New details on Fairfield man who shot a three CMP substations
New details on the Fairfield man who turned himself in after three Central Maine Power substations were shot.
54-year-old Thomas Welch is accused of damaging substations in Windsor, Winslow and Augusta on Sunday.
WMTW reports a criminal background check shows Welch has multiple priors which include convictions for assault and disorderly conduct.
However, he is a well-known business owner that runs a custom welding company in Fairfield.
He’s being held at Kennebec County jail on $250,000 cash bail and is expected to appear in court Tuesday.
Bill aimed at addressing staffing crisis in Maine’s nursing homes brought forward
A bill that looks to support the long-term care sector in Maine was discussed.
Sen. Nicole Grohoski of Ellsworth brought forward LD 2131.
The ‘Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to Amend Specific Portions of the Nursing Facility Principles of Reimbursement and to Timely Release Quality Payments was a focal point of discussion during a public hearing.
The legislature’s health and human services committee heard about the effort looking to ensure all nursing homes benefit from the 1% cost-of-living adjustment, reinstates the add-on to the direct care rate and released over $8 million in earned quality bonus payments by March 1.
Stop the Bleed & Narcan classes in March
Another opportunity for you to learn life-saving measures is on the way.
Stop the Bleed and Narcan Classes will return to MDI High School on March 10.
The class will teach attendees how to control severe bleeding in emergencies, empower them to act as an immediate responder before professionals arrive and prevent death from blood loss.
Hosted by the Bar Harbor Fire Department, the course will focus on techniques helping ordinary bystanders heroes in disasters, accidents or active shooter situations.
https://www.barharbormaine.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1748
Mindfulness series set to focus on finding peace
Nowadays, things seem to be everything but calm.
That’s why leaders at Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center will host an eight week mindfulness series starting on Feb. 26.
The program is based on a book called ‘Mindfulness: An 8-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World.’
It’s designed to help participants build practical skills for stress reduction, emotional wellness, and everyday balance.
There will be a remote Zoom option available.
https://www.bcwcrc.org/event/8-week-mindfulness-series-beginning-february-26/2026-02-26/
PCHC Seaport Dental Center gifted $20K donation
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation gifted $20,000 to Penobscot Community Health Care for their Seaport Dental Center in Belfast.
The center is set to provide a critical need in the area expecting to help more than 7,000 patient encounters annually.
The Pen Bay Pilot reports as a nonprofit PCHC relies on philanthropy grants and partnerships.
The dental space is set to open in the spring.
Maine Agriculture Policy Day at the State House
If you know a Maine student who loves agriculture, leadership and public policy there’s a cool opportunity at the State House in August that may interest them.
Agriculture Policy Day at the State House is on Wednesday, March 25 and offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how agriculture policy is shaped.
The Pen Bay Pilot reports the event blends with National Agriculture Day and Maine Agriculture Day at the Legislature where farmers, producers and more gather to talk about the industry.
Applications are open through March 1.
To apply just follow the link on our website.
