Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Pembroke Man Facing Charges After Eluding Police
(Pembroke) A Pembroke man is facing charges after reportedly leading deputies on a chase in Washington County Sunday. The Sheriff’s Office tells WABI a deputy patrolling Route 191 recognized 23-year-old Nathaniel Lingley, who had three outstanding warrants. Lingley reportedly refused to stop for the deputy and a pursuit began, ending on Route 9 in Wesley when Lingley’s vehicle broke down. Lingley faces charges relating to the pursuit and possession of meth in addition to his warrants.
(Pembroke) A Pembroke man faces multiple charges, including possession of meth, after authorities say he led them on a high speed chase in Washington County on Sunday. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office tells WABI, a deputy patrolling Route 191 recognized 23-year-old Nathaniel Lingley, who had three outstanding warrants. Lingley reportedly refused to stop for the deputy, which led to a pursuit that ended with Lingley’s vehicle breaking down on Route 9. In addition to drug charges, Lingley faces charges related to that chase and refusing to stop for the officer.
Machias Standoff
(Machias) Few details yet this morning, but a Maine State Police Tactical Team was on the scene of a standoff on Lyons Street in Machias most of the day on Wednesday. The University of Maine notified the campus community about 9:30 a.m. that police were negotiating with a barricaded subject at a location just about a mile from campus. The Washington County RCC said the Lyons Street area was closed due to the incident, but emphasized it was not related to UMM. Lyons Street reopened about 6 last evening. Authorities said there was no threat to the public.
(Machias) A person who apparently barricaded themselves at a location on Lyons Street in Machias yesterday prompted a large police presence in that area most of the day. The Maine State Police Tactical Team was called in, and UMaine Machias, the Washington County Courthouse, and other area locations were notified. Authorities said there was no threat to the public, but Lyons Street was closed most of the day until about 6 last evening. No other details have yet been released.
Judicial Branch Warns About Scam
(Augusta) Another scam warning – this time from the Maine Judicial Branch. They say someone is making calls, falsely claiming to be from law enforcement and demanding payment of a fine over the telephone, purportedly because the person called did not report for jury duty. A press release cautions, court staff and law enforcement never call and request personal or financial information or money via telephone, and they don’t threaten those who don’t comply. They say most contact about serving for jury duty is made through the U.S. mail.
(Augusta) Seems authorities can’t say it enough – if you receive a call from someone demanding money or personal information, hang up and call your local law enforcement agency. The latest scam warning comes from the Maine Judicial Branch. They say an impersonator is calling folks, falsely claiming to be from law enforcement and demanding payment of a fine over the telephone, purportedly because the person called did not report for jury duty. Court staff and law enforcement say they never call and request personal or financial information or money via telephone, and they don’t threaten those who don’t comply. They say most contact about serving for jury duty is made through the U.S. mail.
Local Politics
State Lawmakers Hold Off on Final Budget Vote
(Augusta) Maine lawmakers this week once again held off on taking final votes on a short-term budget that would fill a $118M MaineCare deficit. The Bangor Daily News reports Senate President Mattie Daughtry and Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart met privately, presumably in an attempt to sway enough Republicans in the legislature to pass the supplemental budget by a ⅔ vote, allowing for immediate MaineCare payments to hospitals and health providers, rather than after a 90 day wait. At the moment, that seems unlikely, although Daughtry has said they are continuing to have conversations. On Wednesday, state lawmakers voted to reject portions of the budget regarding supplemental payments to childcare workers and benefits such as childcare for their children.
(Augusta) Senate President Mattie Daughtry and Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart met privately this week, presumably in an attempt to persuade enough Republicans in the legislature to pass the supplemental budget by a ⅔ vote. That’s the number needed in order to allow for immediate MaineCare payments to hospitals and health providers. Because the budget passed the House with a simple majority, payments could still be made; but not before 90 days. The supplemental budget is an attempt to fill a $118M MaineCare deficit; but the budget contains sticking points Republicans say are critical for their support, including an annual 3-month limit per recipient on General Assistance. Yesterday, the Committee on Health and Human Services voted 10-3 to reject portions of the budget regarding supplemental payments to childcare workers and benefits such as childcare for their children.
Department of Commerce Agrees to Negotiate Maine Sea Grant
(Washington, DC) Following outcry from Maine’s Congressional Delegation, the Department of Commerce says it will renegotiate funding for Maine Sea Grant. Maine’s Sea Grant program was reportedly the only one of 30-plus such programs cut by the Trump Administration last week. Senator Susan Collins met with Commerce Secretary Lutnick and explained the overwhelming cost a shutdown would mean to Maine’s coastal communities. A spokesperson for the Department of Commerce said after speaking with Senator Collins, the Department would engage in bilateral negotiations to modify the Year 2 award requirements of the grant and related funding
(Washington, DC) The U.S. Commerce Department has agreed to renegotiate Maine Sea Grant. The Trump Administration last week sent a letter announcing the shutdown of the program, affecting 20-plus jobs, millions in research and education funding, and virtually every coastal Maine town. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree pushed back, with Collins then meeting with the Commerce Secretary to explain what was at stake. A spokesperson said after the productive talk, the Department was committed to engaging in negotiations to modify the Year 2 award requirements of the grant and related funding.
