Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Scam Warning
(Belfast) Belfast Police are warning the public about a bank scam. WABI-TV reports police shared a picture of a text message telling recipients their Camden National Bank account was “on hold” due to security measures. It also included a fraudulent link where customers could “supposedly” regain access to their funds. The department says to never click on any unsolicited links. Instead, if in doubt, call or walk into your bank.
(Belfast) Police in Belfast are warning the public about an attempted bank scam. Officers shared with WABI a picture of a text message warning recipients their Camden National Bank account was “on hold” because of security measures. The message included a fraudulent link and indicated customers could click on that link to regain access to their funds. Authorities say never click on unsolicited links; and if you have questions or suspicions, call or walk into your bank instead. They say the holidays are among the busiest time of year for scammers attempting to take advantage of consumers, especially online.
Missing Elderly Men Found Safe
(Township 32) A pair of elderly men who went missing Tuesday morning were found alive deep in the Maine woods off the Stud Mill Road in Township 32 last evening. Mark Latti with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife tells Star 97.7, a couple who lived in the area heard shouts for help about 5:30 and contacted game wardens who were able to locate the men’s vehicle where they found 75 yo Gary Foster of Bangor hypothermic but alert. 77 yo Sidney Hoyt of Bangor had left the vehicle to find help but was found about a half mile away. He, too, was hypothermic but was able to walk back to the warden’s vehicle. The pair was taken by ambulance to a hospital for care. The men were reported missing after Hoyt had picked up Foster at the Maine Veteran’s Home in Bangor Tuesday, planning to go for a short ride. They were reported missing when they didn’t return when expected.
(Township 32) A happy ending for two elderly men who went missing from Bangor on Tuesday morning. Mark Latti with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife tells Star 97.7, 77 you Sidney Hoyt of Bangor had picked 75 yo Gary Foster up from the Maine Veteran’s home on Tuesday, planning to go for a short ride. When they didn’t return by 5 p.m. that evening, the pair was reported missing. About 5:30 last evening, a couple who operates Sunkhaze Blueberry Farm in Township 32 heard shouts for help from deep in the nearby woods and contacted Maine Game Wardens. They say Foster was found inside the men’s vehicle, hypothermic but alert. Hoyt had reportedly left the vehicle to find help but was found about a half mile away. He, too, was hypothermic but able to walk back to the warden’s vehicle. The pair was taken by ambulance to a hospital for care.
MSP Investigating Body Found in Edgecomb
(Edgecomb) Maine State Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a body found by a hunter in Edgecomb. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the adult man’s body was found about 9:30 Tuesday morning near the Schmid Land Preserve on Old County Road. The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a cause and manner of death and to enable a positive identification. Authorities say more information will be released as it becomes available.
(Edgecomb) A person hunting near the Schmid Land Preserve in Edgecomb called 9-1-1 Tuesday morning after discovering the body of an adult male. Members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene off Old County Road. The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a cause and manner of death and to enable a positive identification. Maine State Police are investigating. They say more information will be released as it becomes available.
Westbrook Homicide
(Westbrook) Maine State Police continue investigating a homicide that occurred last month in Westbrook. Authorities tell Star 97.7 they responded to a home on Lamb Street on November 21st and found 59 yo Robert Seger unresponsive. Seger was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he later succumbed to injuries caused by multiple blunt force. His roommate, 47 yo James Fowler, who made the initial 9-1-1 call, told police he and Seger had had an argument and he left and came back. Following an autopsy and ongoing investigation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Fowler. He was taken into custody Tuesday night. Fowler is charged with Depraved Indifference Murder and was taken to the Cumberland County Jail.
(Westbrook) Maine State Police have made an arrest in a November 21st homicide in Westbrook. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, authorities received a 9-1-1 call and responded to a home on Lamb Street, where they found 59 yo Robert Seger unresponsive. Seger was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland and later died of multiple blunt force injuries. His roommate, 47 yo James Fowler, who made the initial 9-1-1 call, told police he and Seger had had an argument and he had left and come back. Following an autopsy and ongoing investigation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Fowler. He was taken into custody Tuesday night. Fowler is charged with Depraved Indifference Murder and was taken to the Cumberland County Jail.
Local Politics
Final Recount Secures a Win for Golden in Congressional District Two
(Augusta) Republican Austin Theriault’s campaign yesterday afternoon ended the recount of the Congressional District 2 General Election. The Office of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows reports after the recount of all ballots from Aroostook County, the City of Bangor, and Kennebec County CD 2 municipalities, as well as from much of the city of Lewiston, the final recount validated unofficial results confirming Democrat Jared Golden’s re-election to Congress.
(Augusta) Multiple races across the state were close enough this year to warrant recounts; perhaps none more closely watched than the race between Republican Austin Theriault and Incumbent Democrat Jared Golden, both vying to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Following the recount of all ballots from Aroostook County, the City of Bangor, and Kennebec County CD 2 municipalities, as well as from much of the city of Lewiston, validated official results, Theriault’s campaign ended the General Election recount that confirmed Golden’s re-election. The November 5th election results were decided by ranked choice tabulation, but that was followed by this week’s recount at the request of Theriault’s campaign.
