Star 97.7

09/01/2024

Traffic Alert from the Town of Bar Harbor
Bay View Drive Paving on September 3 – 6

Weather dependent, contractor paving of Bay View Drive from Hadley Point Road and westerly toward Route 3 will be in progress from Tuesday through Friday, September 3 – 6, daily between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Thank you for your patience.

09/01/2024

Does this look like FUN or what?!?! 🕵️🕵🏾‍♂️

09/01/2024

Hotel housekeepers have for years waged a fierce battle to restore automatic daily room cleaning that was scaled back at many properties during the pandemic.

09/01/2024

So much to see, ride, eat at the BLUE HILL FAIR! Two more days!

08/31/2024

Cheers! To friendship and Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato Shop! Pug Passion, Pannacotta, and hot fudge - Yum!

08/30/2024

  Request For Information (RFI) – City of Ellsworth Potential Alternative Site Locations for a New Ellsworth Courthouse Sought AUGUST – 2024 The City of Ellsworth, in coordination with the Maine Judicial Branch, is seeking information from property owners regarding the availability of potential...

08/30/2024

08/30/2024

08/29/2024

🐷 🐭 🕷️

08/29/2024

MAINE STATE POLICE JUST WRAPPED A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THIS MORNING'S PISCATAQUA RIVER BRIDGE INCIDENT.

FOLLOWING IS THE LATEST FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY:



At approximately 2:07 am, on August 29, 2024, the York Police Department received a 911 call from a male stating that he had been involved in a fight with his wife in Troy, New Hampshire and told authorities she was dead. New Hampshire State Police responded to the residence in Troy and located a deceased female. At approximately 2:30 a.m., Kittery Police located the male’s vehicle on the Piscataqua River Bridge parked on the southbound side in Maine. Law enforcement agencies from New Hampshire and Maine responded and tried to negotiate with the male.

The bridge was shut down for several hours to protect the public, while negotiations were attempted, and the scene was secured. Negotiations were ultimately unsuccessful, and the male exited the vehicle and raised a firearm. Maine State Police Trooper Craig Nilsen and two New Hampshire State Police troopers responded with deadly force. The male subject was located deceased in the water below and declared dead at the scene. Law enforcement officers on scene located an eight-year-old child fatally shot in the backseat of the vehicle. This death is not associated with the officers’ use of deadly force. Maine State Police Major Crimes and New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes are investigating the deaths of the female and the child. The troopers involved in the incident are on administrative leave pending the Maine Attorney General’s investigation into the use of deadly force, which is standard protocol.

The Maine State Police would like to thank the Kittery Police Department, York Police Department, Eliot Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Maine Turnpike Authority, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and United States Coast Guard for their assistance in the investigation.

08/29/2024

It may be hard to imagine, but inside this hidey bed is about 20 pounds of Andromeda! Andromeda is a sweet, gentle senior kitty that loves nothing more than a cozy bed. With most cats, we advise against reaching into hiding beds, but with this girl, we encourage it! The second your hand goes in, she starts purring, rolling around, and peeking her head out for more love. She isn’t a big fan of chaos and shenanigans, she just wants a quiet, calm home where she gets gentle attention. Andromeda came to us with four other senior cats so she isn’t used to being the center of attention. We’re trying to help boost her confidence and remind her that she is worthy of just as much attention as the other kitties! Miss Andromeda is currently on a weight loss journey to help get her to a more comfortable size; 22 pounds is a lot to carry for a senior cat! Her ideal home would be enthusiastic about assisting her in this journey by encouraging her to play and engage outside of her hidey bed. Andromeda is so kind and gentle and she is ready to find a home to help her blossom. If you could be the right fit for Andromeda, please fill out an adoption application on our website, or send us an email at [email protected].

08/29/2024

UPDATE: 9:48 AM - the bridge has reopened, both north and southbound lanes. Many reports coming out, with WMTW reporting police shot and killed a man on the bridge - that man wanted for allegedly killing a woman in New Hampshire. Also reports of an 8-year-old child found shot to death inside the man's vehicle. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss says it's still a dynamic situation and "further information on the incident that occurred overnight will be provided as it becomes available." We'll update as official word and facts are confirmed.