Education
Ellsworth Public Library Offers Museum Passes
(Ellsworth) With plenty of cold, rainy, maybe even snowy winter days left, folks are always looking for things they can do indoors … especially if it’s fun and educational for the kids! The Ellsworth Public Library has partnered with several area museums and offers free passes on a first come, first served basis! Some options include Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor, the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Boothbay Harbor’s Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and more. Passes can be reserved up to a moth in advance, one visit per month. Check out the Ellsworth Public Library – they’re all about books … and SO much more!
(Ellsworth) Give your child that extra edge, and treat yourself, as well, with a visit to one of Downeast Maine’s wonderful museums! Did you know you can go for free with museum passes from the Ellsworth Public Library? All you need is a patron card in good standing! Marvel at the ever-changing art at the Farnsworth in Rockland, learn about the state’s rich Maritime history at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, enjoy the Oceanarium in Bar Harbor, and more. Most passes can be reserved up to a month ahead of time. For details, visit ellsworth public library dot net. The Ellsworth Public Library – they’re all about books … and SO much more!
Environment
Tree Pruning Workshop
(Ellsworth) Are your trees in need of a trim? Have you noticed a parcel that needs pruning? The Ellsworth Arbor Commission is offering a tree pruning workshop on Saturday, March 15th at Knowlton Park. Our new Community Tree Steward Michael Otzwirk (Ahtz-work) will be leading the workshop from 10 until Noon, along with Certified Arborist Tabatha White, who’s also a member of City Council. Be a part of a growing community of Citizen Pruners. Learn expert tips and step-by-step instructions. All you need are gloves that can hold pruners or saws, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and – in case of snow – some tall boots on your feet. Day-of participants are welcome; but they say it’s helpful if you RSVP to tree steward at ellsworth maine dot gov.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Arbor Commission is working hard to bring back the City’s beautiful tree canopy and street tree program. Winter weather can do a number on trees, so they invite you to come be a part of a “growing” community of Citizen Pruners. Join Community Tree Steward Michael Otzwirk and Certified Arborist and City Council member Tabatha White on Saturday, March 15th, from 10 until Noon at Knowlton Park. Get expert tips and step-by-step instructions on best practice for pruning your own trees; and if you like, those on city property. All you need are gloves that can hold pruners or saws, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and – in case of snow – some tall boots. Day-of participants are welcome; but they say it’s helpful if you RSVP to tree steward at ellsworth maine dot gov.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Star 97.7 Talks With “The Toy Guy” at This Year’s Toy Fair
(NYC) I don’t know about you, but I think ALL of us could use some good news these days. So, Star 97.7 decided to go in search of Chris Byrne, aka “The Toy Guy”! This week, Chris is at the Toy Fair in New York City, getting a first look at the hottest toys for 2025. Of course, the first thing we wanted to know is, what’s the outlook for our local toy, book, and gift shops? (((Toys! 1 “…to help small retailers do better business.” :18))) Don’t go away, Chris will be back in our Star 97.7 newscasts to let us in on the year’s hottest trends in toys!
(NYC) What do you say we set aside the politics for some good old fashioned play time? Star 97.7 contacted Chris Byrne, aka “The Toy Guy”, at this year’s Toy Fair in NY City. Chris tells us there are two big trends in toys this year – and the first is rockin’ retro and all about the animals. (((Toys! 2 “…Barney is back in a big way from Fisher-Price.” :24))) Chris says the pups of Adventure Bay get their very own airport this year, Hello Kitty fans can enjoy building the 354 piece café that’s 4 inches tall and a foot wide when finished, and everybody’s favorite purple pal is already out with plushies, with lots more to come with all these toys later this year.
(NYC) We’re talking this morning with Chris Byrne, aka “The Toy Guy”! We got hold of Chris at this year’s biggest event in toys – the annual Toy Fair in New York City. Chris tells Star 97.7, what’s old is new – Paw Patrol, Hello Kitty, and Barney are all seeing a resurgence. Another retro item? Slime! But Chris says, this ain’t your mama’s slime. (((Toys! 3 “…and kids can’t seem to get enough of it.” :17))) Chris says the new slime is tinted, comes in four different texture combinations, and should be readily available later this year.
(NYC) Star 97.7 this week caught up with Chris Byrne, aka “The Toy Guy”, who’s no doubt having the time of his life at the Annual Toy Fair in NY City. Chris tells us there’s a lot to see and a lot of competition this year.
(((Toys! 4 “…with creativity, innovation, and the desire to bring joy to kids.” :24))). Think we could get Barney or maybe a Beanie Baby on the ballot in 2028? You can follow The Toy Guy and see all the latest trends on Instagram and at the toy guy dot com.
Sports
Former Ellsworth High School basketball standout Grace Jaffray has been named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year. Jaffrey wrapped up her freshman year at Johnson & Wales fourth in the nation in scoring capping off a 23 and 3 season for the Wildcats.
The Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday 4-2 down in Florida. Spring Training continues this afternoon, as the Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Bruins take on the Hurricanes tonight in Carolina.
Celtics beat the Portland Trailblazers last night 128-118. The Celtics on the home court tonight against the 76ers.