Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Mount View Teen Arrested
(Thorndike) A 16 yo from Mount View High School has been arrested in connection with threats of violence made toward the school on three separate dates – on March 13th, 2024 and, April 1st and 2nd this year. The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, the school was completely evacuated and searched during the first two threats; but the third was quickly linked to a suspect identified by School Resource Officer Jordan Tozier. Tozier arrested the juvenile, who is charged with two counts of Class C Terrorizing. Authorities say the suspect will be released with conditions to the custody of a parent by the Maine Department of Corrections.
(Thorndike) Waldo County authorities have arrested a Mount View High School student accused of threatening violence toward the school on three separate dates. Waldo County Sheriff Jason Trundy reports to Star 97.7, following a threat on April 1st, School Resource Officer Jordan Tozier worked to identify the suspect and was in the process of conducting interviews when another threat was made on April 2nd. The 16 yo suspect, a student at the school, was then quickly taken into custody and was ultimately linked to a March 13th, 2024 threat. The school was evacuated and searched when the first two threats were made. Authorities say the suspect will be released with conditions to the custody of a parent by the Maine Department of Corrections.
High Speed Chase Ends in Crash in Blue Hill
(Blue Hill) A Brooksville man faces multiple charges following a high speed chase and crash Wednesday in Blue Hill. Hancock County Sheriff Lt. Brian Archer was attempting a traffic stop regarding a trespassing complaint when 25 yo Logan Lajeunessse of Brooksville reportedly took off along Union Street at speeds up to 80 mph. Lajeunesse ultimately lost control, his vehicle veered off the road, struck a rock and flipped, landing on the driver’s side. The suspect suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment, but faces a summons on charges that include Eluding an Officer and Driving to Endanger.
(Blue Hill) A high speed chase along Union Street in Blue Hill ended in a dramatic crash Wednesday. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports Lt. Brian Archer was attempting a traffic stop related to a complaint of suspicious activity and trespassing in Blue Hill. The suspect, 25 yo Logan Lajeunesse of Brooksville took off, reaching speeds up to 80 mph, and leading the officer on a chase that ended with Lajeunesse striking a rock, flipping his vehicle into the air, landing on the driver’s side and colliding with a tree before coming to a stop. Lajeunesse was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He faces multiple charges, including Driving to Endanger and Criminal Speed.
Local Politics
Senate Republicans Hand Trump A “No” on Canada Tariffs
(Washington, DC) The Senate on Wednesday handed President Trump a “no” on Canada tariffs. Four Republicans, including Maine Senator Susan Collins, joined Democrats in the 51-48 vote to pass the joint resolution. Senator Rand Paul noted Canada buys more American goods than China, Japan, England, and France combined, and that a 25% tariff would only result in their buyer fewer of those goods. The vote came hours after Trump implemented 10% across the board tariffs on imports and additional reciprocal tariffs on goods from 60 countries. The resolution will need to be approved by the Republican-controlled House, which is unlikely. But pundits say it reflects widespread discomfort with Trump’s policies that will raise prices for consumers.
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins was among four Republicans who joined Democrats last night in voting “no” on the President’s plan to implement a 25% tariff on goods from Canada. The 51-48 vote cemented a resolution put forward by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia to end an emergency order declared by Trump in February to end the flow of Fentanyl across America’s borders. Experts say relatively little Fentanyl comes from Canada. The resolution will need to be approved by the Republican-controlled House, which is unlikely. But pundits say it reflects widespread discomfort with Trump’s policies that will raise prices for consumers.
Economy
First Impressions Workshop
(Ellsworth) You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, especially when it comes to your business. The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and Ellsworth Adult and Community Education are presenting a four-session workshop on investing in customer service. The workshop, entitled Making the Best First Impression, runs four Fridays, beginning tomorrow through May 2nd at 11 Avery Lane in Ellsworth. For more information or to register, go to ellsworth dot maine adult ed dot org.
(Ellsworth) Experts say 70% of the buying experience is based on how a customer is treated, and 81% of customers are more likely to make another purchase after receiving good customer service. The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce and Ellsworth Adult and Community Education invite you to give yourself and your business that edge at a four-week workshop entitled Making the Best First Impression. The first session is tomorrow, April 4th, and will be held at 11 Avery Lane. There’s still time to register – email adult ed info at ellsworth schools dot org.
Trump Administration Lays Off Entire Maine LIHEAP Staff
(Maine) The Trump Administration on Wednesday laid off the entire staff of Maine’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP is a federally supported program that provides critical funding to help some 70,000 low income Mainers struggling to pay for heating and cooling each year. Applying for LIHEAP assistance can be a lengthy process, and it’s unclear how the program will function further without staff. Congressman Jared Golden responded on X, “What ‘efficiency’ is achieved by firing everyone in Maine whose job is to help Mainers afford heating oil when it’s cold?”
(Maine) Some 70,000 low income Mainers depend on the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program each year. Most need staff-intense help with the application process for the federally supported program that provides critical funding for those struggling to pay to keep their homes warm in Maine’s frigid winters. On Wednesday, the Trump Administration announced it is laying off the entire staff of Maine’s LIHEAP program. While the program itself remains, it’s unclear how it will be able to function or provide needed assistance without staff.
