Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Mail Scam
(Maine) The York Police Department is warning of yet another scam – this time it involves getting “free” stuff in the mail. Stuff you didn’t order. Authorities say brushing scams use a third party website or marketplace, such as Amazon, to send items you didn’t order. The items come with a QR code to scan, a website to visit, or a phone number to call. Experts say, don’t do any of those things – they’re designed to get your personal information, supposedly in exchange for even more free goods, or they may even infect your device with malware. Once again, when in doubt, hang up, don’t answer, don’t respond, and toss any unordered items OUT.
(Maine) As if the rash of phone scams isn’t bad enough, now scammers are turning to mail fraud. This warning from the York Police Department. They say brushing scams involve your receiving a “free” item or items you didn’t order via mail or delivery. The scam uses a third party website or marketplace, such as Amazon, to send the items, which come with a QR code to scan, a website to visit, or a phone number to call. Experts say, don’t do any of those things – they’re designed to get your personal information, supposedly in exchange for even more free goods, or they may even infect your device with malware. When in doubt, they say don’t respond and don’t hesitate to contact authorities.
Series of Fires at ANP Allegedly Arson Started by One Man
(ANP) Federal court records unsealed this week in Bangor reveal what the National Park Service alleges were a series of five arson fires set by one man on St. Sauveur Mountain in 2023 and 2024. The Bangor Daily News reports the documents describe how an unnamed Trenton man allegedly started the fires, previously reported as wildfires, at times when it would have been impossible for them to have been started by natural causes. The suspect reportedly stood out to other hikers who saw him in the area at the time of at least one of the fires. A car registered to the man was at nearby Acadia Mountain Parking at the time of another of the fires. According to the affidavit, the suspect has been interviewed multiple times by park rangers, but witnesses have been unable to positively identify the man.
(ANP) The National Park Service says five wildland fires at Acadia National Park in a span of a year and a half were arson; that’s according to court records unsealed this week in Bangor. The Bangor Daily News reports an unnamed suspect, a 30-something-yo Trenton man, has been placed at the scene of several of the fires that park rangers say could not have been started by natural causes, such as a lightning strike. In one case, hikers reported seeing the suspect looking nervous and hiking down the mountain shortly before they came upon one of the fires. Court records reveal the same suspect’s car was parked at the trailhead at the time another of the fires occurred. When interviewed by park rangers, the man reportedly gave his name but a fake phone number, and rangers say his story contained multiple inconsistencies. The fires happened between April 2023 and May 2024 on St. Sauveur Mountain. The affidavit said all five fires could only have been intentionally set.
Local Politics
Economic Boycott
(Undated) Opponents of the policies of the Trump Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE, during the President’s first few weeks in office are calling for an economic boycott beginning at midnight tonight and running through 11:59 p.m. Friday. They’re asking people not to stock up ahead of time, and not to purchase from or order online from large retailers, but to buy only from small businesses on February 28th. Opponents of the Administration say they’ll begin with one day of the economic protest and go from there.
(Undated) Protesters feeling the weight of massive job cuts and other policies that have characterized the Trump Administration’s first four weeks are hoping to hit back where it hurts most – the wallets of the well off. They’re calling for an economic boycott beginning at midnight tonight and running through 11:59 p.m. Friday. They ask people not to stock up ahead of time, so as not to defeat the purpose, and not to purchase or order online from large retailers, but to buy only from small businesses on February 28th.
Education
March Offerings At Versant Power Astronomy Center
(Orono) We greatly underestimate the advancement of ancient civilizations and their understanding of the stars and planets. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, during March, their Friday night program will focus on one such civilization. (((Astro Mar 1 “…around the movements of the sun, moon and Venus.” :24))) That’s every Friday night in March at 7 p.m. Tickets at the door or at astro dot umaine dot e d u.
(Orono) There’s something for all ages at the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the University of Maine campus in Orono. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7 what’s on tap for kids – and the young at heart – during March. (((Astro Mar 2 “…come in and enjoy Prince in the Dome.” :21))) Children’s programs are Sundays at 2, music shows Sundays at 4 – and be sure to listen to Star 97.7 for your chance to win tickets to this month’s Prince: Purple Rain music show.
(Orono) It was just under a year ago we were treated to a total solar eclipse. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, in March, we’ll be privy to both a solar and a lunar eclipse! (((Astro Mar 3 “…and the eclipse will end at 4:47 :25))). Again, weather permitting, join Laatsch and the staff at the planetarium for free programming as you watch the moon turn that deep reddish brown. They’ll be on hand beginning at 12:30 a.m. until about 5 when the eclipse ends – IF the weather cooperates. The last total lunar eclipse was clouded out here on May 16, 2022 – the next one won’t be until June 26th, 2029.
