Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Shortage of Public Defenders May Be to Blame in Auburn Shooting
(AP) Maine’s shortage of public defenders allowed a man with a violent criminal history to be released on bail three days before he went to his former girlfriend’s Auburn home, where another man was killed before an hours-long standoff with police Saturday. That’s the word from the Associated Press reporting on the incident in which shots were exchanged, two houses burned to the ground and the assailant eventually killed by a tactical team. 43 yo Leein Hinkley posted bail June 12 after a judge cited delays in finding a court-appointed attorney for removing a probation hold on Hinkley and lowering his bail. Hinkley had served a 15 year sentence for repeatedly stabbing his domestic partner and a bystander who intervened and was back in custody at the time for choking his current girlfriend.
(AP) The Associated Press says Maine’s shortage of public defenders holds some blame for Saturday’s deadly shooting incident in Auburn. 43 yo Leein Hinkley, a man with a violent criminal history, was released on bail three days before he went to his former girlfriend’s Auburn home, where another man was killed before an hours-long standoff with police. Shots were exchanged, two houses burned to the ground and the assailant eventually killed by a tactical team. Hinkley posted bail June 12 after a judge cited delays in finding a court-appointed attorney for removing a probation hold on Hinkley and lowering his bail. Hinkley had served a 15 year sentence for repeatedly stabbing his domestic partner and a bystander who intervened and was back in custody at the time for choking his current girlfriend.
New Hampshire Man Dies While Fly Fishing in Kennebec
(Embden) A New Hampshire man died Sunday after he was swept into the Kennebec River while fly fishing in Embden. 56 yo James Wescott of Fremont and his son, 34 yo Jarod Wescott of Norridgewock, Maine, were on the river about 8 a.m. Sunday morning when the older man slipped while attempting to walk out to a gravel bar out on the river. MDIFW spokesperson Mark Latti tells Star 97.7, the man’s waders quickly filled with water as he was not wearing a wading belt, and the swift water carried him downstream. James’s son attempted to save his father but was unsuccessful.
(Embden) A morning of fly fishing ended in tragedy Sunday on the Kennebec River. MDIFW spokesperson Mark Latti reports to Star 97.7, 34 yo Jarod Wescott of Norridgewock and his 56 yo father, James Wescott of Fremont, New Hampshire, were fly fishing early Sunday morning when James attempted to walk out to a sandbar, but slipped and fell into the rushing water. James’s waders quickly filled with water as he was not wearing a wading belt, and the swift water carried him downstream. James’s son attempted to save his father but was unsuccessful and was forced to swim to shore and find a passerby on an ATV trail who then called 9-1-1. James was quickly located but was unresponsive. His body was transported to a funeral home in Skowhegan.
Local Politics
Maine to Commemorate 250th Anniversary in 2026
(Augusta) Maine will get another chance to commemorate its place in the history of the United States when the country celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026. Last year, the Pine Tree State became the 38th state or territory to establish a new commission as part of a national effort to mark the occasion of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Maine State Archives has hired Sarah Hansen as Director of Special Projects for the occasion. The commission will develop and coordinate activities through educational and historic events, activities and programs throughout Maine.
(Augusta) Where does the time go? It’s been almost 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Semiquincentennial will be celebrated in 2026. Last year, Maine became the 38th state or territory to establish a new commission as part of a national effort to mark the anniversary. Maine State Archives has hired Sarah Hansen as Director of Special Projects for the occasion. The commission will develop and coordinate activities through educational and historic events, activities and programs throughout Maine.
Economy
Eight Maine Businesses Honored by SCORE Maine
(Searsport) A successful woman-owned business in Searsport is one of eight businesses honored by SCORE Maine, a national non-profit that connects entrepreneurs with mentors to help start and grow their businesses. Laura Anne Brown is the founder of Trove, an artisan boutique and gift shop in downtown Searsport. MaineBiz reports Brown was inspired by the beauty and artistry of Maine. Trove features a collection of one-of-a-kind contemporary and functional handcrafted goods with original art. The awards were presented June 12th in Freeport.
(Searsport) SCORE Maine is a national non-profit that connects entrepreneurs with mentors to help start and grow their business. Last week, eight Maine businesses were honored with SCORE awards at a celebration in Freeport. Among them, Trove, an artisan boutique and gift shop in downtown Searsport. MaineBiz reports owner Laura Anne Brown was inspired by the beauty and artistry of Maine. Her shop features a collection of one-of-a-kind contemporary and functional handcrafted goods with original art. Trove was honored as a successful woman-owned business.
Heart of Ellsworth Awarded MaineCF Grant
(Ellsworth) Heart of Ellsworth has received a Community Building Grant from the Maine Community Foundation. Executive Director Cara Romano says the grant will be pivotal in sustaining the planning phases of a major outdoor arts and culture project, the Manifesting Main Asset Map, and entrepreneurial programming that reflects Downeast Maine’s rich heritage and supports local makers who are contributing to the local economy.
(Ellsworth) Last year, Heart of Ellsworth collaborated with the City of Ellsworth to complete the Manifesting Main: Asset Mapping project. The year-long endeavor laid the foundation for purposeful downtown development and growth. Key focus areas included pursuing historical designation for the downtown area on the National Register of Historic Places, and working with local nonprofits to conduct an economic study of the Union River. To continue the work, Heart of Ellsworth last week received a Community Building Grant from the Maine Community Foundation. MaineCF annually receives more than 400 applications, and HoE Vice President Karin Otto expressed her gratitude saying the nonprofit is thrilled by the recognition.
