Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Flags to be Lowered Today for Peace Officers Memorial Day
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills has ordered all US and Maine state flags be lowered to half staff today in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. The annual observance during National Police Week honors local, state, and federal law enforcement officials who have given their lives in the line of duty.
Maine Department of Labor Reports First Quarter Violations
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor reports it has recovered nearly $58K in back wages and liquidated damages for workers in the first quarter of 2025. Information was released Wednesday on labor law violation cases closed in the first quarter, including final orders and citations issued to 19 employers, finding 1,119 violations affecting close to 200 workers. Last year in Maine, violations in the hospitality industry accounted for 84%, health care 21%, and construction 25% of the labor law violations found. Specific information is reported on the MDOL website.
Rockport Arson Arrest
(Rockport) Authorities have arrested a Rockport woman for arson in connection with multiple fires, one of which destroyed a single family home at 327 West Street in Rockport. Rockport Police and Fire Departments were called to the home Tuesday afternoon and discovered evidence of several additional fires on the property, although those fires were no longer burning. The home’s sole occupant, 35 yo Andrea Annis, escaped the fire without injury, but an initial investigation led authorities to take her into custody at the scene. Annis faces multiple charges including several counts of Arson, Refusing to Submit to Arrest, and Burning Without a Permit. She was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and was expected to be transported to the Knox County Jail upon being discharged.
Ford Recall
(Undated) Ford is recalling nearly 274,000 of its Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs across the US because of an issue they say may cause a loss of brake function while driving. The recall covers model years 2022 and 2024. Ford says it expects just 1% of those vehicles have the defect, but says Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the front brake lines of impacted vehicles and replace them or the air cleaner outlet pipe, if necessary, free of charge.
Economy
Community Closet 207
(Ellsworth) Community Closet 207 on Water Street in Ellsworth is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides no or low cost household necessities that may not otherwise be provided to families in need…from maternity and baby needs, to hygiene products, clothing, shoes, blankets and more. They’re currently working to raise $75K to continue providing such services. They say a $20 donation can provide a new outfit for a job interview, ensure a new spring wardrobe for a growing child, and even give an expecting mother a shopping spree for her baby. You can donate through PayPal at the link you’ll find on the Community Closet 207 FB page. Give a little – do a whole lot to help those in need.
Maine Farmers Drought Relief Fund
(Augusta) The Maine Farmers Drought Relief Fund offers financial assistance to farmers to develop agricultural water management plans and to install wells and water storage ponds throughout Maine. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry is offering up to $7,500 for agricultural water management plans prepared by qualified technical service providers, or 90-percent cost-sharing for installation of dug wells, drilled wells, and gravel-packed wells or water storage ponds up to certain cost limits. Funding is limited to water sources for cropland; field irrigation systems are not being funded by this program; funding is not contingent on any federal conservation financial assistance programs. Visit the MDACF website to learn more and to apply.
Environment
Migratory Bird Season
(Undated) It’s migratory bird season. From hummingbirds to hawks, our feathered friends are on the move. A meteorologist in Ohio reported Sunday night, a highway of birds lit up the radar so much it fooled some automated weather apps into thinking rain was on the way, even though the forecast was for clear weather. The flocks were flying around 30 miles per hour some 3500 feet above the ground. When all was said and done, radar estimated 15 million birds passed over Ohio that night, 18 million over Michigan, and 18.5 million over Indiana. Scientists say birds migrate at night for several reasons – including energy conservation, and to avoid predators and extreme weather. They also use celestial navigation, such as star patterns … and traveling at night allows them to better forage for food during the day.
Strong Solar Flare
(Undated) The sun this week put out one of the biggest solar flares in months, which sometimes indicates an opportunity to see the northern lights. If Tuesday’s X2.5 flare produces another massive one later this week into early next week, scientists say it could lead to a good aurora show, even at lower latitudes. The current bright moon has been a deterrent to seeing those colorful lights, but the weekend should bring us a moonless sky, better for aurora watching. You can join the FB group Maine Aurora Borealis Watch to stay updated.
Education
Maine DOE Announces County Teachers of the Year
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Education on Wednesday announced the 2025 County Teachers of the Year. They include Hancock County’s Annie Goodwin, a Kindergarten Teacher at Dedham Elementary, Washington County’s Janis Poulin Whitney, a Second Grade Teacher at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary, Waldo County’s Margaret Campbell, who teaches Fifth Grade at Ames Elementary; and from Knox County, Fifth Grade Teacher Melissa Goeke, who teaches at Hope Elementary. The 16 teachers chosen from Maine’s counties will participate in the intensive selection process throughout the summer. The 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year will be announced in the Fall.
Health
Coastal Maine Ambulance Service Looks for New Chief
(Gouldsboro) The town of Gouldsboro is on the hunt for a new chief to manage and oversee Schoodic EMS, the town’s ambulance service. The Bangor Daily News reports the town has seen a bit of turnover in the past few years. The most recent EMS chief, Ken Munroe, recently left for a job with Pleasant River Ambulance Service in Columbia Falls, a job Munroe said offered better money. But the Gouldsboro EMS, fire, and even police departments have struggled in recent years, according to the BDN. Tatum McClean, who served as EMS Chief before Munroe, resigned in 2022 to become fire chief in neighboring Winter Harbor. McClean was then fired from that position for allegedly submitting fraudulent reimbursement claims when he was head of Schoodic EMS. And recently, Gouldsboro’s sole remaining EMT was fired. The police department has stabilized after the hiring of Patrick McNulty in 2021. In the five years prior to his hiring, the town reportedly saw three police chiefs come and go.
Note: The Gouldsboro Fire Department reports they do still have five EMT’s on the staff, so there are no gaps in coverage.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Castine Historical Society Executive Director Retires
(Castine) The Castine Historical Society recently announced the retirement of Executive Director Lisa Simpson Lutts. Lutts served as the first Executive Director, beginning her tenure in 2017. During her seven years in leadership, she worked with staff, the Board, and volunteers to increase programming, fundraising, and visibility. Lutts says two projects of which she’s especially proud are finding a conservator to clean the Civil War Monument on the Town Common and a seven-part education series featuring scholars and local historians giving in-person and on-line presentations on the town’s African-American history. Lutts reportedly also raised almost $80K in grant revenue to offset costs associated with exhibitions and educational programming.
Ellsworth Memorial Day Parade
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Memorial Day Parade is less than two weeks away! On Monday, May 26th, be sure you’re downtown as the parade kicks off from the Moore Community Center at 10 a.m (lineup at 9), heading down State, School, and Main Streets, with a brief ceremony at the bridge, then back to the Center. Following the parade, stay for a ceremony on the City Hall lawn – all to honor past and present veterans and those who have sacrificed their freedom and are no longer with us. The parade is organized by the City Recreation Commission and Ellsworth VFW Post #109, and if you’d like to participate IN the parade, you can contact Kimberly Fitch at ellsworth memorial day parade at gmail dot com or the VFW.
Ellsworth Garden Club Pink Tulip Festival
(Ellsworth) It’s one of Ellsworth’s freshest, most colorful events! The Ellsworth Garden Club’s annual family-friendly Pink Tulip Festival and Plant Sale is set for Saturday, May 31st at Donald Little Park. The plant sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. You’ll want to get there early for the best selection of perennials such as daylilies, hosta, phlox, New England asters and so many more. They’ll also have vegetable plants for sale and free plants for children. The Ellsworth Elementary Middle School will be there with their own booth, selling items to benefit the school’s gardening program. Proceeds from the Pink Tulip Festival benefit the park and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Center. You can also donate directly at ellsworth garden club dot org.
Young Artists in Action
(Ellsworth) An art exhibition opening this weekend in Ellsworth showcases Ellsworth High School’s AP Art and Design Students. Heart of Ellsworth reports the students have spent the past year diving deep into creativity through the College Board’s rigorous AP Portfolio program. The result of their studies is a fascinating show of 2D design, drawing, and 3D design that’s all about experimentation, revision, and finding a unique, artistic voice. The Opening event is this Friday, May 16th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 16 State Street. The show runs through May 28th, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 to 3 daily.
Play-it-Forward Day at Knowlton Park
(Ellsworth) May 24th is Play-it-Forward Day at Ellsworth’s Knowlton Park. The City’s Recreation Commission invites families and community members to the fun and informative event scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. that Saturday. The event is designed to raise awareness about ongoing playground upgrades and maintenance, highlight the work of the Recreation Commission, and inform users more about how they can get involved in supporting playground design and projects. The morning will feature hands-on, family friendly activities, including Touch-A-Truck, Playground Tours, a Knowlton Park BINGO Adventure and more. The City is in the process of upgrading playground features to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for all. That includes the splash pad, which will be closed until early July for resurfacing.