Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Two Injured in Crash in Alton
(Alton) Two people were hospitalized after a Monday morning crash in Alton. WABI-TV reports the collision happened on Bennoch Road just before 8:30. Police say the driver, 36 yo Jeffrey Norgaol of Brownville was speeding and was driving without a license when he went off the road, hit two mailboxes, a utility pole, and a tree before his vehicle came to a stop. A passenger was trapped in the car and had to be cut out by the Old Town Fire Department. Both were taken to a nearby hospital and were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
(Alton) A driver who police say was speeding and operating a vehicle without a license was injured Monday morning when he went off the road, hit two mailboxes, a utility pole, and a tree before his car came to a stop. WABI-TV reports the crash happened just before 8:30 on Bennoch Road. A passenger had to be cut from the vehicle. The passenger and the driver, 36 yo Jeffrey Norgoal of Brownville, were taken to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Motorcycle Fatality
(Orono) A motorcyclist died Monday morning when he crashed his bike into an SUV that was turning into Penobscot Valley Dermatology in Orono. Police say 31 yo Brandon Martins had tried to pass multiple vehicles. Martins was wearing a helmet but died at the scene. The driver of the SUV was unhurt. WABI-TV reports the investigation is ongoing, but early accounts from witnesses indicate speed was a factor in the fatal crash.
(Orono) Authorities say speed likely contributed to a Monday morning crash that claimed the life of a 31 yo motorcyclist in Orono. WABI-TV reports Brandon Martins had reportedly tried to pass several vehicles when he crashed his bike into an SUV that was turning into a local business. Martins was wearing a helmet, but died at the scene. The driver of the SUV was not hurt. Witnesses report Martins was speeding before the crash. Police continue to investigate.
MSP Escort to Affect Traffic
(Downeast Maine) A traffic note you’ll want to be aware of. Beginning at 7 this evening, Maine State Police will be escorting a large transformer being moved from Hermon to the Downeast Wind Project in Columbia. The move will take approximately 8 hours. There will be two traffic patterns restricting two travel lanes and one detour set along the route. The first lane restriction will be on Route 1A at the Lucerne Inn in Dedham; the second on the Bangor Road, Route 1A at the Gilpatrick Brook west of Wittum Road in Ellsworth. Route 1A at Mill Street to Route 1A in Harrington will be closed. Motorists will need to take Mill Street to Kennedy Highway and straight to Route 1. We’ve also posted this information on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Downeast Maine) The transport of a large transformer between Hermon and the Downeast Wind Project in Columbia will likely disrupt traffic beginning at 7 this evening and lasting about 8 hours. Maine State Police will be providing an escort. They say there will be two traffic patterns restricting two travel lanes and one detour set along the route. The first lane restriction will be on Route 1A at the Lucerne Inn in Dedham; the second on the Bangor Road, Route 1A at the Gilpatrick Brook west of Wittum Road in Ellsworth. Route 1A at Mill Street to Route 1A in Harrington will be closed. Motorists will need to take Mill Street to Kennedy Highway and straight to Route 1. We’ve posted this information on our Star 97.7 FB page, as well.
Economy
Hancock County ARPA Funding and Non-Profits
(Ellsworth) In designating ARPA funds (no doubt a huge undertaking), the Hancock County Commissioners focused largely on awards they felt would save taxpayer dollars. Area nonprofits argue they’re made up of Boards who are taxpayers; that they lost hundreds of thousands during the pandemic (the Grand alone lost $900,000 during the 18 months it was shuttered), and that they contribute significantly to the tax base by bringing people downtown to dine, shop, and more. Reportedly, not all ARPA funding for Hancock County has been designated … something that must be done before the end of the year. The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, it would be tragic if those remaining “rescue” funds weren’t used for the purpose intended. (((ARPA Nick 1 “…this is rescue money.” :20))) We reached out to Commissioners John Wombacher and Bill Clark for our series, but did not receive a response.
(Ellsworth) In distributing ARPA funding, counties varied widely – from Penobscot County whose funds were virtually all allotted to non-profits, to Aroostook County whose funds went about 50/50 to tax supported entities and non profits, to Hancock County, whose Commissioners reportedly felt nearly all the funds should go to tax supported organizations. Nick Turner, Director of The Grand in Ellsworth, argues nonprofits like the Grand, Heart of Ellsworth, and the Ellsworth Public Library contribute significantly TO the tax base. (((ARPA Nick 2 “…restaurants, hotels, shopping.” :21))) Turner tells Star 97.7, the Grand, like other nonprofits, could desperately use more funding, as it was completely shuttered during the pandemic, leading to a 100% loss of revenue.
(Ellsworth) Yesterday we talked with Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane, whose Department was one that benefitted from the County’s ARPA funding. There’s no doubt law enforcement is a well-deserved recipient – daily police reports bear out they put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe. Grand Executive Director Nick Turner agrees, but says the arts, too, save lives and do, in fact, prevent many of those potential crimes. (((ARPA Nick 3 “…is the ability to express ourselves.” :08))) Turner adds he has first hand evidence that the arts can work hand in hand with law enforcement to save young people. (((ARPA Nick 4 “…it does, in many ways, save lives.” :30))). Our understanding is that ARPA funds are still available in Hancock County. You can reach out to the County Commissioners if you have ideas on how remaining funds should be designated.
