Juneteenth!
Crime, Public Safety, Drugs
Farmington Shooting
(Farmington) A suspect is in custody for allegedly shooting a woman in her Farmington home Tuesday. WABI reports police were called to the home shortly before 2 p.m. and found a 29 yo woman who had been shot in the face. The suspect, 26 yo Gunthar Swan, was found a short distance away. He was arrested and is charged with attempted murder. Officers say the woman was in critical condition at last report.
Comfort Dog Baxter’s Death Investigation Turned Over to Independent Agency
(Bangor) The investigation into the death of comfort dog Baxter has been turned over to the Animal Welfare Program of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the division responsible for the state’s animal welfare laws. Baxter, a three year old chocolate lab, joined the Bureau of Emergency Communications in 2022. He was reportedly left in a running vehicle at the Bangor RCC on May 28th. Public Safety officials say the vehicle inexplicably stopped running, leaving the pup in the hot car without air conditioning, resulting in his death. The agency is reportedly conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and collaborating with officers, the DA’s office, and veterinarians to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog’s tragic death.
Authorities Make Arrest in Shooting Death of Lewiston Toddler
Authorities have made an arrest in the May 17th death of a child in Lewiston. Police there received a call shortly before 5 a.m. that morning reporting a 4 yo, later identified as Jasper Smith, had been shot in the head. The toddler later died, and an investigation ensued. Yesterday, police arrested the child’s stepfather, 35 yo Robert McCoy. He’s charged with Manslaughter and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The boy’s mother, 27 yo Mikayla Smith, was also arrested on unrelated warrants. Both suspects were taken to the Androscoggin County Jail.
Minnesota Shootings Prompt Removal of Home Addresses of State Lawmakers
(Augusta) The tragic shooting deaths of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband have prompted officials in Maine to remove the home addresses of state lawmakers from the Legislature’s website. The 57 yo alleged killer reportedly carried a list of 70 Democrats he planned to assassinate. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows says personal information has been removed from a candidate filing website, as well. Bellows knows firsthand the dangers in today’s political climate. Her home was swatted in 2023 after she disqualified Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot – a move later reversed by the US Supreme Court.
Bar Harbor Piano Vandalized
(Bar Harbor) Vandals struck a sour note recently when they damaged the community use piano in the Village Green gazebo in Bar Harbor. The Bar Harbor Mount Desert Police Department reports it is currently reviewing camera footage. They say they believe the damage was done between June 7th and 10th. In order to tighten up that timeline, they’re asking the public’s help. If you used or saw the piano during that time, they ask that you please let them know what condition it was in, the day you were there, and any other pertinent information to help them narrow down the search.
Economy
Breweries Brace for Aluminum Tariffs
(Maine) Tariffs on aluminum are brewing concern at Maine’s craft breweries. The Portland Press Herald reports tariffs on steel and aluminum shot up 50% last week. Still, most brewers say they’re hesitant to consider raising prices on what is already considered a premium product. Star 97.7 asked Jon Stein, owner of Fogtown Brewing in Ellsworth, how they had been affected. Stein said while can prices have gone up a bit, they’re one of the state’s smallest breweries and don’t purchase a lot of cans. He says their primary focus is on on-premises sales – bringing people into the taproom to buy directly – more-so than purchasing their cans through the wholesale market; and, therefore, Fogtown would not be raising their can or wholesale prices.
(Maine) Tariffs on aluminum have served up a cold one for some of the state’s craft breweries, particularly those who market much of their beers wholesale and who must now consider whether to pass those costs onto consumers. Good news here in Ellsworth – Fogtown Brewing owner Jon Stein tells Star 97.7 they’re one of the state’s smallest breweries and don’t purchase a lot of cans, so they have no plans to raise prices. Stein says they focus primarily on bringing folks into the taproom. He says when they can sell someone a pint of beer in the glass at the bar, they also avoid the added waste of beer cans, labels, and packaging energy consumption. Plus, the atmosphere at Fogtown is much more inviting than drinking alone.
Ellsworth Attracts Farm Equipment Retailer
(Ellsworth) A midcoast farm equipment retailer is plowing ahead with plan to open a new store in Ellsworth. The Bangor Daily News reports Union Farm Equipment has submitted a building permit application to develop property on Route One near the Hancock Town Line. President Ken Kieran said they’ve outgrown their Union location in Knox County and that they’ve been drawing more and more customers from Hancock and Washington counties. Ellsworth continues to be one of the fastest-growing municipalities in eastern Maine, with an increase in high-density housing, the addition of several large retailers and other types of businesses expanding here.
