Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Lewiston Final Report Expected Tomorrow
(Lewiston) The Independent Commission tasked with investigating the October 2023 Lewiston tragedy is expected to release its final report on Tuesday. WMTW reports a news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow morning at Lewiston City Hall. The Commission of seven experts was established just days after the rampage by 40 yo Army reservist Robert Card left 18 dead and 13 injured in one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings.
(Lewiston) The Independent Commission tasked with investigating the October 2023 Lewiston tragedy is expected to release its final report on Tuesday. WMTW reports a news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow morning at Lewiston City Hall. The Commission, formed at the direction of Governor Janet Mills and Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, was tasked with determining the facts and circumstances of the October 25th rampage by Army Reservist Robert Card that left 18 dead and 13 wounded in one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings.
Ellsworth Worker Injured in Crash on I-95
(Sidney) A drowsy driver was likely the cause of a crash on I-95 in Sidney Friday. Maine State Police report about 3 p.m., Dispatch received a call about a box truck operating erratically near mile marker 112 northbound. As troopers moved to intercept the truck, owned by Eastern Mold Remediation, more calls came in reporting it had crashed into the median. It’s believed 42 yo Ashley Peters of Ellsworth fell asleep, drove off the road, struck a tree and rolled the vehicle. Peters was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was taken to a hospital. The road was down to one lane for several hours Friday while crews worked the scene.
(Sidney) Authorities say a crash on I-95 in Sidney Friday afternoon was likely the result of a drowsy driver. Maine State Police report about 3 p.m., they received a call about a box truck operating erratically near mile marker 112 northbound. As troopers moved to intercept the truck, owned by Eastern Mold Remediation, it veered off the road, struck a tree, and rolled on the passenger side. They say the driver, 42 yo Ashley Peters of Ellsworth, appeared to have fallen asleep. Peters was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt and sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Peters was taken to Maine General Hospital. The road was down to one lane for several hours while crews processed the scene.
Harpswell Man Dies in Boating Accident
(South Harpswell) A 23 yo Harpswell man died after he fell off a boat Friday evening and was apparently struck by the craft’s propeller. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports Samuel Sharpe was operating the boat near South Harpswell when he fell into the water. Witnesses pulled the victim out of the water, but were unable to resuscitate him.
(South Harpswell) A Harpswell man died Friday after falling off a boat and apparently being struck by the craft’s propeller. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports to Star 97.7, witnesses pulled the victim, 23 yo Samuel Sharpe, out of the water and attempted to resuscitate him, but Sharpe died at the scene. The incident happened about 8 p.m. Friday evening near South Harpswell.
Ellsworth Attorney Sanctioned
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth attorney has been officially sanctioned, but will keep his license. 54 yo William Blaisdell IV was in court Friday in York County. The sanction was reportedly rendered for failure to pay child support and failure to file tax returns. The Board of Overseers of the Bar ruled Blaisdell could continue to practice law, provided he meets several obligations, including continuing to receive counseling. Blaisdell’s practice will be monitored by another Maine attorney to be approved by the court.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth attorney William Blaisdell IV was officially sanctioned Friday, but will be allowed to keep his law license and practice law. The 54 yo was reportedly sanctioned for failing to pay child support and failing to file taxes. Blaisdell will be allowed to continue to practice law, provided he meets several obligations, including that he continues to receive counseling. Blaisdell’s practice will be monitored by another Maine attorney to be approved by the court.
Patrols Stepping up Crackdown on Impaired Drivers
(Maine) Law enforcement agencies in Maine will be cracking down on impaired drivers. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign” is underway, thanks to federal funding that allows authorities to conduct high visibility enforcement details, especially between now and Labor Day. Last year, 60 people in Maine lost their lives in impaired driving related crashes; 24 have died so far in 2024. Holden Police Chief Eduardo Benjamin reminds those on the road, impaired driving incidents are 100% preventable.
(Maine) Last year in Maine, 60 people lost their lives in impaired driving related crashes. The number stands at 24 so far this year, and authorities say such crashes are 100% preventable. Between now and Labor Day, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is underway in Maine and across the country, thanks to federal funding that allows authorities to conduct high visibility enforcement details. Officers say while summer is winding down as kids prepare to go back to school, end of summer concerts, fairs, and family gatherings are still in full swing, making it even more important to end the summer on a positive note by driving unimpaired.
