Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Recovery Efforts Continue for South Addison Fishermen
(S.Addison) Because the chances of survival have gone past the window of opportunity, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended search efforts for two South Addison fishermen, Chet and Aaron Barrett, who were reported missing Saturday night between Edmunds and South Addison. Fishermen’s sonar reportedly found something at the bottom of the ocean in a path traveled by the fishermen and their vessel, the F/V Sudden Impact. A family member posted a nephew was given permission to recover the vessel, but the Coast Guard then commanded that effort be aborted for now due to safety concerns. As weather conditions permit, the Maine Marine Patrol and local fishermen will focus on the site in recovery efforts.
(S.Addison) Although rescue efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard were suspended once the chances of survival passed, the family of missing South Addison Fishermen Chet Barrett and his son Aaron says they hope to recover possible remains found at the bottom of the ocean along a path the men would have been traveling. Fishermen’s sonar picked up something that could be the men’s vessel, the F/V Sudden Impact, and a nephew was reportedly given permission to try to recover that finding. However, the US Coast Guard then called off the recovery effort due to safety concerns. The family reports as weather conditions permit, the Maine Marine Patrol and local fishermen will once again focus on the site and recovery efforts.
Armed Robbery Suspect Hits Bangor Store a Second Time
(Bangor) A man who robbed a Broadway convenience store in Bangor this weekend is believed to be the same man who robbed that store at knifepoint on January 13th, shortly after robbing another area convenience store Sunday night. Police were called to the Big Apple convenience store on State Street shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday on the report of a robbery. The employee who called 9-1-1 told authorities they thought it was the same suspect from the Broadway convenience store robbery on the 13th. The robber reportedly displayed a knife, took money and left on foot. About half an hour later, police responded to an alarm at the Broadway convenience store, where an employee said the same suspect that had robbed the store on the 13th had struck again. Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact the Bangor Police Department.
(Bangor) Bangor police continue to ask the public’s help in identifying and apprehending a suspect who robbed a Broadway convenience store in Bangor on January 13th. They say they believe the person is the same one who this past Sunday night also robbed the Big Apple convenience store on State Street shortly before 8 p.m. Just 30 minutes after that robbery, police again responded to an alarm at the Broadway convenience store, where an employee said the same suspect that had robbed the store on the 13th had struck again. The description of the suspect in all three robberies is consistent – a white male between 5 foot 8 and 6 foot 2, weighing between 250 and 300 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to call the Bangor Police Department.
Local Politics
Maine’s Two Senators Support Tik Tok Ban
(Washington, DC) Maine’s two Senators support a ban on TikTok as long as it’s owned by China. Senator Angus King cited security concerns saying, “The Chinese Communist Party’s potential to access TikTok user data and exploit Americans’ private information is an unacceptable national security risk.” Collins has supported a ban on TikTok if ByteDance does not sell it, saying the problem is not the platform but its control by the Chinese Communist Party. The Supreme Court voted unanimously Friday to ban TikTok, but Trump has halted the ban temporarily.
(Washington, DC) TikTok has some one billion monthly users worldwide, but the U.S. Supreme Court last week voted unanimously to ban the social media platform, as long as it is owned by Chinese entity ByteDance. In supporting the ban, both Senator Angus King and Senator Susan Collins cited security concerns, noting the Chinese Communist Party’s potential to access user data and exploit private information is an unacceptable security risk. TikTok temporarily went dark over the weekend, but Trump peeled back the restriction temporarily saying he would like to see the U.S. have at least half interest in the sale. ByteDance has said it is not interested in selling the social media platform.
Environment
Maine State Parks See Over $3M in 2024
(Augusta) Maine State Parks welcomed more than 3 million visitors in 2024, the third time in four years visitation has surpassed three million. The parks saw a 6.5% increase over 2023. While overall use climbed, day-use visitation was up,as well – more than 7%. The Bureau of Public Lands also announced 2025 Maine State Parks campground reservation dates in February, with some reservations available February 3rd and others beginning February 6th. For specifics, visit Camp With M E dot com.
(Augusta) Already dreaming of that summer camping experience at a Maine State Park? Get ready to make your reservations, which can be made online and by phone in February – several beginning February 3rd, and others beginning February 6th. Last year, Maine State Parks welcomed more than three million visitors, the third time in four years visitation has passed the three million mark. For specific dates and camping details, visit Camp With M E dot com.
Birdsacre Updates
(Ellsworth) Looking for a place to walk in a winter wonderland that doesn’t mean a long commute? Put on the boots or snowshoes and head to Birdsacre in Ellsworth. As of now, the sanctuary has shortened its hours from 9 to 5 seven days a week, but that’s plenty of time to enjoy the quiet trails and rescued raptors. The Ellsworth American reports newly installed gates at the main entrance and exit off High Street will help enforce the limited hours, but the south entrance off Beechland can still be accessed from Dawn to Dusk. Plans are underway to expand the parking lot there to improve the Birdsacre experience for everyone. And please help them keep this treasured gem accessible by donating at the box you’ll find at the main entrance.
(Birdsacre) Bundle up and enjoy a brisk walk in Ellsworth’s own winter wonderland! The Stanwood Homestead, aka Birdsacre, provides miles of quiet solitude in the midst of our busy lives. A new gate at the High Street entrance and exit will help enforce shortened hours during the winter, but you can still access the sanctuary seven days a week from 9 to 5. The Ellsworth American reports visitors are asked to practice quietness near the bird enclosures so as not to disturb the owls; so if you bring your dog, please avoid that area. Director Grayson Richmond said the avian residents are non-releasable birds that have come into Birdsacre’s care and are used to educate young and old alike. While you’re there, please continue to support their amazing work with a donation in the box provided at the main entrance.
Health
UMA Hosts “Give Kids A Smile” Day
(Bangor) Are you having trouble finding a dentist for your kids, or finding it difficult to afford one? Mark February 21st on your calendar. The UMA Dental Health Programs are hosting “Give Kids A Smile Day” that Friday on the Bangor campus. The event is dedicated to improving children’s oral health, providing free preventive dental care to children ages 5 to 19 who don’t currently have a dental home. Services offered include cleanings, dental x-rays, sealants, fluoride treatments, and a comprehensive dental exam. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 262-7872 or by emailing u m a dental at maine dot e d u.
(Bangor) Here’s something that will put a healthy smile on your child’s face. The UMA Dental Health Programs are hosting “Give Kids A Smile Day”, Friday, February 21st on the Bangor campus. There’s no fee, but you will need to schedule an appointment. The event is dedicated to improving children’s oral health, providing no-cost preventive dental care to children ages 5 to 19 who don’t currently have a dental home. Services offered include cleanings, dental x-rays, sealants, fluoride treatments, and a comprehensive dental exam. You can schedule an appointment by calling the number we’ll post with this story on our website, or by emailing u m a dental at maine dot e d u.
Poll Says We’re Eating Less Healthy, Enjoying Meals Less
(CNN) We’re eating less healthy foods, and we’re not even enjoying it, according to the latest Gallup poll. CNN reports research published this week collected data from people across more than 140 countries, looking at how they think about their food, how healthy they ate, how much they ate, and how much food choice was available to them. In the U.S. the percentage of people who ate mostly healthy foods dropped from 83% in 2022 to 71% in 2023. Globally, 81% of people surveyed said they enjoyed their food in the past week, down from 87% the year before. Nutritionists say the decline may be due in part to our increasingly hectic lifestyles. They say even ten minutes out of your work day to sit down to a meal can make a difference in how much you enjoy your food.
FDA Calls for Easier to Read Nutrition Labels
(Undated) The Food and Drug Administration is calling for new labels on packaged food and drinks they say would help consumers make healthier choices. The labels would be required on the front of most packaged foods and would highlight whether the food or drink has high, medium or low levels of sodium, added sugar and saturated fat, while including the percent of daily value of such nutrients. Over-consumption of sodium, sugar, and saturated fat have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes in a large number of research studies.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Heart of Ellsworth Celebrates Tenth Year
(Ellsworth) On the one hand, it doesn’t seem possible Heart of Ellsworth is celebrating its tenth year – on the other hand, the non-profit has certainly made an impact – from murals to maps of Downtown, to securing Maine Street America status for the City. You’re invited to help them celebrate at their Annual Meeting on February 5th. The fun community event will feature a scavenger hunt through the new Makerspace and Coworking Space at 16 State Street, along with a brief presentation by the Board of Directors and staff. Meet the newest staff additions, along with founders Phyllis Young and Beth Fendl, who will be honored with emeritus status. For more information, visit heart of ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) Help Heart of Ellsworth celebrate a decade of making a difference …from makerspace to Maine Street America … at their Annual Meeting on February 5th. The non-profit will review its ten year history and take a look ahead at initiatives planned for 2025. Founders Phyllis Young and Beth Fendl will be honored with emeritus status for their more than ten years of dedication to downtown Ellsworth. The event runs from 5:30 to 7 at 16 State Street and will include light refreshments, a fun scavenger hunt through the Makerspace and Coworking Space, and an opportunity to meet the newest staff. For more information, visit heart of ellsworth dot org.
Maine Dog Licenses Due
(Maine) Is your dog legal? Towns are reminding dog owners that all canines six months of age and older must be licensed by December 31st of each year. But there is a bit of a grace period this month before a $25 per dog late fee kicks in at the end of January. Renewal can be done in person or online. You’ll need a certified rabies certificate from a Maine veterinarian. The fee for neutered or spayed dogs is $6; dogs that have not been fixed, $11.00.
(Maine) Have you gotten your dog licensed yet? If not, you could be snarling at a $25 late fee come February 1st. Towns are reminding dog owners that all pups age six months and older must be licensed by December 31st each year. Otherwise, you might find someone barking at your door with a late fee after January 31st. So don’t muzzle your canine’s chance to be legal – register in person at your town office or online. You’ll need a certified rabies certificate from a Maine veterinarian. The fee for neutered or spayed dogs is $6; dogs that have not been fixed, $11.00.
Sports
The Celtics and Bruins have the night off. Celtics in LA Wednesday to take on the Clippers; the Bruins put the sticks to the ice against the NJ Devils Wednesday.
High School basketball – these local teams scheduled this evening, the Machias boys and girls vs. Calais, and these girls teams on the schedule – the Jonesport Beals Royals up against the Shead Tigers, Searsport vs. Lee Academy, and the GSA Lady Eagles take on the Sumner Tigers. On the boys’ side, MDI vs. Hermon and the John Bapst Crusaders. take on the Old Town Coyotes
These local high school basketball scores from Monday – on the girls’ side, Old Town over John Bapst 46-28, Ellsworth defeats Foxcroft 43-27, and Presque Isle gets the win over Washington Academy 43-34. The boys’, George Stevens squeaks past Sumner 45-41, Central defeats Searsport 77-31, and Machias over Jonesport-Beals 52-35.
The Celtics beat the Warriors yesterday 125-85. The Bruins beat the Sharks 6-3.