Fire that destroyed Maine potato plant was accidental
Seafood biz braces for losses of jobs, fish due to sanctions
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The global seafood industry is preparing for major disruption due to new sanctions on Russia. The latest round of U.S. attempts to punish Russia for the invasion of Ukraine includes bans on imports of seafood, alcohol and diamonds. Those restrictions took effect on March 25. The U.S. is also stripping “most favored nation status” from Russia. Russia is not one of the biggest exporters of seafood at large to the U.S., but it’s a world leader in exports of cod, which is the preferred fish for fish and chips in America.
BELFAST FIRE
Fire that destroyed Maine potato plant was accidental
BELFAST, Maine (AP) — Investigators say a fire at a potato processing facility in Belfast, Maine, was accidental. The fire destroyed the Penobscot McCrum facility. The fire marshal’s office reports that the exact cause is still undetermined due to the extent of the damage. The March 24 fire didn’t injure anyone but led to road closures, evacuations and a shelter-in-place order. The facility employed 138 people.
RIVER-POLLUTION
Legislators endorse higher classification for Androscoggin
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers have unanimously endorsed upgrading a 14-mile stretch of the Androscoggin River to a higher environmental classification in an acknowledgment of cleanup efforts. Beth Ahearn from Maine Conservation Voters called the votes in both chambers “a fitting tribute” to the landmark Clean Water Act drafted by the late U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine. Muskie grew up in Rumford, which is on the Androscoggin River. Environmentalists are convinced they can make the case for upgrading a longer section of the river but that won’t happen this year.
DESTROYER CEREMONY
4 Irish siblings honor brother’s legacy at warship ceremony
BATH, Maine (AP) — Four siblings traveled from Ireland to witness a milestone in construction of a Navy destroyer that’ll bear the name their brother. Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick Gallagher survived falling on a grenade to save his comrades — it didn’t explode — but was killed months later on patrol in January 1967. He was awarded the Marines’ highest honor, the Navy Cross, for his heroism. The siblings attended a ceremony Wednesday that marked the joining of the first hull units at Bath Iron Works.
EDUCATION FUNDING
Maine close to approving education cost stabilization fund
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers are closer to approving a proposal to try to ensure education funding in future years. The proposal would create the Education Fair Share Fund, which supporters describe as a stabilization fund that would serve as a safety net if future administrations don’t meet the 55% funding threshold. Backers of the proposal say the state has a longstanding obligation to fund 55% of kindergarten through high school public education costs. The Maine House of Representatives voted in favor of the proposal from Democratic Rep. Raegan LaRochelle of Augusta on Tuesday by a wide margin.
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS
Maine lawmakers OK bill to ensure student transcript access
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Legislature has enacted a proposal to make sure students and graduates in the state are able to get access to their own transcripts. The Senate voted in favor of the proposal from Democratic Sen. Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic on Tuesday. The bill requires postsecondary schools in the state to provide transcripts or diplomas to students if they need them for reasons such as applying for a job or furthering their education. Supporters say the proposal is also designed to prompt the students and schools to open communication about any past-due fees or debts.