Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Marine Patrol Searching Kennebec River for Missing Fisherman
(Bath) Members of the Maine Marine Patrol Monday resumed a search of the Kennebec River near Bath for a missing fisherman. They say 22 yo Robert Stolt of Augusta was attempting to rescue his dog that had jumped from Stolt’s boat near Lines Island on Sunday. A female passenger on Stolt’s boat was rescued by other boaters, along with a second dog. The other dog was also rescued. First responders searched until past 11 p.m. Sunday and resumed searching early Monday morning. Marine patrol boats and a plane are being used in the search.
Union Paddle Boarder’s Homicide Prompts Tip Line
(Union) Maine State Police have established a tip line to aid in the homicide death of paddle boarder Sunshine Stewart of Tenants Harbor. The 48 yo was reported missing last Thursday when she failed to return from paddle boarding on Crawford Pond in the Knox County town of Union. Stewart was last seen paddle boarding near 100 Acre Island between 6 and 9 p.m. last Wednesday. Her body was discovered the following morning. An autopsy led police to label her death a homicide. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and call or text MESP TIP, all caps, to 847411.
Walker’s Pond Drowning
(Sedgwick) The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department Monday released details about a tragic drowning in Sedgwick on Saturday. They say officers responded to Walker’s Pond on a report of two swimmers who were in distress and calling for help. One person was able to make it to shore. The other was floating about 150 feet from shore, so Deputy Austin McDonald and a member of the local fire department jumped in and were heading toward the victim when he went under and failed to resurface. The pair then attempted to locate the young man, later identified as 18 yo Shawn Clapper of Deer Isle. Emergency responders did eventually recover the body. Preliminary findings indicate water conditions and a limited ability to swim contributed to the tragedy.
(Sedgwick) Water conditions and a limited ability to swim may have contributed to the drowning death of a teen Saturday in Sedgwick. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department yesterday released details of the tragedy. They say officers responded to Walker’s Pond on reports of two swimmers struggling and calling for help. One of the swimmers made it safely to land. Upon seeing the other floating about 150 feet from shore, Deputy Austin McDonald and a member of the local fire department jumped in. While attempting to reach the victim, later identified as 18 yo Shawn Clapper of Deer Isle, the boy went under and did not resurface. The pair searched for, but was unable to find the victim – his body was later recovered by other emergency responders.
Children Increasingly Caught Up in Immigration Raids
(Maine) The Trump administration has claimed the immigration crackdown is targeting criminals and gang members. But the Bangor Daily News and others report innocent children are increasingly being caught up in raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers. A 13 yo nicknamed Yori for privacy’s sake, was on her way to vacation over Memorial Day weekend when ICE patrols stopped the car in which she was riding near Farmington and took the driver and others in the car into custody. Even though legally sponsored by her mother, Yori reportedly spent two frightening nights on a thin mattress, sobbing under an aluminum blanket. It took two weeks, more transfers, and the intervention of Massachusetts political leaders for the teen to be returned home. It’s a scenario verified reports say are happening to victims as young as infants.
Local Politics
Mills Will Not Sign Bill Preventing Police from Cooperating with ICE
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills says she will not sign a controversial bill to prevent Maine police departments from collaborating with ICE. WGME reports the bill was approved in the House and Senate last month, but it will be held over until next year’s legislative session. The Governor can veto it or allow it to become law without her signature. Either way, nothing will happen until the next session.
Economy
Christmas in July
(Ellsworth) (Sfx “…it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” :05) The Grand in Ellsworth presents the Second Annual Christmas in July! July 25-27, come bid on one or several trees full of goods and gift cards from area businesses! Want to get in on the fun? The Grand is looking for businesses to donate a tree for the Chance Tree Raffle fundraiser. Deadline to donate a tree is Wednesday, July 16th. Christmas in July will be open to the public. Make Santa happy – he LOVES the Grand! Questions? Contact Kimberly Fitch at 667-9500 or k fitch at grand online dot org.
Farnsworth Unveils Store and Gallery Expansion
(Rockland) The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland is ready to open a new store and educational gallery in a building acquired earlier this year. MaineBiz reports the space, known as 365, is housed in a 12,000 square foot building directly across from the main museum. The campus expansion will open this Friday from 5-7 during Rockland’s First Friday festivities. The store will highlight the works of local artisans from Maine and across New England and was designed to serve as a flexible space for public programs, art workshops and special events.
