Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Families Prepare to Sue US Army for Lewiston Tragedy
(Lewiston) Almost a year after a gunman walked into a bowling alley and a bar and grill in Lewiston, killing 18 and wounding 13 others, lawyers representing 100 survivors and relatives of the victims have begun the process of suing the U.S. Army for what they say is a failure to act to stop the shooter, Army Reservist Robert Card. In a press conference Tuesday, the attorneys presented notices of claim by four law firms, proposing the Army was aware of Card’s mental health decline that left him paranoid, delusional, and homicidal but failed to take sufficient action. The Army will have six months to determine whether to respond. Lawyers would then be in a position to file a lawsuit.
(Lewiston) Attorneys representing 100 survivors and relatives of victims of last October’s Lewiston mass shooting announced Tuesday they have begun the process of suing the U.S. Army. In a press conference Tuesday, the attorneys presented notices of claim by four law firms expressing what they call a failure to act to stop the shooter, Army Reservist Robert Card, in spite of being aware of his mental health decline that left him paranoid, delusional and homicidal. The Army will have six months to determine whether to respond. Lawyers would then be in a position to file a lawsuit. Eighteen people were killed, another 13 injured last October 25th when Card opened fire in a Lewiston bowling alley and a bar and grill.
Waterville Shooting
(Waterville) Maine State and Waterville Police are investigating a shooting that happened Tuesday morning around 6:30 a.m. in Waterville. The victim, 47 yo Stephen Killam of Fairfield, was reportedly found dead in a car parked outside Mount Saint Joseph, a nursing home on Highwood Street. Witnesses said the driver’s side window was blown out. Police later arrested 53 yo Richard Hatt of Clinton in Clinton and have charged him with murder in the case, but continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
(Waterville) Maine State and Waterville Police continue to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a Waterville nursing home Tuesday morning. Public Safety Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, about 6:30 a.m., 47 yo Stephen Killam of Fairfield was found dead in a car parked outside Mount Saint Joseph on Highwood Street. Witnesses said the driver’s side window was blown out. The discovery led to schools going into a lockout yesterday morning. Authorities have arrested 53 yo Richard Hatt of Clinton in connection with the shooting. Killam and Hatt reportedly knew each other. Hatt is charged with murder and is being held in the Kennebec County Jail.
Crush of Leaf Peepers in New Hampshire
(Franconia Notch, NH) So many leaf peepers and tourists descended on popular New Hampshire hiking spots during the holiday weekend, witnesses and law enforcement say it created unsafe conditions and bottlenecks on trails. CBS News reports conditions were so crowded, people were going off trail, some carrying small children, in places like Franconia Notch. One conservation officer reported at least a dozen rescues and said many were ill equipped for the harsh conditions on the mountains. While this led to much negative press, a pair of young people, Noah Hazen and Siobhan Smith, decided to do something about all the litter left behind by careless visitors. Info NH reports the pair got up early yesterday and picked up two bags full of trash, including water bottles, hats, snack wrappers, and even dirty diapers. Way to set a good example after so many others set a bad one..
(Franconia, NH) Everyone enjoys the New England fall foliage, but things got downright crazy this past holiday weekend in New Hampshire. In Franconia Notch, CBS News reports trails were so packed on Saturday, there were bottlenecks and people were going off trail, some perilously carrying young children down the sides of mountains. At least a dozen rescues were reported by conservation officers who said many tourists were ill equipped for the harsh conditions of the mountains. In contrast to the negative, two young friends decided to make a positive difference. Info NH reports the pair, Siobhan Smith and Noah Hazen, got up early yesterday morning and picked up two bags full of trash along Artists Bluff, including water bottles, hats, snack wrappers, and even dirty diapers that were left behind by the careless visitors. Well done.
Local Politics
Dozens Apply for Ellsworth Deputy City Manager’s Job
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth put out the call, and dozens answered. The Ellsworth American reports more than 50 applications have been submitted by those interested in becoming the City’s Deputy City Manager. City Manager Charlie Pearce said the applicants are from both in and out of state and show a wide range of impressive experience. While the position is not new, per se, the role has been vacant since 2020. Pearce said he identified a need to return someone to the position when he first stepped into the office in April, noting the large number of department heads reporting to a single person. Interviews are expected to begin this week.
(Ellsworth) Perhaps in a nod to the City’s growth and popularity, the search for a Deputy City Manager for Ellsworth has drawn more than 50 applicants since it was first posted on the City’s website on October 4th. While not a new position, per se, the Ellsworth American reports the job has gone unfilled since 2020 when Tammy Mote, a current City Councilor, left the position. While this year’s budget doesn’t account for a deputy city manager, the salary won’t be at an additional cost to taxpayers. City Manager Charlie Pearce said due to other positions not being filled, the budget can accommodate the new hire’s salary. Pearce said he plans to begin interviewing applicants this week, but that the posting will remain active until the City finds the right person.
