Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Public Safety Recognized for Saving Runaways
(Ellsworth) Three Ellsworth Police Officers and a fellow firefighter were recently recognized for their heroic efforts last December in saving three young people who fell through the ice on Graham Lake. WABI reports the three had run away from a group home and ventured out onto the ice to escape. Sergeant Chad Wilmot and Corporals Shawn Merchant and Ryan Angelo were presented with a merit award from the Maine Warden Service. The officers and Ellsworth Fire Captain Daryl Clark also received a plaque honoring their outstanding performance and dedication in carrying out the rescue.
(Ellsworth) Three Ellsworth Police Officers and an Ellsworth firefighter have been recognized for their heroic efforts in saving three young people who fell through the ice on Graham Lake last December. According to WABI, the youth had run away from a group home. The Maine Warden Service honored Sergeant Chad Wilmot and Corporals Shawn Merchant and Ryan Angelo with a merit award. The three, along with Ellsworth Fire Captain Daryl Clark, also received a plaque honoring their outstanding effort and dedication in rescuing the victims, likely saving their lives.
Etna Stabbing Update
(Etna) The Etna woman accused of fatally stabbing her boyfriend told officials she was talking to spirits who told her she had to do it, claiming the murder stemmed from “good versus evil”. Authorities say 36 yo Heidi Tasker called 9-1-1 Friday morning and confessed to stabbing 41 yo Luke Norris three times. WABI reports court documents reveal the victim’s mother told police Tasker had recently stopped taking her prescription medications. The couples’ three year old child was reportedly in the home at the time of the murder and is now in the custody of the child’s grandfather. Tasker is being held without bail and will undergo a court ordered mental competency evaluation.
(Etna) An Etna woman who fatally stabbed her boyfriend last Friday told authorities she was talking to spirits who told her she had to do it and claiming the murder stemmed from “good versus evil”. WABI reports 36 yo Heidi Tasker called 9-1-1 Friday morning and confessed to stabbing 41 yo Luke Norris three times. According to court documents, Norris’s mother told police Tasker had recently stopped taking her prescriptions. Tasker has been ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation. She’s being held without bail.
Local Politics
Maine Republicans Seek to Overturn State Budget
(Augusta) A group of Republicans in Augusta filed a people’s veto effort Tuesday, in an attempt to overturn the $11.3B state budget passed by Democrats last week over objections by the minority party. The Bangor Daily News reports the application was filed with the Secretary of State’s Office yesterday. The applicants have until June 19th to submit at least 67,682 valid signatures of registered voters in order to put it on the ballot. The effort has the potential to cause a state government shutdown.
(Augusta) A group of Republicans, including some lawmakers in Augusta, on Tuesday put the wheels in motion for a potential state government shutdown. The Bangor Daily News reports the group, led by Representative Gary Drinkwater of Milford, filed a people’s veto to overturn the $11.3B state budget passed by Democrats last week over objections by minority Republicans. The application was filed yesterday with the Secretary of State’s Office. The applicants have until June 19th to submit at least 67,682 valid signatures of registered voters in order to put it on the ballot. Drinkwater reportedly acknowledged the “total chaos” the move could cause, but said he’s heard from residents who say “enough is enough”.
Economy
Fresh, Locally Grown Produce Available to Eligible Older Adults
(Augusta) Beginning April 1st, eligible older adults can sign up to receive fresh, locally grown Maine produce through DACF’s 2025 Senior FarmShare Program. The program connects Maine farmers with Maine residents age 60 or older (55 or older for Native Americans) and certain disabled adults age 18 and older. Participants receive a $50 share of Maine-grown produce through the growing season. Enrollment is first come, first served while funds remain available. Income guidelines are listed at maine dot gov, under the Maine Senior FarmShare Program. If you need help finding a participating farm or farmer’s market, call MSFSP at 287-3491.
(Augusta) It will soon be time for those gardens filled with fresh produce. But accessing such food can be a struggle for some seniors and the disabled here in Maine. Starting April 1st, eligible older adults can sign up to receive healthy, locally grown produce through DACF’s 2025 Senior FarmShare Program. The program connects Maine farmers with Maine residents age 60 or older (55 or older for Native Americans) and certain disabled adults age 18 and older. Participants receive a $50 share of Maine-grown produce through the growing season. Enrollment is first come, first served while funds remain available. You’ll find income guidelines at maine dot gov, under the Maine Senior FarmShare Program. If you need help finding a participating farm or farmer’s market, call MSFSP at 287-3491.
Environment
Protecting Your Home from Black Bears
(Maine) Black Bears in the news this morning – and not just because of that talented men’s hockey team at U Maine! The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says now is the time to think about preventing bears from coming to your yard. They say between April 1st and November 1st, remove your bird feeders and rake up any unused seed from the ground. Store garbage in a secure container, in a building or enclosed by an electric fence. Clean those grills thoroughly after each use, and feed your pets inside, keeping pets, livestock, and pet food inside at night. If you hate not feeding the birds, check out the MDIFW website for a bulletin on how to plant natural foods to attract birds but not bears.
