Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Beachgoers Warned Against Plunging into Coastal Waters
(Maine) Beachgoers from Florida to Maine were cautioned not to go into coastal waters over the holiday weekend, due to high levels of bacteria that included fecal contamination. In some places, including Cape Cod, officials went so far as to close beaches altogether. Experts say fecal contamination can occur during peak summer months as crowds flock to popular beaches for swimming, as well as from sewage from recreational boats and poorly managed septic systems.
Giuliani Hurt in NH Car Crash
(Manchester, NH) Former NY City Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani was injured in a car crash Saturday on I-93 near Manchester, New Hampshire. Sources say the 88 yo was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his advisor when they were flagged down by a woman about 10 p.m. The woman said she was a victim of domestic violence. Giuliani called 9-1-1, they waited for help, then were continuing their journey when another vehicle, driven by a 19 yo woman, rear-ended them. A witness said that car was driving at high speed. The crash forced the two vehicles into the median, heavily damaging both. Giuliani suffered fractured vertebrae and other injuries, but is expected to make a full recovery.
Fatal Boat Crash
(Eustis) The Labor Day weekend ended in tragedy for a group of boaters from New York. About 1:30 Saturday, seven people were in a pontoon boat in the upper reaches of Flagstaff Lake. As the boat neared Cathedral Pines Campground, the bow started to go under. The driver of the boat, 50 yo John Morris of Eustis, attempted to raise the bow. The boat flipped, throwing all seven into the water some 200 feet from shore. Witnesses rushed to assist and were able to get all seven ashore, but three of the passengers were unresponsive. Two New York women died at the scene; a third was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical where she was last listed in critical condition. Authorities say there’s no evidence alcohol was involved, but none of the seven were wearing life jackets. The crash remains under investigation.
Small Plane Sinks on Flagstaff Lake
(Flagstaff Lake) Another incident yesterday afternoon on that same lake. Authorities tell Star 97.7, about 1:30, a small float plane crashed and sank while attempting to take off from Flagstaff Lake. The pilot, Stephen Vorpagel of Readfield, and a passenger, suffered minor injuries, but were safely brought to shore. The crash is under investigation.
ICE Raids Have Americans Living in Fear
(WP) Schools, churches, restaurants – now Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, officials are arresting those working to protect public safety. The Washington Post and others report firefighters have been battling a blaze in the evergreen forests of western Washington State for nearly two months, helping to save historic buildings and lakefront homes. Last week, federal officials reportedly showed up in SUV’s, checked ID’s, then escorted more than 40 firefighters off the premises, arresting two on charges of illegally entering the country. The raid on an active fire scene shocked many veteran wildland firefighters, with veteran firefighters saying they fear the DHS raid could make it more difficult to find contractor crews.
Local Politics
Mt. Desert to Appoint New Town Manager
(Mt. Desert) Mt. Desert Interim Town Manager Durlin Lunt may yet get to retire this year after all. The Town Select Board is expected to appoint Alex Kimball as the new Town Manager at its regular meeting this evening. Kimball currently serves as Deputy Administrator of Cumberland County and has a home in NE Harbor. Lunt planned to retire earlier this year after 16 years as Town Manager, but agreed to stay on in an interim capacity until a replacement was found.
AG Frey Preserves Funding for AmeriCorps
(Augusta) Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey prevailed in preserving funding for AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The White House Office of Management and Budget agreed to release more than $184M in funding for AmeriCorps service programs across the country. Frey said the OMB’s attempted cuts threatened the survival of those programs, along with the well-being of those who depend on them. Frey had joined a coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging withholding of the monies; but when the OMB’s response was due in court, they instead agreed to fully release the previously withheld funds.
Collins Calls Out Proposed OMB Recissions Proposal
(Washington, DC) US Senator Susan Collins is calling out President Trump for what she says is “an apparent attempt to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval,” adding “it’s a clear violation of the law.” The funds in question involve a $4.9B package of proposed rescissions of funding previously appropriated for a wide range of foreign aid programs. The package was sent to Congress very close to the end of the fiscal year when the funds are scheduled to expire. Collins called it an attempt to undermine the law and said the appropriate path would be to identify ways to reduce excessive spending through the appropriations process. Congress approves rescissions regularly as part of that process.
Platner Raises $1M in Nine Days
(Maine) Meanwhile, the Sullivan oysterman who appears to be Senator Collins’s most advantaged competitor for her Senate seat is having no trouble raising campaign funds. Graham Platner, who spoke to an enthusiastic crowd on Labor Day, is off to a strong start, raising a million dollars in nine days, and the Democrat reports already having 2700 volunteers on the ground. The average donation to Platner’s campaign was $33; which, when broken down, translates to a lot of individuals supporting the relative unknown. Senator Collins’s campaign announced it raised $2.4M in the fundraising quarter that ended June 30th.
