Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Coffee with a Cop
(Ellsworth) Get that cup of Joe Wednesday morning with a side of conversation with Ellsworth’s finest. The Ellsworth Police Department invites you to Coffee with a Cop. Join our heroes at Flexit Café between 8 and 11 tomorrow morning. They say whether you want to discuss neighborhood concerns or just stop by and say hello, they’d love to see you. And they say bring your questions – or just your best donut jokes! Their words, not ours – honestly!
(Ellsworth) However you drink that morning cup of java, enjoy it with Ellsworth’s finest tomorrow morning at Flex-it Café. Members of the Ellsworth Police Department will be there between 8 and 11. They say whether you want to discuss neighborhood concerns or just say hi, they welcome you to stop by for Coffee with a Cop. It’s just another way, including the recent National Night Out, officers are building community here in Ellsworth.
Authorities Make Arrest in Mexico Homicide
(Mexico) Maine State Police have made an arrest in the arson-related death of 23 yo Lacey Tidswell of Mexico, Maine. The fire happened the morning of September 26th in Mexico. 23 yo Elijah Cowper of Mexico was arrested and charged with arson and murder. Cowper was already being held at the York County Jail on an unrelated charge. He was expected to make an initial court appearance Monday afternoon. Police have not yet released a cause of Tidwell’s death, and an investigation is ongoing.
(Mexico) Authorities have made an arrest in connection with a case of arson and homicide that occurred in Mexico, Maine on September 26th. Police and fire officials responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting the blaze on Tucker Street early that morning. Once the fire was extinguished they found the body of 23 yo Lacey Tidswell. 23 yo Elijah Cowper of Mexico was arrested and charged with arson and murder. Cowper was already being held at the York County Jail on an unrelated charge. He was expected to make an initial court appearance Monday afternoon. Police have not yet released a cause of Tidwell’s death, and an investigation is ongoing.
Local Politics
Meet the Candidates Night
(Ellsworth) Curious about where the candidates running for Ellsworth City Council stand on the issues? Heart of Ellsworth has just the ticket – Meet the Candidates Night, Tuesday, October 15th, at 6:30 p.m. at The Grand in Ellsworth. Five people – incumbent Steve O’Halloran, along with John Linnehan, Cale Roberts, Robert McKenney, and Tabatha White – are vying for two open seats on the council. The nonpartisan, free event aims to offer an informative platform ahead of the upcoming elections. The event will be recorded and broadcast on the Heart of Ellsworth and City of Ellsworth YouTube Channels and is made possible through the generous support of the City of Ellsworth.
(Ellsworth) Five candidates are vying for two open seats on the Ellsworth City Council this year. Find out where they stand on the issues, as Heart of Ellsworth presents Meet the Candidates Night. That’s a week from tonight on Tuesday, October 15th at 6:30 p.m. at The Grand in Ellsworth. The free, nonpartisan event aims to help inform voters ahead of the upcoming elections. The discussion will feature Tabatha White, Robert McKenney, Cale Roberts, John Linnehan, and incumbent Steve O’Halloran – the five candidates running for two open seats. The event will be recorded and broadcast on the Heart of Ellsworth and City of Ellsworth YouTube Channels and is made possible through the generous support of the City of Ellsworth.
City of Ellsworth Seeks Deputy City Manager
(Ellsworth) Another sign of growth for Ellsworth – the City is looking to hire a Deputy City Manager. A job posting says the right person will work closely with the City Manager to oversee operations and that the role offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, public service, and community impact. Check out the qualifications and find an application on our Star 97.7 FB page, and, of course, on the City’s FB page as well.
(Ellsworth) Autumn Gold, Maine Craft Weekend, first-rate live shows at The Grand, thriving new businesses and our downtown mainstays that have weathered the pandemic and tough economic times, and designation as the state’s 11th Main Street Community. Ellsworth is no doubt a vibrant and growing city, which has prompted the need for a Deputy City Manager. A job posting notes the right person will work with the City Manager to oversee operations and will enjoy a unique blend of strategic leadership, public service, and community impact. If you think you or someone you know is the perfect candidate for the job, you’ll find details and an application on the City’s and on Star 97.7’s FB page.
Maine Delegation Presses for Help for Those Who Lost Medicare/Medicaid Coverage
(Washington, DC) When Brewer-based Northern Light Health ended its Medicare Advantage network contract with Humana back on September 30th, some 4,000 Northern Light patients were potentially left paying higher out-of-pocket costs. In response, Maine’s Congressional Delegation is asking the federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid to create a special enrollment period for such coverage. All beneficiaries can make changes between October 15th and December 7th, but those new plans would not be in effect until January 1. The delegation is requesting plans for those who lost coverage become effective November 1, allowing an additional 60 days of coverage.
(Washington, DC) Maine’s Congressional Delegation is going to bat for the nearly 4,000 Northern Light patients left potentially paying higher out-of-pocket costs after the Brewer-based healthcare system ended its Medicare Advantage network contract with Humana on September 30th. Although all beneficiaries can make changes between October 15th and December 7th, those new plans would not be in effect until January 1. Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden are requesting plans for those who lost coverage become effective November 1, allowing an additional 60 days of coverage.
