Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine Turnpike Scam
(Maine) The Maine Turnpike Authority is warning drivers about a scam involving toll money. E-Z Pass representatives are still hearing of Mainers receiving text messages about unpaid tolls. The M-T-A would like to inform drivers that these text messages are not from them and they will never send bills through text.
(Maine) Don’t pay that toll! Unless you first verify it’s legit. The Maine Turnpike Authority is cautioning motorists of a scam about which they’ve received numerous calls. E-Z Pass representatives have been hearing of Mainers receiving text messages about unpaid tolls. The M-T-A says these text messages are not from them and they will never send bills through text.
Ellsworth Man Sentenced for Failure to File Tax Returns
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth man has been sentenced to sixty days in jail for failure to file Maine income tax returns for the years 2013 through 2016. The Maine Attorney General’s office reports to Star 97.7, 50 yo Cary Harper pleaded guilty in 2022 and entered into a two-year deferred disposition agreement during which he agreed to pay Maine Revenue Services close to $15K in restitution, to comply with his obligation to file returns, and to pay Maine income tax in the future. However, Harper reportedly failed to make those restitution payments and also failed to pay his Maine income tax for 2022. It was also noted Harper did not file taxes for several years prior to 2013. Harper was sentenced to 364 days with all but 60 days suspended, along with one year of administrative release.
(Ellsworth) Failure to file – those were the charges leveled against an Ellsworth man who reportedly failed to file Maine income tax returns for the years 2013 to 2016. According to the Maine Attorney General’s office, 50 yo Cary Harper pleaded guilty in 2022, and agreed to pay restitution, file returns, and pay Maine income tax in the future. However, the AG’s office says Harper failed to make those restitution payments and also failed to pay his Maine income tax for 2022. It was also noted Harper did not file taxes for several years prior to 2013. Harper was sentenced to 364 days with all but 60 days suspended, along with one year of administrative release.
Versant Sends Crews to Help with Milton Cleanup
(Ellsworth) More than three dozen Versant Power employees headed to Florida Thursday to help with cleanup after Hurricane Milton. In a post on X yesterday, Versant said crews had loaded up fifteen bucket trucks and were on their way south. A spokesperson said the workers were headed first to Pennsylvania and then on to Florida today. Versant said it was unsure how long crews will need to remain in the devastated areas to assist with power restoration.
(Ellsworth) When devastation strikes, linemen everywhere stand ready to help. On Thursday, 38 Versant Power crew members from Maine headed south to assist with power restoration following Hurricane Milton. In a post on X yesterday, Versant said they had loaded fifteen bucket trucks with supplies for the trip. According to a spokesperson, workers planned to stop in Pennsylvania overnight before heading on to Florida today. It’s uncertain how long they’ll be in the Panhandle State helping, as the hurricane knocked out power to millions.
Maine Lawmaker Denounces Behavior of Ex-Wife
(Stonington) There’s been a rash of thefts of political signs. One woman found out the hard way such alleged behavior can lead to serious charges. The Bangor Daily News reports the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office last week issued a summons to 37 yo Trisha Eaton of Deer Isle for criminal mischief and unlawful removal of temporary signs. Trisha Eaton is the ex-wife of Democratic Representative Holly Eaton, who condemned Trisha’s behavior after she allegedly stole campaign signs supporting Holly’s opponent, Jason Joyce, in the November 5th election. Criminal mischief is a Class D misdemeanor that can be punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine. In a Thursday message to a reporter, Trisha Eaton denied stealing a sign but said she had simply moved it and that it had nothing to do with politics.
(Stonington) Surry, Castine, Brooksville, and around the state – political sign stealing has become all too common. The Bangor Daily News reports a Deer Isle woman found out the hard way such alleged behavior can lead to serious charges. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office last week issued a summons to 37 yo Trisha Eaton for criminal mischief and unlawful removal of temporary signs. Trisha, the ex-wife of Democratic Representative Holly Eaton, denied stealing the signs belonging to Holly’s opponent, Jason Joyce; instead, claiming she simply moved a sign and that it had nothing to do with politics. If found guilty, criminal mischief is a Class D misdemeanor that can be punishable by up to a year in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine.
