Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Mt. Katahdin Search Ends in Tragedy
(Baxter SP) The search for a second hiker missing on Mt. Katahdin ended in tragedy yesterday when the Maine Warden Service confirmed search teams had found the body of 28 yo Esther Keiderling. Rescuers discovered her body about 1 p.m. in a wooded area between two known trails off the Tablelands, where teams on Tuesday found the body of her father, 58 yo Tim Keiderling. The search began Monday when the two failed to return from what was supposed to be a Sunday hike to the summit of the mountain and back. The family of the two say they were experienced hikers. More than two dozen professionals and K9 units spent three days combing trails, streams, and other areas of the mountain on foot and by air.
(Baxter SP) Exposure likely figured into the deaths of two hikers this week on Mt. Katahdin. 58 yo Tim Keiderling and his daughter, 28 yo Esther, experienced hikers, had traveled from New York to attempt a summit on Sunday. A search began Monday when their vehicle was found still in the day use parking lot. A team of 30 game wardens, a K9 unit, and helicopters searched, even using thermal imaging at one point. Tim Keiderling’s body was found Tuesday afternoon on the Tablelands near the summit. Esther was found deceased yesterday in a wooded area nearby. Photos from an Appalachian Trail through -hiker who summitted the mountain on Monday showed snow and icy conditions, and forecasters say Sunday’s weather was wet and windy, with temps dropping below freezing overnight into Monday.
MSP Continue to Investigate Lewiston Death
(Lewiston) Maine State Police continue to investigate the death of 42 yo Melissa Donoghue, whose body was found Monday at a residence on Old Greene Road in Lewiston. Police are not releasing the cause and manner of death while the investigation is ongoing, but say the MSP Major Crimes Unit was called to the home shortly after 5 a.m. on June 2nd and the victim’s body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where an autopsy was performed on Tuesday. We’ll keep you updated as information becomes available.
Red Cross Prepares for Hurricane Season
(Augusta) Hurricane season arrived June 1st and runs through the end of November. The American Red Cross reminds the public it only takes one of these powerful storms to cause overwhelming devastation – not just in coastal areas, but increasingly for miles inland. Before that first disaster occurs, the American Red Cross is working behind the scenes to coordinate response plans and ready volunteers and supplies. Last week, the Red Cross Northern New England hosted its annual Disaster Training Institute in Pembroke, New Hampshire, with three days of classes, hands-on exercises and workshops. They encourage everyone to download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts, open shelter locations, and expert advice in both English and Spanish.
(Augusta) Hurricane season is upon us. June 1 through November 30 is peak season for the storms that have become increasingly devastating. The American Red Cross is already working behind the scenes and has a critical need for some key positions. Disaster Action Teams help families in their communities following a fire or any disaster by providing emotional support and information on resources. Shelter Volunteers help handle the needs of shelter residents, and licensed professionals are needed for health and mental health services following a disaster. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, visit red cross dot org forward slash volunteer.
Maine Seacoast Mission Strengthens Coastal and Island Communities
(NE Harbor) You no doubt are familiar with the work of Maine Seacoast Mission, but did you know how this lifeline resource for coastal and island folks began? One hundred twenty years ago, Angus and Alexander MacDonald sailed up and down the Maine coast in all types of weather, calling on families living in isolated areas of the coast and islands. For well over a century, through two pandemics, two world wars, cultural revolutions and 21 presidential administrations, the mission has carried on with educating youth, supporting families, and promoting good health through their four programs – EdGE, Scholarships, Island Health, and Food Security. To learn more and to support their ongoing work, visit seacoast mission dot org.
Local Politics
Lawmakers Tweak PFML
(Augusta) Some lawmakers say Maine’s first attempt at requiring most employers to provide Paid Family and Medical Leave needs some adjustments. Beginning in 2026, many will be required to offer up to 12 weeks of paid time off for workers to care for themselves or a sick family member or to spend quality time with a newborn. Workers and employers began paying into the program this past January. Some say the requirement could compound already concerning staffing issues, with some Republicans calling for scrapping the program totally; an idea rejected by majority Democrats. With this week’s adjustment, workers would have to be employed at least 120 days in order to benefit. Changes also include clarifying conditions under which an employer might deny a request for paid leave, including labor shortages, especially during peak seasons.
Budget Bill Would Send Deficit Soaring
(Washington, DC) President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Budget Bill” is big indeed, but even fiscal hardliners in the GOP are stopping short of calling it attractive. The bill would add $2.4 trillion dollars to an already soaring debt over the next decade. While it would slash taxes, the biggest savings would be to the wealthy. Also included in the bill is language that would hamstring courts, particularly their ability to enforce contempt citations against the government when it violates court orders, and requiring plaintiffs to post a security bond at the outset of a case. Opponents and supporters of the bill alike say it weakens the ability of courts to hold the government accountable for violating orders, weakening the Separation of Powers, a hallmark of Democracy.
