Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Multiple Arrests in Steuben Vehicle Arson Case
(Steuben) The State Fire Marshal’s Office has made multiple arrests in connection with an October 13th vehicle fire that happened on Pinkham Bay Bridge Road in Steuben. An investigation determined the blaze to be a case of arson and led authorities to arrest 30 yo Cameron Brown of Steuben shortly after the incident. Additional suspects were later identified, leading to the January 8th arrest of 38 yo William Smeal and 37 yo Taylor Keene at their residence in Ellsworth. Officers say Keene owned the vehicle involved in the fire. All three face arson charges, with Brown also charged with theft and Smeal and Keene also facing charges of Criminal Conspiracy and Criminal Attempt. The men were taken to the Hancock County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Fire Marshal’s Office. (207-626-3870)
(Steuben) Three people have been arrested in connection with an October 13th vehicle fire that happened on Pinkham Bay Bridge Road in Steuben. The State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the blaze to be arson. Shortly after the fire, an investigation led authorities to arrest 30 yo Cameron Brown of Steuben. He was charged with arson and theft. The ongoing investigation led officers to identify two more suspects who were arrested January 8th at their residence in Ellsworth. 38 yo William Smeal and 37 yo Taylor Keene both face charges of Arson, Criminal Conspiracy and Criminal Attempt. Keene was reportedly the owner of the vehicle that was set on fire. All three were taken to the Hancock County Jail. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fire Marshal’s Office. (207-626-3870)
Local Politics
Another Record Enrollment for ACA
(Washington, DC) 24 million people have signed up for insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act, former President Barack Obama’s landmark health legislation, as the program awaits an uncertain future under a Republican-controlled White House and Congress. The AP reports it’s a record for number of people enrolled in health care coverage through the government marketplace, a point of pride for many Democrats but a red flag to some Republicans who have made attempts to undo the program.
House Speaker Johnson Vows to Not Cut Programs to Fund Trump Agenda
(ABC News) House Speaker Mike Johnson said this week cuts to Social Security and Medicare won’t be part of the legislative package being worked out to fund President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda. When asked by ABC News if he was open to cutting the programs as part of the spending plans being worked out between House and Senate Republican leaders, Johnson said the president has made clear that Social Security and Medicare have to be preserved. He continued, “We have to look at all spending while maintaining….”, then paused and added, “The Republican Party will not cut benefits.”
House Ethics Committee to Investigate Representative Lucas Lanigan
(Augusta) The Maine House of Representatives voted this week to launch an ethics investigation into a state representative from Sanford. WMTW reports back In October, Republican Lucas Lanigan was charged in connection with an alleged domestic violence assault. This week an order was brought forward to send the matter to the House Ethics Committee. Lanigan was accused of choking his wife when he was confronted with another woman at a storage facility. His wife later claimed it was a misunderstanding, although a police report reportedly documented bruises about her neck that were “consistent with strangulation injuries,” according to the York County District Attorney’s Office. A group of domestic violence survivors rallied in downtown Sanford yesterday to protest Lanigan’s reelection.
(Augusta) The House Ethics Committee will investigate allegations of domestic violence assault leveled against Republican Lucas Lanigan of Sanford. WMTW reports Lanigan was accused of choking his wife last October when she confronted him about an alleged affair. Lanigan’s wife later claimed it was a misunderstanding, in spite of a police report that reportedly documented bruises about her neck that were “consistent with strangulation injuries”, according to the York County DA’s office. The House of Representatives this week voted to launch the ethics investigation. Lanigan narrowly won his reelection by a single vote this past November following that incident. A group of domestic violence survivors rallied in downtown Sanford yesterday to protest Lanigan’s reelection.
Economy
Coast Guard Initiates Program to Keep Oil Flowing This Winter
(NE) In preparation for the 2025 winter season, the First U.S. Coast Guard District has launched Operation Reliable Energy for Northeast Winters 2025, emphasizing the critical role of maintaining the flow of heating oil to the Northeast region. The Coast Guard says the operation is pivotal for the well-being of more than 33 million residents, as the Northeast consumes 85% of the nation’s heating oil, with 90% delivered via Coast Guard-maintained waterways. With some assets undergoing maintenance and upgrades, the Coast Guard has adjusted its operations to focus resources where most needed. They say the highest priority mission will be on maintaining an uninterrupted supply of heating oil.
(NE) The First U.S. Coast Guard District has launched a program designed to maintain the flow of heating oil to the Northeast Region. Operation Reliable Energy for Northeast Winters 2025 emphasizes the critical role the Coast Guard plays in the well being of more than 33 million residents, as the Northeast consumes 85% of the nation’s heating oil, with 90% delivered via Cost Guard-maintained waterways. They say their highest priority mission will be to maintain an uninterrupted supply of heating oil to New England and surrounding states.
IRS Free File Now Available to Taxpayers
(Undated) Beginning today, The Internal Revenue Service is offering IRS Free File to assist taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season. The program will be accepting individual tax returns. Also, this year, WABI reports eight private-sector partners will be providing online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $84,000 or less.
