Crime/Public Safety

Rockland Burglary 

(Rockland)  Crime always stinks.  But a suspect in a Rockland burglary last week gave new meaning to the saying. The Pen Bay Pilot reports 60 yo Robert King, Jr. of Whitefield is accused of breaking into an apartment, stealing a safe, and dousing the residence in liquid skunk essence.  The incident happened March 23 while the Tillson Avenue apartment owner was on vacation.  The resident returned to find the stinky liquid had been poured on a computer, bed, and inside all the dresser drawers.  Detectives were able to identify the suspect through surveillance footage and with the help of a woman who was a friend of the victim’s.  She told police King has a temper and had previously threatened to injure the victim. The suspect is out on bail awaiting an initial court appearance.  

Local Politics

Bucksport Opts Not to Pare Down Budget

(Bucksport)  The Bucksport Town Council this month opted to not take immediate action on proposals to pare down a draft $9.7M municipal budget.  Among proposals offered by Town Manager Jacob Gran was to forgo $85K to community and social agencies such as the Bucksport Memorial Library, the food pantry, the senior center and others; but Council members decided to hear out such agencies’ requests at a planned April 2nd meeting.  According to The River Observer, other options discussed were a reduction in road paving, wage and staffing levels, and public safety budgets, with at least one person expressing discomfort with layoffs of public safety workers; particularly, they said, given the low number of available ambulances across Hancock County.  The overall feeling was cuts now would lead to greater headaches in the future.

Medicare Non-Compliance

(Augusta)  State Auditor Matt Dunlap’s findings about MaineCare financial controls has drawn pushback from the Mills’ administration.  According to the Portland Press Herald, the audit flagged potential noncompliance with certain federal regulations under the Medicaid healthcare program, known here as MaineCare.  The Trump administration has accused Mills and the state of turning a blind eye to alleged Medicaid fraud.  Issues were also reportedly uncovered involving SNAP benefits, child welfare, nursing home facility reviews, and National Guard operations.  Most were explained as involving a lack of staffing and falling behind on COVID-19-related audit work, plus technical errors.  Dunlap said he could not predict a response from the federal government, but that in the past they have asked for reimbursement.

Economy

Federal Grants Aimed at Revitalizing Historic Downtowns

(Maine)  Maine Development Foundation is one of fourteen grant recipients nationwide to receive a federal grant aimed at revitalizing historic downtowns and local economies by restoring historic buildings.  MaineBiz reports MDF’s Maine Downtown Center program will receive $750K to boost Main Street economies through restoration of historic theaters, libraries, and commercial buildings, funded by the National Park Service.  Subgrants are provided through the REvitalizeME Downtown program, with application and eligibility requirements available in June.  Past recipients include Ellsworth, Machias, and Eastport, among others.

Maine to Help Homeowners Replace Roofs

(Maine)  Penobscot County residents may be eligible for a new program that will award up to $15K to help them fortify their homes against severe storms.  MaineBiz reports the state is preparing to launch a grant by early summer that will help those eligible replace their roofs and take other steps to secure their homes.  In Maine, the program’s roof grant will be specifically designated for roof replacement projects that follow industry standards to withstand hurricane force winds and rain.  Two tiers of awards will be based on income and geared toward those enrolled in MaineCare or who receive SNAP benefits.  The grants won’t cover the entirety of the projects and must include a home inspection on completion.  Initial grants will also be available to residents of York, Cumberland, and Kennebec Counties.

Heating Oil Price Soars

(Maine)  The price at the pump isn’t the only thing draining consumers’ wallets these days.  In just the five weeks since the US invaded Iran, the average price of heating oil has jumped more than 40%, with a gallon now averaging $5.40 statewide.  It’s the highest price per gallon Maine has seen since November 2022 when the cost of oil shot up in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to state data.

Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Declines

(Maine)  Maine’s health insurance marketplace saw a 9.5% decrease in enrollment this year.  The Portland Press Herald reports that includes some 3500 people who canceled their coverage because they could no longer afford it.  Skyrocketing costs were the result of Congress’s decision not to extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which expired December 31st.  Officials say it’s unclear how many who canceled switched to employer-based plans, qualified for Medicare or Medicaid, or have simply chosen to go without insurance.

Applications Open for PFML Program

(Maine)  Applications for Maine’s new paid family leave program opened this week.  The program provides up to 12 weeks of pay for Mainers to take medical, parental, military or safety leave.  It will start paying out benefits on May 1st, although leave periods must take place on or after that date to be approved, according to the Maine Department of Labor.  The Portland Press Herald reports Maine is one of 14 states, in addition to Washington, DC, that has enacted similar paid leave programs.  More information is available at maine dot gov forward slash paid leave.

