Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Fire Department Seeks Community Input
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Fire Department is developing a strategic plan to better serve the community, and they’d like the community to be part of the process. They say the plan will enhance public understanding of roles and responsibilities, tailor services and programs to meet specific community needs, and foster trust, collaboration and stronger community relationships. The Fire Department encourages everyone to join them on Wednesday, January 8th at 6 p.m. for a Town Hall meeting. The meeting will be held in council chambers, and they say if you can’t join them, there’s a survey you can access on their website.
(Ellsworth) Join the Ellsworth Fire Department next Wednesday for a Town Hall meeting as they work on developing a strategic plan. The initiative will shape the department’s future goals and priorities while making sure services align with the needs and expectations of Ellsworth residents. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on January 8th in Council Chambers, and they say if you can’t attend, you can still fill out a survey on their website.
Economy
Bar Harbor Parking Meters Surpass $4M
(Bar Harbor) Those fees secured through parking meters in Bar Harbor continue to add to the town’s coffers. In 2023, the meters brought in $3.4M … last year, collections for the first time passed $4M. The Mount Desert Islander reports that’s almost double what the meters brought in in 2022, although that’s due in part to an increase in hourly parking rates beginning in July 2023. Paid parking is in effect in the tourist town between May 15th and October 30th.
(Bar Harbor) A little change can make big change – those parking meters in Bar Harbor brought in more than $4M for the first time in 2024. That’s almost double what the town brought in in 2022, although the Mount Desert Islander reports that’s due at least in part to an increase in hourly parking rates that went into effect in July 2023. Metered parking in the tourist town is in effect from May 15th to October 30th each year.
Outgoing Treasurer Beck Shares Financial Data
(Augusta) As Maine State Treasurer Henry Beck wraps up his six years in office, he shared some impressive accomplishments made during his tenure. Maine’s credit rating was upgraded by Moody’s from Aa2 to Aa1 in 2024, which will reduce borrowing costs, as it signals the state’s economic strength. Between 2019 and 2024, the Treasurer’s Office returned more than $123M in unclaimed funds to more than 300,000 Mainers. And management of $83M in special state trust funds provided more than $7.6M in direct support to state parks, Maine schools, those under care at Riverview, and other beneficiaries. Beck’s term ends this Monday, January 6th.
(Augusta) Maine State Treasurer Henry E. M. Beck is stepping down on January 6th after six years in office, turning the reins over to Representative Joe Perry. Some accomplishments while in office – in 2024, Moody’s upgraded the state’s credit rating from Aa2 to Aa1, their second highest possible rating. Beck reports Moody’s either reaffirmed or increased Maine’s credit ratings every year during his tenure. Beck’s management of the Treasurer’s Cash Pool yielded more than $432M in investment earnings, with December earnings still pending. And thanks to the MERIT program Beck established, more than 11,000 Maine workers now have access to private retirement accounts.
Downeast Graphics in Ellsworth Changes Hands
(Ellsworth) After 50 years in business, Charlie Ferden decided it was time to ink the next chapter. And he’s found the perfect pair to print the future of Downeast Graphics & Printing. Dom Efter and his wife, Attorney Arlyn Whitelaw, have purchased the business at 477 Washington Junction Road in Hancock. Dom tells Star 97.7 they’ll continue to operate as a commercial printer, fulfilling all manner of business needs – from business cards and letterhead, to mailings and marketing, to wide format printing, such as banners, and more. Dom is also Vice President and Store Manager of the Ellsworth TD Bank Branch. In addition to owning Bayview Escapes Travel, Dom and Arlyn are long time community supporters. Dom is a member of the Ellsworth Noontime Rotary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of The Grand in Ellsworth, and both are known for their generous support of local nonprofits and causes.
(Ellsworth) A big congratulations to Dom Efter and his wife Arlyn Whitelaw on the purchase of Downeast Graphics and Printing in Ellsworth! When former owner Charlie Ferden decided it was time for some leisure, he naturally wanted to leave the business – an Ellsworth staple for the past 50 years – in the best of hands. Enter Dom and Arlyn, who also own Bayview Escapes Travel. Dom tells Star 97.7 they’ll continue as a one stop shop for all your commercial printing needs, offering everything from business cards and letterhead, to mailings for annual appeals and the like, and even wide format printing, such as banners, and more. In addition to their business ventures, Arlyn is a well-respected local attorney, and Dom is Vice President and Store Manager at the Ellsworth branch of TD Bank. Both are also known for their generous support of numerous community causes, with Dom serving as Treasurer of The Grand Board of Directors, and as a member of the Ellsworth Noontime Rotary.
Education
January Offerings at the Versant Power Astronomy Center
(Orono) Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, the Versant Power Astronomy Center reopens this evening after a short winter break, with a program about man’s quest to find our place in the Universe. (((Jan Plan 1 “…some different aspects of our relationship to the sky.” :25))) That’s Friday nights at 7 through the month of January. Tickets at the door or at astro dot umaine dot e d u.
