Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Dog Alerts Family to Mobile Home Fire
(Steuben) A homeowner in Steuben has a pet to thank for alerting them to an early morning fire that broke out in the bedroom of their mobile home on Tuesday. The Ellsworth American reports the fire broke out about 4 a.m. and spread from the bedroom of the Village Road home to the kitchen area. The home’s only occupant was awakened by the family dog. No one was injured, but Steuben Fire Chief Rick Hawkins said the home suffered extensive smoke and water damage.
Ellsworth, Holden Police Departments Honor Parkinson’s Disease Month
(Ellsworth) More than 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. This week, members of the Ellsworth and Holden Police Departments took the initiative to fight the disease – literally. Officers had a chance to work out with the Rock Steady Boxing crew. Rock Steady offers an evidence-based curriculum, specifically designed to impact the symptoms and slow the progression of Parkinson’s. EPD reports Corporal Robert Angelo and Captain David Lord held their own with only minor bruising and abrasions.
Local Politics
Maine Joins 11 Other States in Tariff Lawsuit
(Augusta) Maine yesterday joined eleven other states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration to stop its tariff policy. The suit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, claims the President’s tariff policies are unlawful and have brought chaos to the American economy. The lawsuit said the Trump trade policies have been subject to his “whims, rather than the sound exercise of lawful authority.” Trump maintains he can arbitrarily impose tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
White House Considers Incentivizing Childbirth
(ABC) Following years of declining birth rates, the White House is reportedly fielding proposals aimed at persuading people to marry and have children. One proposal suggests a $5,000 bonus for every American mother after she gives birth. When asked about the plan on Tuesday, ABC News reports President Trump responded, “Sounds like a good idea to me.”
Vance Warns of Walking Away from Ukraine
(Undated) While on the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to strike a deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. That did not happen; and yesterday, Vice President JD Vance threatened the US would walk away if Putin and Zelensky did not agree to a ceasefire. Zelensky has agreed to ceasefires in the past, but Russia has consistently broken any and all truces. Vance said both Ukraine and Russia would have to give up some of the territory they currently own – pushing Ukraine to give up Crimea. That drew outcry, as Russia invaded Ukraine in an unprovoked attempt to take over its territory.
Durbin to Step Down
(NYT) Senator Dick Durbin said yesterday he will not seek re-election next year, closing out a 44-year congressional career that focused on immigration, the federal justice system, and other initiatives. The New York Times reports Durbin, an 80 yo Illinois Democrat, said it wasn’t an easy choice to step away from his spot as the No. 2 Senate Democrat for two decades in the midst of a battle for American Democracy, referencing concerns about President Donald Trump.
Nephew of President George H.W. Bush May Consider Run for Governor
(Maine) Nothing concrete yet, but Jonathan Bush, nephew of former President George H.W. Bush and cousin of former President George W. Bush, is showing signs that hint of interest in the 2026 Republican gubernatorial race. The Bangor Daily News reports on Wednesday, Bush announced the launch of Maine for Keeps, a group that plans to produce a policy roadmap, as well as a podcast featuring interviews with political and other leaders. Bush reportedly plans to raise a million dollars for the project in the coming year.
Economy
Former Island Nursing Home to Become Senior Housing
(Deer Isle) The housing crunch will be eased a bit on Deer Isle with transformation of the former Island Nursing Home. The Board of INH has announced the facility will be repurposed into 23 one-bedroom apartments for senior adults and those working on the island. The renovated space will operate under Home Port, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to helping seniors on fixed incomes age in place and creating affordable housing for the area workforce. Launch of a capital campaign to help fund the project is expected in the near future.
(Deer Isle) Deer Isle will soon have another affordable housing option, designed especially for seniors and those who work on the island. The Board announced the former Island Nursing Home will be repurposed into 23 one-bedroom apartments, operating as Home Port. Home Port is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to help seniors and those on fixed incomes age in place with dignity. A capital campaign to fund the project is planned, with an Open House set for Saturday, May 10th, from 1 to 3 to educate the public about transformation of the facility.
