Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Bucksport Woman Indicted on Animal Cruelty Charges
(Bucksport) The Bucksport woman accused of mistreating dogs at what was supposed to be a rescue facility has been indicted by a Hancock County Grand Jury. WABI-TV reports 44 yo Elisha Krutuleski turned herself in and is now free on $500 cash bail. Krutuleski owned and operated Coastal Dreams Rescue and Sanctuary on Milvale Road, where last summer animal remains were found, along with 27 dogs living in reportedly deplorable conditions. Five of the dogs rescued are now up for adoption at the SPCA of Hancock County. Krutuleski is scheduled to appear in court on November 19th for an arraignment.
(Bucksport) Six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals – those are the charges facing 44 yo Elisha Krutuleski of Bucksport after she was indicted by a Hancock County Grand Jury. WABI-TV reports authorities were called to the Coastal Dreams Rescue and Sanctuary on July 30th. There, they found six sets of dog remains in trash cans and crates, along with 27 dogs living in reportedly inhumane conditions. Krutuleski turned herself in and is free on $500 cash bail. Five of the dogs rescued are now up for adoption at the SPCA of Hancock County. Krutuleski is scheduled to appear in court on November 19th for an arraignment.
Local Politics
King Calls for Study on Hidden Cost of Ageism
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King and others in the US Senate are calling on a federal agency to examine the impact of ageism on the quality and equity of care, patient safety, and health outcomes. On a percentage basis, Maine leads the nation with the largest population of those 65 and older. In a letter to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Senators noted that while often subtle, ageism is woven into our workforce, healthcare system, and everyday interactions, with 81% of adults aged 50-80 reporting having experienced internal ageism. In the letter, the Senators stated ageism within healthcare leads to poorer health outcomes, avoidable morbidity, and costly preventable adverse events.
(Washington, DC) Maine Senator Angus King has joined with others in calling for an examination of the impact of ageism on the quality and equity of care, patient safety, and health outcomes. King, along with Democrats Tim Kaine of Virginia and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont, sent a letter to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, noting that often-subtle ageism is woven into our workforce, healthcare system, and everyday interactions, with 81% of adults age 50-80 reporting experiencing internal ageism. The Senators further stated ageism within healthcare leads to poorer health outcomes, avoidable morbidity, and costly preventable adverse events. Maine leads the nation with the largest population, percentage-wise, of those ages 65 and older.
General Election Notes
(Augusta) Election Day is less than three weeks away. Absentee voting began October 7th and continues through Thursday, October 31st this year. Officials say if you vote absentee, be sure to sign the back of the envelope before mailing it in. Maine has same-day voter registration, meaning Mainers can register to vote in person and cast their ballots on the same day, even on Election Day. Mainers can see their sample ballots at a link we’ve posted with this story on our Star 97.7 Local News page. We’ve also posted links to a nonpartisan Voters’ Guide and information on the five referendum questions on this year’s ballot. Federal races with at least three candidates will be conducted as ranked-choice races – that includes the races for President, US Senate and both US House races. Five referendum questions are also asked – those in a “yes/no” format.
Sample ballots: https://www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/voter_lookup.php
Voters’ Guide: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html
Referendum Questions: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2024/Nov2024GeneralElectionBallotReferendumQuestions.html
(Augusta) The race for President of the United States, US Senate and House races, local races and issues, and five referendum questions – Mainers will have a lot on which to decide when we head to the polls on November 5th. Of course, many people are choosing to vote absentee, which you can do between now and Thursday, October 31st. Officials remind those voting absentee, you must sign the back of the envelope before sending in your ballot! We’ve posted links to sample ballots for your area, a voter’s guide and a link to the five referendum questions with this story on our Star 97.7 Local News page.
Online Voter Registration Deadline
(Augusta) Today is the deadline to register online in order to vote in the November 5th election. In order to become a registered voter in Maine, you must be a United States citizen, be a resident of Maine and the municipality in which you want to vote and be at least 16 years old. You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except you may vote in a primary election if you’re 17 and will be 18 by the General Election. Online voter registration is available at maine dot gov forward slash vote. If you miss the online registration deadline, you can register in person even on Election Day prior to voting.
(Augusta) The deadline for online voter registration for the November 5th election here in Maine is today. Register at maine dot gov forward slash vote. To become a registered voter in Maine, you must be a United States citizen, be a resident of Maine and the municipality in which you want to vote and be at least 16 years old. You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except you may vote in a primary election if you’re 17 and will be 18 by the General Election. Here in Maine you can register in person right up to and including Election Day.
Fewer Running for Office in Maine
(Augusta) Thirty-seven of the 151 Maine House districts in the upcoming Maine election will have only one major-party candidate, according to a Monitor analysis of data from the Secretary of State’s office. That’s about a quarter of the races and is up from 22 districts in 2008, and just 10 in 2010. The trend is happening not just here in Maine. The Pen Bay Pilot reports a recent survey found around 50 percent of partisan elections nationwide are uncontested, with Democrats much more likely to sit out a general election. Millennials and Gen Zers – may be a good opportunity to get involved and make a difference.