(Maine) We’re all rooting for the Maine Black Bears men’s hockey team, but the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says you don’t want those real black bears in your yard as they begin to emerge from hibernation. They say in order to protect yourself, your pets, and your property, bring in those bird feeders between April 1st and November 1st. If you love feeding your feathered friends, you’ll find information on how to plant natural foods to attract birds but not bears on the MDIFW website. Also, they say store garbage in a building or enclosed by an electric fence, clean those grills thoroughly after every use, and feed your pets and livestock inside for now.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Sumpter Honored with Chamber’s President’s Award
(Ellsworth) Micki Sumpter has been chosen to receive the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 President’s Award. Sumpter moved to Ellsworth in 1997 and took on the role of Chamber Director until 2013, overseeing the growth and development of the local community and spearheading initiatives that have had a lasting impact on Ellsworth and beyond. Not the least of these was her leadership in the creation of the Chamber’s Leadership Hancock County. Sumpter is also well known for her numerous volunteer activities. We could fill a newscast with community improvements she’s been a part of; but if you want the full scoop, be sure and join the Chamber at their May 8th Annual Dinner, where the award will be officially presented.
(Ellsworth) Say the name “Micki Sumpter” around Ellsworth, and people immediately smile because of her positive impact on the community. Besides serving as Ellsworth Chamber President for 15 years, Sumpter played a vital role in the fundraising and planning of Knowlton Park. Her leadership was key in the establishment of the Union River Center for Innovation, and she was instrumental in attracting Jackson Laboratory to the former Lowe’s facility, a move that spurred over $100M in infrastructure investment and the creation of more than 200 new jobs. It will come as a surprise to no one Sumpter is the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 President’s Award recipient. You can help the Chamber and the community celebrate this amazing leader on May 8th at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner.
Big River to Open at The Grand
(Ellsworth) You can’t beat live theatre, especially when it’s a big musical based on a big classic, with a big cast and some mighty big talent. Grand Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7 about next week’s opening of Big River. (((BigRiver 1 “…based on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.” :22))). Read the book together, bring the whole family, then let yourself be carried away with the music as you’re carried down the Mighty Mississippi with the cast of Big River at The Grand in Ellsworth. Tickets available now at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Big River opens next week at The Grand in Ellsworth. It’s the Tony Award-winning musical based on the classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7 the “runaway” hit is a reunion of sorts for some. (((BigRiver 2 “…just think about that across the whole cast.” :23))) Come run away from your worries, sit back and enjoy a musical as only The Grand can present it. Opening April 4th – tickets on sale now at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Opening next week at The Grand – Big River, the musical. Based on Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the music takes you on a journey bound for freedom with Huck and Jim. As Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, it’s filled with moments of humor and heartache. (((Big River 3 “…songs that will just resonate with you and break your heart.” :18))) Tickets on sale now at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) The staff at The Grand in Ellsworth is serious about giving everyone an opportunity to be exposed to the arts – that includes folks on a budget. Especially if you’re a family, but you want your kids to start young becoming familiar with the classics like Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. So, Grand Executive Director Nick Turner says if you’re concerned about cost, take advantage of the dress rehearsal presented at no charge. (((Big River 4 “…they’ll never forget it. Big River.” :24))) They want to see you there! And if you want to get tickets and come another night, they’re on sale now at grand online dot org.
Schoodic Arts for All Awarded $24K Grant
(Winter Harbor) Schoodic Arts for All has received a $24K grant to help with the restoration of Hammond Hall in Winter Harbor. The grant comes from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. Schoodic Arts for All holds a long-term lease on the building from the Winter Harbor Historical Society. Built in 1904 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hammond Hall has been the center of local life for more than a century, hosting performances, town meetings, and community events.
(Winter Harbor) Hammond Hall has served as the center of local life in Winter Harbor since 1904 – hosting performances, town meetings, and community events. In recent months, structural issues have been identified that must be addressed in order to preserve the building and ensure its continued use. Enter the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, which has awarded Schoodic Arts for All a $24K grant to support the hiring of architects and engineers, guide repair efforts, and secure additional funding to complete the restoration efforts.
Schoodic Arts for All holds a long-term lease on the building from the Winter Harbor Historical Society.
Sports
Bruins in Anaheim tonight to put the sticks to the ice against the Ducks.
The Celtics in Phoenix tonight to shoot hoops with the Suns.
Cooper Flagg’s No. 1 Duke takes on #4 Arizona tomorrow night as the NCAA tournament enters the Sweet 16. Flagg has been honored with both the Oscar Robertson Trophy and the Wayman Tisdale Award, presented by the US Basketball Writers Association to the best men’s college basketball player and top freshman, respectively. He’s only the fourth NCAA player to win both during the same season.
Friday, it’s all about hockey, as the #3 overall University of Maine Black Bears face Penn State in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. UMaine will be the No. 1 seed in the Allentown Regional at the PPL Center.