Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MSP Investigating Thomaston Child Death
(Thomaston) Maine State Police are investigating the Wednesday night death of a toddler in Thomaston. Authorities were called to the Thomaston WalMart just before 7:30 p.m. on May 29th on a report of a child who was not breathing. The 22 month old was transported to Pen Bay Medical Center, where the child was pronounced dead. Thomaston police contacted the MSP Major Crimes Unit, per protocol in all child deaths in Maine. An autopsy will be performed to determine a cause of death.
(Thomaston) An investigation into the death of a toddler in Thomaston Wednesday night continues. Maine State Police say authorities were called to the Thomaston WalMart just before 7:30 p.m. on May 29th on a report of a child who wasn’t breathing. The 22 month old was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center where the child was pronounced dead. An autopsy is being performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a cause of death. Thomaston police contacted the MSP Major Crimes Unit to assist in the investigation, per protocol in all child deaths in Maine.
Bowdoinham Explosion and Fire
(Bowdoinham) At least eight fire departments responded to a Thursday afternoon explosion and fire at a home on Ridge Road in Bowdoinham. Authorities say the homeowner was attempting to install a gas appliance when the explosion occurred. The homeowner was injured and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Crews were assisted by the Lisbon Ambulance Service and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department.
(Bowdoinham) A homeowner was injured Thursday afternoon when an explosion occurred while he was trying to install a gas appliance. At least eight fire departments and other first responders were called to a Ridge Road home in Bowdoinham about 2 p.m. yesterday. The residence sustained heavy damage from the explosion and resulting fire. The victim, who was not identified, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Local Politics
King Announces Plan to Run for Third Term
(Augusta) Senator Angus King has formally announced his intention to seek a third term as U.S. Senator. King posted a video on his Facebook page, announcing his plan to run. The Portland Press Herald says the campaign submitted more than five-thousand signatures to qualify for the fall election. The Independent Senator is facing three challengers in a ranked-choice voting race – fellow Independent, Jason Cherry, Republican Demi Kouzounas, and Democrat David Costello.
(Augusta) It will be a four-way race in November’s competition for a term representing Maine in the US Senate. Senator Angus King announced on his FB page this week his plan to run for a third term. The Portland Press Herald reports the King campaign submitted more than five thousand signatures to qualify for the fall election. In announcing his run, King said he feels there is still much to do, including work on border security, immigration reform, healthcare and housing, and that there’s a need for people in the middle who know how to work together to get things done.
Education
Sumner Hires New Principal
(Sullivan) The RSU 24 School Board has approved the selection of a new Principal at Sumner Memorial High School. Amy Watson-Preston will step into the role that will be vacated by current Principal JT Green at the end of the school year. Green plans to move to Pennsylvania with his family. Although Green served as Principal of both the new middle and high schools, the coming school year will see that job split between Watson-Preston at the high school level and Devin Young, who will oversee the middle school. Watson-Preston brings 22 years of educational experience, is currently working on her doctorate in educational leadership, and is the teaching principal at Bay Ridge Elementary in Cutler.
(Sullivan) The new Principal at Sumner Memorial High School will be new to the District, but she’s anything but new to education. The RSU 24 School Board this week approved Amy Watson-Preston to step into the role vacated by current Principal JT Green. Green plans to step down and move with his family to Pennsylvania at the end of this school year. Watson-Preston brings 22 years of educational experience, is currently working on her doctorate in educational leadership, and is the teaching principal at Bay Ridge Elementary in Cutler. Although Green served as Principal of both the new middle and high schools, the coming school year will see that job split between Watson-Preston at the high school level and Devin Young, who will oversee the middle school.
Infrastructure
Rocky Path Ahead for Reopening of Seawall Road
(SW Harbor) Businesses, tourists, and residents are anxious for the reopening of Seawall Road in Southwest Harbor, but the Mount Desert Islander reports the road will be closed for an indeterminate period of time. The road washed out in back-to-back storm surges in January, lifting chunks of asphalt and tossing thousands of pounds of rocks onto the section of the road that passes through the Seawall section of Acadia National Park like pieces of seafoam. The road was repaired after those storms, but was churned up again and closed indefinitely after a storm in March. Repair of the road is reportedly in the hands of the Maine Department of Transportation. MDOT Director of Communications Paul Merrill said they plan to present several options at a public meeting sometime in June.
(SW Harbor) The road to the repair of a section of Seawall Road in Southwest Harbor is a rocky one – in more ways than one. The road washed out in back to back storms in January, with violent storm surge cracking the asphalt like an egg shell and tossing up thousands of pounds of rocks as if they were made of seafoam. The road was repaired after those storms, but suffered more damage in a March storm and has been closed indefinitely since. The closure is literally a roadblock for area businesses, the Island Explorer bus service, emergency services, and visitors hoping to access sites such as the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. The Mount Desert Islander reports a detour takes travelers at least an additional 15 minutes. Repair of the road is reportedly in the hands of the Maine Department of Transportation. MDOT Director of Communications Paul Merrill said they plan to present several options at a public meeting sometime in June.
