Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Burglary
(Ellsworth) A burglary at Friends & Family Market on State Street in Ellsworth Sunday led to the arrest of a Lamoine man on multiple charges. The Ellsworth Police Department responded to the store after the suspect or suspects were caught on a security camera taking cigarettes and scratch off lottery tickets valued about around $600. During a follow-up investigation, police – along with officers from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office – executed a search warrant at a local residence. The suspect was not at home, but the search yielded other evidence. Later that day, officers stopped a vehicle in which the suspect, 34 yo Marshall Fowler of Lamoine, was a passenger. Based on a large amount of evidence collected during the investigation, Fowler was taken in for questioning. He was ultimately charged with several crimes, including burglary, theft, and criminal mischief. Fowler was taken to the Hancock County Jail. Police say the investigation remains active.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Police Department continues to actively investigate a December 29th burglary at Friends & Family Market in Ellsworth. They say suspects were caught on security camera and had taken cigarettes and scratch-off lottery tickets worth around $600. A search warrant was then obtained for one of the suspect’s known residences. That person was not at home at the time; but police, along with members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, recovered more evidence. Later on Sunday, officers stopped a vehicle in which 34 yo Marshall Fowler of Lamoine was a passenger. Based on the large amount of evidence collected during the investigation, Fowler was taken in for questioning. He was ultimately arrested and charged with several crimes, including burglary, theft, and criminal mischief. Anyone with information in regards to the burglary is asked to call the Ellsworth Police.
Homeowner Injured in Appleton Blaze
(Appleton) An Appleton woman was able to escape a house fire Sunday night, but suffered serious burns before she was able to flee to a nearby home for help. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the as-yet-unidentified woman made her way to a neighbor’s and was able to tell the homeowner she needed an ambulance and that her house was on fire, but she was unable to provide further details. The neighbor called 9-1-1, but firefighters struggled to find the home through the thick fog and drizzle and without an address. They finally located the structure, which was set back off the Appleton Ridge Road. The injured woman was taken to a hospital by ambulance. No word on her condition.
(Appleton) An Appleton woman was able to escape a fire at her home Sunday night, but not before suffering serious burns. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the victim was able to make it to a neighbor’s house shortly after 6 p.m. and told the neighbor of the fire and that she needed an ambulance, but she was unable to provide further details. With the thick fog and drizzle, firefighters struggled to determine the location of the blaze, but eventually found the structure set back from the road at 2036 Appleton Ridge. First responders from multiple departments remained on the scene for several hours. The woman was taken by ambulance to a hospital. No word on her current condition.
Local Politics
Mills, Country Honor Life of Jimmy Carter
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills in accordance with a directive of President Biden has ordered U.S. and State of Maine flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100. Flags should remain at half staff until sunset on Tuesday, January 28th. In addition, President Biden has proclaimed January 9th as a National Day of Mourning for the former President.
(Augusta) U.S. and Maine flags will fly at half staff through Tuesday, January 28th at sunset, in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away Sunday at the age of 100. Carter was known as much for his legacy of acts of charity as his one term in office, most famously working to build houses for those in need through Habitat for Humanity. In addition, President Biden has proclaimed January 9th a National Day of Mourning for the late President.
Economy
More than 12,000 Enroll in State-Sponsored Savings Plan
(Augusta) Nearly 12,000 workers enrolled in Maine’s state-sponsored retirement savings plan this year, the first year of the plan’s operation. Maine Public reports The Maine Retirement Investment Trust, or MERIT, was created for the thousands of workers who don’t have access to such a plan. Nearly 2500 eligible employers have registered with the program, with participants on average setting aside just over 5% of their paychecks toward their retirement savings. Sources say so far, the trust has more than $8M in assets.
(Augusta) In its first year, nearly 12,000 workers enrolled in Maine’s state-sponsored retirement savings plan. Maine Public reports the MERIT plan was created for the thousands of Maine workers who don’t have access to such a plan. And although 2500 eligible employers have registered with the program, about 45% of eligible businesses have yet to do so. Eligible employers that offer their own program have until the end of June to claim an exemption from the program. Others must enroll and start offering the program to their employees by June 30 or possibly face a penalty. Plan participants on average set aside just over 5% of their paychecks. So far, the trust has over $8M in assets.
Versant Customers to See Rate Increase
(Bangor) Most residential customers of Versant Power will see an overall increase in their bills in 2025. The utility says a typical residential customer in the Bangor Hydro District using 500 Kw hours per month will see about a $7 a month increase. A typical residential customer in the Maine Public District using 500 Kw hours will see an increase of about $1.84. Maine customers have a choice of electricity provider; but if they don’t choose a competitive electricity supplier, they’ll automatically receive standard offer service.
(Bangor) Residential customers of Versant Power will see an increase in their bills beginning in January. Versant says a typical customer in the Bangor Hydro District using 750 Kw hours per month will see their bills increase about $14.00 a month, while those in the Maine Public District who use 750 Kw hours per month will see an increase of about $2.76 per month. Customers who may be experiencing financial hardship can call to learn about potential resources such as the Home Energy Assistance Program, the Low Income Assistance Program, and possible assistance through Efficiency Maine.
