Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Eastbrook Man Cited for Criminal Speed
(Waltham) An Eastbrook man was cited this week for reportedly driving 120 miles per hour in a posted 45 mph zone. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department tells Star 97.7, 21 yo Alex Dewitt was stopped by authorities about 5:30 Tuesday afternoon in Waltham. He’s charged with exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more, considered criminal speed. Dewitt was summoned for a court appearance and released from the stop.
(Waltham) A 21 yo Eastbrook man was stopped by deputies after he was reportedly clocked going 120 mph in a posted 45 mph zone on Tuesday. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department tells Star 97.7, Alex Dewitt will have to appear in court after a traffic stop in Waltham that occurred about 5:30 p.m. on March 25th. Dewitt is charged with exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more, which authorities say is considered criminal speed.
Arson Arrest
(Mechanic Falls) Authorities have arrested a Mechanic Falls man on arson charges related to a structure fire that occurred at a multi-family building on Pleasant Street Tuesday evening. Fire Marshal Investigators were called to the residence around 5 p.m. and determined the blaze was incendiary in nature, meaning it was designed to cause harm. 30 yo owner and resident Daniel Field was arrested and charged with Arson and failing to maintain or control a dangerous fire. The investigation into that incident is ongoing.
(Mechanic Falls) A 30 yo Mechanic Falls man is under arrest after a Tuesday afternoon fire at a multi-family building on Pleasant Street. Fire Marshal Investigators say they were requested at the scene about 5 p.m. and determined the blaze was incendiary in nature, meaning it was intentionally set in order to cause harm. Owner and resident Daniel Field was taken into custody in connection with the fire. Authorities tell Star 97.7 the investigation into that incident is ongoing.
Local Politics
Bellows Announces Run for Governor
(Augusta) Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was sworn in four years ago as Maine’s 50th Secretary of State – the first female to serve in the position. Yesterday, Bellows announced her intent to run for Governor. Bellows, an Ellsworth High School graduate, grew up in Hancock and made the announcement at the Hancock Community Center. She previously served two terms in the Maine Senate and was the Executive Director of the ACLU of Maine for eight years, working with both major parties to pass privacy and civil rights laws. The 2026 Maine gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3rd. Incumbent Governor Janet Mills is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.
(Augusta) Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced yesterday her plans to run for Governor of the State of Maine in 2026. Incumbent Governor Janet Mills is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term. The November 3 election next year will coincide with the U.S. Senate and House elections for Maine’s two congressional districts. Bellows was sworn in as the state’s 50th Secretary of State in 2021, the first female to serve in the position.
Maine Legislature Hears Testimony on Gun Bills
(Augusta) The Maine Legislature on Wednesday heard testimony on several gun bills. Proposed legislation included a new law requiring serialization of firearms to aid law enforcement in keeping ghost guns from the hands of criminals, another bill would restore restrictions of rapid-fire modification devices, and a third would restrict large capacity magazines. The Maine Gun Safety Coalition said they were common sense proposals to help keep Maine families safe and help law enforcement crack down on illegal guns used by criminals.
(Augusta) Wednesday morning testimony before the Legislature in Augusta focused largely on gun safety bills. Nicole Palmer with the Maine Gun Safety Coalition called the proposed legislation common sense laws that will help keep families safe and help law enforcement crack down on illegal guns used by criminals. Three bills included a new law requiring serialization of firearms to aid law enforcement in keeping ghost guns from the hands of criminals, another would restore restrictions of rapid-fire modification devices, and a third would restrict large capacity magazines. After a work session in committee, the bills will be voted on in the Judiciary Committee. They can then advance to the floor for a full vote.
Social Security Decision Made by Official “Ticked” at Governor Mills
(Washington, DC) Earlier this month, the Social Security Administration notified the State of Maine it was ending the practice of allowing parents to register their newborn for a Social Security number while still at the hospital, a practice that had been common for decades. Officials in Maine only were told parents and their children would have to apply in person at a Social Security office. The order was rescinded the next day, following public outcry. The Portland Press Herald reports the Trump Administration official who ordered the change admitted this week that he specifically targeted Maine after watching Gov. Janet Mills clash with President Donald Trump, saying he was “ticked at the Governor.”
(Washington, DC) Petty or purposeful? Substance or spite? It’s sometimes hard to tell the difference in politics today. The Portland Press Herald cites the case of a Social Security matter earlier this month that singled out the State of Maine. An official with SSI notified the state it was ending the practice of allowing parents to register their newborn for a Social Security number while still at the hospital, a practice that had been common for decades. Officials in Maine only were told parents and their children would now have to apply in person at a Social Security office. The order was rescinded the following day, after public outcry. But the Trump Administration official who ordered the change admitted this week he specifically targeted Maine after watching Gov. Janet Mills clash with President Donald Trump, saying he was “ticked at the Governor.”
Economy
Heart of Ellsworth Downtown Grants Award Winners
(Ellsworth) Businesses and community members packed the house Tuesday night as Heart of Ellsworth announced the winners of the 2025 Downtown Grants program. Eight businesses applied, and all were celebrated. The first place $5K grant went to Zi Photography, $3000 was awarded Ghost Rose Tattoo, and Conscious Café received $500. The program is made possible with the support of local banking institutions.
