Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Body Found on Schoodic Loop Road
(ANP) The National Park Service is investigating after a body was found on the Schoodic Loop Road Monday afternoon. Authorities say the man, whose identity and cause of death have not been released, was found outside his vehicle near Frazer’s Point about 4 p.m.. The body was taken to the state medical examiner’s office. No further details were given, but Acadia officials say there was never any threat to the public.
(ANP) A visitor on the Schoodic Loop Road got quite the shock upon discovering a body near Frazer’s Point Monday. The passerby, who stumbled on the victim about 4 p.m., called authorities, who confirmed the person was DOA. Investigators have not released the victim’s identity. The body was taken to the state medical examiner’s office to determine a cause of death. Officials say there was never any threat to the public. The National Park Service is investigating the incident.
High Speed Chase Leads to Arrest of Bangor Man
(Bangor) Authorities have arrested a Bangor man in connection with a high speed chase last Saturday that ended in a fatality. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports about 6:40 that evening, police observed a vehicle speeding in the oncoming traffic lane on Route 9 in Aurora. The driver refused to stop for police, leading them on a high speed chase through several towns before crashing in Wesley. One of the car’s occupants was killed, three others fled on foot but were later apprehended. The driver, 21 yo James Nile, was arrested and taken to the Hancock County Jail where he faces multiple charges.
Trenton, Ellsworth, Lamoine Fire Departments Conduct Walkthrough of Acadia Gateway Center
(Bar Harbor) The Trenton, Lamoine and Ellsworth Fire Departments conducted a walkthrough of the newly constructed Acadia Gateway Center this week. Trenton Volunteer Firefighters report its part of their ongoing training efforts. They say pre-incident planning is a critical part of what they do – familiarizing themselves with new buildings, identifying key access points, fire protection systems, and potential challenges. They say when seconds count, so does being well prepared.
Local Politics
Trenton Candidates’ Night
(Trenton) Candidates for the Trenton Select Board will meet the public in an informal reception on Saturday, May 3rd. The meet and greet will begin at 4 p.m. at the Trenton Town Office, with brief opening remarks by each candidate. Residents are invited to attend the event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Downeast, and learn how the candidates plan to deal with important issues facing Trenton. A Zoom option will be available. Candidates include Danielle Cole, Carol Perreault (Per-ROW) , Jarod Rollins, Susan Sargent, and Judith Sproule (Sprowl). (Email [email protected] for Zoom link).
Economy
Rural Communities Face Growing Hunger
(Undated) With the threat of SNAP and TEFAP benefits being cut, the issue of hunger grows more pressing, especially in rural communities like so many here in Maine. Star 97.7 asked Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America, why rural communities are hardest hit. (((Hunger 1 “…it might be a long drive to the nearest grocery store.” :16))) Hall says lawmakers have the opportunity to pass a strong, bipartisan farm bill that can protect the SNAP program, and he urges constituents to call their representatives, asking them to support the bill.
(Undated) Hunger is present in every zip code in America, but Vince Hall of Feeding America tells Star 97.7, 9 out of 10 counties with the highest food insecurity rate are rural, such as many counties here in Maine. Hall says working with farmers and passing legislation that supports programs such as SNAP and TEFAP is key. (((Hunger 2 “…the food bank is often the first call that they make.” :17))). Hall says we can all donate, whether it’s food, funds, time, and especially our voices. He says we throw away more food each day than is needed to solve the problem, so America doesn’t have a food shortage so much as a shortage of will to come together to solve the problem.
(Undated) The term “working poor” is a literal reality for 47M Americans, 14M of whom are children. Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America, tells Star 97.7, with costs rising faster than wages, programs like SNAP are a lifeline, especially in rural areas like Maine. (((Hunger 3 “…who are on the SNAP program.”)))
Upstream Watch to Purchase Nordic Aquafarms Parcel in Belfast
(Belfast) A nonprofit that opposed the Nordic Aquafarms project planned for Belfast has contracted to purchase the parcel owned by the Norwegian-based company. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Nordic Aquafarms backed away from the proposed indoor salmon aquaculture venture after problems arose with access and environmental concerns. Upstream Watch, a group made up of small business owners, educators, farmers, and others who advocate for the health of Midcoast Maine’s rivers and watershed, says it plans to initiate a fundraising campaign to buy the 54-acre parcel and ensure it “doesn’t remain vulnerable to another ill-conceived project.”
