Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Warning of Another Scam
(Ellsworth) The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office this morning, warning of yet another phone scam. They say a caller identifying himself as “Sergeant Chris Parker” from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office claims to have confidential information to discuss. Authorities say it’s likely an attempt to gain personal information for fraudulent purposes; and they say, as always, hang up and don’t give out any personal information over the phone.
(Ellsworth) Another phone scam being perpetrated here in Hancock County. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is warning folks of a caller identifying himself as “Sergeant Chris Parker”. The person claims to be from the Sheriff’s Office and says he has confidential information to discuss. Authorities say it’s likely an attempt to gain personal information for fraudulent purposes; and as always, they say hang up and don’t give out any personal information over the phone
Maine State Police Investigate Death in Readfield
(Readfield) Maine State Police are investigating a death that occurred Wednesday morning at a home on Giles Road in Readfield. Troopers responded to a 10 a.m. 9-1-1 call reporting an incident at the home and discovered the body of a woman outside the home. The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a cause and manner of death. Another critically injured woman was found inside the residence. She was taken to a hospital in Lewiston. The suspect, a man who fled the scene, was found nearby, taken into custody and transported to a hospital in Augusta for evaluation. Authorities say the three people were related. Names are being withheld pending notification of kin.
(Readfield) One person is dead, another critically injured, the result of a Wednesday morning incident in Readfield. Maine State Police and Winthrop Police responded to a 9-1-1 call around 10 a.m. yesterday and found the body of a woman outside a home on Giles Road. A second injured woman was found inside the home – that person was taken to a hospital in Lewiston, where she was listed in critical condition. A suspect who reportedly fled the scene was found a short distance away, taken into custody, and transported to a hospital in Augusta for evaluation. The body of the deceased was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a cause and manner of death. Police are not releasing names at this time, but say the three were related and that there is no threat to the public.
Local Politics
MDACF Urges USDA to Expedite Release of Critical Farm Funding
(Augusta) Maine farmers are facing economic hardship due to delays in federal funding – part of the Trump Administration’s funding freeze. In a letter this week to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Maine DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal emphasized the urgent need to honor existing contracts and grant reimbursements upon which farmers, nonprofits and other agricultural entities have been relying. Stakeholders say Commissioner Beal’s appeal underscores the critical role of federal funding in sustaining Maine’s agricultural economy.
(Augusta) Sources say tens of millions of dollars are being withheld from non-profits and service providers that play essential roles in supporting Maine’s agricultural economy, a result of the spending freeze implemented by the new Administration. The delay has resulted in the state’s farmers facing economic hardship. In a letter this week to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Maine DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal emphasized the urgent need for the government to honor existing contracts and grant reimbursements upon which farmers, nonprofits and other agricultural entities rely. Stakeholders say Commissioner Beal’s appeal underscores the critical role of federal funding in sustaining Maine’s agricultural economy.
Citizen Initiative to Require Picture ID to Vote Gathers Enough Signatures to Go On Ballot
(Augusta) Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on Wednesday confirmed a citizen initiative petition that would require an individual to present photographic identification in order to vote has enough valid signatures to put the initiative on the ballot. The initiative now goes to the Legislature for consideration, per Maine’s Constitution. Lawmakers can choose to enact the bill as written or send it forward to a statewide vote in November.
Economy
Complaints Lead ME Public Advocate to Ask Community Solar Companies to Produce Billing Rates
(Hallowell) Maine’s Public Advocate, Heather Sanborn, has contacted community solar companies on behalf of unhappy customers enrolled in alternative delivery rates offered by CMP and Versant. A Public Utilities Commission press release reports customers say they did not receive the advertised savings promised by the community solar providers; and in some instances, even ended up paying more than they would have without a subscription. Sanborn sent a memo ordering community solar providers to immediately review all customer records to verify the chosen delivery rates, ensure billing was based on accurate, customer-selected rates, and to correct any discrepancies in past billing and issue refunds or bill credits for any overcharges.
(Hallowell) The Office of the Public Advocate is tasked with representing the interests of Maine utility consumers. This week, Heather Sanborn did just that, issuing a memo to community solar providers ordering them to immediately review all customer records in order to verify the chosen delivery rates, ensure billing was based on accurate, customer-selected rates, and to correct any discrepancies in past billing and issue refunds or bill credits for any overcharges. The memo comes after Sanborn reports she fielded numerous complaints from customers enrolled in alternative delivery rates offered by CMP and Versant. According to a press release, customers say they did not receive the advertised savings promised by the community solar providers; and in some instances, even ended up paying more than they would have without a subscription.
Peekytoe Provisions Uses Renovation to Add Year Round Housing
(Bar Harbor) Peekytoe Provisions, a year round restaurant and market in Bar Harbor, opened in 2014 and is known for providing fresh, local year-round shellfish to the MDI Community. They’ve recently shown even greater commitment to the community through a major renovation project that includes creation of three two-bedroom apartments for year-round residents and staff. Co-owners Drew Smith and Cyndi Bridges told the Mount Desert Islander one of the apartments will be kept for employees, and two for year round residents. A lack of year round housing has plagued the Downeast region and particularly the tourist town, which has found it increasingly difficult to attract and keep employees.