Local Politics
Golden/Theriault Debate for Spot Representing Maine’s Second District
(Washington, DC) US Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat, and Trump-backed Republican Austin Theriault are in a tight race for Maine’s Second District. In a debate this week, the Bangor Daily News reports, there was a major tone shift compared to previous years. Theriault played toward the middle by ruling out support for a national abortion ban and took a more vague stance on Social Security and Medicare. With gun policy an issue following Lewiston, Golden has spoken candidly about a change of heart on his position on guns, saying he never supported a gun registry, though he supports a permitting system for those who own assault rifles. And while Theriault beat expectations, the BDN reports he pushed small solutions to big problems.
(Washington, DC) In a debate this week, the two candidates vying to represent Maine’s Second District in Washington displayed a major tone shift compared to previous years, according to the Bangor Daily News. Incumbent Democrat Jared Golden has been open about changing his stance on gun policy since the Lewiston massacre. Golden spoke candidly about his change of heart on gun policy, saying he never supported a gun registry, though he does support a permitting system for those who own assault rifles. Republican Austin Theriault played toward the middle, ruling out support for a national abortion ban, but was vague on Social Security and Medicare, saying he opposed retirement age increases that are popular with national Republicans. And while Theriault beat expectations, the BDN reports he pushed small solutions to big problems.
Economy
Heart of Ellsworth Receives Marketing Grant from Maine Office of Tourism
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Maine Office of Tourism as part of the Tourism Marketing & Development Recovery Program. The program aims to bolster the state’s travel and tourism industry following the economic challenges posed by the pandemic. Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, the nonprofit will use the funds to enhance marketing efforts, promoting the region as a vibrant destination for visitors and helping to establish downtown Ellsworth as a distinct destination within Maine. Romano said the funding comes at a crucial time, allowing Heart of Ellsworth to expand outreach initiatives and to develop new tourism assets that will benefit the community for years to come.
(Ellsworth) Whether exploring the Bold Coast, the Schoodic Peninsula, or the Deer Isle/Stonington region, Ellsworth has become the ideal hub for visitors to stay and embark on day trips for the ideal Maine visitor experience. That positioning got a major boost this week, as Heart of Ellsworth received a $200,000 grant from the Maine Office of Tourism. The grants, part of the Tourism Marketing and Development Recovery Program, are designed to bolster the state’s travel and tourism industry, following the economic challenges posed by the pandemic. Heart of Ellsworth Executive Director Cara Romano tells Star 97.7, the nonprofit will use the funds to enhance marketing efforts, promoting the region as a vibrant destination for visitors and helping to establish downtown Ellsworth as a distinct designation within Maine.
Education
Ellsworth Public Library Offerings
(Ellsworth) With the kids out of school today, it’s the perfect afternoon to stop by the Ellsworth Public Library to create some fun spooky crafts! That’s at 2 p.m. today in the Riverview Room. On Tuesdays, tweens ages 8 to 12 are invited to participate in fun after school activities – from games, arts & crafts, or just socializing and spending time with friends. That’s October 15th and every other Tuesday. And it’s not too late to participate in Books & More – a book club for Grades K thru 2 emerging readers. Each week, there will be a read aloud. Kids will follow along with their own copies, then enjoy games, crafts, songs, and a discussion about the book. Mondays at 3:15 through November 25th. For more information, contact the Ellsworth Public Library.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library is hosting a five week series of Parent and Child Workshops now through November 7th. Workshops are for parents and caregivers with children age 1-3 years; and older and younger siblings can attend. Different community resource specialists will be on hand every week to talk about child development, speech and hearing, nutrition, play, and music and movement. Register through the Ellsworth Public Library. And check out the library’s website for information on a Mystery Book Club, Movie Night, Poetry readings and art exhibits, Family Genealogical Research, and the Friends’ Fall Book Sale coming soon.
