Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Bangor Fatal Fire
(Bangor) A fire at a homeless encampment Sunday claimed the life of an adult man who was living in a tent. The Fire Marshal’s Office reports crews responded to a report of the fire shortly after 9 p.m. The fire happened inside a tent at 49 Cleaveland Street in Bangor. The victim’s body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy and positive ID. No additional information was available.
(Bangor) A man living inside a tent in Bangor died Sunday night when a blaze apparently broke out inside the tent. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, crews were called to 49 Cleaveland Street shortly after 9 p.m. and found the fire and the victim, whose body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. An autopsy will be performed to secure a positive ID. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire.
Bangor Man Arrested for Failing to Stop
(Old Town) Authorities arrested a Bangor man Sunday night after they say he failed to pull over for driving erratically in Old Town. WABI-TV reports Old Town police attempted to stop a box truck driven by 37 yo Kyle Albert about 11:30 Sunday night, but he failed to comply and instead hit the guardrail on the Stillwater Avenue bridge and continued on toward the interstate, where he crashed at Exit 197 and fled on foot. Officers were able to apprehend Albert. He faces multiple charges, including reckless conduct, driving to endanger and possession of a firearm by a felon.
(Old Town) A man who reportedly attempted to flee police in Old Town is in custody today. WABI-TV reports 37 yo Kyle Albert of Bangor was driving a box truck erratically when authorities attempted to stop him about 11:30 Sunday night. They say Albert failed to comply and instead hit the guardrail on the Stillwater Avenue bridge. He then reportedly continued on toward the interstate, crashing at Exit 197 and fleeing on foot. With assistance from Orono Police, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, and State Police, Old Town Police were able to apprehend Albert. He faces multiple charges, including reckless conduct, driving to endanger and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Local Politics
Spending Limit Initiative Will Likely Face Legal Challenges
(AP) Maine residents last week approved a referendum to limit donations to political action committees that spend independently in candidate elections, setting the stage for a legal showdown over caps on individual contributions to so-called Super PACs that spend freely in elections. In the nation’s only campaign finance reform initiative on the ballot on Election Day, residents voted to cap individual donations to super PACs at $5,000. Supporters fully expect a lawsuit that they hope will bring clarity to PAC donations after the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door to unlimited spending by Super PACs.
(AP) In the nation’s only campaign finance reform initiative on the ballot on Election Day, Maine residents last week approved a referendum to limit donations to political action committees that spend independently in candidate elections. That set the stage for a legal showdown over caps on individual contributions to so-called Super PACs that spend freely in elections. Maine voted to limit such donations to $5,000. Supporters say they fully expect a lawsuit they hope will bring clarity to PAC donations after the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door to unlimited spending by Super PACs.
Ranked Choice Tabulation Begins Today
(Augusta) The ranked choice tabulation in the race to Represent Congressional District 2 will begin at 1 p.m. today at 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta, the building that houses Maine State Police headquarters. Ranked choice tabulations are conducted when no candidate receives first rankings on more than 50% of the ballots cast. That was the case between Democrat Jared Golden, Republican challenger Austin Theriault, and declared write-in candidate Diana Merenda. Golden is challenging the decision to turn to ranked choice voting.
(Augusta) Ranked choice voting tabulation will begin this afternoon at 1 p.m. in Augusta. Ranked choice tabulations are conducted when no candidate receives first rankings on more than 50% of the ballots cast. That was the case in the contest between Democratic Congressman Jared Golden, Republican challenger Austin Theriault, and declared write-in candidate Diana Merenda. Golden is challenging the decision to turn to ranked choice voting. The tabulation is open to the public and will be held in the building that houses Maine State Police Headquarters.
Economy
Uncle Henry’s Going Out Print?
(WGME) One source called it the Bible of classified ads. Uncle Henry’s, the iconic Maine magazine on which Mainers have relied for buying and selling goods since 1970, will print its final copy this Thursday. The last copy with its current printer, that is. WGME reports the company Uncle Henry’s has used for printing purposes is closing its doors. The magazine is in talks with other printers and hopes to keep it going, perhaps with a different look. A decision on that should be coming soon. In the meantime, Uncle Henry’s says no matter the fate of the print magazine, the website will continue. It might not be the same, but you’ll be able to access that at uncle henrys dot com.
(WGME) Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought or sold anything through Uncle Henry’s. The buy-sell magazine was first published in January 1970 by Henry Fowler, who owned a print shop in Rockland. Since the mid-1980s it’s been based in Augusta; but the printer who has been churning out issues containing those classified ads is closing its doors, leaving the fate of Uncle Henry’s … well, yet to be published. The last issue with the current printer will be out this Thursday, but the publication is looking for a printing company successor, according to WGME. If they find another printer, the publishers say it might have a bit of a different look. And if they don’t, they say the website will continue. It might not be the same, but you’ll still be able to access the ads at uncle henrys dot com.