Food Pantries Evolve to Include Dignity
(Ellsworth) Food pantries are often found in tiny spaces such as alcoves, hallways, and basements or rooms in churches meant for other activities. Such was the case in Ellsworth until a few years ago when longtime volunteer Andy Mathews had the idea of a pantry being a place where those in need could shop with dignity – a one stop resource with a teaching kitchen, computers on which to prepare resumes, a library kids could access while parents shopped. Thus, was born the Loaves and Fishes food pantry in Ellsworth, which today boasts all the above, along with gardens yielding fresh produce and more. Volunteer led and driven, your visits and support are always welcome. Learn more at loaves and fishes dot org.
(Cherryfield) Many hard-working families find it tough to make ends meet in today’s economy. A move underway the past few years has helped add dignity to those often lifeline trips to the food pantry. One such place is Maine Seacoast Mission’s pantry in Cherryfield. Operating for many years, the new pantry facility that opened June 12th last year offers quite the contrast to places where those in need are offered a box of items with little choice that, while appreciated, can be humbling. The new MSM pantry was designed to feel like a small town general store where folks can feel comfortable, enjoy a cup of coffee in the café area, and shop in a culture of inclusion, compassion, and support. Within the first year, the new pantry provided more than 363,000 pounds of food to those in need – along with a healthy dose of dignity. Volunteers and your donations are always welcome – visit maine seacoast mission dot org.
Farmers’ Market Benefit Maine Farmers
(Augusta) Washington County Republican Representative Will Tuell reminds us this week that the Maine Federation of Farmers Markets has statewide programs that help sustain Maine Farms, connect market farmers, strengthen farmers’ markets, and widen access to locally grown food. Find news, events and featured markets on each market’s website. Use an interactive map at maine farmers markets dot org to find the farmers market closest to you! In Ellsworth, you’ll find those fresh veggies, baked goods, and more every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9:30 to 12:30 at Fogtown Brewing and Atlantic Art Glass, 25 Pine Street. Once you find YOUR farmers market, use the link for the address, contact information, hours of operation and accepted forms of payment, including WIC and SNAP at most.
Environment
Earthquake Rattles Penobscot
(Penobscot) Ho hum – another earthquake rattled Maine last Wednesday. Believe it or not, quakes aren’t all that rare in the Pine Tree State, but most are mild to the point they’re barely felt, if at all. The July 2nd quake registered only 1.3, hitting just east-northeast of North Penobscot shortly after 10:30 p.m. – hardly enough to shake anyone awake. The US Geological Survey reports more than 150 quakes have been reported in Maine since 1997. The Bangor Daily News reports every so often quakes happen in clusters. Between August 11 and September 1, 2022, a series of nine tremors ranging between a magnitude 1.7 to 3 shook the ground near Jonesboro; while in 2006, a cluster of six occurred east of Cadillac Mountain, the strongest measuring 4.2.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Traffic Note
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth reports Sterling will be closed to thru traffic in the area of 16 Sterling Street today in order to make repairs to some Water Department infrastructure. Local traffic will be able to access Sterling Street from either side of the construction site.
Human Interest/Entertainment
URCI Presents Evening Markets
(Ellsworth) Join the Union River Center for Innovation for one or all of four Evening Markets on the Lawn! Grab supper from the Salsa Shack, enjoy music at the gazebo at Ellsworth Harbor Park, then top off the evening with a treat from Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato! The center is celebrating its 10th anniversary, starting with the Crossroads Band on July 18th. Plus, various makers will be at the concerts selling their wares, including on various dates, Downeast Woodbank Woodwares, Tom’s Pottery, and Franklin Street Farm. Follow URCI on FB for information on other dates and entertainment.
Franklin Celebrates Bicentennial
(Franklin) The Town of Franklin is looking good for turning 200 years old this month, and they invite you to come and help them celebrate! Dine and dance the night away on Saturday the 19th with a prime rib dinner and the Al Corey Band’s 16 piece orchestra. Music and social hour begins at 5, dinner served at 6, then dance til 9. Tickets are just $35 prepaid, but they’re limited – get yours soon at the Library, Community Center, and Vets Club.
(Franklin) The Town of Franklin is celebrating their 200th birthday all month long, with a whole host of activities – including an evening of BBQ, Beer & Brawls on the Ballfield on July 26th. Bell to Bell promotions presents MEW (that’s Maine Event Wrestling) Slugfest – a wrestling match featuring men’s and women’s competitions on the ball fields adjacent to the Franklin Veterans’ Club. Tickets are on sale now for just $20 and proceeds will benefit local food banks. Come early – doors open for a special 4:30 bell time, because there’s an after party with the 80’s “I Want My Music TV Retro Band” from 8 to 11. Get tickets and learn more at bell to bell promotions dot com.