Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MSP Make Arrest in 41 Year Old Homicide
(Bangor) Maine State Police on Thursday made an arrest in a murder case that dates back more than 40 years. They say 18 yo Linda Maxwell was last seen in the Calais area on August 23rd, 1984. Two days later, her body was recovered along the shoreline of the St. Croix River in the Washington County town of Robbinston. Despite an extensive investigation at the time, the case remained unsolved…but not forgotten. Yesterday, following an intensive and expanded investigation, authorities arrested 65 yo Raymond Brown of Bangor, formerly of Pembroke, charging him with Maxwell’s murder. Brown was taken into custody about 4:15 yesterday afternoon after a traffic stop on Broadway in Bangor. He was transported to the Washington County Jail, where he’s being held without bail. Police have not yet revealed what led to Brown being considered a key suspect in the case.
Search for Stefanie Damron Planned for New Sweden
(New Sweden) Volunteers from search-and-rescue organizations will converge on the New Sweden area today through the weekend in a planned search for Stefanie Damron, a 14-yo girl who was reported missing by family last September. Authorities say to expect a large law enforcement presence in the area, including members of the Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service, FBI, and trained volunteers. Searches will take place on foot, by vehicle, and with the use of drones. As a reminder, the FBI is offering a $15K reward for information that leads to Stefanie’s safe return or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in her disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call Maine State Police.
Child Passenger Safety Training
(Waterville) Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States; but when properly installed, car seats can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is hosting a Child Passenger Safety Technician certification course in Waterville from May 5–8th. The training, with hands-on demonstrations, will culminate in a public car seat check, giving families an opportunity to ensure their children are safely secured. Training is 8 to 5 daily, with the free car seat safety check from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th.
MBHS Warns of Heat Stroke Risk in Cars
(Augusta) If you’ve ever sat in a car on a warm, sunny day, you know how fast things can heat up. With warmer weather here, the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is urging parents and caregivers to stop, look, and never leave a child alone in a vehicle. They say heat stroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger in the U.S. Statistics show on average, one child dies every ten days from heat stroke after being left in a car – and they say every one of those tragedies is preventable. Experts caution that goes for pets, too. Officers say if you see a child who appears to be in distress, attempt to get into the car, even if it means breaking a window. They say many states, including Maine, have Good Samaritan laws that protect people from lawsuits for getting involved in an emergency.
(Augusta) Statistics show on average every ten days, a child dies from heat stroke after being left in a car – and they say every one of those tragedies is preventable. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is urging parents and caregivers to do the following to ensure your child is safe. Make it a habit to look in the back seat every time you exit the car. Leave your wallet as a reminder. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Always lock your car and put the keys out of reach. If your child is late for daycare, even a few minutes, ask your daycare provider to call you. Teach children if they can’t get out, honk the horn to get attention. And if you see a child who appears to be in distress, attempt to get into the car, even if it means breaking a window.
Maine Gains Additional LIHEAP Funding
(Maine) Maine learned Thursday it would gain $4M in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds, or LIHEAP. The funds are part of an announced more than $400M being released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That follows a letter sent to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. by Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, Democrat Jack Reed, and 10 of their colleagues, highlighting the importance of such funding that helps thousands of Mainers stay warm each winter. The additional monies bring the state’s total allotment to about $41.6M for FY 2025. Senior citizens, those receiving Social Security Disability and other benefits are encouraged to apply as soon as possible through their local Community Action Organization. Funding is open to everyone in need until the monies are exhausted.
Trump Cuts Funding for NPR, PBS
(Washington, DC) President Trump yesterday signed an Executive Order instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to “cease direct funding to NPR and PBS.” A fact sheet from the White House shows the order blocks federal funding to those media outlets to the maximum extent of the law. It also prevents indirect funding to PBS and NPR by prohibiting local public radio and television stations, and any other recipients of CPB funds, from using taxpayer dollars to support the organizations.
Collins Criticizes Trump’s Cutbacks to Biomedical Research
(Washington, DC) During a Senate committee hearing this week, Senator Susan Collins this week criticized the Trump administration for cutbacks to biomedical research. The Portland Press Herald said the meeting highlighted the importance of the work and the impact cuts are having on labs in Maine … and nationwide. Collins told the meeting, “If clinical trials are halted, research is stopped and laboratories are closed, effective treatments and cures for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Type 1 Diabetes, childhood cancers, and Duchenne’s (Du-SHAYNES) muscular dystrophy will be delayed or not discovered at all.”
