Crime/Public Safety

Winter Storm Barrels into Northeast

(Ellsworth)  Hope you can stay in today!  Lots of closings and cancellations. A winter storm is expected to bring high winds and significant snowfall to the region today.  Look for winds gusting up to 50 mph or more, causing widespread power outages and snow dropping between 3 to 7 inches … on top of this year’s already significant depths.  A winter storm warning is in effect through 7 a.m. Tuesday morning for portions of coastal and interior downeast and the Penobscot Valley.  The National Weather Service says areas of blowing snow will cause poor visibility and make travel extremely difficult.

Fire Safety

(Maine)  With the likelihood of power outages due to today’s Nor-easter, public safety officials are warning residents to keep the heat on safely.  If you use a generator, they say operate equipment outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from homes, in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning … and allow it to cool down for at least 20 minutes before refueling.  If you heat with a wood stove, be sure your chimney is cleaned regularly, and keep combustibles well away from the stove. Finally, experts caution kerosene heaters are generally considered safe only if used properly, in well-ventilated areas and strictly in compliance with manufacturers’ safety instructions.

Maine State FMO Investigating Multiple Fires Across the State

(Maine)  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a rash of fires that occurred across the state over the weekend.  A 66 yo man died as the result of a Thursday afternoon house fire in Augusta. A malfunctioning electric blanket is blamed for a fire at a home in Lisbon Thursday. An early morning fire in Bridgton was called in shortly before 4 a.m.  The cause of that fire at an abandoned building on Cross Street is undetermined.  And Waldoboro firefighters on Friday battled two separate blazes.  Crews were called to a home on North Nobleboro Road shortly after 2:30 a.m. The two occupants there were able to escape, but one suffered burns and a firefighter was injured when he fell through the floor.  About seven  that same morning, crews responded to a fully engulfed barn that was attached to a home on Friendship Road.  No injuries were reported there.  Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and save the home.  

Rockland Man Arrested for Threatening Protestors

(Rockland)  A Rockland man was arrested Saturday for driving his plow truck in close proximity to some 75 people who were peacefully protesting there. The Rockland Police Department said 65 yo Michael Robinson had his plow down, causing ice and snow to strike several people, knocking them to the ground.  Robinson was booked into the Knox County Jail on charges of Felony Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon and Driving to Endanger.  Authorities say additional charges of assault are expected to be added at his arraignment.  

Fraud Prevention Workshop

(Blue Hill)  Fraud is everywhere these days.  Learn how to recognize, prevent, and report it at a March 4th workshop presented by Healthy Peninsula.  The 1 p.m. workshop will take place at the Blue Hill Public Library and will feature Special Agent Jennifer Misek speaking as part of the Elder Justice Initiative.  Attendees will also hear  from a Mainer who fell victim to fraud.  Register online at b h p l dot net to attend either in person or via Zoom.  

Local Politics

Selective Bonuses at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Draw Criticism

(Portsmouth)  Some civilian workers at the government-owned shipyard in Kittery recently got bonuses of up to $25K from the Department of Defense.  Those who did not say they’re not happy.  The Trump Administration rolled out the bonus program in December as a way to recognize “our very best civilians”.  The Portland Press Herald reports union leaders at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard were given a few days to identify and nominate potential recipients without having specific measures of performance.  One official in charge said morale at the shipyard has been low for a while, and that the move raised morale for the 15% who received bonuses, while the other 85% now feel worse.

Penobscot Pleads with Governor Over Budget Crisis

(Bangor)  Washington County took the heat for a looming budget crisis.   But it turns out, theirs was just the tip of the iceberg.  A lack of county auditors and other issues has meant other counties are discovering budget crises of their own.  Penobscot County officials last week contacted Governor Janet Mills, asking for $8M from the state in order to recoup the county’s depleted finances and pay for costs associated with the county jail and critical infrastructure upgrades.  The monies, if granted, would come from the state’s rainy day fund.  But Washington County made the same plea last year and were turned down, likely because the Governor didn’t want to set a precedent.  The Bangor Daily News reports Penobscot County officials have also asked for a meeting with the Governor but have not heard back.

Governor Mills Goes Back and Forth on White House Meeting

(Washington, DC)  While President Trump went back and forth as to who was and was not invited to Friday’s Governors’ meeting at the White House, Maine Governor Janet Mills had her own conflicting thoughts.  Once Trump decided all Governors were welcome, Mills at first said she would not attend, saying the President had turned the event into “an unproductive vanity project.”.  Last year, the President called Mills out over a transgender issue, to which Mills calmly replied, “See you in court.”  She did, and won.  At the last minute, Mills did decide to attend based on a “gut feeling” that she should.  She said the President delivered a rambling speech that ended abruptly when informed of the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling that struck down his authority to enact sweeping tariffs.

