Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Etna Woman Arrested for Murder of Boyfriend
(Etna) Maine State Police have arrested and charged a 36 yo Etna woman in the murder of her boyfriend. Authorities were called to a home on Old County Road shortly after 6:30 Friday morning and discovered the body of 41 yo Luke Norris. The deceased was taken to the coroner’s office, where it was determined he died of sharp force injuries. Detectives have arrested his girlfriend, 36 yo Heidi Tasker, in connection with the homicide. Norris and Tasker both lived at the home. Tasker is expected to make an initial court appearance today.
(Etna) Authorities say a 41 yo Etna man died of sharp force injuries and have ruled the death of Luke Norris a homicide. Deputies with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s office were called to a home on Old County Road in Etna shortly after 6:30 a.m. Friday morning and discovered Norris’s body. Detectives then arrested his girlfriend, 36 yo Heidi Tasker and charged her with Norris’s murder. Tasker was initially taken to a hospital for observation. She’s expected to make an initial court appearance this morning.
Local Politics
President Trump Demands “Full Throated” Apology from Governor Mills
(Washington, DC) President Donald Trump is demanding a “full-throated” apology from Governor Janet Mills. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that while the State of Maine had apologized for Mills’s comeback at the White House Governor’s Conference, he had not heard from the Governor herself, who told Trump she would “see him in court.” Trump said in addition to an apology, he needed, “a statement that she will never make such an unlawful challenge to the Federal Government again.” NBC Boston said the Governor did not immediately respond but has said the issue is not just about athletic competition but about, “whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law that governs our nation.”
(Washington, DC) President Trump continued his threats against the State of Maine on Saturday, posting on his social media platform that he demands a “full-throated” apology from Governor Janet Mills for her response to him at the White House Governor’s Conference. When asked about transgender athletes participating in women’s sports in Maine, the Governor told the President she was complying with the Maine Human Rights Act and that she would see him in court. In addition to an apology for her response, Trump said he needed, “a statement that she will never make such an unlawful challenge to the Federal Government again.” Mills has said in the past the issue “is about more than athletics, but whether a President can force compliance with his will, without the rule of law that governs the U.S.”
Pingree to Host Tele-Town Hall with Attorney General Frey
(Augusta) Representative Chellie Pingree and Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey are pushing back against what they say are illegal actions by President Donald Trump. The two will host a Tele-Town Hall tomorrow, beginning at 6 p.m. During the hour-long event, Pingree and Frey will speak directly with Mainers about what they say are the many unconstitutional actions taken since the Inauguration by Trump, his administration, and Elon Musk – including actions specifically targeting the Pine Tree State. The two plan to lay out how Congressional Democrats and states are fighting back. Register for the live event at pingree dot house dot gov.
(Augusta) Representative Chellie Pingree and Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey will hold a live Tele-Town Hall tomorrow evening, planning to call out the Trump Administration and Elon Musk for what they say are blatant unconstitutional actions taken since Inauguration Day. Pingree says the two will speak live from Augusta and Washington, DC and will specifically address actions targeting Maine. Pingree says they will also lay out a plan of how Congressional Democrats and states are fighting back. Register for the event at pingree dot house dot gov.
King Calls Out Trump Administration’s Approach to Social Security
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King is calling out the Trump Administration’s approach to Social Security, labeling it “reckless, disrespectful, and dangerous.” King’s remarks come in response to a statement by billionaire Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick who reportedly insisted during an interview that only “fraudsters” would complain about missed Social Security checks, not honest Americans. In February, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency dismissed 7,000 SSA staffers, with plans to close offices that could result in delayed or missing checks for the more than 70M Americans who rely on Social Security.
(Washington, DC) Calling it “reckless, disrespectful, and dangerous”, Senator Angus King blasted the Trump Administration’s approach to Social Security. King’s remarks came in response to a statement by billionaire Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who reportedly insisted during an interview that only “fraudsters” would complain about missed Social Security checks, not honest Americans. King issued a statement Sunday night saying, “The Trump Administration’s callous indifference to the millions of Americans who rely on the monthly Social Security checks they’ve earned … is the most direct assault on this vital program in its almost 100 year history.”
Dispute Over Police Dog Rattles Hancock County Leaders
(Ellsworth) Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane says he’s fighting for additional public safety. Commissioner Bill Clark is keeping a tight leash on the funds needed for that – specifically, an additional police K9. With one of the the department’s two canines being sold, the sheriff proposed using the funds to acquire a replacement, noting that since 2023, the Department has fielded 72 calls for service for K9’s. Clark has stood firm in opposing the idea, citing cost. But Kane responded handlers have agreed to accept reduced compensation to maintain the two dogs. A meeting on the issue earlier this month became so heated, Clark told Lieutenant Brian Archer to leave within minutes of the meeting getting underway after Archer reportedly criticized the commissioner for fumbling with papers rather than paying attention to the issue at hand.
