Woodlawn Barn
(Ellsworth) – An $8-million dollar plan to tear down the old Carriage barn at the Woodlawn Museum in Ellsworth and replace it with a new barn and education center has hit a big time snag. The Ellsworth American reports the city’s historic preservation commission did not vote unanimously to approve the plan, which means for now it cannot move forward. Woodlawn officials have raised about $6-million dollars so far toward its planned project. Officials say they’ll appeal the historic preservation commission ruling.
Downeast Prison
(Augusta) – A lot of folks from the Machiasport area packed a hearing room in Augusta yesterday, arguing in favor of a $5-million dollar funding measure to keep the Downeast Correctional Facility open. The prison in Buck’s Harbor has been a closure target for Governor Paul LePage. Those testifying in favor said the prison is a vital cog to the Downeast Economy and the folks who work at the minimum security facility are also key members of the community. The governor remains in favor of shutting down the prison at the end of June.
Suspect Recovering
(E. Machias) An East Machias man accused in a home invasion last month continues his recovery after a marine patrol officer shot him. The Bangor Daily News reports 34-year-old Jason Jackson told his lawyer he had put down his gun before officer Matt Carter shot him on December 9th. A warrant was issued for Jackson’s arrest for a home invasion earlier that day. Jackson’s ex-girlfriend 33-year-old Tiffany Smith was also shot during the incident at her Machiasport duplex. Jackson is charged with kidnapping and eluding an officer. His left arm was amputated above the elbow and he’s recovering at a rehabilitation facility for gunshot wounds to his back and ankle.
Workforce Housing
(Ellsworth) – Hancock County needs more housing so it can attract more of a workforce. Officials met yesterday for a second time to discuss the issues. State Senator Brian Langley says workforce housing is a statewide problem among all industries, and the effects can be seen all over Hancock County, especially with seasonal businesses. Langley says area employers who struggle finding workers or can’t keep them because of the lack of affordable housing should touch base with the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce.
Home Invasion
(Waterville) Police say 2 men wearing masks entered a Waterville home armed with a knife and hammer, and injured the people inside. WABI-TV reports the pair broke into a home on Carey Lane last weekend. Nothing was stolen during the scuffle and the suspects fled in a car. They’re described as being in the late teens or early 20’s.
Gun Theft Sentence
(Harpswell) A Harpswell man is sentenced to more than 4-years in prison for stealing guns from a licensed firearms dealer. Court document say 36-year-old Hyunkook Korsiak stole firearms from C and R Trading Post in Brunswick last January. Police responded to a burglar alarm and found a broken window near the building’s entrance. A police K9 located several guns and alerted officers to drops of blood in the snow that were later confirmed to be Korsiak’s.
Acadia Teachers Sought
(Bar Harbor) Maine school teachers can apply to spend the summer learning about Acadia National Park’s diverse natural and cultural resources and ways to protect them. The National Park Service is recruiting 6 Acadia Teacher Fellows to work on Mount Desert Island and at Schoodic Point while one teacher will be selected to work at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site in Calais. The park encourages any full-time public school teacher to apply online by March 1st, check out NPS dot Gov for details.
Acadia Winter Fest
(Winter Harbor) Schoodic Institute’s 4th annual Acadia Winter Fest is coming soon to Acadia National Park. Folks can register for a host of events like outdoor cooking with a dutch oven, chainsaw safety, iPhone Photography, knitting, or a coastal bird walk. New this year a family dinner theater is planned. Winter Fest is February 9th thru the 11th. See details at: Acadia Winter Festival dot Org.
Homecare Referendum
(Augusta) Organizers of a referendum to guarantee access to home care for the disabled and seniors in Maine say they have collected enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. The “Homecare for All” referendum was submitted to the secretary of state’s office on Friday. The secretary of state’s office has until Feb. 26 to certify the signatures before the referendum heads to the statewide ballot.
UMaine Meeting
(Orono) University of Maine System trustees met yesterday to discuss matters including a proposed policy on who can lobby or speak on behalf of the system. Trustees discussed changes to “Institutional Authority on Political Matters” policy that would limit the political activities of university staff. Officials say changes were instituted to address professors’ concerns about having political activities muzzled.
Star 97-7 Sports….
- Boston Celtics 111 Denver Nuggets 110
- A Blockbuster NBA trades sends Blake Griffin from the L-A Clippers to the Detroit Pistons
High School Basketball
Boys
George Stevens 78, Central 36
Bucksport 49, Narraguagus 34
Deer Isle-Stonington 58, Bangor Christian 57
Jonesport-Beals 63, Shead 39
Mattanawcook Academy 55, Lee Academy 52
Searsport 55, Sumner 38
Washington Academy 67, Calais 41
Woodland 75, East Grand 40
Girls
Foxcroft Academy 50, Ellsworth 48
Deer Isle-Stonington 67, Bangor Christian 25
Woodland 84, East Grand (GHC) 29
Presque Isle 53, Orono 33