PFML Takes Effect
(Maine) You’ll likely notice a slight decrease in your paycheck after today. That’s because a tax funding the state’s new paid family and medical leave program goes into effect January 1st. The Bangor Daily News reports the money will build up the state’s treasury until benefits are paid out under the family and medical leave program beginning in May 2026. For most Maine workers, the new tax will be one percent of their wages evenly split between employees and employers. When fully implemented, the tax is expected to generate $360M per year.
(Maine) Your paycheck will likely be a bit smaller this week. That’s because a tax designed to fund the state’s new paid family and medical leave program goes into effect tomorrow. The Bangor Daily News reports for most workers in Maine, the new tax will be one percent of their wages evenly split between employees and employers. Employers with fewer than 14 employees will not be required to pay the latter portion. The new tax will apply to 90% of Maine’s workforce.
Environment
Frenchman Bay Conservancy Conserves Largest Land Acquisition to Date
(FBC) Frenchman Bay Conservancy last month closed on the purchase of a 1900 acre property between Green Lake and Branch Lake in Ellsworth. It’s FBC’s largest acquisition to date, and the conservation organization says the addition will protect the water quality in Green Lake, one of only four lakes in Maine that is home to a population of native land-locked salmon. They say the acquisition will also protect wetlands that provide critical habitat for inland wading birds and waterfowl.
(FBC) More public access, protection for essential wildlife habitats, wildlands and open space – that’s some of the benefits resulting from a more than 1900 acre land acquisition completed last month by Frenchman Bay Conservancy. It’s the group’s largest acquisition to date, and includes property between Green Lake and Branch Lake in Ellsworth. FBC says the conservation of the property will protect the water quality in Green Lake, one of only four lakes in Maine that is home to a population of native land-locked salmon. In addition, FBC says the move will protect wetlands that provide critical habitat for inland wading birds and waterfowl.
Health
Mainers in Residential Care Have Increasing Needs
(Maine) A recent report says Mainers in residential care facilities are on average older and more likely to have dementia than those in nursing home facilities. The Maine Monitor reports that while residential care and assisted living facilities are intended to provide a lower level of care, a report from the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine verifies the population of such facilities has changed, with more residents in need of more care. The report says about 41% of residents in large residential care facilities in 2023 were age 85 or older – compared to 37% in nursing homes. The dwindling number of nursing home beds has forced thousands into residential care facilities, which are considered by the state to be nonmedical and aren’t intended to handle more intense health needs.
(Maine) As more and more nursing homes close, elderly patients with intense medical and other needs are being forced into residential care facilities not equipped for their level of needs. The Maine Monitor reports that while residential care and assisted living facilities are intended to provide a lower level of care, a report from the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine verifies the population of such facilities has changed, with a growing number of patients needing more assistance and care. According to the report, about 41% of residents in large residential care facilities in 2023 were 85 or older, compared to just 37% of those in nursing homes.
Age-Friendly Sullivan Present Panel of Home Care Agencies
(Sullivan) Do you find yourself with aging friends or relatives, but aren’t sure where to turn for their care? Join Age Friendly Sullivan as they convene a panel of home care agency representatives and individuals who are available to care for you or your loved ones who may be struggling with daily needs and activities. The panel discussion gets underway on Wednesday, January 8th, at the Sullivan Town Office; with refreshments at 8:30, and the discussion getting underway at 9. A complete list of Home Care agencies and individuals is posted and available at sullivan maine dot org – look for age friendly sullivan.
(Sullivan) More and more people are finding themselves or their aging family members in need of help with everyday activities, such as eating, bathing and other basic needs. On Wednesday, January 8th, Age Friendly Sullivan presents a panel of home care agencies and individuals discuss solutions to those needs. The panel may include representatives from Blessing Hands of Maine, Cahoon Care Associates, Comfort Keepers, Compassionate Hearts Home Care and more – with representatives from Ellsworth, Milbridge, Gouldsboro, Steuben, and Sullivan. The discussion will be held at the Sullivan Town Office, with refreshments at 8:30 and the panel beginning at 9. A complete list of Home Care agencies and individuals is posted and available at sullivan maine dot org – look for age friendly sullivan.
Sports
Some results from yesterday’s local high school basketball games:
Girls
Bangor Christian 47 DI/St 15
Washington Academy 53 Narraguagus 22
Ellsworth 66 Houlton 32
Machias 59 Woodland 22
MDI 56 Hermon 47
Boys
Machias 64 Shead 37
MDI 68 Bucksport 30
Bangor Christian 70 DI/St 30
Jonesport-Beals 65 Woodland 56
George Stevens 51 Narraguagus 49
Mattanawcook 86 Sumner 36
This afternoon, the John Bapst Crusaders take on Presque Isle, and the Foxcroft Ponies on the court against Caribou – those matchups both boys and girls games.
The Celtics home tonight against the Toronto Raptors. The Bruins in Washington to skate against the Capitals.