Bill to Protect Consumers from Medical Debt Heads to Governor’s Desk
(Augusta) A bill we told you about earlier this week that would strengthen consumer protections by prohibiting the report of medical debt on consumer reports was headed to the desk of Governor Janet Mills Wednesday. Data from Consumers for Affordable Health Care shows nearly half of Maine families have taken on medical debt in the last two years, with one in four of those families owing $5K or more. The bill, LD 558, is sponsored by Democratic Senator Donna Bailey of Saco. The Governor has ten days to sign the bill, allow it to become law without her signature, or veto it.
Economy
Community Closet 207 Seeks Sponsors
(Ellsworth) Community Closet 207 in Ellsworth is volunteer led and run. But that doesn’t mean the nonprofit is without expenses. In 2024, they provided more than 5K diapers and over 800 cans of formula in their first seven months. Thousands of pounds of clothing and hundreds of hygiene items were supplied to those in need. They also helped families impacted by house fires … veterans … and teens needing outfits for prom with their Dress Fest. In order to continue, the Water Street resource for low income families is seeking sponsors to meet the $4K a month needed to cover operating expenses, including rent and utilities. To learn more about how you can help, visit Community Closet 207 on FB.
Eaton-Peabody Shake Up Highlights Changing Legal Landscape
(Bangor) The recent announcement about long time law firm Eaton Peabody dissolving highlights a changing legal landscape. MaineBiz reports more attorneys are shedding the law firm life for higher risk but greater independence as entrepreneurs and business owners. Among startups leading the charge, Viridian Law in Ellsworth formed by seven lawyers and a staff member, who in January left Eaton Peabody for the new entity. Jeff Spaulding, managing partner of Viridian, said that while working in a firm may seem a safer environment, it comes with high overhead costs and a slower ability to shift gears in order to meet changing market needs. Eaton Peabody plans to close its three Maine locations in Bangor, Portland, and Augusta by the end of the month.
Skowhegan Transforms Vacant Industrial Site
(Skowhegan) Why remove when you can revitalize? Governor Janet Mills was in Skowhegan yesterday for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the revitalization of the historic Spinning Mill in the downtown area. The long-vacant industrial site has been transformed into a vibrant residential and commercial center, partially through a $100K storm recovery grant to repair damage caused by flooding in December 2023. The development includes 41 loft-style apartments, a hotel, a German-inspired beer garden, a state-of-the-art gym and more. Attendees say what happened in Skowhegan is a powerful example of how a well-capitalized, skilled investor and a deeply committed community can join together to create real change.
Environment
Fishermen Asked to Avoid PAM Sites
(Maine) Special moorings at 27 sites across the Gulf of Maine are collecting acoustic recordings of ocean sounds. The sites, known as passive acoustic monitoring, or PAM, are monitored by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The recordings are being analyzed for North Atlantic Right Whale vocalizations in order to better understand when and where the whales appear in the Gulf, with the data used to address future federal fishing regulations. MDMR officials ask fishermen to voluntarily avoid buffer zones to minimize potential gear conflict and prevent significant data loss. A map of the buffer zones is available through MDMR and can be downloaded at maine dot hub dot a r c g i s dot com.
We Could Eradicate Mosquitoes – Scientists Wonder Whether We Should
(WaPo) Mosquitoes – one of the most annoying and certainly most deadly insects on the planet because of the diseases they carry and transmit. Scientists may now have the technology to rid the earth of the buzzing biters, but say the eradication of any species raises ethical and other concerns. The Washington Post reports Target Malaria Is an ambitious mosquito suppression effort that introduces a gene mutation which causes females to hatch without functional ovaries. At the heart of the project is a powerful genetic tool called a gene drive, which, over successive generations, can cause a trait to spread across an entire species’ population, even if it doesn’t benefit the organism. Ethics aside, let’s have Maine volunteer as a control site. Maybe they can try it on the black flies as well.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Ellsworth Library Hosts Collaborative Event
(Ellsworth) How do we want to eat? That’s the topic of a collaborative event for those who want to engage in participatory and collective action around the future of our food sources. Join FarmDrop and the Ellsworth Public Library at the library for a talk with reps from Rainbow Farm, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and Conscious Café at Steamy Buddha – that’s from 6 to 7 on Thursday, June 12th. Learn about the many farmers and makers serving our communities in this fun, casual event. Doors for the free event open at 5:30, with samplings of local farm products. After the talk, head over to Conscious Café, 50 Church Street to enjoy a FarmDrop-sourced pizza party – suggested donation $20.
Plastic Pollutions Solutions at Shaw Institute
(Blue Hill) This Saturday is Plastic Pollution Solutions for World Oceans Day. The Shaw Institute in Blue Hill has the perfect opportunity for those ages 10 and up. From 9 until Noon, make your own snazzy pouch out of plastic waste. Participants will fuse clean, single-use soft plastics, like bread, frozen vegetables, and produce bags into sturdy material for sewn button pouches. See the cool examples they’ve shared on our Star 97.7 FB page. Register through the Shaw Institute. It’s never too early to learn about and work toward making our oceans free of plastic.