Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Camden First Responders Rescue Golden Retriever
(Camden) First responders from the Camden Fire and Police Departments rescued a golden retriever from the woods Monday night. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Rogue was on an evening walk with his human when he suddenly sat down on the trail, unable to walk. The owner called for help, as darkness settled in on the muddy, root covered trail. Rescuers arrived and lifted the 90-pound pup onto a blanket and into a waiting SUV where he was whisked away for help. We contacted the Camden Police Department about an update on Rogue’s condition – they say they’re waiting to hear as well.
(Camden) Fire and police department staffs are always at the ready, no matter who needs help. In Camden Monday night, that happened to be a 90 pound Golden Retriever named Rogue. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Rogue was on a trek with his human when he suddenly sat down on the wooded trail, unable to walk. His human called for help, and first responders distracted Rogue with treats, lifted him onto a blanket, and made their way over a muddy, root covered trail to a waiting SUV, where he was whisked off to the vet. Star 97.7 reached out to the Camden Police Department about Rogue’s condition. They say they’re waiting on a pupdate on Rogue’s condition, as well.
Ellsworth Tent Fire
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth Police last week arrested a transient they say set a man’s tent on fire while he was in it. Captain Shawn Willey reports to Star 97.7, the incident happened at 2:15 a.m. The victim was able to put out the fire, but not before it burned a small area of the tent. Officers found and arrested the suspect, 33 yo Steven M. Kane, hiding in woods nearby. Officers say he was intoxicated but not injured. Kane is charged with arson and attempted aggravated assault.
(Ellsworth) A transient accused of setting another man’s tent on fire while he was in it was arrested and charged with arson last week. Captain Shawn Willey with the Ellsworth Police Department tells Star 97.7 the incident happened at 2:15 in the morning. The victim, who was not injured, was able to put out the fire, but a small part of the tent was burned. Officers found the suspect, 33 yo Steven M. Kane. They say he was intoxicated and hiding in nearby woods. An additional charge of Attempted Aggravated Assault was added at Kane’s arraignment this week by the District Attorney.
Cold Water Safety
(Maine) Scientists say the ideal water temperature for brook trout is between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but humans aren’t built for anything below 70. With the start of open water fishing … and paddlers eager to get out on the water, safety officials say average inland water temps in Maine remain at only at around 40 degrees – the same as ocean temperatures and cold enough to kill quickly. They say below 60 degrees, you can become physically incapacitated in under 10 minutes, making self-rescue nearly impossible. Experts say before you venture out, dress for the water not the air temperature. They say plan for immersion – always wear a life jacket. File a float plan. Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return, and always check the forecast before you go.
(Maine) The average water temperature in Maine in April is just about 40 degrees, the same as ocean temperatures and cold enough to kill quickly. Experts say water conducts heat away from your skin four times faster than air. Below 70 degrees, the colder the water, the more dangerous it becomes, with the onset of hypothermia just 30 minutes for the average size adult. So they caution, before you take the watercraft out or set out for a day of open water fishing, dress for the water, not the air, temperature. File a float plan – tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. Plan for immersion, and always wear a life jacket. And check the forecast before you go. Visit MDIFW for more water safety tips.
Groundbreaking for New Fire Station in Hancock
(Hancock) Construction will soon be underway at the site of the new Hancock Fire Station at 13 Cemetery Road, across from the old station. The new 6500 square foot station will be a major upgrade for the community, with four truck bays, administrative offices, space for meetings and training, storage and more. The public is invited to join them this Friday at 2 p.m. for the groundbreaking. Because this coincides with school dismissal, those attending are asked to park on the side street by the town hall or the town hall parking area and use caution when crossing Route 1.
(Hancock) You’re invited to a groundbreaking this Friday for the new Hancock Fire Station. Fire Chief Chris Holmes says it’s taken many years of planning and fundraising to reach the construction phase of the project. Local funds raised will be supplemented through a Congressionally Directed Spending Grant that will cover more than $1.5M of the $2.2M dollar project. The groundbreaking is set for 2 p.m. at 13 Cemetery Road this Friday. Attendees are asked to park at the Town Hall or on the side street near the Town Hall and use caution when crossing Route 1.
Economy
City of Ellsworth Awards Facade Grants
(Ellsworth) Eight properties in Downtown Ellsworth will share $114,000 in Community Development Block Grants awarded for facade improvements. Projects range from door replacements and fresh paint to more extensive restorations. The program received 18 applications totalling more than $588,000. One recipient, The Grand, plans to replace deteriorating doors. Grand Executive Director Nick Turner said something as simple as doors can turn a space into a place and become a welcoming invitation. Next steps for recipients include working with city staff to submit projects for review by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, finalizing design and then beginning exterior facade work. I’ve listed all the recipients on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Education
Bucksport High School Robotics Team Competes in Houston
(Bucksport) The Bucksport High School Robotics Team is in Houston today to participate in a robotics competition coordinated by FIRST, a nonprofit that supports STEM activities. The competition, this year April 17-19, starts with some 3600 teams from around the world. Despite having fewer resources and limited space compared to most other schools, “The Buck’s Wrath”, as the team is fiercely known, is currently ranked 17th in the world – behind competitors with millions in backing, including some from Silicon Valley. The Bangor Daily News reports that in spite of the disadvantages, the team has managed to succeed and make it to the worldwide championship eight of the last nine years.