Health
Another Birthing Center Closes
(Belfast) Mothers can no longer give birth at Waldo County Hospital in Belfast. WABI reports Maine Health closed its Labor and Delivery unit this week, citing declining birth rates and staffing challenges. They say ending delivery services will allow them to invest more in pre- and post-natal care. Expectant parents are being referred to Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport for delivery … more than an hour’s drive if traveling from the northern part of the county.
(Belfast) Expectant mothers who live in the northern part of Waldo County now face more than an hour’s drive to give birth. Maine Health has closed its Labor and Delivery unit at Waldo County Hospital in Belfast, citing declining birth rates and staffing challenges. They say the closure will allow them to invest more in pre-and post-natal care. Parents-to-be are being referred to Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport for delivery. The announcement follows last week’s news that MDI hospital would be closing its labor and delivery unit on July 1st.
Environment
New Manager at Lamoine State Park
(Lamoine) There’s a new manager at Lamoine State Park. Ranger Erin McGinty has been promoted to oversee the park that lies just across the bay from Acadia. The park boasts a campground, picnic area, and boat launch. McGinty’s duties will also include management of Branch Lake State Park. Erin most recently served as Lead Ranger at Two Lights State Park, where the crew says she will be missed.
(Lamoine) Lamoine State Park has a new Manager. Ranger Erin McGinty worked in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway before being promoted to Lead Ranger at Two Lights State Park. Former employees say Lamoine will appreciate her keen eye for detail and amazing organizational skills. Erin’s duties will also include management of Branch Lake State Park.
Technology
Keeping Kids Safe While Gaming
(Undated) Online gaming – it’s part of kids’ and teen’s culture today that’s as natural as the air they breathe. Dina Lamdany (Lom-DAH-nee) is a Senior Product Manager with gaming company Roblox, which just yesterday rolled out new tools designed to keep kids safe in the online gaming world. But, she tells Star 97.7 it’s important for parents, too, to “get in the game.” (((Roblox 1 “… and then really play games with them.” :19))) Dina says the power of doing that is that it allows parents to ask informed questions about kids games … and the people with whom they PLAY those games.
(Undated) Gaming company Roblox yesterday rolled out three new updates that provide safeguards when your child is online gaming. Dina Lamdany previously worked on misinformation and content quality at You Tube, Google, and the FTC. She tells Star 97.7, in addition to friend blocking that gives you control over who your child is gaming with, (((Roblox 2 “… specifically where they’re spending their time.” :22))).
(Undated) Online safety – it’s a concern to all of us, especially for those who have kids who often spend hours online gaming. Dina Lamdany is Senior Product Manager with gaming company Roblox, that just yesterday rolled out three new tools to help protect kids. But she says, it’s important that parents, too, “get in the game.” (((Roblox 3 “… literacy and well-being generally.” :14))). Dina knows what she’s talking about – a lawyer by training, she previously worked at YouTube and Google on issues regarding misinformation, privacy and content.
(Undated) Online safety is a top concern for most parents, as kids these days are among those who spend hours online gaming. Dina Lamdany is a a lawyer who has worked with YouTube, Google, and in Congress at the Federal Trade Commission. She currently works for gaming company Roblox and was instrumental in yesterday’s roll out of new safety features. (((Roblox 4 “…especially safety of our youngest users.” :17))) To learn more about those safety features, you can access the entire interview on our Star 97.7 website under “News”.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Cumberland/Fryeburg Fair Tensions
(Maine) It doesn’t seem fair. That’s the word from Cumberland Fair organizers who say they’re unhappy about a scheduling conflict involving this year’s Fryeburg Fair. The controversy reportedly centers around the Fryeburg Fair’s plan to open a day earlier this year, on Saturday, September 27th. That would overlap with the final – and busiest – day of the Cumberland Fair. A hearing in Augusta this week meant to review annual fair dates reportedly turned testy over the issue. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which regulates fair operations, says it’s reviewing the matter.
(Maine) You might say it’s the beginning of a “food fight”. Two of Maine’s most popular agricultural fairs and throwing shade at each other over a potential date overlap this year. At the center of the controversy is the Fryeburg Fair’s plan to open a day earlier this year, on Saturday, September 27th. That would overlap with the final – and busiest – day of the Cumberland Fair. Fryeburg officials say it’s only … well, fair … because they need to run on weekend days in order to attract quality food and vendors. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which regulates fair operations, is reportedly reviewing the matter.
Big River Postponed at The Grand
(Ellsworth) Opening of the musical Big River at The Grand set for this weekend is being postponed until April 11th. Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, the powerful production deserves to be staged with authenticity and respect for its legacy. When the Grand was asked to postpone opening or cancel the community-driven musical unless additional African American representation could be added, they, in typical Grand fashion, decided to honor that request. The Grand is now seeking African American actors to help make the production a reality. No experience is necessary. Please contact the Grand at info at grand online dot org or call them for more information.
(Ellsworth) The Grand is truly Ellsworth’s community-driven venue. So when asked to postpone the opening of or cancel the upcoming musical Big River unless additional African-American representation could be added, they decided to honor that request. Opening weekend is now set for April 11th. But in order to make that happen, the Grand is now seeking African American actors so they can stage the production with, they say, the authenticity and respect for its legacy the show and the audience deserves. Let’s support our wonderful inclusive theatre – no experience is necessary. Contact the Grand at info at grand online dot org or feel free to call them for more information.