Downeast Prison
(Machiasport) – The Downeast Correctional Facility in Machiasport will reopen, at least for now. In a statement e-mailed to Star 97-7, Governor Paul LePage said he would comply with a court order to reopen the minimum security prison in Buck’s Harbor. A few weeks ago the Governor sent in corrections officers in the early morning hours under state police tactical team guard and removed all the prisoners to other facilities. A judge ruled last week the Governor did not have the power to shut down the prison. LePage says it will reopen with only a few prisoners and minimal staffing until the budget year ends June 30th.
Glamping – CORRECTED
(Bar Harbor) – Imagine camping in a tent complete with bedrooms and indoor bathroom. That’s what a Bar Harbor developer hopes to offer after a Planning Board hearing next month. The Mt. Desert Islander reports developer Nancy Sweeney hopes to cater to folks who want to go tenting without the camping hassle. It’s called “glamping”, and Sweeney plans to build eight six-person tents on the corner of Route 3 and Seabury Drive. The same property was tied up in court battles over a proposed subdivision for several years.
Bait Storage – Thomaston
(Thomaston) – Neighbors say the 24/7 noise from three bait storage units in Thomaston is unbearable, and the town has headed to court to get the units removed. Village Soup dot com reports planners approved a building at the Route 1 site near the Warren town line, but the company that owns the property opted instead for the three separate units instead. They didn’t have a permit to place them and the town’s code enforcement officer ordered them removed after the planning board rejected the permit application. The town is seeking a $100-dollar a day fine and court costs.
Hancock County Food Drive
(Local) The Hancock County Food Drive collects food and money all month long to benefit area food pantries. Healthy Acadia food security coordinator Rachel Emus says they’ve set their sights higher this year in hopes of expanding their reach. There are many ways to support the Hancock County Food Drive, including a new texting option. Learn more at: Healthy Acadia dot Org.
CMP Probe
(Augusta) Utility regulators will decide this week whether to open a full investigation into Central Maine Power over customer complaints of skyrocketing bills and poor service. The Maine Public Utilities Commission says it has received more than 1,000 complaints from the utility’s customers. The commission has conducted a preliminary review of the complaints and will meet Tuesday to decide whether to pursue a management audit.
Ski Resort’s Future
(Rangeley) A foundation that once raised money to buy the shuttered Saddleback ski area is working to position itself in the event a deal with the current purchases falls through. The announcement comes after WCSH-TV revealed an audiotape in which an Australian businessman who’s purchasing the mountain is heard saying he “wouldn’t lose any sleep” if it remained closed.
Naturopaths
(Augusta) Maine Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a bill that would require insurance carriers to provide coverage for services provided by naturopathic doctors. Naturopathy is an alternative medical system that focuses on things like diet, herbs and vitamins instead of pharmaceuticals. The Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors is using social media on Monday to urge residents to request an override of the veto.
Sports
- Columbus Blue Jackets 5 Boston Bruins 4 (Overtime)
- The Red Sox and Yankees will play a 2-game series in England next summer
- Red Sox 6 Phillies 5 (Spring Training) Red Sox host Pittsburgh today
- The Celtics are home tonight against Oklahoma City.
