Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
No Major Discoveries in Search for New Sweden Teen
(New Sweden) No new discoveries in the search for missing New Sweden teen Stefanie Damron. The then 14 year old was last seen in September. More than 50 people took advantage of improved search conditions this weekend to look for clues in Damron’s disappearance. The search included members of Maine State Police, the Maine Warden Service, the FBI, drones and search dogs. Anyone with information is asked to call the Maine State Police.
U.S. Border Patrol Arrests 39 in Immigration Crackdown in Maine
(Maine) The U.S. Border Patrol recently initiated a 10-day immigration crackdown that resulted in the arrests of more than three dozen people here in Maine. All 39 arrested are in custody, with some reportedly having documented criminal histories. So far this year, Border Patrol agents in Maine say they’ve made more immigration-related arrests than in all of last year. Those arrested were from various countries, including El Salvador, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and China.
Bangor Man Pleads Not Guilty in 40 Year Old Murder Case
(Calais) A 65 yo Bangor man has pleaded not guilty in the 1984 murder of 18 yo Linda Maxwell of Calais. Raymond Brown was in Calais District Court Friday for an arraignment hearing. Maxwell’s unclothed body was found near the Robbinston Boat landing after she was reported missing in August of 1984. An extensive investigation was launched, but the case went cold. However, deputies and others involved never stopped searching for answers. Sources say recent new funding enabled the investigation to go further, leading to the arrest of Brown during a traffic stop in Bangor last week. While court records are sealed and investigators aren’t revealing what led to Brown’s ultimate arrest, they say he was a suspect from the beginning and had a criminal background before the murder that included felony burglary and simple assault. Brown is being held without bail in the Washington County Jail.
Local Politics
Trump Administration Settles with Maine
(Maine) Back in February at a meeting with State Governors, President Trump threatened Maine Governor Janet Mills with cuts if the state failed to comply with his interpretation of Title IX regarding transgender athletes. Mills responded, “See you in court.” Last week, Governor Mills and others did indeed go to court – and won. The Administration on Friday agreed to halt all efforts to freeze funds intended for a Maine child nutrition program. As a result, funding will be restored and the state will drop its lawsuit filed against the USDA for illegally withholding those funds.
Attorneys Commemorate Law Day
(Maine) May 1st was, among other things, Law Day. To commemorate the occasion, more than 600 lawyers and 100 law firms from across Maine signed a declaration, calling on Maine attorneys to stand up for what they called unprecedented attacks against the country’s legal system. Former Maine Public Advocate and attorney Bill Harwood said judges and others were being attacked for doing their jobs, calling it a constitutional crisis for which there is no playbook, but saying it was critical that those in the legal system continue to speak out.
Collins Expresses Concerns about President’s Budget
(Washington, DC) Republican Senator Susan Collins Friday expressed concerns about President Trump’s proposed budget request for FY 2026. Collins said while key details remain outstanding, based on her initial review, she has serious objections to a proposed freeze in defense funding and proposed funding cuts – and in some cases elimination of – programs like LIHEAP, TRIO, and programs that support biomedical research. Collins, head of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized Congress ultimately holds the power of the purse and that an aggressive hearing is scheduled to learn more about the President’s proposal.
Sea Grant Funding Restored to University of Maine
(Orono) The University of Maine last week announced it has received full Maine Sea Grant funding. The Trump Administration in February said the program would be defunded. However, Senator Susan Collins went to bat for the state, emphasizing the grant’s importance in advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts, and sustainable fisheries. Collins testified Maine Sea Grant provides valuable services for fishermen, lobstermen, hospitality workers, and many others.
Collins Secures $50M for Maine Air National Guard Hangar
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins announced Friday she has secured $50M for the Maine Air National Guard to construct a new hangar in Bangor. Collins said the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor plays an important role in national defense and that the new hangar will improve the capabilities of the Wing and enhance the Maine Guard’s readiness.
Economy
K&B Automotive Ribbon Cutting
(Ellsworth) A big congratulations this morning to K&B Auto owners, Jennifer and Brett Alexander. Jennifer tells Star 97.7 back in May of 2024, the Ellsworth business suffered a structure fire. They’ve been rebuilding ever since, with most of the rebuild completed by this past January. Now that nicer weather is here, K&B is celebrating with a ribbon cutting this morning. Limited space means a small group of friends and business partners will be on hand for the 9 a.m. celebration. K&B Automotive is located on the Surry Road and offers full automotive repairs on all makes and models Monday through Thursday from 8 to 5 and Fridays from 8 to 4. Congratulations!