Ellsworth Population, Economic Growth Thriving
(Ellsworth) A new Dysart’s gas station and convenience store on High Street, a Witham Family Home 2 Suites under construction near the Hampton Inn, a new, modern courthouse the state judicial branch plans to build off Merrill Lane, and now a midcoast farm equipment retailer – Union Farm Equipment – planning to break ground on Route One near the Hancock town line early next year. Add to that a number of large-scale multi-unit housing projects, and it’s clear Ellsworth is one of Maine’s fastest growing municipalities. The Bangor Daily New reports in the past two decades, the City’s population has grown from 6500 to more than 8000 – a growth rate of nearly 37%, compared to a statewide average growth of 10%. Officials cite Ellsworth’s strategic location, job opportunities, and position as a gateway to Acadia National Park as key factors in that growth.
AIO Student Summer Meal Program
(Rockland) Beginning a week from Friday, AIO in Rockland will launch its Friday Student Summer Meal Program. Meal kits containing kid-friendly, nutritious breakfast and lunch items for two days will be available free of charge to students and families at the Rockland, Thomaston, Owls Head, and Camden Public Libraries. AIO Program Director Laura McGrath says families are encouraged to pick up one kit per child each week – no registration or proof of income is required. She says simply ask for a meal bag at a participating library’s front desk.
Environment
Styrofoam Food Containers Exemption Extended
(Augusta) Despite research implying they’re not exactly the best thing for the environment, you’ll likely see those poly-styrene meat trays, egg cartons and prepackaged disposable food service containers on store shelves for up to two more years. A new law that went into effect this month extends the exemption from the ban on such food containers until July 1, 2027. Maine DEP says the change only extends the exemption. Following that date, all food and beverage products sold in Maine, including food prepackaged out of state by wholesalers for retail sale, cannot be packaged in the material.
MDIFW Has Tips on “Baby Season” with Wildlife
(Maine) Spring is baby season in the world of wildlife. Listeners have reported seeing young raccoons, ducklings, bears, and fawns. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reminds folks it’s not always best to intervene, especially with young deer – even if they appear at first to be in distress. They say touching or moving a fawn might actually put it at greater risk, as Moms will generally return and seek out their young ones. Experts advise it’s sometimes part of the natural learning process – fawns crying out could simply be a little one trying to hurry up the feeding process, with mom teaching that making a lot of noise won’t necessarily lead to an early dinner. If concerned, you’re encouraged to call your local Game Warden, Wildlife Biologist, or a Wildlife Conflict Agent.
Health
Historic Numbers of Americans Living Alone as They Age
(KFF) Divorce, death of a spouse, children moving cross country – more than 16 million Americans are now living alone while growing old. Kaiser Health News reports surprisingly little is known about their experiences. What is known is that a significant number have health issues. Four in ten have vision or hearing loss, difficulty caring for themselves, problems with cognition, or other disabilities, according to an analysis of 2022 data. The study found seniors on their own are at higher risk of becoming isolated, depressed, inactive, having accidents, or neglecting to care for themselves – resulting in earlier-than-expected deaths. But there is positive news. Researchers found those who moved to senior living complexes or neighborhoods have found friendships and help with chores and errands, and are more likely to get involved in activities that support and keep them young.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Juneteenth
(Maine) A reminder most state and municipal offices are closed today in honor of Juneteenth. June 19th honors the day in 1865 when Black Americans in Galveston, TX were first told they were freed from slavery – more than two years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. As it’s a federal holiday, there will be no mail delivery today, either. A celebration honoring the day is planned for 4-6 this afternoon in Ellsworth’s Knowlton Park. The event will include games, food, speakers, and activities for all ages, and all are welcome.
Castine Walking Tours
(Castine) Here’s a great way to get out and enjoy the short summer, meet new friends, and learn about one of the area’s quintessential Maine coastal villages. The Castine Historical Society is offering residents and visitors free, hour-long walking tours every Friday, Saturday, and Monday, beginning at 10 a.m. on the 21st. They say it’s a fun, informative way of learning about the town’s multi-layered history – and you don’t have to live there in order to participate. Tours begin and end in front of the Abbott School Building, 17 School Street. No reservations needed, and while there’s no charge, donations are always welcome.
Sunbeam Open House
(NE Harbor) This Saturday, come aboard Maine Seacoast Mission’s 74-foot flagship vessel, the Sunbeam, for an Open House! Visitors can see the inner workings of the boat that welcomes more than a thousand island residents aboard each year to participate in Mission programming. With the ship’s assistance, the Mission provides health services, educational programming, and community-building initiatives to year-round populations on the state’s remote islands. The Open House runs from 4 to 7 p.m.. You’ll find the Sunbeam docked at the Northeast Harbor Marina.