Economy
WNSX Signs on with New Tower
(Ellsworth) Supply chain issues, contractor delays, and other headaches – after months of delays, Star 97.7’s new 50,000 watt tower is up and broadcasting our powerful new signal. After years of building local radio and following the loss of co-owner Natalie Knox, Mark Osborne last month sold the station to morning host and General Sales Manager Paul Dupuis. The station is now under the name Codin Broadcasting, after Paul and his wife’s two sons. Mike Dow has joined the station as new Operations Manager and afternoon/evening host, bringing a fresh voice and following … and an exciting weekend 80’s show. The ever-popular Brian Nadeau will still host weekends, along with Dow and Jon Shields. Our wonderful Amy Rowe will still greet you with a friendly face and make sure all the office details are handled efficiently. Plus, you’ll notice a fresh new sound – still your old favorites but with some great new adds from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We can’t say thank you enough to our listeners, local businesses, and nonprofits who have hung in there with us over these last stressful months. You rock, and we aim to help you keep doing that!
(Ellsworth) From Bangor to Calais – Star 97.7’s new 50 thousand watt tower is live and once again connecting us with listeners across Downeast Maine and further than ever before. After months of contractor delays and supply chain issues, the new tower began broadcasting the powerful signal Tuesday morning. Star 97.7 has a new owner, our Morning Host and former General Sales Manager Paul Dupuis, a new name – Codin Broadcasting after Paul’s and Sherry’s sons, some new music adds we hope you’re already enjoying. Mike Dow has added a great new on-air presence and will serve as Operations Manager. But a lot remains the same, including the station’s commitment to our local communities, listeners, businesses and nonprofits who’ve remained loyal to US over the past months. You’ll still hear the popular Brian Nadeau weekends and be greeted by our wonderful Office Manager Amy Rowe, whether you call or come in. And along with some new adds, you’ll still hear your favorite music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Thank you for hanging in there with us!
MDOL Hosts Inaugural Maine Apprenticeship Summit
(Augusta) It’s an old idea that’s become new again. The Maine Department of Labor next month will host the Inaugural Maine Apprenticeship Summit, November 18th, from 9 to 3 at the Augusta Civic Center. Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said registered apprenticeship is a proven strategy to connect employers with potential employees and retain them. The program is for all types of industries, including healthcare, construction, education, hospitality, unions, and IT. Learn more and register at MAP summit dot com.
(Augusta) Apprenticeships are back in vogue – and no wonder. It’s a great way to engage potential employees in hands-on, first-hand experience. The Maine Department of Labor is hosting the Inaugural Maine Apprenticeship Summit, November 18th, from 9 to 3 at the Augusta Civic Center. Businesses, industry associates, unions, workforce partners, education providers, and community-based organizations are encouraged to attend and hear from current Apprenticeship Program sponsors about how they run their programs and some tips and best practices for implementing apprenticeships. Learn more and register at MAP summit dot com.
Environment
MDOT Reaffirms Sears Island as Best Location for Wind Port
(Sears Island) Over continued objections of nearby residents, a new Maine Department of Transportation study affirms undeveloped state land on Sears Island remains the best place for construction of an offshore wind port. The 107-page analysis concludes building the port at nearby Mack Point would be more expensive, complicated and environmentally harmful. The state argues building on Sears Island would avoid dredging and the need for the state to pay rent for the terminal. Opponents advocating for Mack Island say building on Sears Island will harm wildlife and impact trails.
(Sears Island) A new report by the Maine Department of Transportation concludes undeveloped state land on Sears Island remains the best place for construction of an offshore wind port. Although opponents argue it will harm wildlife and impact nearby trails, the MDOT analysis concludes building at nearby Mack Point – the favored location of those who oppose building on Sears Island – would be more expensive, complicated and environmentally harmful, in no small part because it would require dredging.
Health
BARN Provides Volunteers with Dental Care
(Bangor) The Bangor Area Recovery Network, or BARN, is showing their teeth when it comes to valuing their volunteers. They’ve partnered with the American Nurses Association and the University of Maine at Augusta to provide their volunteers with access to essential preventive dental hygiene care. They say grant funding offers this invaluable resource so their dedicated volunteers can more healthfully serve on the front lines of their recovery efforts.
(Bangor) Volunteers with the Bangor Area Recovery Network, or BARN, will be smiling a bit brighter in the coming days. The nonprofit, which provides support and resources for individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders, has partnered with the American Nurses Association and the University of Maine at Augusta to provide their volunteers with access to essential preventive dental hygiene care. They say grant funding offers this invaluable resource so their dedicated volunteers can more healthfully serve on the front lines of their recovery efforts.
One in Five Adults FeelsLonely on a Daily Basis
(KFF) Feeling lonely? You’re not alone. A Gallup survey reveals one in five adults report feeling lonely on a daily basis. It’s the highest rate over the past two years, but lower than the 25% peak during the pandemic years of 2019 to 2021. The survey did not ask respondents why they were feeling the singular blues.
(KFF) Time for some socializing? Even though we’re more “connected” than ever, a Gallup survey reveals 20% of adults in the US say they feel lonely on a daily basis. The rate of loneliness was lower than the 25% peak during the Covid years, 2019-2021, but is the highest rate in the past two years. The survey did not ask why respondents felt such loneliness.
Sports
The Bruins take on the Avalanche tonight in Colorado.
The Raptors hand the Celtics their first loss of the preseason in a nail-biting 119-118 finish last night in Toronto. The regular season gets underway next Tuesday as the Celtics and Knicks face off at TD Garden.