Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Authorities Identify Sugarloaf Ski Accident Victim
(Carrabassett Valley) Authorities have identified the person who died in a skiing accident Saturday at Sugarloaf Mountain. 63 yo Kendall Willard of Kingfield was reportedly skiing on a closed trail Saturday morning around 9 a.m. when the incident occurred. Members of the ski patrol found him unresponsive in woods some 800 feet from the top of the trail. Willard was taken to the first aid room where unsuccessful lifesaving measures were attempted. The medical examiner’s office confirmed Willard died of blunt force trauma, but did not release further details.
(Carrabassett Valley) Authorities say the man who died in a skiing accident at Sugarloaf Mountain on Saturday was on a trail that was closed off when the incident occurred. Officials have identified the victim as 63 yo Kendall Willard of Kingfield. They say members of the ski patrol found the victim unresponsive around 9 a.m. Saturday, in woods some 800 feet from the top of the trail. Willard was taken to the first aid room where unsuccessful lifesaving measures were attempted. The medical examiner’s office confirmed Willard died of blunt force trauma, but did not release further details.
Ellsworth Fire Department Earns EMS Paramedic Status
(Ellsworth) You’ve always been able to count on our Ellsworth first responders when in crisis – now the Ellsworth Fire Department is equipped to provide an even more advanced level of emergency medical care. Currently operating at the Basic EMT level permitted to Advanced EMT, the department has now received authorization from the State to provide EMS services at the paramedic level. The new authorization allows more advanced medical treatments, such as starting IV lines, advanced airway management and more, when a certified paramedic is available. The City and Fire Department continue to work collaboratively with Northern Light Medical Transport, ensuring continuous – and now more advanced – coverage for the community.
(Ellsworth) The capability to provide an advanced level of care while on the scene of an emergency is now part of the EMS services provided by the Ellsworth Fire Department. On Tuesday, the department received authorization from the State to provide Emergency Medical Services at the paramedic level, in addition to its current Basic and Advanced EMT services. Paramedic status allows first responders to provide medical treatments such as starting IV lines and advanced airway management, when at the scene of an emergency. The City and Fire Department continue to work collaboratively with Northern Light Medical Transport, ensuring continuous – and now even more advanced – coverage for the community.
Dozens Killed in Dominican Republic Roof Collapse
(Dominican Republic) At least 44 people were killed early Tuesday morning and 160 injured when a roof collapsed at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo. The Dominican civil defense says it expects the death toll to rise as they sift through the rubble. An investigation into a cause is underway. Authorities say a 2023 fire damaged part of the nightclub.
Local Politics
HRH Nurses to Hold Town Hall Meeting
(Houlton) Houlton Regional Hospital nurses plan to hold a town hall meeting this evening in response to news the Hospital plans to close its Labor, Delivery, and Recovery Department. Nurses, who were informed of the closure last week, say it’s a disastrous decision for patients across their region, who could face much longer travel times in order to receive labor and delivery care. The nurses say members of the public will join them in demanding the hospital keeps their department open and provides more transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
(Houlton) Labor and delivery units at hospitals across Maine are closing in alarming numbers, sparking fears expectant mothers will need to travel longer distances to give birth. Nurses are not holding back – recently, staging town hall meetings and expressing concerns about the closure at MDI hospital. Tonight, nurses at Houlton Regional Hospital will do the same. HRH nurses were informed last week of the planned closure of the Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum unit there – a decision they call disastrous for patient safety. The nurses say members of the public will join them in demanding the hospital keeps their department open and provides more transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
Carl Wilson Sworn in as MDMR Commissioner
(Augusta) Carl Wilson was sworn in Tuesday as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The ceremony by Governor Janet Mills followed a unanimous vote by the Maine Senate. Wilson joined the Department in 1999 as lead lobster biologist and has served as Acting Commissioner since March 14th. He replaces retired DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher.
Trump Administration Pulls Funding Over Trans Inmate
(Maine) The Trump administration yesterday said it was pulling $1.5M in Maine prison system funding. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the decision in an interview on Fox News, saying the funding was pulled due to the system “allowing a man in a women’s prison”. The inmate in question was 17 and going through a gender identity crisis, according to her attorney, when she reportedly murdered her parents and the family dog in their home in Winthrop. The Department of Corrections issued a statement saying the only communication it received was a letter from the US Department of Justice saying it was terminating grants because they “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.” The terminated grants pull funding from programs centered on substance use disorder treatment and recovery and a program that addresses the needs of incarcerated parents and their children.
(Maine) Schools, food programs, and now prisons in Maine continue to feel the devastating effects of the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown over two transgender students; and now, a transgender inmate housed at a women’s prison. In a Fox News interview Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the administration was pulling $1.5M in Maine prison system funding because, she said, the state was allowing a man to be incarcerated in a women’s prison. The Maine Department of Corrections yesterday said the only correspondence it has received on the matter was a letter from the Department of Justice claiming it was terminating grants because they “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.” The terminated grants drain critical resources from substance use disorder treatment and recovery, and a program that addresses the needs of incarcerated parents and their children.
