State News From The Associated Press 4-19-21

Maine turkey hunters getting ready for another pandemic hunt

BANGOR, Maine (AP) — One of Maine’s “big four” hunting seasons is set to begin in about two weeks. The spring wild turkey hunt begins on May 1 with Youth Spring Wild Turkey Day this year. The full season then follows on May 3 and continues to June 5. Hunters are allows to take two bearded wild turkeys in most of the state, although they are limited to one bearded wild turkey in some parts of far northern Maine. Maine encouraged more spring turkey hunting last year because hunting is an outdoor activity that typically requires social distancing.

BC-VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW ENGLAND

Vaccine milestones reached in Maine and Massachusetts

Maine Gov. Janet Mills says half of the state’s population age 16 and up has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Mills said Sunday that that amount includes 38% of eligible residents who received their final dose. Jeanne Lambrew, the state’s health commissioner, says Maine is approaching 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered into the arms of residents. in Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University held an on-campus vaccine clinic on Sunday, offering a $50 housing credit to students for next fall who show proof of full vaccination.

Downeaster returning to pre-COVID-19 schedule

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority is ready to restore the Amtrak Downeaster’s pre-COVID-19 schedule this spring. The Downeaster will add a fifth round trip starting May 3; the train had been operating four round trips since July 2020, the service said. In addition, seasonal service will resume to Old Orchard Beach. Spokesperson Natalie Bogart says the mid-morning departure from Brunswick and mid-afternoon return trip from Boston will provide more travel options.

DRY NEW ENGLAND

Dry tinderbox conditions raise concern about another drought

A lack of late-winter snow and dry spring weather is raising concern about another drought this summer in New England. People are already being urged to conserve water in parts of western Massachusetts, and New Hampshire officials have warned of potential water shortages, as well. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates most of New England is already experiencing abnormally dry conditions or moderate drought. The problem goes back to late winter. March is usually a snowy month but there was only a tenth of an inch in Portland, Maine, and a trace in Concord, New Hampshire. The National Weather Service says the nor’easter on Friday didn’t bring enough precipitation to change the trend.

UMAINE-THREAT INVESTIGATION

UMaine cancels baseball games during threat investigation

ORONO, Maine (AP) — The University of Maine canceled home baseball games with the University of Hartford as university police investigate a social media threat. The University of Maine Police Department on Saturday night asked members of the Orono community to “remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.” It asked for the public’s help in locating a man identified as 20-year-old Afshin Zarechian, of Manchester, New Hampshire. University spokeswoman Margaret Nagle said Sunday that there’s no arrest warrant and no current outstanding charges from the university against Zarechian. She said he’s not a student at the university. A phone number for Zarechian couldn’t be found. Police and Nagle did not release any further information on the threat.

UPCYCLING CHALLENGE

Bottle chandelier, plastic bag suit: Maine students upcycle

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine (AP) — The finalists in a Maine environmental group’s recycling challenge include a chandelier made of plastic bottles and a two-piece outfit made with plastic bag and a pillowcase. The entrants are finalists in ecomaine’s Upcycle Challenge, which called on students to use items that would normally be discarded to make new, functional ones. The challenge will award $500 to a participating student’s school. The environmental group is taking votes online through April 22, which is Earth Day.

NEW FERRY

New ferry to Maine’s islands is undergoing sea trials

EAST BOOTHBAY, Maine (AP) — The Maine State Ferry Service’s newest vessel is going to be undergoing sea trials this spring before beginning regular service this summer. The Spear is named for Richard G. Spear, the first employee of the Maine State Ferry Service in 1959. It was built Washburn & Doughty Associates in East Boothbay and launched a ewek ago. The MDOT says the 154-feet-long vessel with the capacity to hold 250 passengers and 23 vehicles will arrive in August in Rockland to begin regular service to Vinalhaven.

LOCAL ENERGY

Maine local, renewable power program will become permanent

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine initiative that allows electricity customers to pay more on their bills to make sure their energy is from a local, renewable source will become a permanent fixture in the state. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has signed off on a proposal to make the program, called the Maine Green Power initiative, permanent. The program is designed to allow residents to make certain their energy is purchased from a renewable source located in the state. The program had expired on April 1.