(Undated) If you’re one who likes to get things done in a timely manner, you’ll be happy to know that, starting today, the Internal Revenue Service is offering IRS Free File, a program to assist taxpayers to file individual tax returns at the start of tax season. New this year, eight private-sector partners will also be providing online guided tax software products for those with an Adjusted Gross Income of $84,000 or less.
Health
Maine EMS Board Approves Ambulance Transport License to Rockport
(Augusta) The Maine Emergency Medical Services Board voted unanimously this week to grant Rockport a license to transport patients to hospitals. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the vote clears the Town of Rockport to operate its own new ground ambulance service at the EMT level, permitted to the paramedic level, with a 9-1-1 Primary Service area of Rockport and its 3600 citizens. Rockport reportedly intends to sever ties with North East Mobile Health Services in June, when the current contract with that private entity ends. NEMHS currently responds to EMS calls in Rockport, as well as Camden, Hope, and Lincolnville.
(Augusta) The Town of Rockport this week was granted a license to transport patients to hospitals. That paves the way for the town to follow through on plans to sever ties with North East Mobile Health Services in June when the current contract ends. NEMHS is the private entity that currently responds to EMS calls in Rockport, as well as Camden, Hope, and Lincolnville. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the vote by the Maine Emergency Medical Services Board was unanimous. The vote clears the town of Rockport to operate its own new ground ambulance service at the EMT level, permitted to the paramedic level, with a 9-1-1 Primary Service area of Rockport and serving its 3600 citizens.
DHHS Awarded $17M for Maternal and Newborn Health in Maine
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will receive a grant of nearly $17M to improve maternal and newborn healthcare across the state. MaineBiz reports the Pine Tree State was one of 15 selected to participate in the program for people enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, will lead the project, collaborating with the Maine CDC and others. The 10-year program will have a 3-year implementation phase, followed by seven years of implementing the plan.
(Augusta) A nearly $17M grant awarded the Maine Department of Health and Human Services will help the state improve maternal and newborn healthcare. MaineBiz reports Maine was one of 15 states chosen to implement a 10 year program for people enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance program. The effort will be led by MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, and will focus on improving access to care, advancing patient safety, and fostering whole-person care delivery.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA Hancock County Hosts Tarot for Tails
(Trenton) It’s all in the cards! The tarot cards that is! The SPCA of Hancock County wants to help you find out what the New Year has in store while you support the animals in their care. The first-ever Tarot for Tails event is planned for Saturday, January 25th, from 11 to 4 at the shelter, 141 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton. The cost is just $20 and includes a 15-minute reading – sign up for multiple readings if you like! Afterwards enjoy a chair massage by Massage Therapist Mandy Newell of Mount Desert – also just $20 a person. All proceeds go to help predict a bright future for the furry ones!
(Trenton) Help predict a bright New Year for the animals of the SPCA of Hancock County at the first ever Tarot for Tails event! Come have your cards read and see what your future holds as well! Just $20 per 15-minute reading. Afterwards, enjoy a chair massage donated by Massage Therapist Mandy Newell of Mount Desert – also just $20 each. Complimentary light refreshments donated by Hannaford will be served! Come see what the future holds for you – and maybe create a bright future for a dog or cat when you fall in love with a special little furry one you can’t resist taking home after a relaxing massage! Tarot for Tails, Saturday, January 25th, from 11 to 4 at the shelter, 141 Bar Harbor Road in Trenton.
Virtual Volunteering on the Rise
(Orono) Virtual volunteering performed entirely online is on the rise. That’s according to a report co-authored by University of Maine researchers, who say removing geographical barriers and offering increased flexibility is creating new opportunities for service. Virtual and hybrid volunteers – those who combine online and in person hours – contributed more than 1.2 billion service hours in 2023. That equates to $41.5B in economic value. Researchers say virtual volunteering opens doors and improves access for those who might otherwise be unable to volunteer, such as older adults and individuals with disabilities. The report also found virtual and hybrid volunteers were more likely to donate to charity and to be members of an organization than were in-person volunteers.
(Orono) Lend an ear on a crisis hotline, translate important medical information into other languages, transcribe historical documents, and even send random acts of kindness. Virtual volunteering performed entirely online is on the rise, according to a report co-authored by researchers at the University of Maine. The report says virtual and hybrid volunteers – those who combine online and in person volunteering – find it opens doors and provides access for those who might otherwise be hindered from volunteering, such as older adults and those with disabilities. Such volunteers contributed more than 1.2 billion service hours in 2023, which equates to more than $41B in economic value.
Sports
Tampa Bay getting the win over the Bruins last night, 4-1. The Bruins down in Florida tomorrow to put the sticks to the ice against the Panthers.
The Celtics home tonight against the Sacramento Kings.
Local high school basketball results from Thursday night (01/09)
Girls
Sumner over Jonesport-Beals 57-47
Narraguagus beats Machias 49-43
Mattanawcook gets the win over Calais 56-36
Bangor Christian girls and boys defeating Searsport
(girls 54-5; boys 67-24)
Tonight’s games (01/10)
Girls Boys
Shead Tigers vs Deer Isle/Stonington Mariners Woodland Dragons vs. GSA Eagles
Searsport Mariners vs. Lee Academy
Shead vs. Deer Isle Stonington mariners
Narraguagus Knights vs. Calais Blue Devils