Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine DOC Restricts Operations at Piscataquis County Jail
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Corrections on Tuesday issued a memo announcing it was immediately restricting the operations of the Piscataquis County Jail, due to health and safety concerns. Failures listed include discrepancies in medical records, improper medication and sharps management, and not following infectious disease protocols. The failures were discovered during inspections on July 21st and 22nd. The facility reportedly failed 11 of the mandatory standards, and MDOC was unable to review 61 others due to a lack of documentation. As a result, the PCJ must immediately stop all new intakes, return all boarded inmates to their original facility, and create a plan of corrective action that addresses the health and safety concerns.
Border Patrol Agents Arrest Confirmed Gang Member in Maine
(Union) Border Patrol Agents arrested a confirmed gang member in Union last week. The Chicago Field Office reports to Star 97.7, the Colombian national was a member of the South American Theft Group who was in the US illegally. Records revealed the suspect had an active warrant from New Jersey for burglary and had previously been apprehended for illegal entry by Border Patrol agents in El Paso. He’s said to be currently being transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations for detention. Agents say the SATG is known for engaging in transnational organized crimes.
Recent Deaths Lead to Focus on Safety Training for Fishermen
(Maine) It’s one of the most dangerous professions, yet the men and women who bring us seafood say the love of the job often goes back generations – and they wouldn’t do anything else. In the wake of recent deaths, the Bangor Daily News reports state and nonprofit groups have stepped up efforts to train and protect commercial fishermen. A new nonprofit, Green and White Hope, was formed this year, named for 18 yo lobsterman Tyler Michaud who died near Petit Manan Point. A new fund for safety and search & rescue also passed the legislature this year in memory of Chester and Aaron Barrett. The father and son scallopers died when caught in a storm in January. There are multiple opportunities for safety training across the state – just Google safety training for fishermen in Maine.
MEMA Offers Cooling and Warming Center Course
(Augusta) Sounds like a lot of hot weather ahead. And we all know winter will bring outages and the need for places to stay warm until power is restored. Maine Emergency Management Agency Mass Care will offer a two-hour Cooling and Warming Centers and Disaster/Emergency Sheltering Course for Local, County and other agencies and community organizations. The course will provide staff and volunteers with information on best practices for setting up and managing Cooling and Warming Centers and Disaster Shelters and will be offered on several dates and times in order to accommodate availability. It’s offered at no cost. In person or virtual courses are available when requested. To learn more, contact the MEMA Mass Care Coordinator at the number you’ll find with this story on our Star 97.7 website. (207-458-2867)
Local Politics
Cherry Adds to Growing Field in Race for Governor of Maine
(Maine) Add another name to the growing field of those running for Governor of the State of Maine. Jason Cherry announced his run on his website this week. Cherry, a Democrat, is a former FBI agent and attorney who ran unsuccessfully against Angus King in 2024 for that U.S. Senate seat.
Collins Advances More Than $3M for EMS
(Washington, DC) The Bar Harbor Fire Department Ambulance is one of four potential beneficiaries listed in Senator Susan Collins $3M Emergency Medical Services FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill. The bill was approved by the Committee last week and now awaits consideration by the full House and Senate. Bar Harbor had requested $125K for the purchase of a new ambulance. Other requests came from Howland, Waldoboro, and Waterville EMS Services.
Economy
Home Energy Assistance Program Taking Applications
(Maine) Chopping and stacking firewood, saving for oil, propane, and other heating fuels, insulating our homes – Mainers, in many ways, plan for winter year-round. For those who anticipate a struggle with having the funds to warm their homes, there’s the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. And now is the time to apply, online or in person through your local Community Action Agency. WABI reports agencies began accepting applications August 1st and will continue taking applications through May 2026, while supplies last. Demand for the income-based program is high, and applications are prioritized for households with members at high risk, such as those age 60 and older, those with young children, or disabled household members. In Hancock County, apply at downeast community partners dot org, where you’ll also find a list of documents needed to apply and other helpful information.
Environment
Butterfly Release in Southwest Harbor
(SW Harbor) Something wonderful was a-flutter last week in Southwest Harbor! Some 300 ticket holders each released a butterfly into the Charlotte Rhoades Park for the organization’s annual butterfly release. This year’s event included Monarch, Swallowtail, and Painted Lady butterflies. The Mount Desert Islander reports the sold out event has been going on for 27 years and is a way for locals and tourists to enjoy the gardens while learning about butterflies and pollinators that are indigenous to the area.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Public Library Events
(Ellsworth) Looking for something for the kids to do today? The Ellsworth Public Library has you covered! Start the morning with Outdoor Adventure story time at beautiful Tidal Falls in Hancock. This evening, join the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers at the Library for Everybody Loves Pirates – that’s at 6 p.m. Tomorrow morning, bring those aspiring young chefs to the library for the 4H workshop, Pesto Making for Kids at 10:30. And don’t miss Saturday’s Taco Party for Dragons – part of the amazing summer reading workshop. Keep up with all the library’s great programs and offerings at ellsworth library dot net.
