week held a virtual event called “Maine Republicans for Harris” and has since, of course, added Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the ticket as her Vice Presidential pick.
Economy
First Round of Recovery & Resilience Grants
(Augusta) Brooklin Boat Yard, the Northeast Harbor Sailing School, Acadia Puffin Cruise in Steuben, and Chase, Inc. in Ellsworth. Those are among 109 businesses impacted by the severe winter storms that will share in the first round of Business Recovery & Resilience Grants announced Thursday. The first round – nearly $6M – will help businesses in all sixteen counties recover and improve infrastructure in anticipation of future storms. Marty Richard with Washington-County-based Woodland Pulp, said the funds would allow the company to address repair needs and better be prepared to withstand future weather damage that impacts their business.
(Augusta) Stitch, Inc. and Provender in Ellsworth, White Dog Market in Sullivan, Island Cove Enterprises in Stonington, and Gallery Leather Direct in Trenton. Those are among 109 businesses impacted by the severe winter storms which will share in the first round of Business Recovery & Resilience Grants announced Thursday. The first round – nearly $6M – will help businesses in all sixteen counties recover and improve infrastructure in anticipation of future storms. Saddleback Mountain’s Matt Dieterich said the resort was extremely grateful for the funding to help with costs incurred when the December 18th storm forced closure of the ski area for one of the most important revenue producing periods of the year.
Maine Veterans’ Project Looking for Vehicles to Donate
(Bangor) Maine Veterans’ Project is in need of more vehicles to donate. They posted on their FB page they’ll take any vehicle that has a valid inspection sticker. They’ll also take vehicles in need of very little work. Maine Veterans’ Project is a registered 501 C3 and can provide tax letters. They’re located on Parkview Avenue in Bangor, and you can contact them at shawn at maine veterans project dot org.
(Bangor) One of the services of the Maine Veterans’ Project is helping vets in need of a vehicle. They’ve recently donated several to veterans from those that have been donated to them and say they’re back to square one and in need of more vehicles. They say they’ll take any vehicle with a valid inspection sticker, and may take those in need of very little work, as well. Maine Veterans’ Project is a registered 501 C3 and can provide tax letters. They’re located on Parkview Avenue in Bangor. You can contact them at shawn at maine veterans project dot org.
Education
Dennysville Students Could Face School Transfer
(Dennysville) There could be some disappointed students in Dennysville come the start of school. The town has 25 elementary students who up until now have had the choice of attending Pembroke Elementary or Edmunds Consolidated School. At a meeting this week, the town of Dennysville announced they had brokered a deal to send all their students to Pembroke, which benefits from higher enrollment … unlike Edmunds, which is located in Unorganized Territory and is 100% taxpayer funded. The decision would mean a change of schools this year for many of the town’s students who have until now chosen to attend Edmunds. Unorganized Territories Supervisor Dean Preston has been tasked by the County Commissioners to look into the decision.
(Dennysville) With the beginning of school just weeks away, Dennysville residents are scrambling to understand a decision made at a town meeting this week that could mean a transfer for many of the town’s 25 elementary students. Until now, those students have had the choice of attending Pembroke Elementary or Edmunds Consolidated School. But the town Select Board announced they had brokered a deal to send all their students to Pembroke this year, the school which benefits from higher enrollment … unlike Edmunds, which is located in Unorganized Territory and is 100% taxpayer funded. The decision would mean a change of schools – and familiar friends and teachers – for those who have until now chosen to attend Edmunds. Unorganized Territories Supervisor Dean Preston has been tasked by the County Commissioners to look into the decision.
Environment
Rare Orange Lobster Gives Birth
(Biddeford) It’s a girl! Actually a DOZEN boys and girls who all look a lot like mom. WMTW reports Peaches, the rare orange lobster donated to the University of New England last year, and Norma, a normal colored lobster at the UNE Marine Science Center in Biddeford, are mothers to two families of 140 tiny baby lobsters. Twelve of Peaches’ offspring share her bright orange color. UNE Professor Markus Frederich said orange lobsters are pretty rare in and of themselves, with the odds of finding one about one in 30 millon. That makes the odds of birthing a dozen orange offspring – well, a bit of a genetic miracle. Another orange lobster being housed at the facility, Pineapple, is currently bearing eggs that are expected to hatch next spring.
