Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Domestic Incident Leads to Assault, Other Charges
(Sullivan) An alleged domestic situation on Saturday landed a Sullivan man in jail and led to further charges when he was seen assaulting an emergency medical provider. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department reports deputies assisted Maine State Police with the domestic situation shortly after 7 p.m. on March 30th and ended up taking “uncooperative” Patrick Hall to the Hancock County Jail. Authorities say the following day, Hall was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. While there, he was seen assaulting an EMS worker in the emergency room. Hall is currently incarcerated for multiple felony assaults and remains in the custody of the Hancock County Jail.
(Sullivan) A Sullivan man faces multiple charges after he was arrested Saturday following an alleged domestic incident. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department tells Star 97.7, Maine State Police were called to Sullivan shortly after 7:30 p.m. on March 30th. They say sheriff’s deputies assisted in arresting an “uncooperative” Patrick Hall of Sullivan. Hall was taken to jail, and the following day was transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. While there, authorities say he attacked an emergency medical worker in the emergency room. Hall is currently in the Hancock County Jail where he faces multiple felony assaults.
Fatal Pittsfield Crash
(Pittsfield) One person is dead, following an early-morning crash Tuesday in Pittsfield. Officers responded to the intersection of Route 2 and Beans Corner Road just after midnight and found a vehicle on fire. Crews from the Pittsfield Fire Department were able to quickly extinguish the blaze, but say the driver, whose name has not yet been released, died at the scene. Officials say speed and weather appear to have played a role in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Local Politics
US Department of Education Issues “Final Warning” to Maine DOE
(Maine) The U.S. Department of Education has issued what it calls a “final warning” to the Maine Department of Education. NewsCenter Maine reports the warning pertains to what the USDOE claims are Title IX violations related to the state’s policy that allows transgender students to compete in girls’ high school sports. While Title IX doesn’t specifically address the transgender issue, the Trump administration has interpreted the law to mean transgender athletes should not compete on teams aligning with their gender identity. The federal government is now giving Maine until April 11th to sign a resolution agreement or it will send the case to the Justice Department, which Trump threatens could lead to termination of federal funding.
(Maine) The Trump Administration has issued what it calls a “final warning” to the Maine Department of Education, giving the state until April 11th to sign a resolution agreement. NewsCenter Maine reports the warning pertains to what the USDOE claims are Title IX violations related to the state’s policy that allows transgender students to compete in girls’ high school sports. While Title IX doesn’t specifically address the transgender issue, the Trump administration has interpreted the law to mean transgender athletes should not compete on teams aligning with their gender identity. If the resolution is not signed by April 11th, Trump is threatening to turn the matter over to the Department of Justice, which he claims could result in a denial of federal funding to the Maine DOE.
Maine Joins Lawsuit Against HHS
(Augusta) The state of Maine has joined 23 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The suit charges the accused abruptly and illegally terminated nearly $11B in critical public health grants to the states. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey said the grant terminations came with no warning or legally valid explanation and have caused chaos for state health agencies that continue to rely on the critical funds for a wide range of urgent public health needs.
(Maine) Maine is now one of two dozen states and the District of Columbia that have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The suit charges the accused abruptly and illegally terminated nearly $11B in critical public health grants to the states. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey said Maine stands to lose more than $91M from the cancellations that reportedly came without warning or legal explanation and that have jeopardized health agencies’ efforts in curbing infectious diseases and addressing other public health needs.
Economy
Maine Seacoast Mission Food Pantry Needs
(Cherryfield) Food pantries in general are struggling with increased cuts to programs at the federal and state level. Maine Seacoast Mission’s pantry in Cherryfield tells Star 97.7 some 60 new households come to the pantry each month, on top of roughly 350 households that depend on the pantry on a regular basis. They say many patrons live on fixed incomes; and with rising food costs, it’s harder and harder to afford nutritious meals. Others have incomes too high to qualify for SNAP or WIC benefits. And the number of people needing help continues to grow. The pantry says monetary donations are especially welcome, as they can purchase food at a lower cost, but food donations are always welcome as well. Check out seacoast mission dot org to learn how you can help.
(Cherryfield) With increasing cuts at the federal and state level, food pantries are feeling the pinch. And while funds are decreasing, the need is increasing. Maine Seacoast Mission’s pantry in Cherryfield tells Star 97.7, they’re seeing an average of 60 new families a month, on top of the 350 households who visit regularly. Maine Seacoast Mission’s pantry can always use donations – either monetary or food items. Learn how you can help at seacoast mission dot org.
Environment
Maine Forest Service Identifies Emerald Ash Borer on MDI
(MDI) The Maine Forest Service has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer on Mount Desert Island outside a previously regulated area. Officials say the infested area shows signs of a well-established population of the destructive pest. As a result and in order to help slow the spread, the current EAB quarantine will now include all towns on MDI. Foresters say all ash tree material should remain on MDI and that high value ash trees that aren’t heavily infested may be able to be saved with regular pesticide treatment. They add infested trees will decline quickly and become unstable, so property owners should remove those that are near any vulnerable structures.
