Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MMP Recovers Body on Isle au Haut
(Isle au Haut) The Maine Marine Patrol recovered the body of a Nova Scotia man after the 40-foot sailboat the victim was on ran aground and broke apart off Isle au Haut early Monday. Authorities say 72 yo Thomas Kent Smith was sailing with Robert and Sandra Comeau from New Hampshire when the incident occurred. The Comeaus were able to call 9-1-1 about 3 a.m. All three were wearing life jackets and ended up in the water for over an hour before the Comeaus made it to shore. They then located Mr. Smith’s body in the water and were able to pull him ashore, as well. Smith’s body was taken to Stonington and will be examined at an Ellsworth funeral home by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Comeaus were examined by emergency personnel and released.
Millions Expected to Hit the Road This Weekend
(Undated) Pack your patience if you’re traveling anywhere this week – even around Maine. Triple A says some 61 million of us will take to the roads, with travelers already seeing backups. New England roads are expected to carry 3.5 million of those commuters, with Wednesday expected to be the busiest day, specifically between 2 and 9 p.m. Plan accordingly.
Bath Man Arrested for Firing Rifle in Belgrade Residential Neighborhood
(Belgrade) A 41 yo man from Bath was arrested Saturday after police received numerous reports of someone firing a rifle in a residential area in Belgrade. 41 yo William Bamford faces numerous charges, including Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon, Drug Trafficking, and Violating Conditions of Release. Bamford was taken into custody shortly after 5 p.m. and transported to the Kennebec County Jail. No property damage or injuries were reported.
PCC Sounds Alarm on Growing HIV Outbreak
(Bangor) Penobscot County Cares, a group formed in 2021 to address housing, substance use disorder, and mental health issues, is sounding a warning about what they say is an alarming, ongoing, and expanding HIV outbreak in Bangor, calling the city the epicenter of the outbreak. PCC says the crisis largely affects those who are homeless, low income, or those with substance abuse issues. They’re calling on city officials to suspend the $40 fee normally charged to receive testing and encourage anyone who is concerned to call or email them.
Authorities Identify Idaho Shooter
(Idaho) Authorities say they have identified a man suspected of setting a brush fire in Idaho, then shooting at firefighters who responded Sunday, killing two and wounding a third. The 20 yo suspect, who was found dead at the scene, has been identified as Wess Roley of Coeur d’Alene. The ambush took place on Canfield Mountain, an area known for its popular hiking trails. A motive has not yet been determined.
Domestic Violence Resource Centers Hiring Freeze
(Portland) Resource centers for victims of domestic violence in some areas of the Pine Tree State have begun hiring freezes. The freezes come in anticipation of federal funding shortfalls. The Portland Press Herald reports the move leaves such centers woefully understaffed. One advocate who began work last year helping victims find housing has gone from managing eight cases to working with two dozen victims, with more expected to be added to his caseload. The rate of domestic violence homicides in Maine has remained stubbornly high for decades, with most victims being women killed by men they know, which sources say follows the pattern nationally.
Hiking Katahdin Carries Risks
(Baxter State Park) The recent tragedy involving the deaths of two hikers on Mount Katahdin underscores that climbing the peak is not your average trek, even for experienced hikers. Mount Desert Islander Carey Kish, a climber with more than 50 Katahdin ascents to his credit, has literally “written the book” on the venture – A Hiker’s Guide to Climbing Katahdin. Among his advice, there’s no easy trail to the top, so preparation is a must, including prep for all types of weather, which can change on a dime. Kish says don’t hike alone, take a paper trail map and compass, and study the intersecting trails ahead of time. Most importantly, use your most important asset – your brain. Think, observe, move thoughtfully, note the trail signs, and employ common sense.
Recreational Boaters Urged to Be Prepared for Holiday
(Maine) When NOAA, The Weather Channel, and the Farmer’s Almanac agree this summer will be hotter than normal, boaters know they need to prepare for the heat. Boat US says the Fourth of July holiday weekend typically sees the most recreational boating traffic of the year, so boat owners need to prepare for the unexpected. TowBoat US, a towing fleet of 600 across the US, says it typically receives 110,000 requests from boaters for on-water assistance each year. They say, make sure your boat is ready, go slower, watch those wakes, and keep an extra dose of patience handy at launch ramps and busy thoroughfares, especially once those fireworks shows end.