Frey Retains Seat as Attorney General
(Augusta) Democratic lawmakers opted to keep incumbent Aaron Frey serving in his role as Attorney General on Wednesday. Frey won the nomination in a secret ballot vote over Maeghan Maloney who serves as DA for Kennebec and Somerset Counties. Neither Secretary of State Shenna Bellows nor State Auditor Matt Dunlap were challenged and will retain those positions. Dems also picked Representative Joe Perry of Bangor to replace Maine State Treasurer Henry Beck, who opted not to seek a fourth, two-year term. On the Republican side, House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham and Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart will retain their leadership roles.
(Augusta) Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday pretty much opted to go with the status quo, as far as leadership. Incumbent Attorney General Aaron Frey won the nomination in a secret ballot vote over Kennebec and Somerset Counties DA Maeghan Maloney. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows who has served in that role since 2021 will continue in that office, while Matt Dunlop will continue as State Auditor. Neither faced opposition for their respective positions. Also yesterday, Dems picked Representative Joe Perry of Bangor to replace Maine State Treasurer Henry Beck, who opted not to seek a fourth, two-year term. On the Republican side, House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham and Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart will retain their leadership roles.
Economy
Another Ellsworth Bakery Opening
(Ellsworth) From printing to pies, a building on Water Street that once housed the Ellsworth American will soon be home to a café and bakery. The Bangor Daily News reports entrepreneur Gabrielle Conners plans to open the eatery at 30 Water Street, a building sold by the newspaper in 2019 when it consolidated operations. Conners has worked at other Ellsworth restaurants and says she plans to open her own café before the end of January – she says she’s just waiting on paperwork from the state. The shop will be named Chloe’s Café after the family cat that was a part of Conners’s life growing up in East Machias.
(Ellsworth) A Water Street building that once housed the Ellsworth American will soon open as a café and bakery. The Bangor Daily News reports Gabrielle Conners plans to open Chloe’s Café by January 20th at the latest. Conners says she’ll be open for breakfast and lunch, with specialty coffee drinks and a grab and go cooler for folks who are short on time. She says the lunch menu, especially, will focus on healthier items, rather than the traditional fast food fare such as hot dogs and hamburgers. And while there won’t be table service, customers will be able to order at the counter and then seat themselves. And how purr-fect is this – the shop name, Chloe’s Café, comes from the family cat that was part of Conners’s life growing up in East Machias.
MDOL Adopts Final Rule for Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor has adopted the final rule for the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. The decision follows two rounds of public comment and review of more than 1600 comments. With payroll contributions beginning January 1st, the Department this month is holding webinars to walk through the process for employers and third party administrators. Benefits are scheduled to begin May 1, 2026, and MDOL plans to hold webinars explaining how to apply for benefits as that date gets closer. For more information, contact the Maine Department of Labor.
(Augusta) Following two public comment periods and after reviewing more than 1600 comments, the Maine Department of Labor on Wednesday announced it has adopted the final rule for the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. With payroll contributions beginning January 1st, the Department this month is holding webinars to walk through the process for employers and third party administrators. Benefits are scheduled to begin May 1, 2026, and MDOL plans to hold webinars explaining how to apply for benefits as that date gets closer. For more information, contact the Maine Department of Labor.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Woodlawn Light Trail Opens
(Ellsworth) Lights, get the cameras ready, and take action! It’s opening night tonight at Woodlawn in Ellsworth’s Walk-thru Light Trail! The lights will be on, and the trail will welcome visitors Thursday through Saturday evenings from 6 to 8 through December 21st. There’s a suggested donation of $10 per family, and you’re asked to please leave the pets at home. And if you’re one of those who waits until the last minute to shop for Christmas gifts, have no fear! The next Winter Craft & Farmers’ Market at the Barn will again feature dozens of artisans, and that’s December 21st from 10 until 1. Visit woodlawn ellsworth dot org for all the magical holiday happenings at Woodlawn.
(Ellsworth) Tonight’s the night! It’s opening night at Woodlawn in Ellsworth’s Walk-thru Light Trail. Get ready to “oooh!” and “ahhh!” as the grounds at Woodlawn become a magical light show with a tunnel of lights leading to enchanting characters and displays! The light trail will welcome visitors Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m. through December 21st. There’s a suggested donation of $10 per family, which we think is a steal … and Woodlawn asks that you kindly leave the little furry ones at home. And if you’re a last minute holiday shopper, mark December 21st on your calendar. That’s the date of the next Winter Craft & Farmer’s Market at the Woodlawn Barn, featuring dozens of artisans with unique gifts for those hard-to-buy-for names on your list. Visit woodlawn ellsworth dot org to learn more.
City of Ellsworth Auction Success
(Ellsworth) Area residents once again this year came through to support the City of Ellsworth’s auction benefiting children in need this Christmas. Communications Director Maura Condon tells Star 97.7, this year’s auction had 42 donors and raised a total of $3,148.00. City staff were in the process of notifying the winning bidders.
(Ellsworth) A big thank you from the City of Ellsworth to everyone who came out to bid on the auction items benefiting children in need this Christmas! Communications Director Maura Condon tells Star 97.7, this year’s auction drew 42 donors and raised a total of $3,148.00. City staff yesterday were busy notifying the winning bidders.
Sports
The Bruins beat the Blackhawks 4-2 in Chicago last night. Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
Celtics beat the Pistons 130-120. The Celtics at TD Garden tonight to shoot hoops with the Milwaukee Bucks.
High School basketball gets underway as the Narraguagus girls take on Woodland and Ellsworth is at Old Town.