Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Whitneyville Head On Injures Two
(Whitneyville) A head-on crash in Whitneyville on Tuesday sent two people to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. Authorities say the crash occurred when 41 yo Patrick So of Ellsworth was traveling northbound on Route One, lost control of his vehicle, crossed the centerline and hit another car. So was Life-flighted to Eastern Maine Medical Center. The other driver was also taken to EMMC with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police say speed is suspected as a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
(Whitneyville) An Ellsworth man was life-flighted to Eastern Maine Medical Center Tuesday following a head-on crash on Route One in Whitneyville. Authorities say 41 yo Patrick So was northbound when he lost control of his vehicle, crossed the centerline and hit another car. The driver of the car that was hit was also taken to EMMC with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police say the crash is under investigation, but that speed appears to have been a factor in the incident.
FBI Investigating Suspicious Packages
(AP) The FBI is investigating after suspicious packages were sent to election officials in at least eight states. The AP reports election offices in those states received envelopes with white powder from a group calling itself the “United States Traitor Elimination Army.” The envelopes had a Maryland return address. WMTW reports a suspicious package addressed to Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was intercepted out of state yesterday morning by United States Postal workers. That package contained an unknown powder, but did not reach Bellows’s office.
Hancock County Probate Judge’s License Suspended
(Ellsworth) The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has suspended the license of a Hancock County Probate Judge for a year for what it says were several violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Judge William B. Blaisdell IV of Ellsworth will only have to serve a four-month suspension if he forfeits $10,000 of a salary otherwise payable to him. The high court said that amount represents four months of salary for the period Blaisdell won’t be serving as probate judge. The alleged violations include failure to file federal and state income tax returns, failure to pay court-ordered child support and attorney fees, and acting in contempt in a family matter to which he was a party.
Moped Rider Killed
(Augusta) A moped rider was killed Tuesday afternoon as he was attempting to turn into a store parking lot in Augusta. Augusta Police Chief Kevin Lully reports to Star 97.7, the 17 yo was riding on Civic Center Drive and was turning in front of the Rusty Lantern when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 47 yo Benjamin Perry of Farmingdale. The teen sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to a hospital where he later died. Police are investigating the incident.
Local Politics
US Postal Service Plan
(Hampden) The US Postal Service this week unveiled a plan that will allow its processing facility in Hampden to remain open. The agency last year proposed consolidating the Hampden facility with one in Scarborough, prompting opposition from Maine’s Congressional Delegation, customers, and even government officials concerned about getting those absentee ballots back by the deadline after the November 5th Election. The new nationwide strategy would purportedly boost efficiency and save $3B annually. If approved, the Hampden facility would not only stay open, but would receive a $12M investment to improve technology and service.
(Hampden) The US Postal Service last year proposed consolidating the Hampden and Scarborough facilities, a plan that drew backlash from Maine’s Congressional Delegation, customers, and even government officials concerned about the timeline for returning absentee ballots. This week, USPS unveiled a plan that will preserve the facility in Hampden and even infuse it with a $12M investment to improve technology and service. The new nationwide strategy would purportedly boost efficiency and save the postal service $3B a year.
Citizens’ Guide to 2024 Referendum Now Available
(Augusta) By now, you’re likely familiar with the five referenda questions on which we’ll be voting in November – if not, we’ve posted them on our Star 97.7 website on our Local News page in the order in which they’ll appear on the ballot. But if you read through them and still find yourself a bit baffled with the wording, the Maine Secretary of State’s office has an app for that – well actually, more like a guide to the questions. It’s a nonpartisan guide that will help you make an informed decision about each question. You’ll find a link to the Guide posted with this story, also on our Local News page, or you can pick up a printed copy at your municipal office or public library. www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html
(Augusta) Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, Maine legislators, one citizen initiative, three bond issues, and one other legislatively proposed referendum question. Voters in Maine this November will be asked to weigh in on all of these. We’ve posted the five referenda questions on our Star 97.7 website under Local News – but if you find yourself scratching your head, wondering what they mean, the Secretary of State’s office has a guide to help you. The non-partisan, unbiased Citizen’s Guide provides detailed information about each question, the legislation behind the issues, and an analysis of the intent and content of each. You’ll find a link to the Guide posted with this story, also on our Local News page, or you can pick up a printed copy at your municipal office or public library. www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html
Five Vie for Two Available Seats on Ellsworth City Council
(Ellsworth) There will be two seats available for Ellsworth City Council this election. Councilperson Casey Hanson has decided not to seek another term. Incumbent Steve O’Halloran is running to retain his seat, along with John Linnehan, Cale Roberts, Tabatha White and Robert McKinney. There are also two seats available for Library Trustee, with S. Craig MacDonald and Vivek Philip on the ballot for those. And Jamie Trader is running for the one seat on the School Board.