(Ellsworth) Local businesses and community members filled the house Tuesday night for the awarding of the Heart of Ellsworth 2025 Downtown Grants. The program supports business owners in downtown Ellsworth and is made possible by the generous sponsorship of four local banking institutions, including Franklin Savings, Bangor FCU, First National, and Machias Savings. Eight businesses applied, with first place $5K going to Zi Photography, second place – $3,000 to Ghost Rose Tattoo, and third place $500 going to Conscious Café.
Zi Photography Wins Top Heart of Ellsworth Downton Grant
(Ellsworth) Star 97.7 caught up with Zelli, the owner of Zi Photography, Wednesday to find out how she planned to use her award funds. She said the grant comes at the perfect time, as these have been turbulent times for all small businesses, especially since COVID. While Zi Photography specializes in newborns, Zelli also has a nonprofit arm, where she offers memorial photography for little ones lost at birth and the occasional free session for a person in need. She says the grant will allow her to not only continue that side of her profession, but also allow her to participate in continuing education courses, noting the abundance of safety practices important when dealing with five-day-old cherubs. Zelli echoed the sentiments of many downtown entrepreneurs who say they gratefully support each other in this very special business community. Zi Photography works by appointment. Contact her at zi photography maine dot com.
(Ellsworth) Star 97.7 caught up with the owner of Zi Photography yesterday. Zelli tells us while she specializes in newborn photography, she also enjoys capturing kids and families and high school seniors … and she’s recently begun working with businesses on branding sessions. Zelli was quick to share her gratitude for Heart of Ellsworth, the grant, and the special connection shared by the downtown Ellsworth business community. She says at one point in a previous location, rent became more than she could afford. That’s when Barb at The Bud Connection reached out about a space above her shop. Barb and her husband even stepped in to help renovate the space that has become the perfect home for Zi Photography. Zelli says the award will help her, like all small businesses, take a much-needed breath, invest back into her business, allow for continuing education, and further the non-profit charitable side of her business. Zi Photography is available by appointment. Contact zi photography maine dot com.
Hancock County Food Drive Kicks Off April 5th
(Ellsworth) The Annual Hancock County Food Drive kicks off a week from Saturday, on April 5th this year with a county-wide food collection and fundraising event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keep an eye out for food drive volunteers – many in colorful fruit and vegetable costumes, stationed outside stores to collect food donations, raise funds, and rally excitement for the drive, which runs through April 30th. Look for volunteers at Friends & Family Market, Shaw’s, Hannaford, and TJ Maxx in Ellsworth and at groceries in Bar Harbor, Blue Hill, Bucksport, Deer Isle, and Stonington.
ANP to Move to Cashless Fee Collection
(ANP) Beginning April 15th, Acadia National Park will move to cashless fee collection. That means you’ll be able to use mobile payments or debit or credit cards at park sales outlets for entrance fees. Park officials say during peak season, rangers spend up to eight and half hours per day documenting, reporting and transferring cash receipts; yet cash sales represent less than 5% of in-person sales. Visitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase park passes from one of nine local third-party vendors, including the Gouldsboro, Tremont, and Winter Harbor Town offices, and the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
(ANP) Keep the cash and pay with a card. Starting April 15th, Acadia National Park will move to a totally cashless fee collection. Park officials say during peak season, rangers spend up to eight and half hours a day documenting, reporting and transferring cash receipts; yet cash sales represent less than 5% of in-person sales. For those who prefer to go cash only, park passes can still be purchased at one of several local third-party vendors, including the Jordan Pond Gift Shop, the Mount Desert Town Office and Chamber of Commerce, the Schoodic Institute Welcome Center, and the SW Harbor & Tremont Chamber of Commerce.
Human Interest
Name That Tune – or Rather That Pair of Eaglets
(California) Name that tune – or rather that pair of eaglets. Earlier this month, Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow successfully hatched to little ones. Now, the Fawnskin, California organization that runs the live cam of the duo’s nest, Friends of Big Bear Valley, is seeking help naming the baby birds. A five dollar donation will get you one entry, three for ten, or $25 for ten name entries. Once the entries close at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow – better hurry – the nonprofit will generate a list of top names that will be voted on by Big Bear elementary students. Enter at friends of big bear valley dot org. We’ll keep you posted.
Sports
The University of Maine Men’s Hockey Team will be sent off in style this morning. A crowd will gather at the Branch Road entrance of Alfond Arena for the 8:45 sendoff. The Black Bears, of course, face Penn State Friday in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at PPL Center.
If you’re headed to Allentown for the UMaine Men’s Hockey tournament game, you’re invited to stop by a pre-game rally at Miller’s Ale House on Airport Center Road in Allentown. The Screamin’ Black Bears pep band, students, alumni, and friends will be the for the 5 p.m. pregame celebration. The event is free, but they’d like you to register on the U Maine Alumni FB page for planning purposes.
Ducks over Bruins 6-2 last night in Anaheim. Bruins in Detroit Saturday to skate against the Red Wings.
Celtics over Suns last night in Phoenix, 132-102. Celtics off now until Saturday when they’ll shoot hoops with the Spurs in San Antonio.
#1 Duke takes on #4 Arizona tonight as March Madness enters the Sweet 16 phase of the NCAA Tournament. Most of our eyes will be on former Nokomis standout and Duke freshman Cooper Flagg.