Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Stonington Crash Leads to Arrest, Multiple Charges
(Stonington) A weekend motor vehicle crash in Stonington resulted in the arrest of a Deer Isle man on multiple charges. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7 deputies responded to the scene of the crash shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday, but did not find the driver. An investigation led police to 40 yo Matthew Eaton, who was arrested, placed on a probation hold and transported to the Hancock County Jail. Eaton faces multiple charges, including Assault on an Officer, Refusing to Submit to Arrest, and Operating Under the Influence.
(Stonington) A 40 yo Deer Isle man faces multiple charges following a vehicle crash in Stonington on Sunday. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, officers were called to the crash scene shortly before 4 Sunday afternoon, but the driver had left the area. An investigation led deputies to Matthew Eaton, who was arrested, placed on a probation hold, and taken to the Hancock County Jail. Eaton is charged with OUI, Assault on an Officer, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, and multiple other offenses.
Guilford Man Charged with Computer Crime
(Guilford) A 23 yo Guilford man was arrested and charged with Possession of Sexually Explicit Material. WABI reports Mason Mickle was a food service worker at Piscataquis Community High School at the time of the alleged crime. The Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit reportedly learned a user had uploaded a sexually explicit video involving a minor that court documents say was traced back to Mickle’s user information. They say Mickle admitted to exchanging child pornography images and video online, but claims he never touched a child sexually. Mickle is no longer employed with the district. He’s currently out on bail.
Local Politics
Opponents Decry State Budget Inclusions
(Augusta) Not everyone is happy with the $11.3B state budget passed last month by the Democratic-controlled legislature. Republicans are in the process of gathering enough valid signatures to take the matter to voters in November. Among the most egregious items, according to the Maine Wire, a six percent fee on the net operating revenue of often struggling ambulance service providers. Other concerns reportedly include a tax on streaming service subscriptions, a fee assessed on hospitals, based on the number of inpatient beds, and a 70 cent per prescription fee on pharmacy providers beginning NEXT April to help cover MaineCare payments to pharmacy providers.
(Augusta) The Office of the State Auditor last week published an audit that one source says shows “a shocking lack of practical and ethical guardrails for government spending.” The Maine Wire says the audit reveals multiple material weaknesses across state agencies, “leaving taxpayers exposed to legal risks and unnecessary costs.” The publication says at the center of the audit’s most troubling findings – the state’s “rampant abuse of the non-competitive bidding process.” According to the report, in addition to the $11.3B budget, the Democrat-controlled legislature is prepared to spend another 3 to 6 hundred million funded by new taxes on tobacco, streaming entertainment, pharmacy providers – even ambulance services, which particularly struggle in the state’s rural areas.
Third State Accused of Defying Trump
(Undated) Maine, California … now a third state has received a warning regarding compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws that exclude biological men from women’s sports. Attorney General Pam Bondi this week sent a directive to Minnesota. According to the News Observer, Bondi said the Department of Justice would hold accountable states and state entities that violate federal law, adding it does not tolerate state officials who ignore federal law. Bondi wrote that if federal investigations show Maine entities are denying girls an equal opportunity to participate in athletic events by requiring them to compete against boys, the DOJ is ready to take all appropriate action to enforce federal law.
Economy
Maine Senior FarmShare Program Begins Today
(Maine) The Maine Senior FarmShare Program begins today. The program connects Maine farmers with eligible older adults, providing access to fresh, unprocessed, locally grown produce, herbs, and honey. Participants receive a $50 share of Maine-grown vegetables, fruits, and more throughout the growing season. But you must sign up directly with a participating farm or enrolled farmers’ market. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. For specific requirements and to sign up or find a participating farm, visit maine dot gov forward slash d a c f.
(Maine) Today is the day for those eligible to begin signing up for the Maine Senior FarmShare Program. The program is administered through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry through a USDA grant. Eligible low-income adults are matched with Maine farmers and/or farmers’ markets and receive a $50 share of Maine-grown produce throughout the growing season. Applicants must be 60 years or older, 55 or older for Native Americans, or more than 18 years old for certain disabled adults. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. For specific requirements and to sign up or find a participating farm, visit maine dot gov forward slash d a c f.
First Quarter Filing on PFML Portal Begins Today
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor is reminding employers first quarter filing for the new Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave program begins today. The deadline to register on the portal and to submit wage reports and premiums is April 30. The PFML portal is the online system for employers to file quarterly wage reports and remit quarterly premium contributions. If an employer wishes to authorize their payroll company to file on their behalf, the payroll company must also register in the portal and request access to employers’ accounts to file once registered. The portal also allows self-employed individuals and tribal governments to elect coverage. Any employer with at least one Maine-based employee must have begun payroll withholdings January 1, 2025.
(Augusta) No fooling, beginning today employers must start first quarter filing for the new Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The Maine Department of Labor is reminding employers the deadline to register on the portal and to submit wage reports and premiums is April 30. The PFML portal is the online system for employers to file quarterly wage reports and remit quarterly premium contributions. Any employer with at least one Maine-based employee must have begun payroll withholdings January 1, 2025. The portal can be accessed through the MDOL website.
