Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Body Recovered from F/V Sudden Impact Identified
(S. Addison) The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has positively identified the body recovered Sunday from the sunken fishing vessel Sudden Impact as that of Chester “Chet” Barrett of South Addison. Chester’s body was recovered after a search that began Saturday, January 18th, when he and his son Aaron were reported missing. The two had been transiting from Edmunds to South Addison on board the F/V Sudden Impact when it sank in 160 feet of water about three-quarters of a mile southwest of Moose River in eastern Washington County. The Maine Marine Patrol says it will continue periodic patrols in the area with a goal of locating Aaron, whose body has not yet been found.
(S. Addison) Authorities say the body recovered Sunday morning from the sunken F/V Sudden Impact has been positively identified as that of missing South Addison fisherman Chester “Chet” Barrett. Chet and his son, Aaron, were reported missing January 18th when they failed to return to their home port as planned. The two had been transiting from Edmunds to South Addison on board the Sudden Impact when it encountered rough seas and sank in 160 feet of water between Lubec and Cutler in eastern Washington County. The Maine Marine Patrol says it will continue periodic patrols in the area in hopes of locating the body of the second missing mariner, Aaron Barrett.
MSP K-9 Preacher Killed in the Line of Duty
(Portage Lake) Maine State Police K9 Preacher, who was shot in the line of duty during that standoff in Portage Lake on Monday, has died. Preacher and his tactical team were deployed in response to a domestic dispute that led to the day-long armed standoff in Aroostook County. When the suspect, 29 yo Steven Righini, attempted to flee his residence that night, K9 Preacher was sent to apprehend him and was shot in the abdomen. The suspect then reportedly engaged other officers in gunfire and was shot dead. Preacher was rushed into surgery, but succumbed to his injuries. He was surrounded by his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, and others who said Preacher was more than just a working dog, but also a dedicated partner, protector, and hero.
(Portage) The K9 Officer shot in the line of duty Monday has died. Maine State Police say deputies were deployed to a domestic dispute that led to an hours-long standoff in the Aroostook County town of Portage Lake. Late in the evening, the suspect, 29 yo Steven Righini, attempted to flee the residence that was surrounded by law enforcement personnel. K9 Preacher, a four year old Belgian Malinois, was sent to apprehend Righini, who shot Preacher in the abdomen. The suspect then continued to fire at other officers and was shot dead. Preacher was rushed into surgery, but succumbed to his injuries. He was surrounded by his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, and others who said Preacher was more than just a working dog, but also a dedicated partner, protector, and hero.
Local Politics
Senator Moore Appointed to Republican Committees
(Augusta) Senator Marianne Moore, who represents all of Washington County and 16 communities in Hancock County, has been appointed as the Senate Republican Lead on the Legislature’s Health and Human Services and Marine Resources Committees. Senator Moore said with the nearly $150M shortfall in DHHS, the legislature has their work cut out for them in ensuring vulnerable Mainers have access to the care they need. Moore volunteers with Meals on Wheels and says she also knows how critical it is to deliver much needed services to Maine’s Seniors. The Senator has also been instrumental in helping address barriers to care faced by cancer patients.
(Augusta) Republican Senator Marianne Moore says she knows firsthand how critical it is to protect the state’s most vulnerable and to deliver much needed services to Maine’s Seniors. Moore, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels who represents all of Washington County and 16 communities in Hancock County, was recently appointed as the Senate Republican Lead on the Legislature’s Health and Human Services and Marine Resources Committees. The Senator says the legislature has their work cut out for them when it comes to dealing with a nearly $150M shortfall in the Department of Health and Human Services. She adds she’s excited to continue work related to the state’s commercial and recreational fisheries management, marine science and research, and aquaculture sanitation and management. As her district covers much of the Down East, Moore says the work of the Marine Resources Committee matches well with her district.
Economy
State Treasurer Reduces Interest Rate on Delinquent Property Taxes
(Augusta) Maine State Treasurer Joe Perry last week said the interest rate charged on delinquent property taxes will be reduced from 8.5 to 7.5 percent for 2025. That’s the maximum interest rate a municipality can charge for such taxes this year. According to a press release issued by the Treasurer’s office, municipalities can vote to determine the rate of interest that shall apply to taxes that become delinquent during a taxable year, until those taxes are paid in full.
(Augusta) A press release issued last week by Maine State Treasurer Joe Perry noted that municipalities can vote to determine the rate of interest that shall apply to taxes that become delinquent during a taxable year, until those taxes are paid in full – up to a point. Perry said the maximum interest rate charged on such property taxes this year will be 7.5% – that’s down from last year’s 8.5%.
Taxpayer Filing Tips
(Undated) The April 15th tax deadline is still months away, but it’s not too early to get ready to file. Mark Steber is Chief Tax Information Officer with Jackson Hewitt. He tells Star 97.7 you can save time by preparing your documents and getting organized ahead of time. (((Tax 1 “…just so you have one centralized spot.” :20))) Steber says filing early is a good strategy, especially as tax fraud and identity theft become more problematic the longer you wait.
(Undated) Few people look forward to tax season, but Tax Pro Mark Steber tells Star 97.7, it pays to file early, especially since there are some major changes this year. (((Tax 2 “…Apple Pay, Venmo, and the list goes on and on.” :26))) Steber says those are for payments for services only, but the threshold is moving from $20K down to $600, with this being the first of a three-year transition period on that.
