Crime/Public Safety/Drugs MDMR Honors Two at Annual Meeting (Boothbay Harbor)  The Maine Department of Marine Resources recently honored two employees at its annual meeting in Boothbay Harbor.  Manager of the Year went to Marine Patrol Sergeant Mark Murry, who oversees officers along the busy stretch of Maine coast from Harrington to Calais.  Murry is a […]

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Local News 09/12/24

Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

MDMR Honors Two at Annual Meeting

(Boothbay Harbor)  The Maine Department of Marine Resources recently honored two employees at its annual meeting in Boothbay Harbor.  Manager of the Year went to Marine Patrol Sergeant Mark Murry, who oversees officers along the busy stretch of Maine coast from Harrington to Calais.  Murry is a 25-year veteran of the patrol, known for his calm demeanor and thoroughness in high stress situations.  Employee of the Year Award went to Marine Mechanic Specialist Timothy Bennett.  MDMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher noted as the department’s watercraft mechanic, Bennett is a consummate professional who communicates extremely well, and who has taken on responsibilities above and beyond his job requirements.  Congratulations to both men.

National Sober Day

(Undated)  Every 39 minutes, an American dies in a DWI or DUI-related accident – experts say thousands of arrests of those driving intoxicated are made each day.  Despite the risks, millions each year choose to drive after drinking.  September 14th is National Sober Day.  According to one criminal defense law firm that surveyed 1500 Americans, 37% of Americans have driven while suspecting they were intoxicated, and more than 25% of that group had been involved in an alcohol-related accident.  Law enforcement reports Saturday – and every day – is a good day to remind people to have a designated driver, call a cab, or simply stay put.

(Undated)  In spite of the risks involved, experts say 37% of Americans admit to driving while suspecting they were intoxicated, with 33% having driven after consuming three or more drinks in two hours.  According to one criminal defense law firm, every 39 minutes, an American dies in a DWI or DUI-related accident, with thousands of arrests made each day across the US.  This Saturday, September 14th, is National Sober Day.  Law enforcement encourages people to have a designated driver, call a cab, or simply stay put if you’ve used any kind of substance.

More Members of FDNY Have Died from 9/11 Related IllnessesThan on Day of Attack

 (ABC)  Illnesses linked to the September 11 terror attack on the World Trade Center have now killed more members of the New York City Fire Department than were killed on the day of the attack itself.  Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker told ABC News, “Those insurmountable losses did not end at the World Trade Center site.  Instead, we have seen our members become sick because of time they spent working in the rescue and recovery.”  343 members of the FDNY died on 9/11.  According to the Department, in the 23 years since, more than 370 have died of World Trade Center-related illnesses. Sadly, First responders often still have to fight to have 9/11 related illnesses covered by their insurance companies.

(AP)  The first U.S. troops to deploy after the Sept. 11 attacks are suffering from radiation exposure that the government has yet to officially recognize 23 years later. The Associated Press reports they are a final group of 9/11 service members that comedian Jon Stewart, a champion for first responders, can’t leave behind.  In the years since the attacks, thousands of veterans have reported cancers, kidney problems, and other medical conditions, some of which are connected to the substance K2 – and which is not covered under a 2022 major veterans aid bill known as the PACT Act.  Stewart is pressing the Biden Administration for changes, including full coverage of illnesses related to 9/11 and subsequent combat.

Economy

Maine’s Minimum Wage to Increase Next Year

(Augusta)  Going up.  Maine’s minimum wage is set to increase next year.  As of January 1, 2025, the state minimum wage will jump from $14.15 an hour to $14.65 per hour.  Maine law requires annual adjustments to the minimum wage, based on the cost-of-living index for the Northwest Region.  In addition to the new minimum wage, the new “tip” or service employee minimum wage in 2025 will be $7.33 per hour.  That means service employees must receive at least a direct cash wage of that amount from the employer, and the employer must be able to show an employee receives at least the $14.65 per hour minimum wage when direct wages and tips are combined.

(Augusta)  Changes coming to a lot of folks’s paychecks here in Maine on January 1.  The minimum wage jumps from $14.15 to $14.65 per hour.  The new service employee minimum wage will be $7.33 per hour.  That means service employees must receive at least a direct cash wage of that amount from the employer, and the employer must be able to show an employee receives at least the $14.65 per hour minimum wage when direct wages and tips are combined.  The minimum salary threshold for exempting a worker from overtime pay will be $1,128 per week.   Employers can download all the minimum wage and overtime information at the links posted with this story on our Star 97.7 local news page.  http://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/26/title26sec664.html  and https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/wagehour.html  Download a free poster at https://www.maine.ov/labor/posters/index.shtml

Hancock County Remaining ARPA Funds

(Ellsworth)  We finally heard yesterday from the Hancock County Commissioners’ Office.  They tell us that of the $10M in American Rescue Plan Act Funding the County received, about $3.1M remains that has not been specifically designated.  Those funds must be earmarked by the end of this year, or they’re lost.  County Administrator Michael Crooker tells Star 97.7, the Commissioners are receiving requests for the funding; so if you have thoughts on how those moneys should be allocated, reach out to the Commissioners.  They meet the first Tuesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. or you can contact them directly by phone or online.

