Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
St. Joseph Hospital Experiences Cyberattack
(Bangor) A spokesperson at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor has confirmed to the Bangor Daily News that a data security issue that prompted the hospital to temporarily turn off its data systems on Wednesday was a cyberattack. The hospital said it became aware of irregularities on Monday and immediately discontinued access to all data systems in their hospitals, clinics, and provider practices. The hospital said it then became aware of the attack from an outside group. St. Joseph’s parent company, Covenant Health, has brought in experts to determine what happened and to restore full access as soon as possible. Anyone with questions should contact their provider’s office.
Food Safety Scaled Back Under Trump Administration
(KFF) Each year, some 48M people in the US suffer from foodborne illnesses. According to the CDC, 128K are hospitalized, and 3K die. Consumer advocates say from failing to publicize a major outbreak to scaling back safety alert specialists and rules, the Trump administration’s anti-regulatory and cost-cutting push risks unraveling a critical system that helps ensure the safety of the U.S. food supply. A case in point, officials reportedly never issued public communications, as is common, following an e-coli outbreak linked to a single lettuce processor and identified in a February 11 internal FDA memo. KFF News reports an April USDA alert reveals the administration has also withdrawn a proposed regulation to reduce the presence of salmonella in raw poultry.
Multi-vehicle Crash Causes Delays in Wednesday Evening Commute
(Hampden) Drivers on I-95 in Hampden faced a slow afternoon commute Wednesday, following a multivehicle crash near mile marker 179. Maine State Police posted on X about 4:15 that the crash caused the right lane southbound to be closed until further notice. Traffic was able to slowly move through the other lane while crews worked to clear the scene.
Local Politics
Republicans’ Budget Bill Targets Medicaid Dollars
(Washington, DC) The tax and spending bill approved by the U.S. House last week targets a strategy states have used to boost the Medicaid dollars they get from the federal government. The Bangor Daily News reports the measure would cap or freeze the taxes states levy on medical providers, potentially leaving states with major holes in their Medicaid budgets, and the choice of either replacing the lost federal money with state dollars, scaling back services, or providing coverage to fewer people. The bill is headed to the Senate where Republicans have expressed concerns about its broad reach but are likely to fall in line with Trump’s demands.
Collins Expresses Mixed Emotions on Budget Bill
(Washington, DC) Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins says she hasn’t decided how she’ll vote on the budget bill passed by the House last week. She told WABI the Senate does not have to and should not pass that same bill, as they have a chance to make it better, noting she’s especially looking at the Medicaid provisions. Collins said she also does not want to see a tax increase go into effect for small businesses, middle and lower income families.
Absentee Ballots Available in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Absentee ballots are now available in the City Clerk’s Office at Ellsworth City Hall for Ellsworth voters. This election includes a vote on the City of Ellsworth school budget for the upcoming school year as adopted by City Council this past April 21st. In person voting will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 10th. For information on polling locations, check out the City’s website or FB page.
Maine Legislature Could Adjourn Earlier Than in Past
(Augusta) The Maine legislature may end weeks earlier than in prior sessions. NewsCenter Maine reports leaders in both parties, as well as nonpartisan staff, confirm as public hearings on bills come to a close, the Senate and House are meeting more frequently to debate legislation in the chamber. The Senate has processed about half the roughly 2,000 bills submitted this year. Of the thousand pieces of legislation left to consider, some 300 could be carried over to next year. Leaders expect the session to adjourn around June 18th.
Lawmakers Advance Dam Safety Bills
(Augusta) Some “dam” good things happening in Augusta this month. The Maine Monitor reports two bills that would strengthen Maine’s lax dam safety regulations and replenish a long-depleted loan program for municipal dam repairs cleared their first hurdle when lawmakers voted them out of committee. The preliminary approval puts the state a step closer to boosting staffing needs at the state’s dam safety agency and setting aside funding for the state’s most decrepit dams. The future of the proposals is uncertain, with budget constraints a concern. Experts say low funding and chronic understaffing have long plagued the dam safety program, leaving the agency incapable of compelling owners of the most derelict Maine dams to make necessary repairs.
Economy
Sweet Cheeks Bakery Purchasing Bucksport Restaurant
(Bucksport) Sweet Cheeks Bakery has another bun in the oven. The company, which began in 2021 in a shop on Verona Island, has expanded like bread in a warm oven, with vending locations in Holden and Ellsworth. Now, they’re sweetening your chances of enjoying their wares with the purchase of Glenn’s Place Family Restaurant and Pub in Bucksport. For now, they say they plan to keep things “business as usual” at the place that’s become a go-to for a great meal, with an eye opening exception – they’ll be adding a breakfast menu that includes fluffy omelets, overstuffed breakfast burritos, home fries, and – of course – their tantalizing baked goods. Sweet Cheeks says they hope to start serving breakfast at the Bucksport location as soon as July.
Heart of Ellsworth Seeks Assistant Director
(Ellsworth) If working at the intersection of community, creativity, and sustainability appeals to you, Heart of Ellsworth wants to talk! The non-profit is looking for a dynamic, organized leader to serve as Assistant Director. It’s a full-time role where you’ll oversee strategic initiatives, events and partnerships alongside Director Cara Romano, support fundraising and communications efforts to expand reach and impact, and lead creative community programming that energizes local businesses and residents. For more information, check out Heart of Ellsworth on FB or at heart of ellsworth dot org.
Maine Saw Healthy Number of Visitors Memorial Day Weekend
(Maine) While the Memorial Day holiday weekend saw a drop in visitors of about 1% compared to last year, that was much less than the anticipated 2.5% drop. The Bangor Daily News reports altogether, the state logged more than a million “vehicle transactions” from Friday to Monday, in spite of the nor’easter that swept across the state on Friday. Most travelers at the Kennebunk service plaza on Saturday told workers there they were headed to Acadia National Park, where an early indicator of summer was the standing room only crowds reported on the Beehive Trail.
Education
Versant Power Astronomy – June
(Orono) The philosophy that all life forms are connected and nothing exists in isolation is core to Buddhist beliefs. It’s also quite scientific. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, that mutual dependence is the topic of Friday night programming during June. (((Planet June 1 “…it’s a fun program on Friday nights.” :19))) So that’s beginning a week from Friday on June 6th. Tickets at the door or ahead of time at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) It’s all things bright and shiny Sundays in June at the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the University of Maine Orono campus. Director Shawn Laatsch gives Star 97.7 a preview of shows for kids and music lovers. (((Planet June 2 “…flying from the sky in some ways.” :24))) Tickets and information at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) Even though school goes relatively late this summer, it doesn’t take long for the kids to get bored. No need for that with summer matinees at the Versant Power Astronomy Center. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, the learning fun happens all summer long, at 2 p.m., every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, beginning June 23rd. (((Planet June 3 “…Magic Treehouse, Space Mission.” :18))) For tickets and more information, visit astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Officers Participate as Mystery Readers
(Ellsworth) A pair of mystery readers at the Ellsworth Elementary School this week held their young audience captive – but only because of their … you might say, “uniformity”. Sergeant Travis Frost and K9 Finn with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office visited the school and put on a small demonstration, entertaining the kids with stories, and, they report, answering a lot of questions the class had. While Finn deferred to Sergeant Frost for the reading portion, he was clearly dogged in his ability to hold the students’ attention.
Environment
Belfast Receives Federal Funding for Clean Up Efforts
(Belfast) Belfast is set to receive a $2.5M federal grant to help clean up contaminated sites around the downtown area, including the former Waldo County Superior Courthouse, purchased by the city last year. The Bangor Daily News reports the funds will support remediation of that and a derelict structure on High Street known as Bradbury Manor, that local officials would like to demolish. Funds will also help assess the condition of another ten properties in the city, which has largely moved on from a downtown once characterized by industrial operations, including a potato processing plant that closed in 2022 after it was destroyed by fire.
Infrastructure
City Updates Motorists on High Street Work
(Ellsworth) Work on High Street is literally the talk of the town in Ellsworth. The City has posted a comprehensive update on the project, which we’ve also shared on our Star 97.7 FB page. Although not a City of Ellsworth project – it is fully managed and executed by the Maine Department of Transportation – City crews have been working to support residents and commuters. The Ellsworth Public Works Team has been in regular contact with Northeast Paving and Maine DOT to share concerns the grinding work caused in areas of weak asphalt. They’ve spent many hours addressing trouble spots and working on drainage issues as a result of the project, but do not oversee the project and have limited authority to address vehicle damage. Concerns should be directed to Northeast Paving at 667-9671.
Human Interest
Final Days to Vote in Ellsworth Public Library Tiny Art Show
(Ellsworth) This week is your final opportunity to stop into the Ellsworth Public Library and vote for your favorite artwork in the Tiny Art Show. Artists of all ages, with little to lots of experience, and from all walks of life here in Downeast Maine grabbed tiny canvases and easels and put their talents to the test. Their works are on display anonymously, awaiting your vote through Saturday. The winner receives a $25 gift certificate from the Rock and Art Shop.