(Ellsworth) The Hancock County Commissioners are divided on a dogged issue concerning the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Scott Kane and his deputies are advocating for a second police dog to replace one being sold. Commissioner Bill Clark, in particular, has reportedly argued so adamantly against the purchase, tempers have flared and Sheriff Kane has taken to social media to educate the public on what’s happening. Kane points out the Department has fielded 72 calls requiring K9s just since 2023. Clark pushed back on cost. But the Sheriff says handlers see a second dog as so important, they’ve agreed to accept reduced compensation to maintain the two K9s. In the end, the vote was 2 to 1 to keep the Sheriff’s Department a one-dog agency, with Commissioners Clark and Samuel DiBella voting for one dog, Commissioner John Wombacher voting to purchase a second. You can watch the full meeting on the Sheriff’s Department FB page.
Economy
ANP Workers Rehired
(ANP) The National Parks Service last week was authorized to reinstate all one thousand probationary park staff terminated on February 14th, per a court order. The National Parks Conservation Association reports probationary staff who opt for reinstatement will be able to fully return to work and receive back pay. That includes eight employees previously terminated at Acadia National Park. NPCA says while it welcomes the court-mandated rehires, national parks remain in crisis. They’re calling on the Trump administration and Congress to prevent any further cuts to park staffing and funding.
(ANP) A court order has terminated the staff terminations at our nation’s National Parks. The National Parks Conservation Association reports probationary staff who opt for reinstatement will be able to fully return to work and receive back pay. That includes eight employees handed pink slips on February 14th at Acadia National Park. NPCA says while it welcomes the judge’s ruling, national parks remain in peril and that recent resignations and buyout offers are part of a pressure tactic in an ongoing plan to dismantle the Park Service. Apart from staff cuts, they say parks have been stripped of the essential tools and resources needed to do their jobs, including the elimination of purchasing ability, cancelling office leases and banning travel.
Environment
Propane Canister Recycling
(Maine) Earlier this month, a listener sent in a question for Ellsworth City Manager Charlie Pearce on our weekly City Scene program, asking if there was a way to safely dispose of those single-use propane canisters people use when they go camping. The Bangor Daily News reports a Maine lawmaker has proposed a bill to study the safe disposal of the containers. Democratic Representative Ambureen Rana of Bangor said litter is one of the key factors in proposing the bill. The canisters can retain a bit of fuel and are often tossed in the woods, as there’s currently no central depository for them. They are not, of course, safe to pitch in the regular trash. The bill has six co-sponsors in the House and Senate. California has passed a measure allowing only the use of reusable and refillable canisters.
(Maine) Summer camping season will be here before you know it – many consider Maine the perfect paradise for that outdoor experience. Many campers use those single-use propane canisters for camp stoves, lanterns, and other needs – and far too many of them end up in the woods. The Bangor Daily News reports the only hazardous waste facilities in Maine are in Portland and Lewiston. One recycling facility in New Hampshire says they collect about 428 canisters each week from fifteen locations in Maine. Democratic Representative Ambureen Rana of Bangor said litter is one of the key factors in proposing a bill to study the safe disposal of the containers. The canisters can retain a bit of fuel and, thus, are not, of course, safe to pitch in the regular trash. If the bill passes, it could fall under a program that would require producers to bear some of the cost of dealing with the used canisters.
Health
A I Nursing Gets Mixed Reviews
(AP) The next time you’re due for a medical exam you may get a call from someone like Ana – a friendly voice that can help you prepare for your appointment and answer any pressing questions you may have. The Associated Press reports Ana has been trained to put patients at ease — like many nurses across the U.S. But unlike them, she is also available to chat 24-7, in multiple languages. That’s because Ana isn’t human, but an artificial intelligence program created by Hippocratic A I, one of a number of new companies offering ways to automate time-consuming tasks usually performed by nurses and medical assistants. Hospitals say it could help prevent nurses’ burnout; but nurses’ unions are pushing back, advocating for the right to have a say in how A I can be used — and protection from discipline if nurses decide to disregard automated advice.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Jo Cooper Joins Loaves and Fishes
(Ellsworth) The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth has hooked a good one. Jo Cooper has joined the pantry as Engagement Manager. Jo started Friends in Action in Ellsworth, a Senior Center offering free volunteer services for elderly and disabled area residents. The nonprofit thrived under her leadership – we’re sure Loaves and Fishes will do the same.
Milbridge Theatre Sees Volunteers
(Milbridge) Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? The Milbridge Theater and Community Arts Center is looking for volunteers to help with upcoming events at the Theater and their Summer Concert Series. See them on FB or stop by the theater anytime they’re open to learn more.
Prom Dress Fest
(Ellsworth) Prom season will be here before you know it! Community Closet 207 in Ellsworth is hosting a Dress Fest April 4th through the 6th. Free dresses and suits, plus bowties, shoes, and more. First come, first served – free prom attire for all. Community Closet 207 is located at 330 Water Street – check their FB page for specific times for the event.
Sports
As you no doubt know by now, the University of Maine men’s hockey team now the Hockey East Champs. They captured the Black Bears’ sixth Hockey East Tournament title with a 5-2 win over UConn Friday night. Now the third best in the country, they’ll be up against No. 13 Penn State Friday.
Red Sox lost to the Twins 9-3 yesterday in the last game of the Spring Training season. Red Sox open their regular season Thursday with a game against the Rangers in Texas.
Celtics overcame the Portland Trailblazers 129-116 yesterday. Celtics in Sacramento tonight for a game against the Kings.
The LA Kings iced the Bruins yesterday 7-2. Bruins off until Wednesday, when they skate against the Ducks in Anaheim.