Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Drone Service Will Join Search for Missing Clammer
(Milbridge) The US Coast Guard, the Maine Marine Patrol, Maine State Police, fellow fishermen and others have been searching tirelessly for missing clam digger Alton Wallace. The search began Sunday afternoon when Wallace’s boat was found near Pinkham Island, with no sign of the fisherman. 2A TAC Air OPS Drone Services primarily is involved in Pet Rescue; but when Wallace’s family requested their help and Incident Command said it was on board, the drone team, along with Sky Dog Aerial Thermal Imaging, jumped on board and headed to Milbridge. The plan is to join the search all day today and Saturday. While it is believed Wallace may have suffered a medical event and did not survive, the recovery teams hope to find answers and bring closure to the family. Rob and his crew do all the searches at low or no cost to the families – you can donate at the link you’ll find on their FB page.
Hancock County RCC Dispatcher Honored
(Ellsworth) The job is one that dispatchers put their hearts into, especially when YOUR heart is in their hands. When it comes to emergencies involving the heart … or any other crisis, the Hancock County RCC is fortunate to have Dispatcher Rolly Means. Means recently received a Maine EMS Phoenix Award for 2024. The honor is given to members of the EMS community who were involved with a cardiac event prior to arrival at the hospital, where their actions ensured the survival of a patient who was discharged and thrives, according to a FB post. Remaining calm, knowing who to dispatch and how to help under extreme pressure – the job of dispatchers every day. Congratulations, Rolly.
MaineDOT to Install Flashing Wrong Way Signs
(Maine) The Maine Department of Transportation is preparing to shed a light on a dangerous driving mistake. They say while wrong-way crashes aren’t frequent, head-on collisions are by far the most dangerous for motorists. To help combat the problem, Maine DOT will be installing flashing light signs at all on- and off-ramps in Maine in order to alert motorists who have taken a wrong turn. Select intersections will be equipped with wrong way detection systems, as well, that will automatically alert the transportation management center.
Local Politics
Lawmakers Debate Transportation Needs
(Augusta) Two in five Mainers lack safe, reliable, affordable transportation, according to a recent report by the Moving Maine Network, a statewide collaborative focused on reducing barriers to transportation for people who can’t drive – or who can’t afford reliable transportation. A January report from the John T. Gorman Foundation shows public transit options in Maine currently meet just 11% of the state’s transportation needs. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Maine lawmakers are considering a number of measures that aim to improve transportation in the state, including a bill, expected to pass as amended, that would strengthen the coordination of community transportation. Nonprofits who work with those needing transportation say such issues, by and large, are one of the top barriers for their clients.
(Augusta) Approximately 40,000 Maine households do not have a vehicle, and a fifth of Mainers live in places where they need to travel at least 30 miles to see a doctor, according to a report cited in the Pen Bay Pilot. Lauren Wille, legal director of Disability Rights Maine, says transportation issues are, by and large, one of the very top issues their clients must deal with. Lawmakers in Augusta are considering a number of bills to address the issue, including LD 1451, which they say would increase interagency coordination, create a state coordinator of mobility management, and establish regional hubs to make better use of federal funds for public transportation. Keep up with the progress on these and all bills before the Maine legislature at legislature dot maine dot gov forward slash bill tracker.
Pingree Demands Answers on PFAs Grants Being Canceled
(Washington, DC) Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is demanding answers from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin after his agency inexplicably canceled PFAs research grants, including several in Maine. Pingree said numerous Maine farmers have had their livelihoods disrupted due to PFAs contamination and federal investments in research are essential to finding innovative solutions. She reminded Zeldin he has said PFAs is a priority and asked why, if that’s the case, the grants were terminated.
Court Order Stops Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education
(Maine) A win Thursday for the U.S. Department of Education. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey was part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general that sued the Trump administration after it announced plans to eliminate 50 percent of the Education Department’s workforce. The President’s Executive Order also demanded the Department to immediately transfer student loan management and special education services outside the Department. The AG’s argued and the courts agreed the Trump administration’s attacks were illegal and unconstitutional.
House Passes Trump’s Bill for Domestic Agenda
(Washington, DC) The House on Thursday narrowly passed a bill to deliver President Trump’s domestic agenda. The NY Times reports the early morning vote was 215 to 214, mostly along party lines. The legislation would slash taxes, primarily for the wealthy, direct more money to the military and border security, and pay for some of those changes with cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, education and clean energy programs. It would also add significantly to federal deficits and to the ranks of the uninsured. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Economy
Former Sardine Cannery Will House Blueberries
(Gouldsboro) Wyman’s … the name is synonymous with Maine-grown blueberries. They’ll soon be “berry” much present in the Gouldsboro Village of Prospect Harbor. The Bangor Daily News reports the Milbridge-based company plans to rent 18,000 square feet of the former Stinson Seafood sardine cannery to use for frozen storage for blueberries and other fruits it processes for the retail market. Wyman’s, a family owned business since 1874, says it has seen increased demand for its fruit products in recent years. A company spokesperson said the new freezer space in Gouldsboro will allow the company to store up to five million pounds of frozen fruit.
