Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Hancock Drug Arrests
(Hancock) Two people were arrested in Hancock Tuesday on drug related charges. The arrests of 38 yo Roland Potter of Hancock and 43 yo Justin Gray of Blue Hill at 1122 US Route One, was the result of a month’s long investigation by MDEA agents that included undercover purchases of cocaine. Because of the nature of the crimes, the criminal history of the suspects, and the presence of firearms, including an illegal sawed off shotgun, traffic was diverted on US One while the procedure was executed. Authorities say more arrests and charges are expected in connection with the investigation.
Dive Team Recovers Body of Teen from Quarry
(Hallowell) A Maine Warden Service dive team Wednesday recovered the body of a 15 yo who apparently drowned after jumping off a ledge at the Hallowell Quarry. Witnesses say the boy, who was from Farmington, landed awkwardly in the water, struggled to swim, and then went under, never resurfacing. The body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death. The teen was swimming with three other teens when the incident occurred.
Motorcycle Fatality
(Kossuth) Authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that happened just before 3:30 yesterday afternoon on Route 6 in the Washington County town of Kossuth. 84 yo Dean Bradbury of Lincoln was traveling west on the road when he apparently failed to negotiate a curve and went off the roadway into a wooded area. Bradbury was thrown from the bike and pronounced dead at the scene. They say he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Operation Dry Water
(Augusta) Operation Dry Water may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s actually designed for your safety this holiday weekend. Across the US, game wardens, marine patrol and other officers will be on land and water July 4th through the 6th, educating folks about the dangers of boating under the influence. Alcohol impairment is the number one cause of boating fatalities, so from Kittery to Canada, authorities in Maine will be working to keep boaters safe by looking for those who are drug or alcohol compromised. In addition, MDMR reminds boaters when you’re on the water, keep those life jackets on – and have a safe and happy Fourth.
Fourth of July Pet Safety
(Undated) Every year, more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than at any other time. Pet lovers and experts say when you go to those fireworks festivities, leave the pets at home. Even at home, fireworks can cause stress for our fur babies. At the very least, keep them on a leash and make sure fences and gates are secure if they need a bathroom break. Veterinarians recommend creating a quiet space inside your home with a comfortable bed and familiar toys, close curtains and blinds to minimize visual stimulation, play calming music or use white noise to mask those scary sounds, and even use calming medications as recommended by your vet if needed.
Local Politics
Governor Mills to Delay Decision on State’s Cooperation with ICE
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills will delay her decision on a bill that limits the relationships between local law enforcement and ICE. If passed, Maine officers would no longer be allowed to arrest or detain a person for immigration purposes. Lawmakers in both chambers passed the bill before adjourning. A spokesperson for Governor Mills told WMTW, she plans to hold the bill until the beginning of the next legislative session.
Economy
Hinckley Yachts Expands to Topsham
(Topsham) When you hear the word “Hinckley”, you think first class, top of the line, and that means quality control. But like much of the industry in general, the in-demand boat builder is experiencing a labor crunch, primarily in carpentry. So when it came time for the world-renowned yacht builder to expand from its Trenton location, Hinckley decided to not outsource any part of its production. Instead, MaineBiz reports, they’re expanding to a facility in Topsham, in order to be closer to a larger labor market and boost hiring. The company launched an employee recruitment before moving in, and the Topsham facility already has nine employees, with a tenth starting next week. Hinckley has been producing powerboats at its main production facility on Industrial Way in Trenton for 25 years.
Smart Growth Awards
(Augusta) The Maine Smart Growth Awards nomination window is now open for 2025! The statewide nonprofit works to empower communities to build a more sustainable future and embrace innovative ideas that enhance the quality of life, safety, and inclusivity, while maintaining our iconic historic downtowns, neighborhoods, and natural beauty. Nominations can include brick and mortar projects, plans and policies ratified by a governing body, and people who are cheerleaders and practitioners of smart growth. Deadline for submission is 4 p.m. Friday, July 18th. The awards will be presented in October at the 2025 GrowSmart Maine Summit in Waterville.
Fizzling Fireworks
(PPH) Is Maine seeing a fireworks fizzle? The Portland Press Herald reports the number of fireworks stores in Maine has declined from a peak of 27 in 2018 to just 12 in 2024. The issue likely goes beyond lack of interest. Increased shipping costs and new tariffs have significantly raised product prices, with some items increasing by as much as $200. Steve Marson, owner of four Pyro City stores in Maine, puts on more than 120 shows a year across New England. Marson reports that display business, Central Maine Pyrotechnics, now generates more revenue than retail sales. Plenty of fireworks shows in the works this weekend.
