Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Injured Hiker Rescued from Camden’s Bald Mountain
(Camden) A woman was rescued from Bald Mountain in Camden Sunday after she fell and struck her head near the summit. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the woman was able to call 9-1-1, which initiated a large response with multiple teams of rescuers taking turns relaying the victim to safety in a carrying basket. Crews responded to the trail shortly after 8:30 Sunday morning, but didn’t get back to the parking lot until after 11 a.m. The hiker was then transported to Pen Bay Medical Center for evaluation.
(Camden) Firefighters and rescue teams responded to Bald Mountain in Camden Sunday morning on report of an injured hiker near the summit. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the adult female had fallen near the top of the mountain about 8:30 that morning and hit her head; but she was able to call 9-1-1. First responders were able to stabilize the woman and took turns relaying her down the mountain to safety in a carrying basket. The hiker was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center for evaluation.
Deer Isle Standoff
(Deer Isle) A Sunday morning attempt at arresting a Deer Isle man resulted in a deputy being assaulted and shots being fired before 37 yo Aaron Bulger was taken into custody. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, officers were attempting to arrest Bulger on a burglary warrant shortly before noon Sunday, but he resisted, allegedly assaulting the deputy and a police canine. A Maine State Police Tactical Team was called in and shots were fired. Bulger was examined but did not appear to have been hit. The Attorney General’s office is investigating, per protocol in cases involving police shootings.
(Deer Isle) A police standoff in Deer Isle Sunday resulted in officers firing their weapons, but the suspect was ultimately taken into custody unharmed. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, authorities were attempting to arrest 37 yo Aaron Bulger on a burglary warrant shortly before noon when he reportedly attacked a deputy and a police K9. A Maine State Police Tactical Team was called as backup, and shots were fired. Bulger was examined, but did not appear to have been hit. Per standard protocol, Sgt. Travis Frost and Deputy Zack Allen were placed on Administrative Leave, and the Attorney General’s Office is investigating.
Hurricane Lee
(Maine) The National Weather Service says Hurricane Lee will move north along the east coast later this week. Although it’s too early to tell whether Maine and New Hampshire will be impacted by significant rainfall and wind, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected from Wednesday on.
(Maine) The National Weather Service is warning mariners and others of dangerous surf and rip currents beginning Wednesday as Hurricane Lee moves north along the east coast. Although too early to tell whether Maine and New Hampshire will be impacted by significant rainfall and wind, such conditions could bring coastal flooding and could even impact Western Maine as we move into the weekend.
Firefighter Appreciation Month
(Maine) A big thanks to our local firefighters. September is Firefighter Appreciation Month. These brave men and women put their lives on the line at a moment’s notice – many on a volunteer basis. They battle blazes in buildings, vehicles, trash and cooking fires, and brush fires and face an elevated risk of some types of cancer, according to the CDC. To those of you whose demanding job takes a physical and mental toll, thank you.
(Maine) September is Firefighter Appreciation Month, a good time to stop and give thanks to those who risk their lives on a regular basis, many as volunteers. These brave first responders battle blazes in buildings and nature alike, rescuing people, pets, and precious belongings. The busiest day of the year for fire departments across the country is one where most of us are enjoying a holiday – Thanksgiving. If you get a chance this month, be sure to let your local firefighters know they’re appreciated.
Brewer PD to be Presented with MLEAP Certification
(Brewer) The Brewer Police Department today will be presented with the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Certification Award. The award signifies the commitment to current Public Safety practices, community interaction, and positive Law Enforcement initiatives. A ceremony will be held this evening at 7 p.m. at the Brewer Town Hall.
(Brewer) The Brewer Police Department has spent the past many months assessing, improving on, and reviewing current Department policies, training and facilities and implementing best current practices for law enforcement agencies. That hard work will be paid off this evening as they are presented with the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Certification Award. A ceremony is planned for 7 p.m. this evening at the Brewer City Hall.
Local Politics
Ellsworth City Manager Search
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has officially begun its search for a new City Manager. Ellsworth Police Chief Glenn Moshier stepped into the role during Covid while continuing his duties with the police department, but recently decided to step back and focus on his role in law enforcement. The City has posted qualifications and information on applying on its website.
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has officially begun a search for a new City Manager. Ellsworth Police Chief Glenn Moshier stepped into the dual roles in 2021, following the retirement of David Cole. Last month, Moshier said he was stepping back and would focus solely on his role with law enforcement. Interested persons will find job information and a link to apply on the City’s website.