Education
Versant Astronomy Center April
(Orono) The size of our universe is beyond comprehension – during April, travel out into the Milky Way and explore vast new worlds. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7 that’s the subject of “Vast”, this month’s Friday night programming. (((AprPlanet 1 “…and how tiny we really are.” :22))) That’s every Friday night in April at 7 p.m. Tickets at the door or at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) Oh, baby, does the Versant Power Astronomy Center ever have something special for you … and for toddlers and parents … in their Sunday afternoon programming during April. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, it’s nothing short of a classic … (((AprPlanet 2 “…soothing video imagery. “ :21))) Designed for the youngest audiences – toddlers, babies, and their parents, that’s Sunday afternoons at 2 all during the month of April at the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the University of Maine campus in Orono.
(Orono) A new month brings a new idea to the Sunday afternoon music shows at the Versant Power Astronomy Center. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, it’s diving into classical music in a new light, so to speak. (((AprPlanet 3 “…and sort of explains a little bit about that.” :19))). Tickets at the door or at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) April is National Poetry Month, and Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, they want to help us celebrate with some special programming. (((AprPlanet 4 “…a little bit of an idea of our place in the Universe.” :20))). That’s the 19th at 2 p.m. and the 26th at 2 and 7 p.m. Get tickets and check out all the fabulous programming for all ages and interests at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Environment
Card Brook Cleanup Set
(Ellsworth) In celebration of this year’s 55th Anniversary of Earth Day, the City of Ellsworth and others have scheduled the annual Card Brook Cleanup for Saturday, April 26th, from 9 until Noon. The community effort focuses on clearing debris and litter from the vital tributary that winds through Ellsworth, flowing from wetlands to the Union River estuary near the Harbor Park and Marina. Clean up begins in the Hannaford parking lot near the Clynk receptacles and will be followed by a cookout at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet and muddy – trash bags, gloves, and other supplies will be provided. You can help out the City by preregistering on the City’s homepage or by calling Brittany at 669-6608.
(Ellsworth) It’s almost time for Ellsworth’s annual Card Brook cleanup, in celebration of this year’s 55th Anniversary of Earth Day. Sponsored by the City of Ellsworth and Frenchman Bay Conservancy, participants in the April 26th event focus on clearing debris and litter from the vital tributary that winds through the City and meanders across fragile wetlands, to Harbor Park, picking up an unfortunate amount of trash along the way. Clean up begins in the Hannaford parking lot near the Clynk receptacles and will be followed by a cookout at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge. You’re welcome to show up the day of and work all or part of the morning, which runs from nine until Noon, but pre-registration on the City of Ellsworth homepage is appreciated.
Health
Artificial Sweetener Could Be Contributing to Weight Gain
(Parade) Most of us think sugar substitutes are a better way to sweeten our coffee without the extra calories. After all, those little packets clearly state they are zero-calorie. But researchers have found just because it’s not adding calories to your daily intake doesn’t mean it’s not causing weight gain in more indirect ways. A new study published this month in the journal Nature Metabolism found that consuming sucralose, a common artificial sweetener, stimulates the brain to send out signals involved in feelings of hunger. The study also reveals evidence of sucralose interfering with communication between different areas of the brain, including those involved in motivation. An article in Parade magazine reports Splenda is one of the most common sucralose-based sugar substitutes.
Nursing Home Skilled Care Recovery
(Modern Healthcare) It’s certainly not evident here in Maine, but one healthcare expert says the nursing home industry is slowly recovering from the “gut punch” the COVID-19 pandemic dealt the industry five years ago. That’s the word from Clifton Porter, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association, in this month’s Modern Healthcare. Porter said capacity and staffing are improving for an industry that saw nearly 700 nursing homes shut down and 250,000 workers leave their jobs as the coronavirus infected more than 2 million skilled nursing facility residents and staff.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Historical Society Annual Meeting
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth has a rich history … from its architecture to its zen places like the Ellsworth Public Library and Harbor Park. Want to learn more? The Ellsworth Historical Society welcomes you to join them at their Annual meeting on Monday, April 14th, from 7 to 8:30 at the Riverview Room at the library. The business meeting will be followed by a two-part program, “Moving into the Digital Age”, including Global Access with Family Search, and Collaborating with the History Trust. Check out ellsworth history dot org to learn more.
April Fool’s Day – But Who Cares?
(Maine) It’s April Fool’s Day, but who cares? Not Mainers, apparently. A new analysis from High 5 Casino reveals which state has the highest odds of folks playing a prank The study analyzed Google searches and social media discussions about April Fools’ pranks. Maine took the #44 spot with a tiny score of just 2.55 out of 10! You might want to avoid a trip to Rhode Island today. Residents of that state scored the highest, with more than 90 social media mentions per 50,000 residents, compared to Maine’s 27. Rounding out the top five – Utah, Nevada, New York, and Florida. The “safest” state to avoid being pranked? Alaska, with just under 13 searches per 50,000 residents. Guess you definitely don’t want to prank a polar bear. (Find more fun facts at high5casino.com)