Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Suspect Wanted in Edgecomb Homicide Arrested in California
(Edgecomb) Last month investigators found the body of 34 yo William “Nate” Robinson of Virginia inside a trash barrel in the Schmid Preserve on the Old County Road in Edgecomb. The medical examiner determined Robinson died of a gunshot wound and ruled the death a homicide. Police say further investigation led authorities to a home on Conant Road in Turner where they uncovered evidence linking 26 yo Luke Krott of Edgecomb to the December 3rd murder. Krott had reportedly been staying with his parents in Edgecomb but had left the state. He was located Monday evening on a sailboat at a marina in San Diego. Krott is being held at the San Diego Central Jail on a fugitive from justice charge pending extradition to Maine where he’ll face a murder charge. Police say the investigation is active and ongoing.
(Edgecomb) An Edgecomb man was arrested in California Monday in connection with the December 3rd homicide of 34 yo William “Nate” Robinson of Virginia. Robinson’s body was found inside a trash barrel in the Schmid Preserve on the Old County Road in Edgecomb. The medical examiner found he had died of a gunshot wound and ruled the death a homicide. Further investigation led authorities to a Conant Road home in Turner where they uncovered evidence that linked 26 yo Luke Krott of Edgecomb to the crime. Krott had left the state, but was located Monday on a sailboat at a San Diego marina. Krott is being held at the San Diego Central Jail on a fugitive from justice charge pending extradition to Maine where he’ll face a murder charge. Authorities say the investigation is active and ongoing.
FMO Investigating Tent Fire in Skowhegan
(Skowhegan) Two people sustained burns in a tent fire Monday night in Skowhegan. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7 first responders were called to Russell Road around 9 p.m. and discovered the two injured persons, both of whom were evaluated and taken to a hospital where they remained as of last evening. Fire investigators say a leaking propane tank inside the tent ignited, resulting in a flash fire that destroyed the tent and its contents. The fire is considered accidental. Authorities are not releasing the names of the injured at this time.
(Skowhegan) A leaking propane tank that ignited inside a tent caused two people to sustain burns Monday night in Skowhegan. Authorities were called to Russell Road around 9 p.m., where they found the injured pair, both of whom were evaluated and taken to a hospital where they remained under treatment as of last night. Fire investigators say the leaking propane ignited, causing a flash fire that destroyed the tent and its contents. The names of the victims are not currently being released. The State Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled the fire accidental.
Three Injured in Crash in Turner
(Turner) A police officer is one of three people who were seriously injured in a crash in Turner on Monday. WABI reports authorities were called to the intersection of Turner Center and Bradford Roads just before 5 p.m.. An investigation indicates 52 yo Dana Wessling, a Monmouth Police Lieutenant was driving his cruiser home when a pickup driven by 42 yo Sean McNeil of Minot coming from the opposite direction crossed into Wessling’s lane, causing a head-on collision. Wessling had to be cut from his vehicle and was flown to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Wessling’s 7 yo son was also in the vehicle and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. McNeil was also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
(Turner) Three people were injured in a head-on collision in Turner Monday evening. WABI reports authorities responded to the intersection of Turner Center and Bradford Roads shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday. An initial investigation indicates Monmouth Police Lieutenant, 52 yo Dana Wessling, was driving home with his 7 yo son when 42 yo Sean McNeil of Minot came from the opposite direction and crossed into Wessling’s lane, causing the crash. Wessling had to be cut from his vehicle and was flown to a nearby hospital. Both he and McNeil suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The 7 yo was also taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons.
Local Politics
Ellsworth City Council Votes to Pursue Wardwell Property for Hancock County Courthouse
(Ellsworth) Taxes, traffic, growth, and the need for affordable housing – those were some of the many topics discussed at last night’s special Ellsworth City Council Meeting. The focus of the meeting was to decide whether the City would move forward in obtaining the Wardwell property off High Street as a future location for the new Hancock County Courthouse. Surry Road residents objected to the originally planned location near Josie’s Country Store, citing traffic and other concerns, and the City listened and sought alternatives, with the property behind Merrill Furniture ultimately seen as the best option, although the City would need to build an access road. After careful consideration and thoughtful comments from citizens, city staff, and councilors, Council voted 6-1 to pursue a land swap with the Wardwell property owners and work with the state for funding. The state has the final say in the Courthouse’s location.
(Ellsworth) City Councilors last night voted 6-1 to pursue a land swap to obtain the Wardwell property off High Street as a location for the future Hancock County Courthouse and to work with the state to make that happen. When homeowners on the Surry Road brought valid objections to that proposed location, the City listened and sought alternatives, with the property behind Merrill Furniture seen as the best option. After thoughtful comments from citizens, city staff, and council, Chairperson Michelle Beal and City Manager Charlie Pearce noted that while the main focus was the courthouse, the area would also contribute to development – affordable housing, improved traffic patterns, and more, while preserving nearby Card Brook and wetlands. Beal referred to developments on Myrick Street from which the City did recoup its investment, the business park that is bringing in tax dollars, and recent land acquisition at Branch Lake as forward thinking development for generations to come, and likened a vision of future potential development off High Street as comparable. You can access the full meeting on the City’s FB page and YouTube Channel.
