Good morning. Temperatures will range from the teens to the 20s with sunny skies throughout the state.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
Maine is debating a massive 145-mile electric line, but an energy giant with billions at stake is absent
—As Maine regulators are deciding whether to approve the construction of a $1 billion transmission line across much of western Maine, the Canadian hydroelectric utility poised to make billions of dollars from the project has been absent from the process.
This has left both opponents and supporters of the line arguing about how much available energy the utility has to send through a completed line, and whether that energy will help fulfill the mission of the project: fighting climate change.
A state panel is looking for ways to prevent police shootings and wants better mental health services
–A state task force that has been reviewing the use of deadly force by Maine police officers following an uptick in fatal police shootings in 2017 has released a set of recommendations for decreasing or preventing the types of incidents that lead to those encounters.
Among its recommendations are improved mental health services in the state, and improved training for officers and dispatchers in dealing with people experiencing mental health crises.
Police were surprised to learn a Millinocket woman had been shot twice in the head
–Diem Lapierre called 911 on Dec. 19, 2017, to report that she and her husband, Wayne Lapierre, needed help in their Millinocket home. But she did not say she had been shot. Wayne Lapierre later died from the gunshots, but Diem Lapierre managed to call 911, let cops into the house and directed them to her husband.
Police were later surprised when they learned she had been shot twice in the head. Those were among the revelations Monday as the jury trial began for one of the three people charged in the December 2017 home invasion.
A Bath Iron Works executive with past experience in state government will lead Maine’s Medicaid program
–Michelle Probert, former manager of integrated health services at Bath Iron Works, takes the position as Gov. Janet Mills’ administration is ramping up efforts to enroll recipients under a Medicaid eligibility expansion approved by Maine voters in 2017. She is the first key hire by Jeanne Lambrew, Mills’ pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services.
The rare hawk that was rescued during the recent Maine snowstorm now in serious condition
–The great black hawk rescued in Portland’s Deering Oaks Park during a snowstorm last week is now in serious condition.
Avian Haven, a wild bird rehabilitation center in Freedom, on Monday said the raptor has shown “significant deterioration” over the weekend as the effects of frostbite showed on its lower legs. That comes days after Avian Haven said the hawk would likely lose a toe after suffering frostbite on its feet.
College of the Atlantic plans new $13 million academic building, its first since the ’80s
–College of the Atlantic plans to start construction this spring on a new $13 million, energy-efficient building that will house science laboratories, lecture halls, faculty offices, art and design studios, and a teaching greenhouse.
Construction of the building is expected to be completed by September 2020.
Do this: If you recycle your clothes, this is what happens
–When our clothes are threadbare and no longer spark joy, it may be time to clear them from your closet.
Donating your clothes is a great first step to reduce the waste of your wardrobe.
In other news …
Maine
Step by step, 2 women detail Maine university’s failings in their rape cases
Runaway Maine lobster boat traveled 10 miles before smashing into island rocks
When your car becomes housing for the resident mice
Bangor
An athletic dome at UMaine collapses again
Some Holden residents can expect a 3-hour power outage Friday morning
Greater Bangor schools making it easier for students to earn diplomas
Business
Mainers keep their homes longer than most Americans
New eatery Slice Bar latest addition to Orono’s nightlife scene
US military recruits getting athletic sneakers made in Maine
Politics
Some Mainers want to buy CMP and Emera to let the public own the state’s power system
Maine plans big Medicaid expansion push this week
Shutdown projected to cause $3 billion hit to the economy
Opinion
With proposed development rule change, Maine’s North Woods hangs in the balance
Janet Mills’ emphasis on tribal affairs is welcome move
Trump makes the right decision for Venezuela
Sports
Wells running back becomes first Class D player to win state’s top football award
Offensive lines key in Super Bowl for both Rams and Patriots
Agent: Lions’ linebacker Trevor Bates undergoing psych evaluation
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