Deer Run Residents Face Recurring Water Issues

(Deer Isle)  Residents of the Deer Run community in Deer Isle say they’re feeling largely ignored when it comes to recurring water outages and service disruptions.  The residents, who are mostly elderly, say management has addressed immediate issues, but the interruptions highlight reliability problems with the community’s water infrastructure.  The Penobscot Bay Press reports there have been 12 water outages since January, with most lasting at least eight hours, leaving residents unable to cook, clean or flush toilets.  And it’s not just water – electric baseboard heat in eight of Deer Run’s apartments reportedly hasn’t worked since December.  Deer Run is owned by the nonprofit Housing Foundation, based in Orono, which has been contacted by town and state officials with, they say, little response.  Maine Housing is now involved, and the Housing Foundation has promised to fix the issues, but residents remain skeptical, saying issues should have been fixed months ago.  

Infrastructure

Machias Committee Offers Recommendations to Limit Flood Risk

(Machias)  A committee tasked with offering recommendations to address flooding in downtown Machias has released its findings.  The Maine Monitor reports The Upper Machias Bay Master Plan Leadership Committee suggests, among other things, fixing drainage issues on Short Street and at the base of Court Street, working with the Maine Department of Transportation to increase inspections and repairs, and offering incentives and education for watershed landowners to plant rain gardens and use rain barrels to keep roadside ditches and drains clear.  Longer term solutions were also put forth, including upgrades to water systems and raising funds for projects to reduce flood risk.  A report detailing the committee’s decision making process and final recommendations is expected in April.  Also, a reminder the Machias Dike Bridge on Route One will close beginning tomorrow through at least April 30th to replace a temporary bridge structure.  Detours will be posted.

Human Interest

Ellsworth Library Offers Coffee Klatsch

(Ellsworth)  Sometimes the best remedy for the cold weather blues is just a get together for friendly conversation between strangers and friends.  Join fellow seniors this Friday from 9 to 11 at the  Ellsworth Public Library for a coffee klatsch – a casual gathering to chat, connect, and enjoy good company.  The caucus will take place on the main floor – enjoy a warm beverage and some good, warm company.  ellsworth library dot net.

Ellsworth Library Offers Workshop on Civility

(Ellsworth)  It’s not hard to find harassment and incivility these days – it’s all over social media and even looms large at major intersections, with folks seemingly more interested in name calling than sitting down like adults.  Join the Ellsworth Public Library and Aroostook Mental Health Counseling Thursday for a conversation focused on how everyday community members can safely intervene in situations involving harassment and discrimination.  Presenter Stephen Nason will lead the hands-on session that offers practical tools and real-world strategies participants can apply in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.  “Bringing in the Bystander” will be held in the Riverview Room, beginning at 5 p.m.  ellsworth library dot net.

April at the Planetarium

(Orono)  April promises to be a “stellar” month at the Versant Power Astronomy Center in Orono.  The month kicks off this Friday at 7 with a presentation by Canadian American Artist Jennie Hutchins – “Projections of Possibility”.  Need some humor in your life?  On April 10th, it’s Cosmos Comedy – an hour of space jokes from two hilarious scientists turned stand up comedians.  The public program, Fridays at 7, is “Messengers of Time and Space” – learn about newly discovered asteroids, violent stellar explosions and colliding black holes.  Sundays at 2, bring the kids as Little Eve, a curious bear, sets out to discover how life on earth began.  The April Music program features Rush’s biggest hits set to stunning visuals.  For all the planetarium’s great programming, visit astro dot u maine dot e d u.

National News 03/31/26

Trump Threatens Iran’s Infrastructure

(Washington, DC)  President Trump on Monday threatened widespread destruction of Iran’s energy resources and other vital infrastructure, including desalination plants, if a deal to end the war with Tehran is not reached “shortly”. According to the Associated Press, the latest threat also mentions Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub, which Trump suggested U.S. troops could seize in an interview with the Financial Times published early yesterday. 

Death Toll Rises in Iran

(Iran)  The death toll from the war with Iran has risen to more than 1900 people in Iran, and over 1200 in Lebanon, including three UN peacekeepers.  The Associated Press reports Israel said over the weekend  it targeted and killed three Lebanese journalists in an airstrike.  Israel invaded southern Lebanon to push out Iran-backed Hezbollah militants who have fired rockets and drones across the border in a campaign Israeli officials suggest could become a prolonged occupation. On the ground, the conflict is showing no sign of letting up, with the US. and Israel launching a new wave of strikes on Iran yesterday.  Also on Monday, Tehran struck a key water and electrical plant in Kuwait, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE intercepted attacks by Iranian missiles.  Sources say Iran’s pressure on its Gulf neighbors could heighten uncertainty about any ceasefire talks.  

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