Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Teen Accused of Paddle Boarders Murder Makes First Court Appearance
(Union) The 17 yo accused of murdering 48 yo Sunshine Stewart of Tenants Harbor while she was paddle boarding on a pond in Union on July 2nd made his first court appearance on Friday. An autopsy determined Stewart died of blunt force trauma and strangulation. Deven Young of Frankfort is charged with one count of intentional or knowing or depraved indifference murder. Young, who appeared via Zoom from the Long Creek Youth Development Center, entered a denial of the charge. The teen was ordered by the state to remain in custody. An affidavit remains sealed until a status conference, which is set for August 22nd.
Dover-Foxcroft Man Who Forced Overnight Search Apprehended [UPDATE]
(Dover-Foxcroft) Residents of Dover-Foxcroft spent some tense hours Friday night as police searched for a man suspected of being armed and dangerous. Officers first responded to a report of a disturbance at Country Meadows Lane and learned the two men living at an apartment there were convicted felons with extensive criminal histories. Prior to police obtaining a warrant, 36 yo Ryan Mooreside of Shapleigh and 32 yo Dilan McDougal of Orrington left the apartment with a woman. Then, shortly before 5:30, authorities were alerted to a possible hostage situation at an Irving gas station. McDougal was taken into custody, but Mooreside reportedly fled with the female associate, prompting a shelter in place order. Multiple agencies coordinated and found Mooreside and the woman in a wooded area around 2:30 Saturday. He was taken into custody and faces multiple charges.
Construction Underway at Site of New Hancock Fire Station
(Hancock) Construction is well underway at the site of the new Hancock Fire Station. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in April, the foundation has been laid, and the walls are going up. The new 6500 square foot station will include four truck bays, administrative offices, space for meetings and training, locker rooms and more. Chief Chris Holmes said the new facility will allow the volunteer fire crew to work much more efficiently. The new station near Hancock Grammar School replaces an outdated and smaller one built in 1957 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
USCG Drill Conductor Training
(Bucksport) If you’re a commercial fisherman, are you prepared to fight a fire aboard your vessel? To rescue someone from the water? Launch a survival craft and rescue boats? Need a refresher on these or any other safety or lifesaving measures? The Commercial Fishing Safety Council is hosting a US Coast Guard approved F/V Drill Conductor Training August 4th, from 8 to 4 at the Maine Maritime Academy facility on Mariner Way in Bucksport . Register at mcmillanoffshore dot com. Bring your survival suits – suits can be provided if needed for students.
Local Politics
Names of Lost Fishermen Denied Spot on Lubec Fishermen’s Monument
(Lubec) In January, a storm off the coast of Cutler claimed the lives of fishermen Chet and Aaron Barrett. Now a storm is brewing over whether their names should be added to the Lost Fishermen’s Monument in Lubec. Many are claiming on social media the Lubec Historical Society denied that request before a ceremony happening at the memorial. Star 97.7 reached out to Barbara (Suh-LEE-toe) Siletto, President of the Lubec Fisherman’s Memorial. She tells us those decisions are made not by the Historical Society at all, but by a separate committee, formed in 2010. Current criteria states names added must be of those who were fishing at the time they perished and that they be from Washington County, Maine or Charlotte County New Brunswick. Solitto said the issue is whether the men were in the process of fishing or in transit and explained that while she was not part of creating the original criteria, she’s willing to sit down and talk about changing it. Of the three committee members who can make that decision, one is out of the country, another in the hospital. We’ll keep you posted on if and how the issue is resolved.
(Lubec) The families of Chet and Aaron Barrett are still grieving over the loss of their husband, son, and brother who perished in a January storm off the coast of Cutler. The men were in transit, returning to Addison from a late season attempt at harvesting scallops, when the Sudden Impact sank and both men perished. Now a storm is brewing in Lubec, where many are rallying support on social media, claiming The Lubec Historical Society has denied a request to add Chet and Aaron’s names to the Lubec Fishermen’s Monument. Star 97.7 reached out to Barbara Siletto, President of the Lubec Fishermen’s Memorial. She says criteria for names being added was not established by the Historical Society at all, but by a committee formed in 2010 when the monument was created. Of three current members of that committee, one is out of the country and one is in the hospital. Siletto tells us she’s open to talking and even changing the criteria (which requires the lost were fishing at the time they perished, rather than in transit) as soon as the current committee can come together. We’ll keep you posted as this story develops.
Tick Reauthorization Act
(Washington, DC) Confirmed cases of Lyme and other tick borne diseases reached record numbers last year in Maine. Last week, Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined Democrat Tina Smith of Minnesota in introducing legislation to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, landmark legislation to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. The Act became law in 2019 but is due for reauthorization. The legislation is named in honor of the late Senator Kay Hagan, a North Carolina Democrat who in 2019 succumbed to complications of the tick borne Powhassan virus.
