Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Cushing Death Investigation
(Augusta) An incident in Augusta Tuesday that led to an hours-long closure of Route 3 was related to the Cushing death investigation, according to authorities. About 2 p.m. Tuesday, Maine State Police became involved in a pursuit on Route 32 in Windsor. They say 39 yo Jason Hewett of Augusta eventually veered onto Route 3 toward Augusta; and in an attempt to avoid spike mats, drove off the road and onto the lawn of a chiropractic practice, where he barricaded himself inside his vehicle. Police say after four hours of negotiations, Hewett surrendered and was arrested without incident. They say Hewitt is also suspected in the Cushing death of 45 yo Kyle MacDougall. Hewitt is being held in the Kennebec County Correctional Facility and faces multiple charges.
(Augusta) Authorities yesterday released further details about that incident in Augusta Tuesday that resulted in an hours-long road closure. They say about 2 p.m., 39 yo Jason Hewett of Augusta was involved in a police pursuit on Route 32 in Windsor. Hewett reportedly veered onto Route 3 toward Augusta; then to avoid spike mats, drove into a ditch and onto the lawn of a chiropractic office, and then barricaded himself inside his vehicle. After four hours of negotiations, authorities say Hewett surrendered and was arrested without incident. They say Hewitt is also suspected in the Cushing death investigation of 45 yo Kyle MacDougall. He’s being held in the Kennebec County Correctional Facility and faces multiple charges.
Hancock County EMA Could Relocate to New Space
(Ellsworth) Whatever the emergency, the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency is at the ready … planning ahead, conducting risk assessment, and offering mitigation strategies. The Agency’s current location in the basement of the courthouse is a less than ideal space for such a critical unit. The Ellsworth American reports the EMA is eyeing a four-acre parcel on Wyman Road that would provide much needed expansion. The project would be funded through a $2M federal grant, with the County responsible for a matching 25% or $500K. As the property is just across the Ellsworth line in Hancock, that village must vote on the project – a vote is scheduled for August 21st. EMA Director Andy Sankey said if Hancock approves, a purchase and sale agreement will be written up, with a project completion date of spring 2026.
(Ellsworth) Extreme weather, a pandemic, a bomb threat or shooting – whatever the scenario, the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency is a ready source for guidance – planning ahead, conducting risk assessment, and offering mitigation strategies. The agency operates flawlessly, in spite of operating out of a crowded space in the basement of the courthouse in Ellsworth. That may change in the not too distant future, according to the Ellsworth American. EMA is reportedly eyeing expansion to a property just across the Ellsworth line on Wyman Road in Hancock. The expansion would be funded through a $2M federal grant, with the County responsible for a matching 25% or $500K. The Village of Hancock must vote on the project – that vote scheduled for August 21st. EMA Director Andy Sankey said if Hancock approves, a purchase and sale agreement will be written up, with a project completion date of spring 2026.
Economy
Skechers Sues LL Bean Over Shoe Design
(Reuters) Shoemaker Skechers is suing LL Bean, accusing the clothing and outdoor gear company of illegally copying its shoes, which Skechers says have sold in the millions. Reuters reports a complaint filed late Monday in Manhattan federal court alleges LL Bean’s Freeport casual shoes infringe on two patented designs for “heel cups” that surround the back of the foot. Skechers alleges LL Bean entered the market with the design only after Skechers incurred the expense of developing and promoting shoes with that design. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, including triple damages for any willful infringement and that LL Bean stop sales of the alleged infringing shoes. LL Bean reportedly did not respond to Reuters request for comment.
(Reuters) Shoe giant Skechers wants to “boot” the sales of what it says are a design infringement on the part of LL Bean. Reuters reports Skechers filed a complaint late Monday in Manhattan federal court, alleging LL Bean’s Freeport casual shoes infringe on two patented designs for “heel cups” that surround the back of the foot. The lawsuit claims LL Bean entered the market with the design only after Skechers incurred the expense of developing it. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, including triple damages for any willful infringement and that LL Bean stop sales of the alleged infringing shoes. LL Bean reportedly did not respond to Reuters request for comment.
Health
What Paramedics Wish We Knew
(NYT) None of us plans on being in an emergency situation. But when paramedics arrive on the scene, they often have to gather information quickly, under chaotic circumstances. The New York Times says there are key things emergency responders wish people knew – things that could save your life. Number one, they say, write down details, including emergency contacts, medications, allergies, blood type – the more details the better. Second, keep the sheets easy to find – such as in your wallet or on a refrigerator. Finally, put the same information on your phone. Set up your medical ID so emergency workers can get your information without using a passcode. They say if you’re able to after calling 9-1-1, unlock your door and lock up those pets for their safety and so first responders can transport you quickly and perhaps save your life.
(NYT) Paramedics daily respond to emergency situations. When time is of the essence, they often have to gather information quickly under chaotic circumstances. The New York Times says there are key things those lifesaving first responders wish everyone knew … and did. Number one, they say, write down details, including emergency contacts, medications, allergies, blood type – the more details the better. Second, keep the sheets easy to find – such as in your wallet or on a refrigerator. Finally, they say put the same information on your phone. Set up your medical ID so those emergency workers can get your information without using a passcode. And, if you’re able after calling 9-1-1, unlock your door and lock up those pets for their safety and so EMT’s are able to transport you quickly and perhaps save your life.
DCP Receives “Bridging Gift for Nurse Bridging Program
(Ellsworth) Downeast Community Partners has received a $75K gift from the Robert T. Keeler Foundation. The funds will support DCP’s unique Nurse Bridging program that addresses the health disparities that exist for the maternal child health populations in rural Downeast Maine. The partnership between DCP and the Foundation helps reduce the frightening anxiety of a premature delivery for a mother and family who must travel a great distance to the nearest neonatal intensive care unit in Hancock or Washington County. DCP says members meet with expectant mothers in their home, walk alongside them to the NICU, and provide holistic postnatal care once back home.
(Ellsworth) Downeast parents face a number of barriers, including food deserts, fewer healthcare options, long commutes, and often, a lack of adequate broadband to be able to access information. Downeast Community Partners has received a $75K gift from the Robert T. Keeler Foundation to support the unique Nurse Bridging program that addresses the health disparities that exist for the maternal child health populations in rural Downeast Maine. The partnership between DCP and the Foundation helps reduce the frightening anxiety of a premature delivery for a mother and family who must travel a great distance to the nearest neonatal intensive care unit in Hancock or Washington County. Members meet with expectant mothers in their home, walk alongside them to the NICU, and provide holistic postnatal care once back home.
Infrastructure
I-395 Corridor About A Year from Completion
(Bangor) The I-395 Connector is still about a year from opening. The Bangor Daily News reports the multi-million dollar construction project is on schedule and budget and should wrap up in July or August next year. Maine Department of Transportation Spokesperson Paul Merrill said once completed, I-395 will run an additional six miles northeast to Route 9, also known as the Airline Road, instead of ending at the Brewer-Holden town line. Merrill said a mild winter allowed for more work than planned to be completed, but that there is still a lot of paving and work on exits to be done.
(Bangor) The I-395 Connector should be up and running about a year from now. According to Maine Department of Transportation Spokesperson Paul Merrill, the multi-million dollar project should wrap up in July or August next year. The Bangor Daily News reports once completed, I-395 will run an additional six miles northeast to Route 9, also known as the Airline Road, instead of ending at the Brewer-Holden town line. Merrill said a mild winter allowed for more work than planned to be completed, but that there is still a lot of paving and work on exits to be done.
Bridge Replacement Work in Stonington
(Stonington) More construction in the Stonington area. The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing the Oceanville Bridge. Beginning this week, drivers should expect an alternating, single lane traffic pattern. MDOT says that pattern will continue until 2025. Cost of the bridge replacement is $4.4M.
(Stonington) A heads up for drivers in Stonington. Beginning this week, Maine Department of Transportation crews will be working to replace the Oceanville Bridge. Drivers should expect an alternating, single lane traffic pattern between now and November 2025. Cost of the bridge replacement is approximately $4.4M.
Searsport Road Construction Wraps Up
(Searsport) There is good news, really good news regarding the detour for Route One in Searsport. It will be ending next week, more than 80 days ahead of schedule. WABI-TV reports Gordon Contracting plans to take out the detour by July 26th. The contract deadline to do so was originally in mid-October, according to the company. However — work will continue as crews still need to pave the roadways, sidewalks, and drives for the final time.
(Searsport) Great news for downtown Searsport businesses in particular. WABI-TV reports crews will be removing the Route One detour next week, 80 days ahead of schedule. Gordon Contracting said the contract deadline for removing the detour was originally mid-October, but they’ll be opening up the road on July 26th. Work will still continue, as crews still need to pave the roadways, sidewalks, and drives for a final time.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Maine Farm Day
(Augusta) Experience farm life and learn about the origins of your food on Maine Open Farm Day, July 28th. The annual event takes place from 10 to 4 at various participating farms across Maine. Experience farm life, learn about crop production, the importance of local agriculture, and the food journey from farm to table. You’ll also have fun meeting the animals and enjoying a day filled with activities for all ages, from farm tours and demonstrations to hands-on experiences and local food tastings. Farms ask that you leave pets at home, don’t feed animals without permission, do wear appropriate clothing and plan to shop! Learn more at RealMaine dot com.
(Augusta) July 28th is Maine Open Farm Day at agricultural sites across the state. The annual event takes place from 10 to 4 at various participating farms throughout Maine. Experience farm life, learn about crop production, the importance of local agriculture, and the food journey from farm to table. Participants will also have fun meeting the animals and enjoying a day filled with activities for all ages, from farm tours and demonstrations to hands-on experiences and local food tastings. Participating farms ask that you leave the pets at home, don’t startle the animals and don’t feed them without permission, don’t touch equipment, close gates behind you, and do plan to shop! Learn more at RealMaine dot com.
Sports
The Boston Red Sox back on the mound tomorrow night in LA as they take on the Dodgers.