Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Rockland Teen Charged With Stealing $40K
(Rockland) Police in Rockland have arrested an 18 yo for allegedly stealing $40K from a vehicle in Rockland. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the man worked with other teenagers to pull off the theft, which occurred in mid-February. At the time of his arrest, authorities say Zachary Gilbert was out on five sets of conditions of release from prior criminal charges. No word on why the large amount of money was in the vehicle, but it appears the victim was targeted because the alleged thieves knew it was there. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
(Rockland) Rockland police have arrested an 18 yo in connection with a February theft that involved a group of teens allegedly stealing $40K from a vehicle in Rockland. The Pen Bay Pilot reports at the time of his arrest, Zachary Gilbert was out on five sets of conditions of release from prior criminal charges. Authorities surmise Gilbert knew the money was in the vehicle, although authorities did not say why such a large amount of cash was being kept there. The Rockland and Thomaston Police Departments and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office assisted with search warrants. They say the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Local Politics
Legislature Considers Bills on Lobster Entry, Expanded Fishing Area
(Augusta) Last week in Augusta, the Marine Resources Committee heard information on LD 336, a bill that would reduce wait times in the lobster industry by lowering the entry/exit ratio to 1 to 1. Republican Representative Will Tuelll says that means one fisherman leaves and another can come off the waiting list for a lobster license. Proponents argue the wait time for a license can be fifteen years or longer, and that in some of the state’s seven zones, three fishermen have to retire before one can enter; while in others, the ratio is 5 to 1. Opponents say with whale rules, offshore wind concerns, a volatile market, and an unfavorable regulatory environment, now is not the time to be changing entry/exit ratios. The proposal was scheduled for work sessions this week.
(Augusta) The Marine Resources Committee in Augusta last week heard information on a bill to “assert state sovereignty” over federal waters up to twelve nautical miles offshore. Proponents cited unhappiness over increased regulations, while those opposed questioned the constitutionality, implementation, and cost of such a takeover. The proposal was scheduled for a work session this week. In other matters, the State and Local Government Committee voted 9-4 to require that schools being used as voting places be closed for the November General Election. Amended language brought forth by Republican Will Tuell of East Machias allowed for a school to still conduct remote learning, a professional development day, or opt against having classes altogether. The day would not count against a school’s required 180 school days per year and would not be a district-wide requirement.
ICE Wants Local Law Enforcement to Partner on Immigration Enforcement
(Undated) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is asking police agencies across the country to join in partnership, hoping to authorize local police officers “to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the … integrity of U.S. immigration laws.” The Bangor Daily News reports so far, no Maine departments have signed on. Among other issues, participating could further stretch the state’s already short-staffed law enforcement agencies.
(Undated) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is asking police agencies across the US to partner with them “to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the … integrity of U.S. immigration laws.” The program was started under President Trump’s first term, but expanded through an executive order signed on his first day in office in January. So far, the Bangor Daily News reports, none of Maine’s already short-staffed departments have signed on.
Maine Senate Rejects Supplemental Budget Deal
(Augusta) Republicans in the Maine Senate last night rejected a supplemental budget deal. The Portland Press Herald reports the vote, which fell short of the 2/3 support needed to pass as emergency legislation in the Senate, leaves a proposal that included critical funding for MaineCare providers in limbo and now sends lawmakers back to the drawing board.
(Augusta) It’s back to the drawing board for Maine legislators. The Portland Press Herald reports Republicans in the Maine Senate last night rejected a supplemental budget deal. The vote, which fell short of the 2/3 support needed to pass as emergency legislation in the Senate, leaves a proposal that included critical funding for MaineCare providers in limbo.
Economy
Maine PUC Approves Rate Hike for Versant Power
(Hallowell) The Maine Public Utilities Commission yesterday approved a distribution revenue increase for Versant Power. After rejecting an earlier requirement MPUC approved an increase of just over 23%. They say a typical residential customer using 500 Kilowatt hours of electricity per month will see an increase on their monthly bill of $11.15.
(Hallowell) Versant customers will soon see an increase in their utility bills. The Maine Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday approved a distribution revenue increase of just over 23%. Both the utility and MPUC acknowledged the financial strain facing customers, but say they also recognize the necessity of continued investment in the electric grid to ensure reliability, safety, and modernization. They say the typical residential customer who uses 500 kilowatt hours per month will see an increase on their monthly bill of about $11.15.
Maine DOL Offers Guidance for Laid Off Workers
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor has published unemployment insurance guidance for federal employees affected by layoffs. Information includes help in preparing to file a claim, when to file, and how to certify weekly job searches. The MDOL Rapid Response team is holding a weekly session via Zoom every Wednesday to go over information for laid off workers, including unemployment insurance, health insurance options, training and job search resources.
