Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Storm Brings Flooding, Power Outages
(Downeast Maine) Water rose knee deep in parts of downtown Ellsworth, roads were closed, washed out, or flooded in Castine, Surry, Franklin and various other towns and areas, and thousands were without power Monday as a powerful wind and rain storm blew through the state. Most of the flooding and power outages were concentrated along the coast, which saw the highest wind gusts. Crews were out in full force clearing drains and restoring power until late into the night last night.
(Downeast Maine) Crews were out in full force Monday, clearing drains and restoring power to thousands after a storm carrying torrential rain and powerful gusts blew through the state. Roads were flooded and even closed in some instances in downtown Ellsworth, Oak Street, Bayside Road, and in multiple other locations and towns. Most of the flooding and power outages were centered along the coast.
Steuben Crash Update
(Steuben) Authorities late yesterday released the identity of the two teens involved in that deadly crash in Steuben on Sunday. They say a car driven by 18 yo Chase Atwater of Steuben crested a hill on Unionville Road, and then went airborne. Atwater apparently lost control and the car slammed into a large tree on the passenger side. 17 yo Cole Merchant, the passenger, died at the scene. Atwater was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The two were students at Sumner Memorial High School. The crash remains under investigation.
(Steuben) Authorities late yesterday released the names of the two teens involved in a crash in Steuben on Sunday that resulted in the death of the car’s passenger, 17 yo Cole Merchant of Sullivan. They say the car, driven by 18 yo Chase Atwater, crested a hill on Unionville Road and went airborne. Atwater then apparently lost control and hit a large tree. Merchant died at the scene. Atwater was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation, but officials say speed appears to have been a factor in the crash.
Lisbon Falls Man Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
(Lisbon Falls) A Lisbon Falls man was taken into custody Monday morning in connection with an on-line child exploitation investigation. Officers from the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Division, along with members of the Lisbon Police Department and Homeland Security investigators executed a search warrant on Ridge Road. They say evidence was found on the scene and 35 yo Joseph Gibson was taken into custody on charges of Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Material involving children under 12. Out of caution, a nearby school was placed on a soft lockdown. The crime is a Class C Felony.
(Lisbon Falls) A Lisbon Falls man was arrested yesterday in connection with an on-line child exploitation investigation. Several agencies executed a search warrant yesterday at 6 Ridge Road. They say evidence was found on the scene and 35 yo Joseph Gibson was taken into custody on charges of Dissemination of Sexually Explicit Material involving children under 12. The crime is a Class C Felony. Out of caution, a nearby school was placed on a soft lockdown. Members of the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Division, Lisbon Police Department, and Homeland Security investigators assisted in the search.
Old Town Standoff
(Old Town) A 20 yo man is in custody after a standoff in Old Town Sunday. The Old Town Police Department was called to a home on Martha’s Way about 2:30 that afternoon on reports of a man in crisis who had a firearm. Nearby homes were evacuated while officers negotiated with the man, identified as Rowan Lynch, eventually taking him into custody. Lynch is being held at the Penobscot County Jail with no bail pending further arraignment.
(Old Town) A standoff in Old Town on Sunday led to the arrest of 20 yo Rowan Lynch. The Old Town Police report they were called to a home on Martha’s Way just before 2:30 p.m. on reports of a man in crisis who was in possession of a firearm. Officers from the Veazie and Orono police departments assisted in evacuating nearby residents, while others attempted to negotiate with Lynch. Lynch was eventually taken into custody and is being held at the Penobscot County Jail.
Local Politics
Maine Reps Ramp Up Pressure on US Army Regarding Lewiston Shooting
(Washington, DC) Maine’s Congressional Delegation is demanding answers from the U.S. Army for what they’re calling an apparent failure to address Lewiston shooter Robert Card’s mental health issues. As a reservist, Card reportedly experienced mental health problems and had a history of making violent threats. He also reportedly spent time in a New York psychiatric facility, but sources say the military did not attempt to remove his access to firearms under New York or Maine laws designed to address such cases.
(Washington, DC) Maine’s Congressional Delegation contends the military failed to address the danger posed by Robert Card before the mass shooting in Lewiston that left 18 dead and 13 wounded. That, in spite of experiencing mental health issues and allegedly threatening to shoot up an Army Reserve training facility in Saco while Card was an army reservist. Sources say Card spent time in a New York psychiatric facility, but the military allegedly did not attempt to remove his access to firearms under New York or Maine laws designed to address such cases.
Hearings Set for Challenges to Trump Run in Maine
(Augusta) The Secretary of State’s Office in Maine has received three written challenges to the Primary Nomination Petition of Republican Candidate Donald J. Trump. A consolidated hearing on all three challenges will be held this Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Maine State House in Augusta. The challenges indicate Trump’s statement that he meets the qualifications for the land’s highest office are false under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, saying “having taken an oath to support the Constitution, Trump engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S.”. The argument further states Trump, in his view, has already been elected twice to the office of the President.
