Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Holden Police Arrest Man Second Time in Three Months
(Holden) For the second time in just over three months, deputies with the Holden Police Department have arrested 53 yo David MacKenzie. They say the last time he was arrested, MacKenzie was out on post-conviction bail for aggravated assault, OUI and leaving the scene of a crash after striking down an 86 yo man in Brewer. At that time he was placed under house arrest. In recent days, they say MacKenzie was seen at his residence having contact with the witness in his criminal case. When he reportedly refused to surrender, authorities obtained a search warrant and arrested MacKenzie without incident. They say the witness was found hiding in the residence. MacKenzie is being held without bail in the Penobscot County Jail.
(Holden) A Holden man is under arrest for the second time in just over three months. The Holden Police Department reports the last time 53 yo David MacKenzie was arrested, he was out on post-conviction bail for aggravated assault, OUI and leaving the scene of a crash in Brewer. At that time, he was placed under house arrest. Authorities received a tip MacKenzie was not adhering to his house arrest conditions and was having contact with the witness in his criminal case. They say Saturday night, they observed the two entering MacKenzie’s home. When he reportedly refused to surrender to police, they obtained a search warrant and MacKenzie was then arrested without incident. The witness was found hiding at the scene. MacKenzie is being held without bail in the Penobscot County Jail.
Local Politics
Governor Mills Responds to President Trump’s Demand for an Apology
(Bangor) In response to President Trump’s demand Saturday on his social media page that Governor Janet Mills issue a “full throated” apology, the Governor had been silent … until yesterday. WABI caught up with her in Bangor where she said in part, “I don’t communicate with public officials by … social media. … my issues are about the rule of law, plain and simple. It’s not about transgender sports, but about who makes the laws and who enforces them.” The Governor further said she has read the Constitution, a document by which the President is bound to abide. She added, “People in Maine and across the country are waiting for an economic plan … and so far we’ve seen none. We’ve seen tariffs and threats of tariffs that threaten our economy in Maine and across the country.”
(Bangor) Governor Janet Mills was in Bangor yesterday for an event to celebrate the purchase of a mobile home park by its residents. WABI was there, as well, and got a response to Trump’s social media post demanding a “full throated” apology from Mills. The Governor began by saying she doesn’t communicate with public officials via social media, and added her issues are about the rule of law, plain and simple. She seemed to school the President, saying she reads the Constitution and reminded him the Constitution says the President shall take care that the law be faithfully executed. She also said people in Maine and across the country have seen tariffs and threats of tariffs but, “are still waiting on an economic plan from the current occupant of the White House.”
Sanders Draws Huge Crowds, Revealing Growing Unrest
(Undated) There’s so much back and forth in politics these days, one could easily get whiplash – staff are fired, then rehired, program funds are cut, then restored by order of the courts, a budget is agreed on, and then it’s not. One thing that has remained consistent – and growing – is the size of crowds being drawn by an 83 yo New England Congressman from Vermont. Senator Bernie Sanders just wrapped up a three-state, five-rally tour with Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. More than 3,000 in Las Vegas last Thursday, followed by 15,000 in a standing room only event in an arena in the Tempe-Phoenix area, and a whopping 34,000 in Denver, with comparable crowds in Greeley and Tucson. Sanders says the response is indicative Americans are tired of a corrupt political system that “allows billionaires in both parties to buy elections and leaves working people behind.”
(Undated) Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders may not be running for office, but he’s clearly drawing support for his stance on the current administration. The 83 yo just wrapped up a three-state, five-rally tour that brought record crowds to hear his message that “Americans are tired of a corrupt political system that allows billionaires in both parties to buy elections and leaves working people behind”. The tour began Thursday with an enthusiastic crowd of 3,000 in Las Vegas, followed by a standing-room-only rally at an arena in Tempe that drew 15,000 people, and wrapped with a whopping 34,000 attending in Denver. Comparable crowds turned up to hear the Senator and Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Greeley and Tucson. Sanders minced no words last month when he spoke on the Senate floor accusing the Trump administration of Oligarchy, Authoritarianism, and Kleptocracy.
Education
Shaw Institute Announces Touch Tank Open House
(Blue Hill) There’s something fishy going on at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill! And you’re invited to see it firsthand. We’re talking about their all new 200-gallon Touch Tank, making its debut on April 16th. The launch celebration is free and open to the public from 2 to 6 p.m., so stop by for fun activities, new merchandise to show off, and lots of opportunities to interact with sea creatures. Inaugural residents will include lobsters, crabs, barnacles, sea stars and more, a fantastic mix of critters, according to staff. Bring the kids – all activity will be closely monitored to ensure no creature is mishandled or subjected to undue distress. Following the Open House, the Touch Tank will continue to be accessible – see the Shaw Institute FB page for specific days and times.
