Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Suspected MDI Poaching Ring
(Augusta) The Maine Warden Service recently busted a large poaching ring on Mount Desert Island. WABI reports it started when a community member suspected a deer was illegally killed and called authorities. Law enforcement officials searched three different residences and say they uncovered repeated intentional violations involving five people. The primary offender was charged with 60 criminal and civil violations, spent 30 days in jail and paid nearly $10,000 in fines. No names were released.
(Augusta) A suspected illegal deer kill on Mount Desert Island led to the discovery of what authorities say was a poaching ring involving five people. WABI said a person reported the kill to the Maine Warden Service, which led wardens to suspect the presence of ongoing intentional illegal deer kills on MDI. Authorities searched three different residences and uncovered evidence that led to an alleged primary offender. That person, whose name was not released, was charged with 60 criminal and civil violations, lost a hunting license for 13 years, paid nearly $10K in fines and spent 30 days in jail.
Skier Dies in Sugarloaf Accident
(Carrabassett Valley) A skier died Saturday morning, the result of an accident at Sugarloaf Mountain, according to WMTW. Little information was released out of respect and privacy for the family of the victim, but a spokesperson for Sugarloaf expressed sympathy for what it called the “untimely death” of the skier.
(Carrabassett) An accident at Sugarloaf Mountain Saturday morning claimed the life of a skier there. WMTW reports out of respect and privacy for the victim’s family, little other information was released. Sugarloaf says they are in the process of collecting details about the incident.
Local Politics
City of Ellsworth Settles on New Courthouse Location
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth and the State Judicial Branch have reached an agreement on a location for the new Hancock County Courthouse. Residents strongly objected to a proposed site on the Surry Road, so the City put out a call for an alternative. The new site is a 17.9 acre parcel near High Street behind Merrill furniture owned by Alice B. Wardwell. The parties reached a land-swap agreement, with Mrs. Wardwell to receive the Surry Road parcel currently owned by the State. City Council authorized City Manager Charlie Pearce to facilitate the land swap of the two parcels and negotiate and execute right-of-way agreements for Merrill Lane and enter into a contract to construct an access road linking High Street to the new courthouse site.
AG Frey Joins Lawsuit Against Trump
(Augusta) Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey on Friday joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general who are suing President Trump and members of his administration in response to the Elections Order the AGs call an “unconstitutional, anti-democratic, and un-American attempt to impose sweeping voting restrictions across the country … and [overrule] well-established State procedures that make it easier for the people’s voices to be heard.” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows also weighed in, saying the President’s order is unconstitutional, illegal and would make it harder for Americans to vote.
King Co-Sponsors Effort to Repeal Anti-Voter Order
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King has joined colleagues on legislation the Senators say would defend voting rights for all Americans. The Defending America’s Future Elections Act would repeal an Executive Order that instructs the federal government to review voter registration lists, inserting Washington in each state’s voting process in order to prosecute election crimes in states the White House believes are not in compliance with federal law. If implemented, King says the order’s burdensome voter documentation requirements would likely disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters.
Executive Order Targets Libraries, Museums
(Maine) The Ellsworth, Blue Hill, and other Public Libraries statewide, the Farnsworth in Rockland and the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor – all facing funding cuts after the Trump administration issued an Executive Order that would dismantle federal agencies created by Congress that provide hundreds of millions of dollars for library and museum programs in every state. On Friday, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey joined 20 other attorneys general in suing to stop the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS has had to place almost its entire staff on administrative leave and cut hundreds of grants for state libraries and museums, a move that will affect local libraries and institutions, as well.
Millions March Against Trump Administration, Policies
(Undated) Millions Saturday lined streets and other public areas in Boston, New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Washington, DC and across the country in “Hands Off” anti-Trump rallies, protesting the administration and its current policies. In Maine, thousands rallied in Augusta and Portland, and hundreds turned out in Bangor. Others across Maine showed up to protest in Belfast, Bucksport, Lubec, Presque Isle, Houlton and even Bridgton. Organizers Midcoast Maine Indivisible, held a medical supply drive prior to the Augusta rally, gathering first aid items for immigrants Downeast who were reportedly too frightened to leave their homes and go for needed care at area hospitals.
(Undated) President Trump drew huge crowds Saturday, but not in support of his policies. Literally millions across the U.S. participated in so-called “Hands Off” rallies, holding signs protesting tariffs, the alienation of U.S. allies, federal budget and staff cuts, the free reign given Elon Musk, who is neither an elected official nor approved by Congress, and other edicts they claim are destroying US Democracy. Here in Maine, crowds in the thousands showed up in Portland and Augusta, while hundreds also lined the Bangor waterfront and protested in towns from Lubec and Houlton to Bucksport and Castine.
