Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Shots Fired in Paris, ME, Lead to Arrest
(Paris) A report of shots fired on Park Street in Paris, Maine around 11:30 Wednesday night led to the arrest of a Massachusetts man. Authorities arrived in the area to find a blue SUV leaving the scene. A high speed chase ensued, with officers eventually deploying a spike mat, causing the SUV to crash in a field in Mechanic Falls. The four occupants of the vehicle were taken to a hospital, with one passenger sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested the driver, 24 yo Luis Andres Lorenzo Rondon of Massachusetts and recovered two firearms from the vehicle. Rondon faces multiple charges, including eluding an officer and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.
(Paris) A Massachusetts man faces multiple charges after he reportedly led authorities on a high speed chase Wednesday night. Maine State Police say they received a report of shots fired around 11:30 P.M. in the area of Park Street in Paris, Maine. When officers arrived, they saw a blue SUV leaving the scene. A high speed chase ensued, with police eventually employing a spike mat, which caused the SUV to crash in a field in Mechanic Falls. The four occupants of the vehicle were taken to a hospital – one with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Three were treated and released. Authorities recovered two firearms from the SUV. The driver, 24 yo Luis Andres Lorenzo Rondon of Massachusetts, was taken to the Androscoggin County Jail where he faces multiple charges.
Florida State University Shooting
(Tallahassee) A gunman killed two and wounded six others yesterday on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee. Gunshots were first reported at midday at the student union. Authorities believe the suspect, who was shot before being captured, acted alone. A witness who attends the University told Star 97.7, the shooter is the 20 yo son of a Tallahassee deputy who somehow got hold of at least one of her guns. Three firearms were found – one on the suspect, one in a nearby car, and a shotgun in the student union. The witness told us response from law enforcement was swift and that they heard sirens within ten seconds of the emergency warning telling students and staff to shelter in place. At a press conference, officers said neither of the victims who died were students.
(Florida) Authorities in Florida have arrested a student they say opened fire yesterday on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee. The shooter, identified as 20 yo Phoenix Ikner, killed two and wounded six others with a former service weapon belonging to his mother, a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, who authorities say has served admirably, including as a school resource officer, during her 18 year career.
Local Politics
Bill to Protect Affordable Health Care Goes Before Committee
(Augusta) The 340B program has provided resources to providers to enable them to maintain access to high quality care for rural and underserved communities. But Democratic Senator Donna Bailey of Saco says, recently, the pharmaceutical industry decided to change practices. Specifically, she says, they began prohibiting hospitals and other entities from forming cost-saving partnerships with local providers and pharmacies, greatly reducing access to savings and leaving Mainers to foot the bill. This week, a bill to counteract such moves was heard in committee. LD 1018 would, among other things, prohibit discrimination by manufacturers, carriers, and pharmacy benefit managers, and give enforcement responsibility to the Attorney General. The Committee will schedule a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Grohoski Introduces Funding Crisis Bill
(Augusta) It’s no secret there’s a mounting crisis in the state’s long-term care system – specifically, the financial instability and chronic underfunding of residential care facilities. This week, Democratic Senator Nicole Grohoski introduced legislation to address what she says is the inadequate reimbursement for the quality of care and severe staffing shortages in the system. LD1489 was the subject of a public hearing before the Health and Human Services Committee. The bill has two parts. One requires a cost of living adjustment; the second requires the Department to begin a formal rate study and implement new rates by January 1 next year.
Education
MDIRSS Superintendent Responds to Threats Targeting School Funding
(Bar Harbor) Local schools are sharing their views on the issue of diversity, equality, and inclusion. Mount Desert Island Regional School Superintendent Mike Zboray addressed the School Board last week, following an April 11 notice from the US Department of Education, threatening to begin cutting education funding from Maine over its alleged Title IX violation for allowing transgender athletes to participate in school sports. The Mount Desert Islander reports Zboray reassured the Board all schools in the District were following Title IX, Title VI – which prohibits racial discrimination, and The Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in several areas. Zboray said it was important to recognize executive orders do not undo the law and that only Congress has the power to change those laws. He added, “We will act in accordance if laws change.”
(Bar Harbor) Schools across Maine are facing threats of funding cuts from the Trump Administration, which has accused the state of violating Title IX over transgender athletes. At a recent School Board Meeting, Mount Desert Island Regional School Superintendent Michael Zboray addressed the issue, reassuring the Board all schools in the District were following Title IX, Title VI – which prohibits racial discrimination, and The Maine Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in several areas. The Mount Desert Islander reports the district received $1.2M in federal funding for the current school year. Zboray told the Board executive orders do not undo the law and that only Congress has the power to change those laws. He added, “We will act in accordance if laws change.”
Environment
MDMR Program Supports Species Recovery
(Augusta) Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon are two of Maine’s twelve species of sea-run fish that divide their time between fresh and saltwater. Atlantic sturgeon can grow to 13 feet long and live up to 60 years. But both charismatic fish are listed as threatened and endangered, respectively, under the Endangered Species Act. In order to better understand the health of their populations, the Maine Department of Marine Resources has partnered with NOAA, the University of Maine and others for a comprehensive study. The effort involves last year’s launch of the Maine Sturgeon Sighting Reporter, where community members report sturgeon sightings. To learn more and get involved in the research, visit the MDMR website.