(Belfast) A nonprofit known as Upstream Watch has entered a contract to purchase a 54-acre parcel in Belfast originally proposed as the site of an indoor salmon aquaculture venture. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Nordic Aquafarms backed away from the endeavor after problems with access and pushback from environmentalists rendered it unfeasible. One of those opposed was Upstream Watch, a group composed of small business owners, scientists, farmers, historians, citizen activists and others who advocate for the health of Midcoast Maine’s rivers and watershed. The group plans to initiate a fundraising campaign to buy the property in order, they say, to ensure it “doesn’t remain vulnerable to another ill-conceived project.”
Environment
Ellsworth Celebrates Arbor Day
(Ellsworth) This Friday is Arbor Day, and the Ellsworth Arbor Commission invites the community to celebrate with them at a special event at the Moore Community Center. The evening will feature light refreshments, opportunities for community connection, and an inspiring talk by James Kaechele, the Development Director of the New York Tree Trust. Join in the conversation as Ellsworth makes plans to establish a tree trust here, and learn about the exciting project to replant Ellsworth with its lush tree canopy. That’s 5:30 to 7:30 this Friday evening at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth!
Ellsworth Site of EV Charging Station Growth
(Ellsworth) The growth of electric vehicles continues to evolve. The Portland Press Herald reports the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program – or NEVI – was brought to a halt in February by the Trump Administration. But states have interpreted federal guidance differently. A memo from the Federal Highway Administration caused confusion among states, leading some to halt construction of charging stations, while others “charged on”. NEVI site projects are currently underway in Ellsworth, Portland, Bangor and Rumford.
ANP Carriage Roads Reopen to Foot Traffic
(ANP) The historic carriage roads at Acadia National Park have reopened to pedestrian foot traffic only. Park officials say the roads remain vulnerable to damage from bicycle and equestrian use because of the soft road surface, so those activities remain prohibited for the time being. Stay informed about current conditions and permitted use at n p s dot gov or by following Acadia National Park on FB.
(ANP) Acadia National Park’s carriage roads are open once again for foot traffic only for now. Park officials say the roads are still soft, so they remain vulnerable to damage from bike and equestrian use. Those remain prohibited for now. Follow Acadia National Park on FB or visit n p s dot gov to stay informed.
Health
Candlelight Vigil for Houlton Hospital Birthing Unit
(Houlton) Houlton nurses and community members plan to hold a candlelight vigil tonight. The event follows a standing-room-only town hall meeting earlier this month after Houlton Regional Hospital announced plans to shutter the Labor, Delivery, and Postpartum unit. More than 1400 people have signed a petition demanding the unit stay open. The vigil is planned for 6 p.m. this evening at Houlton Riverfront Park.
(Houlton) Birthing and delivery units at hospitals across Maine are closing at alarming rates. Hospitals cite declining birth rates, but community members say the closures will force expectant parents to drive upwards of an hour or more to give birth. Nurses aren’t taking the news lying down. In Houlton, a standing-room-only town hall meeting was followed by circulation of a petition that sought to demand the unit stay open. So far, it’s gathered 1400 signatures. A candlelight vigil is planned for 6 p.m. this evening at Houlton Riverfront Park.
Infrastructure
Temporary Water Interruption
(Ellsworth) Residents who live on Surry Road and certain side roads along Route 172 will experience a temporary interruption in water service tomorrow between the hours of 8 and 4, due to construction in the area. Side roads affected include Westwood, Hillside, and Mountain View. Residents in those areas may want to store water for the brief interruption in service. Also, City officials say once water is restored, residents may notice some discoloration. They recommend running water until it’s clear if it appears dirty or yellow and say contact the Ellsworth Water Department with questions. .
Human Interest/Entertainment
2-1-1 System Offers Variety of Help Options
(Maine) Finding help for complex needs, like shelter, substance use, mental health, or food access can be challenging. Fortunately, 2-1-1 Maine is available to all Mainers and is accessible through a user-friendly site that enables people to initiate a search for help, day or night. Republican Representative Russell White tells Star 97.7, 2-1-1 Maine is a free, confidential resource for people of all ages to access local health and human services information. People can find help in their area by dialing 2-1-1 and talking with a trained and friendly specialist. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or search the online directory at 2-1-1 Maine dot org.