(Ellsworth) Downeast Community Partners, The SPCA of Hancock County, Heart of Ellsworth, the Ellsworth Public Library. You can hardly put a price on what nonprofits bring to our lives here in Hancock County. In February, a group of 17 non-profits approached the Hancock County Commissioners, asking for a portion of the County’s $10M in ARPA funding, not all of which had been earmarked for specific projects. The Grand Executive Director, Nick Turner, tells Star 97.7, the Commissioners listened intently … but nothing more, as the Commissioners were focused primarily, they said, on taxpayer funded entities. (((ARPA Nick 5 “…so that’s why they serve on a board.” :28))) We reached out to the Commissioners for comment but did not get a response nor any information from Hancock County for our series, despite multiple requests.
(Ellsworth) It’s been an interesting journey researching how various counties spent their American Rescue Plan Act funds. From broadband funding, to law enforcement, to Washington County’s new public safety building and Penobscot County’s funding to support Eastern Area Agency on Aging, colleges, hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, food banks and other nonprofits – overall, Maine has much to be proud of when it comes to how those funds have been designated. ARPA funds must be earmarked by the end of this year – or they’re lost; with projects completed by December 2026. If you have concerns or wish to have a say in how remaining ARPA funds are spent, contact your County Commissioners, write a letter to the Editor, make your voice heard.
Education
College of the Atlantic Honored
(Bar Harbor) College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor is among the NATION’s top ten colleges and universities for strong financial aid, students who study the most, LGBTQ-plus friendliness, and – when it comes to schools where “everyone cares about conservation” – COA ranked number one in Princeton Review’s 2025 390 Best Colleges Guide. The school also ranked in the top ten for most active student government, great financial aid, and … a huge draw for students … Best Campus Food. COA President Dr. Sylvia Torti said, “A College of the Atlantic education empowers students to know and believe in themselves, to gain deep insight into our interconnected challenges, and to launch successful, fulfilling careers.” Congratulations.
Environment
Hazardous Waste Collection
(MDI) Hazardous and other waste materials – transmission and brake fluids, paint remover, pool chemicals, old chest freezers and rechargeable batteries. How do you safely dispose of them? Mount Desert is holding a special collection day on Saturday, September 21st in the parking lot behind MDI High School off Eagle Lake Road. They ask that the 9 to 10 a.m. hour be reserved for those coming from the outer islands; the general public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ve posted a list of acceptable waste materials on our Star 97.7 FB page, and you can contact the town for more information.
Mount Desert Clerk’s Office Closed
(Mount Desert) The Town of Mount Desert’s Clerk’s Office will be closed September 16th and 18th for a software upgrade and to allow the clerk’s staff to attend their annual Networking Day. Much of the clerk’s business can be done online, including registration renewals and online payments. The administrative office will be open for other business by appointment only, such as assessing and code enforcement. Call 276-5531.
Health
Mental Health Care Gets Boost
(STAT) The Biden Administration Monday announced it would finalize a highly anticipated proposal meant to force health insurers to cover mental health care on the same basis as physical health conditions. The publication “STAT” reports it’s the latest move in a long-running federal government effort to crack down on insurance plans that skimp on treatment for anxiety, depression, addiction and similar conditions. Despite longstanding law requiring health insurers to cover mental health as comprehensively as physical health, many Americans — even those with health insurance — still face financial obstacles when seeking care.
Maine Rural Health Care Providers Receive Funding
(Ellsworth) Healthy Acadia in Ellsworth and Northern Light Health in Brewer are two of six health care providers serving rural Maine communities that will share $1.3M to support critical initiatives aimed at improving access to health care services for rural and underserved communities in Maine. Senator Susan Collins helped secure the funding as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA Cruises to Successful Fundraiser
(Trenton) A boatload of passengers did a boatload of good for the animals of the SPCA of Hancock County Sunday evening. Supporters boarded the Acadian in Bar Harbor for a two-hour sunset cruise that included a Happy Hour with hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and a cash bar, all to benefit the SPCA. The cruise raised $10,000 for the 100%-community-funded nonprofit. The no-kill shelter not only currently cares for 100-plus animals, but also offers low-cost microchipping, nail trims, prevent-a-litter certificates, a pet food pantry and pet supplies for the public to utilize.
(Trenton) It’s not always smooth sailing for animal rescues, especially those that are 100%-community-funded, like the SPCA of Hancock County. But Sunday evening, a boatload of supportive passengers boarded the Acadian in Bar Harbor for a two-hour sunset cruise that included a Happy Hour with hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and a cash bar, all to benefit the SPCA. The cruise raised $10,000 to help support the tireless work of the volunteers at the SPCA. In addition to finding good homes for the animals that come into their care, the shelter also helps with spay/neuter certificates, a pet food pantry, and low-cost microchipping.
Sports
Red Sox over Orioles 12-3 last night in Boston. Teams on the field at Fenway again tonight.
And Tom Brady made his debut on Fox Sunday as a commentator on the Cowboys/Browns matchup. Some pundits called his debut awkward, but with a 10 year, $375 million contract to talk football – something about which he knows a thing or two, few are going to complain.
Note: A big thank you to everyone who contributed to our ARPA series and everyone who tuned in. We reached out multiple times to the Hancock County Commissioners and that office, but received no information. However, officials from the other four counties with whom we spoke – Aroostook, Penobscot, Waldo, and Washington – were incredibly responsive, transparent, and very forthcoming with informatin on how their funds were allocated. The lack of response is unusual. In general, here in our community, people are beyond helpful to us as journalists. I can reach out to Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane anytime, day or night. Shawn Merchant and our other Ellsworth Police officers – the best. Our City officials, our business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Ellsworth, our Library, the SPCA, and, of course, Nick Turner at The Grand. It’s an honor to work in such an overall open and communicative region. Thank you!