Lamoine Osprey Return
(Lamoine) Driving along Mud Creek Road on my way home last night, I was greeted with one of my favorite sights – a pair of osprey, one on the nest, the other soaring above the field in search of dinner. Now you can watch the Lamoine osprey 24-7. Versant Power invites you to view the nest through their solar powered osprey cams. Watch them build up their nest, lay eggs, and care for their chicks. The platform on which the nest is built is one of 25 created to deter ospreys from building nests on electrical infrastructure, which can result in fires, like the tragic blaze that destroyed the Mud Creek nest in August of 2020. To keep track of the newly-returned osprey, visit versant power dot com forward slash osprey.
Infrastructure
Manset Dock Repairs
(SW Harbor) The town of SW Harbor this week began the process of repairing the Manset town dock that was damaged by storm surge during the January 2024 storms. The Mount Desert Islander reports the town began accepting bids on Monday. The project will include partial demolition, reinforcement of the substructure, installation of new piles and timber framing, and construction of a new 4400 square foot concrete deck. Funding for the project will be split between federal funds, 75%, and the state, 15%, with the town covering the remaining 10%. Completion of the project is expected by June 20th or earlier.
(SW Harbor) The Manset town dock in SW Harbor was heavily damaged by the January 2024 storms. This week, the town began accepting bids for repairs. The Mount Desert Islander reports the project will include partial demolition, reinforcement of the substructure, installation of new piles and timber framing, and construction of a new 4400 square foot concrete deck. Completion of the project is expected by June 20th or earlier.
Upcoming Road Work in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Quite a bit of road work in the Ellsworth area, beginning today and into next week. Boggy Brook Road will be partially closed today as crews grind the pavement in preparation for paving scheduled for next week. Also, today, the Public Works Highway crew will close both lanes of Shore Road to continue work on clearing a blocked culvert near Pump Station Point. Next week, work is scheduled on Foster Street and Surry Road. We’ve posted more details on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Ellsworth) Expect traffic delays around the Ellsworth area, beginning today and heading into next week. Boggy Brook Road is set to be partially closed today so crews can grind the pavement in preparation for paving next week. Also this morning, an 8 a.m. closing of both lanes of Shore Road. The Public Works Highway crew will close both lanes to continue work on clearing a blocked culvert near Pump Station Point. Next week, expect delays on Foster Street and Surry Road, along with MDOT work that will close a section of the Washington Junction Road. We’ve posted details of closures, lane restrictions, and work hours for those projects on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Technology
Google Ruled a Monopoly
(NYT) For the second time in a year, a federal court on Thursday found Google had acted illegally to maintain its dominance. The New York Times reports Google wanted to maintain a monopoly in some online advertising technology. The ruling added to other legal troubles that could reshape the $1.86 trillion dollar company and alter its power over the internet.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Rotary Club of Ellsworth Gears Up for Vendor Fair
(Ellsworth) The Rotary Club of Ellsworth is gearing up for another awesome Spring Fling Craft Fair. This year’s Fair is set for 9 to 1 on April 26th at the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School. Fair organizer Jodie Cushing tells Star 97.7, so far 78 vendors have signed up, offering yard sale items, knitted creatures, freeze dried candy, and items from local writers, just to name a few. Cushing says the vendors come from near and far. The event is one of the Rotary’s largest fundraisers, with proceeds going toward the scholarship program. This year, they plan to provide more than $12,000 in scholarships to Ellsworth High School and HCTC graduates.
MSM Selects Annual Sunbeam Gala Awards
(NE Harbor) The Cornelia Cogswell Rossi Foundation and Sunrise County Economic Council are this year’s recipients of Maine Seacoast Mission’s 2025 Sunbeam Award. The CC Rossi Foundation has been committed to supporting Mainers through healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. SCEC has for more than 30 years facilitated prosperity in Washington County focusing on developing the workforce and increasing support and resources for entrepreneurs and businesses. The awards will be presented at the Sunbeam Award Gala, set for August 21st at the Bar Harbor Club.
Two Lights for Tomorrow Kicks of Semiquincentennial
(Augusta) The Maine Semiquincentennial Commission will kick off planned celebrations of the country’s birth today and tomorrow by recognizing the famous ride of Paul Revere, April 18 and 19, 1775. The “Two Lights for Tomorrow” events include Capitol Park lighting at the Maine State Capitol in Augusta tonight, lanterns in the John and Phebe Perkins House in Castine, a potluck by the Hampden Garden Club, along with a reading of “Paul Revere’s Ride”, and events in Gorham, Portland, Presque Isle, Thomaston, Winterport and other towns throughout Maine. Check local organizers for further event details.
Judge Threatens Contempt Inquiry
(NYT) Judge James E. Boasberg has threatened to open a contempt inquiry into the Trump Administration over what he called “willful disregard” for his order temporarily halting deportations under an obscure wartime law. The White House invoked the archaic missive against individuals it accused of being gang members. In a 46-page opinion, the judge wrote there was “probable cause” to find the administration in contempt for its actions.
US Attorney Pick Appeared on Russian State Media More Than 150 Times
(WaPo) Trump’s Cabinet picks continue to stir controversy and questions. The President’s DC pick for U.S. Attorney appeared on Russian state media more than 150 times between 2016 and 2024. The Washington Post reports nominee Ed Martin did not initially disclose his RT and Sputnik appearances to the Senate. The State Department has said the networks act like arms of Russian intelligence.
Ukraine War
(NYT) The U.S. may abandon Ukraine in its war against the Russian invasion. The New York Times this morning reporting Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US will give up its efforts to end the war in Ukraine if it proves impossible to broker meaningful programs in the next several days.