Environment
Several Days of Hot Temps Ahead
(Downeast Maine) The heat is on. The National Weather Service in Caribou says warm daytime temperatures begin today and continue through Thursday, including unusually warm nighttime temperatures and rising humidity. Daytime temperatures above 90 degrees are expected, with daily heat indices potentially exceeding 100 degrees. Temps along the coast will be cooler, but still warmer than normal. Potential exists for the hottest weather in years, with near record or record highs tomorrow and Thursday. Meteorologist Steve McKay will be in throughout the day with all the details.
(Downeast Maine) You may not be a FAN of hot weather, but you’re going to NEED a fan the next three days. The National Weather Service in Caribou says unusually warm temperatures begin today and continue through Thursday, with records expected to fall in places. It will be cooler along the coast, but we’ll likely not see much drop in temps overnight – upper 60’s to 70’s – offering little relief to daytime temps in the 90s with daily heat indices potentially exceeding 100 degrees. Got a cool front coming in Thursday evening. Meteorologist Steve McKay will be in throughout the day with all the details.
Keeping Animals Cool and Safe
(Augusta) As temperatures rise across the state, DACF has some tips to help you keep your livestock and pets cool and safe. Maine State Veterinarian Dr. Stefanie Bolas says take these five precautions with your animals – provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water, consider that an animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies with age, breed, type of coat and health history, test surfaces to ensure they won’t burn tender paws, avoid harmful algal blooms in bodies of water and keep animals out of any areas with scum or discolored water, and remember that parked vehicles are not places to park pets. They say it’s best to leave pets at home when you need to go out and about.
(Augusta) Humans aren’t the only ones needing extra care and concern in hot weather. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reminds folks to protect pets and livestock with these precautions. Keep pets hydrated by providing unlimited cool, clean, fresh water. Talk with your vet about your specific pet – they say an animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies with age, breed, type of coat and health history. Test surfaces to ensure those tender paws don’t get burned, avoid harmful algal blooms in bodies of water and keep animals out of any areas with scum or discolored water, and remember that parked vehicles are not places to park pets. They say it’s best to leave pets at home when you need to go out and about.
Pollinator Week
(Maine) It’s Pollinator Week in Maine, and there’s plenty of pollen to go around! Still, over the past few decades, several native Maine pollinators, including the monarch butterfly, rusty patch bumblebee, and hourglass drone fly have experienced significant decline due to habitat loss, disease, pesticides and other factors. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife suggest ways to help pollinators. They say attract summer monarchs by planting common milkweed, the sole host plant for their caterpillars. They also suggest creating a bumble bee haven with an assortment of blooms that flower from spring to late fall. And finally, embrace your wild side by allowing a portion of your lawn to grow a weedy field, rich in pollinator favorites like clover, goldenrod, thistle, lupine and raspberries.
(Maine) This is Pollinator Week in Maine, and there’s certainly pollen enough to go around! But some of our native polliNATORS have declined in recent decades, due to habitat loss, disease, climate change and other factors. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says we can help restore balance by planting pollinator gardens. They say, many common plants, such as bee balm, butterfly weed, sunflowers, coneflowers, thyme, and mint are especially attractive to butterflies, bumble bees, and other pollinators. Also, they say, invite summer monarchs by planting common milkweed, the sole host plant for their caterpillars. Finally, avoid chemical herbicides and pesticides that when used on host plants can be deadly to bees and other beneficial insects.
Health
Jackson Lab Proposes Expansion to Study Rare Diseases
(Bar Harbor) The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor has submitted a proposal to the town planning board to build a 20,000 square foot expansion to its Rare Disease and Translation Center. MaineBiz reports the addition will allow for consolidation and expansion of the center and provide dedicated laboratory and office space, according to the application. The lab established the center in 2022, with a mission of developing partnerships, innovation, precision engineering and pre-clinical pipelines to bring targeted therapies from lab to clinic swiftly and effectively. The proposal is on the July 3rd Bar Harbor planning board agenda.
(Bar Harbor) The Jackson Lab could soon expand its Rare Disease and Translation Center in Bar Harbor, which was established in 2022 to develop partnerships, innovation, precision engineering and scaled pre-clinical pipelines to bring targeted therapies from lab to clinic swiftly and effectively. MaineBiz reports Jackson officials have submitted a proposal to the town planning board to build a 20,000 square foot expansion that will allow for consolidation and provide dedicated laboratory and office space. The proposal is on the July 3rd agenda.
Technology
Broadband Funding Plan Receives Federal Approval
(Augusta) Education, business, family, politics – broadband infrastructure is key to growth and staying connected. Governor Janet Mills on Monday announced federal approval of Maine’s plan to invest in historic broadband infrastructure funding. The approval allows Maine to access more than $270M for broadband infrastructure, available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The award is the largest grant award the state has ever received to expand internet access.
(Augusta) Internet access is crucial, especially in rural states like Maine. Yesterday, Governor Janet Mills announced federal approval of Maine’s plan to invest in historic broadband infrastructure funding. The approval allows the state to access $272M for broadband infrastructure through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Maine Connectivity Authority commented they’ve led the way on digital equity, helping veterans, seniors and older Mainers get online and this moves the state one step closer to making the most of the historic investment to bridge the digital divide.
Sports
The Red Sox kicked off a series in Toronto last night with a 7-3 win over the Blue Jays.
The Celtics clinched their 18th NBA Championship last night with a 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Boston led by 21 points at halftime and never looked back, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way with 31 and 21 points, respectively.