Maine Office of Community Affairs
(Augusta) There’s a new resource in Augusta, designed to help communities with such issues as land use, housing and flood plain planning, building codes, coastal management and some climate resilience funding and programs. The Maine Office of Community Affairs is a new stand-alone office created by Governor Janet Mills and the Legislature to partner with Maine communities to strengthen planning and implementation at the local level. Samantha Horn has been tapped to lead the office. Horn worked with the Nature Conservancy in Maine and has had her own consulting business. She’ll be on the job beginning in late October.
(Augusta) Many community resource offices in Augusta will soon be under one umbrella. The Maine Office of Community Affairs is a new stand-alone office created by Governor Janet Mills and the Legislature to partner with Maine communities to strengthen planning and implementation at the local level. The office is designed to help communities with such issues as land use, housing and floodplain planning, building codes, coastal management and some climate resilience funding for climate effects such as extreme storms and rising sea levels. The new office will search for opportunities, especially for the smallest, most under-resourced communities, connecting with towns, cities, Tribal governments and regional entities. The office will be led by Samantha Horn, who will step into the new role later this month.
Environment
Heating Oil Usage Drops Across the State
(Augusta) Households around the state that rely on heating oil are becoming fewer and farther between, according to the office of Governor Janet Mills. The Administration reports between 2022 and 23, the number of residences using oil as their main source of heat dropped by more than six percent – the lowest year-to-year drop the state has seen since 2010. The drop is credited in part with the increased number of homes installing heat pumps.
(Augusta) More and more households in Maine are turning from oil as a source of heat to heat pumps and other resources. The Mills’ Administration reports between 2022 and 23, the number of residences using heating oil as the main source of keeping their homes warm dropped by more than six percent. That’s the most significant drop the state has seen since 2010, according to the Governor’s office. Last year, Maine surpassed its original goal of installing 100,000 new heat pumps two years ahead of schedule and then set a new target of installing another 175,000 heat pumps by 2027.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA Howl-O-Run 5K
(Trenton) Fall is for running and funning, so put on your best costume, lace up your shoes and get training for the SPCA of Hancock County’s Sixth Annual Jim Nobil Howl-O-Run 5K on Sunday, October 27th. Adults, kids, and canines are welcome to dress for the fun, and run and walk the 3.1 mile race that kicks off at 11 a.m. at Marlboro Beach in Lamoine. Just $25 per person, $15 for kids – dogs run for free. The first 50 to sign up get a free custom tee-shirt, so what are you waiting for? All proceeds benefit the little critters in the SPCA’s care. Sign up at s p c a hancock county dot org. Sponsored by the Maine Community Foundation Mimi Fund.
(Trenton) What could be more fun than a 5K run or walk along a scenic route decorated with Jack-O-Lanterns and boasting views of Frenchman Bay and the mountains of Acadia National Park? How about a 3.1 mile run/walk that also encourages costumes and well-behaved, leashed (yes, and costumed if you like!) dogs! It’s the SPCA of Hancock County’s Sixth Annual Jim Nobil Howl-O-Run 5K, kicking off Sunday, October 27 at 11 am at Marlboro Beach in Lamoine. Register online through the SPCA or in person, beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the event. All proceeds benefit the animals in the SPCA’s care. Sponsored by the Maine Community Foundation Mimi Fund.
Fogtown Founder/Owner Honored
(Ellsworth) Fogtown Brewing Company Founder and Owner Jon Stein has been named one of MaineBiz’s 40 Under 40. The award recognizes the next generation of leaders who are “changing Maine and its economy for the better.” Stein also serves as an Ellsworth City Council person. Recipients will be honored at a November 7th reception in Portland.
(Ellsworth) A familiar face around Ellsworth and Bar Harbor has been recognized as one of MaineBiz’s 40 Under 40. Jon Stein, founder and owner of Fogtown Brewing, has been tapped for the honor. The award recognizes the next generation of leaders who are “changing Maine and its economy for the better.” Stein and the other recipients will be honored at a November 7th reception in Portland.
Deputy Visits Elementary School
(DI/Stonington) From our “doing good” file, Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy Devin Grindle was at Deer-Isle Stonington Elementary last week to read a story to the first grade class there. He also spoke with the students about who community helpers are and what it means to be one. After the presentation, Deputy Grindle made a point of stopping into various other classes to say hello and to develop a strong community relationship with the students. Nice work.
(DI/Stonington) Most of the reports from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office include responding to crimes, domestic issues, or welfare checks – all admirable duties and all part of the job. But in a report last week, one report stood out as downright uplifting. Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy Devin Grindle took time to visit Deer-Isle Stonington Elementary to read a story to the first grade class there. He also spoke with the students about who community helpers are and what it means to be one. After the presentation, Deputy Grindle made a point of stopping into various other classes to say hello and to develop a strong community relationship with the students. Nice work.
Sports
The Ellsworth High School volleyball team back in the win column Monday night, beating Sumner in four sets.
Sumner soccer will be on their home fields in East Sullivan for the first time this week and next – the girls face Narraguagus on Thursday, the boys Jonesport Beals on the 18th. Sumner has been playing their home games at the Peninsula School in Prospect Harbor for the past year and a half.