Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Operation Game Thief Looking for Person(s) Who Illegally Killed Two Moose
(Washington County) Operation Game Thief is offering a reward for information leading to the person or persons who they say illegally killed two moose in Washington County last month. The Maine Warden Service tells Star 97.7, the first moose was likely killed November 22nd off the Burn Road in Topsfield. Part of the animal’s meat and its antlers were taken, and it was then covered in fir boughs and other camouflage. The second moose was likely shot the following day off the Walker Cove Road in Vanceboro. That moose was reportedly dragged off the road and left to rot. Anyone with information about either kill is asked to call 1-800-Alert-Us.
(Washington County) The Maine Warden Service is looking for the person or persons responsible for two illegal moose kills in Washington County recently. Authorities believe the first moose was killed November 22nd off the Burn Road in Topsfield. Part of the animal’s meat and its antlers were taken and it was then covered in fir boughs and other camouflage. The second moose was likely shot the following day off the Walker Cove Road in Vanceboro. That moose was reportedly dragged off the road and left to rot. Operation Game Thief is offering up to $4,000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information about either kill is asked to call 1-800-Alert-Us.
Bangor House Fire
(Bangor) Firefighters quickly knocked down a blaze at a vacant house on Lincoln Street in Bangor Tuesday morning. WABI-TV reports at least six departments rushed to battle the large fire that broke out at the three story house around 5 a.m. Authorities say the home was vacant and had no power or other utilities. Crews searched the building but found no one inside. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
(Bangor) A fire at a house on Lincoln Street in Bangor Tuesday morning quickly brought crews from at least six area departments to the scene because of the size of the blaze. The fire was discovered around 5 a.m. and was rapidly brought under control. Authorities say the home was vacant and had no power or other utilities. Firefighters told WABI they searched the three-story home but found noone inside the structure. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
Local Politics
Bill Would Support Additional Reimbursement for EMS Services
(Washington, DC) Recently introduced bipartisan legislation would create a pilot program to allow Medicare to reimburse for treat-in-place EMS services for certain medical issues. The Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Act would expand access to such critical health services, especially in rural communities, while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and expenses. The bill was co-introduced by Maine’s Senator Susan Collins and West Virginia’s Joe Manchin and would allow seniors on Medicare to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat medical incidents. The bill’s supporters say it would also direct financial support to first responders.
(Washington, DC) EMS first responders often struggle to recoup costs from Medicare. A bill introduced by Maine Senator Susan Collins and West Virginia’s Joe Manchin proposes creation of a pilot program that would allow Medicare to reimburse for treat-in-place EMS services for certain medical issues. The Improving Access to Emergency Medical Services Act would expand access to such critical health services, especially in rural communities, while reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and expenses. The bill would also allow seniors on Medicare to receive at-home emergency medical services to treat medical incidents. EMS providers say the legislation will address the funding gap for non-transport calls, helping to ensure EMS systems remain viable.
Senators Applaud Passage of Autism Bill
(Washington, DC) Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins and others Tuesday celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan Autism CARES Act of 2024. The bill would renew and expand federal support for research, services, and training related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Autism CARES is the main source of federal funding for autism research, services, training, and monitoring. The Autism CARES Act includes more than $2B in authorized federal spending on autism research and training programs over the next five years. It also includes new language that directs the NIH Director to ensure a more inclusive approach to autism research. The bill now goes back to the House for final passage.
(Washington, DC) According to the CDC, autism affects one in 36 children in the U.S.. On Tuesday, Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins and others celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan Autism CARES Act of 2024. The bill would renew and expand federal support for research, services, and training related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Autism CARES is the main source of federal funding for autism research, services, training, and monitoring. In addition to funding over the next five years, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to issue a study and report on how to increase the number of developmental behavioral pediatricians and also creates a new communications network for individuals who may be limited in using speech or language to communicate. The bill now goes back to the House for final passage.
Recount Continues in Race for 2nd Congressional District
(Augusta) The recount in the race for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District continues into its third day today. The race was ultimately determined by a ranked choice tabulation that on November 15th declared Democrat Jared Golden the winner over Republican Austin Theriault by 2,706 votes. But before the ranked choice tabulation began, the Theriault campaign had, as allowed, requested a recount to follow. That recount got underway on Monday. The state pays for recounts if a vote difference is less than 1,000, so the cost of the current recount falls on the Theriault camp , and that includes the cost of staff and of the recount space.
(Augusta) The race to represent the largest congressional district east of the Mississippi enters the third day of a hand recount today. Democrat Jared Golden was declared the winner on November 15th after the race went to a ranked choice tabulation. It was a close victory, with Golden’s 50.35% to Republican Austin Theriault’s 49.65%. The Theriault camp was taking no chances and had, as allowed, requested this week’s recount even before the ranked choice tabulation. Because Golden won by 2,706 votes, the Theriault camp must pay for the current recount, including the cost of staff and space for the tabulation. The state pays for such recounts only if the vote difference is 1,000 votes or fewer.
132nd Maine Legislature Convenes
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills last night welcomed the members-elect of the 132nd Maine Legislature to Maine’s state capital with a banquet and reception for incoming legislators. One of the first orders of business today will be a vote for Attorney General. Those in the running include two Democrats – Incumbent Aaron Frey, and Kennebec and Somerset County DA Maeghan Maloney and Republican Bobby Charles. Maine is the only state in which the Legislature elects its constitutional officers.
(Augusta) Members-elect in Maine’s 132nd Legislature were welcomed at a banquet and reception last night in Augusta, headlined by Governor Janet Mills. During the first session today, members will be tasked with electing an Attorney General. Vying for that position are two Democrats – Incumbent Aaron Frey, and Kennebec and Somerset County DA Maeghan Maloney and Republican Bobby Charles. Maine is the only state in which the Legislature elects its constitutional officers.
Environment
Ellsworth Winter Storm Prep
(Ellsworth) As an Alberta Clipper approaches, bringing with it the promise of the beginning of another long winter, the City of Ellsworth reminds residents you can access a salt/sand pile at the Highway Garage at 526 Main Street for a limit of up to two 5-gallon buckets per winter storm. They say it’s important residents do NOT enter the gravel pit behind the building. Also, a reminder that when winter parking bans are in effect, vehicles must be moved off public streets, ways, and city owned parking areas before snowstorms, with one exception – vehicles may use the center spots in the Lower City Hall parking lot. Those left in prohibited areas may be towed at the discretion of the Ellsworth Police Department.
(Ellsworth) Winter is knocking at our door, and the City of Ellsworth offers these reminders to help keep residents safe and streets clear for plowing. They say when winter parking bans are in effect, vehicles must be moved off public streets, ways, and city owned parking areas before snowstorms. Vehicles may, however, use the center spots in the Lower City Hall parking lot. Those left in prohibited areas may be towed at the discretion of the Ellsworth Police Department. Also, Ellsworth residents can access a salt/sand pile at the Highway Garage for a limit of up to two 5-gallon or one 10-gallon bucket per winter storm. The pile is on the west end of the parking lot, and they caution folks to NOT enter the gravel pit behind the building.
Two Projects in Maine Receive “America the Beautiful” Funding
(Maine) Two projects in Maine are part of more than 60 nationwide awarded funding as part of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s “America the Beautiful” challenge. The Penobscot Indian Nation will receive close to $5M, in part to improve aquatic organism passage, provide access to conservation areas, and collect data needed to manage habitat for at-risk species in the Penobscot River Watershed. And the Orianne Society in Maine and five other New England States will share close to $600K for projects that will improve habitat for at-risk wood, spotted and Blanding’s turtles.
(Maine) The “America the Beautiful” challenge encourages applicants to develop projects that prioritize conservation and restoration of land and wildlife. Sponsored by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, 2024 funding will support 61 projects across the US, including two here in Maine. The Orianne Society in Maine and five other New England States will share close to $600K for projects that will improve or increase habitat for at-risk wood, spotted and Blanding’s turtles. The Penobscot Indian Nation will receive close to $5M to benefit at-risk species in the Penobscot River and restore connectivity to 280 miles of the Piscataquis River for Atlantic salmon and other native migratory species.
Infrastructure
Second Round of Recovery Applications Now Open
(Augusta) A second round of applications to assist in rebuilding and recovering from last winter’s storms is now open. The Office of Governor Janet Mills says about $2M remains for small businesses and nonprofits to make storm-related repairs and strengthen infrastructure in order to better withstand future storms. More than $8M in Business Recovery and Resilience grants were awarded in the first round of applications. In addition, more than $21M went to help rebuild 68 working waterfronts, with an additional $25M to help 39 communities recover and rebuild. Applications for this second round of funding must be made no later than January 14th at maine dot gov. Search for the Office of Business Development.
(Augusta) Small businesses and nonprofits can now apply for a second round of funding to help with recovery from last winter’s devastating storms. The Office of Governor Janet Mills says about $2M remains for small businesses and nonprofits to make storm-related repairs and strengthen infrastructure in order to better withstand future storms. Business Recovery and Resilience grants have already helped to rebuild 68 working waterfronts and have assisted more than three dozen communities in recovering and rebuilding more resilient infrastructure. To apply for this second round of funding, visit maine dot gov and search for the Office of Business Development. Applications are due by the end of the day on January 14th.
Ellsworth City Hall Construction
(Ellsworth) A heads up from the City of Ellsworth. On Thursday, December 12th, the Church Street entrance to City Hall will be under construction, with access exclusively for individuals with accessibility needs. The city kindly asks all other visitors to use the front entrance.
(Ellsworth) An upcoming pedestrian detour to let you know about in Ellsworth. The City advises that on Thursday, December 12th, the Church Street entrance to City Hall will be under construction. Unless you have accessibility needs, the city kindly asks visitors to use the front entrance.
Sports
Celtics host the Detroit Pistons tonight
Bruins beat the Red Wings 3-2 last night at TD Garden. Bruins in Chicago tonight to put the sticks to the ice against the Blackhawks.