Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Washington County Drug Bust
(Addison) Six people have been arrested on drug related charges, following a months-long investigation in the Washington County town of Addison. Maine State Police on Wednesday executed search warrants at 369 and 870 East Side Road, where they found fentanyl, cocaine, firearms and suspected drug proceeds. At least two suspects attempted to flee, but were apprehended by authorities. 60 yo Adrian Batson, 55 yo Bret Burke, and 49 yo Michelle Wright of Addison were taken into custody, along with two suspects from the Dominican Republic and a Massachusetts man. The six face various drug-related charges.
(Addison) Maine State Police on Wednesday arrested half a dozen people in the Washington County town of Addison. Authorities say the arrests follow a months-long investigation into suspected drug activity. Wednesday morning, deputies simultaneously executed search warrants at 369 and 870 East Side Road. They say at one of the locations, two of the suspects attempted to flee out a back window but were quickly apprehended. Police say they found fentanyl, cocaine, firearms, and suspected drug proceeds at the homes. Two suspects from the Dominican Republic, a Massachusetts man, and three people from Addison – 60 yo Adrian Batson, 55 yo Bret Burke, and 49 yo Michelle Wright – were taken into custody. All six face multiple drug related charges.
Ellsworth Attorney to Serve Jail Time
(Ellsworth) A disbarred Ellsworth attorney is going to jail. The Bangor Daily News reports Christopher J. Whalley was sentenced this week to serve 14 months for stealing thousands of dollars from the estate of a deceased client. The 65 yo attorney’s law license was revoked two years ago after he acknowledged misconduct in the handling of the estate of a Milbridge man who died in 2018. Whalley repaid the money, plus interest in 2022. His attorney says Whalley will likely be released early. His sentencing was stayed until January 6th, allowing Whalley to be home for the holidays.
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth attorney who was disbarred in 2022 will serve jail time beginning in January. The Bangor Daily News reports Christopher J. Whalley was sentenced this week to serve 14 months for stealing thousands of dollars from the estate of a deceased client. The 65 yo attorney’s law license was revoked two years ago after he acknowledged misconduct in the handling of the estate of a Milbridge man who died in 2018. Whalley repaid the money, plus interest in 2022. His attorney says Whalley will likely be released early and serve the remainer of his sentence at home under supervision.
Stonington Domestic Violence
(Stonington) A Stonington man was taken to the Hancock County Jail Thursday morning, charged with multiple counts of domestic violence. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, they received a 9-1-1 call shortly before 8 a.m. yesterday from a woman reporting 47 yo Derek Trundy had assaulted her, brandished a firearm, and was preventing her from leaving the residence. While on the phone with first responders, the woman was able to escape to a nearby building. Once on the scene, deputies were able to get her to safety. Trundy then reportedly surrendered himself and was taken into custody without incident. Anyone facing or suspecting domestic violence is urged to call the Next Step Domestic Violence Project helpline 24/7 at 800-315-5579.
(Stonington) An alleged domestic violence incident Thursday led to the arrest of a man in Stonington. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, a woman called 9-1-1 shortly before 8 yesterday morning saying a man later identified as 47 yo Derek Trundy had assaulted her, brandished a firearm, and was preventing her from leaving the residence. While on the phone with the RCC, the woman was able to escape to a nearby building. Deputies quickly arrived at the scene and took the woman to safety. They then reportedly made contact with Trundy who surrendered himself. After a medical evaluation, Trundy was taken to the Hancock County Jail, where he faces multiple counts of domestic violence. If you suspect or are struggling with domestic violence, you’re urged to call the Next Step Domestic Violence Project helpline 24/7 at 800-315-5579.
Local Politics
Utility Consumer Advocate Retiring
(Augusta) After more than four decades working on energy issues, including serving as Maine’s utility ratepayer watchdog, Consumer Advocate Bill Harwood says he plans to retire early next year. The now 72 yo told the Bangor Daily News he wants to spend more time with family and friends. Governor Janet Mills appointed Harwood to his current position in 2022. He’s also taught utility regulation and administrative law at the University of Maine. Harwood will step down when his term ends on January 31st. Governor Janet Mills on Thursday nominated Heather Sanborn to succeed Harwood. Sanborn is a small business owner, attorney, and former lawmaker.
(Augusta) Maine’s Public Utility Consumer Advocate will be stepping down when his term expires in January. Bill Harwood told the Bangor Daily News that at 72, it’s time to spend more time with family and friends. Harwood was appointed to his current position by Governor Janet Mills in 2022, but has spent more than four decades working on energy issues, including teaching utility regulation and administrative law at the University of Maine School of Law. Governor Janet Mills has nominated Heather Sanborn to serve as Harwood’s successor. Sanborn has served in both the Maine House and Senate where she successfully championed legislation to reduce energy costs for Mainers and small businesses and to help the state reach its energy efficiency goals.
Economy
Planning Board Approves New Ellsworth Hotel
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Planning Board has given final approval to a proposed new hotel on High Street. The structure will be a Witham Family Hotels facility known as Home 2 Suites and will be built next to the company’s Hampton Inn. Home 2 Suites are pet-friendly and offer extended stay perks such as breakfast and in-suite kitchens.