(Ellsworth) It’s never easy when a home or business suffers a structure fire. That was the case with K&B Automotive, a full service repair shop located on the Surry Road in Ellsworth. Back in May, fire damaged the business, but co-owner Jennifer Alexander tells Star 97.7 they’ve since risen from the ashes with a full remodel/rebuild. Jennifer says she and her husband, Brett, were open during most of the rebuild, which was actually completed in January. Now that nicer weather is here, they’re celebrating with a 9 a.m. ribbon cutting this morning. Due to limited space, a small group of family, friends, and business partners will be on hand, but they welcome anyone who needs repairs to stop by Monday through Thursday from 8 to 5 and Fridays from 8 to 4. Congratulations!
Sullivan Receives $10K Community Foundation Grant
(Sullivan) The Town of Sullivan’s Age-Friendly Group is partnering with the Parks and Recreation’s Skatepark Committee to design a safe, climate resilient, multi-generational skate park and develop a fundraising plan for construction. The project will provide older and middle aged adults, youth, and teens an opportunity to engage in healthy activities while other family members enjoy adjacent recreational facilities. The town recently secured a $10K Maine Community Foundation grant toward the project. Outside of Bar Harbor, the town’s skatepark is the only one in the Ellsworth-to-Calais region.
Education
Teacher Appreciation Week
(Undated) This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. A recent survey asked what teachers most enjoyed as a show of gratitude for all they do. Topping the list, gift cards – that one was unanimous. Next was alcohol – better to ask on that one, which was followed by office supplies, classroom decor, food, and – of course – handwritten notes. You can’t beat that heartfelt appreciation.
Environment
Card Brook Cleanup
(Ellsworth) A big thanks to everyone who participated in Saturday’s Card Brook Cleanup in Ellsworth, including the Planning Department’s Brittany Merrill and the City for organizing the event, the Elks and Moose Lodges and the many local businesses who donated prizes for those who participated. Volunteers loaded up two dump trucks with trash collected from the Union River Tributary. Participant Senator Nicole Grohoski said her most interesting find was an old CB radio …
Coast Guard Seeks Input on Proposed Navigation Changes
(Boston) The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing discontinuation of some buoys as one of several efforts they say would advance a modern approach to physical aids to navigation. They say the current buoy constellation predates global navigation satellite systems, electronic navigation charts, and the widely-used electronic charting systems. The Coast Guard is strongly urging mariners to give feedback on the proposal before June 13th. They ask that you include the size and type of your vessel, how you use buoys to navigate, and the distance at which you start looking for and using them. Responses are only accepted by email at the address we’ll post with this story on our Star 97.7 News page. [email protected]
Infrastructure
High Street Closure
(Ellsworth) A section of High Street in Ellsworth will be closed Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for water and sewer connection work. The closure will affect High Street between Foster and Washington Streets and nighttime traffic near the Merrill Lane/Shaw’s Shopping Center intersection. Motorists can detour down Washington Street to Water Street to Foster Street.
Knowlton/Harbor Park Updates
(Ellsworth) The restrooms at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth are now open, but it’s a bit cool for the splash pad yet. The restrooms at the newly-paved Harbor Park will be open a week from Thursday, on May 15th.
Human Interest/Entertainment
2025 Kentucky Derby
(Lexington, KY) In the Run for the Roses, Sovereignty beat out No.1 favorite Citizen Bull to win Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. Sovereignty is a fifth generation descendant of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat. A search of pedigrees shows every horse running in the 151st Kentucky Derby was a descendant of racing legend Secretariat. Sources say while that sounds impressive, in the case of most Derby entrants, if you go back six generations, you’ll find participants are a descendent of some great such as Secretariat or Northern Dancer.
Pup-a-Razzi Winners
(Ellsworth) Every dog has his day, and Friday night was a win for all the canines and their handlers that participated in The Grand in Ellsworth’s Pup-a-razzi Talent Show! The judges had an extremely tough job, but 3rd place went to Rocket, 2nd place to Poutine, and 1st place to Timber. A huge thanks to Something to Wag About. which co-sponsored the event, to all the local businesses that contributed prizes, to The Grand, and to all who participated. A portion of the night’s proceeds benefited the SPCA of Hancock County in Trenton.