Economy
State’s First Climate Corps Team Training Through DCP
(Ellsworth) Maine’s first climate corps team is now serving with Downeast Community Partners. Climate Corps members began serving in July, training as weatherization technicians working toward certification as Energy Auditors to serve Hancock and Washington Counties. A grant from Volunteer Maine has allowed the program to expand to include four additional members. The inaugural team includes three men and two women with backgrounds that vary from having college degrees to a recent Deer-Isle Stonington High School graduate.
(Ellsworth) Home weatherization is good for the economy and the environment. With help from a grant from Volunteer Maine, members of the state’s first ever climate corps team are training as weatherization technicians and working toward certification as Energy Auditors. The program is being overseen by Downeast Community Partners. Trainees will serve throughout Hancock and Washington Counties. Director of DCP’s Housing Development, Dale Basher, says every gallon of heating oil not being used because of a home weatherization means 24 pounds of carbon dioxide emission that’s not being released into the atmosphere.
Town of Thomaston Responds to News of Dragon Cement Closure
(Thomaston) News of the production slowdown and eventual layoffs at Dragon Cement prompted a quick response from the town of Thomaston. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Dragon Cement is one of the largest companies in Thomaston contributing to the town’s tax base. The town said the full implications of its closure will be determined in the coming months as the town plans next year’s municipal budget. Thomaston officials also expressed concern for the plant’s employees, encouraging them to contact the Town for any services they could provide, and assuring them the town will continue to support future business development.
(Thomaston) The closure of the Dragon Cement products plant in Thomaston by early 2025 will be a major blow to the town’s tax revenue base, as well as to the employees who currently work there. The Pen Bay Pilot reports upon receiving the news, the Town quickly responded with a letter expressing concern for those employees and encouraging them to contact the Town for any services they could provide. The full implications of the plant’s closure will be determined by the Town as it crafts next year’s municipal budget, and officials say they are committed to supporting ongoing future business development.
Little Shoppe Brings Sweet Joy
(Searsport) A unique little shop in Searsport has found a way to extend the joy folks feel when they see the giant ducks on the water in Belfast. Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe has iced and decorated chocolate sandwich cookies with a water-colored frosting and topped them with a sweet yellow confection duck. They’re also selling duck-shaped candies. The shop is magical in itself – with an Alice in Wonderland theme, hidden scenes from fairy tales in its nooks and crannies, and a bank vault that holds other sugary surprises. The Joy Duck treats have become so popular, they garnered a mention on Boston dot com.
(Searsport) As if those giant Joy Ducks in the Belfast Harbor could get any sweeter, a unique shop in Searsport has come up with a splendiferous confection to spread the joy. Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe is located in a former bank depository tucked into a corner on Searsport’s Main Street. The owners delight in … well, making and sharing delights. They regularly host teas and other programs for kids of all ages. You’ll find scenes from Alice in Wonderland tucked away behind secret curtains and gifts and other surprises inside an old bank vault. The latest creation is a cream-filled sandwich cookie coated in a thick, watery blue icing, and topped with a yellow confection Joy duck. The treat has been so popular, it was even given a mention on Boston dot com.
Health
Ground Zero-related Illnesses Claim Nearly as Many as Killed on 9/11
(NY Post) A heartbreaking milestone this year on the anniversary of 9/11. 341 FDNY members have now succumbed to Ground Zero related illnesses, according to a study reported in the New York Post. That’s nearly equal the death toll for city smoke eaters that perished in the 2001 terrorist attack. A spokesperson for the NY Fire Department said they’ve attended 40 or so funerals this year for members they lost and are reminding the public that the problem is ongoing and funding is still needed.
(NY Post) On 9/11 we said, “Never Forget”, but Fire Department officials in New York say they ARE being forgotten when it comes to funding for research and healthcare for those who bravely responded on that day. Reporting in the New York Post, a spokesperson noted 341 FDNY members have now succumbed to Ground Zero related illnesses. That’s nearly equal the death toll for city smoke eaters who perished in the 2001 terrorist attack. They remind the public and politicians the problem is ongoing and funding is still needed.
Sports
The Red Sox and the Yankees have a pair of games scheduled today – at 1:35 and again at 7:10. Monday night’s game was postponed due to rain.