Affordable Home Ownership Workshop
(Ellsworth) Affordable home ownership – is there really such a thing? Healthy Acadia says yes, and they’re co-sponsoring an affordable home ownership event on Friday, June 5th, from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth. LB Development Partners and Penquis will join them to talk about a new development coming soon to Ellsworth. If you’re a potential homebuyer, they say you’ll want to hear about this opportunity for you and your family. Check out the City of Ellsworth FB page to learn more.
Father’s Day Gift Basket Raffle
(Ellsworth) Just for Dad’s – the City of Ellsworth has a Father’s Day Gift Basket raffle available in the City Clerk and Tax Office at City Hall. Ticket proceeds go to the Christmas for Kids fund to help local children in need receive gifts during the holiday season. Tickets are just a dollar apiece, six for $5, 13 for ten dollars, or 30 for $20 and can be purchased right there at the Clerk’s office. The basket contains a Home Depot gift card, a Carhartt cap, a drink cooler, a thermos mug, hammer multi-tool, beef jerky snacks and more. Enter to win now through June 12th, the day of the drawing. Father’s Day, by the way, is June 15th.
Education
Trump Administration Blocks Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students
(NYT) The Trump Administration yesterday halted Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students. The New York Times reports the move takes aim at a crucial funding source for the nation’s oldest and wealthiest college in a major escalation in the administration’s efforts to pressure the school to fall in line with Trump’s agenda. According to university enrollment data, international students make up about 27 percent of the school’s student body. Experts say the President’s latest crackdown will likely prompt a second legal challenge from Harvard, which last month sued the administration over its attempt to impose changes to its curriculum, admissions policies, and hiring practices.
Environment
Browntail Moth Update
(Maine) Despite the recent rain and chilly mornings, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports browntail moth caterpillars are thriving across Maine. They say the pest’s silky, webbed shelters are water repellent, keeping them dry and protected as they continue to grow. Scientists at UMaine Cooperative Extension say as caterpillars molt, more toxic hairs are released into the environment, increasing the risk of rash. They add the pests will soon begin leaving their trees more often, so it’s important to stay alert. Precautions to take include wearing long sleeves, using gloves, and protecting your eyes.
No Mow May vs. Ticks
(Maine) The No Mow May movement has been an easy one this year, with soggy ground and wet grass threatening to clog mowers. The movement began as a way to give bees, butterflies, and others a head start on the season by allowing wildflowers and even dandelions to add color to your property and food to the fliers who rely on them. But does not mowing add to the tick problem? Griffin Dill, coordinator of the UMaine Extension Tick Lab told WGME letting the grass grow for a month isn’t going to suddenly create a tick problem. Dill says if ticks are around the home landscape, it’s because the suitable habitat is already there – like wooded edges, not a sunny lawn. He adds ticks tend to thrive in shaded, damp areas, so if you’re participating in No Mow May to support pollinators, sit back with a tall glass of tea – there will be plenty of time to mow in June.
Passes Needed for Cadillac Mountain Summit
(ANP) Tis the season – tourist season, that is. And while the weather lately hasn’t exactly afforded the best views, those gorgeous sunrises and sunsets will be back atop Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park very soon. Now through October 26th you’ll need a vehicle reservation in addition to your park pass in order to drive up there and see them. Reservations may be purchased online at recreation dot gov. Park staff reminds you, it’s quite a bit cooler at the summit, especially mornings and evenings – so get your pass, your reservation, pack some extra layers, maybe a hot coffee or tea, and enjoy. As soon as the sun comes back.
Infrastructure
Addison Bridge Replacement
(Addison) The Maine Department of Transportation wants to hear from locals about a project to replace the Lot Norton Bridge in Addison. They want to hear from those who travel the area, in order to present information, gather feedback, and answer questions. Anyone with an interest is invited to view a presentation on the MDOT website. Note that comments on the MDOT FB page aren’t monitored by project staff, but there is a link to formally submit your comments.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Old License Plates Can Be Recycled
(Maine) Now that the state is phasing out those iconic chickadee plates, what should drivers do with them? The Secretary of State’s Office shared with Maine Public you can keep them or drop them off at your town office or local BMV to be recycled. They caution don’t use those old plates on another vehicle, and take care they’re not lost or stolen. They say it’s also important to update your E-Z pass and other accounts quickly if you also were given a new plate number.
Maine Named One of the Greenest States for Fashion
(Maine) When it comes to sustainable fashion, Maine – you wear it well. Maybe it’s those all cotton flannel shirts; but according to a new study by clothing label experts, Super Label Store, Maine ranks as the third most sustainable fashion state in America, with an overall score of 74.7 out of 100. Vermont was the greenest in garments with a score of 92.9 what are THEY wearing? Fig leaves? … followed by Oregon at 77.4 and New Hampshire at 73.6. Mississippi bottomed out at just below 21.