Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Addison Drug Arrests
(Addison) The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency recently arrested four people from the Washington County town of Addison on drug-related charges. Agents say on the morning of April 30th, two search warrants were simultaneously executed, following a months-long drug trafficking investigation at 380 East Side Road and 362 Indian River Road. Taken into custody were 49 yo Denise Batson, 70 yo Ronald Robinson, and 30 yo Daniel Nash of Addison and 29 yo Shawn Davis of Bronx, NY. Authorities say based on the investigation, more arrests are expected.
Ellsworth Firefighter Retires After 25 Years
(Ellsworth) Captain Daryl Clark spent the last 25 years fighting fires as a career member of Ellsworth Professional Firefighters Local 3402. Clark officially retired last week. Following his final day of service, he arrived home via Engine 2 and was greeted by his family, including Dad, who is also a retired career member! Thank you both for your service.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
(Maine) Have you had that motorcycle out yet? Many hit the roads as soon as there’s a semi-warm day, and who could blame them? But the Maine Department of Public Safety says it’s also time to warn motorists to stay alert and share the road. They say motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. 35 motorcyclists were killed in 2024, according to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. That number represents one-fifth of the total fatalities for the year on Maine roadways. Authorities remind all drivers and riders to observe traffic laws, obey the speed limit, drive and ride alcohol and drug free, and avoid distractions. For riders, they say wear high visibility gear and a safe DOT-compliant helmet; and for motorists, yield to motorcyclists, especially when turning at intersections.
Route 2 in Hermon Closed Monday Following “Serious Crash”
(Hermon) A portion of Route 2 near New Boston Road in Hermon was closed to traffic Monday afternoon due to what law enforcement said was a “serious traffic crash”. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and Hermon Fire Department responded to the scene about 1:30. Authorities say a vehicle crossed the center line and hit a utility truck. Two people were taken to a hospital, one in serious condition. Traffic was diverted and the road was closed for several hours. It reopened about 6 last evening.
Local Politics
Angus King III to Run for Governor as Democrat
(Maine) Another Democrat has thrown his hat in the ring in the race for the next Governor of Maine. Angus King, III, son of Independent Senator Angus King made the announcement this morning. King said he’s spent his life building and making things that really help people – he founded Peaks Renewables, a project that helps Mainers heat homes and businesses while lowering emissions, and now wants to build a better Maine where it’s easier to start and grow a small business and build the economy. King joins Democrats Shenna Bellows and Kenneth Pinet, who are also running for the office. Republicans running include Robert Wessels, Bobby Charles, and Steven Sheppard.
King Works to Give Mainers Access to Lower Cost Prescription Drugs from Canada
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation that would allow Americans to save money by importing the same medications available in the US from pharmacies in Canada at lower costs. Studies show people in the United States often pay more for prescription drugs than people in other developed countries. And a 2024 report from the Department of Health and Human Services found Canadian drug prices to be roughly 44% of those in the US. King says the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act would give Maine people the ability to purchase their prescriptions directly from pharmacies across the northern border.
Collins Secures Reimbursement Funding for Northern Light Health
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins announcing $49M in delayed Federal Emergency Management Agency funding has been released to Northern Light Health by the Maine Emergency Management Agency. The monies are to reimburse costs associated with its COVID-19 response. The Senators’ office said Northern Light Health was among the healthcare providers that faced significant delays in receiving FEMA disaster relief funding following the pandemic, despite the substantial financial burden incurred while caring for patients.
Governor Mills Invites Canadian Premieres to Cross-Border Summit
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills on Monday joined five other northeast Governors in inviting six Canadian premieres to a cross border summit. Participants are expected to discuss the President’s tariffs and affirm the importance of maintaining strong cross-border relationships. Mills stressed the importance of Canada as Maine’s largest trading partner, with more than $6B in cross-border commerce last year alone. The conference is planned for Boston in the near future, although a specific date has not yet been set.
Maine State Library Workers Get Reprieve
(Augusta) A welcome reprieve for about half the employees at the Maine State Library who were slated for layoffs in light of recent cuts by the Trump Administration. Library officials told WMTW five staff members who were supposed to lose their jobs will now be able to continue working at the library due to new access to federal funding. The ruling comes after the Maine State Library announced it would have to lay off about a dozen employees due to the President’s executive order that set out to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
LePage Files to Run for Congress
(Augusta) Former Governor Paul LePage has filed for a spot in the 2026 race for the 2nd Congressional District. The Bangor Daily News reports the move sets up a potential contest between the Republican and Democratic Representative Jared Golden. The 76 year old has lived mostly in Florida since leaving the Blaine House in 2019 due to term limits. As of Sunday evening, he was still a registered Florida voter. LePage ran unsuccessfully against Democratic Governor Janet Mills in 2022.