(Ellsworth)  Hancock County Administrator Michael Crooker yesterday let us know of the $10M in American Rescue Plan Act Funding received by Hancock County, almost a third – about $3.1M – remains undesignated.  If the funds aren’t earmarked by December 31st, they are lost.  Crooker says the Commissioners are receiving requests – so if you have thoughts on how those monies can best help our local non-profits, government entities, or others who lost out greatly during the pandemic, please make your voice heard.  The Commissioners meet the first Tuesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. or you can contact them directly by phone or online.

Shop Local – for Food

(Maine)  We talk a lot about shopping local – but are you shopping locally for your food?  The New England Food System Planners Partnership just released a new analysis of local food spending here in Maine.  The study found only about 3.4% of the state’s total $12.8B in food, beverage and alcohol expenditures was directed toward local and regional projects. That translates to an estimated $312 per person per year – meaning there’s certainly room to grow.  Thanks to the dedication of chefs, retailers, institutions, and customers who seek out food close to home, access to local and regional foods here in Maine IS on the upswing.  But experts say Mainers can further bolster the local food economy by choosing local foods at farmers’ markets, food coops, and Farm Drop, keeping those food dollars closer to home.

Credit Card Fees Add Up for Small Businesses

(Maine)  Credit Cards – they’re so convenient.  But each swipe adds to the cost of doing business, especially for small, local merchants – but also for consumers, because businesses are forced to pass along those costs to their customers – up to a thousand dollars a year for the average American family, according to the National Retail Federation.  Tom Largay, owner of Old Port Card Works, a gift shop in Portland, says, passage of a Senate Bill called the Credit Card Competition Act would bring those fees under control. (((CCCA 1  “…just like small businesses in Maine do … every day.”  :29)))  Largay says the only way to do that is for Maine’s Congressional Delegation to support the CCC Act, which has the support of Hospitality Maine, the Retail Association of Maine, the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association and others.

(Maine)  Credit cards – so convenient, but so costly, not only for merchants, but for consumers to whom those fees are ultimately passed along in the form of higher prices.  Dylan Jeon (John) with the National Retail Federation, tells Star 97.7, credit card swipe fees are high because of a lack of competition – Visa and Mastercard control 80% of the market.  Pending legislation – the Credit Card Competition Act – would bring change; however, Jeon tells Star 97.7, (((CCCA 2  “…and hardworking American families.”  :27)))  Jeon says the argument that fewer fees would mean an end to credit card rewards programs doesn’t hold true – a Lending Tree study found that in 2022, the six largest credit issuers netted nearly $32B AFTER deducting rewards and partnership payments.

Education

Nation’s First Aquaculture Apprentices Graduate from Maine Institution

(Portland) The NATION’S first aquaculture apprentices are graduating today at the Gulf of Maine Institute in Portland.  The landmark program, accredited by the Maine Department of Labor, saw six apprentices complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, as well as technical coursework, preparing them for a variety of careers that will help address critical gaps in the growing aquaculture industry.  MDOL says the apprenticeship represents a transformative step for Maine’s aquaculture workforce, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of this vital industry.

(Portland)  Congratulations to some very special graduates today.  Six men and women will be the NATION’s first aquaculture apprentices to graduate from such a program, accredited by the Maine Department of Labor and designed to address critical gaps in the growing aquaculture industry.  A ceremony is planned today at the Gulf of Maine Institute in Portland for the graduates, who completed 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, as well as hundreds of hours of technical coursework.  MDOL says the apprenticeship represents a transformative step for Maine’s aquaculture workforce, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of this vital industry.

Human Interest/Entertainment  

Milbridge Theater Appoints Interim Managing Director

(Milbridge)  The Milbridge Theater and Community Arts Center has appointed Kimberly Laine to serve as Interim Managing Director.  The Theater has been without a Director since David Plath stepped down in June due to personal issues, although Plath has remained active in an advisory capacity.  Laine graduated from Haslam College of Business in 2010 and brings a wealth of skills and enthusiasm.  She’ll collaborate on writing grants and planning events, and is excited to recruit, train, and manage volunteers to support the theatre’s programs and operations.

(Milbridge)  The Milbridge Theater and Community Arts Center has welcomed Kimberly Laine as Interim Managing Director.  The new, state-of-the-art venue has been without a Director since David Plath stepped down in June.  Laine has lived in various parts of the country and says she’s excited to explore the charms of Downeast Maine.  She says she’ll work closely with new part-time Arts and Humanities Director Amanda Goston to create a varied schedule of events, including workshops, films, a speaker series, performances, art exhibits and more.

Autumn Gold Rotary Pancake Breakfast

(Ellsworth)  Nobody does pancakes like the Ellsworth Rotary!  They’ll be hosting a Pancake Breakfast during Autumn Gold.  Join them Saturday morning, September 28th, from 7 to 10 at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School.  Tickets will be available at the door and will support a program that serves people in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and several Central American countries who have lost limbs, providing dignity for persons with such injuries.  The event promises a morning of great food and community spirit.

(Ellsworth)  Here’s something to “flip” for!  The Ellsworth Rotary’s Autumn Gold Pancake Breakfast is set for Saturday morning, September 28th from 7 to 10 at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School.  Tickets will be available at the door, and monies raised will go to support a program that helps people in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and several Central American countries – particularly people in those countries who have lost limbs, providing them with dignity.  Mark your calendars and bring your appetites.

Sports

It was Red Sox over Orioles yesterday 5-3 to wrap up that series.

Red Sox at Yankee Stadium Thursday to take on the Yankees.

Patriots at Gillette Stadium Sunday afternoon to run the field against the Seattle Seahawks.