Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
I-95 Happy Hoofer Corralled by State Troopers
(Bangor) Hold your horses! That’s what a pair of troopers had to do in the early morning hours yesterday when the Bangor RCC received a series of calls reporting a horse wandering along I-95. The steed was first spotted in the northbound breakdown lane near mile marker 145 running with traffic; it then crossed the median to the southbound lanes where Troopers Andrew Peterson and Dan Murray located the runaway near mile marker 143 in Burnham. Officers were able to secure the galloper and tie the midnight hoofer to a cruiser until the owner, who lived nearby in Pittsfield, arrived, loaded the escapee onto a trailer and safely transported the horse home.
(Bangor) A pair of state troopers was caught horsing around on I-95 in the early morning hours Wednesday. It’s not that they weren’t on the job – it’s just that the job involved securing a horse that was running loose about 3 a.m. near mile marker 145. The filly was originally headed northbound, but then crossed the median, where officers and members of the public worked together to secure the happy hoofer about two miles on near Burnham and tied it to a cruiser. Turns out the owner, who lives nearby in Pittsfield, had no idea his steed had decided to embark on the early morning joy run. He soon showed up with a trailer to safely transport the escapee back home. Animal Control Officer Russell Craft and Specialist Hailey Fleming also assisted in ensuring the caper’s happy ending.
Eddington Fatal
(Eddington) A 25 y woman was killed in a crash yesterday in Eddington. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office reports the woman died when she went off the road shortly before Noon and hit a tree head on. Officers arrived on the scene shortly after the incident and found the victim dead inside her vehicle. Authorities are trying to determine the cause of that crash.
Local Politics
Ellsworth City Council Seats Open
(Ellsworth) Three seats on the Ellsworth City Council will be up for grabs this November. The City advises anyone considering a run to familiarize themselves with the requirements and processes outlined in the Ellsworth City Charter – you can find a copy at ellsworth maine dot gov or pick up a hard copy at the City Clerk’s office. Nomination papers will be available beginning July 25th and must be filed with 50 valid signatures by Ellsworth registered voters by 12:30 p.m. on September 5th. Council openings are three-year terms. Those whose terms expire include Michelle Beal, Tammy Mote, and Jon Stein. No word yet on whether those members plan to run again.
(Ellsworth) It’s easy to sit back and complain – why not consider doing something? Three seats will be up for grabs on the Ellsworth City Council this November 4th. Terms expiring include those of Michelle Beal, Tammy Mote, and Jon Stein. Nomination papers will be available beginning July 25th and must include the valid signatures of at least 50 registered Ellsworth voters, filed 100 days prior to the election. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the requirements and processes outlined in the Ellsworth City Charter – you can find a copy at ellsworth maine dot gov or pick up a hard copy at the City Clerk’s office.
Seats Open for Library Trustee, Ellsworth School Board
(Ellsworth) Seats on the City Council aren’t the only upcoming opportunities to serve here in Ellsworth. Come November 4th, voters will elect one person to serve a three-year term as library trustee and there are two open seats for three-year terms on the Ellsworth School Board. Any questions should be directed to the Deputy City Clerk who is always willing to answer any questions you may have.
(Ellsworth) Besides those three City Council seats, there will be a few other opportunities to serve in City Government come this November. One open seat for a three year term as Ellsworth Library trustee and two open seats for a three year term on the Ellsworth School Board. Again, those nomination papers can be picked up beginning Friday, July 25th. You’ll need to get the required signatures and get them filed by 12:30 p.m. on September 5th. Any questions? Contact Katina at the Deputy City Clerk’s office.
Ellsworth Considers Consolidating Polling Places
(Ellsworth) Speaking of elections, the City of Ellsworth is considering a proposal to consolidate all four of its wards into a single polling location for Election Day. The City says it would save money, with a substantial reduction in operational costs, because each ward currently requires separate staffing, equipment and supplies. They say it would also simplify oversight and coordination, increase efficiency and reduce the chances of voters going to the wrong place. Current locations already include two spaces inside City Hall, the Your Place Community Center behind Sunrise Glass, and Maine Coast Baptist Church on the Bangor Road. You can submit comments on the proposal on the city’s website.
Voter Registration
(Ellsworth) That November election may seem a ways off, but you don’t want to miss the chance to make your voice heard. More than one local election has been won or lost by as few as one vote in recent years. In Ellsworth, you can register at the City Clerk’s office during regular business hours. You have to demonstrate proof of residency with a physical street address – using a driver’s license with current address, or government issued ID such as a US passport or military document. If you’re already a registered voter but wish to change any pertinent information, visit the City Clerk’s office.
