Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Family Displaced by Sewer Issue
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth family is being forced to stay in a hotel while they look for housing after a sewer issue made their duplex uninhabitable. According to a Go Fund Me page, Alonzo Bergmann’s landlord of two years let a sewer leakage progress for two days before the Bergmanns noticed sewage flowing into their house from the landlord’s rear apartment. Bergmann said he tried to fix the issue without success, after the landlord reportedly refused to respond to his calls. Bergmann then called the town office. First responders arrived and deemed the home uninhabitable. Bergmann says they were given 30 minutes to grab what they could and vacate the premises, due to the nature of the sewer break. The family is trying to gather resources to find a permanent place to live. You can check out their GoFundMe page if you’d like to help out.
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth family is being forced to start over after a sewer issue in their duplex made their home uninhabitable. On a GoFundMe page, Alonzo Bergmann writes his landlord of two years allowed the issue to progress for two days before the Bergmanns noticed sewage flowing into their home from the landlord’s rear apartment. Bergmann writes he tried unsuccessfully to fix the issue after the landlord reportedly refused to respond to his calls. Bergmann next turned to the town office, which sent first responders, who arrived and deemed the home unfit to be occupied because of the nature of the sewer break – and the family was given 30 minutes to grab what they could and vacate. The Bergmann’s are currently staying in a hotel and trying to gather resources to find a permanent place to live – not an easy thing in today’s economy. You can check out their GoFundMe page if you’d like to help.
Indian Township Drug Arrests
(Indian Township) Four people arrested Wednesday, following an investigation into possible drug trafficking at an Indian Township residence. The suspects are from Indian Township and Bronx, New York, and range in age from 22 to 49. MDEA’s Downeast Task Force joined other agencies in conducting controlled purchases of fentanyl from a residence at 64 U.S. Route One. Shortly before 1 a.m. on the 17th, agents executed a search warrant, detained a total of six persons, and reportedly found evidence of drug use and trafficking. A follow up investigation indicates a significant amount of drugs was likely flushed down a toilet. The suspects are being held in the Washington County Jail.
(Indian Township) Six people were detained, four arrested Wednesday, as part of an investigation into drug trafficking at an Indian Township residence in Washington County. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, MDEA’s Downeast Task Force worked with other agencies in making undercover purchases of fentanyl from a residence at 64 U.S. Route One. Early on the morning of the 17th, agents executed a search warrant, detained a total of six persons, and reportedly found evidence of drug use and trafficking. A follow up investigation indicates a significant amount of drugs was likely flushed down a toilet. The suspects, ranging in age from 22 to 49, are being held in the Washington County Jail.
Cushing Death Suspect Makes Court Appearance
(Rockland) A man who led police on a chase in Augusta Tuesday, prompting a standoff, was in court Thursday. WMTW reports 39 yo Jason Hewett appeared via Zoom in Knox County Superior Court on a charge of manslaughter. Hewett is a suspect in the death of 45 yo Kyle MacDougall in Cushing last week. 41 yo Mark Gagne of Cushing was arrested Friday and has also been charged in connection with MacDougall’s death. Gagne is charged with hindering apprehension and abuse of a corpse. Hewett’s attorneys claim he voluntarily exited his vehicle after the chase, but was kicked, shoved, and beaten by police.
Funeral Home Owner’s License Suspended
(Lincoln) The former owner of a Katahdin area funeral home has had his license suspended and is now accused of violating the terms of a consent agreement made with the Maine Board of Funeral Services. WABI-TV reports the license of 53 yo Harold “Chip” Lamson has been suspended immediately for lack of compliance. That comes less than a month after Lamson reached an agreement with the Board over multiple complaints that reportedly included more than 60 violations. At that time, Lamson agreed to surrender his license in no more than 120 days. Lamson was arrested at his home on May 19th and charged with two counts of felony theft, according to the Lincoln Police Department. He’s accused of removing records from the Lamson Funeral Home in Lincoln at the time of an audit, which authorities say prevented a comprehensive audit.
Local Politics
Ellsworth Appoints Public Works Director
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth’s new Public Works Director is anything but new to the City or to Public Works. Mike Harris has served as the City’s Wastewater Superintendent for the past two decades, so he knows that job pretty well – well enough he says he’ll continue in that role as he takes on the new position. Harris said he worked with the Finance Department when crafting this year’s budget and that it was that expertise that led City Manager Charlie Pearce to appoint him to the new position.
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has appointed Mike Harris to serve as the new Public Works Director. Harris brings a good deal of experience to the job, having served as Wastewater Superintendent for the past two decades. For that reason, he says he plans to continue in his current role as well. He said he worked with the Finance Department when crafting this year’s budget and that it was that expertise that led City Manager Charlie Pearce to appoint him to the new position.