Waterville Suspicious Death
(Waterville) Authorities this morning investigating what they’re calling a “suspicious death” in Waterville. Shortly before 8:30 Sunday morning, Waterville Police requested the assistance of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit at 119 Cool Street, where a body was found. Few details are available, but the body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a positive identification and cause and manner of death. An autopsy is scheduled for today.
(Waterville) The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit was called to a residence on Cool Street in Waterville Sunday morning after police reported finding the body of a person and deemed it a “suspicious death”. Few details are available, but the body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a positive identification and cause and manner of death. An autopsy is scheduled for today.
Economy
Fill the Grand Act III
(Ellsworth) It’s almost time for the third annual Fill the Grand event for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth. On Friday, September 13th, the pantry is hoping to once again fill every seat in The Grand with a bag of non-perishable groceries – or better yet, a $25 donation. If you sponsor a bag, the pantry can buy even more necessities for those in need. The event runs from 10 to 6 on the 13th, and the pantry’s goal is to raise $10,000. You can donate anytime and fill a seat at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is counting on Act III being as successful as the first two acts of “Fill the Grand”. On Friday, September 13th, the pantry is hoping to once again fill every seat in The Grand with a bag of non-perishable groceries – or better yet, a $25 donation. If you sponsor a bag, the pantry can buy even more necessities for those in need. The event runs from 10 to 6 on the 13th, and the pantry’s goal is to raise $10,000. You can donate to fill a seat anytime at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Environment
Feds Push for Ropeless Fishing Gear
(AP) Millions of federal dollars will support the development of ropeless fishing gear in a push to save the endangered right whale. The whales number less than 360, prompting the change in fishing gear being pushed for the lobster and crab fishery. The Associated Press reports the federal government is committing nearly $7M to fishing industry members to assess and provide feedback on the technology, which is designed to prevent whales from becoming entangled in the gear.
(AP) The federal government will commit millions of dollars toward its mission of saving the endangered right whale. The whales number less than 360, and entanglement in traditional gear used by the lobster and crab fishery is cited as one of the perils facing the huge mammals. The Associated Press reports the federal government is committing nearly $7M to fishing industry members to assess and provide feedback on the technology.
Health
Dementia Deaths Triple in Past Two Decades
(ABC News) Deaths from dementia have tripled in just 21 years, according to a new study published in The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. ABC News reported on the study, which noted that in 1999, about 150,000 Americans died from dementia. By 2020, that number had tripled to over 450,000. High blood pressure and shingles may be contributing to the rise in Alzheimer’s cases. A separate study by the World Health Organization found 46% of adults with high blood pressure didn’t know they had it, and experts caution the condition may dramatically raise the risk of Alzheimer’s for people 60 and older. And studies show shingles may pose a 20% higher risk for long-term confusion and memory loss.
Traumagel Approved to Stop Severe Bleeding in Seconds
(Reuters) The Food and Drug Administration has cleared a gel developed by Cresilon that quickly controls bleeding, potentially giving emergency medical technicians and combat medics a tool to prevent death from blood loss. Reuters reports Traumagel is said to stop severe bleeding in seconds. Unlike its previously approved product for small nicks and cuts, the new Traumagel, can be used for life-threatening injuries, according to Cresilon CEO and co-founder Joe Landolina.
Infrastructure
Bayside Road Closure
(Ellsworth) A heads up for those who travel Bayside Road in Ellsworth. Beginning at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning, the Ellsworth Public Works Team will begin ditching from Card Brook to the Wastewater Treatment Plant entrance at 86 Bayside. Traffic in the area will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers on-site to direct folks. The work is expected to take between two and three days, so they ask that you plan ahead, plan for delays, and please plan to be patient and courteous.
(Ellsworth) Ya gotta make hay while the sun shines, and you have to get that road work in before the bad weather hits. Beginning at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning, the Ellsworth Public Works Team will begin ditching from Card Brook to the Wastewater Treatment Plant entrance at 86 Bayside Road in Ellsworth. Traffic in the area on Bayside will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers on-site to direct folks. The work is expected to take between two and three days, so they ask that you plan ahead, and plan on delays in the area.
Sports
The Red Sox splitting a series of games against the Orioles this weekend – losing two, and winning two, including yesterday’s 4-2 victory at Camden Yard. Red Sox in Houston tonight to begin a three-game series against the Astros.