(Bar Harbor) Drew Smith and Cyndi Bridges, co-owners of Peekytoe Provisions in Bar Harbor, are known for providing fresh, local shellfish to patrons of their year-round restaurant and market. But it’s no secret the entire town – indeed much of the Downeast region – finds it increasingly difficult to attract and keep workers because of a lack of affordable year round housing. Smith and Bridges told the Mount Desert Islander they decided to take action. Through a major renovation project, the two added three two-bedroom apartments for year round residents and staff. They say one of the apartments will be kept for employees, and two for other year round residents.
Education
MDI Schools’ Superintendent Zboray Tells Board ICE Protocols in Place
(Bar Harbor) MDI School Superintendent Mike Zboray said this week, “Regardless of immigration status, students have the right to be educated.” Zboray told the Mount Desert Islander he consulted with the school’s district attorneys and other sources regarding schools and the policies of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, also known as ICE. Zboray told attendees at this month’s district-wide board meeting, ICE cannot remove students from MDIRSS buildings without a federal court warrant signed by a federal judge or magistrate judge of the U.S. district court. Zboray said school staff received training on protocols and reiterated immigration matters cannot be enforced by local law enforcement.
(Bar Harbor) Fears among immigrants – even those in the United States legally, have markedly increased with policies put forth by the Trump Administration. The Mount Desert Islander reports MDI School Superintendent Mike Zboray told attendees at a district-wide board meeting earlier this month, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers, or ICE, cannot remove students from MDIRSS buildings without a federal court warrant signed by a federal judge or magistrate judge of the U.S. district court. Zboray said school staff received training on protocols and that immigration matters cannot be enforced by local law enforcement. Zboray added, “Regardless of Immigration status, students have the right to be educated.”
College of the Atlantic Exceeds 24 Hour Challenge Goal
(Bar Harbor) College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor went a little overboard during their February 11th 24 hour challenge – and that’s a good thing … a VERY good thing. The college set a goal of raising $100,000 from 550 donors in just 24 hours. 798 supporters actually came together to donate more $186,000. With matching gifts, the college raised more than $336,000 along with the spirits of everyone in the community who participated in a day filled with hockey, music, bonfires, food and friendships.
Environment
City of Ellsworth Takes Steps to Protect Branch Lake Drinking Water
(Ellsworth) Protecting Ellsworth’s drinking water from NPS pollutants. That was the goal of the Ellsworth Public Works Department and the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District as they entered into a cost-sharing agreement for a project that will prevent potential contaminants from entering the Branch Lake Watershed. The project focused on the intersection of Winkumpaugh and Happytown Roads, where runoff posed a risk to water quality. HCSWCD officials praised the City of Ellsworth for stepping up to protect the drinking water and using grant monies to reduce the financial burden.
(Ellsworth) Safe at home – that’s the call on Ellsworth drinking water originating from Branch Lake. The City says the Ellsworth Public Works Department worked hand in hand with the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District, entering into a cost-sharing agreement for a project that will prevent potential contaminants from entering the Branch Lake Watershed. Runoff near the intersection of Winkumpaugh and Happytown Roads posed that risk to water quality. Officials with HCSWCD praised City of Ellsworth management and road crews, saying they were responsive, flexible, and skillful during installation of Best Management Practices to Maine Department of Environmental Protection standards.
Trump Signs Order to Reduce Cost of IVF
(The Hill) President Trump this week signed an executive order directing federal agencies to find ways to reduce the high cost of in vitro fertilization, or IVF treatment. The order directs the Domestic Policy Council to make recommendations on how to ensure reliable access to IVF, according to a White House fact sheet. The Hill reports the order sets a 90-day deadline for the recommendations to be submitted.
(Axios) Couples struggling to get pregnant are cheering President Trump’s order this week to expand access to in vitro fertilization by reducing the high cost of the procedure. Axios reports it will test Republican solidarity on an issue that split GOP ranks in the run-up to the election. IVF generally enjoys broad support among Americans, including many conservatives, but at times has been problematic for some in the anti-abortion movement, who object to the destruction of surplus embryos created through the process.
Sports
In the high school basketball Class C North semifinals, on the boys’ side, number 7 seeded Calais takes on number three seeded Madawaska this evening at the Cross Insurance Center. Game time 7 p.m. The Calais girls take on #1 Penobscot Valley this afternoon at 3:30.
The Ellsworth High School girls’ basketball season ended yesterday with a 47-37 loss to Caribou in the Class B semifinals at the Cross Insurance Center. Congratulations, Eagles, on a great season!
The MDI boys’ basketball team had a great season, but they were outscored last night in the Class B semifinal. Congratulations on a great season, Trojans! No. 1 seeded Caribou gets the 53-41 win. They’ll take on Orono Friday in the Class B Northern Maine Championship Game in Bangor.
The Celtics take on the Philadelphia Eagles tonight in Philly. The Bruins back on the home ice Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks.