Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Eleven Charged with Soliciting Prostitution
(Rockland) Eleven men have been charged with soliciting prostitution after a months-long investigation into the former Asian Massage on Park Street in Rockland. WABI reports authorities received information about the business from another agency last July. Rockland Police say they found suspected ties between the business and human trafficking, as well as with organized crime in New York. Authorities say the business is no longer active in Rockland, but there are still suspected active locations across the state. They say more charges are expected.
(Rockland) Authorities say a former Rockland business had ties to human trafficking, as well as with organized crime in New York. Eleven men have been charged with soliciting prostitution after a months-long investigation into the former Asian Massage on Park Street. WABI reports authorities received information about the business from another agency last July. They say although Asian Massage is no longer operating in Rockland, there are still suspected active locations across the state and more charges are expected.
Mobile Homes Destroyed
(Stockton Springs) A pair of mobile homes located close to each other in Stockton Springs was destroyed by separate fires. The Bangor Daily News reports the first fire broke out Sunday afternoon. That blaze destroyed a camper-style trailer on Cross Lane. The second fire destroyed a mobile home on the same street early Monday morning. Both fires were reportedly accidental and started in chimneys connected to wood stoves. No injuries were reported.
(Stockton Springs) No injuries were reported, but two mobile homes are total losses after separate fires broke out on the same street in Stockton Springs Sunday and Monday. The Bangor Daily News reports the first blaze broke out Sunday afternoon – that fire destroyed a camper-style trailer on Cross Lane. A second fire destroyed a mobile home on the same street about 8 a.m. yesterday morning. Fire officials say both fires apparently started in chimneys that were venting wood stoves. Both fires have been ruled accidental.
Maine Leads New England in Community Risk Reduction Efforts
(Augusta) Fires, falls, car accidents, and medical emergencies – Maine is leading New England in Community Risk Reduction Efforts, with successful programs already in place to help identify, prioritize, and mitigate risks within communities. Because of its proactive nature, CRR helps reduce injuries, fatalities, property loss, and the costs associated with emergency responses. Governor Janet Mills has declared this CRR Week, and the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office and the Maine Forest Service will hold a press conference tomorrow morning to discuss the state’s innovative efforts, which include community paramedicine programs connecting EMS with seniors to reduce hazards in the home, help for those with disabilities, and wildfire risk assessments for homeowners in forested areas. .
(Augusta) An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to Community Risk Assessment, that’s more than just a slogan here in Maine. The state is leading New England in Community Risk Reduction Efforts, with successful programs already in place to help identify, prioritize, and mitigate risks within communities. Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed this Community Risk Reduction Week. Tomorrow morning in Augusta, the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office and Maine Forest Service will hold a press conference to discuss the state’s innovative efforts, which include community paramedicine programs connecting EMS with seniors to reduce hazards in the home, help for those with disabilities, and wildfire risk assessments for homeowners in forested areas. .
Local Politics
Mills to Deliver State of the Budget Address Tonight
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills is set to deliver her State of the Budget address before a joint session of the Legislature this evening. The address is expected to kick off negotiations over the final two-year budget of her two terms in office.
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills is set to deliver her State of the Budget address before a joint session of the Legislature this evening. The address is expected to kick off what could be lengthy negotiations over the final two-year budget of her two terms in office.
Leeds Attorney Chosen to Lead Maine Democratic Party
(Augusta) Attorney Charley Dingman was chosen this week to succeed Bev Uhlenhake after the former Chairwoman stepped down for personal and professional reasons. Dingman has chaired the party’s Finance Committee and served on the board of Maine Equal Justice for two decades. In his private practice in Leeds, Dingman focuses on health care in particular. Dingman in the past served as general counsel for the former Maine Health Care Finance Commission. Immke Schessler-Jandreau, a UMaine Communications Professor from Bangor, will serve as the Party’s Vice Chair.
(Augusta) Democrats in Augusta have chosen new leaders. Attorney Charley Dingman was chosen this week to succeed Bev Uhlenhake after the former Chairwoman stepped down for personal and professional reasons. Dingman has served on the board of Maine Equal Justice for two decades and most recently chairs the Fiancé Committee. Immke Schessler-Jandreau, a UMaine Communications Professor from Bangor, will serve as the Party’s Vice Chair.
Economy
Good News, Bad News on Maine Housing Front
(Maine) It’s “good news, bad news” when it comes to home sales in Maine. The Portland Press Herald reports Maine is finally seeing more houses on the market, following years of declining sales. Between 2023 and 24, home sales increased almost 5%, with more than 14,000 homes changing hands. The bad news – it’s pricey to purchase a home in the Pine Tree State. 2024 was a record-breaking year, with an annual median price of $390,200 – that’s up a little over 8% from the 2023 median price of $360,000.
(Maine) Looking to own a home in Maine? The Portland Press Herald reports there’s good news and bad news. The state is finally seeing more homes on the market, following years of declining sales; but those houses come at ever-steeper prices. Between 2023 and 24, home sales increased almost 5%, with more than 14,000 homes changing hands. But it’s pricey to purchase a home in the Pine Tree State. 2024 was a record-breaking year, with an annual median price of $390,200 – that’s up a little over 8% from the 2023 median price of $360,000.
Jonesport’s Only Full Service Grocery to Close This Week
(Jonesport) Jonesport’s only full service grocery store will close this Friday, after 17 years as the only such grocery serving the greater Jonesport-Beals area. The Machias Valley News Observer reports Manaford’s owner, Manford Durkee, said he was getting up in years and wanted to go to Florida in the winters and simply didn’t want the hassle. He said the store was not for sale, but hinted that could change if someone should come along with the right money. Stewart’s Grocery and Moosabec Variety in Jonesport are reportedly adding in additional products and supplies to compensate for the store’s loss. Two other options, while not as close, are Four Corners Market in Columbia Falls and Hannaford’s in Machias.
(Jonesport) Seventeen years ago, Manaford’s Grocery helped put the IGA in Jonesport out of business with its more modern building and convenient parking. On Friday, Manaford’s will close its doors, leaving the greater Jonesport-Beals area without a full service grocery store. The Machias Valley News Observer reports Manaford’s owner, Manford Durkee, said he was getting up in years and wanted to go to Florida in the winters. He said the store was not for sale, but hinted that could change if someone should come along with the right money. Stewart’s Grocery and Moosabec Variety in Jonesport are reportedly making space for and adding in additional products and supplies to compensate for the grocery store’s loss.
Education
Take Your Child to the Library Day
(Ellsworth) This Saturday, the Ellsworth Public Library joins more than a thousand others across the country in celebrating Take Your Child to the Library Day. Now in its 14th year, the event is a chance for children and their parents and caregivers to explore and learn how to make full use of their local library. Between 9 and 2 Saturday, families can enjoy hands-on programs and explore the variety of free resources offered by the library. No registration required – drop in as you please. Activities include a scavenger hunt, crafts, library card sign-up, and an opportunity to decorate a heart sharing what you love about our Ellsworth Public Library!
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library recently shared some sobering facts with Star 97.7 about the state of children’s education here in Maine. In a 2024 study, Maine ranked 37th overall – down from 34th the previous year. And Hancock County reportedly ranked low in the enrollment of four-year-olds in public preschool programs compared to other counties in Maine; yet studies show prioritizing the educational needs of children under five is crucial for fostering long-term success. The library is out to change that, beginning this Saturday with Take Your Child to the Library Day. More than a thousand libraries across the country will participate in the 14th year of this program, designed to familiarize families with all the library has to offer, including many free resources. Drop in anytime between 9 and 2 and enjoy a scavenger hunt, crafts, library card sign up, and more – no registration required!
Environment
3.9 Magnitude Quake Rocks New England
(Maine) Things were quite literally rockin’ across much of New England Monday. The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Maine. The epicenter was about 8 miles from York, with people reporting shaking as far south as Providence, Rhode Island and as far north as Augusta – both locations about 100 miles from the quake’s center. The Maine Emergency Management Agency reports the quake hit about 10:22 a.m.. It wasn’t strong enough to cause damage, but it was strong enough to get the media’s attention, being picked up by The New York Times, Network News, the Weather Channel and others.
(Maine) Not a WHOLE lot of shakin’ goin’ on yesterday, but a rare 3.9 magnitude earthquake did rock New England as far north as Augusta and as far south as Providence, Rhode Island. The U.S. Geological Survey reports the quake’s epicenter was about 8 miles from York, with tremors felt about 100 miles away in each direction. No damage was reported. According to the Maine Emergency Management Agency, the quake struck about 10:22 yesterday morning. Although it’s not unusual for Maine to experience smaller quakes – generally less than 2.0 in magnitude – this one put the Pine Tree State on the news map, the story being picked up by such national outlets as The New York Times, CBS News, the Weather Channel and others. Yep … yesterday, Maine was definitely rockin’ it!
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Opens Grant Funding for Façade Improvements in Downtown
(Ellsworth) If your business’s building is located in the Ellsworth downtown district, is at least 50 years old, houses a commercial business on the ground floor, and is in structurally sound condition with no outstanding taxes or pending lawsuits, you may be eligible for funding for a façade facelift. The Ellsworth American reports the City of Ellsworth is taking applications from downtown business owners and tenants for the first round of funding from the city. The funding is available through the Federal Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant, which awarded the city $100K for the program, provided the city gave a $25K matching grant. Deadline to apply is March 14th at 12:30 p.m. Learn more at ellsworth maine dot gov forward slash façade.
(Ellsworth) Could your Downtown Ellsworth business use a façade facelift? The City is currently taking applications from downtown business owners and tenants for the first round of funding from the city. The funding is available through the Federal Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant, which awarded the city $100K for the program, provided the city gave a $25K matching grant. To be eligible, your building must be located in the Ellsworth downtown district, be at least 50 years old, house a commercial business on the ground floor, and be in structurally sound condition with no outstanding taxes or pending lawsuits. The Ellsworth American reports the deadline to apply is March 14th at 12:30 p.m. Learn more at ellsworth maine dot gov forward slash façade.
Sports
The Bruins in New York tonight to skate against the Sabres. The Celtics lose a close one last night to the Rockets 114-112. Celtics have the night off tonight.
These local high school basketball games on the schedule – the Washington Academy boys take on Narraguagus and the Foxcroft Academy Ponies face the MDI Trojans; lots of action on the girls’ side as well tonight – WA vs. Woodland, the Calais Blue Devils up against the Jonesport-Beals Royals, Sumner takes on Narraguagus, the GSA Lady Eagles face Dexter, Central shooting hoops with Searsport, and the Ellsworth Lady Eagles hit the hardwood against the John Bapst Crusaders.
Local high school basketball results from last night, these teams reporting in: The Calais girls beat Narraguagus 64-47; on the boys’ side, it was GSA over Narraguagus 59-35, Machias crushes Sumner 75-21, and a nail-biter with Shead squeaking past Jonesport-Beals 33-32.