Health
WastewaterSCAN Helps Track Infectious Diseases
(Undated) During the Fall and Winter months, seasonal viruses begin circulating. Local health leaders use wastewater monitoring data to make health decisions and curb the spread of such diseases. Dr. Marlene Wolfe, Assistant Professor at Emory University and Program Director at Wastewater SCAN tells Star 97.7 … (((Wstwtr 1 “…can protect themselves and each other from seasonal and emerging diseases.” :20))) Learn more about the process in your state at data dot waste water scan dot org.
(Undated) During the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard a lot about tracking the virus through wastewater. Dr. Marlene Wolfe, Assistant Professor at Emory University, tells Star 97.7, such tracking is not just during disease crises but is ongoing. (((Wstwtr 2 “…during respiratory virus season and year-round. :25))) Learn more about what’s happening in your area at data dot waste water scan dot org.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Rage Room to Open in Searsmont
(Searsmont) If politics has you wanting to smash something, try to control yourself another ten days, then get in your car and drive (calmly, please) to Searsmont. The Bangor Daily News reports a new business known as The Rage Release will let you deal with that pent-up frustration by breaking glass objects, blasting loud music, bursting liquid filled balloons, and committing other acts of controlled destruction. Other so-called rage rooms have opened around Maine, but The Rage Release will be the first in Waldo County at its planned opening on November 22nd. The business is opening in a large garage space at 109 New England Road and will be divided into several rooms with different experiences planned. The cost is between $10 and $250, depending on the experience you choose and the number of participants. And it’s definitely more cost-effective than putting hole in your wall.
(Searsmont) What sends you into a rage? A know-it-all Karen who thinks it’s her job to correct you? A former partner who did you dirty? Maybe even something to do with the election – imagine politics making us angry! Hang in there just 10 more days. A new business is opening in Searsmont. The Rage Release will let you handle your pent-up frustration by breaking glass objects, blasting loud music, bursting balloons filled with paint and other acts of controlled destruction. The Rage Release will be the first business of its kind in Waldo County, though not the first in Maine. The Bangor Daily News reports it will open around November 22nd in a large garage space at 109 New England Road. The cost will be between $10 and $250, depending on the experience and the number of participants. Still more economical than taking a sledgehammer to your neighbor’s fence.
Ellsworth Public Library Hosts Mushroom Week
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library is open today, and their programs are mushrooming! Beginning today, find Spores and More … a super fungi week of activities for the whole family. This afternoon at 1, enjoy mushroom ornament making! The rest of the week it’s Mushroom Movie Night, a Mushroom Cooking Class, crafts, story time and more! Find the complete schedule of Mushroom Week activities at ellsworth library dot net and on the library’s FB page
(Ellsworth) Did you know mushrooms are the ultimate recyclers? That the largest living organism on earth is a fungus that spans more than 2000 acres? Or that mushrooms have been known for their healing properties for thousands of years? Those are just some of the things you’ll discover this week during Mushroom Week at the Ellsworth Public Library! Enjoy making mushroom-themed crafts, a mushroom movie night, a cooking class, and more, starting with mushroom ornament making this afternoon at 1!. Some activities require pre-registration. Find a schedule and all the information you need at ellsworth library dot net or on the library’s FB page.
Maine Native Nominated for Grammy Awards
(Portland) Maine native Amy Allen was nominated for four Grammy Awards on Friday, including Songwriter of the Year. The Portland Press Herald reports Allen, who grew up in Windham and South Portland, has become one of pop music’s most in-demand songwriters over the past few years and could also win for Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Song for Visual Media. She’s written radio hits for Selena Gomez and Halsey and has also worked on songs for Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Justin Timberlake and others. The Grammys are set for Sunday, February 2nd.
(Portland) We’re still a few months out from the Grammy Awards, but the nominations have been announced – among them, a Windham and South Portland native who has become well known for her songwriting ability. The Portland Press Herald reports Amy Allen has become one of pop music’s most in-demand songwriters and could even win Song of the Year. She’s also up for honors in the categories of Album of the Year and Best Song for Visual Media. Allen has written hits for Selena Gomez and Halsey, among others, and has also worked on songs for Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, and Justin Timberlake, to name a few. The Grammys will be awarded on Sunday, February 2nd.
Sports
The Celtics on the home court tonight to shoot hoops with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Bruins in St. Louis to skate against the Blues.