As we announced on Star 97.7 at 6 this morning. An update from DPS tells us they are diverting traffic at Exit 2, not 3.

08/29/2024

Has your significant other ever asked you to purchase something for them that embarrassed you?

08/27/2024

Update to the EPW work at the end of Grant Street.

Due to unforeseen circumstances during the basin repair, Ellsworth Public Works will need to keep the excavation site open at the end of Grant Street until Thursday, August 29th.

The site is currently secured with barricades, and the lower end of Grant Street, where it intersects with Main Street, is closed to traffic.

08/26/2024

The latest from Maine DEP on that August 19th toxic spill at Brunswick Executive Airport:

AUGUSTA, MAINE, August 26, 2024 — A Unified Command continues to respond to the release of 1,450 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the Brunswick Executive Airport.
Clean Harbors and Republic Services were contracted to actively respond to the spill with Maine DEP oversight. Contracted crews are working to contain and remediate the affected areas.

The impacted hangar has been cleaned and all discharged foam from the hangar has been removed. The impacted planes were cleaned and removed from the hangar. The planes will undergo another round of cleaning inside the hangar. At the conclusion of cleaning the planes, the hangar will be cleaned for a final time. Contracted crews will collect the rinse water. The affected TechPlace industrial spaces will also be steam cleaned by contracted response crews.

Additionally, four vacuum trucks have been deployed to the four impacted surface water retention ponds to conduct foam removal. All collected PFAS-impacted water from response activities will be transported out of state.

Surface water samples have been taken at the retention ponds and at Harpswell Cove by DEP employees, the results of these samples will be used to guide immediate remediation actions and to continue to monitor any further potential impacts.

The Department has received the final laboratory report for the four samples collected from the site on Monday, August 19. These initial samples were taken to provide a baseline for comparison to best inform site response progress. Results show that PFOS is the primary compound detected in the samples. PFOS and PFOA are part of a subset of PFASs known as perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs). PFOS was detected in the AFFF product sample from the storage tank at 3,230 parts per million (ppm) and in the mixed product sample (AFFF + water) at 7.52 ppm. The sample from the inlet of the surface water pond showed PFOS at 1.04 ppm, and the sample from the outlet of the surface water pond showed PFOS at 0.000701 ppm. A copy of the lab results are available on DEP's website at: https://www.maine.gov/dep/bep/Brunswick%20Airbase.pdf.

The public drinking water supply to Brunswick Landing comes from the Brunswick- Topsham Water District (BTWD) and has been confirmed safe to drink. The public water supply has not been impacted by this incident. Homes and businesses served by the BTWD can safely use the water.

On Friday, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) issued new freshwater fish consumption advisories recommending either no consumption or limited consumption of fish from four waterbodies located on and around the former naval air station. These advisories were based on earlier testing that revealed levels of PFAS in the fish. The accidental release of AFFF had no impact on those advisories as the “do not eat” advisory was to be issued based on PFAS levels detected prior to this most recent release of foam.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Maine CDC also recommends the public refrain from any recreational activities (e.g., swimming, boating, wading) that could result in contact with the foam or waters until the potential impact of the AFFF release on these waterbodies is fully assessed.

The Unified Command is utilizing the drone program from the University of Maine, Augusta to conduct daily aerial surveillance of the surface water pathway to identify foam locations and inform removal actions.

The AFFF continues to foam in the retention ponds, and it is unclear for how long the foam will be present. Weather and rain may increase the production of foam due to the agitation of the water. The Unified Command is working with partner agencies to determine best practices for foam mitigation.

DEP will have staff on site overseeing removal activities until no further removal activities are needed and the site can be returned to its previous status for long-term remediation under Superfund.

The public should avoid contact with foam. If any foam is observed outside of restricted areas, residents in the spill site area should report it by calling: 207-844-8040. This number is to report AFFF foam only.

There have been no reports of impacts to wildlife.

A Unified Command was established to response to the release of AFFF.

The Unified Command is comprised of:

Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Town of Brunswick
U.S. Coast Guard
The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority is posting updates twice a day on their website.