Ellsworth Continues Interview Process for New Police Chief
(Ellsworth) The process of appointing a new permanent Police Chief in Ellsworth is moving along. At this week’s City Council Meeting, City Manager Charlie Pearce said they’re in the second round of in-person interviews and have narrowed it down to two extremely qualified and excellent candidates. The interview process is wrapping up this week, and the Committee will meet next week to make a recommendation to Council. Deputy Police Chief Troy Bires has been filling the position since March. Bires this week was given approval by Council to purchase new tasers and cruiser cameras for the department and to equip officers with body cameras.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth could have a new permanent police chief in the next couple of weeks. City Manager Charlie Pearce reports they’re in the second round of in-person interviews and have narrowed the choice down to two “extremely qualified and excellent candidates”. The in-person interview process is wrapping up this week, and the Committee will meet next week to make a recommendation to Council. Deputy Police Chief Troy Bires has been filling the role of Police Chief since March. Bires was given approval at this week’s City Council meeting to purchase new tasers and cruiser cameras for the department and to equip officers with body cameras.
Mills Announces Choice for DHHS Commissioner
(Augusta) Governor Mills Thursday said she would nominate Sara Gagne-Holmes as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Gagne-Holmes, a five year deputy commissioner, has served as Acting Commissioner since June 1st, after the departure of Jeanne Lambrew, under whom the Department faced ongoing scrutiny following a number of child deaths allegedly at the hands of parents. The nomination is subject to a hearing before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee and confirmation by the State Senate.
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills says she plans to nominate Acting DHHS Commissioner Sara Gagne-Holmes to fill the position permanently. Gagne-Holmes, a five year deputy commissioner, has served as Acting Commissioner since June 1st, following the departure of Jeanne Lambrew. Under Lambrew, the Department faced ongoing scrutiny, largely due to the deaths of several children, allegedly at the hands of parents . The nomination is subject to a hearing before the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee and confirmation by the State Senate.
Summer Residents File Appeal to Block Workforce Housing
(NE Harbor) A group of property owners in NE Harbor has filed a court appeal to try to overturn local approval of a workforce housing development. The Bangor Daily News reports the project, proposed by local nonprofit Mount Desert 365, would create six housing units for income-qualified year-round residents at the corner of Neighborhood and Manchester Roads in Northeast Harbor. The seven property owners, all of whom are seasonal residents who own property near the planned development site, filed an appeal on Monday, challenging approval of the site. Mount Desert 365 Executive Director Kathy Miller said the appeal is disappointing and will add delays and expenses to the construction of much-needed year round housing. An attorney representing the project opponents reportedly did not return messages seeking comment Thursday.
(NE Harbor) A project that would add much-needed year round housing in Northeast Harbor will be delayed. A group of property owners in NE Harbor has filed a court appeal to try to overturn local approval of the workforce housing development. The Bangor Daily News reports the project, proposed by local nonprofit Mount Desert 365, would create six housing units for income-qualified year-round residents at the corner of Neighborhood and Manchester Roads in Northeast Harbor. The seven property owners, all of whom are seasonal residents who own property near the planned development site, filed an appeal on Monday, challenging approval of the site. An attorney representing the project opponents reportedly did not return messages seeking comment Thursday.
National Politics
(Undated) On the national political scene, at last night’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Donald Trump formally accepted his party’s nomination and proposed a sweeping populist agenda. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden continues to recover from COVID at his home in Delaware, as an increasing number of high profile Democrats, including Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, express concerns over his candidacy. And Hunter Biden is seeking dismissal of his tax and gun cases, citing the recent court decision to toss Trump’s classified documents case, although that decision is being appealed.
Councilors Discuss Compost Facility
(Ellsworth) Something smelled at this week’s Ellsworth City Council Meeting. The Ellsworth American reports Councilor Steve O’Halloran sponsored an agenda item regarding revising a consent agreement with Maine Organics, a local compost facility that has been the subject of foul odor complaints in years past. To make his point more pungent, O’Halloran brought in a bucket of compost with a sign that read “Stop & Think, Contain the Stink”. Councilor Patrick Lyons had the bucket of the smelly substance removed from the Chamber. Code Enforcement Officer Robert Grant said he has received and followed up on a few complaints since the consent agreement was signed back in March, but that Maine Organics had not been found in violation of the agreement in any of his investigations.