Education
MSM Names Newest Mission Scholars
(NE Harbor) Ellsworth, Sumner, Jonesport-Beals, Calais, Narraguagus, George Stevens Academy – 27 scholars from these and half a dozen other area high schools have been awarded scholarships from Maine Seacoast Mission. Award recipients from Hancock and Washington Counties will each receive between six and fourteen thousand dollars over four years. This year’s scholars plan to major in diverse fields, including nursing, education, business, political science and others. We’ve shared the names of the awardees on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(NE Harbor) MDI, Washington Academy, Shead, Deer Isle-Stonington, Bucksport and Machias – more than two dozen scholars from these and six other area high schools will receive scholarships worth between six and fourteen thousand dollars over four years as part of Maine Seacoast Mission’s scholarship program. This year’s recipients plan to major in such diverse studies and nursing, psychology, English, biology, and other fields. We’ve shared the names and schools of the awardees on our Star 97.7 FB page.
University of Maine Study Helps Districts Cut Food Waste
(Orono) Thanks to a study by researchers at the University of Maine, four school districts in the state have cut food waste by 20%. Now, four more districts are joining the effort, teaching students how to eat better, waste less, and give back to their communities. The program involves such things as setting up community refrigerators, composting food for area farm animals, and a food shelf where unopened canned food can be shared with other students. Interested schools can contact gracie dot treadwell at maine dot e d u.
(Orono) Feeding America says Americans waste more food each day than is needed to solve the hunger crisis in our country. Researchers at the University of Maine have taken that to heart, recently working with four school districts who cut their food waste by 20%. Students at the participating schools learned to separate food scraps for composting and collection by local farmers to feed to their animals and set up a community refrigerator, among other projects. Four more districts have since signed on. If your school would like to learn more, contact gracie dot Treadwell at maine dot e d u.
Environment
Machias Field Marked Off Limits
(Machias) The Machias Area Little League is asking folks to stay off Beal Field for the next couple of weeks. They say in spite of the recent sunshine, the field isn’t quite ready for the upcoming season. In order to prevent damage, they’ve posted a “No Trespassing” sign and are asking people to help keep the field safe before the 2025 tournament. Follow the Machias Area Little League on FB for updates.
Card Brook Cleanup Rescheduled
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has decided to postpone the Card Brook Cleanup, originally scheduled for Saturday. The cleanup will now happen on the May 3rd rain date, due to the forecast. The start time, location and other event details remain the same – you’ll find that information on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Ellsworth) It’s a rainout – that’s the word on the Card Brook Cleanup in Ellsworth set for this Saturday. Because the forecast calls for quite a bit of rain, the event is now rescheduled for Saturday, May 3rd. All other details remain the same – you’ll find those posted on our Star 97.7 FB page.
Health
Autism Study Sparks Concern
(Washington, DC) The Trump Administration has announced a sweeping autism study that will use private medical records from federal and commercial databases. The Portland Press Herald reports Cathy Dionne, Executive Director for the Autism Society of Maine said Wednesday she worries the “study” could be a way for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to further false claims that vaccines cause autism.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Shaw Institute Touch Tank
(Blue Hill) If you missed out on the Open House, April Break Week is the perfect time to visit the new 200 gallon touch tank at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill. Hold a sea cucumber, marvel at Arnold Clawmer, the rare chimera lobster, stroke a starfish, and caress a crab! The touch tank is currently accessible Wednesday through Friday from 10 until Noon and from 1 to 3, with the last tour at 2:30. And right now, you can visit the touch tank at no charge, although donations are always welcome. Have a party of eight or more? They just ask that you call ahead.
Versant Power Astronomy Center
(Orono) Mud season, cold winters, hot summers – we sometimes complain about the seasons. But what would happen if we changed them? Bring the kids to the Versant Power Astronomy Center this afternoon at 2 to find out! It’s part of the Center’s vacation week programming. Magic Globe is the engaging story of Mia, who accidentally discovers a tool to change the seasons … and must face the consequences. Tomorrow at 2, it’s Earth, Moon, Sun, a fast-paced full dome demonstration of lunar phases, eclipses, and other puzzling events with a confused Coyote! Watch the trailers, get tickets, and learn more at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Abbe Museum
(Bar Harbor) The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor doesn’t officially open until May; but you can beat the summer crowds and take the kids today for a special Spring Community Day! The Abbe Museum houses a wealth of resources about the Wabanaki people. At 10:30 this morning, kids can enjoy readings of Water Walkers and Little People of the Dawn. Then at 12:30, everyone can enjoy a guided tour of the People of the First Light Gallery. And for this special event, admission remains at 2024 prices. For more information, visit abbe museum dot org.