(Blue Hill) It’s been more than a year in the making, but come April 16th, you can get a hands-on look at periwinkles, lobsters, crabs, clams, sea stars and more at the Shaw Institute’s Open House debut of their amazing new 200-gallon Touch Tank. The Open House at 55 Main Street in Blue Hill will be from 2-6 p.m. that day and will feature fun activities, new merchandise to show off, and lots of closely monitored opportunities for kids and adults alike to interact with their sea creatures. After the Open House, access to the tank will remain open to the public free of charge through Labor Day, thanks to a successful fundraising campaign, with funds matched by Downeast Properties owners Jeff and Tina Allen. Expect an ever-changing rotation of sea life in the touch tank, based on migration patterns, seasons, and unexpected finds. For a calendar of specific dates and times, follow the Shaw Institute on FB.
Health
Oceanside Animal Hospital Open House
(Trenton) Just a few weeks ago, the situation at Oceanside Animal Hospital was looking pretty bleak. Dr. Burmeister’s wife had been diagnosed with a serious illness; and with no one to take over the practice, Oceanside was set to close on Valentine’s Day. But some local business owners heard of the situation – and as fate would have it, they knew a veterinarian in Florida who was anxious to return home to Maine. The rest, as they say, is history. So, instead of a shuttered facility, the practice will remain open under new ownership. The public is invited to meet the new doctor at an Open House on April 10th from 4 to 7 at Oceanside, 47 Four Paws Lane in Trenton. And of course, we continue to wish the best for Dr. Burmeister and his wife and family.
(Trenton) We can hear the purrs and excited barks now – Oceanside Animal Hospital will remain open under new ownership, and they’ve planned an Open House so the public can meet and get to know the new veterinarian. Back in December, Dr. Burmeister’s wife was diagnosed with a serious illness; so the doctor planned to close the clinic unless a new vet was found – which didn’t seem likely. Until a local business couple heard about the situation – and just so happened to be friends with a vet down in Florida who wanted to get back up to Maine. The rest, as they say, is history. Come meet the new vet on April 10th from 4 to 7 at 47 Four Paws Lane in Trenton. And, we certainly continue to wish the best for Dr. Burmeister, his wife, and family.
Infrastructure
Bangor Lane Closure
(Bangor) If you’re headed to the Bangor area this week, the Maine Department of Transportation is sharing a heads up they’ll have a lane closure on Broadway where it passes under I-95 in Bangor starting tomorrow through Friday. The closure will be in effect from 9 to 3 and is necessary for backfilling operations. Broadway traffic will be reduced to a single lane through the work zone. They say traffic on I-95 will not be affected.
(Bangor) Look for possible traffic backups on Broadway in Bangor beginning tomorrow and running through Friday, from 9 to 3 each day. The Maine Department of Transportation will be closing a lane on Broadway where it passes under I-95 for backfilling operations. The work will mean Broadway traffic will be reduced to a single lane through the work zone. MDOT officials say traffic on I-95 won’t be impacted.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA HC Offers Orientation for Foster Applicants
(Trenton) Maybe you’re not sure about adding a pet – or another pet to your home, but you do have room in your heart and home to foster. The SPCA of Hancock County is rebuilding their foster program and is thrilled to offer an orientation for foster applicants this Saturday, March 29th. If you’re interested in attending, just submit a foster application on their website, s p c a hancock county dot org – and their Foster Coordinator will be in touch with more information. The shelter will be closed for deep spring cleaning March 30th through April 7th, but they’ll have lots of free and/or by donation pet supplies available out front for the community. And the donation table will also be available for drop offs daily from 8-5 per usual.
(Trenton) Lots going on at the SPCA of Hancock County! Thanks to the wonderful folks who adopted last week – eight adorable cats found their forever homes! With kitten season coming up, the SPCA is rebuilding their foster program and is thrilled to offer an orientation for foster applicants this Saturday, March 29th. If you’re interested in attending, just submit a foster application on their website, s p c a hancock county dot org – and their Foster Coordinator will be in touch with more information. Also, they’d like you to know they’ll be closed the following week, March 30th through April 7th for deep spring cleaning. But the donation tables will be accessible with items for free and/or donation and a place to drop off donated items from 8-5 per usual.
Ellsworth Chamber Announces Director’s Award
(Ellsworth) Each year, the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce bestows the Director’s Award on an individual, business, or institution for its outstanding impact on the community. This year, that honor goes to the Hancock County Technical Center. Chamber Executive Director PJ Keenan said the award was given in recognition of HCTC’s tireless dedication to shaping the future of Maine’s workforce through high-quality career and technical education, reflecting the outstanding impact it has on its students. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Meeting on May 8th.
(Ellsworth) Not too many more noble pursuits than shaping America’s future through its young people. So it’s fitting this year’s Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Director’s Award will honor the Hancock County Technical Center. Ellsworth Chamber Executive Director PJ Keenan noted HCTC’s tireless dedication to impacting the future of Maine’s workforce through high-quality career and technical education, reflecting the outstanding influence HCTC has on its students. The award will be presented at this year’s Annual Chamber of Commerce Meeting and Dinner scheduled for May 8th.
Sports
The Celtics dethroned the Kings last night in Scramento 113-95. The Celtics on the court against the Suns in Phoenix on Wednesday.
The Bruins have the night off. They skate against the Ducks in Anaheim tomorrow night.
The Red Sox open their regular season in Texas Thursday against the Rangers.