Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Subaru Driver Takes Car’s Capability to the Extreme
(Newry) Subaru drivers take pride in their vehicles’ ability to traverse daunting terrain. Earlier this month, one such driver in Maine took things a bit too far. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office reports in early March a Subaru Impreza operator decided to attempt a drive up the ski slopes at Sunday River. The vehicle left deep ruts and crashed into the ski lift scan gates before the suspect fled the scene, leaving behind more than $45,000 in damages. Deputies worked with Sunday River Security to quickly identify the suspect as 33 yo Jesse Bates of Mexico, Maine. The suspected vehicle with extensive body damage was located at Bates’s home, but the suspect eluded capture until March 12th, when deputies returned to his home and arrested him. Bates was taken to the Oxford County Jail where he was charged with Aggravated Criminal Mischief and Violation of Conditions of Release.
(Newry) A Subaru driver in Maine put his vehicle to the test earlier this month. Unfortunately, authorities say he caused more than $45,000 in damages, not to mention the damage done to his car. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office reports on the morning of March 9th, deputies were called to the Sunday River ski area, where they found deep ruts caused by a driver apparently attempting to climb the ski slope in his car. The vehicle had crashed into the ski lift scan gates before the driver then fled the scene. Authorities worked with Sunday River Security and quickly identified the suspect, his address, and the vehicle. They then made several attempts to locate 33 yo Jesse Bates at his home in Mexico, Maine. He was finally taken into custody last Wednesday and was transported to the Oxford County Jail, where he faces charges including Aggravated Criminal Mischief and Violation of Conditions of Release.
Local Politics
U.S. Finds Maine in Violation of Title IX
(Washington, DC) The Trump Administration said yesterday it had determined Maine was in violation of Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination, because the state allows transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it had given the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals’ Association, and Greely High School in Cumberland ten days to resolve the alleged violation or the matter would be referred to the Department of Justice. Governor Janet Mills and others say they are operating under the Maine Human Rights Act.
(Washington, DC) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Monday declared Maine was in violation of Title IX. The ruling cited Greeley High School in Cumberland and the Maine Principals’ Association. In February, HHS found the Maine Department of Education in violation of Title IX as well. The issue involves allowing transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports. Maine says it is following the state’s Human Rights Act. The Bangor Daily News reports in addition to HHS, five other federal agencies are investigating or have targeted Maine, despite only two transgender athletes competing in the state this school year, according to the Maine Principals Association. No word on the cost of those investigations.
Maine Agriculture Day
(Augusta) Today is Maine Agriculture Day at the Statehouse in Augusta. From 9 to 2, the Hall of Flags will be filled with exhibits featuring farmers, producers, and more than thirty agricultural organizations highlighting the diversity and innovation of Maine’s agriculture sector. The day will also include a “first” – Youth in Agriculture Policy Day to help prepare the next generation of ag leaders. Young people can meet with legislators and agricultural stakeholders today, tour the Statehouse, learn how agricultural policies are shaped and more. Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed the entire week, Maine Agriculture Week.
Collins, King Praise Passage of Bill to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking
(Washington, DC) Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King are praising passage of a bipartisan bill designed to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking. The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, or Halt, passed the Senate on an 84-16 vote. The bill will permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule “I” controlled drugs. Such drugs, they say, have no current accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse. Statistics reveal in 2021, 77% of all drug overdoses in Maine were due to fentanyl, although there have been some positive strides made. Overdose deaths for last year decreased by 25% nationwide, by 24% here in Maine.
Ruling Says Maine Violating Constitutional Rights Because of Lack of Representation
(Maine) A ruling this month found the state of Maine to be violating defendants’ Constitutional rights by not providing legal representation in a timely manner. Kennebec County Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy ruled charges against people not provided attorneys must be dismissed after a certain period. The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, whose job it is to provide lawyers to indigent clients, has been unable to meet the requirements of the Sixth Amendment, in part due to a lack of attorneys statewide who are willing to do such work. An emergency meeting was scheduled for yesterday. Maine has until April 3rd to come up with a plan to fix the alleged violation.
(Maine) A Kennebec County Superior Court Judge ruled this month the State of Maine is in violation when it comes to the Constitutional rights of defendants. Justice Michaela Murphy ruled those not provided attorneys must have their cases dismissed if they are not afforded legal representation after a certain period. The task of providing representation for indigent clients and those who are unable to afford an attorney is the responsibility of the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, which had an emergency meeting scheduled yesterday. They say they are unable to meet the requirements of the Sixth Amendment, at least in part because of a lack of attorneys statewide willing to do such work. The Judge has given the state until April 3rd to come up with a plan to fix the alleged violation.
Economy
Heart of Ellsworth Announces 2025 Downtown Grants Recipients
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth is excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Downtown Grant Program at a public awards ceremony a week from today on Tuesday, March 25th. The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. at 16 State Street. The program supports business owners in downtown Ellsworth, with this year’s generous sponsorship provided by Franklin Savings Bank, Bangor Federal Credit Union, First National Bank, and Machias Savings Bank. This year’s funding supports emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners alike. Three awards will be presented for $5K, $3K, and $500.