(Biddeford) Things are looking pretty peachy at the University of New England’s Marine Science Center. WMTW reports Peaches, a rare orange lobster donated to the facility last year, and Norma, a normal colored lobster also housed at the center in Biddeford, recently gave birth to about 140 baby lobsters between them. Among Peaches’ offspring, a full dozen that are orange, just like Mom. UNE Professor Markus Frederich said orange lobsters are pretty rare in and of themselves, with the odds of finding one about one in 30 millon. That makes the odds of birthing a dozen orange offspring – well, a bit of a genetic miracle. Another orange lobster being housed at the facility, Pineapple, is currently bearing eggs that are expected to hatch next spring. Stay tuned!
Earthquakes
(Maine) A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan early yesterday, triggering tsumani warnings. Fortunately, although quakes do occur in Maine, they’re generally magnitude 2.5 or less. WMTW reports hundreds reported feeling the earth move when a 2.8 magnitude gently rocked Gardiner a couple of weeks ago. And on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey reported a 1.2 magnitude quake in the northern Maine town of Chapman. Moderately damaging quakes do happen in New England. The Boston area was damaged three times within 28 years in the mid 1700s. And New York City was damaged in 1737 and 1884. The most recent quake to cause moderate damage happened in 1940 when a magnitude 5.6 quake shook central New Hampshire.
(Maine) The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan early yesterday was much stronger than any we’ve felt here in New England. WMTW reports two quakes have been reported in the last two weeks here in Maine – a 2.8 magnitude quake in Gardiner that hundreds say made the earth tremble, and a 1.2 magnitude quake in the northern Maine town of Chapman that went unnoticed except by technology at the US Geological Survey. Stronger quakes do hit New England – the largest known quakes were a 6.5 magnitude in Vermont in 1638 and a magnitude 5.8 in 1755, centered offshore from Cape Ann, northeast of Boston.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Messenger Animal Rescue Fundraiser a Big Success
(Harrington) The Messenger Animal Rescue in Harrington sending out thanks to the community for turning out for last Saturday’s big fundraiser in Franklin. The bottle drive brought in a total of just over $700, and the total funds raised – more than $10,400. The rescue is run by local Animal Control Officer, Sarah Strout, who is quick to champion ALL our local rescues, commenting there are, sadly, plenty of animals in need to go around. She says monies raised are a good boost toward the ultimate goal of building a facility.
(Harrington) It was a purr-fect turnout to last Saturday’s fundraiser for The Messenger Animal Rescue in Harrington. The small rescue is run by Animal Control Officer Sarah Strout, who says the funds raised will give a boost to the ultimate goal of building a facility. Strout weekly does a shout out to other local animal rescues on her FB page – the SPCA, the Ark, Feral Cat Connections, and others – because, she says, they work together and, sadly, there are plenty of homeless animals and animals in need. Altogether, the bottle drive brought in over $700, and raffles, baked goods, and other activities brought in more than $10,400.
Sports
The Red Sox back home at Fenway this evening for the first of a three-game series against the Astros.
The New England Patriots starting off the NFL Preseason with a strong showing – they beat the Carolina Panthers 17-3 last night at Gillette Stadium.
In men’s basketball at the Paris Olympics, Team USA overcame a 17 point deficit, scoring 6 points in two seconds in the fourth, beating Serbia and winning a chance at the gold. It’ll be Team USA against host France Saturday night, while Serbia will play Germany for the bronze.
Stephan Curry scored 36 points, catapulting Team USA to a chance at the gold in men’s basketball Thursday at the Paris Olympics. The team was down 17 points against Serbia but put up six points in two seconds in the fourth to help turn the game around. The United States will run the court against host France Saturday night for a chance at the top tier on the podium.
Noah Lyles ended the 200M run with a bronze, then revealed he had been diagnosed with COVID two days before the race. Lyles motioned for water, then collapsed into a makeshift wheelchair after the race, but said he couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishments.
Sha’Carri Richardson bailed out the US women from a near collapse on Thursday in the Olympic 4 by 100 relay, overcoming a German running in the anchor leg to help the Americans win their heat and move to the gold medal race. The men’s team advanced to today’s final as well.
Team USA now with 103 medals – 30 gold, 38 silver, and 35 bronze.