Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Augusta WalMart Bomb Threat
(Augusta) Police Thursday afternoon responded to the Augusta WalMart for a terrorizing complaint. Chief Kevin Lully reports to Star 97.7, a message containing a bomb threat was left at the store, prompting authorities to evacuate staff and customers. Lully said the retail outlet was then temporarily closed. Maine State Police deployed a K-9 team to help clear the store, which was to remain closed until WalMart staff felt it was appropriate to reopen.
(Augusta) The WalMart in Augusta was evacuated and closed yesterday afternoon, after a message containing a bomb threat was left at the megastore. Augusta Police Chief Kevin Lully reports to Star 97.7, officers received a terrorizing complaint from WalMart about 2:30 p.m. Deputies and Maine State Police deployed a K9 team to help evacuate the store. Chief Lully said the retail outlet was to remain closed until WalMart staff felt it appropriate to reopen.
Brunswick fire Suppression System Flagged as Deficient Prior to Toxic Release
(Brunswick) The fire suppression system at Brunswick Executive Airport was flagged as deficient more than a year before it malfunctioned on August 19th. The Portland Press Herald reports inspectors warned of “tremendous” potential for accidental foam discharge at the airport, but says repairs weren’t made to the aging system that went on to release 51,000 gallons of toxic chemical foam. Inspectors with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection have been going door to door this week, testing homeowners’ well water for PFAS from the spill.
(Brunswick) The Portland Press Herald reports inspectors flagged the fire suppression system at Brunswick Executive Airport as deficient more than a year before it malfunctioned last month, discharging 51,000 gallons of toxic chemical foam. Examiners warned of “tremendous” potential for accidental foam discharge at the airport, but they say repairs to the aging system weren’t made. The release sent PFAS-containing foam into nearby waterways and grounds, the lightweight foam further spread by winds in the days that followed. Officials from Maine DEP this week have been going door to door testing homeowners’ wells for PFAS from the spill.
Economy
Loaves and Fishes
(Ellsworth) They say third time’s a charm – and that’s certainly true for the Loaves and Fishes’ Food Pantry’s “Fill the Grand, Act III”. For the third consecutive year, the pantry is hoping to fill every seat in the historic Grand Theatre with a bag of nonperishable groceries, or – better yet – your generous $25 donation. Volunteers will be at the Grand between 10 and 6 today to collect donations – or you can go online to donate at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org. The pantry is hoping to raise $10,000 today to help stem growing food insecurity in Hancock County.
(Ellsworth) Inflation, rising utility costs, and winter looming – it could be a recipe for disaster for some families who struggle to put food on the table. The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth is here to help, but they can’t do it without YOUR help! Today from 10 until 6, volunteers will be in downtown Ellsworth for “Fill the Grand, Act III”. For the third consecutive year, the pantry is hoping to fill every seat in the historic Grand Theater with a bag of nonperishable groceries – or better yet, your $25 donation, which the pantry can use to buy even more groceries than our dollars will purchase. The community has already stepped up and started to fill those seats – so reserve yours today by stopping by or by donating online at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Eggs and Issues Participants Treated to Special Speakers
(Ellsworth) Participants at Thursday’s Eggs and Issues Breakfast at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge, sponsored by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, were treated to much more than just a delicious breakfast yesterday morning. Special speakers Tony Cameron, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association, and Acadia National Park’s John Kelly gave riveting talks about the anticipated impact of the new Trenton Gateway Center on area communities and businesses. The Gateway Center is scheduled to open next spring and will be a welcome and informative addition for tourists and locals alike. And that’s not all – proceeds from the morning went to the Elks Special Charity Project, the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
(Ellsworth) When the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce is behind an event, you know it’s going to be great. Perfect example? Yesterday’s Eggs and Issues at the Ellsworth Elk’s Lodge. Special speakers Tony Cameron, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association, and Acadia National Park’s John Kelly gave engaging talks about the anticipated impact of the new Trenton Gateway Center on area communities and businesses. The Gateway Center is scheduled to open next spring. Topping off that event like hollandaise sauce on Eggs Benedict, proceeds from the morning are going to the Elks Special Charity Project, the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
Environment
Outdoor Groups Launch “Yes on 4” Campaign
(Augusta) Groups of outdoor enthusiasts this week launched the “Yes on 4” campaign. The movement hopes to capitalize on efforts to support a $30M trail bond question that will appear on the November ballot here in Maine. The bond would provide much needed funding in support of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy and would help to repair existing trails and build new ones. Moneys would be distributed through grants … to towns, organizations, and clubs over the next four years.
