Crime/Public Safety/Drugs Waterville Death Investigation Update (Waterville)  Waterville and Maine State Police continued their investigation into the death of a man whose body was found at a residence on Cool Street in Waterville Sunday morning.  An autopsy Monday confirmed the man’s death was a homicide and the cause of death from sharp force injuries or […]

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Local News 08/20/24

Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Waterville Death Investigation Update

(Waterville)  Waterville and Maine State Police continued their investigation into the death of a man whose body was found at a residence on Cool Street in Waterville Sunday morning.  An autopsy Monday confirmed the man’s death was a homicide and the cause of death from sharp force injuries or stab wounds.  Police Sunday arrested 41 yo Thomas Lowrie of Waterville and charged him with murder in connection with the case.  Lowrie made his initial court appearance yesterday in Augusta.  The victim’s identification is being withheld pending further DNA testing and notification of next of kin.

(Waterville)  Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the death of a man whose body was found Sunday morning at a residence on Cool Street in Waterville.  An autopsy Monday confirmed the man’s death was a homicide, with the cause of death listed as being from sharp force injuries or stab wounds.  Following discovery of the body, police Sunday arrested 41 yo Thomas Lowrie of Waterville and charged him with murder.  Lowrie made his initial court appearance yesterday in Augusta.  Identification of the victim is being withheld pending further DNA testing and notification of next of kin.

Former Fire Chief Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges

(Gouldsboro)  A man who formerly served as fire chief for Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro was in court Monday.  The Bangor Daily News reports 52 yo Tatum McLean pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in an alleged fraud case.  McLean was accused of committing fraud and theft while overseeing Schoodic EMS when he was Gouldsboro’s fire chief, allegedly falsely submitting payroll warrants based on medical transport, according to court records.  As a result of the plea, McLean will pay $2,500 in fines and reimbursement costs but will avoid jail time.

(Gouldsboro)  The former fire chief for Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro pleaded no contest yesterday in court.  The Bangor Daily News reports 52 yo Tatum McLean was facing two misdemeanor charges in an alleged fraud case.  According to court records, McLean was accused of committing fraud and theft while overseeing Schoodic EMS when he was Gouldsboro’s fire chief, allegedly falsely submitting payroll warrants based on medical transport.  As a result of the plea, McLean will pay $2,500 in fines and reimbursement costs but will avoid jail time.

Local Politics

City of Ellsworth Nomination Papers Available

(Ellsworth)  Nomination papers are available in the Ellsworth City Clerk’s Office for several opportunities to serve.  There are two seats open for City Council, two for Ellsworth Library Trustee members, and one Ellsworth School Board member, with all terms to expire in November 2027.  Nomination papers for the November 5th Municipal Election must be returned to the Ellsworth City Clerk’s office on or before Friday, September 6, at 12:30 p.m.

(Ellsworth)  Get involved and make a difference.  In Ellsworth for the upcoming November 5th Municipal Election, there are two seats open for City Council, two for Ellsworth Library Trustee members, and one Ellsworth School Board member, with all terms to expire in November 2027.  Nomination papers are available at the Ellsworth City Clerk’s office and must be returned to the clerk’s office on or before Friday, September 6, at 12:30 p.m.

Economy

Visits to Acadia Increase in July

(Acadia NP)  Visits to Acadia National Park were up 3 percent in July compared to the same month last year, according to the National Park Service.  Ridership on the Island Explorer, which began service on June 23, was up 8.8% for the month.  Experts say the park is on pace to exceed 2023’s total visits for the year.

(AcadiaNP)  Lots of folks putting it in park last month – Acadia National Park, that is.  Visits to the Park were up 3 percent in July, compared to the same month in 2023.  Ridership on the Island Explorer, which began service on June 23, was up 8.8% for the month.  Experts say the park is on pace to exceed 2023’s total visits for the year.

City of Ellsworth Craft/Vendor Fair Fundraiser

(Ellsworth)  Join the City of Ellsworth at the Craft & Vendor Fair Fundraiser in September!  Proceeds from the vendor table reservations will directly support the General Assistance Fund, benefitting the Backpack for Kids program, which ensures children in our area in need receive essential school supplies for the 2025/26 school year.  The Fair is Saturday, September 28th, from 9 to 3 at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School – during Autumn Gold Weekend – and there’s no entry fee!

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth is all-in on Autumn Gold Weekend, with a Craft & Vendor Fair Fundraiser! Proceeds from the vendor table reservations will directly support the General Assistance Fund, benefitting the Backpack for Kids program, which ensures children in our area in need receive essential school supplies.  The Fair is Saturday, September 28th, from 9 to 3 at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School, and there’s no entry fee!

Education

DISES School Board Emergency Meeting Called

(DI/Stonington)  There will be an emergency school board meeting this evening at 6 p.m. at the Brooklin School Library.  Union 76 Superintendent Dan Ross called the meeting to name an interim principal for the upcoming school year.  Both the Principal and Curriculum Director at Deer Isle/Stonington Elementary resigned their positions last week, just days before the start of school, citing “unfortunate circumstances”.  The first day of school for all Deer Isle/Stonington Elementary School Students is delayed a day.  The first day for K-8 students is now Wednesday, August 28th, instead of the 27th as originally scheduled.

(DI/Stonington)  Union 76 Superintendent Dan Ross has called an emergency meeting of the school board this evening at 6 p.m. at the Brooklin School Library in order to name an interim principal for the upcoming school year.  The Elementary School Principal, Jane O’Connor, and Curriculum Coordinator Lynne Witham both resigned this month, just days before the start of school, citing “unfortunate circumstances.”  The first day of school for all Deer Isle/Stonington Elementary School Students is delayed a day.  The first day for K-8 students is now Wednesday, August 28th, instead of the 27th as originally scheduled.

Environment

Stonington Lays Out Three-Year Climate Resilience Plan

(Stonington)  The Town of Stonington is wasting no time in taking action toward climate resilience.  NewsCenter Maine reports earlier this month, the town laid out plans for a three-year project, led by Town Manager Kathleen Billings, to fortify the community’s infrastructure against the rising tides caused by global warming.  As a first step, the town plans to raise a 400-foot stretch of Oceanville Road by four feet.  A second project is planned at Fifield Point Road, followed by a project at the town’s recently acquired Odd Fellows Hall on Main Street.  Plans are to use that new real estate to protect the shore and create better business opportunities.  At least another dozen locations have been identified for fortification.  Still, the town worries about keeping up with the fast moving effects of climate change.

 (Stonington)  The Town of Stonington this month laid out a three year plan for facing climate change head on, including raising roads and other infrastructure on Oceanville Road, Fifield Point Road, and a project at the town’s newly acquired Odd Fellows Hall.  NewsCenter Maine reports the projects, led by Town Manager Kathleen Billings, are designed to fortify the community’s infrastructure against the rising tides caused by global warming.  Still, many worry it’s too little too late, especially with the funding needed for those and at least a dozen other locations that have been identified as needing fortification.  One resident remarked, “We’re all recognizing the climate is moving faster than people expected.”

Offshore Wind Research Lease Granted to State of Maine

(Washington, DC)  The Department of the Interior Monday announced the nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease to the State of Maine.  The lease area covers 9700 acres located 28 nautical miles off shore and could allow for deployment of up to 12 floating offshore wind turbines capable of generating enough renewable energy to power 27,000 homes. The lease is a first step, with construction not likely to occur on the research array for several years.

(Washington, DC)  The nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease was granted to the State of Maine yesterday by the US Department of the Interior.  The lease area covers 9700 acres located 28 nautical miles off shore and could allow for deployment of up to 12 floating offshore wind turbines capable of generating enough renewable energy to power 27,000 homes, in addition to leading to well-paying jobs. The lease is a first step, with construction not likely to occur on the research array for several years.

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Historical Society Completes Exterior Rehab of Old Sheriff’s Home and Jail

(Ellsworth)  From the outside, she’s a new woman, fortified, stabilized and ready for another 140 years or so.  The Ellsworth Historical Society Monday announced completion of Phase 1 of the rehabilitation of the Old Hancock County Sheriff’s Home and Jail.  Phase 1 included exterior repair of all the bricks that were crumbling, forcing folks off the sidewalk and allowing in rain and snow.  From March to mid-August this year, expert masons painstakingly rebuilt the crumbling exterior using original materials and true-to-original colored mortar.  The restoration was made possible through the generosity of many grantors and agencies as part of a 20-month campaign by the Society to secure the needed funding.  With the completion of Phase 1, the jail stands ready to continue its role welcoming visitors as a museum and cultural heritage center.

(Ellsworth)  She stood as a proud symbol of Ellsworth’s rich history, serving as Hancock County’s law enforcement center and the sheriff’s family residence from 1886 to 1976.  Yet the Old Hancock County Sheriff’s Home and Jail was falling apart from without, the crumbling bricks of the facade forcing closure of the sidewalk and allowing in rain and snow.  The Ellsworth Historical Society embarked upon a 20 month campaign to secure funding for Phase 1 – and multiple grantors came through.  From March to mid-August this year, expert masons Hascall & Hall of Portland painstakingly rebuilt the crumbling exterior using original materials and true-to-original colored mortar.  This week, EHS announced “Mission Accomplished”.  With the completion of Phase 1, the jail stands ready to continue its role welcoming visitors as a museum and cultural heritage center.  Well done!

Human Interest/Entertainment  

DCP Hires New Executive Director

(Ellsworth)  Downeast Community Partners’ Executive Director Rebecca Palmer is retiring after three years of heading up the agency whose broad reach serves Hancock and Washington Counties, but the nonprofit will make a seamless transition with the hiring of Rota Knott.  Knott brings 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, including positions in Maryland and Maine.  Knott most recently served as Executive Director of the Acadia Family Center in SW Harbor.  Knott officially began her new role with DCP on Monday.

(Ellsworth)  There are new hands at the helm of one of Hancock and Washington Counties’ most prolific agencies for helping those in need.  Downeast Community Partners’ Executive Director Rebecca Palmer is retiring after overseeing many positive changes during her three year tenure with DCP.  She leaves the position in the capable hands of Rota Knott, who most recently served as Executive Director of the Acadia Family Center in SW Harbor.  Knott brings 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and stepped into her new role on Monday.

Sports

The Red Sox lost to the Astros 5-4.  Teams on the field tonight again in Houston for Game 2 of that series.

Former George Stevens Academy and Bowdoin College standout Lora Trenkle Cooperman is one of 13 new members inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame.  The honor was bestowed in a ceremony at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor earlier this month..