Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Spring Hike Turns into Treacherous Rescue in Camden
(Camden) An early spring hike in the Camden area turned into an hours-long ordeal for a couple from Texas. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the pair was beginning to descend the Ocean Lookout Trail at Camden Hills State Park about 7:30 Sunday evening when the man slipped on some rocks, injuring his back. The couple was able to call 9-1-1, and a crew of rescuers began the nearly three mile ascent to find the couple and their dog. The pair was eventually able to slowly walk down, helped by first responders. It was close to midnight when all made it back to the trailhead. The couple then went to Pen Bay Medical Center to be evaluated. Authorities advise hikers to know the terrain, be prepared with snacks and water, have a light source and charged cell phone, and be familiar with trail routes.
Local Politics
Lawmakers Grapple with What Constitutes Child Abuse and Neglect
(Augusta) Lawmakers in Augusta have been grappling with a slate of bills that seek to change the way Maine’s child protection system defines abuse and neglect. The Pen Bay Pilot reports that designation determines the number of families that get pulled into the system. Federal data reveals, 74% of child removals in Maine are due to allegations of neglect, compared to the national average of 62%. And while nationally the foster care population fell 15% between 2018 and 2022, in Maine, it rose nearly 40%, reaching a two-decade peak last year. Lawmakers say in a needle-in-a-haystack system, they’re moving toward shrinking the haystack. One bill being considered would clarify that the inability to pay for food and other necessities should not, in itself, be considered child neglect.
Pingree Reintroduces Legislation to Deepen US-Iceland Economic Partnership
(Washington, DC) Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Republican Congressman Greg Murphy on Tuesday reintroduced the Iceland Commercial and Economic Leadership for Arctic and National Development or (ICELAND) Act. The bipartisan legislation would add Iceland to the list of nations eligible for investment and trade in the U.S—provided U.S. nationals are treated similarly by the government of Iceland. The bill would also make Icelanders eligible for E-1 and E-2 non-immigrant work visas, which are reserved for nationals of countries with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce, a qualifying international agreement, or has granted eligibility by statute. Iceland is currently one of the few European countries excluded from such visas.
Economy
Downtown Ellsworth Economic Opportunities
(Ellsworth) There’s a lot going on in Ellsworth’s vibrant downtown area! Ellsworth is the state’s newest designated Main Street America community, support for small businesses is readily available through the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and Heart of Ellsworth, and the City recently hired a new Development Director who will be here next month. With five prime locations currently available for lease, proponents say it’s the perfect time for business to establish a presence, just ahead of the even busier tourist season. For more information, or to learn about all Ellsworth has to offer, email cara at heart of ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) Downtown Ellsworth is buzzing with opportunity. The city is the newest Main Street America Community, offers initiatives like the Tourism Marketing and Development Plan, the Chamber’s Business Attraction and Comprehensive Plan, and yearly beautification efforts, such as the Franklin Street Parklet. Plus, there’s unparalleled support through the Ellsworth Chamber and Heart of Ellsworth, and a newly hired Economic Development Director will guide the significant growth expected for the City. The downtown area currently has five prime locations available for lease, each offering unique advantages for businesses looking to establish a presence in Ellsworth. Learn more at heart of ellsworth dot org.
Food Bank Shortages Keenly Felt in Rural Areas
(Maine) Food bank shortages caused by high demand and cuts to federal aid programs have some growing their own foods, especially in rural areas … in Maine and across the country. ABC News reports in March, the USDA cut $500M from the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which buys food from domestic producers and sends it to pantries nationwide. An extension of the 2018 Farm Bill until September 30th included about $450M for the EFAP program for this year; but experts caution the funding that remains does NOT offset the cuts. It’s hopeful Congress will pass a new farm bill this year to make up for the shortfall.
The Importance of Good Shoes for Kids
(Undated) Proper footwear may seem basic, but an ill-fitting pair of shoes is more than just uncomfortable. It’s a barrier to education, physical health, and more. Rich Lalley, Partnerships Director with Operation Warm, tells Star 97.7 why children without proper footwear may even skip school altogether at times, missing out on meals, recess, and learning opportunities. (((OpWarm 1 “…and that’s not good for your self-esteem.” :19))) Know a child who needs proper footwear due to economic disadvantage? Stay tuned, we’ll let you know how you can help them through Operation Warm.
(Undated) Walk into most classrooms, observe almost any playground, visit any area where kids hang out, and you’ll likely see one if not several wearing hand-me-down shoes. Rich Lalley is Partnerships Director with Operation Warm, a project that works with organizations nationwide to make sure children have new, proper fitting shoes and other clothing. He tells Star 97.7 why new shoes aren’t just for comfort’s sake. (((OpWarm 2 “…that fit YOUR foot, not somebody else’s. :20))) To learn more about Operation Warm and how your church, club or other organization can get involved, visit Operation Warm dot org.
(Undated) Proper footwear is about more than comfort, especially for kids. For 27 years, Operation Warm has been providing proper footwear, socks, winter coats and more to children in need across the U.S. Partnerships Director Rich Lalley tells Star 97.7 how and why your church, club, or other group might find this the perfect operation to support and make a difference. (((OpWarm 3 “…was about 225 thousand brand new pairs of shoes.” :23))). Rich says your $25 donation buys a pair of shoes and socks with a retail value of about $50 – a small price to pay to add to a child’s ability to learn, grow, and feel valued. Learn more at Operation Warm dot org.
Environment
Alewife Season Underway
(Augusta) Alewife season is underway. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports the small, sea-run fish related to Atlantic herring return to Maine in large numbers from April to late May each year. Experts say with this year’s rivers swollen from ample spring rains and air temperatures fluctuating between 50 and 70 daytime degrees, fish migration is expected to amp up quickly. MDMR says there are many opportunities for school children to view and learn from local alewife runs; they’re even offering to pick up the tab for busses to get classes to places like Damariscotta Mills and Walker, Wight, and Pierce Ponds on the Blue Hill Peninsula. Contact MDMR to learn more.
Frenchman Bay Conservancy Again Earns National Recognition
(Sullivan) Frenchman Bay Conservancy has once again achieved national accreditation, joining a network of more than 450 land trusts across the U.S. recognized for their commitment to public trust, professional excellence, and conservation permanence. This marks FBC’s fourth accreditation, underscoring their dedication to protecting the natural beauty and ecological integrity of eastern Hancock County. FBC has in just the past decade tripled the amount of conserved land to more than 20K acres and expanded public trails to more than 40 miles. Accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission follows a rigorous third party review of operations and conservation practices.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Water Service Disruption
(Ellsworth) A temporary interruption in water service for Ellsworth residents on Laurel, Maple and South Streets between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. today. Due to construction in the area, residents on those streets may experience periods of no water. The City of Ellsworth Water Department says the interruption in service will be as brief as possible, but you’ll likely want to store up some water. They say once service is restored, you may notice some discoloration, and you’ll want to run the water until it’s clear. Questions can be directed to the Ellsworth Water Department.
Ellsworth Boil Water Update
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Water Department has restored service to the area affected by Monday’s water main break, but they say the boil water order is still in effect. Samples of the water will be taken this morning and sent for testing. The City says it takes approximately 24 hours for results to come back. We’ve posted the update with the streets affected on our Star 97.7 FB page and will keep you apprised of when the order is lifted.
Human Interest/Entertainment
White Named Most Outstanding Rookie
(UNH) Another honor for University of New Hampshire runner Ruth White. White has been named the America East Most Outstanding Rookie … and “outstanding” she certainly is! The former Orono cross country and track standout broke her own record, and set an America East record in the women’s 10,000 meters at the recent America East Outdoor Track and Field Championships, with an unbelievable time of 32 minutes, 57.83 seconds. She decimated the previous record by nearly two minutes. White bested her second place rival by almost four minutes this past Saturday. Outstanding, indeed.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Offers Free Mother’s Day Admission for Moms
(Boothbay) Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is offering free admission to moms of all types this Sunday, May 11th, in honor of Mother’s Day. They say no need to purchase them a ticket – just purchase your own and bring mom along. Of course, they expect to be pretty busy that day, so make sure to get your tickets in advance at shop dot maine gardens dot org.
DownEast Wood Bank Welcomes Volunteers
(Surry) Looking for a volunteer opportunity that gets you outside and moving? This Thursday, head on over to the DownEast Woodbank in Surry, beginning for some splitting and stacking. The camaraderie begins at 8:30 tomorrow morning. The DownEast Woodbank provides those in need in Ellsworth, on the Blue Hill Peninsula, and elsewhere with firewood during the cold winter months. Check them out on FB.
Spring Lamb Release at College of the Atlantic
(Bar Harbor) Here’s an event sure to put a smile on the kids’ faces – adults, too, for that matter. Mark the start of grazing season at College of the Atlantic’s Peggy Rockefeller Farm, as the sheep flock is let out of the barn for their first taste of spring grass. That’s happening this Saturday, May 10th, beginning at 10 a.m., with the lambs and ewes set free of the barn at 10:30. Guests can watch them frolic, explore the farm, roll out a picnic blanket, and stay for some lawn games and a fiber spinning demo. Farm products will be available for sale, and COA staff will be on hand to answer questions. The free, family-friendly event takes place at the farm’s Cameron Barn, 532 Crooked Road. They say parking is limited, so please carpool if you can.