Economy
Cuts Especially Affect Those in Rural Areas
(Maine) It’s no secret federal funding costs have led to food shortages and hardships at pantries across the country, especially in rural areas, as here in Maine. A proposed budget resolution passed by the U.S. House in April would require $1.7 Trillion in net funding cuts. Anti-hunger advocates fear SNAP benefits could be a target. KFF News says more people living in rural parts of the country, such as here in Maine, rely on SNAP than people in urban areas because of higher poverty rates, so experts say they would be disproportionately affected.
Environment
Maine Arbor Week
(Ellsworth) Plan now for Arbor Week in Ellsworth, May 18 to 24. For the fourth consecutive year, Ellsworth has been designated a Tree City USA! You can volunteer at the Community Tree Nursery at Jordan Homestead Preserve. On Sunday, May 18th and Saturday, May 24th, community members can participate in Tree Steward workshops focused on mulching and staking trees and other seasonal tree care. On Monday, May 20th, volunteers will join second grade students and teachers from Ellsworth Elementary Middle School in planting another 80 trees at the nursery. All activities are led by Arbor Commission Chair Tabatha White and Tree Steward Michael Otzwirk. Learn more and register by contacting Mary Blackstone at the email address provided with this story on our Star 97.7 news page.([email protected])
Trump Administration Seeks to Expand Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
(Washington, DC) The Trump administration wants to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, including in the Gulf of Maine. The Portland Press Herald reports the Department of the Interior also moved to speed up permitting for a range of energy sources, primarily fossil fuels. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins have introduced legislation to ban offshore drilling in waters throughout New England. The Senators cited the importance of a healthy ecosystem for Maine’s fishing industries and warned of the potential disaster of oil spills and other eco-disasters.
Health
Research Contradicts RFK, Jr.’s Claims About Autism
(NBC News) When Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the government’s new autism findings last month, he painted a grim and highly controversial picture. The Secretary said not only was autism becoming more prevalent, but claimed that “most cases now are severe.” The latest research confirms nothing to substantiate such claims. Rather, NBC News reports new research at the annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research in Seattle suggests that the share of autism cases with moderate or significant symptoms remained relatively consistent between 2000 and 2016. Kennedy, Jr. has sought to tie autism to vaccines, another claim so far not backed by scientific evidence.
Infrastructure
High Street Closure in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Just a reminder a section of High Street in Ellsworth will be closed from 9 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. The closure will affect High Street between Foster and Washington Streets and nighttime traffic near the Merrill Lane/Shaw’s Shopping Center intersection. Motorists are advised to detour down Washington Street to Water Street to Foster Street.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Library Blooms with Programs in May
(Ellsworth) Forest bathing sessions, a May art show, storytime, and a chance to connect with Friends of Acadia about volunteering – those are just a few of the programs blooming this month at the Ellsworth Public Library. New in May, a social group for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities dubbed “The Friendship Group” will meet the first Tuesday of each month – so that’s this morning at 10 a.m. On May 17th, the League of Women Voters of Maine will lead an informational session on local government participation. And on May 24th, enjoy the launch of the recently published “Inside Out: Art and Writing by Residents of the Hancock County Jail.” For all the growing opportunities this month, visit ellsworth library dot net.
Ellsworth Memorial Day Parade
(Ellsworth) It’s not too early to sign up for the May 26th Memorial Day Parade in Ellsworth! The VFW is looking for community groups, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and others to join the parade, which will line up at 9 at the Moore Community Center and kick off at 10 a.m. Politically affiliated groups are not permitted. To learn more or to register, email ellsworth memorial day parade at gmail dot com.
Mount Desert Community Shredding Day
(Mt. Desert) If you live in the village of Mt. Desert and you or your business has sensitive information to dispose of, mark May 31st on your calendar. The Sustainability Committee is sponsoring a free document shredding event from 9 to 1 that Saturday at the Highway Garage, 307 Sargeant Drive.