Autumn Gold Family Fun Zone
(Ellsworth) This year’s Autumn Gold Celebration in Ellsworth includes the Family Fun Zone on Saturday, September 27th from 10 until 2 at Knowlton Park. There’s still space for area businesses and organizations to participate in the family fun event by hosting an activity such as face painting, tie-dyeing t-shirts, craft tables, games, and more. Kids will be given passports to be stamped at each activity and will then turn them in for prizes. For more information, contact Terri Lambert at autumn gold at ellsworth chamber dot org.
The Grand Celebrates with Noel Paul Stookey Concert and Fundraiser
(Ellsworth) Milestones … The Grand Executive Director Nick Turner was recently reflecting on his almost nine years here in Ellsworth and another upcoming milestone for The Grand … (((Grand Annv 1 “…so they built the Grand.” :20))) Opening in 1938 as a movie theatre, the iconic downtown hub went through one transition after another, struggling in the 60’s and 70’s until, under the direction of the Hancock County Auditorium Association, a Grand reopening in 1975 with a special performance by none other than Noel Paul Stookey of Peter Paul and Mary fame. Stay tuned – we’ll let you know about this weekend’s anniversary concert coming up.
(Ellsworth) The Grand in Ellsworth has seen many a milestone. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, a devastating fire … years of transition as a movie theatre, then struggles as new, high tech televisions became commonplace in homes, and financial problems in the 60’s and 70’s… and then (((Grand Annv 2 “… and they did a pretty good job.” :22))) Noel Paul Stookey did a benefit concert for the reopening. This Saturday, 50 years and a day later, he’s doing it again. The Grand has many more milestones to reach … new seats, carpeting, air conditioning and handling are all needed. You can help make it happen by getting your tickets for Saturday’s concert at your grand dot org … because, as in years past, the Grand deserves it, Ellsworth deserves it, and you deserve this wonderful night out.
(Ellsworth) It was 1975, when under the direction of the Hancock County Auditorium Association, Ellsworth’s iconic entertainment hub, the Grand, reopened its doors – rising from the ashes of a fire in the 1930’s, its transition as a movie theatre to the age of television, and financial struggles in the 60’s and 70s. Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7 … (((Grand Annv 3 “…did a fundraiser for the Grand in 1975.” :23))). The HCAA still governs the Grand today, and once again, they need our help to keep the doors of this amazing venue open – a life changer for kids who learn they love to act and sing, an entertainment respite for those who love theatre, a hub of Downeast Maine entertainment. Get your tickets for this Saturday’s anniversary fundraiser concert with Noel Paul Stookey before they sell out at your grand dot org.
Maine’s Winningest High School Football Coach Dies
(Maine) He won ten championships and more than 300 games during a four-decade run that saw him lead four different high school programs in Maine. NewsCenter Maine reports John Wolfgram passed away Tuesday. Wolfgram’s coaching career began in 1971, and included stints at Madison High, Gardiner, South Portland, and Cheverus before he retired in 2016. Wolfgram was 77.
Washington County High and Low Rope Challenge
(Cherryfield) Ever wanted to try your hand at a high and low rope challenge course? The Washington County course is free to the public in August. Every Tuesday and Wednesday through this month, Maine Seacoast Mission welcomes the public to their Downeast Campus on Weald Bethel Lane in Cherryfield. The event is free and open to all ages from 4 to 6 p.m. on those days. Helmets, harnesses, and ropes are provided by the Mission, as well as course-trained staff. Closed toed shoes are required, no Crocs footwear, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Maine is Number Four Pickleball State
(Maine) Friday is National Pickleball Day (who knew?). Maine ranks in the top five states for the growing sport that began as a tennis alternative for aging Boomers, but now has people of all ages obsessing over the activity. The Pine Tree State boasts 8.7 courts per hundred thousand residents, according to The Action Network.. The top five states in order by obsession score – Vermont with 7.2 out of ten, followed by Utah at 6.35, Hawaii at 5.9, Maine at 4.85 and Minnesota at 4.78. At the bottom, folks in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana apparently don’t see the attraction. Those states weigh in with obsession scores of .7 or lower.