(Augusta) In response to the federal layoffs, the Maine Department of Labor Rapid Response team is holding a weekly session via Zoom every Wednesday to go over information for laid off workers, including unemployment insurance, health insurance options, training, and job search resources. MDOL has also published unemployment insurance guidance for those affected by layoffs that includes help in preparing to file a claim, information on when and how to file, and how to certify weekly job searches.
Education
University of Maine Funding Temporarily Paused
(Orono) The University of Maine System learned this week its funding from the US Department of Agriculture has been temporarily paused. An email from the USDA’s office directs agencies to “temporarily no longer issue any payments or authorize any other releases of funding to Columbia University or the University of Maine System.” The email said the USDA will be evaluating if it should take any follow-up actions related to prospective Title VI or Title IX Violations. Title VI refers to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits federal funds from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin, while Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools and education programs that receive federal funding.
(Orono) The USDA this week notified the University of Maine system its federal funding has been temporarily paused while the agency evaluates if it should take further actions related to prospective Title VI or Title IX Violations. The pause affects research such as the impact of PFAS contamination on Maine farms, innovation to develop sustainable packaging materials derived from Maine forest-based materials, support for 4-H youth leadership and STEM skill development programs, and partnered research with state agencies to ensure the health and sustainability of Maine’s lobster fishery. An email from the USDA’s office directs agencies to “temporarily no longer issue any payments or authorize any other releases of funding to Columbia University or the University of Maine System.”
Health
Insulin Settlement
(Augusta) Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey yesterday announced a settlement agreement with the drug company Sanofi-Aventis. The agreement comes amid scrutiny over the company’s pricing of insulin products. Under the settlement, Mainers who are uninsured or who have commercial health insurance will be eligible to purchase monthly supplies of Sanofi insulin products through 2029 for $35 cash. To explore possible savings through the program, consumers are urged to ask their pharmacist when filling their prescription.
(Augusta) A settlement between the state and a company that makes insulin will result in much lower costs for some consumers. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey yesterday announced a settlement agreement with the drug company Sanofi-Aventis. The agreement comes amid scrutiny over the company’s pricing of insulin products. Under the settlement, Mainers who are uninsured or who have commercial health insurance will be eligible to purchase monthly supplies of Sanofi insulin products through 2029 for $35 cash. In addition, Sanofi agreed to implement an enrollment program to assist pharmacists and patients in determining eligibility for its low-cost insulin. Consumers are urged to ask their pharmacist about the program when filling their prescription.
Infrastructure
Versant Power Planned Outage
(Jonesport) Versant Power crews have scheduled maintenance to the electrical system in Jonesport this Friday. The work is expected to begin about 10:30 a.m. and last about an hour. Customers on West Main Street, Hopkins and Sadler Points may experience service interruptions while the work is being completed.
(Jonesport) A heads up for Versant Power customers in Jonesport. The utility has scheduled maintenance work on the electrical system this Friday morning, beginning at 10 a.m. Customers on West Main Street, Hopkins and Sadler Points may experience service interruptions while the work is being completed. Versant said the work should take just about an hour.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Realtor Named Citizen of the Year
(Ellsworth) Congratulations to Realtor Carl Lusby, honored with the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Citizen of the Year Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary community spirit through volunteerism, advocacy, and involvement. Lusby is a former school Principal, whose commitment to youth and education has had a lasting impact, far beyond the requirements of that role. A member of the Ellsworth Rotary Club, Lusby continues to serve in various ways, but says his mantra remains, “it’s all about the kids”. Lusby will be formally recognized at the Annual Chamber Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 8th.
(Ellsworth) Realtor Carl Lusby has always been a doer. As an educator for 37 years, including many years serving schools in Hancock County, he says his mantra remains, “it’s all about the kids.” These days, you’ll still find Lusby working with schools and other organizations, particularly The Ellsworth Rotary Club, to spearhead and volunteer with food drives and other events that benefit local and national charities. So, it’s no surprise the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has named Lusby its 2025 Citizen of the Year. In announcing the award, the Chamber said, “Carl’s dedication to the youth of our community has been evident throughout his entire professional life … and didn’t stop with his retirement.” The Award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 8th.
Sports
Celtics on the home court tonight against the Oklahoma Thunder.
Phillies beat the Red Sox yesterday in Spring training, 18-8. The Red Sox take on the Twins this evening down in Florida (game time 6:05)
Bruins beat the Panthers 3-2 yesterday. The Bruins off tonight. They’ll be in Ottawa Thursday to skate against the Senators.