Northern Light Health Says Changes Coming
(Bangor) Northern Light Health this week warned of changes to come, though no specifics were given. The Bangor Daily News reports that’s created an air of uncertainty about its future. The hospital did say no hospitals would be closed. The notice is the latest indication staffing cuts are looming at Penobscot County’s second largest healthcare provider. The announcement follows months overshadowed by leadership departures, service and facility closures, and alarming financial deficits. The President’s looming budget bill, with its proposed massive cuts to Medicare, is also a threat. About 65% of Northern Light’s revenue comes from MaineCare, Medicare, and Medicaid.
(Bangor) Hospital officials say changes are coming to Northern Light Health. The hospital system tells WABI they’ll spend the summer building “a path to financial sustainability.” Northern Light points to one-sided contracts with insurance providers that are currently in renegotiations, as well as to lowered state payments for Medicaid, as part of their financial troubles. Last year, the company reported being $150 million over budget. Northern Light says while no plan is in place yet, no hospitals will be closed as a result.
Lewiston Housing Boom
(Lewiston) Maine has a goal of adding 84,000 new housing units by 2030. A key player in making that happen is the city of Lewiston, which the Portland Press Herald reports currently has more than 1,300 units under construction or approved. With a median home price some 200 thousand less than neighboring Cumberland County, Androscoggin has been more attractive to homebuyers and developers. On the flip side, city officials say demand is outpacing supply, public waitlists are growing, and rising prices continue to strain local buyers.
Health
As Climate Warms, Health Officials Brace for More Cases of Dengue
(KFF) Cover up and use repellent! Health officials in the U.S. say they’re concerned that pesky mosquito bite could cause more than an irritating itch. In recent years, locally acquired dengue fever cases have appeared in California, Florida, and Texas, parts of the U.S. where the disease isn’t endemic. Health and vector control officials worry that with climate change and the lack of a vaccine, dengue will take hold in a larger swath of North America.
Eastern Maine Emergency Vet to Move to New Location
(Holden) If you travel Route 1A between Ellsworth and Brewer, you’ve probably seen the sign. Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic has let the cat out of the bag! They’re expanding, and this Fall will be moving to a new location on Route 1A in Holden. They say the new space allows for more parking, room to accommodate more patients, and the ability to try and keep you with your pet in exam rooms. Follow them on FB for updates on the move.
Sunscreen Stations
(Aroostook County) You’ve heard of hand sanitizing stations…get ready for a different kind of safety-at-a-stand. WAGM reports Northern Light AR Gould received a grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation to install a total of 20 free sunscreen stations at recreation departments in the County. Each station will offer an SPF 30 sport lotion dispenser containing a product designed to last so it won’t wash off in the water.
Technology
Identity Protection in the Digital World
(Undated) St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hannaford, Prudential – data breaches involving major companies and impacting millions are becoming almost commonplace. Star 97.7 spoke with Collette Tomiasak of cybersecurity company SpyCloud about why it’s so common and what we can do to protect ourselves. (((DataCk 1 “…is continuing to expand. :16))). Tomasiak says that makes it harder to monitor our digital footprint. Using random passwords, changing them often, and “spring cleaning” our digital footprint are important keys in keeping our information protected.
(Undated) Old AOL or hotmail accounts, passwords used for multiple sites, unintended personal data we share in those FB “quizzes” – our digital footprint continues to expand, exposing all of us to data breaches and identity theft. Collette Tomiasak is with SpyCloud, a cybersecurity company. She tells Star 97.7 we tend toward “easy”, which also makes our digital world easy to hack into … (((DataCk 2 “…we sacrifice security for convenience.” :16))) Tomasiak says regular cleaning of our digital footprint is as critical as those other regular cleaning tasks. Tomasiak recommend starting at check your exposure dot com for a record of your personal data exposure.
(Undated) Summer seems the perfect time to catch up on those clean up projects, maintenance, and other things we put off all winter Collette Tomiasak, Marketing Director with cybersecurity company SpyCloud, tells Star 97.7, in today’s uber-connected world, it’s also important to regularly “clean up” our digital footprint. (((DataCk 3 “…a regular part of our kind of annual checkpoints.” :18))). Tomiasak says the first step is going to check your exposure dot com, where you’ll find a record of just how exposed you are out there in cyberspace.