(Augusta) Republican Steven Foster is running for his fourth term in the statehouse, representing Dexter and several other towns west of Bangor. He’s easily won each election because he’s never had an opponent, according to the Pen Bay Pilot. It’s part of a trend – not only here in Maine, but nationwide. Thirty-seven of the 151 Maine House districts in the upcoming Maine election will have only one major-party candidate, according to a Monitor analysis of data from the Secretary of State’s office. That’s up from 22 districts in 2008, and just 10 in 2010. The trend is happening not just here in Maine. A recent survey found around 50 percent of partisan elections nationwide to be uncontested. Might be a good time for young people with their genuine ideals to jump in and make America civil again.
Meet the Candidates Night
(Ellsworth) Speaking of elections, curious about where the candidates running for Ellsworth City Council stand on the issues? Heart of Ellsworth has you covered – at Meet the Candidates Night, tonight 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) Speaking of elections, learn more about the candidates 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 tonight 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.
Economy
Maine Fishing Industry to Get $2M to Train Next Generation of Fishermen and Women
(Washington, DC) From lobsters to elvers, scallops to clams, Maine is known worldwide for its commercial fishing industry. In many families, the fishery’s proud heritage goes back generations. Now, Maine’s congressional delegation has secured more than $2M to train the next generation of fishermen and women. The grant funding was awarded through NOAA’s Young Fishermen’s Development Program, which provides critical resources to invest in the next generation. Funding will be allocated to the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and the Eastern Maine Skippers Program.
(Washington, DC) The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association will establish an online knowledge hub targeted toward young fishermen’s and women’s career development and physical and mental wellbeing. The Eastern Maine Skippers Program will provide targeted career development opportunities to eight rural Maine coastal schools and train 80 high school students and 16 post-graduates annually through workshops, vessel-based activities and mentorship. The programs are made possible thanks to more than $2M in grant funding secured recently by Maine’s Congressional Delegation to train the next generation of fishermen and women.
Social Security Administration 2025 COLA
(Undated) The Social Security Administration last week announced the Cost of Living Adjustment for 2025. Star 97.7 asked AARP’s Vice President of Government Affairs Jenn Jones what that means for those who receive and/or rely on Social Security benefits. (((SocSec COLA 1 “…they’ve earned, despite rising costs.” :19))) Jones says this year, retirees on a fixed income have struggled to keep up with inflation, and the 2025 COLA is expected to provide a bit of relief.
(Undated) As announced last week, Social Security recipients will receive a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment in 2025. Star 97.7 asked AARP Vice President of Government Affairs Jenn Jones what that means specifically for beneficiaries here in Maine. (((SocSec COLA 2 “…of thousands of older Americans in Maine.” :19))) While still a plus, the 2025 COLA is smaller than in recent years – 3.2% in 2024, for example. Officials attribute that to slowing inflation.
(Undated) You CAN begin drawing Social Security benefits as early as age 62, although your benefits will be reduced if you decide to begin drawing before the full retirement age of 67. AARP Vice President of Government Affairs Jenn Jones tells Star 97.7, there’s a difference between when you CAN start drawing benefits and when you SHOULD. (((SocSec COLA 3 “…to maximize the benefit.” :26))) Jones emphasized they also understand not everyone is able to do that.
(Undated) The Social Security Administration for years has struggled with customer service concerns. AARP Vice President of Government Affairs Jenn Jones tells Star 97.7, that’s partly because they’ve seen budget cuts of 17%, while the number of people they serve has increased 22%. Jones says AARP is pressing Congress for improvement in two key areas. (((SocSec COLA 4 “…and that they’ve honestly earned.” :28))). To learn more about your particular benefits, go to S S A dot gov forward slash my benefits. And as you plan for retirement, you’ll find information, tools, and resources galore to help with those decisions at A A R P dot org forward slash social security.
Sports
With Sunday’s win, the Lady Black Bears soccer team has won seven consecutive games and stand at the top of the America East standings. The women are the defending America East Champions and clinched a spot in the postseason with the weekend win.
The Panthers beat the Bruins 4-3. The Bruins take on the Avalanche tomorrow in Colorado. The Maine Women’s Hockey team beat Providence College Saturday night to improve to 1-3-and-O for the season. The Black Bears in Beantown next weekend to take on Boston University.
Tom Brady announced last week he’ll donate $100,000 to Hurricane Milton relief. The donation was matched by GoPuff, a food and alcohol delivery service and one of Brady’s sponsors.
The high school cross country postseason gets underway this Saturday. The MDI boys and girls are defending PVC Class B Champs, the Sumner boys capturing Class C last Fall on the way to a state championship. The PVC championship meet is Saturday in Houlton.