Mainers Divided Over Voter ID
(Maine) Mainers are divided on the push to require photo identification at the polls. The Bangor Daily News reports the decision will be up to voters this November. Maine’s delegation has weighed in – sort of. None of the four is taking a hard stance. Moderate Democrat Jared Golden supports such legislation, but said there would be caveats. Republican Senator Susan Collins avoided explicitly backing the issue but said Mainers must be confident the votes cast go to their intended candidate. A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said he “typically refrains from weighing in on state referendums,” while a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, a progressive representing Maine’s 1st District, said she had no comment. Studies have found extremely low rates of voter fraud in U.S. elections.
(Maine) Should Mainers be required to provide photo ID when they go to the polls? It’s yet another political issue on which few can agree, but an issue that will go to the voters in November. None of Maine’s Congressional delegation has taken a firm stance. But the League of Women Voters of Maine and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows say voter ID laws can have a chilling effect on voter participation in a state that has ranked high nationally in voter turnout. Opponents say such laws hurt people of color and residents who are older, poorer, disabled, and those without an active driver’s license. A 2023 poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire found 63% of Mainers strongly or somewhat support requiring photo ID in order to vote; that included 71% of Independents, virtually all Republicans, and just 34% of Democrats.
Legislators Propose Storm Preparedness Program
(Augusta) One thing members of the Maine legislature can all agree on is the need to be prepared for future severe storms. The devastation in 2023 and ‘24 cost millions in infrastructure, working waterfront repairs, and business and home repairs, with many still recovering. On Tuesday, Governor Janet Mills and Senate and House leadership in both parties introduced major legislation to strengthen the ability of Mainers and emergency response personnel to prepare for and withstand future storms. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission established last Spring and includes recommended funding for a home resiliency program, enhanced hazard mitigation resources and statewide communications, and formation of a state resilience office and “Flood-Ready Maine” program.
(Augusta) Last spring, Governor Janet Mills established the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission in response to the devastating storms of December 2023 and January 2024. Based on the Commission’s recommendations, the Governor and legislative leaders from both parties proposed LD 1 “An Act to Increase Storm Preparedness and Resilience for Maine’s Communities, Homes & Infrastructure.” The legislation would launch new initiatives designed to enhance emergency planning at all levels of government, prepare communities and infrastructure for severe weather, and reduce long-term, storm-related risks and costs for Maine homeowners and businesses, using federal funding and existing fee-based funding through the Bureau of Insurance and does not rely on General Funds during a tight budget cycle.
Environment
National Weather Service to Train River Ice Spotters
(Caribou) During the winter season, flooding can occur due to ice jams that are oftentimes localized and in many ways unpredictable. Information as to the extent of the ice cover, ice cover trends and location of ice jams is critical for the National Weather Service in issuing timely warnings to protect life and property and can only be obtained by visual observations from boots on the ground. With that in mind, the National Weather Service in Caribou is looking to train River Ice Spotters. To qualify, you just need to be 18 or older and live or work near the river and be willing to report conditions. Visit the National Weather Service website to sign up! https://www.weather.gov/car/Outreach_Spotters
(Caribou) If you’re a weather geek like some of us here at Star 97.7, the National Weather Service in Caribou could use your help as a River Ice Spotter. During the winter season, flooding can occur due to ice jams that are oftentimes localized and in many ways unpredictable. Information as to the extent of the ice cover, ice cover trends and location of ice jams is critical for the National Weather Service issuing timely warnings to protect life and property and can only be obtained by visual observations from boots on the ground. The only requirement is that you are at least 18 years of age and live or work near the river and be willing to report conditions. Sign up for the virtual class through the National Weather Service. https://www.weather.gov/car/Outreach_Spotters)
Sports
Local High School Basketball results 01/07
Girls Boys
Ellsworth Eagles 55 WA Raiders 30 MDI Trojans 67 Old Town Coyotes 52
Jonesport-Beals Royals 60 Calais Blue Devils 64 John Bapst Crusaders 38 Hermon Hawks 48
Shead Tigers 30 Machias Bulldogs 40
Local High School Basketball this evening 01/08
On the girls’ side, MDI takes on Foxcroft Academy and the John Bapst Lady Crusaders hit the court against the Hermon Hawks. Boys’ games this evening, the Ellsworth Eagles vs. the WA Raiders, Machias meets Woodland, Sumner takes on Central, Calais on the court against Shead, and the Jonesport-Beals Royals bounce the ball with Narraguagus.
Celtics beat the Nuggets 118-106 Celtics off until Friday.
The Oilers held the Bruins scoreless, beating them 4-zip. Bruins skate against the Tampa Bay Lighting on Thursday.