(Ellsworth) The public is invited to join Heart of Ellsworth on March 25th, as they announce the recipients of this year’s Downtown Grant Program. A public awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. at 16 State Street. The program supports business owners in downtown Ellsworth, with this year’s generous sponsorship provided by Franklin Savings Bank, Bangor Federal Credit Union, First National Bank, and Machias Savings Bank. Jurors this year include Ashlie Brown, the Deputy Finance Director for the City of Ellsworth, Jen Baroletti from Viridian Law, and Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Executive Director PJ Keenan. Three awards will be presented for $5K, $3K, and $500.
Environment
National Parks Staffing Cuts Impact Visitors at ANP and Elsewhere
(Undated) Our National Parks generate billions of dollars for local economies and create thousands of jobs, but recent staffing cuts at the federal level will no doubt impact tourism at parks such as our own Acadia. Todd Martin is the Northeast Senior Programs Manager with the National Parks Conservation Association. He spoke with Star 97.7 about just how dramatic those cuts have been. (((NatParks 1 “…were unilaterally fired on February 14th))). Martin says; in addition, 700 more staffers took a deferred resignation offer. Up next, we’ll talk with him about how, specifically, that could affect summer tourism on MDI.
(Undated) Recent staff cuts have impacted everything from school lunches to healthcare to our national parks. In 2024 alone, 325 million visitors headed to our country’s national parks. Todd Martin with the National Parks Conservation Association tells Star 97.7, seasonal and year round park staff are critical in taking care of infrastructure, trail maintenance, and park facilities. (((NatParks 2 “…overflowing trash cans and unclean bathrooms.” :21))) Martin says there’s little doubt staff shortages will greatly impact the visitor experience at Acadia and our other national parks.
(Undated) National Parks – the Grand Canyon, Olympic, the Great Smoky Mountains, and our own Acadia … National Parks have been touted as one of our country’s best investments. What impact this year’s staffing cuts will have on tourism remains to be seen. Todd Martin with the National Parks Conservation Association tells Star 97.7, it will likely impact the local economy as well. (((NatParks 3 “…but visitors should expect a different experience this year.” :22))) Martin says staffing cuts will likely also have an impact on Maine’s economy, especially here in Downeast Maine, with the visitor experience THIS year having an effect on future trips by tourists.
(Undated) The National Park Service makes up less than 1/15th of one percent of the federal budget, but delivers a $15 boost to the nation’s economy for every dollar invested. Star 97.7 asked Todd Martin, Northeast Senior Programs Manager with the National Parks Conservation Association, how we as citizens can influence decisions made at the federal level – specifically, regarding staff cuts at Acadia and other national parks. (((NatParks 4 “..reach out to Maine’s Congressional Delegation.” :22))). Martin says you’ll find a wealth of resources to help you get involved in the political process by calling members of Congress, writing a letter to the editor, attending an event and more … at N P C A dot org.
Infrastructure
ANP Carriage Roads Close for Mud Season
(ANP) Beginning today and until further notice, the Carriage Roads at Acadia National Park are closed to all users in order to protect them during the spring thaw – also known as mud season. Park officials say walking, biking, and riding horses in wet spring conditions can lead to ruts and potholes that channel water and exacerbate erosion. Visitors can still access hiking trails and the Park Loop Road, which remains closed to traffic until April 15th, but should be prepared for icy conditions throughout. With staff shortages this year, it will be especially important to protect the park’s infrastructure.
(ANP) Warm weather, melting snows, and rain – Spring in Maine brings our infamous mud season. Beginning today, the Carriage Roads at Acadia National Park are closed to all users in order to protect them during the spring thaw. Park officials say biking, riding horses, even walking on the roads this time of year can lead to ruts and potholes that channel water and lead to erosion. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park Loop Road, which remains closed to traffic through mid-April, as well as the park’s many hiking trails, but be prepared for icy conditions. We were there Friday, and even the Park Loop Road had a good deal of ice and snow cover in many spots.
Recovery and Resilience Grants
(Maine) Forty Maine businesses and nonprofits will share $2M in grants to support their recovery and rebuilding from last winter’s devastating storms. The grants are the second and final round of the Business Recovery and Resilience Fund, established as part of the $60M storm relief package secured by Governor Janet Mills and approved by the Legislature last year. Recipients include entities in Birch Harbor, Tremont, Stockton Springs, Searsport, Machias, Jonesport, SW Harbor and other towns throughout the state.
(Maine) Businesses and nonprofits in Machias, Jonesport, Birch Harbor, Tremont, and SW Harbor are among forty such entities that will share $2M in grants to support their recovery and rebuilding from last winter’s devastating storms. The grants are the second and final round of the Business Recovery and Resilience Fund, established as part of the $60M storm relief package secured by Governor Janet Mills and approved by the Legislature last year.
Sports
Sabres beat the Bruins last night 3-2 . Bruins in Vegas Thursday to put the sticks to the ice against the Golden Knights.
Red Sox beat the Braves 2-1 yesterday in Spring Training. The Red Sox continue Spring Training this afternoon as they run the bases with the Orioles.
Celtics home tonight against the Brooklyn Nets.
UMaine hockey Coach Ben Barr is a finalist for Hockey East Coach of the Year. It’s the second straight year Barr has been up for the honor.