Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Proper Gun Storage Saves Lives
(Undated) Every year, nearly 50K people die from gun violence. Dr. Katherine Hoops, a pediatric critical care physician at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, tells Star 97.7 one simple action – safe firearm storage – can turn this around. (((Storage 1 “…that everyone can take to help to save lives.” :20))) Dr. Hoops says people often think their firearms are out of sight or out of reach, but kids are smart, and they’re curious; so it’s important to keep firearms locked away, unloaded, and separate from ammunition.
(Undated) Yellow flag laws, red flag laws, gun laws in general – attitudes vary widely across the Pine Tree State and across the country. Dr. Katherine Hoops heads up clinical programs and practice at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. She tells Star 97.7, when it comes to solutions, there’s one on which a majority of folks agree. (((Storage 2 “…in their homes and in their communities.” :16))). Dr. Hoops says don’t rely on those weapons being hidden in drawers or out of reach places. It’s critical they be stored locked, unloaded, and kept apart from ammunition. For tips, a tool kit, and more research, visit t dot j h dot e d u slash safe storage.
(Undated) Dr. Katherine Hoops is the Director of Clinical Programs at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. She tells Star 97.7, youth suicide is rising … and most teens who die by gun suicide gained access in the home or the home of a family member – so safe storage is key. (((Storage 3 “…most kids know where the firearms are kept in their home.” :19))) Dr. Hoops says it’s important that unauthorized users do not have access to codes or keys; and, she says, if you become concerned, change the codes so those who are vulnerable don’t have that all-important access, preventing a potential tragedy.
Chief Bires Honored at City Council Meeting
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth Police Chief Troy Bires was honored at last night’s City Council Meeting for his 35 years of service with the EPD and his dedication to the city’s citizens. Chief Biers has been on duty with the EPD since April 11,1990.
Maine Game Wardens Investigate Boating Fatality
(Waterford) Maine Game Wardens are investigating after a canoeist drowned Saturday morning in Papoose Pond in Waterford. An initial investigation indicates four men were on the pond in three canoes when one vessel capsized, throwing the two occupants into the pond. The men in the other canoes were able to get both to shore, but a 50 yo man from Ecuador was unresponsive and died at the scene. The Oxford County Sheriff’s office and Border Patrol agents are reportedly looking for several men who were in the other canoes but reportedly left before authorities arrived.
Minnesota Alleged Assassin in Custody
(Minnesota) The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in their home and wounding others Saturday is in custody after an intense manhunt. Authorities say Vance Boelter posed as a police officer, went to the door of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shot them multiple times, killing both. Boelter reportedly had a list of 70 names of Democrats he planned to target.
Local Politics
Governor Mills to Visit Canada to Reaffirm Friendship
(Maine) Governor Janet Mills was in Boston yesterday meeting with the governors of other Northeastern states and five Canadian premieres. The planned summit was designed to show a strong commitment to the countries’ cultural relations amid tensions over tariffs imposed and talk of annexation by the Trump administration. As a result of that meeting, the Governor plans to travel to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia next week to reaffirm Maine’s relationship with her northern neighbor, promote the state as a top destination for Canadian tourism, and strengthen cross-border and economic ties. In 2024, nearly 800K Canadian visitors spent close to $500M in Maine. Details of the trip are expected to be released later this week.
Ellsworth “Coffee with Constituents”
(Ellsworth) There’s rarely been a more important time to pay attention to our state’s and our country’s future … AND to get your questions answered by the source. Democratic Senator Nicole Grohoski is hosting a virtual and in person “Coffee with Constituents” for residents of Senate District 7, which includes 21 coastal and island communities in Hancock County, as well as the Town of Isle au Haut in Knox County. The virtual event is set for Wednesday, June 25th from 6:30 to 7:30 – get a link by contacting the Senator’s office. The in-person event will take place on Saturday, June 28th, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Ellsworth Public Library’s Riverview Room. Bring your comments, questions, and concerns.
Maine Legislature Largely Nixes Transgender Athlete Ban
(Augusta) A series of bills related to transgender students and athletes in Maine almost all failed last night in the Maine Legislature. WABI reports one bill that would prohibit transgender students from participating in women’s sports under certain conditions passed the House last week, but yesterday failed in the Senate and is likely to die between chambers. Both supporters and opponents contend the fight over the issue is far from over.
