Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ticketmaster Data Breach
(Undated) Ticketmaster is notifying some patrons of a data security incident that may have compromised the personal information of thousands of ticket buyers. In an email to customers, Ticketmaster said an unauthorized third party obtained information between April 2nd and May 18th, 2024 which could include users’ names, basic contact information and payment card information such as encrypted credit or debit card numbers and expiration dates. Ticketmaster is urging affected customers to diligently monitor their accounts, account statements and free credit reports for signs of suspicious activity and is offering identity monitoring with TransUnion at no cost to customers. They say also be mindful of phishing scams such as anyone asking for personal information over the phone.
(Undated) If you purchased tickets through Ticketmaster between April 2nd and May 18th this year, the company says your information could be at risk. Ticketmaster is emailing some patrons about a data security incident that may have compromised users’ names, basic contact information, and payment card information, such as encrypted credit or debit card numbers and expiration dates. They say if your data was affected, it’s important to diligently monitor accounts and free credit reports. Ticketmaster is also offering free identity monitoring through TransUnion. The company says Ticketmaster accounts were not affected, but customers should be mindful of phishing attempts, such as emails from unknown senders, especially those with links or attachments.
Great White Suspected Near Cranberry Island
(Great Cranberry Island) Evidence of a Great White Shark washed ashore this week on Great Cranberry Island. Jessica Sanborn took photos of the carcass of a porpoise that was found on the backside of the island, and Amanda Bracy posted them as a precaution on the Cranberry Isles Information Page on Facebook. The photos were sent to Sharktivity, an organization run by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, which confirmed the bite marks on the mammal were from a Great White measuring 16-17 feet long. The attack was determined to have happened sometime over the weekend. Folks are cautioned to be alert if swimming or wading in the ocean, as attacks even in shallow water have occurred in the last few years.
(Great Cranberry Island) Evidence of a Great White Shark was discovered on Great Cranberry Island over the weekend. Jessica Sanborn took grisly photos of a porpoise, whose carcass was found washed ashore on the backside of the island. The photos were posted on the Cranberry Isles Information Page on Facebook by Amanda Bracy, who also sent them to Sharktivity, which confirmed the bite marks on the mammal were from a Great White measuring 16-17 feet long. The attack is estimated to have happened recently, likely over the weekend. The presence of Great White sharks in Maine waters is rare, but not unheard of. In 2020, 63 yo Julie Dimperio Holowach was swimming with her daughter just 20 yards offshore of Harpswell’s Bailey Island when she was attacked and killed by a Great White.
Rockport Cutting Ties with EMS Provider
(Rockport) It’s not quite an emergency move, but the Town of Rockport thinks having its own EMS service will be healthier for the town. The Bangor Daily News reports Rockport is in the process of starting its own EMS service to replace the contractor that’s been its provider since 2013, Saco-based North East Mobile Health. Last month, voters agreed to allow the town to start a new independent local EMS service, which it hopes to launch in January. Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley said the move will give them local control over the personnel they hire, their training, education, professionalism, equipment and response times.
(Rockport) There’s been a trend in recent years in some communities of reducing dependence on private companies for EMS services in favor of having their own. Rockport is one such community. The Bangor Daily News reports the town plans to cut ties with Saco-based North East Mobile Health, its EMS provider since 2013. Rockport Fire Chief Jason Peasley said the move will give the town local control over the personnel they hire, training, education, professionalism, equipment and response times. The town hopes to launch the new independent service in January.
Education
Ellsworth Educator is Finalist for Teacher of the Year
(Ellsworth) It will come as no surprise to colleagues and students of Ellsworth High School Teacher Ryan Lowell that the Hancock County Teacher of the Year is one of eight semi-finalists in the running for Maine State Teacher of the Year. The semi-finalists will deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in a panel discussion, with state finalists to be announced in September and the 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year announced in October. Other area semi-finalists – Bangor High School’s Emilie Throckmorton, Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, and Waldo County Teacher of the Year, Shilo Burnham, a teacher at East Belfast School.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth High School Teacher Ryan Lowell has some real class – the class everyone wants to get into, that is! So it’s no surprise the Hancock County Teacher of the Year has been chosen as one of eight semi-finalists in the running for the title of 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year. The semi-finalists were announced yesterday and also include Bangor High School’s Emilie Throckmorton, Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, and Waldo County Teacher of the Year, Shilo Burnham, a teacher at East Belfast School. What’s up next for the group? They’ll deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in a panel discussion, with state finalists to be announced in September and the 2025 Maine State Teacher of the Year announced in October.
Environment
DSF Gets $9.1M Grant From NOAA
(Cherryfield) The Downeast Salmon Federation has received a $9.1M grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for removal of the Cherryfield Ice Dam. The grant is one of only seven nationwide, distributed under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Removal of the dam from the Narraguagus River is a major step towards habitat restoration for endangered Atlantic salmon. DSF officials say it will improve passage to help the fish return to their spawning and rearing grounds.
