Crime/Public Safety/Drugs FAA Releases More Details on Trenton Plane Crash (Trenton)  The NTSB has released a preliminary report on the July 25th crash at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport that claimed the lives of the two people on board.  According to the report, a witness working on runway lighting reported hearing the plane go to […]

Star 97.7 - Smooth Rock n' Roll Local News 08/13/24 - Star 97.7
409 High Street - Ellsworth, ME 04605 - Phone: 207-667-0002

Local News 08/13/24

Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

FAA Releases More Details on Trenton Plane Crash

(Trenton)  The NTSB has released a preliminary report on the July 25th crash at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport that claimed the lives of the two people on board.  According to the report, a witness working on runway lighting reported hearing the plane go to full power and saw it make a sharp left turn before hitting the ground and bursting into flames.  The witness, who was not named, said weather conditions at the time were “brutal” with thick fog and poor visibility.  Pictures from the scene bear that out. The pilot, 71 yo Michael Leibowitz of South Carolina, and a passenger, 57 yo Christina Chung of New Jersey, died in the crash, which happened as the Cirrus SR 22 approached the runway in Trenton.

(Trenton)  A preliminary report on the July 25th plane crash at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport that claimed the life of the pilot and his passenger indicates weather conditions, including thick fog, may have been a factor in that crash.  Although it’s still not known what exactly led to the fiery tragedy that killed the pilot, 71 yo Michael Leibowitz of South Carolina, and a passenger, 57 yo Christina Chung of New Jersey, a witness who was working on runway lighting said weather conditions at the time were “brutal” with poor visibility.  The unnamed witness reported hearing the plane go to full power and seeing it make a sharp left turn before hitting the ground.  The plane had taken off from Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey and was making an approach to the runway in Trenton when it crashed and burst into flames.

Truck Crashes into TD Bank Building in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  A driver made an unexpected “deposit” at the TD Bank Building in Ellsworth Monday afternoon.  The Ellsworth Police Department reports around 1:30 p.m., 83 yo Martin Brecher of Blue Hill accidentally stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake as he pulled his truck in to park in front of the bank.  The crash caused the bank’s entrance glass to shatter and the door frame to collapse on the front of the pickup, which was towed from the scene.  We’re told no one was injured.  And talk about customer service, the bank posted that although the lobby was closed, the drive thru window remained open to serve customers.

(Ellsworth)  The driver of a pickup truck accidentally stepped on the gas instead of the brake Monday afternoon as he pulled in to park at the TD Bank branch in Ellsworth.  Captain Shawn Willey with the Ellsworth Police Department reports 83 yo Martin Brecher of Blue Hill hit the front of the bank, which is located on High Street near Hannaford, shattering the entrance glass and causing the door frame to collapse on the front of the pickup.  The crash happened around 1:30 p.m.  Brecher’s truck was towed from the scene.  No one was injured.  The bank lobby was closed, but staff continued to serve customers at the drive thru as crews worked to make sure the facade was stable.

Bucksport “Animal Rescue” Facing Disturbing Allegations

(Bucksport)  Disturbing allegations coming to light about Coastal Dreams Rescue in Bucksport.  Fox Bangor reports a warrant was issued last week for the arrest of owner and founder, Elisha Krutuleski, after the bodies of as many as six dogs were found decomposing in trash bags.  Anonymous sources say they’ve expressed concerns for more than a year and that Krutuleski would never allow people in to see the dogs.  Krutuleski faces six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of cruelty.  Animal advocates are working to save the remaining rescue animals who were allegedly found in deplorable conditions, many described as dangerously underweight.

(Bucksport)  A so-called “animal rescue” in Bucksport has reportedly turned out to be a house of horrors.  Fox Bangor reports anonymous witnesses have been reporting concerns about Coastal Dreams Rescue for a year.  They say owner and founder Elisha Krutuleski would never let people in to see the dogs that were supposedly under her care.  Things came to a head this month when the bodies of as many as six dogs were found decomposing in trash bags.  A warrant was issued August 7th for Krutuleski’s arrest.  She faces six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of cruelty.  Animal advocates are working to save the remaining rescue animals who were allegedly found in deplorable conditions, many described as dangerously underweight.

Officials Determine Cause of Sinclair House Explosion

(Sinclair)  Authorities say the cause of that explosion at a home in Sinclair Saturday night was a propane release and ignition.  Two homes were destroyed in the blast that shot debris hundreds of feet into the air and injured the homeowner, who was in the house at the time of the blast.  That person was hospitalized but has since been released.  The Red Cross is helping the families whose homes were leveled in the blast.

Belfast Drug Arrests

(Belfast)  Three people were arrested yesterday morning after a yearlong investigation into suspected drug trafficking at a home on Swan Lake Avenue in Belfast.  Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier reports to Star 97.7 a search warrant executed at the home yielded illegal drugs believed to be methamphetamine and Fentanyl, along with drug paraphernalia and weapons.  Members of the Belfast Police and Waldo County Sheriff’s Departments assisted in the Monday morning arrests of 38 yo Alexander Wilson, 27 yo Brittany Saucier, and 39 yo Sidney Harris.  The three face multiple charges and are scheduled for arraignment on October 9th in Waldo Superior Court.

Local Politics

File Online for Free

(Augusta)  Beginning with the 2025 tax season, the Internal Revenue Service is rolling out Direct File, a service which allows taxpayers here in Maine and nationwide to file their federal returns online at no charge.  A pilot program was tested in a dozen states this past year, utilizing about 140,000 filings.  Taxpayers using the new system must meet income thresholds and have common tax situations and will need to file state tax returns separately.