(Augusta) It could be called “No Trail Left Behind” or “Hikers for a Cause”, but outdoor enthusiasts are calling it the “Yes on 4” campaign. Groups launched the campaign this week in support of a $30M trail bond question that will appear on the November ballot here in Maine. Bond monies would be distributed through grants provided to towns, organizations, and clubs. Supporters say it would provide much needed funding in support of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy and would help with repairing existing trails and building new ones.
Surry Road Paving
(Surry) The Maine Department of Transportation began paving the Surry Road on Thursday. MDOT is expected to continue paving into next week, at some point crossing the Surry town line in the Ellsworth direction. There will be alternating traffic at different points between Turkey Farm Road in Blue Hill to near Josie’s Country Store during the project.
(Surry) Expect paving on the Surry Road to continue today. The Maine Department of Transportation – not Public Works – began paving yesterday, with work expected to continue into next week and moving toward Ellsworth. There will be alternating traffic at different points between Turkey Farm Road in Blue Hill to near Josie’s Country Store throughout the project.
Searsport Flip the Switch Event Postponed
(Searsport) It’s not exactly “lights out” in Searsport, but they won’t be coming on as hoped tomorrow evening. The town had planned to “flip the switch” on new downtown sidewalk lighting Saturday, but the Pen Bay Pilot reports a contractor is waiting for a photocell to be installed before the “Let There Be Light” event can really turn things on. Stay tuned – they say the event will be rescheduled.
(Searsport) Lights, camera – oops, hold that action. The town of Searsport had planned to showcase its new downtown sidewalk lighting tomorrow evening, but the event is now postponed. A contractor is reportedly waiting for a photocell to be installed before the “Let There Be Light” event can occur. Stay tuned – town officials say the event will be rescheduled
Human Interest/Entertainment
Charles Norman Shay Ferry Commissioned
(Rockland) A spectacular day Thursday for the commissioning of the Charles Norman Shay Ferry in Rockport. Mr. Shay is a heroic Maine veteran and member of the Penobscot Nation, who served as a combat medic during the D-Day invasion. The new vessel bearing his name will primarily serve Matinicus Isle. Tours of the vessel followed the 10:30 a.m. ceremony. Mr. Shay’s nephew, Tim, attended the ceremony on his behalf, while the namesake himself sent a pre-recorded video message. Shay lives in France and celebrated his 100th birthday just this past June. Thank you for your service, Mr. Shay – a well deserved honor.
(Rockland) A WW II veteran who served as a combat medic during the D-Day invasion received a well-deserved honor on Thursday. Officers with the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine State Ferry Service, and others attended a commissioning ceremony for the Charles Norman Shay Ferry in Rockport. Mr. Shay is also a member of the Penobscot Nation. His nephew, Tim, was in Rockport on his behalf, and Mr. Shay provided a recorded video message. The ferry will primarily service Matinicus Isle. Shay lives in France, where just this past June he celebrated his 100th birthday. Thank you for your service, sir.
Open Lighthouse Day
(Maine) Tomorrow is Maine Open Lighthouse Day. Fifteen lighthouses dotting Maine’s coastline will be open for tours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Some visits, such as to Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse on Swan’s Island, require taking a ferry; while others, like West Quoddy Head, are mainland based. According to the American Lighthouse Foundation, the event – which is sponsored by the US Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism, and the ALF, attracts between 15- and 18-thousand visitors to Maine each year. For a list of participating lighthouses, hours, and directions, visit lighthouse foundation dot org.
(Maine) Brighten your weekend with a visit to one or several of Maine’s iconic lighthouses! The weather is going to be perfect tomorrow for Maine Open Lighthouse Day! From the Little River Lighthouse in Cutler to lighthouses on Islesboro, in Lubec, on Monhegan, and in South Portland – some are land-based; while for others, you’ll need to take a ferry – 15 Maine lighthouses are participating. Most will be open from 9 to 3 for tours. The American Lighthouse Foundation says the day, sponsored by the US Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism, and the ALF, attracts between 15- and 18-thousand visitors to Maine each year. For a list of participating lighthouses, hours, and directions, visit lighthouse foundation dot org.
Memorial Service for Machias Town Manager Planned
(Machias) A memorial service is planned tomorrow for Machias Town Manager, Bill Kitchen, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday. The service will be at Noon in the Machias Memorial High School gym, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
(Machias) A memorial service for Machias Town Manager Bill Kitchen will be held Saturday in the Machias Memorial High School gym. Kitchen passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. The service will begin at noon, and the town says everyone is welcome to attend.
Sports
The Red Sox at Yankee Stadium all weekend for a four-game series against the Bronx Bombers. Yankees over Red Sox yesterday 2-1.
The New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium Sunday afternoon with hopes of grounding the Seattle Seahawks.