(Cherryfield) Salmon – coming through! Endangered Atlantic salmon will soon be able to more easily return to their spawning and rearing grounds from the Narraguagus River, thanks to a $9.1M grant from NOAA. The Downeast Salmon Federation will use the funds for removal of the Cherryfield Ice Dam. A new nature-like fishway will replace the dam. DSF Associate Director Charlie Foster said it will look like a string of rapids in the river and allow for the passage of all sea-run fish species, keep flood protection intact, and allow for the continued harvest of alewives in that location.
Human Interest/Entertainment
July 4th Pet Safety
(Undated) Every year, more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than at any other time. Experts say to keep pets safe, leave them home when you attend those fireworks celebrations, and don’t leave them outside – even in a fenced yard. Keep windows and doors closed to minimize those frightening loud booms. If you can, stay home with your pets; at the very least, create a safe haven with blankets, toys, a special treat and background noise. Finally, if needed, discuss with your vet about supplements or prescription meds to keep your pet’s anxiety at bay.
(Undated) We all love our companion animals, but they’re NOT good companions when it comes to fireworks. Every year, more pets to missing on the Fourth of July than at any other time. Veterinarians and animal experts say to keep pets safe, leave them at home and stay with them if possible to keep them calm. Never leave them outside during fireworks festivities, even in a fenced in yard. Close windows and doors to minimize those scary loud books. Create a safe haven with blankets, toys, a special treat and background noise. Finally, if needed, discuss with your vet about supplements or prescription meds to keep your pet’s anxiety at bay.
Milbridge Theatre Installs New Cinema Screen
(Milbridge) Many folks in Downeast Maine have fond memories of heading over to the Milbridge Theatre on weekends to watch movies on the big screen. This week, the new Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center is one step closer to bringing back that bit of nostalgia. Workers are installing a 22 by 12 foot screen in the auditorium that will bring back the full cinematic experience. The installation is complex – the screen weighs in at nearly 800 pounds; but once installed, patrons will be able to watch second run movies, movie classics, documentaries, and educational films.
(Milbridge) Remember the good old days when you’d head to Milbridge to catch a movie on a Saturday afternoon? This week, the new Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center is working to bring back that bit of nostalgia. They’re in the process of installing a 22 by 12 foot screen in the auditorium to bring back that full cinematic experience. It’s a bit of a heavy experience – the screen weighs in at 800 pounds. Theater staff reports with the installation, patrons will be able to once again enjoy second run movies, movie classics, documentaries, and educational films.
Special Olympics Maine Has New President and CEO
(Augusta) Special Olympics Maine has a new President and CEO. Ian Frank began his tenure this week, replacing longtime President and CEO Phil Geelhoed, who retired after nearly four decades with the organization, the last 22 in the top leadership role. Frank began his career with Special Olympics Maine in 1997, working as staff at Camp Tall Pines. He’s since worked with the non-profit revolutionizing coaches’ training, spearheading interscholastic unified sports, and building the Unified Champion Schools program from the ground up.
(Augusta) After leading Special Olympics Maine for 38 years, the last 22 as President and CEO, Phil Geelhoed has stepped down. In his tenure, Geelhoed grew the number of both participants and volunteers significantly and enhanced the quality and accessibility of many of the organization’s programs. Ian Frank this week stepped into the leadership role. Frank began his career with Special Olympics Maine in 1997, working at Camp Tall Pines. He’s since worked with the non-profit revolutionizing coaches’ training, spearheading interscholastic unified sports, and building the Unified Champion Schools program from the ground up.
Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Donates to MDI YMCA
(Bar Harbor) The MDI YMCA this year is celebrating its 125th Anniversary, and Bar Harbor Bank and Trust decided to give them a fitting anniversary gift – a check for $12,500. The check will be applied to the Y’s campaign goal of $125,000 to support health and wellness programs for the residents of Mount Desert Island and the surrounding area. An anniversary celebration is planned for July 11th.
(Bar Harbor) Much has changed since the MDI YMCA first opened its doors back in 1999. But their commitment to health and fitness has been steady for 125 years. To celebrate the anniversary, the Y launched a campaign with a goal of raising $125,000 to continue to support their health and wellness programs for the residents of MDI and the surrounding islands. They also have a special Anniversary planned on July 11th. Bar Harbor Bank and Trust has already given the non-profit its anniversary gift – a check for $12,500 presented in honor of the special occasion.
Free Blueberry Pick Days
(Rockport) Save the Date! 2024 Blueberry Free Pick Days are coming to Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport. From Sunday, July 21st through Saturday, July 27th, free picks will be held every day from 9 to 3, with an evening pick on Thursday, July 25th from 5 to 7. Bring your buckets, sun protection, and plenty of water – no dogs or blueberry rakes, please. Sign up at coastal mountains dot org.
(Rockport) Blueberries for Sal? How about blueberries for free? Coastal Mountains Land Trust announces Free Pick Days at Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport. From Sunday, July 21st through Saturday, July 27th, free picks will be held every day from 9 to 3, with an evening pick on Thursday, July 25th from 5 to 7. Bring your buckets, sun protection, and plenty of water – no dogs or blueberry rakes, please. Sign up at coastal mountains dot org.
Sports
The Red Sox beat the Marlins yesterday 8-3. Teams on the field again tonight in Florida.