Laatsch tells Star 97.7, there’s also a partial solar eclipse coming up on March 29th. That happens around sunrise, so we won’t be able to catch much of it, so no special programming for that one. In case you do want to view that, the planetarium does have some eclipse glasses, which you WILL need for that partial solar eclipse.
(Orono) If you’re a skywatcher, Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium, tells Star 97.7 what we can look for in the skies this week. (((Astro Mar 4 “…as it goes into conjunction with the sun.” :21))). And check out all the amazing March programming for kids, adults, music lovers and more at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Environment
Solar Companies Could Pay Fee for Using Farmland
(Maine) A proposed rule that would require solar companies to pay a state fee to place panels on agricultural land moved forward last week. Proponents say the rule is aimed at balancing competing land uses. The Bangor Daily News reports if implemented, solar companies would have to pay a compensation fee to the Department of Environmental Protection to develop on land assessed as “high value agricultural farmland.” About 13% of Maine’s land has been thus designated. The amount of such fees is still being worked out.
(Maine) The sun is a “hot” commodity – both for solar panel installations and agricultural farmland. A proposed rule aimed at balancing such competing uses would require solar companies to pay a state fee to place panels on agricultural land. Fees are still being worked out, but the proposal moved forward last week. The Bangor Daily News reports if implemented, solar companies would have to pay the Department of Environmental Protection to develop on land assessed as “high value agricultural farmland.” About 13% of Maine’s land has been thus designated.
Clean Energy Tax Credits Could Cause Increase in Electricity Costs
(Maine) A proposal to halt clean energy tax credits could force a more than 17% increase in electricity prices in Maine over the next decade and a half. The Portland Press Herald reports a recent study shows eliminating tax credits could lead to a loss of $22B a year in clean power investment in the U.S. In Maine, the change would add an average of $15 to consumers’ monthly bills and mean a loss of $100M annually, according to the report.
(Maine) A proposal to eliminate clean energy tax credits could mean a loss of millions of dollars annually and more out-of-pocket costs for consumers in Maine and across the country. The Portland Press Herald reports a recent study shows loss of the tax credits could force a more than 17% increase in electricity prices over the next 15 years, adding an average of $15 a month to consumers’ bills. The study reports eliminating tax credits could lead to a loss of $22B a year in clean power investment in the U.S. The report contends the change would mean a loss of $100M a year in Maine.
King Working to Protect Maine’s Coastal Ecosystem
(Washington, DC) Kelp forest ecosystems in Maine and along the nation’s shores provide food and habitat for hundreds of fish and marine mammals. The aquatic regions stabilize Maine’s coasts, allowing for responsible economic pursuits such as fishing, shipping and other innovations. Over the past 50 years, changes in climate, poor water quality and overfishing have damaged up to 60% of America’s kelp forests. To help combat the negative effects, Senator Angus King has introduced the Help Our Kelp Act. The legislation would establish a new grant program to fund conservation, restoration, and management efforts and would authorize $5M annually to promote restoration and preservation efforts for FY 2026 through FY 2030.
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King says kelp forests are key to helping keep our waters clean … and that healthy waters make for healthy people. But the Senator acknowledged climate change and human activity were having devastating consequences on coastal ecosystems, putting them in harm’s way and thus endangering Maine’s iconic fishery and coastal communities. To help combat the negative effects, King has introduced the Help Our Kelp Act. Among other benefits, the legislation would establish a new grant program through NOAA to fund conservation, restoration, and management efforts and would commit $5M annually to promote restoration and preservation efforts for FY 2026 through FY 2030.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Tips for Feeling Happier at Home
(WP) Want to feel happier at home? The Washington Post has rounded up a list of 32 ways to help you do that. They say start with sleep – pick a pillow that suits your sleep style, consider cooling bedding, maybe even go for a bigger bed or a mega mattress so you have room to stretch out. Paint your home happy with deep, rich shades. Bring the outdoors in with plants and greenery. Declutter, but start small and don’t stress. Have pets – and make sure they have a companion or two. Head outside and work outdoors with a garden; or create a space for meditation. And finally, they say when you head back inside, don’t give up a bit of art and luxury – even if you have young kids. For more details check out The Home You Own in Wednesday’s Washington Post.
Antiques RoadShow Coming to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
(Boothbay Harbor) If you’re a fan of Antiques RoadShow, you’ll be excited to know they’ll be coming to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor this summer for their first ever RoadShow in Maine. Admission for the June 18th event is free, but you must have a ticket, obtained in advance. Fans can enter for a chance to win one pair of free tickets at p b s dot org forward slash antiques. Deadline to enter is March 24th. Ticketed guests will receive free verbal evaluations of their antiques, art, and collectibles. Each ticketed guest is invited to bring two items for appraisal. The Gardens will be closed to the public June 17th and 18th.
Sports
The Pistons beat the Celtics last night in Detroit 117-97. Celtics off tonight. They’ll be home tomorrow against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bruins on the home ice tonight against the NY Islanders.