Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Stimulus Check Scam
(Undated) Scammers are reportedly preying on citizens by sending out texts claiming recipients are due a $1400 stimulus check. Authorities report the texts are made to look like they come from the IRS. But while the IRS has said it was sending out such checks to those who did not receive all their federal stimulus monies during the pandemic, the texts are fraudulent. Those who are truly due the money will receive the payments automatically and were notified via letter from the IRS. And they say most payments have already been sent and arrived by late January. Authorities are warning consumers not to click on any links from texts claiming to be from the IRS.
(Undated) Authorities are warning of a scam involving text messages purporting to come from the IRS. The texts claim recipients are due $1400 stimulus checks and include a link or links that experts say you should NOT click on. The IRS in December did give notice that it was sending money to a million people who did not receive all their stimulus money due during the pandemic. But they say valid recipients were sent letters from the IRS, with most payments made by late last month. And again, authorities warn consumers not to click on any links included in texts claiming to be from the IRS.
Local Politics
Protests Herald Growing Discontent with Trump Administration
(Ellsworth) Protests across the nation yesterday on President’s Day heralded growing discontent with the actions of the new Administration, just weeks into Donald Trump’s presidency. In Ellsworth, a crowd of about 200 gathered outside City Hall, braving the wind chill and carrying signs that read things like, Musk Out Now, We Are the Firewall, Stop Illegal Firings, and Resist Tyranny. Several hundred resistors turned out at the Statehouse in Augusta as well. An economic blackout is planned for February 28th.
(Ellsworth) Wind chills were in the single digits yesterday in Maine as protestors turned out by the hundreds to decry what they say are the chilling effects of the Trump Presidency, just weeks into his second term. In Ellsworth, a peaceful crowd of about 200 carried signs opposing everything from white supremacy, to illegal firings, to alleged attempts to turn the country’s Democracy into an Oligarchy. Hundreds turned out at the Statehouse in Augusta in protest as well. An economic blackout is planned for February 28th.
Trump Administration Fires Maine’s Top Federal Prosecutor
(Augusta) Maine’s top federal prosecutor, Darcie McElwee, said yesterday she’s been fired by the Trump Administration. While it’s typical for U.S. attorneys to change with a change in leadership in Washington, a number of top prosecutors across the U.S. have preemptively resigned in recent weeks. A press release issued Monday said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Wolff will serve as acting U.S. Attorney for Maine.
(Augusta) The Trump Administration this week sent a pink slip to Maine’s top federal prosecutor. According to a press release, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Wolff will replace Darcie McElwee as acting U.S. Attorney for Maine. Incoming administrations often install members of their own party in such positions. In recent weeks, a number of top prosecutors from states across the U.S. have resigned.
Bills Would Support Maine’s Maple Industry
(Washington, DC) It’s the first sign of spring – the sap begins to run, and Maine’s Maple producers get ready for Maine Maple Weekend – this year March 22nd and 23rd. In Washington, Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont have introduced the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential, or MAPLE Act, and the Supporting All Producers, or SAP Act, two bipartisan bills to support the maple industry. Senator Angus King co-sponsored the bills that would provide a new market for producers, while adding maple syrup to the list of SNAP benefit-eligible products. The proposals would also require the USDA to consult with maple producers on certain education and research grants.
(Washington, DC) New England Senators have introduced a pair of sweet bills designed to benefit Maine Maple Syrup producers. Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont have introduced the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential, or MAPLE Act, and the Supporting All Producers, or SAP Act. Senator Angus King co-sponsored the bills that would provide a new market for producers, while adding maple syrup to the list of SNAP benefit-eligible products. In addition, the legislation would require the USDA to consult with maple producers on certain education and research grants. And in case you’re planning ahead like we are, this year’s Maine Maple Weekend is set for March 22nd and 23rd.
Bill Introduced to Tackle Nursing Shortage
(Washington, DC) Healthcare providers across Maine continue to face a significant shortage of nurses. A major challenge in growing the nursing workforce to meet demand is the limited supply of nursing faculty available to increase student enrollment and train the next generation of nurses. To address the issue, Senator Susan Collins and Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, have introduced the Train More Nurses Act. The bipartisan bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to review nursing grant programs to find ways to increase faculty at nursing schools; especially those in underserved areas. The bill would also increase pathways for Licensed Practical Nurses to become Registered Nurses.
