Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Bridgton Man Accused of Threats Against Donald Trump
(Bridgton) A Bridgton man is accused of threatening to shoot President Donald Trump. A criminal complaint filed in US District Court says 46 yo Kevin Bell on Saturday reportedly told a Secret Service Agent he doesn’t care for Trump and threatened, “I’ll just shoot him.” Bell was arrested following the conversation with the agent, but was released on $20K bond.
Deer Isle Fire Station to Be Replaced
(Deer Isle) The town of Deer Isle has two aging, undersized fire stations. The Ellsworth American reports one is housed in a former school and is ripe with black mold, prompting the need for a new station. Fire Chief Brent Morey said they’ve completed a schematic design and are looking at options. The department has issued a request for proposals from architectural firms. The new station would be built on the old school property opposite the congregational church on Route 15. Estimated cost of construction is currently $6.9M.
(Deer Isle) The town of Deer Isle is desperately in need of a new fire station. The town’s two current stations are reportedly too small, too old, and one is filled with black mold. Fire Chief Brent Morey told the Ellsworth American the department has completed a schematic design and issued a request for proposals from architectural firms. The new station would be built on the old school property opposite the congregational church on Route 15. Estimated cost of construction is currently $6.9M.
Sugarloaf Fatality Update
(Carrabasset Valley) New details on the person who died last weekend at Sugarloaf Mountain. The Carrabassett Valley Police Chief tells WMTW, 63 yo Kendall Willard was on the chair lift, planning for a morning of snowboarding, when he apparently dropped a glove. When attempting to retrieve it, Willard ended up on a trail that was closed due to icy conditions, lost his footing and slid some 800 feet, landing in a wooded area, where he was found unresponsive by members of the ski patrol. Attempts to save him were unsuccessful.
Local Politics
Leaders Host Town Hall to Discuss Tariff Impact
(Bangor) The word of the day is “uncertainty”. That was one finding of a virtual town hall meeting this week between Maine and Canadian leaders who hosted the gathering to discuss the impact of tariffs. WABI reports leaders discussed ways to maintain positive business relationships, in spite of the raised tariffs imposed by President Trump. More than 300 attendees responded to a question of how concerned they were about the tariffs – 68% said very concerned, 30% somewhat concerned, and 2% said they weren’t worried at all. One official said the number of travelers crossing US/Canada land borders is at COVID type levels, sparking worries about the economic impact on summer tourism and spending.
(Bangor) Leaders from Maine and Canada this week met in a virtual town hall to discuss the impact of tariffs imposed on Canada by President Trump. WABI reports the leaders were anxious to find ways to maintain positive business relationships, in spite of the hefty tariffs. 68% of those responding said they were “very concerned” about the impact of those tariffs. One official said the number of travelers crossing US/Canada land borders is at COVID-type levels, sparking uncertainty about the tariff’s economic impact, especially as the two countries head into the normally busy … normally profitable, tourist season.
Economy
Ellsworth Planning Board Approves Dysart Plan
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Planning Board has given preliminary approval to plans to raze the Ellsworth Car Wash and former Branch Pond Marine in order to build a Dysart’s gas station and new car wash at 271 High Street. The Ellsworth American reports the company proposes first clearing the former boat storage area to build a convenience store with gas and diesel pumps. A new tunnel car wash with advanced technology will be built on the site as well. If final plans are approved, demolition will begin this summer.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Planning Board has preliminarily approved plans to raze the Ellsworth Car Wash and former Branch Pond Marine at 271 High Street. The Ellsworth American reports a Hermon-based company proposes first clearing the former boat storage area to build a Dysart’s convenience store with gas and diesel pumps. A new tunnel car wash with advanced technology will be built on the site as well. If final plans are approved, demolition will begin this summer, with the new facilities set to open in 2026.
Maine DOT Hearing on Proposed Ferry Service Increases
(Rockport) A public hearing today in Rockport will focus on a proposed update to Maine State Ferry tolls. The Maine Department of Transportation says the increase in rates is necessary to pay for continued operation of the service. The hearing will be held at the Samoset Resort beginning at Noon and will also be livestreamed on the Maine DOT website.
Stocks Soar as Trump Temporarily Pauses Tariffs
(NY) Some call it manipulating the market, but stocks soared yesterday when President Trump said he would pause most of his tariffs temporarily. The pause came just hours after the tariffs were announced, allowing savvy risk takers to buy stocks that had plunged in value. China was the exception, with Trump saying tariffs there are going up to 125%. Experts say the trade war is far from over and that U.S. stocks are still below where they were just a week ago when the President announced worldwide tariffs in what he called “Liberation Day”.
(NY) Stocks surged yesterday to one of their best days in history, after President Trump said he would pause most of the tariffs levied on trading partners for 90 days. Some economists called it manipulating the market, because the pause came just hours after the tariffs were announced, allowing savvy risk takers to buy stocks that had plunged in value. The S&P surged 9.5%, allowing for a rapid regain in value for those who had had the means to invest. Economists warn the trade war is far from over, but Wednesday’s gains were a welcome relief after days of watching the stock market plunge to near record lows.
