Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine Statehouse to Get $7M Security Upgrade
(Augusta) The Maine Statehouse is set to get a $7M security upgrade, after receiving two bomb hoaxes and threats against lawmakers this year. The planned upgrades include reconfiguring the main entrance screening area, with a screening area added for the first time at the adjacent Burton M. Cross Office Building. Staff will not have to be re-screened when moving between buildings through an existing underground tunnel, according to NewsCenter Maine. Some legislators say they would prefer a greater police presence to the pricey upgrade.
(Augusta) Threats and violence in the past thirty years have prompted additional security measures at schools, businesses, and even places of worship. The Maine Statehouse is no exception. After two bomb threat hoaxes and threats against lawmakers, NewsCenter Maine reports the Statehouse is getting a $7M security upgrade. Plans include reconfiguring the main entrance screening area and adding, for the first time, a screening area at the adjacent Burton M. Cross Office Building. The project is expected to be completed in late 2025.
Local Politics
Five Dems Vying for House Speaker
(Augusta) The race for Maine Speaker of the House is a crowded one, with five Democrats vying for the position – a position that rests on Dems holding a majority after the November election. The Bangor Daily News reports Democrats have controlled the Legislature and the Governor’s Office since 2018, and currently have a 79-67 majority over Republicans in the House – a lead they’re expected to retain. Former House Speaker Ryan Fecteau faces four incumbents who want his old seat: Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier (KLOO-tee-er) of Lewiston, and Representatives Ed Crockett of Portland, Jim Dill of Old Town, and Amy Roeder (RAY-der) of Bangor.
(Augusta) The race to serve as the next Speaker of the House has become quite the crowded field. Five Democrats have thrown their hats into the ring for the seat, which is predicated on Dems holding a majority after the November election – a scenario that is highly likely. According to the Bangor Daily News, Former House Speaker Ryan Fecteau faces four incumbents who want his old seat: Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston, and Representatives Ed Crockett of Portland, Jim Dill of Old Town, and Amy Roeder of Bangor.
Meetings Address Wind Port Concerns in Searsport
(Searsport) The Searsport Select Board this week held one of several informational meetings planned with representatives from Maine D-O-T and the Maine Port Authority to discuss the state’s proposed offshore wind port. WABI-TV reports at the meeting, the select board asked questions regarding the wind port and the impacts it would have on the area. In February, the state announced the preferred location for the wind port is Sears Island. But many residents say nearby Mack Point is a better alternative location.
(Searsport) Controversy continues over the proposed Sears Island site for an offshore wind port. This week, the Searsport Select Board held one of several planned informational meetings involving representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation. WABI-TV reports the select board asked questions about the wind port and the impacts it would have on Sears Island, which the state announced in February was the preferred location. Many residents continue to insist nearby Mack Point is a better alternative location.
Economy
Ellsworth Welcomes Main Downtown Center Board
(Ellsworth) It’s a big day in Ellsworth – especially for Heart of Ellsworth, as they welcome the Main Downtown Center Board of Advisors for a full day of touring, application feedback, activities and discussion. Last October, Heart of Ellsworth assembled an application team to apply for full MSA membership status. They submitted the application in June. If so designated, Ellsworth will be Maine’s eleventh Main Street Community, which could open additional funding opportunities, strengthen downtown development, and facilitate restoration and creation of public assets that increase community members’ access to art, recreation, and healthy living opportunities. Be sure and give our visitors a warm Ellsworth welcome.
(Ellsworth) The process began back in 2020, when Heart of Ellsworth became the steward of Ellsworth’s status as an affiliate community of the Main Street America program. Between then and today, the nonprofit and the downtown community have been working hard on revitalization projects, planning initiatives, greening and beautifying the downtown area, and applying for full MSA membership status. All of which has led up to today, when Heart of Ellsworth welcomes the Main Downtown Center Board of Advisors. They’ll be around town, touring, providing application feedback, and participating in activities and discussion. If so designated, Ellsworth will be Maine’s eleventh Main Street Community, which could open additional funding opportunities, strengthen downtown development, and facilitate restoration and creation of public assets that increase community members’ access to art, recreation, and healthy living opportunities.
Maine CF Accepting Applications for Fall Grant Programs
(Ellsworth) The Maine Community Foundation is accepting applications for its fall grant programs through Monday, September 16th. Grants are available to ensure equity for members of the LGBTQ-plus community, investing in leaders of color, arts expression, land protection, the Maine Theatre Fund, and general charities. For more information, contact MaineCF in Ellsworth.
(Ellsworth) Applications for Fall Grant Programs through the Maine Community Foundation are being accepted now through September 16th. Organizations are encouraged to apply for grants in a wide variety of areas, including grants that ensure equity for members of the LGBTQ-plus community, investing in leaders of color, arts expression, land protection, the Maine Theatre Fund, and general charities. For more information, contact MaineCF in Ellsworth.
