Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Thomaston Voters Approve Borrowing Funds to Help Build New Fire/EMS Station
(Thomaston) Thomaston voters have given the city the green light to pursue funding for construction of a new Fire and EMS station. According to the Pen Bay Pilot, pursuit of a $3.5M bond is contingent on receiving congressionally directed matching funds. The vote also gives the town permission to accept state and federal funds for the project. Town leaders say the current facility, built in 1956, is outdated, has inadequate sleeping quarters, fails to meet new OSHA safety standards, and is too small for current needs and equipment.
(Thomaston) Thomaston voters this week gave the town approval to borrow $3.5M to help finance construction of a new Fire and EMS station. Town leaders say the current facility, built in 1956, is outdated, has inadequate sleeping quarters, does not meet new OSHA safety standards, and is too small for current needs and equipment. The Pen Bay Pilot reports pursuit of a bond is contingent on receiving congressionally directed matching funds. The 224-101 vote also gives the town permission to accept state and federal funds for the project.
Suspect Arrested in Maine Mall Shooting
(Portland) The suspect in that shooting at Maine Mall in Portland Wednesday has turned himself in to police. Authorities had identified the suspect as 20 yo Ahmed Basheer Awad of Westbrook. Awad said he wished to surrender “so there could be a safe and peaceful resolution for all involved.” Awad, who was known to be living out of his vehicle, was arrested Thursday. He faces charges of elevated aggravated assault, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a concealed/threatening display of a weapon. The victim in that shooting claims he does not know the suspect, but has reportedly not given police any information helpful to their investigation.
(Portland) The suspect in Wednesday’s shooting at the Maine Mall food court is under arrest this morning. South Portland Police report the shooter had been identified as 20 yo Ahmed Basheer Awad of Westbrook, who was known to be living out of his vehicle. Once identified, Awad contacted police and turned himself in. Awad faces multiple charges, including elevated aggravated assault. The shooting victim is recovering in a hospital and says he did not know the suspect. Police say the care he received before medical assistance arrived on the scene likely saved his life. They say he has given little information that is helpful in the investigation into the assault.
FMO Investigates Norway Fires
(Norway) The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a pair of fires that occurred at the same residence in Norway less than a week apart. The second fire broke out Thursday morning about 6:45 at the home at 80 Beal Street. There were no reported injuries with either blaze; but following yesterday’s fire, the home was deemed a total loss. The Fire Marshal’s Office is asking anyone with information to give them a call.
(Norway) Fire at a residence in Norway Thursday morning left a home at 80 Beal Street a total loss. It was the second blaze at the property in just a week’s time. Crews were called to the home the second time about 6:45 yesterday morning. No injuries were reported in either fire, but the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating and is asking anyone with information to give them a call.
Local Politics
Fredette Proposes Establishing a Regional Ambulance Service in Southern Penobscot County
(Augusta) A public hearing for legislation proposing establishment of a regional ambulance service in Southern Penobscot County is scheduled for Monday morning in Augusta. The proposal, LD 176, was put forth by Republican Representative Ken Fredette. A regional ambulance service refers to an EMS provider that operates within a specific geographic region, typically encompassing multiple towns or counties and providing ambulance transportation and medical care to patients within that designated area, rather than just a single city or town. Smaller, rural EMS services often face challenges with funding, staffing, and resources; but some say regional services mean covering a larger territory and a loss of local control.
(Augusta) It’s no secret Maine’s rural EMS providers continue to face struggles with funding, staffing, and resources. Republican Representative Ken Fredette has put forth legislation proposing the formation of a regional ambulance service in Southern Penobscot County. Regional services are those shared by towns, who also share the costs and resources, in a particular area. Some say such services mean coverage of even larger territory and a loss of local control A public hearing on LD 176 is scheduled for Monday morning in Augusta.
Thirteen States to File Lawsuit Against Elon Musk and DOGE
(Augusta) Maine AG Aaron Frey on Thursday joined thirteen other Attorneys General in calling out the Administration in response to the U.S. Department of the Treasury granting Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency staffers access to sensitive payment systems containing personal identifiable information of American citizens. The officials issued a statement saying the President does not have the power to give away the private information of citizens to anyone he chooses and cannot cut federal payments approved by Congress. They say they will be filing a lawsuit to “stop the injustice”.
(Augusta) Saying they will be filing a lawsuit to “stop the injustice”, Maine AG Aaron Frey and Attorneys General from a dozen other states yesterday issued a statement calling out the current Administration for allowing billionaire Elon Musk to access the sensitive, personal information of millions of American citizens. The officials said the lawsuit would be filed, “In defense of our Constitution, our right to privacy, and the essential funding that individuals and communities nationwide are counting on.” Both Senators Angus King and Susan Collins have accused Musk of breaching the law in his new role.
Economy
City Gears Up to Prepare FY 2026 Budget
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth is getting ready to prepare the municipal budget for FY 2026, which begins July 1st, 2025. They’re now accepting funding requests from outside agencies and groups, with a submission deadline of February 14th at 12:30 p.m. They say requests should focus on specific, stand-alone work elements, such as activities, programs, or functions, and should include an organized list of those elements in your group’s priority order. Find more details and an application on the City of Ellsworth website.
(Ellsworth) It’s hard to believe, but it’s budget planning time for FY 2026, as the fiscal year begins this July 1st. The City of Ellsworth is accepting funding requests from outside agencies and groups, with a submission deadline of February 14th at 12:30 p.m. They say to ensure your application is successfully submitted, it’s strongly recommended you deliver it in person to the Finance Department at City Hall by that deadline. Find details and an application form on the City of Ellsworth website.
Experts Call Northern Light’s Plummeting Credit Rating “A Major Wake Up Call”
(Bangor) An expert tells the Bangor Daily News Northern Light Health’s latest credit rating downgrade could mean less borrowing power for the healthcare giant. The system’s credit rating from S&P Global is now BB-, a drop of three grades from October and four grades lower than it was in March. Moody’s Ratings also downgraded Northern Light’s credit rating in the past year. A lower credit rating can mean less money coming into the system. Northern Light spokesperson Suzanne Spruce told the paper the healthcare system does not expect any changes to patient wait times or services.
(Bangor) Experts are sounding an alarm about Northern Light’s plummeting credit ratings, calling it a “major wakeup call”. The Bangor Daily News reports the system’s credit rating from S&P Global is now BB-, a drop of three grades from October and four grades lower than it was in March. Moody’s Ratings also downgraded Northern Light’s credit rating in the past year. Northern Light spokesperson Suzanne Spruce said the healthcare system does not anticipate any changes to patient wait times or services.
Infrastructure
City of Ellsworth Launches Façade Improvement Grant Program
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has launched a great opportunity for downtown businesses and commercial property owners, aimed at revitalizing building exteriors and enhancing the charm of the downtown area. Façade Improvement Grants provide a 3-to-1 match for private investments, with a maximum of $25K per project. Deadline to apply is March 14th at 12:30 p.m.
(Ellsworth) Spruce up your business and help give the Downtown Ellsworth area a facelift. The City of Ellsworth has launched its Façade Improvement Grants program, aimed at revitalizing building exteriors and enhancing the charm of the downtown area. The grants provide a 3-to-1 match for private investments, up to $25K per project. The program is funded through a $100K Community Development Block Grant. Apply online by March 14th at 12:30 p.m.
Winter Parking Ban
(Ellsworth) A winter parking ban is in effect in Ellsworth for the next four nights. In order to aid the Public Works Department with snow removal, no vehicles can be parked on public streets, ways or city-owned parking areas, with the exception of the center spots in the Lower City Hall parking lot. The ban is in effect Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights from Midnight to 6 a.m. each overnight.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Works crews have their work cut out for them this weekend, so they’ve effected a winter parking ban the next four overnights. Between midnight and 6 a.m. tonight, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights, no vehicles may be parked on public streets, ways or city-owned parking areas, with the exception of the center spots in the Lower City Hall parking lot. Anyone not in compliance risk their vehicles being towed at the discretion of the Ellsworth Police Department.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Jonesport-Beals Senior is MLA Junior Harvesters Pick
(Jonesport) Congratulations to Jonesport-Beals High School Senior Brenna Alley. The 17 yo is the Maine Lobstermen’s Association’s Junior Harvester for the month of February. Alley says the older she’s gotten, the more she appreciates the “don’t quit until it’s done” work ethic. Alley plans to attend the University of Maine at Machias in the fall and study nursing, but adds, “Whatever I become from here, I will always be a lobsterman.” Quintessential Maine.
(Jonesport) Maine is the largest lobster-producing state in the nation, contributing billions to the state’s economy each year and supporting thousands of jobs. One such contributor is 17 yo Brenna Alley, a Senior at Jonesport-Beals High School, and the Maine Lobstermen’s Association pick as February’s Junior Harvester. Alley says the older she’s gotten, the more she appreciates the “don’t quit until it’s done” work ethic. The teen says she plans to attend the University of Maine at Machias in the fall and study nursing, but adds, “Whatever I become from here, I will always be a lobsterman.”
Sports
Super Bowl 59 this Sunday – the Kansas City Chiefs tackle the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans.
The Bruins put the sticks to the home ice Saturday as they take on the Vegas Golden Knights. The Mavericks beat the Celtics yesterday 127-120. Celtics at Madison Square Garden tomorrow to shoot hoops with the Knicks.