Traveling
(Ellsworth) – It’s a tale of two Maines this morning for the motoring public. Along the coast and extending back several miles, it’s a rain and snow mix as temperatures hover just above freezing. Further inland – it’s a mess. Numerous school closings are posted away from the coast this morning while most schools in Hancock and Washington County area open. State Police report a few cars off the road overnight as snow coated the roads making for slick travel.
Robbery Arrest
(Brewer) – Brewer police have charged a New York man with holding up a cab driver. The police department reports to Star 97.7 that 20-year old Jonathan Guitierrez-Gomez allegedly held a gun to a cab driver’s head and used physical force against him after an argument about cab fare from Bangor to Brewer. Police located the two men who got a ride to Wal-Mart and refused to pay the cabbie. They also found the gun; it turned out to be a BB Gun. The other man with Guitierrez-Gomez was not charged.
Fort Kent Homicide
(Fort Kent) – Police say a Fort Kent man’s death is a homicide. Lt. Troy Gardiner reports to Star 97.7 that 49-year old Daren Charette died form a single gunshot wound. Police discovered his body after a 9-1-1 call Sunday afternoon. Gardiner who heads up the Northern Maine Criminal Investigation Division, says they know the other person involved in the shooting and they’ve spoken with him. He said the public is not in danger and they’re conferring with the Attorney General’s Office to see if charges will be filed.
Recounts
(Augusta) – Three weeks ago Mainers voted, and not all the races are finally decided yet. The Secretary of State’s office reports to Star 97.7 that the Hancock County Probate Judge seat will get a recount starting tomorrow. Incumbent William Blaisdell finished just 57-votes ahead of challenger Lynne Williams. That’s not the only county race that we don’t yet have an outcome for. The treasurer’s race in Hancock County came down to write in votes as no one was on the ballot. The Secretary of State will likely announce a winner this week between declared write-in candidates Pamela Linscott and Michael Boucher. And, all towns in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District will have to turn their ballots over to state troopers for a hand recount in the race between Bruce Poliquin and Jared Golden.
Ranked Choice-Court
(Portland) A judge is set to hear arguments next week about whether Maine’s new voter-approved voting system is legal. Republican U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin and three Republican activists filed a lawsuit stating it’s unconstitutional for Maine to allow voters to rank all candidates from first to last on the ballot. If no candidate gets a majority, then last-place candidates are eliminated and the voters’ second choices are moved forward in additional rounds of vote-counting. WABI-TV reports Poliquin’s legal battle is expected to continue for weeks. Briefs will be filed November 28th and December 2nd.
Impaired Driving Grant
(Ellsworth) Deputies in Hancock County are putting in extra time patrolling for drunk and drugged drivers. Sheriff Scott Kane tells Star 97.7 that they’ve received a Driving Enforcement Grant through the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. If you plan to drink Sheriff Kane reminds folks to choose a designated driver or call a taxi.
Belfast Fire
(Belfast) Two people inside a mobile home in Belfast made it out safely before it went up in flames. The home on Perkins Road was fully involved when firefighters arrived around 3:30 yesterday morning and is said to be a total loss. Belfast’s fire chief tells WVII-TV that the fire started in the bathroom but the cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
Poinsettia Ball
(Ellsworth) The annual Poinsettia Ball has raised more than $860-thousand-dollars for women’s healthcare since its inception 27 years ago in Ellsworth. Money raised from this Saturday’s Poinsettia Ball Express will benefit the maternity ward at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital. Maternity area director Emily Tolman says plans are in the works to improve patient comfort using a new, safe method. There are 9 facilities under the Northern Light Healthcare umbrella but all the funds raised from the Poinsettia Ball stay in the community.
Skydiving Death Update
(Lebanon) – A sky-diving instructor caused his own death when he unhooked himself from a student earlier this fall in Western Maine. State Police spokesman Steve McCausland reports to Star 97.7 that 41-year old Brett Bickford loosened his harness in mid-air. The student diver had the parachute on. Skydiving professionals told investigators than an experienced jumper would not loosen a parachute by mistake.
Sports
- Boston Celtics 124 New Orleans Pelicans 107
- Toronto Maple Leafs 4 Boston Bruins 2
- Monday Night Football: Houston Texans 34 Tennessee Titans 17
