Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Two Hospitalized Following Head-On Collision
(Orland) A head-on collision on the Acadia Highway sent two people to the hospital Saturday afternoon. Maine State Police responded to the crash, along with members of the Ellsworth Police and Fire Departments. One person reportedly had to be extricated from one of the vehicles involved. Officials say neither victims’ injuries appeared to be life threatening. The crash happened shortly before 4:30 p.m. near the Orland/Ellsworth town line. The cause of that crash remains under investigation.
Rockland Juveniles Charged with Attempted Arson
(Rockland) In what authorities are calling a “targeted incident”, two juveniles have been charged with attempting to set a house on fire in Rockland last Friday. Officers responded to a report of a possible arson attempt about 7 p.m. after a caller told police he had seen the pair of teens trying to light a neighbor’s house on fire and chased them away. The homeowner was able to identify one of the suspects, both of whom were taken into custody and charged with felony arson.
Finding Our Voice Rally in Brunswick
(Brunswick) Members of the nonprofit group “Finding Our Voices” and others braved an icy rain Saturday in Brunswick to rally against domestic violence and abuse in Maine. NewsCenter Maine reports survivors and supporters gathered as part of a series of events designed to bring awareness to the ongoing brutality. According to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, just 56% of non-fatal domestic violence incidents are reported to law enforcement. Advocates say even when victims step forward, Maine’s legal system fails to protect them. Anyone facing domestic abuse is urged to call Next Step Domestic Violence at 1-800-799-7233.
Washington County Officials Recognized
(Machias) Some Washington County Officials were recently recognized at the 27th Annual Maine National Emergency Number Association Awards Ceremony in Portland. Lt. Dennis Perry is the Operational Director at the Washington County RCC. He was honored as 2024 9-1-1 Director/Operations Manager of the Year. Co-workers say Perry constantly works on ways to improve efficiency, taking on added duties without hesitation, and showing a positive, can-do attitude. Sgt. Michael Congelosi (KON-guh-LO-see) won the NENA Silent Hero Award. The honor is presented each year to a call center individual who exudes exceptional professionalism in the field and who inspires others by his or her daily example. Congratulations!
Armed Man Prompts Lockdown of Biddeford Schools
(Biddeford) Reports of a man armed with a gun outside Biddeford High School on Friday led to a lockdown of area schools. Authorities say a student reported a “dangerous situation” to the school resource officer, who then contacted local police. Eyewitnesses reported seeing law enforcement surround a Volkswagen SUV shortly after 9 a.m. 21 yo Mohammed Hussein Kamal Aldain of Biddeford was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm near a school. Authorities say more charges could be added.
Worcester Resources Fined
(Columbia) The Maine Monitor reports Worcester Resources has once again been flagged for labor violations. Alleged housing abuses were reported to OSHA last November. The non-profit was accused of housing workers in crowded, unsanitary, and unsafe conditions. After a federal inspection, the company was reportedly cited for three “serious” violations and fined close to $16K. OSHA data shows the company has racked up more than $50K in federal fines over the past four years, including violations related to the pandemic, after COVID-19 spread among 80 workers, one of whom died.
Local Politics
States Sue in Support of Laurel Libby
(Augusta) Fifteen states have joined a lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to grant an emergency injunction to stop a censure levied against Republican Representative Laurel Libby. The censure was enacted by the Maine Legislature after Libby posted a clear picture and the name of an underage transgender teen athlete on her social media page without permission, potentially endangering the student and causing Greely High School to hire additional security. The suit alleges that because Libby cannot vote on bills or speak on the House floor, the censure means her constituents are not effectively represented. The censure would be lifted if Libby issued a public apology, which she reportedly refuses to do.
Food Sovereignty Legislation
(Augusta) Maine in 2017 passed the country’s first Food Sovereignty Act, which allowed towns to approve ordinances letting residents buy and sell most food without state regulation. But the Bangor Daily News reports farmers, homesteaders, state agencies and lawmakers are still working out how to apply the law that included an amendment to the state constitution four years ago. Among legislation currently being discussed in Augusta, keeping chickens on private residential property, strengthening oversight of kennels for breeding, hunting, or training, and protecting the rights of Mainers to grow vegetables on private property. You can access information on bills before the Maine legislature at maine dot gov.
