Bag Ban
(Ellsworth) – A proposed plastic bag ban in Ellsworth met with some skeptical response at the city council this week. Council chair Marc Blanchette says he wants to see numbers. The group proposing the ban, Ellsworth Green Action Team, says it has no idea how many bags that stores issue annually. Blanchette says he’d also like to know how many bags are recycled. The city council will likely hold a future workshop on plastic bags. Several communities around the state have banned the use of single-use plastic bags.
Storm
(Undated) – A winter storm has dumped a lot of snow across the state. Virtually every school in Maine is shut down today because of poor traveling conditions. Few vehicles were on the road overnight – most of them had snowplows attached. When it’s over, Downeast Maine will have about a foot of snow on the ground. Emera Maine reported no outages early this morning.
Credit Union Robbed
(Patten) – A robber held up a northern Maine credit union yesterday. Sheriff’s deputies and state police responded to the East Mill Credit Union in Patten around 2:30 yesterday afternoon. WABI-TV reports they’ve not arrested anyone and authorities have advised people in the area to lock their doors.
Wood Pellet Shortage
(Maine) If you’re having a hard time finding wood pellets at local stores you’re not alone. Maine Pellet Fuels Association executive director Bill Bell tells Star 97-7 that the entire state of Maine is experiencing a wood pellet shortage as a result of the growing industry. Bell says another reason for the shortage is the plant in Corinth is out of commission after catching fire last September. Customers needing wood pellets can drive to plants in Ashland, Athens, or Strong and get them directly. Bell recommends calling ahead.
Bank Robbery Suspect Caught
(Waterville) Waterville police say the suspect who robbed a Bangor Savings Bank branch Tuesday slipped on ice while fleeing from the scene and fell right in front of a Maine State Police Agent parked nearby. The agent saw a gun and cash fly out of the suspect’s pocket and quickly apprehended the man. 38-year-old Jason Mackenrodt is charged with robbing the bank on Upper Main Street shortly after 10 yesterday morning. Waterville police thank the citizens who scooped up the stolen cash as it blew across a parking lot during Mackenrodt’s arrest.
Marijuana Conspiracy
(Bangor) – Two men arrested when federal agents busted a marijuana growing operation in Frankfort are headed to prison. The US Attorney’s office reports to Star 97.7 that 49-year old Terrance Sawtelle of Dexter will serve a year and a day for his role in the growing and distribution operation in Waldo County. 49-year old Christopher Ruhlin of Holden was sentenced to 20-months. Ruhlin operated the Owl’s Club in Bangor and the outfit was denied a medical marijuana dispensary license.
Frankfort Crash
(Frankfort) A woman in Waldo County lost control of her car and hit an oncoming pickup truck, injuring both drivers. The Waldo County Communications Center received a 9-1-1 report Monday afternoon about a 2-car crash on Route 1A in the town of Frankfort. The Sheriff’s Office says 40-year-old Amy Adriance of Winterport passed a tractor trailer truck, drifted to the right side of the road and overcorrected. Her car crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a pickup truck driven by 51-year-old Wendy Fowler of Belfast. Both women suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.
Winter Fun Day
(Machias) Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s annual Winter Fun Day is this Saturday. Community members are invited to enjoy sledding, snow shoeing, and a bonfire with refreshments. The free events are from 10am ‘til 2pm this Saturday at Middle River Park in Machias.
Quit Smoking
(NE Harbor) Healthy Acadia’s smoking cessation classes begin this Friday. If you use cigarettes, vape products, smokeless tobacco, or just want to support a friend or loved one as they quit their habit, you’re welcome to participate in this free program. Classes meet for 4 weeks every Friday from 2:30 to 3:30 at the Northeast Harbor Library. To register or for more information contact Tara Young at Healthy Acadia.
Sports
- Boston Celtics 112 Philadelphia 76ers 109
- Boston Bruins 6 Chicago Blackhawks 3
High School Basketball Prelims
Boys
Class “AA” Quarterfinal – Bangor 68 Lewiston 36
Class “B” –Ellsworth 68 Winslow 43
Washington Academy 57 Orono 38
Class “C” George Stevens 79 Central 65
Calais 53 Fort Kent 48
Dexter 54 Bucksport 35
Class “D” DI/Stonington 45 Machias 42
Girls
Class “B” – John Bapst 34 Ellsworth 27
Presque Isle 43 Orono 30
MCI 50 Oceanside 48
Class “C” – Calais 80 Central 45
Narraguagus 60 Searsport 37
Stearns 50 Houlton 32