U.S. Supreme Court Opens Door for Firing of Federal Workers
(Washington, DC) The U.S. The Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted a court-ordered pause on the mass layoffs of federal workers, giving the Trump Administration the green light for firing thousands of federal workers. Sources say it remains unclear whether or not such pink slips are legal. On a more positive note, MaineBiz reports a new law signed by Governor Janet Mills will provide support to state and federal employees who are forced to work without pay or who are furloughed during a government shutdown. LD 874 creates a loan guarantee program offering interest-free loans to cover lost income for essential employees during shutdowns lasting more than seven days.
Action on Bills Delayed Until Next Session
(Augusta) Dozens of bills passed by lawmakers this past session will remain in limbo, likely until at least January. The Portland Press Herald reports Monday was the deadline for the final bills passed by the legislature since that body has adjourned for the year, and Governor Mills opted to delay action on measures such as a ban on untraceable firearms and giving Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate expanded online gambling. The Governor still could veto any of the held bills or allow them to become law without her signature; but even those options must wait until lawmakers meet for at least three days.
Democrat to Challenge Golden in Primary
(Gardiner) An 81 yo activist who formerly served as secretary of the Kennebec County Democratic Committee has filed the required papers to challenge Jared Golden in next year’s primary. Louis Sigal of Gardiner has recently organized anti-Trump rallies and says Golden has not done enough to push back against the actions and policies of the President. Former Governor Paul LePage is running as Golden’s Republican challenger in the race for Maine’s 2nd District House seat.
Object from Outside Our Solar System Passes Through Our Solar System
(NYT) For just the third time, astronomers have found something passing through our Solar System that came from outside that system. The New York Times reports the object being called 31-forward slash-ATLAS looks like a comet and is still pretty far from the sun, currently flying through space between the orbits of the asteroid belt and Jupiter but heading toward the inner solar system. Scientists say it’s moving at about 130K miles per hour and will continue to accelerate as the sun’s gravity pulls on it. Experts believe it formed as a comet around another passing star that “kicked” the comet into interstellar space on a path that, by chance, happened to intersect with our solar neighborhood. Although bright, it can’t be seen by the naked eye, but astronomers should have months to observe the object. And never fear, they say no one need worry about it hitting earth. Its closest approach will happen in December when it will be about 160M miles away.
Infrastructure
Oak Street Repaired
(Ellsworth) The next time we have a good hard rain, you may notice something missing in Ellsworth. Public Works Director Mike Harris tells Star 97.7 the drainage issue on Oak Street has been repaired. It wasn’t an easy fix, requiring replacement of some very old infrastructure. Harris says no more “lakefront property” – at least in that part of the City. Great job, guys!
Health
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic
(Old Town) The Old Town Animal Orphanage is sponsoring a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic this Saturday from 9 until Noon at the Elks Lodge in Old Town. All dogs must be leashed and all cats in carriers. Cost is just $25 per pet – cash only. The clinic is open to all pets from 9 until 11, with 11 to Noon reserved for sensitive dogs.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Abbe Museum Dawnland Festival
(Bar Harbor) The place to be this weekend? College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. July 12th and 13th, the Abbe Museum’s Dawnland Festival of Arts and Ideas presents a full lineup of indigenous-led panel discussions. Four sessions represent a core part of the free summer event that promises to bring together Wabanaki and other native thought leaders. Plus, marvel at the beautiful artwork of Passamaquoddy artist April Lola, the intricate beadwork of Penobscot native Alexandra Francis, arts and crafts that combine antlers, shells, and other natural elements from Navajo and Passamaquoddy artisans Willie and Sanora Isaac, special performances, and so much more! For a schedule of events, visit dawnland festival dot org.
Bald Eagle Turns 20
(MWP) Somebody is celebrating a very special birthday this Saturday. Marilyn, the bald eagle at Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, is turning 20 this year. It’s an extra special milestone because this year is also the 50th anniversary of Maine’s Endangered Species Act, which changed the course of bald eagle conservation in Maine and led to the success story Marilyn represents to thousands of park visitors each year. Through intensive conservation efforts, Maine’s bald eagle population has increased from just 21 pairs in 1967 to more than 800 pairs today, by far the largest in New England. The birthday bash takes place from 10 until 2 on July 12th and is included in the regular admission price.