(MDI) The Emerald Ash Borer, a destructive pest that destroys ash trees, has been found on Mount Desert Island, outside a previously regulated area. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry says the infested area shows signs of the borer being well-established and that the current EAB quarantine will now include all of MDI in order to help slow the spread. They say infested trees will decline quickly, making them unstable; so any such trees near structures should be removed. Trees that aren’t heavily infested may be treatable with regular insecticide applications. They urge people not to transport any ash tree material off the island.
Towns Seek to Take Over Bucksport Area Dams
(Bucksport) It’s turned into a team town effort, as representatives from Blue Hill, Orland, Penobscot and Surry want to take over ownership and maintenance of two aging dams on Alamoosook Lake and Toddy Pond. The dams were built decades ago to supply the now shuttered mill in Bucksport. The Bangor Daily News reports the salvage company that bought the former mill is now asking the state to let it abandon the dams, a move the towns say would be disastrous to the water bodies, the environment, area wildlife, and the local economy. A bipartisan bill to allow purchase of the dams by the towns, which would split the cost of preserving them, is currently in front of state lawmakers. But time is of the essence. If a decision is not reached by mid-October, water in the dams could be released.
(Bucksport) Two dams built decades ago to supply the now defunct mill in Bucksport are in the hands of a salvage company that is now asking the state to allow it to abandon them. Area residents say it’s a ticking time bomb that could prove disastrous to Alamoosook Lake and Toddy Pond, area wildlife, the environment, and the local economy should water be released from the dams. According to one source, the resulting rising water levels would force at least nine businesses to close. Four towns have stepped in, offering to take over ownership and maintenance – Blue Hill, Orland, Penobscot, and Surry. The Bangor Daily News reports a bipartisan bill to allow purchase of the dams by the towns is currently in front of state lawmakers. If a decision is not reached by mid-October, they say water in the dams could be released.
Education
Libraries, Museums at Risk
(Maine) The Trump Administration on Monday placed the entire staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services on leave for at least 90 days, calling the agency “unnecessary”. Maine librarians warn the cuts will affect everything from internet access to interlibrary loans. The Ellsworth Public Library has shared a link, which we’ve also shared on our FB page, through which concerned citizens can make their views known about the critical role libraries play.
Infrastructure
Deer Isle Bridge Work
(Deer Isle) Look for traffic on the Deer Isle-Sedgewick Bridge later this month to be impacted by inspection work. Beginning Monday, April 28th, the Maine Department of Transportation is conducting the inspection on the bridge that carries Route 15 over Eggemoggin Reach. Work will likely continue through mid-May, with drivers at times encountering single lane closures between 8 and 4 Mondays through Saturdays. Vehicles wider than ten feet that require access to the causeway during the inspection window should provide at least 24 hours’ notice so crews can make accommodations.
(Deer Isle) Plan for delays if you need to traverse the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge later this month. Beginning Monday, April 28th, the Maine Department of Transportation will be conducting inspection work on the bridge that carries Route 15 over Eggemoggin Reach. Drivers may encounter single lane closures between 8 and 4 Mondays through Saturdays during the inspection period, which will likely continue through mid-May.
Oak Street Repairs
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Highway Department began replacing the storm drain basin on Oak Street between Lincoln and Park Streets this morning, in order to address ponding in the area. Lane closure with alternating traffic was scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. If possible, drivers are asked to use alternate routes and detour at the Upper Light at Main and Oak or the State and Oak Street intersection.
(Ellsworth) Motorists who travel Oak Street in Ellsworth will likely find lane closures in the area between Lincoln and Park Streets. Crews were expected to be on the job beginning at 6 this morning replacing the storm drain basin in order to address ponding in the area. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes and detour at the State and Oak Street intersection or at the Upper Light at Maine and Oak.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Memorial Day Parade
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Memorial Day Parade is back! The City of Ellsworth Recreation Commission and Ellsworth VFW Post #109 will kick off the parade at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26th. Parade organizers say it’s an opportunity to bring the community together to honor past & present Veterans and those who have sacrificed their freedom and are no longer with us. Community and civic groups, churches, businesses, schools, and any entertainment are encouraged to be part of the parade. Politically affiliated floats, groups, and organizations are prohibited. For more information, email ellsworth memorial day parade at g mail dot com.
(Ellsworth) If ever a group of people was worthy of honor, it’s our nation’s veterans who gave their time, and sometimes their lives, to protect the freedoms we enjoy. The City of Ellsworth Recreation Commission is excited to announce the Ellsworth Memorial Day Parade is back this year in honor of those heroes. Along with Ellsworth VFW Post #109, the parade will begin lining up at the Moore Community Center at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 26th; with kickoff at 10 a.m. While politically affiliated floats and organizations are prohibited, parade organizers encourage all community and civic groups, churches, businesses, schools, and entertainment to be a part of the parade. For more information, contact Kimberly Fitch at 812-0172 or ellsworth post 109 at gmail.com.