Port Clyde Protest
(Port Clyde) They came by land and sea. This weekend, Mainers showed up in Port Clyde in some 20 kayaks and other boats in what was called a Silent Vigil Flotilla in the water near the summer residence of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The protestors claim Roberts has been the deciding vote in the six justices who they say support President Trump’s far right agenda. Roberts owns two homes on Hupper Island and is reported to have recently purchased houses in Port Clyde, as well.
Maine Winds Down Housing Programs for Asylum Seekers
(Maine) Maine will end its transitional housing program for asylum seekers by the end of September. The Maine Monitor reports the move comes as the state faces budget constraints and declining arrivals under the Trump Administration. Catholic Charities issued a statement saying no asylum seekers have moved in since January, and emphasis has been on helping remaining families secure rental housing, work, and finding English classes. More than 700 asylum seekers have sought such help since 2022.
Economy
Schoodic Food Pantry Raises Funds to Stem Food Insecurity
(Gouldsboro) The Schoodic Food Pantry in Gouldsboro was packed Saturday. Not, unfortunately, out of the ordinary – except for the reason folks were there. Not to feed hungry mouths, but to support The 2nd Annual “Stock the Shelves” auction and fundraiser for the pantry, which relies 100% on donations. Saturday’s event included some 360 items donated by businesses in Ellsworth, Winter Harbor – even as far away as Machias. Pantry staff said they were beyond grateful for the support from local retailers, restaurants, and those who came out to contribute.
Open Farm Day
(Machias) A partnership between Healthy Acadia, the Washington County Jail, and other organizations is growing – food, that is. Sunday, July 27th, is Maine’s 36th Annual Open Farm Day at Downeast Restorative Harvest. See what’s growing at Healthy Acadia’s Community Farm, meet the team, and learn how this collaborative project is growing food and building connections in Washington County. The farm is located at 73 Broadway in Machias, and the farm will be open 10 to 3 on the 27th.
Former Cheese House Gets New Look
(Trenton) It was once known as The Cheese House. Now the circular building on the Bar Harbor Road in Trenton belongs to Central Maine Harley Davidson, and they’ve revved up the building with a spiffy new paint job and remodel, inside and out. We’ve posted a picture on our Star 97.7 FB page, you can follow the remodel progress on their FB page, and they encourage you to visit the store in Hermon while you wait for the grand reopening of their Trenton location.
Ellsworth Local Business Grants
(Ellsworth) Thanks to Ellsworth’s recent accreditation with Main Street America, local businesses can now apply for a $10K grant from Main Street America and American Express. Applications are open through September 6th, and Heart of Ellsworth is here to help you explore an idea, put it on paper, talk it through, or even partner on a project. Find a link to apply on the most recent edition of the Business Pulse.
Acadia Yurts Lists Glamping Facility for Sale
(MDI) A popular glamping facility on MDI is up for sale. Aaron and Karen Roper say managing two businesses has become a bit much as they move toward a simpler lifestyle. The two say they plan to sell Acadia Yurts to a buyer who will allow them to lease back the Wellness Center so they can continue offering self-care and healing services. During COVID, the Ropers offered “pay what you can” stays to those in need of a getaway. The idea was picked up by a local kayak business and others and was written up in major publications, sparking such business models nationwide through the pandemic..
Infrastructure
Franklin Street Parklet Transformation
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth is launching a major community-led initiative to transform the Franklin Street Parklet into a permanent public gathering space in the heart of downtown. The project aims to engage Ellsworth residents in shaping an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant space in front of City Hall. The project will culminate in a formal presentation to the Ellsworth City Council to support the exploration of a potential permanent closure of Franklin Street to create a green, people-focused space. Contribute your ideas and feedback at the link you’ll find on our Star 97.7 FB page.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB43v0IfY07YaaN91fwYmBjC2Aek4YRyVHydht6RU6mfIuSA/viewform
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Downtown Clean Up Day
(Ellsworth) It’s time to clean up – downtown Ellsworth, that is. Don your work clothes and help spruce up the downtown Ellsworth area from 9 to Noon on Friday, August 1st. Meet at the Franklin Street Parklet at 9 to get your assignment before dispersing to tackle key projects across the downtown core. The event is a collaborative effort between the Heart of Ellsworth Design Committee and the City of Ellsworth to put a shine on the corridor through weeding, watering, and working on general tidying. You’re encouraged to sign up in advance (you’ll find a link with this story on our Star 97.7 FB page), be prepared to work outside, bring water, sunscreen, gloves, weeding tools, and get ready for a sense of accomplishment and pride in the City where so many of us live, work, dine, shop, and find entertainment.