(Washington, DC) The nursing shortage has critically affected healthcare providers across Maine and across the country. One challenge has been the limited supply of nursing faculty available to increase student enrollment and to train the next generation of nurses. To address the issue, Senator Susan Collins has partnered with Nevada Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen in introducing the Train More Nurses Act. The bipartisan bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to review nursing grant programs in order to find ways to increase faculty at nursing schools, especially those in underserved areas. The bill would also make it easier for LPN’s to become registered nurses.
Economy
Insulation Tax Credit
(Maine) These bitter cold days, you may be wishing your home was better insulated. Star 97.7 spoke with Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, about a little-known tax credit that could save you money on such home improvements. (((Insulate 1 “…energy efficiency improvements to their home.” :23))) Rich tells Star 97.7 the 30% federal tax credit can save homeowners up to $1200. Find out more on the EPA Energy Star website or at insulation institute dot org.
(Maine) At its most basic level, a well insulated home keeps out excessive heat in the summer and the bitter cold like we’re experiencing on these brutal winter days. Curt Rich is President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. He tells Star 97.7, taxpayers can take advantage of tax credits to keep costs down when adding insulation to their homes. (((Insulate 2 “…and receive a $1200 credit.” :18))) Rich says insulating your home pays you in two different ways – by reducing your tax bill and with energy bill savings that continue month after month for as long as you own your home. Learn more at insulation institute dot org.
(Maine) These bitter cold days may have you thinking about better insulating your home. Insulation can help keep down energy costs during our warming summers, as well. Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, tells Star 97.7, better insulation not only pays off in energy savings; but in tax savings, as well, through something called the 25C Homeowner Retrofit Tax Credit. (((Insulate 3 “…on your tax form and claim the credit.” :22))). Learn more on the EPA Energy Star website, the IRS website, or at insulation institute dot org.
(Maine) We’ve been talking this morning with Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, about the 25C Homeowner Retrofit Tax Credit that can save homeowners hundreds of dollars in tax savings when they better insulate their homes. Rich tells Star 97.7, two years ago, the tax credit was extended to 2032; but there’s definitely concern about the position of new Congress on the tax credit. (((Insulate 4 “…as part of any tax legislation.” :23))). Learn more about the tax credits and ways you can save by insulating through the EPA Energy Star website, the IRS website, or at insulation institute dot org.
Health
MDIFW Urges Caution as Bird Flu Spreads
(Maine) Authorities issuing strong cautions regarding the spread of HPAI, or bird flu, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through direct contact with infected poultry, wild birds, contaminated equipment, and even the clothing and shoes of caretakers. While no cases have been detected in Maine’s domestic flocks since March 2024, HPAI has been confirmed in four Canada geese, two red-tailed hawks, and a great horned owl in recent weeks. Those birds were located in Cumberland and York Counties. Residents are urged to limit contact between domestic and wild birds, practice hand washing and other bio-security measures, store feed securely away from rodents and wild birds, minimize farm visits and monitor flocks for illness. They also caution poultry, eggs, and beef should be cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria and viruses.
(Maine) Maine agencies, including DACF and MDIFW, are urging residents to use extreme caution regarding HPAI, or bird flu. They say the virus is highly contagious and spreads easily among birds through direct contact with infected poultry, wild birds, contaminated equipment, and even on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. No cases have been detected in Maine’s domestic flocks since March 2024, but HPAI has been confirmed in four Canada geese, two red-tailed hawks, and a great horned owl in recent weeks. Those birds were located in Cumberland and York Counties. Among precautions, Mainers are urged to prevent equipment sharing, provide clean drinking water for flocks, store feed securely – away from wild birds and rodents, and monitor flocks for illness. They also caution poultry, eggs, and beef should be cooked to a safe internal temperature in order to kill bacteria and viruses.
Sports
The Ellsworth High School swim team finished fourth at States this past weekend. Ella Montgomery finished her high school swim career by not only winning the 100 Yard Backstroke and 100 Yard Butterfly events, placing first in the state in both, but she was also named Class B Performer of the Meet.
At the Class B State Champion swim meet, Ellsworth High School’s Ann-Katherine Burns was the Class B State Champion in the 100 Yard Breaststroke. Also this weekend, EHS’s Luke Horne placed third in the 132 pound weight class at the Class B Wrestling State Championship.
Local high school basketball tournament play continues tomorrow night as the No. 4 Ellsworth girls take on No. 1 Caribou in state semifinals – game time 3:30 at the Cross Insurance Center. The winner of that game will play either No. 6 John Bapst or No. 2 Erskine Friday night at 6.