Economy
Local Non-Profits Share Historic Preservation Grants
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Historical Society is one of 19 Maine nonprofits that will share $131,000 in historic preservation grants to repair and restore buildings … from libraries to arts centers. Grants vary in amount from just over $2K to $10K. MaineBiz reports recipients were required to have matching funds for their projects. Other local projects receiving grants include the Cherryfield-Narraguagus Historical Society, the Hampden Garden Club, and the Robbinston Historical Society.
Mt. Desert Approves Funding to Support Year-Round Housing at Ripples Hill
(Mt. Desert) The Town of Mount Desert last week voted unanimously to approve authorization of $470K in general obligation bonds to support year-round housing at the Ripples Hill Neighborhood. The funding will be used for the extension of Sydneys Way and Farnhams Way along with the public sewer system. Town officials say the investment will directly support the pressing need for year-round housing on MDI by not only providing much-needed housing for the island’s workforce, but also by strengthening the overall economic well-being of the town and island. The project is supported by Island Housing Trust.
Human Interest
Heart of Ellsworth Volunteer Day
(Ellsworth) Many hands make quick work, and Heart of Ellsworth is hoping many folks will show up this Friday and give a little bit of their time to Downtown Volunteer Day! From 10 until 2, you can play a role in downtown beautification efforts for the season, including planting hanging baskets for display on City light poles, cleaning, placing flower boxes along the Union River Bridge and elsewhere, and more. City Councilor and Arborist Tabatha White says, “Volunteering isn’t just good for our city – it’s good for the soul.” Do something beautiful – plant yourself downtown this Friday. Sign up at heart of ellsworth dot org.
UMaine Faculty Member Wins on Jeopardy
(Orono) We’ll take Kara Peruccio for a thousand. Peruccio, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History and the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies program at the University of Maine in Orono, took home the win Friday night on Jeopardy. WABI reports you can watch her go for another win tonight – she’ll be back for questioning by Ken Jennings. The show airs on the local ABC affiliate, Channel 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Road Work
(Ellsworth) Quite a bit of ongoing road work this week in the Ellsworth area. Work on High Street near Pizza Hut precipitated a lane closure that was expected to be done by 6 this morning. This Wednesday, the left turn lane on High Street to Short Street will be closed all day, beginning at 7 a.m. for insertion valve installation. Then on Thursday, May 15th, crews will perform night work along all of High Street from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. All High Street lanes will be closed between Washington and Foster Streets for the installation of water and sewer lines. Drivers will be directed to detour Washington to Water to Foster. That’s a reschedule of a May 6th project that was postponed. You’ll find all this information posted on our Star 97.7 FB page.
(Ellsworth) In an earlier story, we let you know about Ellsworth Public Works projects planned for this week. Looking ahead, on Tuesday, May 20th, during the day there will be culvert repair at the intersection of Birch Avenue and Oak Street. Traffic will be reduced to one lane, alternating on both roads that day. Also, beginning this week, the Maine Department of Transportation will begin preparations for the Bucksport and Surry Road intersection realignment, with that work actually set to begin next Monday on May 19th, running through mid to late June. And beginning today, the Water Department will conduct its biannual hydrant flushing.
Other
Another Record for UNH’s Ruth White
(Orono/NH) And former Orono runner Ruth White does it again, winning the New England championship in the 5,000 meter run and breaking the school record. The University of New Hampshire standout blazed across the line in an incredible 16 minutes, 22 point 78 seconds Saturday.
Leaders of Free World Agree to Ukraine Ceasefire
(Kyiv) Leaders of the free world issued a joint statement demanding Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine following a Saturday meeting in Kyiv. The leaders included Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the heads of France, Great Britain, Poland, and Germany. The heads of state agreed that starting today, May 12th, there must be a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine for at least 30 days, not subject to any conditions. The order was also reportedly supported by Europe and the United States. The leaders agree that if Russia refuses a full and unconditional ceasefire, tougher sanctions should be imposed on its banking and energy sectors, targeting fossil fuels, oil, and other areas.
Trump to Accept Luxury Airliner from Qatar
(Washington, DC) President Trump made headlines Sunday after a senior official confirmed he would accept a luxury 747 from Qatar (Cutter) for use as Air Force One. The New York Times reports acceptance would amount to possibly the biggest foreign gift ever received by the U.S. government, raising substantial ethical issues, given the plane’s immense value and the fact Trump plans to use the aircraft after leaving office.