Local Politics
Ranked Choice Voting
(Augusta) Lawmakers recalled a bill from Governor Janet Mills’s desk that would have allowed ranked choice voting in the 2026 gubernatorial race. The Portland Press Herald reports the move comes after Governor Mills signaled she would veto the bill, which had been approved by both chambers. Advocates recalled it so they could ask the Maine Law Court to revisit its opinion that using the method for state-level races would be unconstitutional.
Congressional Delegation Accepting Applications for Appointments to Military Academies
(Washington, DC) Members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation are accepting nomination applications from Maine high school students for appointments to the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine academies. No nomination is required to apply for the US Coast Guard Academy. Students should apply for a nomination in the spring and summer of their junior year for 2026 admission. Applications are due by October 30th. For more information, contact the office of Senator Collins or King or Representative Pingree or Golden.
Vaccine Advisory Group
(Maine) Maine and other Democratic-leaning Northeast states are considering creating their own regional vaccine advisory group. The Bangor Daily News reports talks to consider such a coalition are the result of moves by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., whose anti-vaccination status is causing concerns about potential outbreaks, like the current rash of measles cases. Last month Kennedy replaced all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel with advisers who have reportedly criticized and spread misinformation about vaccines.
Economy
DownEast Wood Bank a Resource for Growing Need
(Surry) The DownEast Wood Bank in Surry has found it’s not only a resource for firewood for those in need, but also a resource for others hoping to start such a lifeline. Tom Mathews and crew started the wood bank on the Blue Hill Peninsula just two years ago – at the time, the Waldo County Wood Bank was the only one in the area. Volunteers now meet regularly to chop, stack, and mete out firewood to peninsula residents, as well as to those in need in Ellsworth, Lamoine, Sedgwick, and Trenton. They’ve recently had visits from folks on MDI and as far away as Bethel interested in starting their own wood banks. Of course, they’re always looking for volunteers and donations – be sure to follow them on FB to learn how you can get “fired up” to support such a worthy cause.
Environment
DSF Restocking Efforts Paying Off
(Cherryfield) Department of Marine Resources staff recently made a rewarding discovery – a young Atlantic salmon in the adult trap located at the Cherryfield dam. The fish measured about 21 inches and was identified as a hatchery-raised salmon originally stocked from the Peter Gray Hatchery and released into the Narraguagus River in October 2022. They say the fish spent 20 months in the river, emigrated to the ocean for one winter in 2024, then returned to its native stream. Members of the Downeast Salmon Federation say the appearance of the fish is a testament to their ongoing conservation and restoration efforts.
Health
Maine School Tackles Doctor Shortage
(Biddeford) The US faces a shortage of 120,000 doctors by 2030. Maine, where 40% of physicians are near retirement age, will need 120 more primary care providers, according to estimates by the Cicero Institute. MaineBiz reports Maine’s only medical school, UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, is working on the issue. This summer, 735 medical students will start the school year at the University of New England’s new building in Portland. The Biddeford-based University hopes to graduate 200 doctors each year. To keep more grads in Maine, UNE is working with hospitals across the state as well as the Legislature to create more training opportunities and residency slots.
Study Suggests Vaping More Toxic Than Smoking
(KFF) Vaping has sometimes been seen as a less toxic alternative to smoking tobacco. Not so, says the latest research. A study by UC Davis found, in a single day’s use, some disposable e-cigarettes emit the same amount of lead as 20 packs of conventional cigarettes.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Messenger to Host Second Annual Fundraiser
(Franklin) The Messenger Animal Rescue in Harrington has come a long way toward realizing Sarah Strout’s dream of building her own shelter for area animals in need. Strout, the ACO for Harrington and surrounding areas, says there’s no competition among rescues – there are plenty of little strays and unwanted animals to go around. Sarah originally housed as many rescues as she could in her home, but has now secured a facility and is getting it ready to act as a free-standing shelter, enabling even more rescues. But they can’t do it without our help. So save your bottles and cans, and join The Messenger for their Second Annual Fundraiser – Saturday, July 12th from 9 to 1 at the Franklin Veterans Club. There will be a bottle drive, bake sale, yard sale, and raffles for lots of great prizes. Learn more by following the Messenger Animal Rescue on FB.