Economy

Searsport Businesses Struggle After Route One Closure

(Searsport)  To say it’s been tough to be a business owner in downtown Searsport the past few years, is an understatement.  First, COVID …  then Route One reconstruction closed the road through downtown, rerouting customers miles out of the way for two years. Last year, the state’s tourism numbers were down, and the country as a whole continues to suffer economically. The Bangor Daily News reports multiple Searsport businesses are for sale, while others remain optimistic. Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe has stayed viable by offering a variety of teas and other special events, while the store itself is an Alice in Wonderland experience that delights young and old alike.  And H and H Mercantile has stayed relevant through its commitment to local businesses and makers, showcasing a variety of Maine-made products, crafts, artwork, and foods.

Homestead Exemption/Veteran Exemption

(Ellsworth)  Maine residents have two types of property tax exemptions available to them, but you need to apply through your town by April 1st.  The Homestead Exemption is available to all homeowners with a primary residence in Maine. In Ellsworth, that can save you about $400 a year.  The Veteran Exemption is for seniors age 62 and older.  To qualify for this exemption, you must provide proof of service during a federally recognized war period.  That can be a $100 annual savings.  And it’s possible you qualify for both. Contact your local municipal assessing office to learn more and to apply.

Human Interest

100th Newscast

(Brewer)  This morning marks our 100th newscast here on Nice & Easy Internet Radio.  To celebrate, every day this week, we’re giving you a code word on our newscasts.  Just go to our Nice & Easy Internet Radio Facebook page and MESSAGE us the code word with your name.  Each day, we’ll draw a winner who will receive a $15 gift card to Dunkin – Breakfast on us to thank you for your support.  Today’s code word:  COMMUNITY.

Life Without the Penny

(Undated)  Talk about penny pinching – in the absence of pennies, which the US mint has stopped producing, some retailers in Maine and elsewhere are getting a lesson in how to deal with prices that reflect the need for the copper colored coins.  The Portland Press Herald reports some are rounding change to the nearest nickel; and even some banks have ceased providing the one cent wonders.  While fewer people are paying with cash these days, about 14% of purchases still ARE made with bills and coins.  The Treasury Department stopped minting the lowly penny last year, saying it was costing them about 3.7 cents per coin.  Still, there are between 114 and 250 billion pennies in circulation … out there somewhere.  

Antiques Roadshow to Air Show Recorded in Maine

(Boothbay Harbor)  Stuck inside this evening?  The second hour-long episode of Antiques Roadshow that was recorded last summer at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is set to air tonight on PBS.  About 65 appraisers gathered under tents at the gardens last June for the show’s first visit to Maine.  The Portland Press Herald reports the third installment of the show will air March 23rd.  

Goldendoodle Abandoned at Airport Gets More than 2700 Adoption Applications

(Las Vegas)  A Goldendoodle named JetBlue was abandoned at a Las Vegas airport.  But it turned out to be his lucky day.  Sources say the dog’s owner was getting ready to fly out when she was told she couldn’t fly with the dog.  So, she simply left the dog tied up and proceeded to her departure gate.  Airline workers cared for the pup until animal protection services took him to a shelter, where he was given the flighty moniker. Las Vegas police shared his story, which led to more than 2700 adoption applications from around the world.  But it was Vegas police officer Skeeter Black, one of the officers who responded to the airport, who ended up adopting the pup.  And in case you’re wondering, the dog’s previous owner was located and escorted back through security where she became hostile.  She’s been charged with animal abandonment and resisting arrest.

Bulldogs Reign on the Court

(Machias)  Congratulations to the Machias Bulldogs!  The boys clinched the 2026 Northern Class D title on Saturday in Bangor.  Many local teams made it SO far this year – we’re so proud of all of you!

National News

Olympic Gold

(USA)  Team USA closed out the Winter Olympics in Milan golden.  Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams brought home gold.  Alyssa Liu stunned with her effortless figure skating routine, and Mikaela Shiffrin won the slalom title a full 1.5 seconds ahead of the competition.  The XXV Winter Games featured 116 events in eight sports across 16 disciplines, including the debut of ski mountaineering.  Norway’s Johannes Hosflot Kloeboe made history by winning gold in all six cross country ski events.  And Lucas Pinheiro Braathen won the first-ever Olympic gold medal for Brazil in the men’s giant slalom. The United States brought home more medals than in any previous winter games, 33 … 12 gold, 12 silver, and nine bronze.  Norway topped the list with 41 medals.  The Netherlands captured third place with 20 medals.

DHS Reverses TSA Pre-check Decision

(ABC)  The Department of Homeland Security has abruptly reversed a decision to temporarily suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to what they described as a lapse in funding.  DHS Secretary Kristy Noem announced the temporary suspension Sunday morning, but quickly reversed it, saying airports could continue with the program as long as staffing was available.

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