(Ellsworth) There was something in the air at this week’s Ellsworth City Council Meeting – a pungent smell, thanks to what Councilor Steve O’Halloran called a “visual aid”. The Ellsworth American reports O’Halloran sponsored an agenda item regarding revising a consent agreement with Maine Organics, a local compost facility that has been the subject of foul odor complaints in years past. To make his point more pungent, O’Halloran brought in a bucket of compost with a sign that read “Stop & Think, Contain the Stink”. To the relief of those in attendance, Councilor Patrick Lyons had the bucket of the smelly substance removed from the Chamber. Code Enforcement Officer Robert Grant said he has received and followed up on a few complaints since the consent agreement was signed back in March, but that Maine Organics had not been found in violation of the agreement in any of his investigations.
Meeting Scheduled on New Courthouse Location
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has scheduled a July 30th meeting on the proposed new Hancock County Courthouse location on the Surry Road. City Manager Charlie Pearce said the meeting will take place at City Hall at 6 p.m.. A meeting that will include the State Judiciary, City Planner, and some City Councilors will take place prior to the July 30th meeting, so those in attendance can hear an accurate update. Pearce said they have listened to citizen concerns about the proposed location and want to make sure those concerns are heard and addressed. The July 30th meeting is open to the public.
(Ellsworth) Another meeting on that proposed Surry Road location for a new Hancock County Courthouse. City Manager Charlie Pearce said the meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. on July 30th, will take place at City Hall. A prior meeting will include the State Judiciary, City Planner, and some City Councilors in order to keep the public accurately informed. Pearce said they have listened to citizen concerns about the proposed location and want to make sure those concerns have been heard. The July 30th meeting is open to the public.
Infrastructure
City of Ellsworth Hydrant Flushing
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Fire Department is testing and flowing hydrants between now and August 16th. The Department does this annually in order to test available water flow for the Fire Department. They say residents around the routes where flushing is taking place may experience yellow or dirty water, low water flow, or low pressure, but that those issues are temporary and should subside soon after testing is complete. Questions? Call the Ellsworth Fire or Water Department.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth will be looking a bit flushed now through August 15th. The Ellsworth Fire Department will be working on the annual testing of water flow in area hydrants. They say residents around the routes where flushing is taking place may experience yellow or dirty water, low water flow, or low pressure, but that those issues are temporary and should clear up soon after testing is complete. Questions? Call the Ellsworth Fire or Water Department.
Companies Band Together to Repair Seawall
(SW Harbor) And here’s maybe the BEST story of the week to end the week. A group of companies has banded together to begin rebuilding Seawall road as a donation to their communities. John Goodwin, Jr. Construction, Doug Gott & Sons, Incorporated, BFP Trucking, Rings Paving, GT Outhouses, and Northeast Paving will start the work on Monday and are in hopes of having the road back open with two lanes of traffic by Friday, July 26th. All they ask is that you allow them space to work and know the area will be closed to pedestrian traffic while they make the repairs. A perfect example of why we say, “Maine, the way life should be.”
(SW Harbor) Here’s a story from the “Maine, the Way Life Should Be” page. A group of companies has banded together to begin rebuilding Seawall as a donation to their communities. John Goodwin, Jr. Construction, Doug Gott & Sons, Incorporated, BFP Trucking, Rings Paving, GT Outhouses, and Northeast Paving will start the work on Monday and are in hopes of having the road back open with two lanes of traffic by Friday, July 26th. All they ask is that you allow them space to work and know the area will be closed to pedestrian traffic while they make the repairs. Probably no better news to those who depend on the thruway for business, emergency services, and tourism.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Islesford Boatworks Promotes Community Sharing
(Islesford) Everybody has a story, and tomorrow at Anna’s Coffee Club, Islesford Boatworks invites you to share yours. This year’s theme is “All Roads Lead to The Cranberry Isles”. Bring your best stories – running into your neighbor while traveling around the world, unexpected and coincidental connections to the island – all are welcome, even if you don’t have a story to contribute! The sharing begins at 8 a.m. with coffee and accompaniments, and they welcome any yummies YOU’d like to bring. Islesford Boatworks is a hands-on program focused on building community, opportunity, and leadership. Learn more on their FB page.
(Islesford) There’s never a bad time to tell a story, and everybody has one! Saturday morning at Anna’s Coffee Club,, Islesford Boatworks invites you to share yours. This year’s theme is “All Roads Lead to The Cranberry Isles”. Bring your best stories – running into your neighbor while traveling around the world, unexpected and coincidental connections to the island – all are welcome, even if you don’t have a story to contribute! The sharing begins at 8 a.m. with coffee and accompaniments. Islesford Boatworks is a hands-on program focused on building community, opportunity, and leadership. Learn more on their FB page.
Sports
The Red Sox in LA this evening to take on the Dodgers.