(Ellsworth) As area tourism grows, so does the need for lodging, and the City of Ellsworth will soon have a new hotel facility to help with that growing need. The Ellsworth Planning Board this week gave final approval to Witham Family Hotels to build a Home 2 Suites. Home 2 Suites are pet-friendly, extended stay hotels offering in-suite kitchens and other perks. The new lodging will be built next to the company’s Hampton Inn on High Street.
Health
MDI Hospital to Acquire Acadia Family Center
(Bar Harbor) MDI Hospital is acquiring Acadia Family Center in Southwest Harbor. WABI reports AFC is a nonprofit dedicated to mental health and substance use recovery services. AFC’s offerings will reportedly be absorbed into the hospital’s existing healthcare centers in Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor. The hospital plans to repurpose the Acadia Family Center building to host community outreach and engagement initiatives.
(Bar Harbor) Acadia Family Center, a SW Harbor nonprofit dedicated to mental health and substance use recovery services, will soon be a part of MDI Hospital. The hospital told WABI-TV AFC’s offerings will be absorbed into its existing healthcare centers in SW Harbor and NE Harbor. The hospital plans to repurpose the Acadia Family Center building that will then be used to host community outreach and engagement initiatives.
Infrastructure
Leaking Water Main in Ellsworth Leaves Residents, City Officials in Conundrum
(Ellsworth) In most cases, a leak in a water main is an easy fix, either by residents or by City officials, depending on ownership. But in the case of the infrastructure on Brae Drive in Ellsworth, it’s unclear just who’s responsible for the fix. The Bangor Daily News reports a dozen or so residents live on the street, which is near the city’s elementary school. Brae Drive is a private road built in the 1980s by a developer who has since passed away. The street is reportedly not up to City code, although the city has, in the past, reportedly made repairs to the water main. But current officials say the Maine PUC has said the city is not allowed to touch it because the water system is privately owned, even though the pipe is tied directly into the city’s water system. Residents are working with the City to resolve the issue.
(Ellsworth) Residents of Brae Drive in Ellsworth are working with City officials regarding repair of a water main leak. The issue is flooded with confusing details. The Bangor Daily News reports Brae Drive is a private road built in the 1980s by a developer who has since passed away. The street, home to about a dozen residents, is reportedly not up to City code; although the city has, in the past, reportedly made repairs to the water main. Resident Jack Frost has been in talks with City Manager Charlie Pearce, who says the City has been told by the Maine PUC that the city is not allowed to touch the leak, because the water system is privately owned, even though the pipe is tied directly into the city’s water system. Pearce said he’s open to helping the residents if there is a reasonable way to do that.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Christmas Parade
(Ellsworth) Tomorrow is the 44th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights! The parade kicks off from Ellsworth Elementary Middle School at 4 p.m. and will travel down State Street to School Street, turning onto Main Street down to the lower light, then head back up State Street. Lineup at the school begins at 3. Once again this year, the parade will be light-themed, with floats decked out with Christmas lights and other glowing decorations. This year’s theme is Christmas in Toyland. A huge thank you to organizer Kim Fitch and staff! Bundle up! Steve McKay says it will be clear but cold, with temps in the 20s.
(Ellsworth) It’s almost here! Tomorrow is the 44th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights! Businesses, organizations, and individuals will line up their floats and feet at the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School beginning at 3 and take off at 4 p.m., traveling down State Street to School Street, turning onto Main Street down to the lower light, and heading back up State Street. And, of course, Santa will be on hand for the young in years and the young at heart. This year’s theme is Christmas in Toyland. A huge thank you to organizer Kim Fitch and staff! Bundle up! Steve McKay says it will be clear but cold, with temps in the 20s.
Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington
(Columbia Falls) This Sunday, the Annual Wreaths Across America Convoy will be working its way to Ellsworth from Downeast Maine, making a stop in Ellsworth for a morning ceremony. The convoy will leave Narraguagus High School at 7:15 a.m. Sunday, parade through Milbridge, and arrive at the Ellsworth YMCA at 8:40 for a special ceremony honoring our veterans beginning shortly after 9. Feel free to wave if you’re anywhere along the route and participate in the ceremony at the Y.
(Columbia Falls) This Sunday, the Annual Wreaths Across America Convoy will once again leave Downeast Maine, heading for Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of those who gave their lives in service to our country. The convoy will leave Narraguagus High School at 7:15 a.m., parade through Milbridge, and arrive at the Ellsworth YMCA at 8:40 for a special ceremony honoring our veterans beginning shortly after 9. Feel free to wave if you’re anywhere along the route and join them to participate in the ceremony at the Y.
Sports
Girls HS Basketball – The Ellsworth Lady Eagles beat the Old Town Coyotes 48-43.
Tonight’s High School Basketball action – on the girls’ side, it’s George Stevens vs. Central. And the Sumner boys take on Machias, MDI vs. Orono, WA takes on Narraguagus, and the Searsport boys go up against Piscataquis.
Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks this evening.
Bruins home Saturday afternoon against the Philadelphia Flyers
The New England Patriots have the weekend off.