Republican Bills Seeks to Cap Reimbursements, Change Other Policies
(Augusta) The Maine legislature has scheduled a Public Hearing today on a bill to cap reimbursement to any single municipality at 50% of the total state funding allocated for General Assistance in any given fiscal year. The bill is being proposed by House Minority Leader, Republican Billy Bob Faulkingham. Faulkingham said the General Assistance program was created to provide financial support to Maine families facing hardships, but that the City of Portland is currently consuming more than 80% of the total GA spending in Maine.
(Augusta) Constitutional Officers and the State Auditor in Maine are currently appointed by the legislature. Republican Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham says that needs to be changed. Public Hearings on the matter are scheduled for today in Augusta and involve four proposals put forth by Faulkingham. The Winter Harbor legislator said directly electing constitutional officers will ensure all eligible voters have an equal opportunity to participate in our representative government and ensure a more diverse and representative state government.
Job Growth Stronger Than Expected in March
(Undated) While the S&P 500 fell more than 10% in two days last week, there was some good news on the U.S. labor market front. Employers added 228,000 jobs in March, many more than expected. The report was a bright spot as markets worldwide reeled over concerns about escalating tensions following the imposition of tariffs on virtually all US trading partners.
Economy
National Careers in Trades Week
(Undated) Automotive, Early Childhood, Nursing, Construction – Ellsworth is so fortunate to have the Hancock County Technical Center here to apprentice our young people in such careers. This week is National Careers in Trades Week. Aaron Hilger is CEO of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association. He tells Star 97.7 what the week is all about. (((Trades 1 “…all sorts of career paths that we have.” :18))) Aaron will tell us more throughout our morning newscasts – stay tuned.
(Undated) April 7-11 is National Careers in Trades Week, designed to raise awareness for the abundance and evolution of trade careers, skilled trade associations, and building trade unions. If you’d rather work with your hands than sit in an office, listen up – Aaron Hilger, CEO of SMACNA tells Star 97.7, there’s a multitude of benefits when you choose a career in trades. (((Trades 2 “…sometimes a lot less.” :18))) Interested? Find out more at S M A C N A dot org.
(Undated) Kids in Gen Z are now being called the Toolbelt Generation. Aaron Hilger, CEO of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, tells Star 97.7, young people are attracted to the trades as an alternative to college debt and a chance at a well-paying job, with a variety of options. (((Trades 3 “…a construction company uses, as well.” :22))) Aaron says technological advancements including A I, drones, and laser welding are also redefining what it means to work in a skilled trade.
(Undated) If you’ve ever been in need of a plumber, an electrician, or a builder, you know they’re often contracted weeks out. This is National Careers in Trades Week, and Aaron Hilger, CEO of SMACNA, says that’s one reason career and technical education programs like those at HCTC are flourishing. If you’re already out of school, where do you start when it comes to a career in one of the trades? (((Trades 4 “…that’s S M A C N A dot org.” :22))).
Infrastructure
New Statewide Building Codes Take Effect Today
(Maine) New statewide building codes take effect in Maine today. The updates reportedly enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of new residential and commercial construction. Municipalities with more than 4,000 residents are required to enforce the codes. Builders and code officers are being offered training through the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA Hancock County Hires New Executive Director
(Trenton) The SPCA of Hancock County has hired a new Executive Director. Mindy Wulf previously served as the SPCA’s shelter manager and volunteer coordinator. She and her husband relocated from Maryland to Maine last year and quickly became involved with the beloved animal care agency, even adopting a very tiny, sickly kitten from the SPCA that is now a healthy, playful member of the Wulf family. We’ve posted more biographical information on our Star 97.7 FB pages.
(NY) Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in NHL history by scoring the 895th goal of his career Sunday. Ovechkin is captain of the Washington Capitals. The goal came in a game against the NY Islanders. And a bright spot for Duke freshman Cooper Flagg after that shocking loss to Houston in the Final Four. Flagg was named winner of the 2025 John R. Wooden Award, presented each year to outstanding college basketball players. He’ll be officially presented with the award April 11 in LA.
(Undated) A heartbreaking loss for Cooper Flagg and Duke on Saturday in the NCAA Final Four. Duke had a six point lead with just under a minute to go, but Houston used the final seconds to score nine points, beating Duke in an improbable 70-67 win. Houston and Florida will be on the court tonight in San Antonio to vie for the men’s championship. On the women’s side, # 2 UConn blew away #1 South Carolina 82-59 yesterday to claim the 2025 championship there.