Maine Senate Defeats Effort to Pull Out of Popular Vote Compact
(Augusta) The Maine Senate on Monday defeated a proposal to remove the state from a national popular vote compact that would nullify the Electoral College. The Bangor Daily News reports last year, the legislature narrowly approved a proposal to join the compact, which currently includes 18 states for 209 electoral votes. The agreement would take effect only if enough states join to make up the 270 votes needed to win the Presidency outright.
Education
Ellsworth High School Ranked One of State’s Best in Money, Inc.
(Ellsworth) The publication “Money, Inc.” recently ranked the top thirty high schools in Maine. Not surprisingly, Ellsworth High School was among them, coming in at Number 16. The magazine cited the school’s solid academic reputation with a curriculum that balances college prep courses with career and technical education options. The authors noted the student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 allows for personal attention, with Advanced Placement courses and partnerships with nearby colleges another plus. Athletics and the school’s performing arts program are both well regarded, with multiple state championships and musical theater productions that regularly take them to regional competitions. Way to go, EHS!
EPL Kicks Off Summer Reading Program
(Ellsworth) From puppets to pollinators, Jane Austen to jump ropes, the Ellsworth Public Library’s 2025 Summer Program promises memorable experiences so much fun you’ll hate to leave! The season of free programming begins this Saturday, June 21st and runs through August 21st, sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, and deepening connections with the local environment. Summer Reading 2025 is anchored by two weekly evening performance series – Wednesday Night Family Performances and Thursday Night Events for Adults – and includes dozens of interactive workshops, outdoor adventures, and hands-on creative experiences. Learn more at ellsworth library dot net!
Economy
Community Closet 207 Seeks Sponsorships
(Ellsworth) The mom living paycheck to paycheck, the grandparents living on fixed incomes at one of four area assisted living facilities, the teen on the street, and people and pets without walls … Sarah Bowden, who operates Community Closet 207, believes all deserve a helping hand. She tells Star 97.7, her first year has been more than she could imagine – serving thousands with all kinds of needs through the only free store of its kind in Ellsworth. To keep the mission alive, Community Closet 207 needs sponsorships. Can you or your business help with a display, signage … a shelf, baby zone, or other sponsorship? Find out the many ways you can help keep the mission alive at community closet 207 dot org.
CMP Rate Hike
(Hallowell) Customers of Central Maine Power will likely see higher rates after the Maine Public Utilities Commission approved a rate hike. The new rates will take effect July 1. MPUC reports the typical residential customer who uses 550 kw hours per month can expect an increase of about $5.00 per month.
Gouldsboro Winery for Sale
(Gouldsboro) Here’s a grape opportunity for someone who loves the blues – what is possibly Maine’s oldest winery is on the market. Bartlett Maine Estate Winery is tucked into the woods on the Schoodic Peninsula in the town of Gouldsboro. Known for its elixir created from wild blueberries, Maine Biz reports the winery was established in 1983 and today presses almost 7,000 cases per year and offers more than 20 varieties … from dry and semi-dry blueberry reds to pear-apple whites, sweet blackberry dessert wines and honey meads. If needed, the owners say they would stay around to train the buyer on the process and equipment, much of which is computerized and customized. The business is listed with the Swan Agency for just under one-point-eight-million.
Human Interest/Entertainment
“Power to the People” Art Contest
(Washington County) Most power outages in Downeast Maine are caused by trees falling on electrical lines. As you probably know, that can result in hours … sometimes days … without power. The Sunrise County Economic Council wants your help to illustrate important messages about what people can do. If you’re age 13 to 18 and live in Washington County, you’re invited to pick a “Power to the People” message from the SCEC website, illustrate it, and submit your entry by July 15th. You could win one of three top prizes, including a Jackery Portable Power Station. Find complete details at sunrise county dot org
Juneteenth
(Ellsworth) A reminder that the City of Ellsworth offices, US post offices and many other federal offices will be closed this Thursday, June 19th, in honor of Juneteenth. The date marks the day in 1865 when Black Americans in Galveston, Texas were first told they were freed from slavery – more than two years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Many locations will celebrate with music, special speakers and food that honors Black and Indigenous peoples and culture.
Sports
Baseball Playoffs
(Ellsworth) Good luck to the Ellsworth boys’ baseball team! The No. 2 Eagles take on the No. 5 Hermon Hawks this evening in the Class B North championship game at the University of Maine in Orono. It’s the third matchup between the Hawks and the Eagles. They go into the championship game with a win apiece in the pairing. In Class A, Bangor runs the bases against Mt. Ararat, Class C, it will be Dexter up against Washington Academy, and Class D, Bangor Christian vs. Machias.