Previous press releases about the response can be found https://www.maine.gov/dep/news/index.html.

The next update is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2024, unless new information or additional test results become available before then.

For additional information, contact:
David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner
[email protected]

Photo courtesy Portland Press Herald

08/26/2024

We're so GRATEFUL for all of Lesley's years of work on behalf of Maine's foster children! Please note, you can still support this wonderful work here in Maine! ❤️👫🎒

08/26/2024

08/26/2024

TIME TO AUDITION!!

https://mailchi.mp/grandonline.org/manhatten-short-film-festival-20248897

08/26/2024

We very excited to announce the addition of MIKE DOW to the Star family! Mike has decades and decades of on air experience from various radio stations across the state. You’ll enjoy his extensive knowledge of music, community spirit, and fun, friendly presentation on the airwaves! Hear Mike every weekday afternoon starting at noon on Star 97.7!

08/25/2024

Reminder ...

08/24/2024

08/24/2024

Due to a water main break in Southwest Harbor, Seawall Campground temporarily does not have access to water or wastewater. Portable toilets have already been delivered to the campground. Park staff are looking for ways to provide temporary drinking water access to the site until the issue is resolved.

Park rangers are working with Southwest Harbor officials to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. We will update this post as more information is available.

08/22/2024

08/22/2024

FROM THE CITY OF ELLSWORTH:

BRIDGE HILL ROAD WORK – NIGHTLY CLOSURES (This work is being carried out by Northeast Paving for an MDOT project, not by the EPW department)
Bridge Hill, from Christian Ridge Road to the Union River Bridge, will have nightly closures for road construction beginning on August 25th, Sunday night through Thursday night. Night work is expected to last up to 3 weeks. Expect delays from 7 PM to 7 AM. Northeast Paving recommends using an alternative route if possible during these times.

BAYSIDE RD. DTCHING – PARTIAL CLOSURE CONTINUED
EPW needs an additional day to complete the ditching project on Bayside Road. They will continue on Monday, August 26th. The road will again be reduced to one lane during the ditching.

KINGSLAND CROSSING DITCHING – PARTIAL CLOSURE
EPW will be ditching a section of Kingsland Crossing from the driveway of First National Bank to the Bomarc Self Storage lot. Work begins on Tuesday, August 27th, and will continue through Wednesday, August 28th. This section of road will be reduced to one lane during the ditching.

RED BRIDGE RD. PATCHING – PARTIAL CLOSURE
EPW will be patching a section of Red Bridge Road near Poors Way. Work begins on Tuesday, August 27th, and will continue through Wednesday, August 28th. This section of road will be reduced to one lane during the patching.

We ask everyone to please drive with extra caution when approaching and traveling through work zones. Reducing your speed and staying alert not only ensures your safety but also protects the lives of those working to improve our roadways.

08/22/2024

We are pleased to introduce Edward and Kimmy! Edward is short for Edward-Spaghettward, and Kimmy is long for Kim. Edward and Kimmy are a young pair of cats looking for a jungle gym - I mean home! Edward is around a year and a half and Kimmy is almost a year old. Despite their calm and shy first impression, these two love to party! Toys are their love language and if you throw some catnip into the mix, you will be their best friend! These fun-spirited kitties are looking for a home that accepts all cat things… zooming, jumping, hanging from the ceiling - you know, the usual. When Edward and Kimmy aren’t playing their favorite game of “wrecking ball”, they require a comfy bed that’s big enough to fit two! Edward is a bit of a bed hog, but Kimmy loves him just as he is. Edward has been more open to meeting other friends, but Kimmy has been more resistant and needs a longer introduction period. I think she’s just jealous sharing Edward, but don’t tell her I said that. These two are a truly lovely pair of kitties that will bring laughter and smiles wherever they go! Get all the info at the SPCA of Hancock County!

08/22/2024

Star 97.7 is ALWAYS happy to have Corporal Shawn Merchant with the Ellsworth Police Department join us in the studio! Corporal Merchant joined Paul and Sonnie to talk about school and traffic safety as the school year begins, and about the MANY hats he wears as School Resource Officer with the Ellsworth School Department! Thanks for coming by!