Knowlton Park Playground in Need of Upgrade
(Ellsworth) A playground should be a safe space for kids, but broken equipment is making that a challenge at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth. The Ellsworth American reports a second broken slide has been added to the growing list of damaged, broken, and missing structures. The equipment was installed in 2005 and has since seen heavy use. But maintenance and upkeep seem not to have kept up with the energy, pounding, and playfulness of its young users. The Recreation Commission met earlier this month to discuss the park and needed repairs. Facilities Manager Jim McLean says a replacement slide will be installed the end of June; and that while the installer is there, he’ll conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of the playground to assess issues and preventive measures the City can take.
(Ellsworth) The playground at Ellsworth’s Knowlton Park has been slowly “sliding” into disrepair. The Ellsworth American reports a second broken slide has been added to the growing list of damaged, broken, and missing equipment. Installed in 2005, the playground has seen heavy use by young and growing families; but maintaining it is another matter. Facilities Manager Jim McLean says a replacement slide will be installed the end of June and that while the installer is there, he’ll conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of the playground to assess issues and preventive measures the City can take.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Cottontail Cottage Outreach
(Cherryfield) The furry and feathered critters at Cottontail Cottage in Cherryfield are in need of help. They say inflation has hit animal care facilities particularly hard and their funds are nearly exhausted – down 30%, in fact. Spring means added expenses, with yearly vaccinations due – about $2K for those alone – and many critical projects awaiting funding. Then, there’s the need to replenish hay, feed, and other supplies. Jenny, Matthew, and the animals say no gift is too small. To help them reach their goal of raising $5K to meet current costs, visit Cottontail Cottage on social media.
(Cherryfield) HAY! And vaccinations. And Spring projects. Inflation has hit animal care facilities particularly hard. Cottontail Cottage in Cherryfield is no exception. Jenny, Matthew, and the animals say their funds are nearly exhausted – down 30%, in fact. Yearly vaccinations are due – about $2K for those alone – and many critical projects await funding, along with a need to replenish hay, feed, and other supplies. The animals say no gift is too small – they all add up. To help them reach their goal of raising $5K to meet current costs, they ask that you please visit Cottontail Cottage on social media.
Witham Family’s Donations Add Up to Nearly $1 Million
(Bar Harbor) The Witham Family Hotel Charitable Fund’s total donated money is now up to a million dollars. The giving reached that milestone this month after David and Christine Witham presented a check for $2,700 to Island Connections, the volunteer-based transportation service whose mission is to enhance independence for individuals with limited mobility. The Mount Desert Islander reports the Withams started the charitable fund in 2017 to carry on the legacy of their late father, hotelier David J. Witham.
(Bar Harbor) The Witham Family reached a major milestone this month – giving their millionth dollar to charity through the Witham Family Hotel Charitable Fund. The Mount Desert Islander reports the Withams started the charitable fund seven years ago in order to carry on the legacy of their late father, hotelier David J. Witham. The millionth dollar was part of a $2,700 dollar donation presented to Island Connections, a volunteer-based transportation service whose mission is to enhance independence for individuals island-wide who struggle with mobility issues.
Free Fishing Weekend
(Maine) This weekend is Free Fishing Weekend in Maine! June 1st and 2nd, any person, except those whose license has been suspended or revoked, may fish without a fishing license. So grab a rod and reel and check out the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife fishing guide that’s full of tips and information for you to hook your best weekend.
(Maine) It’s a great weekend to get hooked on fishing in Maine! June 1st and 2nd, any person, except those whose license has been suspended or revoked, can fish without a license. Need some tips on casting your best chances for success? Check out the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website for a fishing guide full of tips and information!
DCP Top to Bottom Drive
(Ellsworth) Today’s the day! Downeast Community Partners is holding their Second Annual Top to Bottom Drive DCP is looking for essential day-to-day products, like laundry detergent, diapers, dish soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and similar items to benefit seniors and young families in Hancock and Washington Counties. SNAP benefits can’t be used to purchase such items, so the need is a critical one. The drive will take place at Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and Machias Hannaford locations, as well as the Blue Hill Co-op and the Calais I-G-A from 9 until 3 today.
(Ellsworth) Imagine struggling to pay for those take-for-granted hygiene products – laundry detergent, diapers, dish soap, shampoo. Families in need can’t use SNAP benefits to purchase such essentials; so today, Downeast Community Partners is holding their Second Annual Top to Bottom Drive from 9 until 3 at Hannaford stores in Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and Machias, as well as the Blue Hill Co-op and the Calais IGA. If you see volunteers collecting at those locations today, please make it a clean sweep and contribute as generously as you can.
Sports
Red Sox vs. Tigers. Teams on the field at Fenway tonight and straight through Sunday.
Former Celtics player Larry Bird now has a museum in Terre Haute, Indiana, where you can see all the standout memorabilia from Bird’s stellar basketball career.
The NBA Finals get underway Thursday in Boston – it will be the Celtics hitting the hardwood against the Dallas Mavericks.