(Orono) From the northern lights to garden flowers – our world is filled with color. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, January’s children’s program explains how we use the rainbow to see, understand, and explore our universe. (((Jan Plan 2 “…around us … a great program for the whole family.” :17))) Sundays in January at 2 p.m. – tickets at the door or at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) Before you begin another hectic week, sit back and enjoy some magic in the dome. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7 about their January music show! (((Jan Plan 3 “…set to some really stunning visuals.” :10))). That’s every Sunday in January at 4 p.m., beginning this Sunday, January 5th.
(Orono) Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center tells us there are some great events happening in the night sky this month for sky watchers who want to brave the early morning chill, including a very special show tonight.. (((Jan Plan 4 “…during the peak of that shower.” :21))) Laatsch says it’s best to have a really dark sky for this one, because the meteors tend to be a bit faint.
Environment
Cherryfield Dam Decommissioned
(Cherryfield) Sometimes it takes an act of Congress – literally. The Downeast Salmon Federation reports the Cherryfield ice dam removal project on the Narraguagus River has been more than a decade in the making, with many fords to cross. In December, DSF crossed one of the last big hurdles with passage of the Water Resources Development Act. The bill includes measures to deauthorize the Cherryfield ice control dam from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction, transferring control to the town. Design plans are underway, with 60% of the design on track to be completed in March. The project will allow herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to once again more easily migrate upstream to their spawning and rearing grounds.
(Cherryfield) It’s a project that’s been more than ten years in the making; but last month Congress passed the Water Resources Development Act – removing one of the last big hurdles faced by the Downeast Salmon Federation in connection with the Cherryfield ice dam removal on the Narraguagus River. Design plans are flowing, with 60% of the design on track to be completed in March. The project will allow herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to once again more easily migrate upstream to their spawning and rearing grounds.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Riverwalk Expansion
(Ellsworth) Plans are underway to improve and expand a scenic trail that runs behind the Ellsworth Public Library and along the Union River, thanks to a planning grant awarded the Library, Heart of Ellsworth, and Frenchman Bay Conservancy. The plan is to extend the path, currently an out and back venture that’s about .2 miles in length, to a half mile when connected to the Central Street neighborhood, allowing users to loop around the block past the library and courthouse. Developers also hope to add stone sculptures by the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium. The concept design is expected to be completed by later this fall at the latest.
(Ellsworth) A recently awarded planning grant of just under $77,000 will enable the Ellsworth Public Library, Heart of Ellsworth, and Frenchman Bay Conservancy to improve and expand a point-two mile scenic trail that runs along the Union River behind the library. FBC made trail improvements in 2022, but the new funding will allow the recipients to lengthen the trail to about a half mile when connected to the Central Street neighborhood, allowing users to loop around the block past the library and courthouse. Plans also include adding stone sculptures by the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium. A concept design is expected to be completed by Fall 2025.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Noontime Rotary Fundraiser at Riverside
(Ellsworth) Enjoy a great meal and help send a graduate to college! Tonight at Riverside Café in Ellsworth, it’s “Tip a Rotarian”! Members of the Ellsworth Noontime Rotary will be serving up delicious dinners at Riverside from 5 to 8, and every dollar raised in tips will benefit their high school scholarship program. So, hey, if you’ve scored tickets to Bob Marley at the Grand tonight, make a night of it – come on downtown, eat local, shop local, and be entertained locally … all the while benefitting a great cause.
(Ellsworth) Dinner and a show – what could be better on a Friday night in Downtown Ellsworth? How about enjoying dinner at the Riverside Café? From 5 to 8 this evening, members of the Ellsworth Noontime Rotary will be your servers; and every dollar raised in tips will benefit their high school scholarship program. Maybe you’ve scored tickets to Bob Marley at the Grand. Or perhaps come downtown and use those gift cards you got for Christmas at our wonderful local shops. Start off or top off your evening at Riverside Café – serving up goodness in the New Year with the Ellsworth Noontime Rotary from 5 to 8 tonight.
Ellsworth Cheerleaders Volunteer at Loaves and Fishes
(Ellsworth) A big shout out to the Ellsworth High School cheerleaders. They were up bright and early on New Year’s Eve to volunteer at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. The girls helped unload a truck and restock shelves to ring in the New Year. Way to go, Eagles!
(Ellsworth) And let’s just celebrate those Ellsworth High School Cheerleaders for a moment. The girls were up bright and early on Tuesday to help unload a truck and stock shelves at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. You bring the fireworks and ring in the New Year on a high note, girls – way to go!
Sports
Local High School Basketball Results from Thursday:
Girls
Ellsworth Eagles 37 MDI Trojans 43
Bucksport Golden Bucks 35 George Stevens Eagles 56
Calais Blue Devils 37 Shead Tigers 28
Woodland Dragons 36 Mattanawcook Lynx 86
Narraguagus Knights 61 Deer Isle/Stonington Mariners 21
Boys
Narraguagus Knights 74 Deer Isle/Stonington Mariners 8
Other Sports:
Celtics 118 Timberwolves 115
Celtics in Houston tonight to take on the Rockets.
Bruins 1 Rangers 2
Bruins skate against the Maple Leafs in Toronto tonight.
The Patriots at Gillette Stadium Sunday to tackle the Buffalo Bills