Maine Department of Education Hosts Inclusive Education Conference
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Education today is hosting the state’s first Inclusive Education Conference at the Augusta Civic Center. The conference theme is “Reimagining Education: Empowering All Learners, Embracing All Abilities”. Attendees include students and educators and other education experts from across the state, such as families, administrators, and university faculty. It’s hosted by DOE’s Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education.
(Augusta) Students, staff, families, and university faculty from across Maine are in Augusta today to attend the state’s first Inclusive Education Conference. The Conference, entitled “Reimagining Education: Empowering All Learners, Embracing All Abilities” is designed to provide school communities with the tools needed to empower every student, particularly those with disabilities, with the support necessary to build inclusive, meaningful futures. The conference is hosted by the Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education.
Ellsworth Public Library Supports Digital Literacy
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library is committed to expanding access to essential resources. April programs at the library focus on digital literacy, mental health support, food security, and technology assistance. Tonight at 5, join a conversation on Sexual Assault and Advocacy with AMHC. Tomorrow afternoon at 2, folks of all ages can enjoy meeting Game Warden Eric Rudolph. Join a veggie-themed storytime with Healthy Acadia on April 19th. Also, take advantage of computer tutor drop-ins Mondays from 10 until Noon, only during April. The Ellsworth Public Library is all about resources – from books to caregiver support to technology tutoring and more. Visit ellsworth library dot net.
(Ellsworth) When it comes to resources, from books to movies, to caregiver support and technology tutoring, April programs at the Ellsworth Public Library have it all. Tonight at 5, join a conversation on Sexual Assault and Advocacy with AMHC. Tomorrow afternoon at 2, folks of all ages can enjoy meeting Game Warden Eric Rudolph. Join a veggie-themed story-time with Healthy Acadia on April 19th. And take advantage of “computer tutor drop-ins” Mondays from 10 until Noon, only during April. The library is a proud supporter of the Hancock County Food Drive and invites the community to participate in the Food Drive Read-A-Thon. Visit them for recommendations on what to read and so much more. Ellsworth library dot net.
Plans Underway for Statue to Honor Searsport’s Sea Captains and Seafaring Heritage
(Searsport) Plans are underway in Searsport for a Sea Captain statue that Dr. Karen Kelly, the force behind the idea, says will be a “traffic stopper” in a town that has one of the country’s richest seafaring heritages. Star 97.7 asked Dr. Kelly how the idea for the statue came about. (((SeaCap 1 “…in my hometown, Searsport.” :13))). The years passed, but Karen never forgot her dream. And then one day, she and Natalie Knox were talking about ways to promote their hometown. (((SeaCap 2 “…and she said, ‘Let’s do it!’” :06))) The plan is to have the statue installed by early summer and dedicated on July 4th. Stay tuned – we’ll let you know how you can contribute.
(Searsport) Plans are underway for a Sea Captain’s statue that will be displayed in front of the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport, to be unveiled, hopefully, this July 4th. Star 97.7 asked Dr. Karen Kelly, who is spearheading the project, why Searsport? (((SeaCap 3 “…and so many people think so, too.” :21))). If you know the history of Searsport and its ongoing significance , it’s almost unthinkable there’s not already such a monument to the town’s seafaring history. If you’d like to help with the project financially, checks can be sent to the historical society at PO Box 235, Searsport 04974, with “statue” in the memo line.
(Searsport) Dr. Karen Kelly has been President of the Searsport Historical Society for 23 years. One day as she and Natalie Knox were talking about ways to bring people to their hometown, Karen told Natalie of her childhood dream of installing a Sea Captain statue. Come July 4th, the town will see that dream unveiled. Star 97.7 asked Karen where the statue will be located. (((SeaCap 4 “…and so they’re giving me a space.” :17))) Karen says the statue will be dedicated to the town and to Natalie, who gave her the courage to go ahead with the plan, but who passed away in 2023. Plan now to be there – it’s not something any of us will want to miss.
(Searsport) With Searsport’s rich seafaring history and its position still today as one of the largest ports on the east coast, Searsport Historical Society President Dr. Karen Kelly thought it the perfect place for a Sea Captain’s statue. If all goes well, the statue will be unveiled at the Penobscot Marine Museum on July 4th. (((SeaCap 6 “…we’ve just become partners.” :11))) We asked Dr. Kelly if she had an idea about the cost of the project. (((SeaCap 5 “…was going to be the cost has risen greatly.” :12))) Still, Karen says people she hasn’t heard from in years, people in the town and from away have stepped up to help make it happen. We’ve posted information on how you can help with this story on our website under “News”.
USA Today Poll Ranks Castine on Top
(Castine) When you think of great little towns in the Northeast, Bar Harbor, Newport, Stowe and Mystic may come to mind. While all great places, a recent USA Today poll ranked Castine as number eight best historic small town in the US, number three best coastal small town in the US, and the number one best small town in the entire Northeast! Those in the know say it’s really not surprising that the home to Maine Maritime Academy topped the list. With its quaint shops, bioluminescent bay, and historic tours, townsfolk say they’re not surprised one of Maine’s best kept secrets is now out there for all the world to celebrate – especially those who live and work in Castine.