Environment
Protections for Endangered Sea-Run Atlantic Salmon
(Maine) Sea-run Atlantic salmon are found in many of Maine’s inland waters where landlocked Atlantic salmon and brown trout may also exist. During the warmer months, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reports they congregate in deeper, cooler areas. Because sea-run Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered, they may not, by law, be fished or harvested. To help protect them, MDIFW reminds those who fish there is a 25-inch maximum length limit for the two species. They say sea-run Atlantic salmon commonly exceed 25 inches, a length rare for landlocked Atlantic salmon and brown trout in the state’s rivers and streams.
(Maine) Gone fishing? It’s against the law to at any time fish for or remove sea-run Atlantic salmon from Maine waters. That’s because the species is listed as endangered. The species can be found in many of Maine’s inland waters where landlocked Atlantic salmon and brown trout may also exist. To help avoid confusion, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reminds those who fish there is a 25-inch maximum length limit for those two species. They say sea-run Atlantic salmon commonly exceed 25 inches, a length rare for landlocked Atlantic salmon and brown trout in the state’s rivers and streams.
Lead Free Tackle Laws
(Maine) Time to get the lead out – literally. Beginning September 1, the SALE of painted lead jigs less than 2.5 inches and/or weighing less than an ounce is prohibited. And after August 31st, 2026, the USE of such jigs will be prohibited, as well. The rule is to protect Maine’s loons and other wildlife by requiring those who fish Maine’s waters to use legal jigs and sinkers. For more information, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
(Maine) Loons and other Maine wildlife are vulnerable to painted lead jigs and sinkers sometimes used by fishermen. Beginning September 1, the SALE of painted lead jigs less than 2.5 inches and/or weighing less than an ounce is prohibited. And after August 31st, 2026, the USE of such jigs will be prohibited, as well. For more information, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Unhealthy Air Quality Again Today
(Augusta) Heading up north today for some fresh air? Not so fast, says the Maine DEP. Smoke from those Canadian wildfires began moving into the state on Tuesday, prompting an “Unhealthy Air Quality” designation for Northern Maine yesterday and today. Despite some rain in certain locations, DEP says it’s unlikely weather conditions will do much to move the smoke out of the state, at least through today. They say they anticipate the remainder of the state to be in the moderate range.
(Augusta) Smoke from the Canadian wildfires will continue to impact the state again today. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection says the smoke, which began moving into the state on Tuesday, has prompted an “Unhealthy Air Quality” designation for Northern Maine, while the rest of the state will likely remain in the moderate range.
Infrastructure
Collins to Attend Ribbon Cutting of New Madawaska-Edmundston International Bridge
(Madawaska) Senator Susan Collins is up in Madawaska this morning to participate in the opening of the New Madawaska-Edmundston International Bridge. In 2019, following the Senator’s outreach to federal authorities, Collins secured $36M toward replacement of the deteriorating former bridge, which connects Madawaska, Maine with Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada. A ribbon cutting is set for 10:30 this morning.
(Madawaska) Replacement of the once deteriorating Madawaska-Edmundston International Bridge is now complete! To celebrate its opening, Senator Susan Collins is in Madawaska this morning for a ribbon cutting ceremony. In 2019, following the Senator’s outreach to federal authorities, Collins secured $36M toward building of the badly needed new bridge, which connects Madawaska, Maine with Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada. The ribbon cutting is set for 10:30 this morning.
Human Interest/Entertainment
SPCA Dog Days of Summer Raffle
(Trenton) Imagine tooling around town on a beautiful new Piaggio (Pee-AH-gjee-OH) electric scooter! The SPCA of Hancock County is holding its Second Annual Dog Days of Summer raffle to raise funds for the nonprofit shelter that helps countless dogs and cats go from homeless to home-loved. The spiffy arctic blue scooter is valued at more than $5,000 and was purchased by an anonymous donor at a discount from Stanley Subaru. Raffle tickets are $20 each, three for $50, or seven for $100. Purchase them at the shelter, the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, Stanley Subaru, or Bark Harbor. There are some cool second and third prizes as well – winners will be drawn September 11th, so get yours today!
(Trenton) Make your rounds on a brand new, arctic blue Piaggio electric scooter (worth $5,000!) and help the animals of the SPCA in Trenton! It’s the SPCA’s Second Annual Dog Days of Summer raffle! The shelter receives no federal or state funding, so all the money needed to ensure the little furry ones go from homeless to home-loved comes from your donations! Tickets for the raffle are $20 each, three for $50, or seven for a hundred, and can be purchased at the SPCA, the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, Stanley Subaru, or Bark Harbor. And there are cool second and third place prizes as well. Get your tickets today – drawing is September 11th!
Sports
Two wins, one loss – the Red Sox losing to the Rangers in that final game of that series last night 9-7. Red Sox at Camden Yards tonight to take on the Orioles.
The Patriots take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium.