Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
State FMO Investigates Three Fatal Fires
(Maine) The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating at least three fatal fires that happened over the weekend. A chimney fire is suspected in a blaze at a home on Magrath Road in the Franklin County town of Wilton on Saturday. 84 yo Robert Adams, who lived in the home and escaped by jumping out a window, remains in critical condition. His significant other, 81 yo Sharon Rainey suffered severe burns and succumbed to her injuries. About 10:30 Saturday night, firefighters battled another blaze on Hillcrest Avenue in Caribou. A body found inside that home believed to be that of 49 yo Tony Jackson, who lived in the residence. And early Sunday morning, firefighters in the York County town of Newfield were called to Maintenance Lane, where once that fire was extinguished they found the body of the homeowner, 39 yo Kristopher Wittemore. The causes of all three fires remain under investigation.
Troopers Corral Goats on Turnpike
(Falmouth) Maine State Police had to round up a group of real animals on Saturday as the perpetrators disrupted traffic and did their best to elude law enforcement. Public Safety Officer Shannon Moss tells Star 97.7, a trailer carrying goats became detached from its towing vehicle shortly after 12:30 that afternoon as it zipped down the Turnpike in Falmouth. The trailer came to rest in the median, allowing some 15 goats to escape and head onto the roadway. Troopers were able to coordinate efforts to corral the goats in a little under an hour. No injuries were reported and some grazing while on the run may make mowing that median a little easier this week.
National Fire Protection Association Releases Report
(Undated) We don’t often consider how dangerous the work of firefighters can be. The National Fire Protection Association just released its fatal firefighter injuries report for 2024, showing a total of 62 on-duty US firefighter fatalities last year. The good news – that’s a 31% decrease over the 90 deaths reported in 2023. According to the report, overexertion or strain injuries continue to represent the leading cause of firefighter deaths. Eleven of the 2024 fatalities were due to heart attacks or medical conditions suffered within 24 hours of duty.
Local Politics
Last Week in Augusta
(Augusta) Following pressure from Republicans and gun rights groups, Democrats last week reversed course and agreed to hold a public hearing on a citizens’ initiative “red flag referendum” that would make it easier to temporarily remove firearms from people in crisis. In other legislative news, the Portland Press Herald reports a proposal to protect children from online harassment and “doxxing” advanced. The bill would allow children and parents to sue persons who post photos of youth on FB without their permission. The proposal comes after Republican Legislator Laurel Libby was censured by the House in February for posting photos on FB of a transgender student athlete in efforts to ban such athletes from competing in girls’ high school sports. The Maine House on Friday gave initial approval to a bill supporting that ban. The measure faces stiff opposition in the Senate, despite public opinion that supports such a ban.
Washington, DC Parade
(Undated) As thunderstorms threatened to rain on their parade – literally – a crowd of about 8 to 10,000 turned out in DC Saturday to celebrate Flag Day, which coincided with the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. More than 18 miles of anti-scale fencing went up within blocks of the parade route. The President, First Lady, and others viewed the spectacle, which Fox News reports consisted of helicopters and military planes flying overhead, while 128 tanks and 6000 soldiers marched down Constitution Avenue. The President defended the event’s cost – estimated at around $45M – saying it was, “peanuts compared to its value.”
(Undated) Saturday was Flag Day and, in Washington, D.C., a day to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army. President Donald Trump, who pushed for a parade highlighting the country’s military might, and the First Lady, along with Cabinet members, watched as helicopters and military planes flew overhead, and 128 tanks and 6000 soldiers rolled down Constitution Avenue. Fox News reports the Secret Service estimated some 200,000 would attend, but a crowd of under 10,000 showed up as thunderstorms threatened to further dampen the event. The parade coincided with the President’s 79th birthday and was held at a cost to taxpayers estimated at around $45M.
No Kings Protests
(Undated) Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 No Kings protests involving millions of people filled the streets across all 50 states and in at least nine foreign countries on Saturday. Organizers called it a pro-Democracy, anti-authoritarianism message aimed at the Trump Administration and its policies. In Maine, demonstrators turned out in dozens of cities, including Ellsworth, where hundreds turned out holding signs, singing protest songs, listening to speakers and a steel drum band. Protests around the state remained mostly peaceful, although two people were reportedly arrested in Portland following an event there.
(Undated) Meanwhile, across the US and in several foreign countries, protestors in the millions turned out to share their displeasure with the event in the people’s capital, which they say was more representative of dictatorships like Russia and North Korea. Dubbed “No Kings” Day, crowds of protestors stretched for miles in major cities such as Boston, Chicago, and San Diego. Around Maine, protests were held in dozens of cities, including Ellsworth, where a crowd of hundreds showed up holding signs, singing, and listening to speakers. One sign declared, “Protest is Patriotic”.
Economy
Franklin Savings Bank Opens New Full-Service Branch in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) There’s a new full-service bank in Ellsworth. Franklin Savings Bank cut the ribbon on their new location at 181 State Street recently. Previously, FSB had a lending office in Ellsworth, but the new location offers full-service banking, including individual and business accounts and mortgage lending. The beautiful new location offers easy access, plenty of parking, lobby and drive thru options and a night drop and ATM.
Last Ellsworth American Printed on Local Press
(Ellsworth) After 174 years, the last Ellsworth American to be printed here in Ellsworth rolled off the local press last week. The paper’s owner, Reade Brower, is shifting printing operations of the American, the Mount Desert Islander, and the Midcoast Villager to a facility in South Portland, along with the paper’s mailroom. The newsroom, advertising, and administrative offices remain at 1 Printing House Square in Ellsworth. The Goss Community Press, with parts dating back to the 1950’s will be retired. The change will result in the loss of 10 local full and part time jobs.
Environment
UMaine Researchers Confirm Changes in State’s Estuaries
(Orono) University of Maine scientists recently collaborated with those who have spent decades documenting how shellfish populations in the state’s estuaries have shifted, particularly in midcoast Maine. The study revealed the availability of key species, such as soft shell clams and American oysters, varies; but commercial harvesters estimate an up to 90% decline in soft shell clam populations in the upper Damariscotta. Scientists say this research fills a vital gap in understanding Maine’s intertidal mudflats, supports ongoing stewardship of coastal resources, and defines how local harvesters have adapted to the changing populations.
Alaska Experiences First Ever Heat Advisory
(Alaska) Baked Alaska, anyone? The state of Alaska yesterday crossed one off its bucket list, as the first-ever heat advisory was issued Sunday. Temperatures in central Alaska were expected to reach 86 degrees through the weekend and into today. The National Weather Service said an important caveat to keep in mind is that in the past, heat advisories weren’t an option in Fairbanks or the capital city of Juneau. Anchorage is still opting out for now. Still, such temps are around 15 degrees above average, and meteorologists say the frequency with which the heat is coming up is starting to be a bit of a “hot topic”.
Education
Students Improve Outdoor Classroom
(Tremont) Students in Tremont Consolidated School left behind an improved outdoor classroom when they headed to summer break this year. The Mount Desert Islander reports nine students in Natalia Pajor-Meddaugh’s fourth grade class began to think about what they wanted in their outdoor classroom in April and then presented their ideas to teachers and local business leaders. Hammond Lumber donated wood, the Acadia Trail Sign Company donated a sign, and the kids and staff got to work sewing pillows, gathering markers and other supplies, and raising the $483 needed for this year’s improvements. The project is expected to continue next year.
Health
Study Links Coffee with Healthy Aging
(NYTimes) Wondering if you should grab that extra brew on the way to work this morning? A new study published in the New York Times suggests, “Drink up!” The study followed 47K female nurses for several decades, beginning in the 1970s, then looked at how many were still alive and met their definition of “healthy aging” in 2016. Just over 3,700 met the criteria of being age 70 or older, reporting good physical and mental health, with no cognitive impairment and being free of 11 chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found a correlation between how much caffeine the women typically drank and their likelihood of healthy aging. After adjusting for lifestyle factors, the odds of healthy aging were 13% higher than for those who consumed less than a cup of regular coffee (or equivalent caffeine) per day. Tell me you’re not headed for Dunkin’ …
Infrastructure
Island Explorer Bus Service to Resume
(MDI) The fare-free Island Explorer Bus Service begins on MDI a week from today, on June 23rd, and will run through October 13th. Schoodic service has been running since May 21st. You can find a map and route information on their website, explore acadia dot com.
Ellsworth Public Works Projects
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth is wrapping up the final days of spring with the following road work projects. This week, crews will be grading on Sunset Park and Spindle Road. On Tuesday, that’s tomorrow, crews will dig two curb boxes on Birch Avenue. The City reports neither of these should cause lane closures. And just a reminder, the State Street entrance to the lower City Hall parking lot will be temporarily closed today to allow for underground electrical work. Detour signs will be posted to direct traffic during the brief closure.
Ellsworth State Projects Update
(Ellsworth) A quick update on those ongoing STATE road projects in Ellsworth. Northeast Paving is in the process of ditching on upper Main Street toward Washington Junction Road. The Main Street ends of the side streets along the work zone – that’s Carlisle, Maddox, Spencer, and MacDonald – may be closed at times while they ditch in that area. The City of Ellsworth reports traffic can access those roads via the Union Street end.
Sports Stories
NCAA Decision
(Maine) The University of Maine and other Division One schools now have until the end of the month to decide whether or not to opt into a landmark settlement between the NCAA and student athletes for the upcoming athletic year. The Bangor Daily News reports a previous deadline of June 15th was extended for the decision, which opens the door for college institutions to pay athletes directly. The UMaine athletic department said last week it would opt out, at least for the first year. Schools can opt in or out on an annual basis.