Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Sidney Fatal Crash
(Sidney) Maine State Police are investigating a fatal crash that happened Thursday in Sidney. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, troopers responded to a report of a crash on I-95 SB in Sidney about 7 yesterday morning and found a Nissan pickup in the trees in the median. They say the driver, 69 yo Philip Marson of Gardiner, the truck’s sole occupant, was dead at the scene. Although still under investigation, police say speed appears to have been a factor in the crash.
(Sidney) A Gardiner man was killed yesterday when his pickup went off the road in Sidney and crashed into trees in the median. Maine State Police say they responded to the report of a crash on I-95 SB near mile marker 117 shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday. The driver, 69 yo Philip Marson, was dead at the scene. There were no other occupants in the vehicle. The incident remains under investigation, but troopers say it appears speed was a factor in that crash.
Local Politics
Collins Receives Army’s Highest Public Service Honor
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins has been awarded the Army Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest public service recognition awarded by the U.S. Army. The Army conferred the honor in recognition of the Senator’s support through leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. The award is given to individuals whose service makes a substantial contribution to the Army’s mission.
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins has been recognized with the Army Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest public service recognition awarded by the U.S. Army. The award is bestowed upon individuals whose service is seen as making a substantial contribution to the Army’s mission. Collins said maintaining a strong national defense has been one of her highest priorities at a time when the country faces the most dangerous global security environment in 50 years. She said it also supports well-paying jobs at Bath Iron Works and elsewhere across Maine.
Economy
State to Receive $22M for Recycled Forest Product Manufacturing
(Washington, DC) Maine is set to receive $22M for recycled forest product manufacturing. Maine’s delegation said the grant will support the advancement of two projects that aim to further position the state as a global leader in forest-based biomaterial production and manufacturing. The projects will be overseen by The Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub, one of 31 Tech Hubs designated by the Department of Commerce to create jobs in innovative industries, strengthen U.S. competitiveness and national security, and scale up the production of critical technologies.
(Washington, DC) Maine’s Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub was launched in 2023 to accelerate development of new materials and products derived from wood, in order to bolster critical industries such as housing, eliminate the use of toxic materials, and replace imported plastics and other materials derived from fossil fuels. This week, the Hub learned it will receive $22M to increase and sustain recycled forest product manufacturing. The award will support two projects the Mills’ Administration said will drive commercialization and innovation and bring cutting edge products to the global market.
Health
Study Finds Medicaid Plays Critical Role, Especially in Small Towns and Rural Areas
(Maine) With a changing administration, the future of Medicaid – MaineCare here in Maine – is uncertain. A Georgetown University report finds Medicaid plays a more significant role in small towns and rural communities than in Metro areas. Joan Alker, a Research Professor at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy tells Star 97.7, that’s especially important for the Pine Tree State. (((Medicaid One “…so this is a critical issue for Maine.” :22))). We’ll have more on the role Medicaid plays in our state and what cuts could mean as Congress contemplates funding throughout our newscasts this morning.
(Maine) A report from Georgetown University finds Medicaid plays an especially critical role in rural areas, such as much of the State of Maine. Joan Alker, a nationally recognized expert on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, tells Star 97.7, depending on the county, between 30 and 40 percent of our children are covered by Medicaid. (((Medicaid Two “…as any parent knows or remembers.” :19))) Alker gives the example of a child with asthma – regular care means fewer, more expensive trips to the ER, and fewer days out of school with sets children back academically.
(Maine) Joan Alker is a Georgetown University Professor and founder of the Center for Children and Families. She’s also a nationally recognized expert on Medicaid. Alker tells Star 97.7, Medicaid eligibility and benefits are the same across states … BUT … (((Medicaid Three “…and there are provider shortages.” :24))) Alker says these issues are more acute in rural states like Maine that face hospital closures and other problems as well. She says with the new Congress considering huge cuts in Medicaid, rural communities are on the front lines of those who would be affected.
(Maine) A report by Georgetown University finds Medicaid plays a more significant role in states with large rural areas, such as Maine. Star 97.7 asked Joan Alker, a nationally recognized expert on Medicaid and co-founder of the Center for Children and Families, about tribal communities and our Native American population. (((Medicaid Four “…and they can ill afford to be targeted for cuts.” :24))) The possibility of such cuts is an unknown with the incoming Congress and administration and could affect such vulnerable populations as seniors in nursing homes, children, pregnant women, American Indians and other groups. To learn more, visit C C F dot Georgetown dot e d u, where you’ll find the full report, along with data for every county in Maine.
Calais Schools Closed Due to Illness
(Calais) There’s so much illness in the Calais community, schools there are closed today. The Calais Middle and High School FB page reports illnesses have significantly impacted student and staff attendance. They’re hoping pupils and personnel will take advantage of the day to take care of themselves.
(Calais) Calais schools closed today because of significant sickness in the community. The Calais Middle and High School FB page notes illnesses have negatively impacted student and staff attendance to the point they decided to give everyone the day to take care of themselves and get well.