King Co-Sponsors Legislation to Preserve Public Lands
(Washington, DC) From Maine to Montana, people travel from across the globe to experience the natural beauty of America’s public lands. Independent Senator Angus King this week joined Republican Representative Steve Daines of Montana in calling for legislation that would reauthorize the Restore Our Parks Act, part of the Great American Outdoors Act. President Trump first signed the Act into law in 2020. The reauthorization would fund crucial projects, address maintenance backlogs, and better protect public lands and the visitor experience.
May Day Rallies
(Undated) Hundreds of thousands in the U.S. and around the world rallied Thursday in May Day protests that united many in anger over President Trump’s agenda. Here in Maine, protests were held in Portland, Lewiston and other towns and cities, with dozens lining the bridge in Ellsworth. Protestors say they’re angry with the President’s agenda they say includes deporting American citizens and others without due process, cracking down on free speech, and aggressive tariffs that are stoking fears of global economic turmoil.
Economy
Ellsworth Welcomes New Economic Development Director
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth has hired a new Economic Development Director, and from the sound of things, Twila Fisher will be the perfect fit. The City says Fisher’s areas of expertise include municipal and historic preservation planning, workforce development and training, climate action planning, and the implementation of federal and state grants. Fisher brings 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors and most recently served as Director of Community and Economic Development at the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Ellsworth City Manager Charlie Pearce said Fisher was the top scorer in both the resume review and interview rounds and stood out not just for her credentials, but for her genuine passion for community-driven work. Fisher will officially step into the role on June 9th.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Manager Charlie Pearce says Twila Fisher was not only the top choice for the city’s new Economic Development Director, but that she’s the RIGHT choice for Ellsworth. Fisher will officially assume the role of Economic Development Director on June 9th. The City says Fisher, who most recently held comparable high level jobs in Pennsylvania, brings extensive experience in forging partnerships, aligning resources with needs, and designing creative solutions to social challenges. She holds degrees from the London School of Economics, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia, and brings more than 20 years of academic and real world experience in both the public and private sectors. Pearce said Fisher stood out in a large and competitive applicant pool not only for her credentials, but also her genuine passion for community-driven work.
EV Surcharge Possible
(Augusta) Thirty nine states charge electrical vehicle registration fees. Maine may soon join them. The Portland Press Herald reports if a bipartisan proposal before lawmakers is approved, owners of electrical vehicles could be charged an annual $250 registration surcharge. Statistics from the National Conference of State Legislatures show in other states, fees range from a low of $50 – that’s in Colorado – to a high of $290 in New Jersey.
Education
MSM Opens Summer Camp Registration
(Cherryfield) Maine Seacoast Mission has opened registration for its 2025 EdGE summer camp. Camp opportunities are offered in Addison, Machias, and Milbridge for Washington County youth in Kindergarten through Grade 8. EdGE Summer Camp provides children fun, safe, social peer experiences, while helping parents maintain work schedules. Camp is $30 per student per week and runs between June 16 and July 25, with varying dates at the different locations. Parents can enroll children on a week-by-week basis or for the summer at seacoast mission dot org. (or call 546-4466)
Environment
Card Brook Cleanup
(Ellsworth) The Card Brook Cleanup in Ellsworth is ON for tomorrow! The Card Brook, a tributary of the Union River, collects more than its share of trash as it flows through a major part of the City’s urban core, so come on out and help restore its natural purity. Organizer Brittany Merrill says meet near the EV charging stations at Hannaford at 9 and get everything you need – trash bags, gloves, water, snacks and more. Wear waders or other sturdy footwear and work 9 until Noon – or stay for just an hour or two. They ask that minors be accompanied by an adult, and say it’s extremely helpful if you sign up ahead of time on the City’s website. And after the work is done, enjoy lunch and a raffle at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge! The Annual Card Brook cleanup – now happening Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Public Library Tiny Art Show
(Ellsworth) Here’s your chance to show off those artistic talents! During May, the Ellsworth Public Library is hosting The Tiny Art Show. Today through May 9th, sign up at the circulation desk and pick up your small canvas and easel. You’ll be given a number – just take your canvas home and create your masterpiece, returning it to the library by May 16th. The artwork will then be displayed for folks to vote on through the rest of the month. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to The Rock & Art Shop! Put YOUR talents on display – stop in for your tiny canvas today.