(Undated) The dreaded tax filing season is here, and many people opt to file on their own. Star 97.7 asked Tax Information Pro Mark Steber why it’s often wise to leave that to the experts. (((Tax 3 “…and a pro can help you avoid that small mistake.” :23))) Steber says before you go, get all your paperwork together in a central place and document any major life changes. That way, your tax pro can help you find every deduction to which you are entitled.
(Undated) Many people are planning on big tax refunds from the state and/or IRS this year, while others worry about owing. Mark Steber is a Jackson Hewitt Liaison with the Internal Revenue Service, states, and other government authorities. With more than 35 years of tax experience under his belt, Steber says it’s always smart to file early. (((Tax 4 “…still file your taxes today – it’s a smart idea.” :16))) You can find a local tax pro on the internet, but it’s a good idea to thoroughly check out their qualifications and reviews before setting up that appointment.
Education
HCTC Celebrated in Augusta Today
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth’s Hancock County Technical Center is one of a dozen schools participating in today’s celebration of the state’s CTE educational hubs. From 9 to 1 today, students and educators will showcase the work of Maine’s CTE schools at the Hall of Flags in the State House in Augusta. CTE enrollment has increased by more than 20% in the last six years, with more than 10,000 students enrolled. Other schools participating today include Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology in Machias and Waldo County Technical Center. The state’s 15 other CTE schools will be highlighted on February 12th. The events are open to legislators and the general public.
(Ellsworth) Participation in Maine’s 27 CTE schools has grown by more than 20% in just the last six years. To celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, those schools will be showcasing their work at the Hall of Flags in the State House in Augusta today and on February 12th. The dozen schools participating in today’s program include Ellsworth’s HCTC, Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology in Machias, and Waldo County Technical Center. The state’s 15 other CTE schools will be highlighted next Wednesday. The events are open to legislators and the general public.
Environment
Fishery Regulators Repeal Lobster Size Limits
(Augusta) The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission yesterday decided to repeal a controversial proposal designed to preserve the population of young lobsters. The proposal would have changed the minimum catch sizes. The decision came after pushback from lobstermen and will allow the Commission to start over and come up with new measures on which the two sides can agree.
(Augusta) Lobstermen pushed back strongly against a proposal from the Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission that would have changed the minimum catch size. On Tuesday, the Commission relented and decided to repeal that proposal. The proposal was designed to preserve the population of young lobsters; but lobstermen said, among other concerns, it would have given Canadian fishermen a marked edge. Commissioners from other states reportedly agreed but said they were disappointed in the outcome. The two groups say they will now work together to come up with a more workable solution.
Courts Restore Protections for Endangered Right Whales
(AP) A federal appeals court has reinstated rules meant to protect the dwindling population of endangered right whales. The court reversed an earlier lower court’s decision to reinstate the protections. The lower court had ruled against a federal law banning lobster fishing in a 200-nautical-mile area off the New England coast from February 1st to April 30th each year because they said lethal entanglement in lobster fishing gear is one of the biggest threats to the North Atlantic Right Whale.
(AP) A big win for endangered whales, but a disappointment for commercial fishermen. A federal appeals court this week reinstated rules designed to protect the dwindling population of the North Atlantic Right Whale. The court said lethal entanglement in lobster fishing gear is one of the biggest threats to the North Atlantic Right Whale. The court reversed an earlier lower court’s decision to reinstate the protections. The lower court had ruled against a federal law banning lobster fishing in a 200-nautical-mile area off the New England coast from February 1st to April 30th each year.
Sports
The Bruins last night shut out the Minnesota Wild 3-zip. The Bruins in New York tonight to take on the Rangers
The Celtics beat the Cavs yesterday 112-105. The Celtics have the night off tonight. They’ll be home Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks.
Local high school basketball this evening, the WA Lady Raiders take on John Bapst; and these boys’ games scheduled – the Sumner Tigers take on the Jonesport-Beals Royals, Machias up against Shead, Bucksport takes on George Stevens, the Calais Blue Devils hit the hardwood against the Woodland Dragons, and the MDI Trojans shoot hoops with the Ellsworth Eagles.
Local high school basketball results from last night – just these girls’ teams reporting in, Ellsworth defeats MDI 40-36, it was Calais over Sumner 57-38, Machias beating Narraguagus 53-43, and Bangor Christian capturing the win over Deer Isle/Stonington 44-20.
In National News Headlines:
A shooting at an Adult Education Center in Sweden leaves at least ten people dead.
The first migrant flight heads to Guantanamo Bay as legal questions surround Trump’s plans to house immigrants in tents there.
The Senate has confirmed Pam Bondi as Attorney General.
The Trump Administration has reportedly begun drafting an Executive Order to initiate elimination of the Department of Education.
Tulsi Gabbard clears the Senate committee in her bid to become the Director of National Intelligence under President Trump, with support from Susan Collins, who was seen as possibly casting a swing vote.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. seems poised to become the nation’s next secretary of Health and Human Services after the Senate Finance Committee voted to advance his nomination for a floor vote by the full Senate. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee a $1.7 trillion annual budget and 13 agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, despite his lack of experience and controversial views on vaccines and other medical issues.
President Donald Trump says he will not rule out deploying US troops to support rebuilding Gaza after he sees Palestinians settling elsewhere, saying he sees “long-term U.S. ownership” in the region. The proposal undermines the long-standing hope of a two-state solution between the Palestinians and Israel.
President Trump is exploring a proposal by El Salvador’s President to take in and jail violent American criminals.