Wiscasset Teacher Named 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Education has named Lincoln County’s Becky Hallowell the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. Hallowell teaches fourth graders at Wiscasset Elementary. The announcement came during a surprise ceremony Thursday morning at the school. The Teacher of the Year program is a year-long process that involves educator portfolio and resume submissions, interviews, oral presentations, and classroom visits by a select panel.
(Augusta) Wiscasset fourth grade teacher Becky Hallowell got quite the honor yesterday. At a surprise ceremony at Wiscasset Elementary where she teaches, Hallowell learned she’d been chosen as the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year. Hallowell was one of 16 Maine County Teachers of the Year, representing Lincoln County. She said Maine’s children are our most valuable resource and that she looks forward to celebrating the dedicated, creative, and compassionate teachers who show up for Maine children every day.
Environment
Arbor Commission Celebrates Urban Forestry Grant
(Ellsworth) Money may not grow on trees, but early $200K in Urban Forestry Grants will help the City of Ellsworth with tree planting and other projects over the next three years. A Project Canopy Planning Grant secured by the Ellsworth Arbor Commission will support the development of a comprehensive Forestry Management Plan, including for the City’s newly expanded Public Forest, an Invasive Pests Management Plan, and a small planting project on High Street next month. Tabatha White, Chair of the Ellsworth Arbor Commission, says the grant will be matched by in-kind contributions from commission members, city staff, and local non-profits – the Ellsworth Garden Club, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Green Ellsworth. A second grant from the US Forest Service will fund an extensive tree-planting project.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Arbor Commission, Chaired by Tabatha White, is celebrating the receipt of two grants totalling $193,000 that will enable some “tree”mendous projects in Ellsworth. A Project Canopy Planning Grant will support development of a comprehensive Forestry Management Plan, including for the City’s newly expanded Public Forest, and an Invasive Pests Management Plan. A second grant from the US Forest Service will fund an extensive tree planting project, stretching from the High Street area along Foster and Washington Streets to the waterfront and the City’s Harbor Park. The plantings include Card Brook, which has historically been an urban impaired stream, and will not only help to beautify the area, but will function as green infrastructure capable of mitigating the effects of climate change, such as extreme heat, storm water runoff, and flooding during increasingly extreme weather events.
Health
Generic Low-Cost Drug Roll-Out
(Washington, DC) The Biden administration this week released a preliminary list of generic drugs that will be made available to Medicare recipients for no more than $2 out of pocket, under a pilot program. Axios reports the initiative — which covers common drugs for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions — aims to test whether offering low-cost generics can boost seniors’ medication adherence and health outcomes, while giving them more certainty on out-of-pocket costs. The selected drugs, which include Eliquis, Jardiance, Enbrel, Entresto, and six others, accounted for more than 50 billion dollars in total Part D covered prescription drug costs between June 2022 and May 2023.
(Washington, DC) Enbrel, Stelara, Xarelto, Eliquis, and six other drugs are among those on a preliminary list of generic drugs that will be made available to Medicare recipients for no more than $2 under a pilot program unveiled this week by the Biden Administration. The selected drugs accounted for more than $50B in total Part D covered prescription drug costs between June 2022 and May 2023. Axios reports the initiative – which covers common drugs for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions — aims to test whether offering low-cost generics can boost seniors’ medication adherence and health outcomes, while giving them more certainty on out-of-pocket costs.
Sports
The Celtics will be on the home court Saturday for a preseason game against the 76ers. The Patriots at home Sunday against the Texans.
National News Headlines/Storm Update:
(AP) Tropicana Field, home of Tampa Bay’s major league baseball team and a makeshift storm shelter, suffered significant damage from Hurricane Milton.
(AP) The death toll from Hurricane Milton stands at 16 and could rise. Officials warn more flooding is likely in the coming days as a result of the storm that dumped as much as 18 inches of rain in places. Forecasters calling it a one in a thousand year rainfall event in Tampa Bay.
(AP) President Biden is angrily calling out Donald Trump for spreading misinformation about the federal response to twin hurricanes. The storm left at least 16 confirmed dead and more than two million homes and businesses without power, and officials are warning more flooding is likely in the coming days.