Auditor Disputes Claim of Misuse of Public Funds
(Maine) Last week, the Maine Wire, a conservative publication, reported the 2024 Maine audit revealed “billion dollar financial mismanagement and corruption risk.” Not so, says Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap. The Bangor Daily News reports the annual audit examines how federal dollars are spent and usually generates little controversy. Dunlap said the “deficiencies” and “material weaknesses” noted in the audit involve such things as contracts being signed after a start date, rather than grievous oversight. At a legislative hearing, Finance Commissioner Kristen Figueroa defended her department’s work, noting there was no evidence of wrongdoing, fraud, waste or abuse. Dunlap agreed, noting a silver lining in that it helps assure the public their resources are being cared for.
(Maine) Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap this week responded to a charge by a conservative publication that the 2024 Maine audit revealed financial mismanagement and corruption risk. Dunlap noted the audit is performed every year, and that this year’s audit revealed even fewer issues than the previous year. He said the “deficiencies” and “material weaknesses” cited involved such things as contracts being signed after a start date. At a legislative hearing, Finance Commissioner Kristen Figueroa defended her department’s work, noting there was no evidence of wrongdoing, fraud, waste or abuse, and Dunlap agreed. The Bangor Daily News says the report has been posted to a clearinghouse, where it’s up for review by federal officials.
Maine Veterans Home Receives Reimbursement for Domiciliary Care
(Washington, DC) Domiciliary care for veterans was established by the VA after the Civil War as a type of assisted living provided to older veterans who are independently mobile but incapable of living alone. More than 115 Maine Veterans Home residents receive such care, 80% of whom are on Medicaid. A two-year lag on Congressionally-authorized funding for such care has forced MVH to pay out of pocket at a cost of $130,000 a month. Maine’s Congressional Delegation on Tuesday announced MVH has finally received full reimbursement from the VA for this care. The millions in delayed funding will now ensure Maine Veterans Home doors can stay open and that veterans can continue to access important care and support.
(Washington, DC) Maine Veterans Homes has received millions in back pay that will ensure the facility can stay open and continue providing veterans with access to important care and support. Domiciliary care for veterans was established by the VA after the Civil War as a type of assisted living for older veterans who are independently mobile but incapable of living alone. More than 115 Maine Veterans Home residents receive such care, 80% of whom are on Medicaid. A two-year lag on Congressionally-authorized funding for such care forced MVH to pay out of pocket at a cost of $130,000 a month. Maine’s Congressional delegation on Tuesday announced receipt of the reimbursement that had been delayed for more than two years.
Infrastructure
MPUC Investigates Versant Power
(Hallowell) The Maine Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday said it will open a formal investigation into the management practices of Versant Power Company. MPUC said the investigation follows concerns raised in a recent independent audit of the company’s operations that examined management structure, customer service and collections practices, operations, and reliability of its electric distribution system. Versant is the state’s second largest investor-owned electric utility, serving 165,000 customers in northern and central Maine.
(Hallowell) In response, Versant issued a statement saying it agrees with a number of findings in the recent management audit and has already been working on improvements in certain areas. However, spokesperson Judy Long said the company is concerned with the affordability of some of the recommendations, as well as what it calls conflicting messages from auditors versus regulatory staff and policymakers. The utility says the report recommends tens of millions of dollars in suggested new costs for personnel, software and corporate initiatives, while claiming those costly recommendations could somehow result in millions in SAVINGS to customers each year.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Sea of Blue Autism Walk/5K
(NE Harbor) Whether you walk, run, or skip – make sure you’re signed up for this year’s Sea of Blue Autism Awareness Walk and 5K in Northeast Harbor. The course is beautiful, well staffed, and this year, they’ve added a 10K to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the race, started by runner Christopher Heel and his family to help raise autism awareness and benefit autism causes. Registrations for this year’s April 26th event have already surpassed last year’s. And donations are pouring in for the amazing silent auction. Visit them on FB and you’ll see why this is one of the area’s best supported events – sign up at sea of blue autism dot org.
(NE Harbor) Bangor Savings Bank, the Mount Desert Police Association, Pat’s Pizza, the Great Maine Lumberjack Show – just a few of the businesses and organizations that have contributed thousands of dollars, prizes, tickets, table auction items and more to support this year’s April 26th Sea of Blue Autism Awareness Walk and 5K. The event includes a morning of entertainment, a beautiful course, friendly volunteers, and a chance to bid on a potpourri of items, all to help fund programs of the Autism Society of Maine and others. Walk, run, skip – but be sure to sign up soon! Visit sea of blue autism dot org.