(Bucksport) Educators and parents credit student dedication with the fact the Bucksport High School Robotics Team has made it to a worldwide competition eight of the past nine years. The Bangor Daily News reports “The Buck’s Wrath”, as the team has been fiercely dubbed, has fewer resources and must work in limited space compared to many schools that are larger and that sometimes have millions in backing. Yet, the Bucksport team is currently ranked – are you ready? 17th in the world. And that’s in a competition that begins with more than 3600 teams. The Bucksport team is in Houston this week to compete for 2025 rankings. And though many of their strongest members graduated last year, here’s hoping this year’s robot, the Tide, will once again roll right over the competition.
Infrastructure
Harbor Park Parking Lot Paving
(Ellsworth) Weather permitting, crews will be paving the parking lots at Harbor Park in Ellsworth beginning today through Friday. The parking areas will be closed until paving is complete.
(Ellsworth) The parking lot at Harbor Park in Ellsworth will be closed beginning today through Friday. Crews will be paving the lot, weather permitting. The City appreciates your patience as the work is being completed.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Criterion Theater Poised for New Beginnings
(Bar Harbor) Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor gained a rebirth this week as the Board on Sunday voted to transfer assets to Harper House Music Foundation, a non-profit focused on supporting the arts. HHMF, founded by longtime Bar Harbor summer residents Stephen and Allison Sullens, has committed a million dollars worth of support and is seeding a preservation fund in collaboration with the Maine Community Foundation. The Criterion has been a Bar Harbor staple since it opened in 1932. It went dark in January, largely because of funding issues related to needed repairs at the aging but iconic theatre. Nice to see the show will go on, thanks to some very generous supporters.
(Bar Harbor) In January, the Board of the Criterion Theatre decided to close the iconic 1932 entertainment hub, mainly because of a lack of funding to make needed repairs. And then a hero comes along. The Board this past Sunday voted to transfer assets to Harper House Music Foundation, a non-profit focused on supporting the arts. HHMF, founded by longtime Bar Harbor summer residents Stephen and Allison Sullens, has committed a million dollars worth of support and is seeding a preservation fund in collaboration with the Maine Community Foundation. Michael Roland, who previously led the Criterion’s 2014 restoration, will be working with HHMF to help manage the ownership transition as Interim Director, with a goal of programming a full slate of events for the 2025 season. Stay tuned.
Spring Community Days at the Abbe Museum
(Bar Harbor) Looking for meaningful and fun activities to fill those April Break days next week? The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor is hosting Spring Community Days April 23 & 24 from 10 until 2 both days. At 10:30, kids can delve into the world of the Wabanaki with readings from children’s books like Water Walkers and Little People of the Dawn. Visitors are invited to join a guided tour of the People of the First Light Gallery at 12:30 each day, and there are wonderful exhibits and displays to explore – all at 2024 admission prices! For more information, visit abbe museum dot org.
(Bar Harbor) Spend a day exploring the world of the Wabanaki over April Break! The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor is opening its doors from 10 until 2 April 23 and 24, and there’s something for all ages. At 10:30 both days, Curator of Education Christiana Becker will read from children’s books including Niki’s Water Song by Sunshine Tenasco and Carol Trembath’s Water Walkers. Then at 12:30, join a guided tour of the People of the First Light Gallery. Beat the summer crowds, and enjoy 2024 admission prices. The Abbe Museum, in association with the Smithsonian. For more information, visit abbe museum dot org.
Bartlett Wins Frontline Hero Contest
(Bar Harbor) Lori Bartlett of Bar Harbor is this year’s honoree in Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s “Honor A Frontline Hero” contest. The online contest gave community members a chance to nominate someone they felt deserved recognition for their impact on the community. Inspired by the 9/11 tragedy, Bartlett has worked as a TSA agent and public safety dispatcher at the Bar Harbor Police Department and currently works as a dispatcher at Acadia National Park. She’s also an avid baker who often donates her baked goods to area nonprofits. Bartlett received $1,000 from the bank. The bank also donated $1,000 to her favorite charity, The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter, in honor of her late dog, Beacon.
Celebrate Arbor Day in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Celebrate Arbor Day at a special event at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth. The Ellsworth Arbor Commission is hosting the evening April 25th from 5:30 to 7:30, with light refreshments, opportunities for community connection, and an inspiring talk by James Kaechele, Development Director of the New York Tree Trust and a Certified Master Arborist. With over a decade of experience, Kaechele will share how urban forestry programs are transforming neighborhoods through tree planting, stewardship, and public-private partnerships. The event will also serve as a kickoff fundraiser for the creation of a Tree Trust in Ellsworth. The evening is free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted.
Blue Origin Makes Historic All-Female Flight
(Undated) They’re safely back on earth after a first-in-flight. A group of women on Tuesday made history as The Blue Origin first all-female flight crew that rocketed to space and back. The crew of the New Shepard included singer Katy Perry, TV personality Gayle King, two female astronauts, a scientist and a film producer. The eight minute flight took the expedition to the edge of space and back.
Public Media Targeted
(Undated) The Trump administration is reportedly seeking to claw back $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for public media, targeting the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The move would impact NPR and PBS funding sooner than expected. Meanwhile, in an affront to the free press, new legislation aims to eliminate public media funding entirely amid ongoing partisan and regulatory scrutiny.
DOGE Seeks Federal Data on Immigrants
(Undated) The so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, is collecting federal data to remove immigrants from housing and jobs. The Washington Post reports the Administration is pushing agencies to turn over information on where people work, study and live – data normally protected from dissemination. The chilling crackdowns are hitting close to home, with concerns being reporting for blueberry workers and others in Milbridge, who are said to be facing undue scrutiny.