Hancock Wildfire
(Hancock) – Area fire departments have started to cut off burning permits as several wildfires have broken out this week. Hancock’s Fire Chief tells Star 97.7 his department called in help from Sullivan and Sorrento yesterday when a permitted burn got out of control and winds started blowing flames toward the woods on the East Side Road. They contained the damage to about 2-acres. Despite the wet weather, the tops of grasses dry off quickly and high winds quickly carry flames out of control.
PERC/MRC/Layoffs
(Orrington) – The trash to energy incinerator in Orrington has laid off about 20-percent of its workforce now that more than 100-communities are sending their trash elsewhere. The Penobscot Energy Recovery Company gave pink slips to 17-workers according to the Bangor Daily News. The Municipal Review Committee has decided to ship trash to an under construction trash to bio-gas plant in Hampden. While the plant is under construction, that trash is headed to landfills, and the MRC has threatened member towns that continue to ship to the PERC plant with litigation if the trash is not sent to either a landfill in Norridgewock or Old Town.
Belfast Salmon Farm
(Belfast) – City councilors in Belfast have approved a zoning change that will allow a huge salmon farming operation to locate in the city. The proposal from Norway based Nordic Aquafarms will utilize 40-acres and city water. The plant could cost nearly $500-million dollars to construct. The Planning Board will consider the project next. Some have raised concerns about noise and water usage.
Rite Aid/Walgreens
(Ellsworth) – The merger between Walgreens and Rite Aid will mean an empty store in Ellsworth. The two pharmacies are located across an intersection from each other along High Street. The Ellsworth American reports the Rite Aid store will close down in a little over a month. There’s no word on what will happen to the Rite Aid workers and what might locate in the soon to be vacant store.
Mayor Recall Efforts
(Waterville) The weather may be a bit chilly, but things got heated in Waterville Tuesday night as residents voiced their opinions on the controversy surrounding Mayor Nick Isgro. Isgro had posted a tweet suggesting Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg “eat it” in response to an article about a Fox News anchor who mocked the student weeks ago. That tweet drew criticism from Waterville residents, some of whom have organized an effort to recall him. WABI TV reports that Isgro had his share of supporters at last night’s City Council meeting as well, and tensions rose during the public comment section of the meeting. The group behind the recall needs 857 signatures by the end of April in order to put the issue to a vote in June.
Attempted Murder Arrest
(Bangor) A Hampden woman arrested early Saturday morning for attempted murder made her first court appearance yesterday by video conference from the Penobscot County Jail in Bangor. The Bangor Daily News reports 38 year old Sonya Dupray was arrested Saturday morning for attempted murder for allegedly slitting her 53-year old boyfriend’s throat while he slept. He’s listed in critical condition at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Dupray told authorities the two had a fight Friday night over his erratic driving. Dupray was not asked to enter pleas because she has not yet been indicted by the Penobscot County grand jury, which meets next on April 25th. Dupray is held on 75 thousand dollars bond and is due in court again on June 11.
Bangor Building Foreclosure
(Bangor) A downtown Bangor building that has been vacant since 2013 will likely be boarded up and foreclosed upon soon. The Bangor Daily News reports the corner building at 72 State Street was condemned by the city last May. Key Bank recently notified the city it intends to foreclose on the property. City Council Chairman Ben Sprague said his hope is the property will be fixed up or demolished and the sight put to good use. Hampden resident James Butler purchased the building in 2006 and told the BDN last May he planned to repair the building’s interior and broken windows. Butler could not immediately be reached for comment.
Still No Arrests in Bucksport Death
(Bucksport) It’s been six months since 2 year old Khloe Hawksley died inside a Bucksport home, but police have not charged anyone with a crime. First responders were called to 264 Central Street last October 18 on reports of an unresponsive child. After a two month investigation, the death was ruled a homicide last December. Police have declined to reveal how the toddler died and have not released the names of two adults and one other child who were in the home when medics arrived. Police say the death is still under investigation.
Unity Pharmacy Robbery Arrest
(Unity) Authorities have arrested a man in connection with last week’s robbery at the Unity Pharmacy. The Waldo County Sheriff’s office reports deputies located 33 year old Andrew Sousa of Brooks yesterday morning at a campsite in a wooded area in the town of Brooks. A team of deputies accompanied by a Belfast Police K-9 Unit responded to a tip and after a short foot chase, Sousa was taken into custody and transported to Waldo County General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Authorities continue to investigate that robbery.
More Vehicle Breakdowns Predicted
(Northern NE) If you’re one of the 64 percent of family travelers gearing up for a road trip this summer, Triple A has a word of warning. A new analysis of Triple A roadside data says the majority of U.S. vehicles are at a higher than average risk for a breakdown. With more than half the vehicles on the road being 10 years old or older, Triple A Northern New England says it expects to come to the rescue of more than 150 thousand drivers this summer, primarily for dead batteries, flat tires, and vehicle lockouts. Triple A advises drivers to make a good B-E-T, bet, of staying on the road by having your vehicles Battery, Engine, and Tires checked before you hit the road.
Wiscasset Drops Lawsuit
(Wiscasset) Wiscasset residents voted a resounding no this week to continuing a lawsuit against the Maine Department of Transportation. The vote was 578-303 against a referendum question regarding a downtown project. The lawsuit was reportedly an effort by the town to prevent the DOT from moving forward with a project that included demolition of a downtown garage and removal of parking on Main Street.
Smelt Fry / Volunteers
(Columbia Falls) The Downeast Salmon Federation welcomes spring with their annual Smelt Fry this Saturday. Fisheries biologist Brett Ciccotelli says it’s the Federation’s 18th year of supporting fishing heritage in Washington County. The annual Smelt Fry is from 11 to 4 in downtown Columbia Falls on Saturday. It features many exhibits and activities including winning artwork of students who participated in the Washington County Student Art Contest.
Coffee-Cop
(Ellsworth) The police department in Ellsworth is working on community relations with a casual social gathering between police officers and the public. “Coffee with a Cop” is next Wednesday morning from 9 ’til 10:30 at Flexit Cafe and Bakery on Main Street. Citizens are invited to ask questions or voice concerns while meeting with the men and women who protect and serve Ellsworth every day.
Sports
- Boston Red Sox 9 L-A Angels 0 (Rick Porcello picks up the win, Rafael Devers hit a grand slam for Boston)
- Eduardo Rodriguez starts against the Angels tonight.
- The Bruins play game 4 in their playoff with Toronto tonight in Canada. Boston leads the series 2-1.
High School Baseball
Bangor 5 Lewiston 4
Orono 6 Old Town 3
Softball
Lewiston 2 Bangor 0
Edward Little 11 Hampden 10
Brewer 6 Gardiner 1