(Augusta) Three different parties have submitted written challenges to the Maine Secretary of State’s Office, challenging the Primary Nomination Petition of Republican Candidate Donald J. Trump. The challenges indicate Trump’s statement that he meets the qualifications for the land’s highest office are false under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment, saying “having taken an oath to support the Constitution, Trump engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S.”. The argument further states, Trump, in his view, has already been elected twice to the office of the President. A consolidated hearing on all three challenges is set for this Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Statehouse in Augusta.
Health
Reducing Salt Consumption Could Lower Blood Pressure
(KFF/WashPost) Could a teaspoon a day keep hypertension at bay? Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and cited in the Washington Post contends reducing salt consumption by just a teaspoon a day could lower your blood pressure as much as hypertension medication. The study looked at 213 adults, ages 50 to 75, including those whose blood pressure was normal and those with high blood pressure – treated and untreated. After one week on a low-sodium diet that reduced salt intake by a teaspoon a day, nearly three-fourths of participants had lower blood pressure.
(KFF/WashPost) Nearly half of US adults – about 120 million people – have hypertension or are taking medication for it, according to the CDC. That’s reason enough to cut your salt intake … and here’s another one. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and cited in the Washington Post says reducing salt consumption by just a teaspoon a day could lower your blood pressure as much as hypertension medication. The study looked at 213 adults, ages 50 to 75, including those whose blood pressure was normal and those with high blood pressure – treated and untreated. After one week on a low-sodium diet that reduced their intake by a teaspoon a day, the study showed nearly three-fourths of participants had lower blood pressure.
Environment
King Introduces Legislation to Phase Out Single-Use Styrofoam
(Washington, DC) Those single use plastic foam food service products are so convenient – and so bad for the environment. On Monday, Senator Angus King introduced legislation to phase out such products, including packing peanuts and non-medical disposable coolers by 2026. The Farewell to Foam Act would prohibit the sale and distribution of such items and support the transition to alternatives that don’t cause the potential adverse health effects and pollute waterways.
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King says it’s time to toss those polluting packing peanuts and single use plastic foam food service products that can cause adverse health effects and pollute waterways. On Monday, King introduced The Farewell to Foam Act that would prohibit the sale and distribution of such products. The legislation would mean such products would be phased out by January 1, 2026, while businesses and others transition to safer alternatives.
Human Interest
MDI Artist Has Paintings Displayed in National Air and Space Museum
(MDI) MDI Artist Ben Lincoln is flying high after the National Air and Space Museum acquired three of his paintings. The Portland Press Herald reports Lincoln grew up in his father’s boat building workshop on the island. Later when he moved back to MDI, he rented that same workshop to paint works that explore the relationship between shape and movement – for instance, the way an airplane cuts through clouds or a boat through waves. The three oil paintings will be displayed at the Smithsonian, alongside such artists as Robert McCall, Norman Rockwell, and fellow Maine artist Jamie Wyeth.
(MDI) MDI Artist Ben Lincoln grew up watching his father build boats in his workshop on the island. He left for a time; but when the 53 yo returned, he rented that same workshop to create his art. The Portland Press Herald reports Lincoln recently sent three of his oil paintings to the National Air and Space Museum, where they will be displayed at the Smithsonian alongside such artists as Robert McCall, Norman Rockwell, and fellow Maine artist Jamie Wyeth. Lincoln says his works explore the relationship between shape and movement – such as the way an airplane cuts through the clouds or a boat through waves.
Letters to Santa
(Ellsworth) Santa’s mailboxes are still up at the Ellsworth Public Library and at Ellsworth City Hall. They’ll be taking letters through the 20th at City Hall, and they do still have their letter station set up inside. Letters received between now and the 20th will get a reply, but won’t be published in the local paper. As long as Santa knows, right?
(Ellsworth) The elves at Ellsworth City Hall asked us to share with you they still have their letter station set up inside City Hall and they’ll be accepting your letters to Santa through the 20th. Letters received between now and then will get a reply, but won’t be published in the paper…but, don’t worry, Santa will still read them and respond!
Sports
Celtics back on the court in Boston tonight, as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bruins have another night off.
Monday HS Basketball results: Boys: Ellsworth handily defeating Foxcroft Girls: Machias over Woodland, Narraguagus over Jonesport-Beals
Tuesday evening games: Girls: MDI vs. Hermon Boys: Sumner vs. Deer Isle/Stonington, Bucksport vs. GSA, Narraguagus vs. Calais, Machias taking on Jonesport-Beals, and Washington Academy at Orono.