Medical Experts Pitch Major Overhaul to How We Diagnose Obesity
(KFF) When it comes to obesity, experts are saying they’ve got the skinny on new ways of diagnosing the condition that does not rely exclusively on Body Mass Index, or BMI. A global commission argued that to reduce misclassification, other measures of body fat, such as waist circumference or direct fat measurement, should also be used, along with signs and symptoms of ill health at the individual level. The study was reported this week in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Journal.
PSTF Issues Osteoporosis Recs
(KFF) All women age 65 and older and at-risk postmenopausal women under 65 should be screened for osteoporosis in order to prevent fractures. That’s the final recommendation statement issued this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force . The organization said with “moderate certainty” screening for osteoporosis to prevent osteo-related fractures has a moderate net benefit in all women 65 and older and in postmenopausal woman ages 40 to 64 who have at least one risk factor for osteoporosis. Risk factors in women include being slender and small-boned, having a family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture, inadequate physical activity, menopause, smoking and excessive alcohol use.
Infrastructure
Seawall Road Repairs Delayed
(SW Harbor) The Maine Department of Transportation has pushed long-awaited repairs on the Seawall Road to the fall of 2025 after Deputy Commissioner Dale Doughty denied the town’s request to reclassify the road, making it a higher priority. The Mount Desert Islander said in a January 7th letter, Doughty explained the postponement was due to the town, park, and state being unable to reach an agreement about future repair costs by early 2025. Proposed cost-sharing would see Acadia National Park and SW Harbor each paying 33% of the costs for future repairs, with MDOT covering the remaining 34%. Town officials balked at such a forever agreement, with one suggesting hiring local contractors for future repairs or asking the state to abandon its interest in the road. The matter is likely to be discussed further at the next SW Harbor Town Meeting on January 28th.
(SW Harbor) When Seawall Road was rendered impassable by last winter’s storms, a group of local contractors and businesses were the ones who stepped up to repair the road, providing critical access to area shops and restaurants. Now, the Mount Desert Islander writes, the Maine Department of Transportation is again struggling to find common ground in securing the road’s future. MDOT is proposing a cost-sharing measure that would see Acadia National Park and SW Harbor each paying 33% of the costs for future repairs, with MDOT covering the remaining 34%. Town officials balked at such a forever agreement, with one suggesting hiring local contractors for future repairs or asking the state to abandon its interest in the road. The lack of consensus has caused long awaited repairs to be pushed back to later this year. The matter is likely to be discussed further at the next SW Harbor Town Meeting on January 28th.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Haystack Accepting Applications for Summer 2025
(Haystack) Haystack Mountain School of Crafts is now accepting applications for their 2025 Summer Season. Thanks to major support from the Windgate Foundation, the renowned artist organization has waived application fees for their Summer and new Square ONE Workshops. Applicants must be 18 years or older to participate. Deadline to apply for the Haystack and Studio Assistant Fellowships is a week from today, January 24th, General Applications and Square ONE due by February 7th. Learn more by contacting the Maine Crafts Association at 205-0791.
Aurora Mills and Farm Honored
(Linneus) A special honor this week for Aurora Mills and Farm. The farm is the recipient of the 2025 Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The recognition honors those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to preserving Maine’s agricultural heritage and future. Owned and operated by the Williams and Flewelling families, the (LIN-ee-uhs) Linneus-area farm specializes in USDA-certified organic grains, legumes and cover crop seeds.
EPL Invites Input on Final Remodel Design Review
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library invites the public to join them next week for the final remodel design review. Two public meetings are scheduled in order to gather feedback and help shape the future of the library facility – Tuesday, January 21st at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, January 22nd at 8 a.m. Both meetings will be held on the main floor. During either meeting, attendees will be able to review the library floor remodel design and the landscaping site design. They say the public’s input will play a vital role in finalizing the budget and supporting the library’s application for congressionally directed funding as they move into the active fundraising phase.
(Ellsworth) The public will play a vital role in the final remodel design review and fundraising for the Ellsworth Public Library. With that in mind, two public meetings are scheduled next week, in order to gather feedback and help shape the future of the library facility – Tuesday, January 21st at 11 a.m. and Wednesday, January 22nd at 8 a.m. Both meetings will be held on the main floor. Meeting attendees will be able to review the library floor model and landscaping site designs at either meeting. Library staff say the public’s input will play a vital role in finalizing the budget and supporting the library’s application for congressionally directed funding as they move into the active fundraising phase.
Sports
The Celtics on the home court tonight against the Orlando Magic.
The Bruins in Ottawa Saturday against the Senators.
Some local high school basketball games this evening. The Ellsworth Eagles take on John Bapst – that’s both the boys’ and girls’ teams, and these boys’ games scheduled: George Stevens up against Mattanawcook, Narraguagus on the court against Sumner, and the MDI Trojans shoot hoops with the Old Town Coyotes.
Local high school basketball results from yesterday, these girls’ teams reporting in: Machias over Sumner 46-27, Central beats GSA 53-40, and Washington Academy over MDI 38-31. The Calais-Narraguagus game will be rescheduled.