(August)  Since 2021, Maine Revenue Services has allowed taxpayers to file state income taxes online at no charge.  Beginning with the 2025 tax season, they’ll be able to file federal returns online for free, as well.  The IRS program, known as Direct File, was tested by about 140,000 filers in a dozen states this past year, and the IRS says it passed with flying colors.

Economy

Women in Construction

(Augusta)  Women currently make up just 15% of Maine’s construction industry … only 11% of the industry nationwide.  Maine is working to change that through such efforts as Girls Build the Future Camp, a free construction-engineering camp for ascending 6th to 8th grade girls.  Commissioner Heather Johnson will be visiting the camp in Orono this afternoon to see firsthand how it provides opportunities for girls to participate in hands-on design challenges, meet real-life engineers, and visit engineering workplaces to see what it would really be like to work in construction engineering.

Former Tozier’s Family Market to Reopen in Searsport

(Searsport)  Searsport residents got the welcome news this week that Tozier’’s Family Market, which closed abruptly last month, has a new owner that will be reopening the Route One store.  The Bangor Daily News reports the buyer was not named, but lives in Maine and operates other stores in the state.  The new owner hopes to reopen the grocery store in mid to late fall.

Human Interest/Entertainment  

Ellsworth Public Library Space Planning Meeting

(Ellsworth)  Stop by the Ellsworth Public Library anytime they’re open, and you’ll see they’re busy with people searching for good reads, using computers for study and research, entertaining kids in the children’s area, and offering special programs for all ages.  Now, they need your input.  Join staff this evening at 6:30 for a Space Planning Meeting – learn about recent survey results, share your thoughts on how those results should shape renovation plans, and join in the discussion about the next steps.  The meeting is family friendly – bring the kids if you like.  That’s tonight at 6:30 at the Ellsworth Public Library.

(Ellsworth)  You have the BEST ideas – and tonight, the Ellsworth Public Library needs and WANTS to hear from you!  At this evening’s Space Planning Meeting, you’ll hear results from the recent survey and have an opportunity to share your thoughts on how those results should shape upcoming renovation plans.  For instance, to where should the children’s area be relocated in order to make it safer and more appealing?  Is the check out area the best use of that space?  And how can the library provide quiet space for study, while still allowing for areas of lively conversation about the latest best sellers?  That’s the Space Planning Meeting, tonight at 6:30 at the Ellsworth Public Library.  Come and bring the kids if you like, along with your best ideas!

Ronald McDonald House Gets New Roof

(Bangor)  A local company has stepped up to prepare and replace the roof of the Ronald McDonald House in Bangor at no charge.  Horch Roofing is generously donating its services to ensure the house remains a safe and welcoming haven for families with pediatric patients.  Since 1983, the Ronald McDonald House of Maine has provided comfort and compassion for thousands of families facing the illness of a child.  Peter Horch, owner of Horch Roofing, said the company is committed to ensuring all visitors are safe and cared for during their stay for many years to come.

(Bangor)  The Ronald McDonald House in Bangor is getting a new roof, and the upgrade won’t cost them a cent, thanks to local roofing company, Horch Roofing.  Work on the roof began yesterday.  Since 1983, the Ronald McDonald House of Maine has provided comfort and compassion for thousands of families facing the illness of a child.  The house ensures a home cooked meal and a good night’s sleep after often long days at a hospital.  In 2023, 600 families were provided for, with an average stay of 15 days.

Nature Notes

(Undated)  A few nature notes to wrap up our newscast.  First, keep those hummingbird feeders filled and fresh, and maybe put out an extra feeder or two.  Hummingbird-News reports the fall “fuel up” migration has begun, and the winged wonders are starting to make their way back to Mexico and South America.  And talk about the ultimate “Polar Plunge”, for the first time ever, a National Geographic photographer in January captured hundreds of six month old Emperor Penguin chicks taking their first plunge … off a 50 foot cliff in Antarctica.  ABC News reports the chicks’ first jump is typically just a foot or two, but one brave little chick takes the first leap into the Weddell Sea, and one by one, the others stick the landing.  I’ve shared the incredible video on my FB page.

(Undated)  And finally, a few notes from nature to wrap up our newscast.  First, while there’s still plenty of summer left for us, our hummingbird friends have a LONG way to go as they head back to Mexico and South America for the winter.  Hummingbird-News reports the fall “fuel-up” migration has begun, so they say keep those feeders filled and fresh, and maybe put out an extra one or two.  … And move over Olympic divers.  Emperor Penguin chicks in Antarctica usually make their first cliff dive off a foot or two high ledge.  But in January, a National Geographic photographer captured hundreds of the six month old chicks taking the ultimate polar plunge off a 50-foot cliff into the icy Weddell Sea! It’s fascinating to watch as the first little daredevil sticks the landing … giving the hundreds behind her the courage to do the same.  I’ve posted the ABC News video on my FB page – it’s well worth an inspiring watch.

Sports

The Red Sox finally pulled out a win last night at Fenway, beating the Rangers 5-4.  Teams on the field again this evening for game two of that three-game series.

The Court of Arbitration has turned down an appeal by Jordan Chiles to reinstate the bronze medal she received after the women’s individual floor exercise final in the Paris Olympics.  USA Gymnastics said it will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process.

And for those who like to plan ahead, the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Thursday, for some pre-season action with the Philadelphia Eagles.