Economy
Ellsworth Hires New Chamber Director
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce has hired a new Executive Director. The Chamber says Heather Seavey grew up in Maine and brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, event planning and more. She most recently served as Deputy Executive Director of the Maine Bar Association. Her husband, Rob, grew up here in Ellsworth, and they even have a golden retriever named Ellsworth. Seavey officially steps into the role on September 8th.
Budgeting 101 for College Students
(Undated) Many young folks starting college this week – away from home for the first time, they may find themselves faced with unexpected expenses. Robin Crowley is Bank of America’s Savings and Budgeting Guru. She tells Star 97.7, it’s important students have an emergency fund – and you don’t have to go big to start! (((BTS Budget 1 “…and you’ll see it build each month.” :18))) Crowley says, go from there and watch it grow – it’s an important lifetime habit to begin building now.
(Undated) As many students head off for college this week, they may find themselves, for the first time, being truly responsible for their earnings and expenses. With the rising cost of living, Savings and Budget Guru Robin Crowley tells Star 97.7 students need to pay themselves first by establishing a separate savings account, and then …(((BTSBudget 2 “…anything that may feel extra or unnecessary.” :21))) Crowley says most financial institutions offer savings tools that automatically put a portion of your paycheck in savings, there’s Bank of America’s Keep the Change that rounds up debit card purchases for your savings, and she also recommends the site Better Money Habits dot com.
(Undated) Lots of students starting college this week, and that often opens up a whole new world of financial independence. Robin Crowley is Bank of America’s Savings and Budget Guru. She talks with Star 97.7 about the important do’s and don’t’s of establishing credit. (((BTSBudget 3 “…or perhaps the lease on an apartment.” :23))) Crowley says keep the balance on that card well under the limit – you want to spend only about 30% of your limit, which boosts your credit score; and, she says, don’t apply for multiple cards at once. Get one, learn to use it responsibly, and go from there.
Environment
KWW Named Best for Night Sky Viewing
(KWW) The canopy of stars at Katahdin Woods and Waters has long been celebrated for clear viewing amidst the darkened skies. Now, the area is being recognized internationally. The Bangor Daily News reports the monument has been named the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the East Coast by the International Dark Sky Association. It’s just the twelfth such designation in the world. The program was established in 2001 to encourage the protection of natural dark night skies across the globe.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Road Work
(Ellsworth) If you’re driving in the vicinity of Ellsworth, here’s an update on road work happening this week. Today through Thursday, highway crews will be doing some patching on Liberty Street, Sterling Street, and Happytown Road. Traffic will be down to one lane alternating in the work areas – they ask that you please use caution when in the vicinity..
Human Interest/Entertainment
Cut-A-Thon to Raise Funds for SPCA
(Ellsworth) When it comes to kindness, the folks at the Alchemist Salon in Ellsworth are truly a cut above the rest! On Sunday, September 14th, they’re holding a Cut-A-thon to raise funds for the SPCA of Hancock County. Stylists will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day, with all proceeds benefiting the SPCA. Owner Melissa Bradford says, “At the Alchemist Salon, we believe beauty goes beyond hair – it’s about kindness, connection, and giving back to the community we love.” She adds, “Small acts of generosity create big waves of change, and we’re excited to stand with the SPCA for the animals who need it most.” SPCA staff will be on hand with some wonderful cats and dogs looking for their fur-ever homes. Book ahead on line if you like.
Loaves and Fishes Fundraiser Features NASCAR Cup Series Car
(Ellsworth) This Thursday, NASCAR Cup fans and car enthusiasts will want to race on over to Friends and Family Market in Ellsworth to get a close up look at the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang from the NASCAR Cup Series. Hot dogs and burgers will be on the grill, and all funds raised will benefit Hancock County families through the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry! You can even try out the racing simulator pods. That’s Friends & Family’s “Racing to Fight Hunger” event – this Thursday from 11 to 4 at 390 Main Street in Ellsworth.
Obituary
Former Secretary of State Known for Fighting Child Abuse Dies
(Windham) Former Maine Secretary of State Bill Diamond has died. The Bangor Daily News reports the longtime lawmaker, a centrist Democrat, spent his last years fighting tirelessly against child abuse, leading investigations into child deaths – including that of 10 yo Marissa Kennedy, who died at the hands of her mother and stepfather in 2018. Diamond headed the nonprofit group Walk A Mile in Their Shoes, which put the child welfare system under heavy scrutiny. He served 13 terms in the Legislature. Diamond was 80 years old.