UMaine Workers to Rally Today
(Orono) University of Maine Graduate Workers plan to rally today on the Orono campus, calling on administration to agree to what they say is a fair contract. UMS graduate workers formed the union nearly a year ago and have been negotiating contract provisions since. They say negotiations center around ongoing issues that include low and inconsistent pay, substandard health benefits, protections for international graduate student workers, and the need for a voice at work. The rally is planned for 11:30 this morning at the MLK Plaza.
(Orono) Members of the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union UAW say they plan to rally at the MLK Plaza on the Orono campus, beginning at 11:30 this morning. The workers say in the ten months since forming their union, they’ve attempted negotiations but that the administration has still not agreed on contract provisions that center around ongoing issues such as low and inconsistent pay, substandard health benefits, protections for international graduate student workers, and the need for a voice at work. The Union’s bargaining team says it, too, is frustrated with how the administration team has approached bargaining.
Economy
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry Seeks to “Drive Out” Hunger
(Ellsworth) Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is once again hosting their Darling’s Drives Out Hunger Fundraiser. The event is set for Thursday, October 3rd from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature live and silent auction items, raffles, live music, a cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are available online at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org or at the pantry during open hours. The pantry has more than 2,000 families on their roster, almost triple the number of just two years ago.
(Ellsworth) Help the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth “Drive Out Hunger” at their second annual Darling’s Drives Out Hunger event. An evening of live music, live and silent auction items, raffles, a cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The pantry currently has more than 2,000 families on their roster, almost three times the number served in 2022. The pantry is actively seeking business sponsorships for the October 3rd event – available at different levels, starting at just $250. Tickets for those wishing to attend can be purchased online at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org or at the pantry during open hours.
Education
Local Students Earn Journalism Scholarships from MaineCF
(Ellsworth) The Maine Community Foundation’s Guy P. Gannett Journalism Scholarship Fund has awarded $211,000 in scholarships to 21 Maine students studying journalism at the undergraduate or graduate level. The Gannett Scholarship provides support for students majoring in journalism or a related field and helps pay tuition. Local recipients include Emma Gaecklein of Searsport attending Marist (MARE-ust) College, Brooklin’s Sophia Landrum attending the University of Chicago, and Moira Sankey of Surry attending Wheaton. Students were selected based on demonstrated interest in journalism, excellence in academic performance and financial need. The application for the 2025 Gannett Scholarship will open in January.
Health
West Nile Virus Found in Cumberland County Resident
(Augusta) For the first time since 2020, the Maine CDC has identified a locally acquired case of West Nile Virus in a Maine resident. The affected person is from Cumberland County, in their 40’s, and has not traveled outside the state recently. Due to the case, announced on Tuesday, officials say there is currently a high risk to residents of Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo Counties. All other counties are considered at an elevated risk. It’s the second case reported in Maine this year. West Nile Virus is spread through mosquitoes and can result in serious symptoms, such as encephalitis and meningitis.
(Augusta) Cover up and protect yourself from mosquitoes. The Maine CDC on Tuesday announced it has identified a locally acquired case of West Nile Virus in a resident of Cumberland County. The person is in their 40s and has not traveled outside Maine recently. It’s the first time since 2020 the CDC has identified a locally acquired case. Officials say there is currently a high risk to residents of Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo Counties. All other counties are considered at an elevated risk. It’s the second case reported in Maine this year. West Nile Virus is spread through mosquitoes and can result in serious symptoms, such as encephalitis and meningitis.
Schoodic Scramble Success
(Ellsworth) This year’s annual Schoodic Scramble hit a hole-in-one. Host Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital tells Star 97.7, participants enjoyed a great day of golf on one of Maine’s most picturesque courses, along with lobster stew, ice cream sundaes, commemorative gear, and a silent auction. The event, in its 26th year, benefits the Eleanor Widener Dixon Memorial Clinic, with this year’s scramble held in memory of Edith Robb Dixon and Alita Weaver Reed. Learn how you can get involved in next year’s event by contacting Northern Light’s Director of Philanthropy, Sarah Joy.
Infrastructure
Versant Power to Host Community Meetings on Grid and Climate Planning
(Bangor) There’s a lot of buzz and hearsay out there about our utilities, climate change, and the future of the electric grid. To give you a direct line on the most accurate information, Versant Power is hosting a series of virtual and community meetings on those topics, beginning next Wednesday, September 25th at the Stonington Town Hall. Other meetings are planned at Ellsworth City Hall on October 1st, in Bar Harbor on October 8th, and in Blue Hill on October 15th. All meetings are set for 6 p.m. For more information, contact Versant Power.
(Bangor) Versant Power has created its first Climate Change Resilience Plan and is working with an expert consulting firm to conduct a Climate Vulnerability Assessment. The utility plans to provide regular public updates on the process, beginning this month and engaging with communities throughout their service territory. An introductory meeting on the assessment will be held Monday, September 30th from 11:30 to 1 via Microsoft Teams. RSVP at grid and climate at versant power dot com for a link, with the words “Climate Plan” in the subject line.
Sports
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Red Sox yesterday 8-3. Game two of that series tonight down in St. Pete.